Category Archives: Blog Tour

Blog Tour – Spooksmith Investigates: The Cinderman

I am happy to announce today is my stop on blog tour for Spooksmiths Investigates: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson. This chilling Middle grade novel ws publsihed on the 10thOctober 2024 by Usborne books.

If you would like to win a copy of Spooksmiths Investigates: The Cinderman by Alex Atkinson simply leave a comment on this blog post. This prize giveaway is open to all UK residents. Please be aware you must be happy for your postal details to be forwarded to Usbourne and Kaleidoscopic Tours so they can mail you a physical copy of the book.

My stop on the tour takes the form of a review.

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Title: Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman

Written by: Alex Atkinson

Cover art by: Miriam Serafin

Published by: Usborne

Blurb:

Discover a brilliantly spooky new horror-mystery series for fans of Dread Wood, Goosebumps and Aveline Jones…

Indigo and Rusty might live in a funeral parlour, but they don’t believe in ghosts. That is, until Indigo knocks over an old urn, accidentally releasing the Cinderman: a terrifying ash monster, who will smother their town in ashes and turn everyone into zombies, unless they can stop him by sunset.

Using their newly awakened Spooksmith skills, Indigo and Rusty set out to enlist the help of other ghosts. But can the Blasted Banshee and Chuckles the Phantom Toddler really help them find the Cinderman’s true name and put him in his grave for good before Ashmageddon strikes?

Review

Spooksmiths Investigate: The Cinderman is a well-paced mystery with plenty of spooky scenes and cliff-hangers that kept me turning the pages.

Indigo and Rusty’s parents run the 400-year-old funeral home in Greyscar. Bhind one of the bookshelfs Indigo discovers a secret room where she inadvertedly smashes an urn containing the ashes of The Cinderman who was trapped there by here grandfather. That night the ashes cover the village turning everyone to zombies except the twelve-year-old twins, Indigo and Rusty, as they are Spooksmiths who have the ability to see and talk to ghosts.

The Cinderman is a formidable villain with a few spine-chilling traits. In contrast Phrank the Pheasant is a dynamic and hilariously funny ghost with some excellent one-liners. Together they add the ideal mix of comedy and horror that will delight middle grade readers.

Rusty and Indigo’s character arc has been artfully crafted to demonstrate how they antagonise each other at the beginning and gradually learn to overcome their differences to work together to uncover the mystery of The Cinderman to save the village before Ashmageddon strikes. One of my favourite scenes is when Indigo and Rusty meet the residents of Little Hope Graveyard and we see them beginning to work as a team.

A great, excellently written middle-grade mystery with themes of sibling rivalry and finding the best in yourself, ideal for Key Stage Two at Halloween.

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Here is a little Halloween taster from the first chapter:

Extract

There’s a secret door in my family’s bookcase.

A secret door with steps going down behind it…

It’s the entrance to a basement. Or a dungeon. Or maybe it’s a bat cave. I let out a nervous laugh, but I’m more excited than scared. I have so many questions. I could – and probably should – get Mum or Dad, but they’ll just tell me it’s dangerous and stop me investigating…

Or maybe they already know about the secret door and have kept it hidden? A familiar fizz of anger bubbles in my belly. It would be so typical of them to keep something like this quiet. I can hear their disapproving voices in my head: It’s too dark and dangerous and dirty.

I’m going in.

The doorway doesn’t reach down to the floor like a normal door. It’s two shelves up, so I have to climb inside, ducking to avoid the clusters of spider’s webs dangling from the ceiling. The light behind me illuminates a set of twisting stone steps. I take a deep breath and immediately regret it: the air in here is stinkier than Rusty’s bedroom, like dust mixed with sweaty socks.

Halfway down, the stairs twist to the left, a pillar blocking the light from above. The next step down is in complete darkness. I curse myself for not having my phone on me, but heading back up to get it and being caught by Dad isn’t an option, so I keep going, holding the wall to guide me. Maybe

there’s a light switch further down.

Five more steps and I reach the bottom. There’s a faint whispering sound, but it’s probably just the pipes from the house. I take a few hesitant, shuffling steps forward and my outstretched hands brush something cold and metallic. The whispering gets louder as I pick the something up. It’s the size of a coffee jar and weighs almost nothing.

Intrigued, I shuffle back to the stairs, towards the light. As I climb, the thing seems to get colder. Icy tendrils numb my hands, climbing up my arms towards my heart, leaving me wondering what could be inside.

I round the corner of the basement stairway and a shaft of light from upstairs lands on my hands.

I’m holding a dented, dusty old urn.

The hairs on the back of my neck prickle.

We’ve got urns all over the place. Why is this one hidden in a secret basement?

As if in answer, the urn lid rattles.

I scream and instinctively throw the urn away. It lands with a clatter somewhere beneath me. The gasping sound that follows chills me to the bone. It sounds like someone taking their first breath in a long time. Heart pounding, I race up the stairs to the doorway pursued by a dry, ash-choked voice:

“Speak my name.”

I’m so freaked out I can barely remember my own name, but I think…I think that voice came from whatever –or whoever – was in that urn.

Which means only one thing: I can hear the dead.

About the Author

Alex Atkinson loves scary books filled with oddball characters. She blames her idyllic North Yorkshire childhood spent playing murder-in-the-dark and listening to her dad’s blood-curdling bedtime stories. After studying English and Politics at Newcastle University, she worked as a website content editor.

She now lives in a village in Hertfordshire with her husband, kids, dogs and tortoise, but dreams of abandoned buildings, ghosts and zombies. SPOOKSMITHS INVESTIGATE: THE CINDERMAN is her debut novel.

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/alexatkinsonstories  

X: https://x.com/alatkinson    

To follow th erest o the tour take a look at the schedule below:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

Just to remind you all you can win a copy of the book by leaving a message below.

