The Awkward Squad
A Readers' Group by Michael Campling
Hello
"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”
― Francis Bacon
Thank to Judith for sending that quote to me - it made me give a wry chuckle at the thought of someone chewing, in a literal sense, my latest book. Because, yes, it's here at last, and after a long gestation period, it's a big, bouncing baby of a book. The tile, I can reveal, is A Must-Have Murder, a reference to the world of online influencers which features in the book (along with a dastardly sub-plot to keep the Devon and Cornwall Police busy).
In paperback form, it comes in at about 750 pages, so I dare say that, in a pinch, it could be put to good use as a weapon in a murder mystery all of its own. It's taken a lot of work, and I'm afraid that's meant I've neglected you. When I get my head down to focus on a book, whether I'm reading or writing, the time disappears, vanishing into a literary dimension without a murmur. I look up and realise that the fire isn't lit, the dinner isn't on, and the laundry is still languishing in a wet clump in the machine.
At this point, I can often be seen clapping a hand on my forehead and crying something along the lines of, "I was going to send a newsletter today!" or "When did I last post on the website?" or even "What day is it, anyway?"
It really isn't good enough, and I can only hope to do better in the new year, in which we'll also see a new book coming out in a different setting - more on that in the What's Next section.
If you'd like to get a flavour of the new Devonshire Mystery, there's a small snippet below and a much longer one on my website. I've also included a handy universal link. The paperback is currently pending approval, but it should be available soon.
There are the usual featured photos below, and some other book news, but first, here are some words of thanks:
Cheers!
A huge thank you to these kind people who have sent me a mug of tea. I'm raising a mug of Yorkshire Tea in honour of these recent supporters:
Clairey, Jill, Bobby, Alonza, Lynn, Rose, John,
and a couple of anonymous supporters
plus regular supporter: Lara.
Thank you all for your encouragement and support. Many of you have a mention in the new book.
Want to join them?
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Featured Photos
A sprinkling of snow, a rarity in Devon where wet and mild is the rule. This is the view from my writing room, out over the allotments and to the hills beyond, though the hills are partly lost in the mist.
More mist, this time when I was out on a run, enjoying the solitude of the Devon lanes.
A small contingent of a brass band playing festive songs by the tree in Winchester. It took me back to my childhood, watching Kirkbymoorside Brass Band playing Silent Night, one of my mum's favourites, in the glow of a streetlight.
The above are taken from much bigger collections on my website, and the images there are larger, so they're worth a look.
View more photos on my website
Book News
Many of my books are in the smashwords end of year sale.
Between December 15, 2023 and January 1, 2024, almost all my books are reduced by 25% on smashwords, and if the book was only 99c or its equivalent, it has been reduced to free. The discount also applies to any boxset-type collections, but it does not include the pre-order of my new book, A Must-Have Murder.
NB: The discount is applied at checkout by a voucher code, so please check the price carefully and make sure you use the code.
Here's a link to my books on smashwords:
smashwords.com/profile/view/MichaelCampling
A Must-Have Murder is Here!
The new Devonshire Mystery, A Must-Have Murder, is currently available to pre-order.
The next adventure for Dan and Alan is finally here, so as it makes its way into the world, here’s another snippet to give you a flavour of the book.
At this point in the story, Dan and Alan have arrived at the house of a potential client, Zadie Barrington, where they were met by Zadie’s assistant, Natalya. Natalya was a favourite with early readers of the book. From Ukraine, Natalya is decidedly feisty, and I hope you enjoy meeting her.
Excerpt From Chapter 2
“Zadie is in her studio. Upstairs is much better, it has been…” Natalya gestured impatiently at the uncarpeted staircase.
“Renovated?” Alan suggested, and Natalya nodded gratefully.
“Yes. Renovated. Exactly.” Natalya sighed and her expression softened. “Forgive me, gentlemen. It has been a hard day, but please, come up, and everything will be explained. Do not stand on the fifth stair. It isn’t safe. The man was supposed to fix it, but…” she shrugged.
“We’ll mind our step,” Alan said with a smile.
Natalya gazed at him. “You’re making a joke.”
“Sort of,” Alan admitted. “Sorry.”
“No need to apologise. Follow me.”
Dan and Alan did as they were told, making their way up the stairs in silence. The fifth tread was badly split, and Dan stepped over it with exaggerated care. When he reached the landing, Dan said, “I see what you mean about that step. It can be hard to find good tradespeople. We met your decorator outside. How are you finding him? Is he reliable?”
Natalya grunted in disapproval. “Very slow, I think. He drinks tea instead of working. I tell him this, but he doesn’t listen.” Natalya drew a long breath, flaring her nostrils, then she added, “You should know that Zadie does not like to be kept waiting. She has a livestream at four, and we must fix her hair and make-up before then. She cannot be late. Do you understand?”
“Yes. We’ll be as quick as we can,” Dan replied. “We also have a schedule to keep.”
“Okay,” Natalya intoned. “Follow me.”
There's a longer snippet on my site, and you'll need to be logged in to view the rest.
Read the snippet or dive right in and order the book:
Find it online at: books2read.com/amusthavemurder
What's Next?
I'm usually too busy with a project to take part in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) in November, but this year it fell just right. Armed only with a vague idea, I started on 2 November and hit the target of 50,000 words on 28 November, so I was awarded this badge:
I was astonished, because I'm rarely early for anything, but I've been enjoying this new project.
I'm taking Tim Spiller back to 1992, and his first day as a Detective Constable in Exeter. A young woman, daughter of a wealthy businessman, disappears, and there are signs of foul play. Spiller is assigned to the case, and he's determined to find the young woman. But the case is an odd one, and it takes a darker turn when a triple murder is committed. Are the cases linked? Spiller will find out.
In a marked difference to A Must-have Murder, the first draft of this book is almost done! It will need a redraft or two, but watch this space for more news, and there may be beta reading opportunities for members of my Street Team, who were a fantastic help with A Must-Have Murder.
Speaking of which, I hope the latest Dan and Alan adventure will give you something to chew over.
Wishing you all the best for the festive season, wherever you are and whatever you celebrate. I'm looking forward to seeing our grown-up kids and their partners, and also to all the hot food and tasty tipples.
I hope you keep warm and safe and well-fed.
Until next time, happy reading and take care.
Mikey C
PS: Want More or to Get in Touch?
To contact me or see more content, please visit my website and comment there, or join our Facebook group. Either way you'll get a much faster response than email.
My website: michaelcampling.com
The Awkward Squad group: facebook.com/groups/awkwardsquad
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