"The Sugar Planter's Daughter" Sharon Maas

I'm embarrassed to say that this the first book by Sharon Maas that I have read - something I will be urgently rectifying now I've finished "The Sugar Planter's Daughter"! It's really exciting to discover a "new" author - particularly one with a great looking back catalogue. It seems this is actually the second book in a trilogy but it was completely accessible as a stand alone story and it did not affect any of my understanding or enjoyment because I hadn't read the previous sequel.

I was attracted by the cover of this book-and the title too - it reminded me of a Dinah Jefferies novel, or some of the other titles which I am collecting on my kindle which are all set in historic, exotic places featuring "daughters".

So what's the story about? Meet Winnie Cox, a white, privileged daughter living a life of luxury on her father's sugar plantation in Guiana, South America. She is about to marry the man of her dreams, George Quint; a black postman from the slums. When Winnie has to travel to seek medical help for her son, George is left behind. Yoyo, Winnie's sister, is fed up with living in her shadow playing second fiddle to her mother's favourite daughter. Full of resentment, Yoyo sets out to seek revenge against Winnie while she is away, laying the grounds for a trap which will have devastating consequences for them all.

It's set in 1912 and therefore the dynamics between the two families are fascinating, as is the relationship between George and Winnie. It is not a period of history I know much about but there is always something compelling about people who transcended barriers and break with convention. Particularly as it is a woman choosing to marry not only for love, but choosing someone who is such a contrast to her own social standing and race. I thought this inversion of the woman being white and the man black, created a more original take on a story set within a plantation.

The chapters alternate between Winnie, George, Yoyo and occasionally, Winnie's mother. Maas' use of multiple narrators is deftly handled to help us become more involved with Winnie and George as we are more privy to their thoughts and perspectives. I liked hearing so much from George as he grappled with bringing a white woman into his community and fiercely hoping love and dedication would protect them from outside danger. What was also compelling about this novel was how quickly I was transported to another time and place. I was so caught up in the exotic location- Maas' description of her character's actions, behaviours, dialogue so effective - that I got a shock every time I glanced up from the page and out the window at the dark rain clouds outside the window of my modern, gadget filled kitchen.

This is a heartwarming saga of love, marriage and families. Winnie and George are so totally besotted with each other; so patient, understanding, thoughtful and kind to each other, they immediately gain the admiration of the reader. George says that "Winnie and I filled spaces in each other's souls" and even after some distressing arguments and overcoming various challenges, George comments on how desperately they need each other. Winnie knows the "real" him and they need each other in order to fulfil their own potential and recognise who they really are. At the beginning of the novel, I did feel a sense of foreboding as their relationship was so perfect I knew that it was surely going to be tested and wasn't quite sure how they would survive that. However, as Mama says, "We live in order to learn the lessons of love."

George is a character of integrity, loyalty and morals. His empathy and constant consideration of how his wife might be coping with having to leave her huge, comfortable home and live with his parents in the slums is charming. Winnie is a character of great strength. Occasionally she imagines what might have happened had she followed in a more conventional path but she is not perturbed by her sudden need to learn to cook, clean and raise a family without any assistance or paid help. She is unfailingly positive and embraces the challenges.

Conversely Yoyo has married more "appropriately" and is running the family business. She is married but unhappy and childless. She is almost the opposite to Winnie. She is a jealous and bitter woman who is manipulative and clever. Although not the main protagonist, Yoyo undergoes a real journey throughout the novel and although hard to like, she can rustle up some sympathy from the reader as more of her past and present is revealed. But her role in the novel is well handled - powerlessly watching her orchestrate a monstrous plan creates so much tension and suspense, that it is difficult to read on without feeling slightly sick with nerves!

This is a story about love, secrets, obsession, social conventions and pressure. There is laughter, happiness, strength and fortitude but there is also grief, helplessness and sadness. It's not a roller coaster ride of a novel, more a meandering along undulating countryside with some hidden and unexpected sharp corners. I liked the atmosphere, tone and pace of the novel and it very much suited the era and characters. And of course, the uplifting message about love - when genuine and truthful - really is able to heal, help and rebuild bridges.

This is going to be a hit this summer and would be the perfect addition to any suitcase. Maas can certainly write a great tale, full of ups and downs, strong characters; evoking a moment in history effortlessly and authentically. I would recommend it to fans of Dinah Jefferies, Katherine Webb, Kate Riordan and anyone who enjoys a saga where the lines between families are crossed, broken and tested.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advanced copy of this novel in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations and reviews please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up to receive future posts via email.

BLOG TOUR with Alex Caan "Cut to the Bone"

 
It is my absolute pleasure to welcome Alex Caan to my blog today as part of his blog tour to celebrate the publication of his gripping crime debut novel "Cut to the Bone". Today Alex  is taking part in a Q&A session with me!

Welcome Alex! Congratulations on "Cut to the Bone" - a truly great debut novel!

What was your inspiration for "Cut to the Bone"? 

I came up with my detectives Kate Riley and Zain Harris first, they just got into my head and wouldn’t leave. It was then about finding the right case for them. This came up after a conversation with a nephew. I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. Instead of the cliché doctor/lawyer/astronaut he said he wanted to be a vlogger. And that’s when I started researching their world, and came up with the idea for my novel.

