The Awkward Squad
A Readers' Group by Michael Campling
Hello
If you want something very, very badly, let it go free. If it comes back to you, it’s yours forever. If it doesn’t, it was never yours to begin with.
- Jess Lair, PhD
I chose the quote myself this time because it's the one I use for the epigraph in the new Devonshire Mystery, Accomplice to Murder, which launches today.
I've had some lovely feedback from the kind folks who signed up for an Advance Reader Copy (ARC), and one reader said it was the best book so far. Another reader said: "I am not surprised that it took you a lot of time and effort to bring all the strands together! But, it was worth it, as it is cleverly and excitingly worked out."
I was thrilled to receive such kind words, because I don't mind admitting that I was worried about this book. Having written several in the series, the pressure was on, and I had to deliver a story that was bigger and better. It had to be more gripping and yet still stay true to the series and the characters.
I'll say more about it in the Book News section below. Meanwhile, here's the photo:
Featured Photo
It's been a hot and dry summer so far in Devon, and Mrs C and I have been busy with the watering cans in our greenhouses, trying to keep the tomatoes alive without wasting any water. Fortunately, there's a small stream nearby, and some enterprising volunteers rigged a small pipe so that it slowly feeds a storage tank, and the allotment gardeners share the water.
Our Labrador, Lottie, likes the sunny days, but we have to watch out that she doesn't overheat. We've taken her down to the River Teign a few times, and she enjoyed cooling off with a swim. She always looks a bit scruffy after a dip, but a rub down with a towel restored the shine to her coat.
I was tempted to jump in the river myself, but we contented ourselves with a stroll through the shady woods beside the river.
As always, there are more photos on the site, and there's a link in in the big, blue button just above my signature.
Book News
An explosive mystery is about to unfold, and the huge bomb buried beneath a quiet city street is only partially to blame.
Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered it.
Here's everything you need to know:
Dan Corrigan has a new job, and he’s ready to take on the world, but his instincts lead him unerringly toward a web of wrongdoing.
Dan has never been afraid to ask awkward questions, but this time, it might cost him his life.
He’s drawn into a criminal conspiracy, and it seems that someone will stop at nothing to prevent him from uncovering the truth. The stakes are high, but with a good friend to back him up, Dan must forge ahead despite the danger.
Dan and Alan are back on the case, and one way or another, they will get to the bottom of this mystery.
Join Dan and Alan in untangling the clues, and discover a darker side to Devon.
If this sounds like your particular cup of Darjeeling, you’ll be pleased to know that you can now buy the next Devonshire Mystery, Accomplice to Murder, direct from my store, and you’ll get a discount:
Buy Accomplice to Murder direct from the author
Buying direct from an author is great because it supports authors and helps to defray the upfront costs of producing a book, e.g. editing and cover design. The big stores hold on to an author’s royalties for a month or two, but authors pay out substantial sums before a book goes on sale.
To sweeten the deal, I’ve reduced the price of the ebook on my store.
If you’d prefer to stick to your favourite store, you can use the link below to track this book down:
Order soon to to benefit from the launch price, it will be going up in mid-August.
Haven't Started This Series Yet?
I've got you covered.
The first novel in the Devonshire Mysteries series, Valley of Lies, is now on sale at 99p/99c or an equivalent price at all the main stores and in all territories.
The price will last until 16 August, so this is your chance to see what all the fuss is about.
And if you have already enjoyed this book, perhaps you have friends or family who might like to know more.
Here's a link:
What's Next?
I'm already planning a new mystery, and though I wondered about trying my hand at a police procedural (without the assistance of certain residents of Embervale) Dan and Alan insisted on poking their noses in, so it looks like it's going to be another adventure for the chaps.
Like the quote suggests at the top of this email, I set Dan and Alan free, and they came back to me, ready to get stuck in.
I'll get back to making my plans soon, but it's late afternoon and a bit cooler, so Lottie will be waiting for a short walk (and her dinner).
Happy reading and take care.
All the best,
Mikey C
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