Blog Tour – Handle with Care by Louisa Reid

It is with great pleasure I am joining the tour for Handle with Care by Louisa Reid, published by Guppy Books on 10thOctober 2024. Handle with Care is a stunningly powerful YA novel from a master storyteller told in both prose and verse.

Blurb

No one knows Ruby is pregnant – not even Ruby herself. So when she gives birth at school on a miserable February morning, her world is thrown into chaos. Keeping the baby isn’t an option, but keeping quiet about who the father of her child definitely is; because if Ruby’s best friend Ashley finds out the truth, then she’ll lose her too.

When Ruby finally realises what she and her baby need, somehow that doesn’t seem to matter any more. So Ruby must take matters into her own hands, with tragic consequences…

Extract

Pretend I’m fine.

Pretend I’m not standing here

something running down my legs.

They all think I’ve wet myself.

All night I lay in bed

my belly tight.

Not a second’s sleep.

Period, I thought,

thank God,

maybe

my period is coming at last,

and I swallowed pills,

paracetamol, ibuprofen,

and tried to dream.

But now,

now my body

is an enemy

that takes my breath,

and holds me in a relentless fist.

I pant, try to stand up straight,

gasp,

don’t want to make a noise,

don’t want them to look,

but it HURTS.

I bite my lip, my cheeks.

Head spins.

I want to be sick.

About the Author

Louisa Reid is the author of the YA verse novels Gloves Off, nominated for the Carnegie Medal, Wrecked, which was selected for both the Read for Empathy collection and National Poetry Day and Activist. Her debut adult novel, The Poet, was published to critical acclaim. Louisa Reid has spent most of her life reading.

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When Louisa’s not reading she’s writing stories, or imagining writing them at least. As an English teacher, her favourite part of the job is sharing her love of reading and writing with her pupils. Louisa lives with her family in the north-west of England and is proud to call a place near Manchester home.

You can follow Louisa Reid on:

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule below:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – US launch of Terra Electrica

I am thrilled to be able to join The Write Reads Ultimate US Blog Tour for Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North by Antonia Maxwell. This brilliant dystopian,middle grade adventure is published by Neem Tree Press and was launched in the UK on July 4th 2024 .

My stop on the tour takes the form of a spotlight of the book.

About the Book:

Blurb

Book 1 in an action-packed dystopian adventure series set in the near-future post-melt Arctic.

The last ice cap has melted, and the world is on the brink of collapse. A deadly force—Terra Electrica—has been unleashed. It feeds on electricity. It is infecting civilization.

In this chaotic, rapidly changing reality, 12-year-old Mani has lost her family and community to the Terra Electrica. Armed only with some ancestral wisdom and a powerful, ancient wooden mask she was never meant to inherit so soon, she suddenly finds herself responsible for the fate of the world.

Can Mani piece everything together and harness her newfound powers in time to save humanity?

You can read reviews of Terra Electrica: The Guardians of the North here:

About the Author:

Antonia Maxwell is a writer and editor based in North Essex and Cambridge, UK.

With a  degree in Modern Languages and a long-standing career as a book editor, she has a lifelong curiosity for language and words, and a growing fascination in the power of story – the way it shapes our lives and frames our experience.

I would like to thank The Write Reads for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

To follow the rest of the tour please see the schedule below:

Blog Tour – The Lonley Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

Today I am very pleased to be joining the blog tour for The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter. This chilling middle grade adventure is the sequel to A Girl Called Corpse and was released by Usborne on the 10th October, just in time for Halloween.

To celebrate this release of The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright by Reece Carter, Usborne are giving away free copies of the first book in the series, A Girl Called Corpse. To win a copy all you have to do is leave a message here on my blog about this series.

The spooky cover art for both books was by Maxine Lee-Mackie and the inside illustrations were beautifully done by Eleanora Asparuhova. the title lettering was by Kristy Lund-White with additional lettering by Sarah Coleman.

Here is a little more information about both books:

Blurb for A Girl Called Corpse

“A spooky, funny, magical and atmospheric adventure with a compelling hero you will adore.” Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of Nevermoor

Maybe some ghosts enjoy walking through walls and being invisible – not me. I never asked to be a kid ghost.

With no memory of the kid she was before she was taken by the Witches, Corpse is bound to haunt the rock-that-doesn’t-exist for ever.

Until she learns of a treasure, one that can reunite Corpse with her family and her name. She must set off for answers, on a journey across the stormy sea, battling magic, zombie-skeletons and monsters. But the Witches want the treasure too.

And they’ll do anything to get to it first.

Welcome to Elston-Fright, a forgotten town where witches lurk, sea monsters roam and a girl is on the hunt for answers…

Previously published in the UK as The Girl, the Ghost and the Lost Name.

Blurb for The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

The thing about magic is that it likes to stay hidden…

Flip Little’s family have always been Lightkeepers, guardians sworn to protect the town of Elston-Fright from magical, monstrous threats. And Flip is no stranger to magic; only he knows about the two ghost-girls haunting a rock out at sea.

When their spider friend, Simon, is spider-napped by ancient Poltergusts, weather ghouls out to cause mayhem, Flip, Girl and Corpse set out to rescue him. But first they must find and return the missing Light to the lighthouse, restoring its magic.

Only nothing in Elston-Fright is quite as it seems. Questions bubble up from the deep. Dark secrets emerge. And soon, Flip and his friends learn that in order to beat the Poltergusts they need to understand what happened in the past.

First Impressions of The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

Due to the late arrival of this book, I have unfortunately been unable to finish in time for my stop on the blog tour but I can give you my first impressions.

