A Deadly Covenant by Michael Stanley BLOG TOUR @detectivekubu @OrendaBooks #ADeadlyCovenant #Giveaway #Prize #Win

 

When a human skeleton is discovered at the site of a controversial new dam in remote northern Botswana, rookie Detective Kubu is drawn into a terrifying local feud, and discovers a deadly covenant that could change everything…

While building a pipeline near the Okavango Delta, a contractor unearths the remains of a long-dead Bushman. Rookie Detective David ‘Kubu’ Bengu of Botswana CID and Scottish pathologist, Ian MacGregor, are sent to investigate, and MacGregor discovers eight more skeletons.

Shortly after the gruesome discoveries, the elder of a nearby village is murdered in his home. The local police are convinced it was a robbery, but Kubu isn’t so sure … and neither is the strange woman who claims that an angry river spirit caused the elder’s death.

As accusations of corruption are levelled and international outrage builds over the massacre of the Bushman families, Kubu and his colleagues uncover a deadly covenant, and begin to fear that their own lives may be in mortal danger…

A Deadly Covenant by Michael Stanley was published by Orenda Books digitally on 8 October 2022, the paperback is released on 8 December.

I really enjoy this series, but sadly, due to the postal disruptions, I was unable to get this one read before my date on this Blog Tour. I intend to catch up and read it over Christmas

However, I'm delighted to have one print copy to giveaway as part of the Blog Tour. Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK entries only please.

GOOD LUCK! 

 

One copy of A Deadly Covenant by Michael Stanley

‘A wonderful, original voice – McCall Smith with a dark edge and even darker underbelly’ 

Peter James

 

‘Stanley gets everything – the dialogue, the terrain descriptions, the plot beats – right … and with a complex and endearing protagonist’ 

Publishers Weekly STARRED review

 

‘A real page turner, perfect for those who like their mysteries complex, and want something a little different’ 

Strand Magazine

Michael Stanley is the writing team of South African authors Michael Sears and Stanley Trollip. 

On a flying trip to Botswana, they watched a pack of hyenas hunt, kill and devour a wildebeest, eating both flesh and bones. 

That gave them the premise for their first mystery, A Carrion Death, which introduced Detective ‘Kubu’ Bengu of the Botswana CID. 

It was a finalist for five awards, including the CWA John Creasey (New Blood) Dagger. 

The third in the series, Death of the Mantis, won the Barry Award for Best Paperback Original mystery and was a finalist for an Edgar award. 

Deadly Harvest was a finalist for an International Thriller Writers’ award. 

A Death in the Family and Dying to Live are the latest in the Detective Kubu series, published by Orenda Books. 

A prequel to the Detective Kubu series, Facets of Death, was published in 2021 and A Deadly Covenant follows Kubu’s second case.

Twitter @detectivekubu

Small Acts of Kindness by Jennifer Antill BLOG TOUR #SmallActsofKindness @jennifer_antill @UnicornPubGroup @RandomTTours #BookExtract

 

St Petersburg, 1825. Imperial Russia still basks in the glory of victory over Napoleon, but in the army and elsewhere resentment is growing against serfdom and autocracy.

Vasily, a pleasure loving, privileged young man, returns home from abroad expecting to embark on a glittering career. Having become entangled in an impossible love affair, he joins a conspiracy to overthrow the government. Threatened by exile to Siberia or death, he is forced to flee the Tsar’s vengeance.

Vasily hopes to rebuild his life in a distant provincial town. But he cannot forget his lost love, and now finds himself pursued by a rival who aims to destroy him.

Can he escape the past, mend his broken relationships and find a better way to change the world?

Small Acts of Kindness by Jennifer Antill is published in paperback on 15 November 2022 by Universe / Unicorn Publishing.

As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour, I am delighted to share an extract from the book with you here today. 

An extract from Small Acts of Kindness by Jennifer Antill 

PROLOGUE



12 December 1825, The City Barrier, St Petersburg

‘Open up!’

Sparks spiral skywards through the dark frozen air. The

sentry thrusts his blazing torch into the sealed wagon. Revealed in an arc of light, the prisoner shields his eyes. He staggers back and falls, unbalanced by his chains, and his head slumps onto his chest.

‘Let’s be seeing you!’

The man looks up, is dazzled, blinded.

‘You’ll do.’

An officer in the guardhouse scans the documents, stamps them, and hands them up to the driver, who, clumsy in his heavy furs, stuffs them into his boot. The city clocks strike midnight.