"Cut to the Bone" is a very complex, modern thriller that has clearly been meticulously researched. Can you tell me a little bit more about the research and writing process?

I had no idea what vloggers were, so it was an education in learning all about them. I spent hours watching their videos, reading up on the psychology of those that post videos and those that watch them. The forensic IT came from my work, so that was more easily written. But there was so much more that I needed to find out, which I won’t say because I’ll give away too much. I did it through the internet, speaking to experts and reading a lot of academic papers. Once I was satisfied I had the science right, I started writing. When I write I do it at a frenzied pace whenever I find time. Working fulltime means a lot of this took place in the middle of the night and at weekends. Once that first draft is done it’s like being winded, and then you can take your time to really knock your work into shape.

There are a lot of characters in the novel and they are all very well crafted. They are all individual and intriguing- nothing is black and white or as it seems. How did you find writing such complex characters?

Thank you, that’s really kind of you to say. I read a lot of crime series, and I enjoy reading about the car crash of their personal lives as much as the mysteries themselves, and wait in anticipation for what they will do next. I think if you have flat characters there’s very little you can do with them in the long run, and I think if I get the opportunity to write a long series there’s enough in the characters to hopefully keep readers involved and interested. I also think people are never really black and white in real life, and I wanted to reflect that in my fiction. I find that grey area fascinating-when you’re under pressure how will you react?

There is clearly lots more to hear about Kate and Zain. I for one am desperate to find out more about them. What plans do you have for them? Is there a sequel coming?

Yes I’m writing the sequel now, which again will combine my favourite topics of politics, corruption and a whole new crime for them to solve. I also want to explore both their backgrounds more in future novels, and see how they cope when their pasts catch up with them.

This is your debut novel. What five tips would you give aspiring writers?

I feel odd giving people advice, but I remember the years of struggle I went through to get here, and other writer’s experiences and advice were always useful. You take from them what works for you I think. My top five tips would be: read a lot, forget about writing what you know but write what you want to know, try different genres/styles/voices until you find your natural fit, surround yourself with people who will be objective and supportive and most importantly make up your own rules for how you’re going to write your novel. And don’t give up. This isn’t the first novel I’ve written, and I find a lot of other writers tell me the same.

This would make a fantastic film and rival the Bourne trilogy! Have you considered who might play the lead roles if you had the opportunity to make it into a film? 

I love you for saying that, I love the Bourne trilogy! If someone is making a film they can cast whoever they want looks wise. As long as they get the sensibilities right, so Kate Riley’s strength and intelligence, and the damage/edginess of Zain.

For those who have not read "Cut to the Bone" yet, could you sum it up for us in no more than 200 words?

Cut to the Bone starts with the disappearance of Ruby Day, a YouTube star, heroine to millions of teenage girls. But right from the off something isn’t right. A new elite police unit set-up under the first Police Crime Commissioner for London is called in to investigate. Kate Riley and Zain Harris are the lead detectives but they both come with their own agendas, and soon you start wondering who you can trust. As the investigation deepens, secrets and lies, politics and corruption, all come into play, and what seemed like a simple case soon turns into something much more complex and terrifying. Especially as Ruby’s kidnapper begins to upload videos of her...and issues a threat that Ruby isn’t the only one at risk. It’s an edge of the seat thriller that will hopefully keep you turning the pages.

Brilliant summary! Thanks so much Alex for some great answers and an insight into the writing of the book. I'm very pleased to hear there is a sequel on its way! Thanks for participating in a Q&A for my blog! And thanks to Emily Burns and Bonnier Zaffre for letting me be part of the Blog Tour.

Don't forget to follow the rest of Alex's Blog Tour to find out more about him, his writing and what others bloggers thought about his book!

Read on if you'd like to see my review of "Cut to the Bone".


                   

My Review of "Cut to the Bone" 

This book opens with one of the most captivating introductions I have read in a while! Caan's use of short sentences creates tension effectively, gripping the reader and pulling them straight into the dark and frightening situation which sets the tone for the rest of this compelling thriller.

"Her clothes are gone. She wears a sack, tied at the waist. ...... Help me. Who is she speaking to? .........Ruby is gone. Only her screaming remains."

The chapter continues by telling us "she is strapped to a chair, arms and legs bound, mouth taped." Ruby's panic and fear are well captured with the description of her imprisonment and sense of desperation: "The walls are coming in . The darkness has icy fingers. Her skin is on fire. She wants her mother. She can't breathe. She is drowning."

In Chapter 2 we meet our protagonist DCI Kate Riley - a highly experienced detective with a doctorate from Browns. She receives a phone call at 2.38 am about a 20 year old girl who has been missing for 8 hours. Justin Hope, the Commissioner, has requested an investigation even though it is quite unprecedented at this early stage given the age of the missing girl. It is unclear why he is involved as the parents dialled 999 and have no apparent connection with Hope.