The first few chapters of the novel are very well-written and do draw you in. Even though there are a few false starts you get a great sense of voice and the Lighthouse setting is very vivid and definiely eerie.

It is written in dual narrative from the points of view of corpse and Flip who yearns for adventure and the kid-ghost Corpse from the previous book. Flip is short for his age but does not let this hold him back. Corpse can fly with the aid of her Cemetery Stone. I particularly liked the way we got Flip’s view of Corpse and her view of Flip. The supporting characters Girl who is also a ghost and Simon the Spider who has gone missing are also well-developed.

I always love a map in an adventure book and both books in theseries do not disappoint. Here is the map so you can an idea of what I mean:

I look forward to completing the novel.

Extract from The Lonely Lighthouse of Elston-Fright

If there’s one thing I know, it’s this: being a Lightkeeper is Very Serious Business. Protecting an entire town from dangerous magic? That’s a big responsibility. Seriously big. But somebody’s got to do it. After all, you can’t just let your home become overrun by wickedness and shadow, can you? You can’t allow briny bogey people and wily wraiths to roam about freely, hurting people as they go. No, you have to defend your home. You have to protect it from harm. And when it comes to the fishing town of Elston-Fright that I call my home, the person who’s always protected it from bad magic has been a Little.

Like me. I’m a Little – Flip Little.

And Littles are Lightkeepers.

My family’s been doing it for ever – taking care of Elston-Fright, that is – ever since my great-great-great-grandfather Lionel Little built the lighthouse where, these days, I live with my nan. The town wasn’t much more than a handful of cottages back then, and the wharf was no more than a single crooked jetty. The fish mill hadn’t been built yet, and the town hall didn’t even have its bell. The lighthouse was one of the very first buildings to crop up in Elston-Fright, and it quickly became the most important. It was from the lighthouse, at its far-flung place on the point, that Littles would fulfil their duty to protect. Ever vigilant, Lightkeepers would keep an eye – both eyes, actually – on Elston-Fright, ready to respond to whatever magical threat might be the next to arrive on its shores. That’s why, after seeing the very-weird-and-totally-not-normal thing that I saw from my window this morning, I knew it was up to me to investigate. Strange things don’t just happen, after all. Mysteries don’t solve themselves.

Somebody has to look into it – who better than a Little?

Bertie’s motor growls loudly. My hand is squeezed so tightly around the tiller that if I looked back at it, I’m sure my knuckles would be bone white. I don’t look back, though. I look forwards, towards my destination, with my eyes narrowed against the morning sun. The wind whipping off the ocean is icy, and every now and again Bertie’s bow crashes into a wayward wave and kicks water up in my face. It gets in my mouth, salty and sharp, and it goes up my nose too, but I quickly wipe it away with my free hand and urge Bertie to move faster. My heart thumps in my chest.

Bertie is my little yellow dinghy, by the way. Or, well, it’s my nan’s little yellow dinghy. I’m only borrowing it.

Does it count as borrowing if Nan doesn’t know about it?

I shake the thought from my head. There’s no time for thinking about all that right now. It’s one of the first rules of Lightkeeping: there are times for thinking, and there are times for acting. After spotting the mystery-in-question from my window, now definitely counts as a time for acting.

Besides, I’m about as used to breaking rules as a person comes.

But before I can investigate the very-weird-and-totally-not-normal thing, there’s something else that I need. Every hero needs their sidekicks, and so that’s why right now I’m racing across the water at full speed, headed for backup. Directly ahead of me, breaching the waters like some kind of supersized whale, is the rock where I’ll find it. It’s the rock where my very best friends live.

About the Author

Reece Carter is a high-profile Australian nutritionist who has written two non-fiction books for adults, appeared on many of Australian’s major television networks, and written for magazines like GQ. He grew up in rural Western Australia and now lives in Sydney.

To discover more about Reece Carter and his books take a look at his website: https://www.reececarter.com.au/ You can also follow him on Instagram: @herbnerdreece and X: @herbnerdreece.

To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule below:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

Spotlight – A Blend of Magic by Kate Kenzie

I will be kicking off an extra special spotlight tour with romance novelist Kate Kenzie to celebrate her novel, A Blend of Magic, which was a semi-finalist in the Book Bloggers Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) 2024.

About BBNYA and the Spotlight Tours

The Book Bloggers’ Novel of the Year Award (BBNYA) is celebrating the books that made it to the semi-finals with a mini spotlight blitz tour for each title.

BBNYA is a yearly competition where book bloggers from all over the world read and score books written by indie authors, ending with 16 finalists and one overall winner.

If you want some more information about BBNYA, check out the BBNYA Website https://www.bbnya.com/ or take a peek over on Twitter @BBNYA_Official. BBNYA is brought to you in association with the @Foliosociety (if you love beautiful books, you NEED to check out their website!) and the book blogger support group @The_WriteReads.

A Blend of Magic is a 388-page romance fantasy for adults that was published on the 31st October, 2023. Here is the blurb:

Blurb

A witch cannot exist on potions and tea alone.

Hiding in the shadows, staunch singleton Willow Anderson is content running her successful business, The Enchanted Emporium. With Christmas days away, she’s eager to exchange selling bespoke tea blends and spells for extended bubble baths and binge-watching festive movies snuggled next to her Maine Coon, Vincent.

Nate never usually runs away from his problems, but drunk and disorientated, he finds himself in a small fisherman’s cottage in the Yorkshire coastal town of Whitby. After discovering his girlfriend’s affair, he is in no rush to return to the City. His wish for time alone in a Christmas-free zone comes true until an uninvited feline guest arrives.

Neither Nate nor Willow want company, especially from each other, but they have little choice when concussion means they must spend at least twenty-four hours together. Sparks fly and not just the romantic kind. When darkness from Willow’s past returns and threatens to destroy all she has worked for, pursuing a love affair is the last thing she needs.