The door slams with a metallic clang; the bar drops; darkness returns. The wagon sways away into the night, taking the road towards Moscow. As the surface roughens, the vehicle bucks and judders. The prisoner is jerked back and forth, his body driven repeatedly against the rigid side. There is straw on the floor. He pulls a bundle towards him, trying to bury himself. The cold seems to dissolve his flesh, invade his bones; his throat is sore and very dry. They have left him a flask; he gropes for it. The water tastes of salt, of old leather. There seems to be bread too. He tries to eat. He cannot swallow.

He must think, must focus, and try to grasp what has happened, what damage he might have done. He had been with his friend the Englishman, opening the Madeira, enjoying the warmth of the fire when they had come for him. And now, suddenly, he is here, shivering, shackled, alone. Has he been deceived? Tricked? Are they, after all, taking him to the fortress?

The wagon picks up speed and achieves a smoother rhythm. He shuts his eyes and drifts into the past.

Jennifer Antill studied Russian Language, Literature and Politics, at UCL SSEES, and has travelled widely in the country, often living with Russian families. 

She gives talks on Russian cultural topics to a wide variety of organisations. 

In a former life she worked in the City of London as an Investment Analyst and for eleven years served as a local councillor. 

Jennifer is married to Nick, has two sons and lives in Suffolk.

www.jenniferantill.com

Twitter @jennifer_antill

The Drums of War by Michael Ward BLOG TOUR #TheDrumsofWar @mikewardmedia @RandomTTours #BookExtract

 

London 1642.

The King has fled London with the drums of war ringing in his ears. Across the country, lines are being drawn and armies raised.

Influential royalist Lady Carlisle switches sides and presses spice trader Thomas Tallant and his partner Elizabeth Seymour into Parliament's service.

Soon Thomas faces double-dealing in his hunt for a lethal hoard of gunpowder hidden on the river, while Elizabeth engages in a race against time to locate a hidden sniper picking off Parliamentary officers at will in the city.

The capital also witnesses a vicious gang of jewel thieves take advantage of the city’s chaos to go on the rampage, smashing homes and shops, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. They hand pick their targets but refrain from selling any of their loot. There are more questions than answers.

When war finally erupts, Elizabeth is caught in the brutalising carnage of Edgehill while Thomas joins the Trained Bands in their defence of the city. As he mans the barricades at Brentford, in a desperate rearguard action to repel Prince Rupert’s surprise attack, he realises the future of London rests in the hands of him and a few hundred troopers.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth believes she has identified the jewel thief and goes underground to trace his hoard.

But all is not as it seems.

The Drums of War by Michael Ward was published in paperback on 14 October 2022 and is the third in the Thomas Tallent Mystery series. 

As part of this #RandomThingsTours Blog Tour, I am delighted to share an extract from the book with you here today. 

Extract from The Drums of War by Michael Ward 

Little Salisbury House, Strand, London

August, 1642

The Countess of Carlisle swept into the room, a three-masted galleon under full sail. It was ten o’clock in the morning but there she was, in an exquisite dress of crimson silk dressed with pearls, softly rustling as it kissed the floor on her voyage towards Elizabeth Seymour. The Countess always made an entrance, even for a mere acquaintance.

‘Elizabeth! How good of you to come. I hope you are keeping well?’

She studied her ladyship as they exchanged pleasantries before moving to a window overlooking the rear garden and the Thames beyond. Lucy had been the darling of the royal court and the Queen’s confidante. But now the King had fled London in the face of mounting opposition, both from Parliament and the people. Always politically astute, the Countess had switched her support to the King’s opponents before his departure. How was she faring in her new world?

The Countess invited Elizabeth to sit by the window. ‘Have you heard about William Harvey?’

Elizabeth gave a start. Harvey was a scientist whose brilliant theories on blood circulation in the body had prompted a correspondence between them two years ago. She now regarded him as a friend. What had happened?

‘Oh, do not look alarmed. As far as I know, Mr. Harvey is in good health. But I’m afraid bad news awaits him. His lodgings in Whitehall have been ransacked. Much damage has been done.’

Elizabeth pictured Harvey’s home, crammed with the results of twenty years’ research. Her mouth went dry. ‘Was anything taken?’

Lucy paused, her face mournful. Even she understood the import of her next words. ‘I believe so. A gang was seen leaving with bags full of written notes, and others left strewn across the street.’

Elizabeth felt the air leave her body, and her head dropped. She pictured Harvey’s reaction to the loss of a lifetime’s work, the details of his dissections and findings painstakingly noted for future reference and publication. He would be shattered. ‘William was not there?’

‘No. I understand he is currently in Nottingham with the King.’

