A widowed academic investigating
strange historical practices gets drawn back in time and into the year 1299 in
Oxford. Join a cast of compelling characters-nuns, novices and outsiders-as
they battle the forces of darkness. Enter their struggle against evil,
clandestine organizations. Join their life-threatening fight to protect each
other, be willing to die for each other, and occasionally fall in love.
Will heroic love and righteous
pursuit of justice triumph? Will the horror-inducing villain be found out and overthrown?
Or will the courageous troop of those fighting for what is good be overpowered
and taken captive?
Set in Oxford, England, in the year
1299, a struggle takes place between the sisters of the local convent and a
strange, terrifying local evil society. They discover a secret organization of
men who perform unspeakable deeds. The lives of several sisters are in danger.
Join Mother Alice, Sister Agnes and
Isabel, along with Lady Beatrix and Lady Harriet, as they confront and do
battle with an evil, secret society intent on attacking them, taking over the
convent and sacrificing a young woman.
If you love stories that keep you
turning pages while imparting fascinating accounts of the past, this latest
mystery in the "Murders in the Abbey" series will tingle your spine.
Praise for The Witch of Godstow
Abbey:
'Richly atmospheric and quietly
gripping, "The Witch of Godstow Abbey" is a worthy addition to your
bookshelf.'
Lady Harriet holds the legal title “Lady of the
Manor,” as defined under English law, and traces her ancestry to Charlemagne’s
royal line.
A lifelong reader and devoted
genealogist for nearly fifty years, Harriet has always had a passion for
stories, whether they are buried in the past or found in the pages of a good
book. She is the co-author of We Are Manx, a self-published family
saga that explores her Manx heritage and the history of the Isle of Man in rich
detail.
She’s also a photographer who
prefers being behind the lens, a word lover addicted to word games, and a fan
of wooden jigsaw puzzles. She has traveled extensively, with a deep
appreciation for history, diverse cultures, and the unexpected joys that can be
found away from home. Her career spanned volunteerism, real estate, and systems
administration, but now she happily devotes her time to more creative pursuits.
As she puts it: “I’m old enough for
Medicare, but not quite old enough to get a birthday card from King
Charles—were I a Brit.”
The Witch of Godstow Abbey, written in partnership with Dr.
Peter Stephenson, marks her first (but certainly not last) foray into
historical fiction. With photography, she creates books of images; with
storytelling, she creates images made of words.
Dr. Peter Stephenson has written or contributed to over
twenty books, all but one of which are non-fiction technical books. He has
published over 1,000 papers in technical journals, technical trade journals,
and peer-reviewed legal journals. One of his peer-reviewed papers has over
15,400 downloads.
In addition to writing, Dr.
Stephenson has been playing blues and Americana music for 70 years. It is
through that performing, and after earning a PhD from Oxford Brookes
University, that he was given the appellation “Doc” by the owner of one of his
performance venues.
Having visited Oxford several times
and being employed by a UK company in nearby Malvern, it was only natural that
he would set his tales in Oxfordshire. His academic experience in Oxford town
sealed the deal and resulted in his first historical novel, The
Whispering Dead of Rewley Abbey—Book 1 in the “Murders in the Abbey”
series—which reached the Amazon Kindle bestseller list and won a Pencraft award
for literary excellence in the winter of 2025. He now writes with his
collaborator and writing partner, Lady Harriet.
Dr. Stephenson lives with two
Savannah cats on a pond in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Starting a “new” career at
the age of 80, Doc reckons that he has only about the next 20 years to finish the
series and retire – again – perhaps this time to Oxford.
Of course, a young woman in Norway during
the late nineteenth century can be a successful amateur sleuth, and goodness
knows, Cornelia’s days are always more exciting when she can devote her time to
resolving a local mystery.
Cornelia Gran is a dedicated daughter, friendly and kind; although,
she has an exorbitant amount of curiosity. She devours Arthur Conan Doyle’s
magazine articles and tries to follow the fictitious Sherlock Holmes’s
investigative examples, but her fascination with solving puzzles always gets
her into mischief.
Each morning, Cornelia reads the newspaper, looking for a conundrum
to solve. Searching for clues—and then chronicling her discoveries—thrills her.
She certainly finds those activities more entertaining than taking her
grandmother’s advice and attending one Christmas ball after another in search
of a husband.