Chapter 3 introduces another key character, DS Zain Harris. He is first on the scene at the missing girl's house - the girl we now know to be Ruby. Ruby is a Vlogger and YouTube star who posts lifestyle tips, make up tutorials and fashion advice. She is making an impressive income through freebies, sponsorship and advertising. She has an incredible 2 million followers. That night, she had just gone out for a walk and never returned. As Zain listens to the parents' answers to his questions, he can't help but feel that they are "prompting each other for answers....playing a part....their responses were scripted," but he tries to "switch off his paranoia". The theme of playing parts, and scripted scenes is repeated throughout the novel as Caan explores the world of social media; the blurred lines between someone's real and on line persona. Paranoia is also a key theme in the book - both Zain and Katy seem to suffer from it, although the roots and causes are mysteriously secret and buried deep in their back stories which Caan tantalises the reader with, only dropping the odd clue or half picture so their characters remain as mysterious as the actual crime they are investigating. It is very intriguing and I was very impressed with his handling of not only a complex plot, but also his management of complex characters. It is hard to believe it is a debut novel.

The chapters continue to alternate between Kate and Zain. They are very short and this book definitely moves with great pace and action. Although quite different characters, Kate and Zain form a bond quickly and even at the first interview with Ruby's parents the "silence was heavy between them, acquiring layers of something unspoken." I also liked the way that the mystery of Kate's home life - the baby monitor she kept by her bed with the blond wig she had to put on before responding to it, the dark fear shrouding her arrival in London- were entwined with the main criminal investigation of trying to find Ruby. As I said, this novel has a multi layered, intricate plot with lots of different threads for the reader to wonder about, be distracted by and ensuring that they are kept very much on the edge of their seat until the last page.

Zain is also a fascinating character. Is he good? Is he bad? Is he right in some of the procedural decisions he makes? What is his motive and to whom is he truly loyal? What is he caught up in? Nothing is quite as it seems and he is also compromised and full of internal conflict.

The case is difficult. Kate "was paddling...going through the motions, picking up everything she could, throwing it in the air and seeing what landed." As the book continues into the last third, the police investigation suddenly delves much deeper and into something much much bigger and more sinister than anyone could have anticipated. We learn more about Ruby, her violent and unpredictable boyfriend Dan, the mercenary world of Vlogging and the manipulative power of huge corporations. This story is more than a police procedural crime novel, it dances with conspiracy; searching and uncovering the sort of answers that will lead to people being murdered rather than revealing the truth.

This really is a novel for 2016; the world of Vlogging and those that build careers out of creating YouTube videos is such a recent phenomenon. Ruby's character is so interesting - she is lonely and has very few real friends, yet she is "lonely in the glare of 2 million people watching her." I thought it was very thought provoking in a sense as it made me really consider the growing role of social media networks and the affect they could be having on young people and their emotional intelligence or social skills. It highlights the dangers of exposure, the competition and resentment that can grow from a harmless Vlog. YouTubers and Vloggers can create a high level of perfection which can cause as much trouble for them as their viewer. And they seem relatively unprotected from praying companies seeking to exploit or manipulate them.

As the investigation proceeds there are plenty of technical conversations about how people use social media; how the police's work is made more difficult now so many people can hack / delete / wipe information - even though conversely we can also be tracked and traced by innocently opening apps on our phone. Caan's knowledge and research into the details of the technology, the internet and police procedure where vastly impressive and showed a deep understanding of everything he wrote about.

I have more to say...more quotes to use....but actually on reflection, I think they might give too much away. The best thing about this book is the way you are mislead, constantly unsure about some of the characters, shocked and tricked so I think for that reason, the less said the better! What I will say is that this is a very accomplished and considered novel and, as I am finding with all Bonnier Twenty7 debut authors, it is a book which really reads as if it has been written by an established writer with a catalogue of titles preceding them.

The final words of the book left me begging for a bit more! They are as compelling as the opening lines! I hope this means there is more to come from Caan, Kate and Zain.

This story reminded me of a lot of films and TV series I have seen recently in terms of the scale of the mystery and turns that the investigation take - the "grey" morality of a detective and another who carries an emotional burden. There is a lot of police procedure and jargon, and it was probably more intense than most crime novels I read, but even though I wasn't sure if I was always keeping abreast with Kate, I certainly recognise the talent of the author and the potential in this book. Recommend!

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the advanced copy of this book in return for a fair and honest review.

For more recommendations and reviews please follow me on Twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacuk) or sign up to receive for future posts via email

"The Magpies" Mark Edwards

THE MAGPIES is a terrifying psychological thriller in which the monsters are not vampires or demons but the people we live next door to. It is a nightmare that could happen to anyone.

The fantastic Elizabeth Haynes, psychological thriller writer extraordinaire, recommended Mark Edwards on Twitter and I could not help but push all my other pending reads aside to investigate what kind of writer can give a master crime author the chills! I was delighted to find this in my local library and couldn't wait to get stuck in!

The story is about Jamie and Kirsty; a young, happy, deeply in love couple who have just bought their first flat. The neighbours all seem very friendly, particularly the couple who live below them in the "garden" (not Basement!) flat. But things soon change. Unwanted mail arrives, unpleasant "gifts" are left on the doormat, strange noises and music is played at unsociable hours, complaints are made and suddenly Jamie and Kirsty seem to be the victim of something deeply disturbing. ......

I had no preconceptions about this book and didn't really know what to expect. I started it on Sunday afternoon and it was so easy to read that I became very absorbed with the characters quickly. The writing moves along at a good pace- enough detail and dialogue to create some depth to the characters and a clear sense of setting (which is very important as nearly all the action takes place within the building and the couple's flat) but rapidly introducing the full cast of characters, their interaction and delving straight into the story.

