Well, Darlington actually, to shoot the video promo of The Jazz Files. Now after 3 months of work I can reveal all of 58 seconds of film! Make sure your sound is switched on. Enjoy 🙂
In memory
Today is Armistice Day. At 11am we will stop to remember the millions who have lost their lives in wars and conflicts. Like many I am appalled at how this annual memorial – and the symbol of the poppy – seems to have been taken over as a military recruitment drive. And yet, I still will wear a red poppy. To remember what happened in those blood-soaked trenches and the blood that has been shed since. I also remember my parents who were married 51 years ago today. My mother died in 2013. Today is one of the days I particularly remember her. I started this cross stitch a couple of days after her death. This is for her and my dad as well as for everyone mourning someone’s loss.
Death of a suffragette
I’ve just been filming a short promotional video for The Jazz Files. It’ll be a few weeks before it’s ready, but here I am playing the suffragette who dies and kicks off the mystery. Before and after … The film was shot at the Head of Steam Railway Museum in Darlington.
The Jazz Files is launched!
Well it’s finally happened. The first book in my 1920s mystery series, Poppy Denby Investigates, has hit the shelves. If you’re in the Newcastle upon Tyne area on Friday the 25th at 7pm, do drop by Waterstones near the Monument for the official launch party. There will be live jazz, a free glass of bubbly and 1920s costume! Oh, and a chance to hear me read a chapter from the book. If you are in the UK, but not in the area, books are now available to order through your local bookshop or from various online retailers.
In Australia you can order through Booktopia
In New Zealand from Fishpond
In South Africa you can pre-order the paperback from Takealot.com or get the e-book today from Amazon.co.uk (at least I hope you can. If not, you will have to wait until it becomes available in the USA – see below).
In USA –Â I’m so sorry my darlings, but it is only being released in the USA on 28 November! However, if you really can’t wait – and who would blame you if you couldn’t? – you can order from the UK Amazon site and have it shipped over. It’ll get there long before the 28 November! Amazon.co.uk
If you would like to read more about Poppy Denby and her world, please visit www.poppydenby.com
A cracker of a crime thriller
A lovely review of The Peace Garden from the Bookaholic ‘A cracker of a crime thriller’
‘This is a book on two levels. At its most basic it is about a young girl who sets out to investigate why plants are going missing in an English suburb. This seemingly simple premise leads to an exciting thriller which takes the reader on a roller coaster ride. It plays out in both England and South Africa. This is during the apartheid era and the depiction of life for black South Africans during this time is superb. The characters are well rounded and come across as real. The reader can almost palpably feel the anger emanating from Thabo, a young Black teenager. Natalie, the main character is also real and the reader sees her grow and develop throughout the book.
The settings also play a large part in the book. They are beautifully drawn and the reader can imagine them perfectly. Veitch Smith contrasts them and then skillfully pulls them together.
Fiona Veitch Smith is an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more from her. This is a book I can highly recommend.’
Click on the image of the book below or in the right-hand menu to buy it.