As Harvey’s star had risen in the medical world, he had been appointed Physician in Ordinary to King Charles and was often required to attend him. At least he was safe. ‘Am I right to assume his house was targeted because of his link to the King?’

‘I fear so. Such loutish behaviour. Yet another inundation of the vulgar. Although Harvey does not help himself. I understand he previously described the King’s opponents as fanatics, robbers and murderers!’

‘Feelings are running high. Many fear what the future holds.’

Lucy scowled. ‘What my future holds is a dull existence without the court. The sooner this argument with the King blows over, the better.’

There was a knock on the door and a manservant entered, carrying a silver salver. He bowed. ‘A letter for you, my lady.’ Lucy took the envelope, glanced at the writing and placed it on the table, as her servant retreated from the room.

‘How apposite. It is from Mr. Pym, and I was about to mention his name.’ John Pym. The leader of the Puritan cabal in Parliament opposed to the King and, it was said, Lucy’s lover. Elizabeth had marveled at Lucy’s ability to move her support from King to Pym in a heartbeat, yet still retain her influence.

‘Despite Harvey’s political persuasion,’ Lucy continued, ‘Mr. Pym does not approve of the destruction of his property and life’s work. Such pillaging does the Puritan cause no good, especially when it will be reported extensively in the Mercurius Aulicus.’ Elizabeth nodded her agreement. The rapid growth of radical pamphlets was now matched by Royalist newsletters that would jump on this news.

‘His lodgings have been secured but others may attempt entry again, now it’s known he’s not at home. Mr. Harvey must be informed and any remaining papers secured and evaluated for their scientific value, awaiting his further instructions.

Writing has been central to Mike Ward’s professional life. 

On graduating from university he became a journalist, working in newspapers and for the BBC. 

He then went into journalism education, teaching and researching journalism practice before becoming head of the UK’s prestigious Journalism School at UCLan. 

For the last eight years he has run his own content creation company.

www.mikewardmedia.com

Twitter @mikewardmedia

 

My Husband's Killer by Laura Marshall #MyHusbandsKiller @laurajm8 @BooksSphere @Bookish_Becky #BookReview

 

Three couples. One murder. A holiday to die for . . .

We arrived at a villa on the Amalfi Coast, ready to enjoy a sun-soaked weekend with our oldest friends - and one new face.

By the end of the weekend, my husband is found dead.

But how can I mourn him, when on the day of his funeral I discover he was having an affair?

The only suspects are the women we went on holiday with. My oldest, closest friends.

I really want to dig into my husband's secret? Do I really want to know who betrayed me?

My Husband's Killer by Laura Marshall is published on 29 November 2022 by Sphere Books. My thanks to the publisher who sent my copy for review. 

There are lots of novels around at the moment that centre around friends who go on holiday together, I really enjoy them and this one is one of the best that I've read in a long while. Despite the fairly large cast of characters, which does take some sorting out at the beginning, it's a novel filled with suspense, intrigue and mystery.

The story begins after the group of friends took their short break to the Amalfi Coast. It's the day of Andrew's funeral. Andrew was one of the guests, he and his wife Liz joined the others for a few days of relaxation, sunshine, good food and lots to drink. Andrew didn't return from the trip, he's missing, feared drowned and the authorities have pronounced him dead. Whilst Liz is devastated that her husband of twenty-five years, and the father of her two boys has died so tragically, she's also made a discovery.  She's now angry and determined to find out which of her so-called best friends have betrayed her. 

The reader is taken back to the holiday in Italy. The setting is beautiful, the gorgeous villa, all paid for by Todd, is pure luxury and the friends want for nothing. Todd is Saffie's new boyfriend and not so well known by the others. They all knew and loved Saffie's husband Owen, and Andrew was especially close to Owen. He's struggling to accept Todd's hospitality, he has feelings of guilt that Owen is now living along in a crummy flat whilst his wife and children live in luxury. 

I was utterly engrossed by the interactions between these people. They are all glitz and glamour at first sight, but this clever author reveals so much more about each one of them. Their back stories, their flaws, their weaknesses. All are exposed and all add depth to what becomes a story that is so intriguing. 

With twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes, My Husband's Killer is an enjoyable read that kept me guessing throughout. Great plot, amazing characterisation and a setting that is just beautiful. 

Laura Marshall is the bestselling author of three psychological thrillers. Her debut novel, Friend Request, was a Kindle No.1 and Sunday Times bestseller, with over half a million copies sold in the UK. Laura's books have sold in twenty-four territories around the globe.