With meddling ghosts and a teenage apprentice with her own matchmaking agenda, love and change are in the air.

But can Willow face her fears, and the past, to capture the happiness she deserves?

My stop on this spotlight tour involves a author interview. So with no more distraactions here is what Kate Kenzie had to say about the writing of A Blend of Magic.

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Tell us a little about your novel A Blend of Magic.

A Blend of Magic is a paranormal romance with elements of Practical Magic, Netflix’s The Good Witch and Sabrina, The Teenage Witch. Set in Whitby, North Yorkshire, modern witch, Willow Anderson, discovers she needs more than making potions and blending tea for her customers but she is reluctant to face her dark past to have the life and love she deserves.  Heartbroken Nate arrives in Whitby to escape the festive season and wants to be alone, until a ginger Maine Coon leads him to the door of an old apothecary, The Enchanted Emporium, and a grumpy Willow. With meddling ghosts and an interfering teenage apprentice, can love flourish or is it destined to fail?

What draws you to writing paranormal romance?

I adore magic and am drawn to anything paranormal. Whether it is witchcraft or hauntings, I am fascinated by how things fit in our everyday world, so I’m surrounded by books and boxsets on the subjects. It felt natural to eave this into my writing and it is a genre I also love to read. Paranormal romance is the ultimate escape without being full on high fantasy – I don’t think I have the skills for that yet – and at times, everyone needs the comfort of a happy ever after.

Talk us through your writing process.

I’m not sure I have a process and if I do, it isn’t efficient or recommended. I’m disorganised and my brain constantly hops from one thing to another. My writing process reflects this especially in the beginning. Usually, I start with a character and setting. Once these are fully formed, I can discover their story, who they are now, where they want to go and where they came from. Willow began as a side character in an unfinished WIP about her apprentice, Amber, but an exercise in my local writing group prompted her to demand a story of her own. As I loved The Enchanted Emporium, I was happy to accept the challenge. While I always know the beginning, middle and end, I struggle to write in chronological order, so I have a hotchpotch of scenes, dialogue and ideas smothering my desktop and hidden in notebooks which I then weave together to make a coherent plot and first draft.

Why Whitby? Talk us through the research you did to recreate this atmospheric setting.

I adore Whitby and it has been my happy place ever since we moved to Yorkshire. If it wasn’t so hilly and I wasn’t so scared going down slopes in my wheelchair, I’d love to live there. The Abbey ruins and the quirky buildings and its links to gothic literature make it hum with the past. It has a magic of its own. Once there walking down its cobbled streets, it was easy to imagine the Enchanted Emporium nestled down one of the many snickets and yards. Research wise, it was mainly absorbing the atmosphere while visiting, photographs and imagination. I have several books on its history which I hope I’ll use more in other books I have planned for the Whitby Witches.

Do you have a favourite character in your book?

My favourite character is Mrs Marley, one of the emporium’s resident ghosts. A gossip, she is comfortable in herself and always speaks her mind. I can’t wait to explore her character more in the next book I’m writing.

Have you got any writing rituals?

I try to write in the morning before everyone wakes, with a strong cup of tea made in a teapot. The ritual of teamaking always helps me get into the creative zone. Each book has its own playlist, and each character has their own song which is either relevant to their story arc or personality. Listening to their music helps me connect to them and their story.

Is there a particular place you like to write?

I’d love to write in cafes but getting out alone is difficult so I mainly at home. I have created a writing space in the tiny spare room.  My old desk is surrounded by books on witchcraft, ghosts, folklore and writing. With my cauldron, candles and crystals, it is my own little enchanted space.

What writing advice would you give to people wanting to write paranormal romance?

There is so much advice out there for would be romance authors. Apart from making sure you have the required happy ever after, I’d say have fun and try to enjoy the process. Excitement for your characters or book helps with motivation and determination to tackle any obstacles which there are many. As a genre, there are many threads you can follow – witchcraft, ghosts or other paranormal entities so you can experiment and allow your imagination to fly.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about A Blend of Magic?

Only that I hope those who read it, enjoy visiting the emporium and meeting its residents as much as I did writing them. If you want more from the Whitby witches and Rosa, they have their own book blog, The Enchanted Emporium’s Bookshelf, where they share their love of reading, particularly fantasy, paranormal or magical books. Rosa also reviews any romance books that arrive in-store or on her Kindle. They also interview authors for their Monday Merry Meets slots.

The Enchanted Emporium’s Bookshelf blog: https://theenchantedemporiumbookshelf.com

Where is the best place for people to buy your book?

While A Blend of Magic is available at Amazon and on Kindle Unlimited, I am a huge an of indie bookshops and libraries so they can be ordered from them too. I am privileged have signed books stocked at The Whitby Bookshop. It is a lovely shop to pop into if you are ever in Whitby soaking up the sea air and atmosphere.

Signed copies are also available direct from me and through my ko-fi page if you’re in the UK.

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Author Bio

Kate Kenzie may not be Yorkshire born and bred, but it’s where her heart is and why her fictional worlds are set in the Moors and her favourite haunt, Whitby. Creator of the Enchanted Emporium and its residents, she blogs book reviews and author interviews at The Enchanted Emporium Bookshelf.

Part-time writer, and full-time dreamer, if she’s not reading from her over flowing TBR pile, she is writing or drinking tea. Like many, she always dreamed of being an author but notebooks of half-finished novels and children’s stories were pushed aside in adulthood until a random Facebook conversation rekindled her passion for world building. By receiving a bursary for the RNA New Writer’s Scheme, she found her tribe.

Awarded the Katie Fforde bursary this year, she writes romantic and paranormal fiction, especially witch lit.