At first Kirsty and Jamie are a little bit much - so deeply in love and pleased with their new home but I suppose this exaggerates their harmlessness and innocent, inoffensive natures. It also exaggerates the transformation that each character undergoes as a result of the horrible events they are exposed to. They are very close and very comfortable with each other - another thing which is threatened by the fear that they are being watched and targeted without any reason.

I really enjoyed this book. I was pulled along by the narrative. I was intrigued by the characters. I was chilled by the events and some of the things that happen to Jamie and Kirsty really made my flesh crawl. We all have neighbours and we have all probably (and sadly) had bad experiences with neighbours which is what makes the thrill of this book so palpable and gripping. We used to live above a couple who sounded like they were dragging dead bodies and heavy furniture across the floor every night at about 1am - and we've all had a that eerie sense that someone has been through our things without our permission or overheard things they shouldn't have. As Jamie and Kirsty show us, our home should be our sanctuary, our safe place....where we can shut the door and stop the outside world from following us in.... What happens when it isn't? There is nothing more violating and Kirsty's resulting grief and vulnerability from all this is really well depicted by Edwards.

I also liked how quickly things spiral out of control. In the same way that "Gone Girl" showed the lengths people will go to get what they want, so here too. The planning and "coincidences" quickly entrap Jamie and Kirsty, infiltrating every aspect of their lives, setting off a ripple of repercussions that escalade uncontrollably like dominos.

This read like a really good Friday night film. I couldn't turn it off to go and get a drink of water I was so haunted by the menacing atmosphere and some of the events are really shocking. There are some twists and shocks but actually, this is a novel that simply tells a story of the events as they happen. The ending is not necessarily a resolution in the traditional sense but it is satisfying and you're attention will not waiver until the final sentence and then - if you're anything like me - you will be searching Edward's back catalogue to find out what else he has written (answer: lots! Hurrah!)

I liked this book because it was a well told, enjoyable, quick read. There are a few things which irked a little or that I might have wanted to see in more detail but I totally could see why Edwards had made these choices and what he was trying to achieve. I also liked the fact that this was quite "ordinary". "Ordinary" people, "ordinary" place, no hidden, deeply buried pasts for the loving couple to uncover about each other....there is violence but it is not graphic or overly gratuitous. It's just a solid story. Easy to read, easy to relate to, easy to get utterly caught up in and easy to be unnerved by! It is a story of things that could happen to any of us which is always appealing and Edwards has struck a perfect balance of shock, mystery, fear and foreboding.

Ps: Thought the title was very apt and clever! Also liked the "letter from the Author" at the end - great for clarification, general interest and discussion!

I would recommend this book, particularly for if you are looking for a quick, engaging and dramatic read. I am looking forward to reading more from Mark Edwards and would like to thank Elizabeth Haynes for introducing me to him!

If you like this sound of this story, here are a few other titles you might enjoy (all reviewed on this blog site). It seems the words "Next Door" are the new "Gone Girl" of "Grip Lit"!!

"Lie With Me" Sabine Durrant

You can do foolish and desperate things, but maybe sometimes you just have to hold up a hand and take the blame.

Meet our narrator Paul. Forty two years old, author of one literary success 20 years ago but still trying to use it to gain kudos and prestige. He's not very pleasant; a womaniser, selfish and always looking to manipulate a situation to his own interest and benefit. Then he meets Alice through an old school friend and manages to get himself invited on holiday to Greece with her, her family and a few close friends. As he has recently been forced to move back in with his mother, the idea of sun, sex, free meals and a cheap holiday appeals greatly to his financial and romantic situation. However, it is not the relaxing break he had planned .........What was it that really happened 10 years ago when the group were last in Greece and Jasmine - the daughter of one of the couples - went missing? Alice is so convinced she's still alive - can the friends find her after all these years?

This is a story of telling lies. It is a story of what happens when you try to create a myth and reinvent the past with more untruths. It is about responsibility, friendship, obsession, greed and above all, the consequences of some devastating errors of judgement. 

It took me a little while to settle into this book as I wasn't really sure what to expect. I found Paul a difficult narrator to relate to - he is quite obnoxious and rude, clearly happy to use people to his own advantage and certainly not very trust worthy. There are several clues from very early on that alert the reader that they need to be wary of what he tells us about himself and his life as things don't always stack up. Once I realised he was a man trying to perpetuate an image, desperately trying to hide the broken reality from everyone, I began to feel a smidge of sympathy towards him. Although Paul doesn't really let you feel this too strongly before he's off using poor widow Alice as a convenient girlfriend as she also offers a place to eat and sleep now he's been kicked out of his own flat. 

As the novel progresses I actually felt quite captivated by the complexity of Paul's character. I fully admire Durrant's ability to write so convincingly from a male point of view. Paul is so realistic and so completely well crafted Durrant shows terrific insight and observation. It is a bold move to write from a male perspective, particularly with a character that readers are largely going to dislike. 