But chaos and danger turn Cornelia’s quiet days upside down when
her attempt to find information about the owner of a nearby abandoned cottage
takes her into dangerous territory. As winter winds rattle the windows and
swirl snowdrifts against the doors, she faces off with a ghost, gets in trouble
with the police, and finds herself staring down danger without thinking of the
consequences. In the middle of it all, she meets Simon and is captivated by his
charm, good looks, and personality.
Meanwhile, a real killer is after her, and he won’t stop until he
gets information she doesn’t have! Christmas, with all its cheery festivities,
hygge, and family traditions, has never been more threatened. Cornelia must
call on all her investigative skills, not only to stop the ruination of her
family’s holiday, but also to make certain Simon and his aunt keep what belongs
to them. And maybe, just maybe, the amateur sleuth will discover the meaning of
true love.
Set in a fictitious town in Norway in
1891, this cozy historical mystery is perfect for those who enjoy curious and
determined women sleuths, clean and wholesome romance, and the discovery of
buried secrets in an abandoned house.
HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy
creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope,
mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been
named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of
past centuries.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and
Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming
island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren,
and has a passion for art and history.
Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in
the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the
word whimsical.
You’ve seen Dr. Adam Rowe in action: brilliant,
guarded, and never far from danger. Now, he steps into the spotlight in a vivid
new format.
This AI-generated virtual character interview
captures Adam’s intensity with uncanny realism. His voice, his gaze, his
calculated pauses, every moment reveals the weight of secrets buried beneath
the sands. It’s not just an interview, it’s a reckoning.
Watch the full interview here:
This is part of our ongoing series
exploring the world of AnaRose and Pharaoh’s Gold through immersive
storytelling. Each character adds depth to the mystery, and Adam’s revelations
may change everything you thought you knew.
Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished
alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in
Business Administration. Her literary journey began with the 2009 publication
of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series, marking the start
of a richly diverse body of work that spans historical fiction, contemporary
short stories, science fiction/fantasy, and fast-paced adventure novellas.
Her recent publications include Crusader’s
Path, a poignant redemption tale set during the First Crusade; Forgiving
Nero, a compelling exploration of familial bonds in Ancient Rome; and the
award-winning AnaRose adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a
museum curator-turned-relic hunter. Mary Ann’s work has been honored by the
Independent Press Award, the NYC Big Book Award, Chanticleer International Book
Awards, the B.R.A.G. Medallion, and the Reader Views Reviewer’s Choice Awards.
Her short fiction anthologies have likewise earned distinction, most notably
from the American Legacy Book Awards. She was also recognized with the Editor’s
Choice Award for Literary Excellence by Reader’s House magazine.
A dedicated supporter of the United
States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively engaged in
letter-writing campaigns and related initiatives. Her advocacy has been
featured on KMTV’s The Morning Blend and in the Omaha World-Herald.
As a celebrated author, she has appeared on numerous reader blogs and book
promotion platforms. Mary Ann currently resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she
continues to craft stories that inspire and endure.
The event should be a fun occasion where friendly rivalry
between gardeners, cooks and crafters lead to the hopeful winning of the coveted
Best In Show trophy – but who added mischief and murder to the traditional
schedule?
Praise for the Jan Christopher Mysteries:
"A
delight—Miss Read meets The Darling Buds of May, with a dash of St. Mary Mead.
Helen Hollick's signature voice shines throughout, full of warmth and wit. The
characters keep growing in such satisfying ways, making every visit feel like
coming home."
Elizabeth St.John
"The Darling Buds of May ...but in Devon instead
of Kent."
Alison Morton
“I sank into this
gentle cosy mystery story with the same enthusiasm and relish as I approach a
hot bubble bath, and really enjoyed getting to know the central character, a
shy young librarian, and the young police officer who becomes her romantic
interest. The nostalgic setting of the 1970s was balm, so clearly evoked, and
although there is a murder at the heart of the story, it was an enjoyable
comfort read.” Debbie Young, author of the Sophie Sayers cosy mysteries
“A delightful
read about a murder told from the viewpoint of a young library assistant. The
author draws on her own experience to weave an intriguing tale.” Richard Ashen
– South Chingford Community Library
“I really
identified with Jan – the love of stories from an early age, and the careers
advice – the same reaction I got – no one thought being a writer was something
a working-class girl did! The character descriptions are wonderfully done.”