Her short story, The Ghost Writer, is available in an anthology, Byline Legacies by Cardigan Press.

You can find ouut more about Kate kenzie by subscribing to her newsletter: http://subscribepage.io/katekenzie and by following her on her social media:

To read reviews of A Blend of magic by Kate Kenzie take a look at:

Amazon Links:

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/198956715-a-blend-of-magic

The Story Graph Link: https://app.thestorygraph.com/books/2acb90e8-ea3b-4a7c-89ef-092cd111082e 

Blog Tour – The Beanstalk Murder by P.G Bell

Today I am pleased to announce I am on the blog tour for a unique mystery murder published by Usborne, which is the first in a brand new series, The Beanstalk Murder by P.G Bell.

My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.

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Title: The Beanstalk Murder

Written by: P.G. Bell

Illustrated by: George Ermos

Published by: Usborne

Blurb

THE BFG meets MURDER MOST UNLADYLIKE in this giant-sized whodunnit with a witchy twist, from the author of the bestselling The Train to Impossible Places.

Trainee meadow witch Anwen is having a bad day – which gets much worse when a dead giant falls from the sky and destroys her village. But when she examines the body she discovers something interesting. This giant was murdered, which means a killer is on the loose!

Tasked with sending a message to the giant kingdom via beanstalk, Anwen and her nemesis, trainee sorceress Cerys, accidentally find themselves whipped up into the sky and deposited in the giants’ royal palace – where the king is missing. Using their perfect spy-size and witchy skills, the girls must track down his killer. But how can you investigate a murder mystery when you risk being stepped on by your suspects?

Review

When the Giants’ king is murdered, 11-year-old Anwyn Sledge the Meadow Witch apprentice and her nemises, Cerys Powell, have to work together to discover who-done-it.

This is a fun fast-paced mystery adventure, with well-developed 3-dimensional characters and brilliant writing that will keep young readers gripped to the end.

I was particularly impressed with the main characters’ voices, which highlighted the conflict between Anwen and Cerys and made for some hilarious scenes – a great example of show rather than tell. The gradual development of their relationship was also real and believable.

I enjoyed this middle grade cosy crime, full of twists and turns and a totally surprising yet crediable murderer.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, The Big Bad Wolf is Dead.

Extract

Anwen was hiding behind a horse.

She was doing her best to pretend that she wasn’t hiding, of course – that she was, in fact, just standing there, minding her own business in a sheltered corner of the tavern stable yard – but she wasn’t a very accomplished liar, even when she was lying to herself. She was hiding all right, and the thought of it was downright embarrassing. Not so embarrassing that she was about to stop doing it, though – Cerys Powell was out there somewhere, and Anwen really didn’t want to bump into her.

As hiding places went, this was quite a good one. By peering around the horse’s backside, she could see most of the busy market crowd without being seen herself. She stroked the horse’s flank as her eyes darted from person to person, searching for the telltale flashes of golden hair or sea-blue dress that meant Cerys was on the prowl.

“I don’t see her anywhere,” she told the horse. “Perhaps she already left for the Academy.”

The beast snorted and flicked its tail in her face.

“There’s no need to be like that,” Anwen said. “I know you’re hungry, but I already told you I haven’t got any food. And don’t pretend you didn’t understand me, because I’m fluent in horse, I’ll have you know. Well, fluent in pony, actually, but it’s virtually the same thing.”

She realized this last statement had been a mistake when the horse huffed and stamped its hoof, narrowly missing her toes. Anwen sighed.

“Fine, I know when I’ve worn out my welcome,” she said. “Honestly, why do horses have to be so snobbish?”

Cautiously, she stepped out from behind the animal. She felt exposed, and her hand went instinctively to the sprig of lucky heather woven through the untidy thatch of her hair. Come on, Anwen, she thought. You’ve got a job to do. Feeling a little more confident, she smoothed down her green woollen dress and made her way into the market square.

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About the Author

P.G. Bell is a native of South Wales, where he was raised on a diet of Greek mythology, ghost  stories and Doctor Who. He’s had all sorts of jobs over the years, from lifeguard to roller-coaster operator, but has always wanted to write stories. He lives in Wales with his wife Anna and their two children.

P. G. Bell author photo


The Train to Impossible Places, P.G.’s debut series, has enjoyed widespread success, including shortlistings for the Branford Boase Award, the Crimefest Awards and the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize.

You can find out more about P. G. Bell and his novel from his website:

and follow him on: https://www.pgbellwriter.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/pgbellwriter

X: https://twitter.com/petergbell

To see posts from the rest of the tour check out the schedule here:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – Tangletree Mysteries by Steve Roberts and Joel Stewart

Join me today on the blog tour for a brilliant new adventure series for early readers, ages 6 – 7, which have been packaged as graphic novels.

My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.

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Title: Tangletree Mysteries

Written and Illustrated by: Steve Roberts and Joel Stewart

Published by: Wellbeck Publishing

Blurb

Join Peggy the dog and her faithful sidekick, Stew the shrew, as they go on TWO brilliant adventures in Tangletree! This colourfully illustrated comic series is perfect for fans of Narwhal and Jelly.

Peggy the dog has a secret… every day, during her walk in the park, she scampers into Tangletree Wood and becomes a brilliant detective! No mystery is too tricky to solve for Peggy and her faithful sidekick, Stu. Join them for these two twisty adventures:

Case 1: Slime Time

Something strange is happening in Tangletree. Lots of the townsfolk are sleepwalking, and when they wake up, they’re covered in disgusting sticky slime! What could be causing these weird occurrences? Only Peggy and Stu can find out!

Case 2: Mud Race

It’s competition time and the Tangletree Mud Race Challenge is in full swing. But the course this year is incredibly difficult and dangerous! Could it have something to do with a runaway track-laying machine? It’s another case for Peggy and Stu!