There is something pathetic about Paul as well. He's an unreliable narrator, socially awkward, isolated and excluded by Alice's friends - although he's not always blameless as his comments are often inappropriate. His behaviour can be lewd, competitive and always controlled by his pretence to be something he is not. The lies slip so easily from his lips, just like the objects, loose cash and other people's belongings seem to slip into his pockets. But occasionally there is a glimpse of vulnerability or insecurity. Mainly though, he felt rather dangerous. Unscrupulous. Unpredictable. A great pretender and only ever half aware of his actions. We are so unsure of his capabilities, who he really is and what really happened in Greece all those years ago when they last holidayed there together and Jasmine went missing, that the pages are crammed with suspense and tension. It suddenly becomes an unputdownable novel. 

The other characters are not always that likeable either. They are either too pathetic, too arrogant, too weak, too snide....It's a really clever insight and exploration of group dynamics. And obviously it is largely relayed through Paul's eyes so not always the most unbiased perspective! But there is something deeply addictive about the book. I think it is the very present sense that something absolutely terrible is about to happen! 

Most of the book takes place in Greece. This is clever as usually a holiday provides a neutral location where all the characters can feel equal but here it merely intensifies the tensions between them all and there is no escaping their memories of 10 years ago. On holiday there are different rules, different expectations and people behave differently. There is also a prevailing sense of heat and intensity. As well as a language barrier and a different police and judicial system. Perfect ingredients for a satisfying thriller! 

The denouement of the novel is fantastic and I am desperate to talk about it but it's impossible without spoiling things for those who have not read it! The last 4% of the novel was excellent. I know it's a cliche but no, I did not see that coming! Wow! 

As Andrew says to Paul, "All truth is subjective," and as Paul later reflects "small lies, small errors of judgement - they add up..." Oh yes they sure do! There is many a lesson between these pages about lies, truth, judgment and mistakes. This is a book which explores how "long lasting damage can be caused by casual cruelty." 

I think this is the first book by Sabine Durrant I have read and I am definitely going to look her others up. I liked her ability to write from a male point of view and how the reader is left to look back at everything they thought they knew and reconsider the whole situation again. I liked that I actually still don't really know how to respond to Paul - or Alice, or several of the central protagonists - and I think this book would make a great Book Group choice because of some of the discussions it could provoke. 

My thanks to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this novel in return for a fair and honest review. 

Meet Katherine Woodfine (St Albans Literary Festival)

 


I have had a lovely morning listening to Katherine Woodfine speak at the St Albans Literary Festival on Saturday 9th July! Katherine gave a really interesting and interactive talk to a room full of 7-13 year old fans, all clasping well worn copies of at least one of her gorgeous books! Read on to hear some highlights of what she had to say....

There are two types of books from Katherine's childhood that had a huge influence on her writing: Mystery and Classics. Her favourite childhood books are:

• Enid Blyton "Adventure on..." series, Famous Five and Secret Seven
• Carolyn Keene's Nancy Drew series 
• Macolm Saville "Mystery at Witchend" (now out of print) 
• E Nesbit "The Railway Children"
• Frances Hodgson Burnett "A Little Princess" 

Why?
Katherine loves mysteries and stories full of clues where you have to put the pieces of a puzzle together to work out what has happened - and most importantly, books where the children themselves are more brave and clever than the adults; they can solve the mystery even when adults can't! 
She also loves stories from the Edwardian era (beginning of the 1900s) because they can transport you to another period in history where there are no mobiles, no internet. Although it's old fashioned, it is still very exciting - even the most simple of things that we take for granted like travelling by train - and the children are still faced with difficult problems to overcome; they still need to be brave and clever. 

Tell us more about the inspiration for "The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow"....
Set in 1909 the novel stars teenage orphan Sophie who is lucky enough to she find herself with a job in the Hat section in the brand new department store "Sinclair's". 
Sinclairs is loosely based on Selfridges which opened in 1909 by American Harry Selfridge. Selfridfges introduced a whole new way of shopping to the Edwardian people. Before, you went to individual small shops for one thing, which you requested over the counter and were handed directly. However Department stores were places to browse, to gaze, to touch, to select from a range of exotic and exciting new products and foods. They were places of intrigue and glamour - therefore the most perfect setting for a mystery story! 
Mr Selfridge became a celebrity within society and two details about him - his love for orchids and pug dogs - have been adopted by Mr Sinclair in a way of honouring his influence on Katherine's writing. 

Research - but it's not all books and dusty libraries.....
It's obvious Katherine had a lot of fun researching for her detective series. She spoke in great detail about what she found out, keeping it relevant to her novel and of interest to the children listening in the audience. She had a selection of photos from the Edwardian era showing clothes, children working in different jobs and street scenes. 
She also looked at adverts, illustrations, maps, bus tickets and anything at all that would help her recreate the details, the sights and smells, to make her writing completely authentic. 
The best piece of research looked like photos of her enjoying afternoon tea at Harrods! Because of course, shops had never had restaurants or cafes inside them before and now they were somewhere to socialise and be seen as well as shop! And one couldn't possibly write convincingly without sampling first hand! 