Amazon Reader
“Brilliant! I’m
so enjoying Helen’s well-researched murder mystery. I’m not giving anything
away here, except to say there’s lots of nostalgia, and detail that readers of
a certain age will lap up. A jolly good read. In my opinion, it would make a
great television series.” Amazon Reader
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention
to historical detail, Helen’s historical fiction, nautical adventure series,
cosy mysteries – and her short stories – skilfully invite readers to step into
worlds where the boundaries between fact and
fiction blend together.
Helen started writing as a teenager, but after
discovering a passion for history, was initially published in 1993 in the UK
with her Arthurian Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels
about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which, The
Forever Queen (USA title – A Hollow Crown in the UK) became a USA
Today best-seller. Her Sea Witch Voyages are nautical-based adventures
inspired by the Golden Age of Piracy. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy
mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious,
years of working as a North London library assistant. Her 2025 release is Ghost
Encounters, a book about the ghosts of North Devon – even if you don’t
believe in ghosts you might enjoy the snippets of interesting history and the
many location photographs.
Helen and her family moved from London to Devon after
a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her
time glowering at the overgrown garden, fending off the geese, chasing the
peacocks away from her roses, helping with the horses and wishing the friendly,
resident ghosts would occasionally help with the housework...
If you had a
crystal ball to predict what lay ahead, would you be tempted to use
it? Or would you leave the future to the turn of Fate?
Tales of Variety. Tales of History, Mystery and
Magic – some comprising just one of these popular fiction genres, others, a
mild mixture of all three. Perhaps you prefer historical fiction rather
than a story about magic or fantasy? Maybe you enjoy exploring new themes or
prefer sticking to the familiar? Historical fiction can often inform, imparting
knowledge of the past, of its events and its people. Stories of mystery
exercise the ‘little grey cells’ as Poirot would say, while fantasy and magic
create new worlds and awed wonder.
Whatever
result, this is where anthologies come into their own, and where short stories
are often appreciated as enjoyable, entertaining, quick or easy reads shown
through the eyes of a variety of extraordinary characters and situations. In
this instance: an Anglo-Saxon woman facing the consequence of conquest, the
pursuit of alchemy, the concern of a mother for her daughter, the shifting of
time, the necessity of hidden identity, souls who will linger as ghosts, a
warning from the supernatural, the necessity for (justifiable?) revenge. All
mingled with the rekindling of romance through a mutual quest, and the
preparations for a Cotswold village celebration. (Along with a good tip if
illicitly snaffling cakes.)
This title is available to read on
#KindleUnlimited.
Author Bios:
BRAMBLE
CREEP BY ANNIE WHITEHEAD
When the
Normans arrive at a peaceful Anglo-Saxon village, do the women, children and
old men submit... or fight?
ABOUT ANNIE:
Annie Whitehead is a prize-winning writer,
historian, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and has written four
award-winning novels set in ‘Anglo-Saxon’ Mercia. She has contributed to
fiction and nonfiction anthologies and written for various magazines. She has
twice been a prize winner in the Mail on Sunday Novel Writing Competition, and
won First Prize in the 2012 New Writer Magazine's Prose and Poetry Competition.
She has been a finalist in the Tom Howard Prize for nonfiction and was
shortlisted for the Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award 2021. She was
the winner of the inaugural Historical Writers’ Association (HWA)/Dorothy
Dunnett Prize 2017 and was subsequently a judge for that same competition. She
has also been a judge for the HNS (Historical Novel Society) Short Story
Competition, and was a 2024 judge for the HWA Crown Nonfiction Award.
Her nonfiction books are Mercia: The Rise
and Fall of a Kingdom and Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England. In
2023 she contributed to a new history of English monarchs, published by Hodder
& Stoughton, and in February 2025 Murder in Anglo-Saxon England was
published by Amberley Books.
Jean Gill is an
award-winning Welsh writer and photographer living in the south of France with
a scruffy dog, a beehive named 'Endeavour', a Nikon D750 and a man. First
published in 1988, her twenty-six books are varied in genre, including novels,
memoir, military history, dog books, poetry, and a cookery book on goat cheese.
