Writing

Three recommended podcasts

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Over the past year or so I’ve started listening to podcasts on a regular basis. (This is the silver lining to driving a car without a working stereo.) If you’re interested in Anglo-Saxon England, the Vikings, and historical fiction like I am, these are three that I warmly recommend. Note: when it comes to theme music, one of these podcasts is not like the others….

https://evergreenpodcasts.com/anglo-saxon-england

The Anglo-Saxon England podcast by Tom Kearns has followed the Anglo-Saxon period from the end of the Roman period. Dr. Kearn’s podcasts, which average around 20-25 minutes, each focus on a person or event in the 600-year history of the Anglo-Saxons. Dr. Kearns is careful and methodical, but never dry: his love of the period and people shine through in every episode.

Gone Medieval Podcast

Another great historical podcast is Gone Medieval, hosted by Cat Jarman and Matt Lewis. This podcast covers a wide range of topics within the medieval period, with episodes ranging from 30-60 minutes. The format is often an interview with a scholar highlighting an interesting aspect of medieval life. Vikings come up often. I enjoy the variety and always learn something new.

https://www.youtube.com/@rockpaperswordspodcast

Rock, Paper, Swords! is a podcast by historical fiction authors Matthew Harffy and Steven A. McKay. Matthew Harffy writes action and adventure novels set in Anglo-Saxon times, and Steven A. McKay has two action and adventure series, one about Robin Hood and another about Druids. I love these authors’ good-natured banter, and the energy and humor they bring to their topics and guest interviews.

A Council of Wolves is now available!

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A Council of Wolves is now available in paperback and as an ebook from major online retailers. It’s a traditional detective story set in the time of King Alfred in Anglo-Saxon England, with kings, clues, horses and hounds, country houses, swords, spears, and Vikings!

England, AD 879. Called away from his own wedding to accompany his brother on an urgent diplomatic mission for King Alfred of Wessex, the young royal official Lord Edwin of Wimborne becomes suspicious of an “accidental” death that occurs during their stay in neighboring Mercia. As Edwin investigates, he uncovers a tangle of deadly ambitions around the Mercian kingship. Back at home, Edwin’s bride Molly becomes embroiled in events that may have far-reaching consequences as well.

Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?

Buy on Amazon.com.

Buy on Amazon.co.uk.

For other retailers, click here.

Great news!

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My first Anglo-Saxon mystery will be published very soon. Stay tuned!

A Council of Wolves is the first novel in the Edwin of Wimborne mystery series. It will be published soon in paperback and ebook form, and will be available worldwide from your favorite online retailer, or can be ordered from your bookshop or library. Didn’t Hannah Linder Designs do a lovely job on the cover?

Edwin of Wimborne – the first book

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The first Edwin of Wimborne mystery is still in search of a publisher. Sometimes that can be a long process! However, this is what the first book is about. It’s a mystery set in the time of King Alfred featuring the fictional detective couple Lord Edwin and Lady Molgifu (Molly).

England, AD 879. Called away from his own wedding to accompany his brother on an urgent diplomatic mission for King Alfred of Wessex, the young royal official Lord Edwin of Wimborne becomes suspicious of an ‘accidental’ death that occurs during their stay in neighboring Mercia. As Edwin investigates he uncovers a tangle of deadly ambitions around the Mercian kingship. Back at home, Edwin’s bride Molly becomes embroiled in events that may have far-reaching consequences as well. Can Edwin unravel the true course of events in time to save an innocent man and foil a disastrous political plot bolstered by a band of renegade Vikings? When Molly finds the royal estate of Wimborne prey to neglect, embezzlers and seething local discontent, can she turn the tide and make it safe for King Alfred?

British Book Bonanza!

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This year I was one of two hundred or so who had the pleasure of attending the Bodies from the Library conference via Zoom. This is an annual conference about Golden Age detective fiction hosted by the British Library. It was very exciting to hear many favorite bloggers and authors, including the authors of books pictured here. Attendees were invited to purchase discounted books from the British Library Bookshop. These were my choices–can’t wait to dive in!