She grew up in Wiltshire, studied English at the University of Sussex and currently lives in Kent with her family.

For more information visit Laura's website www.lauramarshall.co.uk or find her at www.facebook.com/lauramarshallauthor or on Twitter @laurajm8

BBC Maestro Online Writing Courses #Competition #Win @bbcmaestro @LeeChildReacher @jed_mercurio #BBCMaestro #Prize #Giveaway

 

BBC Maestro is a subscription-based streaming platform, created to educate and inspire people to explore their creativity. 

Through pre-recorded lessons and detailed course notes, anyone can learn a wide range of disciplines and follow in the footsteps of experts respected all over the world.

BBC Maestro offers single course purchases or an annual subscription.

I am absolutely delighted to have two online writing courses from BBC Maestro to give away on Random Things today.

I have gift cards for the full cost of both courses to give away.

Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget for the prize that you'd like to win

GOOD LUCK! 

Writing Popular Fiction with Lee Child 

Lee Child, the bestselling author of the Jack Reacher novels, is one of the world's most successful authors of all time. 

Since he began writing in his 40s, he's sold an incredible 200 million books, topping the best seller charts worldwide for three decades. 

For the very first time, and exclusively on BBC Maestro, Lee breaks down his writing process. 

He'll show you how to turn your blank page into a complete story, covering idea development, research, planning, character development and, ultimately, how you can make a living as a writer – whatever your age and experience. 

Lee's long and unparalleled career is proof that it's never too late to get started.

35 lessons, 8 hrs

Course notes

Writing Drama  for Television by Jed Mercurio

Ever wanted to create your own TV series?

Learn how, from the award-winning creator of Bodyguard, Trigger Point and Line of Duty.

28 lessons, 7 hrs

Course notes

Two Gift Cards for BBC Maestro Online Writing Courses

BBC Maestro is currently available in the following territories: 

United Kingdom, Isle of Mann, Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey, Australia, South Africa, Canada, India, Brazil, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Portugal, Singapore, New Zealand, Hong Kong, UAE and USA. 

We are planning on launching BBC Maestro in other territories in the future. 

SEE THE FULL LIST OF COURSES HERE

The Hiding Place by Amanda Mason #Giveaway @amandajanemason @ZaffreBooks #TheHidingPlace #Prize #Competition #Win

 

Some secrets can never be concealed . . .

Nell Galilee, her husband and twelve year old step-daughter Maude rent a holiday cottage by the sea, needing time and space away from home. Nell grew up in this small, wind-blown town and has mixed feelings about returning, and it isn't long before she is recognised by a neighbour, seemingly desperate to befriend her. The cottage has been empty for some time, and from the start Nell feels uncomfortable there. Something isn't quite right about this place . . .

Maude, furious about being brought here against her will, soon finds herself beguiled by the house's strange atmosphere. There are peculiar marks in the roof beams above her bedroom, and in another room, a hiding place, concealing a strange, unnerving object.

As the house gradually reveals its secrets, Nell becomes increasingly uneasy - and Maude spellbound. But these women - and the women that surround them - are harbouring their own secrets too, and soon events will come to a terrible head . . .

A brilliant, unsettling and chilling ghost story of mothers and daughters, truth and deception that asks how far you would go, to get what you truly desire . . .

The Hiding Place by Amanda Mason was published in paperback on 13 October 2022 by Zaffre. 

I read and reviewed this one when the hardback was published in October 2021 and really enjoyed it.

I'm delighted to have a paperback copy to give away to one reader today. Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK Entries only please.

GOOD LUCK!

My review of The Hiding Place by Amanda Mason 

Amanda Mason has set The Hiding Place in that ultimate of gothic seaside towns; Whitby, on the North Yorkshire coast. I adore Whitby and have spent some wonderful breaks there, it has that eerie feeling about it with the Abbey overlooking everyone and everything. 

Nell Galilee was brought up in Whitby but hasn't been back since her father died around seven years ago. She and her husband Chris are having problems with his twelve-year-old daughter Maude who lives with them. Nell and Maude used to get on well, but lately, and especially since Maude's mother produced a new baby, their relationship has gone downhill.  When the invitation to a family party in Whitby arrived, they decided to use the opportunity to have a family break, despite Nell's feelings about her hometown. The family have booked Elder House; an imposing holiday let that sits in Bishops Yard, nestled against the cliff beneath Whitby Abbey. 

There's something about Elder House that spooks Nell straight away. There's that smell, the dim lighting, the overpowering cliff edge that blocks out the view. Strange noises and a feeling that they are not alone in the house. Gradually, Nell's unease begins to affect Chris and Maude too and what was supposed to be a healing family break becomes a battle of wills, and a constant stream of mysterious events. 