Tell us a bit about writing the second book "The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth".....
The sequel gave Katherine a chance to introduce new characters and take Sophie and Lil out of the Department Store and further into Edwardian London. She sets part of the novel in China Town which in the early 1900s was near the Docks in the East End as this is where the Chinese families first arrived and set up their homes. 
It also keeps Sinclairs as the most important location and this time Katherine interweaves two story lines between Mei, who we meet in China Town, and a wealthy female customer who Sophie serves in the store. If you want to know exactly what these very different characters could possibly have to do with each other you will just have to read the book and find out! 

Sharing.....

Katherine brought lots of things along to share with her captive audience. For example we saw:

-photos of Katherine aged 8 in her detective outfit - huge oversized raincoat, big hat and a magnifying glass

-three Edwardian hats - modelled by children in the audience - Katherine then asked the children to guess who might wear the hat and where they might wear it too. We chatted about how important hats were in this era and what they revealed about the people wearing them

-2 gripping extracts from "The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow" - one describing Sophie arriving at Sinclairs for the first time and one about a mystery character witnessing a theft.....

-1 extract from the opening of "The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth"- ending rather unfairly with a cliffhanger!

If you like Katherine Woodfine's books try:

• "Mystery and Mayhem" - a collection of 12 crime stories written by the best young adult mystery writers of today
• Kate Pankhurst, Robin Stevens, Lauren St John, Chris Riddell, Helen Moss, Caroline Lawrence, Elen Caldecott

(Just got massively sidetracked ordering a bundle of these.... ooppss!!) 

Questions from the Audience....
Did you base any of the characters in your books on yourself?
A tiny bit of you creeps into each and every character.... Billy the Porter is always sneaking off to read books rather than work -that's me!

Did you always plan to write more than one book in this series?
As each book is a separate mystery they can be read as individual stories but there is a bigger story arc and I definitely want to write at least four - one for each season of the first year of Sinclairs. Book 3 is due out in January!

What is your advice to young budding writers?
Write! All the time! Write anything - diaries, letters, newspaper articles, poems, blogs....do it for fun! Practise writing like you practise everything else! But get down your ideas, don't get hung up on spelling and punctuation - let your imagination loose on paper! And read! Everything and anything! It's the best way to learn about writing. 

What are you reading at the moment?
James Nicol "The Apprentice Witch"  -highly recommend especially for fans of Chris Riddell or "The Worst Witch"

Then the children started to tell us more about their writing and ideas for stories!

• The best comment came from one girl who offered a title for a future book- "The Mystery of the Emerald Beetle" - fantastic! If Katherine doesn't write it, I hope the young lady does!
• One girl explained how they had written a sequel to one of their favourite novels which Katherine thought was a brilliant way to get started if you were unsure how to what to write about.
• Lots of the children have started writing their own novels - Katherine said that the most important thing was to try and finish at least one of them! This is the hardest challenge of all but the most satisfying! 

Well it was a really great hour and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the old photos, learning more about the Edwardian era and being reminded of how well written and exciting Katherine's novels are. The historical detail is so delicately incorporated into her description it enhances the characters and setting without feeling educative or heavy handed at all.

Katherine Woodfine is intelligent, enthusiastic, engaging and lively - and so genuinely interested in what her audience of young readers had to say. She kept us all captivated for the whole hour and it was a real delight to hear her talk. Naturally the highlight was getting our books signed and having a quick word with her in person - a very inspiring moment for my children who are currently working on chapter 1 of an average of 5 novels each and all have "to be read" piles which rival my own!
Thanks so much to St Albans Literary Festival for organising the event and to Katherine for travelling to meet us all! Check out her website for more information (katherinewoodfine.co.uk)

Read on for my reviews of some of her books!


"The Mystery of the Clockwork Sparrow"
I read this a year ago - ages before I started blogging or leaving reviews on Amazon and Goodreads! But I've given it 4/5 on Goodreads and have lost my original copy as have leant it out so many times. I have also bought it for lots of people (adults and children!!) and forced it upon people when in bookshops and see it on the stands nearby!! It's definitely that good! 

My Review of "The Mystery of the Jewelled Moth" 5/5 stars 
This is completely charming, entertaining and exciting! It's such a gorgeous book - the cover is so lovely, the endpapers are also lovely, the font for the blurb is lovely as is the blurb itself which begins "The Honour of Your Company is Requested...." Lots of fun! 
Great recommendation for 9-13 year olds. The characters are clever, positive, energetic, creative, brave, full of life and spark. The language is evocative of its historical setting (early 1900s) but not forced or intimidating or a barrier in anyway. It's authentic and witty. The characters actually feel very contemporary and I think a good balance has been struck. 
The setting of a Department Store is perfect for the start of numerous adventures and opportunities for disguise and undercover work. The attention to historical detail is impressive but subtly enhances the story and characters rather than being in anyway educative or intrusive. It's a very fluent and well paced light read. The dialogue between the characters is highly convincing and believable. I found all the characters likeable and engaging. 
These books are like watching your favourite, well produced costume drama on a Sunday night. A real pleasure and very refreshing. I highly recommend them to adults and children alike! Enjoy!

My Review of "Mystery and Mayhem" This is a brilliant collection of mystery stories which are a perfect introduction to the explosion of fresh new voices writing detective fiction for young adults. It is also a great introduction both to the genre of mystery stories and short stories as well as a tantalising read for current fans of all these writers. 