A graphic novel series ideal for readers starting to enjoy stories independently, visual readers and aspiring mystery solvers!

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In book two,Peggy and Stu Play the Wrong Notes, there are two more fun-filled adventures:

Case 1: Trumpet Trouble

It’s the day of the Tangletree Spring Dance and the town band is desperate to play. But the trumpet-player’s trumpet has developed a life of its own and has run off into the forest! Can Peggy and Stu catch it, discover why it’s moving, and save the Spring Dance?

Case 2: Cake Crimes

Tangletree has a visitor: a pop-up bakery with the most delicious cakes. So delicious, the townsfolk can’t stop eating them. And so sweet, they’re giving everyone terrible toothache… Can it be a coincidence that a pop-up dentist has opened up as well?

Review

These bold and vibrant graphic novels where a joy to read and I hope we see a lot more books like this in the future. The short story format of about 30 spreads and told entirely in dialogue speech bubbles, make these books highly accessible to readers just beginning to read independently.

I particularly liked the way Peggy disappears on her walk everyday to visit her office in Tangletree and gets pulled into another adventure with Stu. Then after she has jotted down the mystery they have solved in her casebook at the end the story, she returns to her owner with her ball as if nothing has happened.

There are also a host of other fun and dynamic support characters, such as Flo the cafe owner and my favourite, misunderstood Warrington.

With hilarious plots, these books are ideal for encouraging reluctant readers at Key Stage One and early Key Stage Two. I wish I had something similar when I was at school instead of the formidable Janet and John books. The Tangletree Mysteries definitely make reading fun.

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To follow the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule:

I would like to thank Antonia Wilkinson for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – The Red Tunic by Kate Wiseman

It is my stop on The Write Reads book tour for The Red Tunic by Kate Wiseman, published by Neem Tree Press this month, August 2024.

Blurb

History and gender are intertwined in this fast-paced arresting account of the First World War and its devastating impact on familial and romantic bonds.

As headstrong as her twin is gentle, Nina has never fit the womanly mould society expects of her. Alfie and Nina Mullins have always relied on their shared world of hope and make-believe for comfort, but as the pressure on Alfie to prove himself at the Front mounts, Nina is presented with more possibility than she had ever imagined and the two are pushed in wildly different directions.

Coming of age as the First World War breaks out, the Mullins twins’ fates are inextricably interlinked with the turmoil of conflict in this fascinating exploration of gender roles and the extremes to which war pushes us.

About the Author

Kate was a late developer, attending university to study English and Creative Writing in her late 30s. She was one of the real life ‘Ritas’ featured on the Radio 4 Woman’s Hour Programme commemorating the anniversary of the play, Educating Rita.

Kate is a dedicated and licenced mudlark who is never happier than when she is up to her eyes in mud. She has won several literary awards and this year judged the historical fiction and biography category of the prestigious Eyelands International Book Awards.

My stop on the tour is an author interview about the The Red Tunic

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What are the underlying themes of The Red Tunic?

The Red Tunic explores people who defied stereotypes and societal expectations in the First World War. Neglected twins Nina and Alfie Mullins grow up heavily reliant on each other. Nina is headstrong, restless and perpetually in trouble; Alfie is a gentle peacemaker. Coming of age when conscription was introduced for all men over 18, it makes sense to Nina to disguise herself as her brother and take his place on the battlefield. Alfie takes Nina’s place as a nurse in a hospital treating those wounded in the war. As they adjust to their new roles, they discover facets of themselves they didn’t know existed.

So I guess the themes are gender, defiance, love, war, joy, despair, loss, hope, stereotyping… there are more but that’s probably enough!

In the acknowledgements of The Red Tunic, you explain that this book has been a ‘labour of love’. How long have you been working on The Red Tunic and what first sparked your interest?  

My fascination with the First World War goes back as long as I can remember. It was a turning point between Victorian notions of duty to King and Empire, and more modern attitudes. Some of my favourite novels deal with the First World War, and the outpouring of art of all forms from that catastrophic event was, I think, unprecedented.

I grew up with several brothers and was always interested in books and comics considered ‘boyish’ in those unenlightened times. I loved reading Victor and Tiger and Scorcher – comics intended for boys. I think that this fostered my fascination with war. I wanted to imagine what it would be like for a woman to be placed in that ultra-masculine environment. Research revealed that there have always been women who penetrated the battlefield, usually disguised as men, with the exception of the remarkable Flora Sandes, a British vicar’s daughter who ended up fighting as a woman in the Serbian army. She became a sergeant major and has been commemorated on Serbian stamps.

So, to finally get round to answering your question, I have been thinking about the situation in which Nina and Alfie find themselves for years. Researching and checking took a long time. There was so much that had to be verified: the noise of various weapons on the battlefield, for instance, and the order in which would hear them if you were unlucky enough to be involved in the fight, and the make and weight of the rifle issued to Nina. I started putting words to paper in 2016, I think, and worked on the book for about 5 years.

Do you have a favourite character in your book and why?

I love Nina and Alfie, the twins who swap places, but I also love Great Aunt Julia. She’s the family black sheep – an outspoken suffragette who simply disregards rules that she disagrees with. Everyone is terrified of her, but she cares about Nina and Alfie and is there when they need someone. Very different to Cedric, their cold-hearted father. Nina and Alfie must have inherited their non-conformist attitudes from her. I also like Great Aunt Julia’s outlandish taste in clothes. She wears a hat that looks like a guardsman’s bearskin to a family wedding.

Which resources did you find most useful when researching The Red Tunic?