The author cleverly and meticulously ties in local legend and folk lore, giving this contemporary story a historic feel. There's talk of witches and spells and curses, the discovery of old shoes and broken mirrors that leave a chill down the spine. 

However, this is not just a ghostly story, it's also one of long held grudges and hidden secrets. There are truths to be discovered about all of the characters and the author has skilfully created a cast who are realistic and lifelike. 

Dark and brooding, atmospheric and chilling, The Hiding Place is the perfect autumn read. Close the curtains though and make sure you are not alone in the house when you read this one!

One copy of The Hiding Place by Amanda Mason

Amanda Mason was born and brought up in Whitby, North Yorkshire.

She studied Theatre at Dartington College of Arts, where she began writing by devising and directing plays.

Her short stories have been published in several anthologies; her first novel, The Wayward Girls, was published in 2019, her second, The Hiding Place, is available now.

Twitter @amandajanemason

Instagram @amandajmason

6 Ripley Avenue by Noelle Holten #GIVEAWAY #6RipleyAvenue @nholten40 @0neMoreChapter_ #Win #Prize #Competition

 

ONE HOUSE

EIGHT KILLERS

NO WITNESSES

Jeanette is the manager of a probation hostel that houses high risk offenders released on license.

At 3am one morning, she receives a call telling her a resident has been murdered.

Her whole team, along with the eight convicted murderers, are now all suspects in a crime no one saw committed…

Don’t miss the first nerve-shredding standalone thriller from Noelle Holten, author of the Maggie Jamieson series.

6 Ripley Avenue by Noelle Holten was published by One More Chapter in ebook on 27 September 2022, the paperback was released on13 October 2022.

I haven't read this one yet, but my husband has and he really enjoyed it. He keeps telling me that the final line is a killer!  It's high on my list and I'm eager to get to it. I've read and really enjoyed this author's Maggie Jamieson series so I have high hopes for this one. 

I'm delighted to offer one paperback as a prize here on Random Things today. Entry is simple, just fill out the competition widget in the blog post. UK entries only please. 

GOOD LUCK!

One copy of 6 Ripley Avenue by Noelle Holten

What readers are saying:

 

‘This is hands down one of the best books I have read this year so far’ 

Claire, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘This book was FANTASTIC! Like seriously, it kept me glued to the edge of my seat the entire time’ 

Tiffiny, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘I read this book in a couple of hours. It’s a mystery that absolutely left me astounded’ 

Lynn, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘OMG this is going to be a tough mystery thriller to beat this year!’ 

Alyssa, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘Another absolute belter of a read… Holten has definitely left her mark in the crime thriller genre with this book and her DC Maggie Jamieson series, and she is right up there with the best of the best!’ 

Marnie, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘A gripping story line that had me so hooked I found it hard to put down… Definitely one to be read again’ 

Sandra, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘Had me hooked from the first page. I'm looking forward to reading more by Noelle’ 

Hayley, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘A cracking read and one that I would definitely recommend’ 

Yvonne, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘If you’re a fan of her writing, you will love this one, and if you haven’t read her work yet, then you definitely need to’ 

Jacob, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘One of the best books I’ve read this year’ 

Nigel, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘This is a cracking good read. It’s both a brilliant whodunnit and a very interesting look at the workings of the probation service’ 

Ann, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

‘A masterpiece’ 

Surjit, 5* NetGalley reader review

 

Noelle Holten is an award-winning blogger at www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk. She is the PR & Social Media Manager for Bookouture, a leading digital publisher in the UK, and worked as a Senior Probation Officer for eighteen years, covering a variety of risk cases as well as working in a multi agency setting. She has three Hons BA's - Philosophy, Sociology (Crime & Deviance) and Community Justice - and a Masters in Criminology. Noelle's hobbies include reading, attending as many book festivals as she can afford and sharing the booklove via her blog.

Dead Inside - her debut novel with One More Chapter/Harper Collins UK is an international kindle bestseller and the start of a new series featuring DC Maggie Jamieson. 6 Ripley Avenue is her first stand-alone crime thriller.

Connect with Noelle on Social Media here:

Subscribe to Newsletter: http://ow.ly/cgww50BkBtt

Twitter: (@nholten40) https://twitter.com/nholten40

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Blog FB page: https://www.facebook.com/crimebookjunkie/

Instagram: @author_noelleholten

Website: https://www.crimebookjunkie.co.uk  

Bookbub Author page : https://bit.ly/2LkT4LB