I was very keen to read this collection as I have been totally captivated by the recent publications by Woodfine and Stevens; enchanted by their stunning book covers, charmed by their historical settings and their clever embodiment of combining of all the wining ingredients for intriguing mystery stories inherited from the greats like Christie and Conan Doyle to write something fresh and full of modern appeal. I am also a huge fan of Helen Moss and Sally Nicholls so I really had to read this book!

Woodfine says in the introduction that these new mysteries are a "nod to the much loved mysteries of the past but also bring detective fiction bang up to date." This collection is diverse and includes a range of different voices and character; from those of boys and girls, from modern day to the Victorian era to the Georgian period, from realism to the more surreal. What makes them all particularly appealing is that all the writers are clearly big fans of mystery writers and have a deep knowledge of the genre and the voices of previous authors famed for this style of writing. They all seek to have some fun with the traditions of crime fiction and all understand what makes a perfect young adult read. These are not simple, dumb downed pastiches but something more sophisticated, which embrace the legacy of previous crime writers and reinvent the genre. They are all highly skilled and very talented writers and it is a real treat to find them all inside the same covers! 

Another great thing about this collection is that they all encourage the reader to solve the crime before the end of the story. Any young sleuth will rise to such a challenge! What will be equally appealing to the reader is that all the young detectives featured are smarter than the adults around them - as Woodfine points out, they are all "smarter, more sharp eyed, more sharp witted and courageous." Adults are not presented in a derogatory way at all, there is always a certain level of respect between the characters which I think is important having been subjected to so much of the more derisive and slightly unpleasant behaviour often portrayed in American programmes where teenagers are always trying to get the upper hand. These young people aren't smug or arrogant, just intelligent lovers of puzzles and mystery! 

I enjoyed "Mel Foster and the Hound of the Baskervilles" by Julia Golding. It was lively, witty, modern and engaging. The story was well constructed with appealing characters who were easy to identify with. The adults were a little patronising and mocked gently with comic humour for their simplistic deductions. Some of the stories had hidden references to other detectives and villains from other canonical titles - many of which I probably missed! It was a treat to read a short story by prize winning author Hardinge whose story is set around the Great Exhibition in Victorian Crystal Palace. I really enjoyed Harriet Whitehorn's "Murder of Monsieur Pierre" which is set in 1782 before the protagonist grows up and becomes the "Crime Solver Extraordinaire" and the "cleverest woman in London", preceding Piorot and Holmes. Sally Nicholl's story featuring male characters from an office post room was really entertaining. It was vivid, fast paced, full of authentic dialogue and wry observations about the luck fictional detectives usually have handed to them on a plate compared to the real investigative work that an "ordinary" crime lover must undertake. The book ends with the current queens of the new murder, mystery and mayhem genre: Woodfine and Stevens. The icing on the cake - or should I say "bun break"?! 

I liked that the girl protagonists are all very positive and affirming role models who defy the conventions to which they are confined or dictated to by the historical setting of their story. They all have spirit and humour, they follow their instincts and question everything around them. They show initiative and imagination. I liked that the stories covered a real range of settings, contexts and situations. I think they all give a real flavour of the author's style and will certainly encourage readers to seek out other novels once they've had a taster here. It is a rather special and unique collection of stories that would make a perfect gift for anyone over the age of 9 or 10. I will certainly be making sure every young detective I know gets a copy! A hugely enjoyable read! 

"How Not to Disappear" Clare Furniss

I have been wanting to read this book for ages and was delighted when my reserved copy at the library finally arrived! I was attracted by the cover but also I really enjoyed Furniss' previous book "The Year of the Rat" so was hopeful for her second novel!

Tackling the emotive and sensitive subject of teenage pregnancy, Furniss has written a moving story weaving the tale of Hattie together with that of her great aunt Gloria. It's a perfect balance of seriousness and humour, poignant yet uplifting.

18 year old Hattie is confident, intelligent, witty and with two very close friends, Rueben and Kat. But this summer they have both deserted her - Kat, with her possessive new girlfriend, has gone to Edinburgh and Reuben, the father of her baby, has run off to Europe "to find himself", unaware of the predicament he has left Hattie to face. Her mother is caught up in her own frenetic life of work, frequently leaving Hattie to look after her younger siblings as she avoids facing her feelings about her pending wedding with partner Carl. Hattie is left feeling a bit detached from everyone, rootless and confused as she tries to figure out how she really feels about Reuben - her best friend - and whether he truly loves her back or whether their one night together was a mistake.

With no one to turn to, jealous that her friends have gone off on adventures and can't even be bothered to reply to her emails and texts, she decides to visit an elderly relation following a bizarre phone call from a stranger ringing to inform that "Gloria" was ailing and her family ought to come and see her....... Family that neither Hattie nor her mother realised they had....

Gloria is suffering from dementia. When lucid she is sharp, down to earth, highly observant and not afraid to confront the truth of Hattie's situation. She is also sad, weighed down by her past. At first dismissive of Hattie, they then began to form an important relationship which helps both of them to reconcile themselves with the past and face the future.