There are so many brilliant modern novels about the First World War. Birdsong and Pat Barker’s trilogy are special favourites. For a heart-breaking contemporary novel written from the German point of view, read All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque. Peter Jackson’s documentary, They Shall Not Grow Old, is a real revelation. It features colourised original film of the conflict. It makes it seem as if it happened yesterday. Unforgettable. Finally, Sarah Percy’s Forgotten Warriors explores the lives of many of the women who made their mark in historical conflicts, disguised as men.

Have you got any writing rituals?

Nothing very exciting. I prefer to write in the mornings and always start off by rereading what I wrote the previous day. I don’t use a desk anymore; I lie back and balance my laptop on my chest!

What one piece of writing advice would you give to people aspiring to write a novel set in World War One?

Don’t be put off by what others have written before you, or by how they have written it. We all have our own story to tell, and our own voice to write in.

Tell us where you prefer to write and why.

I find that writing on holidays or on writing retreats works well for me. I think it’s because by removing myself from my everyday life and all its routines, I feel free to explore other lives and other worlds. It’s really liberating. I nearly always start a new manuscript while I’m away from home.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The Red Tunic?

Nina’s lover – Liam – is based on my sixth form crush. Apparently he liked me too, but we never declared our love, alas! If he reads The Red Tunic, he will definitely recognise himself.

What are your social media links where can people find out about you and your books?

Find me on Instagram: @kittywise999

Twitter (X): @katewiseman

My website is: www.katewiseman.co.uk

Where is the best place for people to buy The Red Tunic?

It should be in all good bookshops. If it’s not on the shelves, they can order it for you. Or buy it direct from neemtreepress.com. Thank you!

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You can read reviews of The Red Tunic on Amazon and Goodreads or follow the tour to discover what othr book bloggers have siad about this WWI historical romance:

I would like to thank Dave from The Write Reads for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour Two – The Legendary Mo Seto

Today is my slot on the blog tour for the fantastic middle grade adventure, The Legendary Mo Seto by A. Y. Chan and publsihed by Simon & Schuster. This exciting action-packed novel was released on June 4th 2024.

I have previously reviewed this book on my blog here: Blog Tour – The Legendary Mo Seto by A. Y. Chan.

My stop on the tour today takes the form of an author interview.

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What are the underlying themes The Legendary Mo Seto?

The underlying themes in The Legendary Mo Seto are ones every kid can relate to—self-acceptance, loving yourself, forgiveness and figuring out how to navigate friendships and family. Mo’s story is all about setting goals and pushing through challenges, but at its core, it’s about embracing who you are and realizing you’re perfect just the way you are. My hope is that this adventure not only entertains but also inspires kids to believe in themselves and see the greatness they already hold inside.

How do you get inside your character’s heads? Talk us through your writing process.

When I get inside my characters’ heads, I focus on their essence—what makes them them—rather than on their physical appearance. I picture their energy, expressions, and how they move through the world. I love blending in traits from quirky people I know and imagining how they’d react in different situations. Then, I play around with dialogue and tweak their personalities until they feel real and relatable.

In your opinion what are the essential characteristics of a hero you can root for?

To me, a hero you can root for is someone who’s flawed but still redeemable—imperfect, yet relatable. They take charge, making things happen instead of waiting for life to come to them. They might be defiant or even a bit rebellious, but they never cross ethical lines. A true hero trusts their instincts, isn’t dependent on others to solve their problems, and, most importantly, continually challenges themselves to grow. When I created Mo Seto, I wanted her to embody these traits—a real, relatable hero you can’t help but cheer for!

Do you play music whilst your write? If so what is your favourite? If not, why not?

I don’t usually play music while I write because I’m easily distracted! When I’m deep in a scene, especially one with lots of dialogue or action, I need to “hear” the words in my head, and lyrics tend to steal the spotlight. But when I do use music, it’s all about setting the mood with instrumental tracks. For the fight scenes in The Legendary Mo Seto, I’d search for ‘Martial Arts Music’ to capture the right vibe and keep the energy high. While I usually prefer the quiet, sometimes the right music can really bring a scene to life!

If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which one would you pick and why?

What a fun question! I hadn’t considered a spin-off before, but there are definitely a couple of side characters who could shine in their own stories. Dax, the antagonist, is complex and intriguing—he’s dealing with a tough family situation, and his struggles have shaped him into someone who’s strong-willed but misguided. Exploring his journey as he learns to process his emotions could make for a fascinating story. Then there’s Nacho’s grandfather, Gramps, who has an incredible backstory filled with missed opportunities and dreams of acting. I’d love to dive into his life and see him finally tackle those movie roles he always dreamed of, having the time of his life.

Which part of The Legendary Mo Seto was most fun to write?

The most fun part of writing The Legendary Mo Seto were the fight scenes. I drew on my own experience in taekwondo and all the martial arts movies I’ve loved over the years. In fact, I got to sit down and watch martial arts movies as “research,” which was a blast. Since Mo is trying out for a movie in the story, I wanted the fight scenes to feel cinematic—like you’re right there, watching it all unfold on the big screen. Bringing that energy and excitement to the page was a thrilling challenge, and I hope readers feel that same adrenaline rush when they dive into Mo’s world!

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve ever been given about writing?

The most valuable piece of writing advice I’ve ever received is to keep writing, even when stuck. It’s better to have something on the page, no matter how rough, because you can always edit and improve it later—working with bad writing is easier than staring at a blank page! Another gem is to treat every character like they’re the hero of their own story. Even the side characters need their own hopes, dreams, and arcs. They’re not just there to support the main character—they each bring something unique and important to the story. This approach really shaped The Legendary Mo Seto and made the characters come alive in ways I hadn’t imagined.

Is there anything else you would like to tell readers about The Legendary Mo Seto and writing for children?

