Hi guys,

It’s been a while since we’ve had a chat and I thought I’d let you know what’s been happening here at chez Donovan.

My darling wife recently had a significant birthday and we’re in the middle of preparing to host a family gathering here in August. Fingers crossed for the weather. We’ve recently returned from a fortnight in the UK, visiting our family—two weeks that flew by. I always return exhausted from those trips, but happy to have seen our three children and three (soon to be four) grandchildren.

That’s the domestic news, now for the authorial front where I’ve been busy, busy, busy.

After months of writing, editing, cover designing, proofreading, and planning, the latest novel in the DCI Jones Casebook series of crime thrillers, Sean Freeman finally hit the bookshelves last month.

Although the third in the Casebook series, Sean Freeman, is the second full-length novel and I’ve likened it to that ‘difficult second album’. Fellow writers (and musicians) know how scary the publication/recording process really is and the follow-up to the first ‘hit’ is particularly trying. Truth is I’ve been terrified during the whole process, although I’ve already received some positive feedback from readers, which is a huge relief. Sales have been refreshingly brisk too, so thanks to all who’ve bought and read the novel.

The events in Sean Freeman occurr before those of Raymond Collins and Ellis Flynn. As a result, I’m calling it a prequel and the ‘official’ start of the Casebook series, each of which can be read as a standalone novel. For those of you who’ve already read Ellis Flynn, don’t worry, a sequel is in the works to answer an outstanding question (no spoilers here!). However, the next entry in the Casebook series will be a story focussing on David Jones’ protégé, Detective Sergeant Phil Cryer, he with the growing family and the eidetic memory. The working title is The DCI Jones Casebook: Cryer’s View, and we’ll be seeing the world through Phil’s eyes. The story will start shortly after the events that took place at the end of Raymond Collins, and will include the usual cast of characters, David Jones (of course), Alex Olganski, Ryan Washington, and that lazy lump you know the one I mean, Charlie Pelham.

My flirtation with fantasy/sci-fi, The Transition of Johnny Swift, still continues to baffle, amuse, and confuse readers, which was sort of the point. It’s what I call my ‘marmite’ book. You either love or hate it; there seems to be no middle ground. It started as an experiment in writing a story in first person, present tense, and I really loved the challenge. For those of you who’ve yet to read it, here’s an incentive. Ready?

On 19th June, I’m running a special discount promotion for the novel. For two days only, you can buy the ebook for a mere £0.99, ($0.99).

What? Are you serious? (Ed.)

Yep, absolutely. For two days only, you can buy the ebook at that ridiculously low price. How about that? This link will take you to the Amazon page where you can read the blurb and buy the book. Go on, give it a go, what’s to lose?

So, what’s next in the pipeline for yours truly? I’m in the middle of the first rewrite of my adventure yarn, On Lucky Shores. Set in the Colorado Rockies, the story follows resourceful musician, Chet Walker, as he hitchhikes across America searching out inspiration for his next song. When he arrives at the picturesque lakeside town of Lucky Shores, he stumbles across a six-year-old mystery, places himself in danger, and tries to help a beautiful imperilled woman. I hope to publish later this year and will keep you posted on progress.

By the way, my son, Kyall has promised to write and record a theme tune for On Lucky Shores to release ahead of the book launch. See what I did there? Linking my upcoming novel and the ‘difficult second album’ thing I mentioned earlier? Clever, eh? Okay, maybe not.

That’s all for now. If you fancy contacting me for a chat, you know where I am, right?

Have a wonderful summer if you’re in the northern hemisphere and a gentle winter if you aren’t.

Cheers,
Kerry.