This is a lovely story. Hattie is a really likeable teenager with a strong voice. She is very relatable and I really enjoyed her emails to Reuben - both the ones she deleted as well as sent! The blurring of her feelings towards Reuben capture the complexities of relationships at this stage in life. It explores motherhood, family relationships, pregnancy now and 50 years ago, memories and dementia ("the terminal illness where you get to die twice"). I found Gloria very moving. Her standoffishness to hide her real feelings of loneliness and fear, and the touching mental, emotional and physical journey the two women take together which brings them closer and helps them process their feelings adds depth and resonance to the novel. I think the novel will appeal to young adult readers as Hattie is very likeable, her sections reflective but vivid and humorous, and adults will enjoy the interplay between the two generations.

I liked the insertion of Gloria's back story alongside Hattie's and thought both voices were strong and engaging. I really liked Gloria's comments about memories, love and how we define ourselves.

"Our memories are what make us who we are. Some are real. Some are made up. But they are the stories that tell us who we are. Without them we are nobody."

I also liked the title of the book. With love - whether from the past or in the moment - you can never disappear.

I would recommend this book to readers 13+ who enjoy parallel time lines and multiple voices or stories about contemporary issues. Once again Furniss has tackled emotive and complex issues carefully with sensitive, beautiful writing without judgement or moralising. I can't wait for her next project!

For more recommendations and reviews please follow me on twitter @katherinesunde3 (bibliomaniacUK) or sign up to receive future posts via email.

"Watching Edie" Camilla Way

This is a true psychological thriller in every sense of the definition! It reminds you how clever, disturbing and gripping a really well written "Grip Lit" novel can be.

Meet Edie. Single, no longer close to her own family, working as a waitress and pregnant. After the birth of her baby she sinks deep into a black oblivion but (literally) out of the shadows, steps Heather, her childhood friend, who comes to her rescue, taking care of the baby so Edie can rest until she is strong enough to engage with motherhood. But from where has Heather suddenly appeared after all these years? And just what exactly did happen between the two women when they were teenagers?

The story is told in two time frames, "Before" and "After". We hear from Edie's point of view and also Heathers. Gradually as the novel progresses we are fed snippets of information, or flashbacks, that continually challenge our views of the characters and constantly force us to keep reassessing our feelings towards the two protagonists as we piece together their pasts.

As an 18 year old, Edie was a confident, popular, attractive girl who was part of the "in" crowd and deeply in love with her boyfriend. Heather was a quieter character, less noticeable and delighted when Edie chose to befriend her and let her tag along to their parties and gatherings. Now the roles are reversed. Edie is vulnerable and Heather is the one who confidently takes over looking after a new born. In that post natal haze, Edie accepts Heather back into her life, wary at first as to why Heather is prepared to help her out so benevolently when the friendship ended years ago in what we are led to believe were far from pleasant circumstances and they have not been in contact since.... And before Edie has fully realised what has happened, weeks have turned into months; Heather has moved in and her over protective, controlling behaviour over Edie's daughter suddenly becomes unsettling and triggers alarm bells to ring full blast.

Edie tries to reclaim her daughter, furtively creeping around to avoid her and sneak out without being challenged or followed. Heather's behaviour is distinctly controlling, unnerving and creepy. Returning from a walk with her baby one day, Edie is invited in for a coffee with her downstairs neighbour - a woman who double bolts the door behind them and seems equally afraid of the world as Edie. She too is haunted by ghosts from the past but has also witnessed more of Heather's odd behaviour. She tells Edie that Heather has been stalking Edie for many months before her baby was born........

All three women are broken. All women have been deeply affected by their pasts and live in fear that it will catch them up and destroy the lives - or half lives as they are all stunted by the burden of the secrets that weigh them down- they have built for themselves.

At times I did find the narrative a little confusing as we jump backwards and forwards and switch between Heather and Edie's point of views. A few times I had to reread sections to figure out which character we were with but it did not stop my enjoyment as I flew through the chapters. I was immediately captivated by the relationship between Heather and Edie and from the outset the tension is so palpable that the cliff hangers make it a compulsive read. From the beginning I was incredibly wary of Heather and wanted to shout out to Edie in her dazed state of fug and mental exhaustion - able to see what was happening and having to watch the action play out helplessly. Way's description and characterisation is excellent and I was right there in the thick of it!

Way's depiction of teenagers is also spot on. She captures the game play, the competition, the unpleasant manipulation by those who are popular over those who just want to be included with real authenticity and vividness. The emotional confusion of being 18 and in love is full of resonance. I do like a novel where your actions as a teenager or friendships from the past come back to haunt you as an adult, when you have the benefit of hindsight and emotional maturity to acknowledge the things you did and are ready to accept the consequences, however devastating.

It's hard to say more without giving anything away. I would highly recommend this book. I started it late one night and could barely put it down. In fact I got up early in the morning so I could finish it in one sitting before the rest of the world got up I was so hooked and so transported to Edie's claustrophobic flat. I had to find out what it was between Heather and Edie and how things would play out.

Way has created brilliantly dysfunctional characters and plays with the reader's emotions and sympathy carelessly, with a real "puling the carpet out from under our feet" kind of ending. This book reminded me of "Sleeping with the Enemy", "Single White Female" and Elizabeth Hayes "Into the Darkest Corner". It really is "Gone Girl" esq - and honestly one of the best psychological thrillers to come out this year. It is sure to be a best seller.

My thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy of the novel in return for an honest and fair review.
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