What I loved most about writing The Legendary Mo Seto is capturing the optimism and innocence that make middle grade books so special. There’s something magical about the way middle grade stories can uplift you, no matter your age. I’m an adult, and it is still my favourite genre to read! Every time I finish a book, I’m left with a feeling of joy and hope, and that’s what I aimed to convey in Mo’s story. I wanted readers to come away believing that anything is possible and to feel inspired to reach for their dreams. Middle grade books aren’t just for kids—they’re for anyone who needs a little extra magic in their life.

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About the Author:

A.Y. Chan is the author of The Legendary Mo Seto, a story about a 12-year-old female martial artist who auditions for a movie role opposite her favorite martial arts movie hero—only to find out she’s too small for the role. Growing up in Canada’s Greater Toronto Area, A.Y. read all the middle grade and young adult books she could get her hands on. To this day, those remain her favorite genres.

After achieving her black belt in Taekwondo, she explored a range of other types of martial arts, and she draws upon her experiences in learning new techniques and philosophies to inspire her writing. These days, she continues her martial arts training some mornings, writes in the afternoons, takes long walks to muddle out plot points, and falls asleep reading.

You can follow A. Y. Chan on Twitter/X: @aychanwrites, Instagram: @aychanwrites and Facebook: @aychanwrites.

Her website is: www.aychanwrites.com.

I would like to thank Dave at The Write Reads for inviting me on this tour. Thank you.

Blog Tour – Bloodtide and Bloodsong by Melvin Burgess

I was lucky enough to receive the 25th anniversary edition of the duology, Bloodtide and Bloodsong by Melvin Burgess, to review as part of the Kaleidoscopic blog tour.

My stop on the tour takes the form of a book review.

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Title: Bloodtide and Bloodsong duology 25th anniversary edition

Written by: Melvin Burgess

Cover design and Illustration by: Kate McKendrick Grove

Published by: Anderson Press

Blurb

London is in ruins. The once-glorious city is now a gated wasteland cut off from the rest of the country and in the hands of two warring families – the Volsons and the Conors.

In Bloodtide, Val Volson offers the hand of his young daughter, Signy, to Conor as a truce. At first the marriage seems to have been blessed by the gods, but betrayal and deceit are never far away in this violent world, and the lives of both families are soon to be changed for ever…

A generation later, in Bloodsong, fifteen-year-old Sigurd, son of King Sigmund, is the last surviving member of the Volson clan. His father’s kingdom – the former city of London – is gone. Armed with a legendary weapon, Sigurd faces death, fire and torment as he travels through Hel and back to unite his country once again.

Review

This duology is a thrilling and violently gory, fast-paced adventure set in post-apocalyptic United Kingdom, 200 years in the future. Both Signy in Bloodsong and Sigurd in Bloodtide have to fight to overcome the villainous and menacing technology engulfing what is left of the UK.

I was totally consumed by this incredible Terminator meets Lord of the Rings fantasy. The reimagining of Norse Legend mixed with science fiction, kept me turning the pages despite the fact I found the physical book rather bulky and heavy to hold.

With themes of betrayal, revenge and despair, I would recommend this duology to all fantasy fans who enjoy discovering links with popular mythology.

Extract

The top thirty floors had broken away a long time ago, but the Galaxy Building was still the tallest in London. Engineers had cleared it up so it was safe up there – sort of. A man with close, curly white hair was standing on the viewing platform, pointing out landmarks. His face was a net of fine, soft wrinkles and hard lines cut across by a Y-shaped scar over one eye. He was dressed in a loose suit, rolled up at the sleeves. As he leaned forward to point out Big Ben, St Paul’s, Tower Bridge, Docklands and beyond, the man’s jacket hung open. Under the suit was a shoulder holster. You could see the neat, deadly shape tucked inside.

This was Val Volson. He owned half of London.

By his side, following his finger, was a tall, wiry girl aged fourteen. She was wearing a short skirt and leggings and a little green jacket which hung open to reveal another shoulder holster containing another, smaller gun. It was handmade for her – girl-sized. But just as deadly.

You could see it all from up here – the buildings of London, its hills and peaks as far as the suburbs and the Wall. Beyond the Wall, dappled in the distance, lay the halfman lands – acres of rubble and tumbling walls, and the trees turning yellow on this mild autumn day, pushing their way through the Tarmac. After that, the world began.

And far out of sight to the northwest, Ragnor. Its towers and buildings were said to dwarf Old London. Halfman captives said that it seemed to float on the air, made of glittering stripes of light and glass and dark stripes of shadow. At night it shone like a bright little galaxy in the great world Outside. Its very existence was a reminder that London was locked out of the world.

‘And when we’ve got the rest of London just like that,’ said Val. He pushed his thumb down hard onto the palm of his other hand to show just where he wanted the rest of London. ‘Then, my girl, we’ll break out into the halfman lands. And after the halfmen it’s the fields and the farms and the villages and the towns. And after that we take Ragnor itself and deal with the security forces . . .’

‘But the halfmen!’ cried the girl, in an agony of delight and terror.

‘That’s the easy part. They’ll be all dead and gone by then. Then . . . England . . . Europe. Be part of the nation again. We’ll be the nation. Yeah. Not long now. We’re getting so close, Signy!’

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About the Author

Melvin Burgess was born in London and brought up in Surrey and Sussex. He has had a variety of jobs before becoming a full-time writer. Before his first novel, he had short stories published and a play broadcast on Radio 4.

He is now regarded as one of the best writers in contemporary children’s literature, having won the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize for his acclaimed novel Junk.

You can follow Melvin Burgess on Twitter: @melvinburgess

To see the rest of the tour take a look at the schedule below:

I would like to thank Bee from Kaleidoscopic Tours for inviting me to take part in this tour. Thank you.