With Scottish parents, an English birthplace and French residence, she can
usually support the winning team on most sporting occasions. She taught English
for many years and was the first woman to be a comprehensive school headteacher
in Dyfed, Wales. Life has been hectic as she is also mother or stepmother to
five children.
A warning of Fate, or simply too much beer and a
tale well told?
ABOUT MARIAN:
A dual Canadian/British citizen who divides her
year between Ontario, Canada, and Norfolk, UK, Marian published the first of
her eight-book Empire’s Legacy series, historically-inspired speculative
fiction, in 2015. The series is set in a world ‘on the edge of history’:
reminiscent of Britain, Northern Europe, and Rome in the latter centuries of
the first millennium, but a world where society evolved differently after the
Eastern Empire left; a world where one young fisherwoman answers her leader’s
call to defend her country, beginning a journey into uncharted territory.
Does the
fate of those who survive linger forever?
ABOUT HELEN:
Known for her captivating storytelling and rich
attention to historical detail, Helen’s historical fiction, nautical adventure
series, cosy mysteries – and her short stories – skilfully invite readers to
step into worlds where the boundaries between fact and fiction blend together. Helen started writing as a teenager,
but after discovering a passion for history, was initially published in 1993 in
the UK with her Arthurian Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon
novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which, The
Forever Queen (USA title – A Hollow Crown in the UK) became a USA
Today best-seller. Her Sea Witch Voyages are nautical-based adventures
inspired by the Golden Age of Piracy. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy
mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious,
years of working as a North London library assistant. Her 2025 release is Ghost
Encounters, a book about the ghosts of North Devon.
Helen and her family moved from London to Devon after
a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her
time glowering at the overgrown garden, fending off the geese, helping with the
horses and wishing the friendly, resident ghosts would occasionally help with
the housework...
When time turns in the wrong direction, fate will
always step in…
ABOUT ALISON:
Alison Morton writes award-winning
thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her eleven-book Roma Nova
thriller series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the
ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21st century and is ruled by women
who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.
A Lost Portrait, a Hidden Conspiracy,
and a Second Chance at Love
ABOUT ELIZABETH:
Elizabeth
St.John’s acclaimed historical fiction brings to life her ancestors –
remarkable women linked to England’s royalty – offering unique insights into
Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times. Inspired by family archives and historic
sites like Lydiard Park and the Tower of London, her novels include The
Lydiard Chronicles, The Godmother’s Secret, and The King's Intelligencer,
exploring the English Civil War and the mystery of the Princes in the Tower.
R. Marsden is an author and musician, passionate about the Middle
Ages. He plays the gittern, a beautiful medieval stringed instrument, ancestor
of the guitar; and a thirteenth century recorder, a replica of one which was
excavated from medieval ruins in modern-day Poland. He also plays the piano,
and there’s nothing medieval about that!
Tales of Castle Rory are Medieval
Fantasy Adventures, in which the demesne of Lord Rory of Hambrig is brought to
life. Set in the latter part of the thirteenth century, these stories have
adventure, mystery and magic at their heart. You’ll also find relationships,
romance, friendship and the forging and breaking of ties between people and
nations. Running through the Tales are themes of family, loyalty, trust and
resilience, together with the other sides of those coins: abandonment,
betrayal, loss and disempowerment.
Beware the consequences of hatred. Revenge can take many forms…
ABOUT ANNA:
Had Anna been
allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible,
she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history,
romance and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The
Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well
as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which
is set in 14th century England, and The Castilian Saga, which
is set against the medieval conquest of Wales. She has also published a time
travel romance, The Whirlpools of Time, and its sequel Times of
Turmoil, and is now considering just
how to wiggle out of setting the next book in that series in Peter the Great’s
Russia, as her characters are demanding. . .
All of Anna’s
books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical
Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in
2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favourite medals as
well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.
Fate can be
in the hands of others – or held within your own...
ABOUT J.P. REEDMAN:
J.P. Reedman lives in Wiltshire near to
Stonehenge. Born in Canada, she has had a lifelong interest in ancient and
medieval history, and is often found lurking around prehistoric sites, ruined
castles and abbeys, and interesting churches with camera in hand. She became a
full-time writer in 2018. Series include I, Richard Plantagenet,five books chronicling Richard’s
life from childhood to Bosworth, and Medieval Babes, a set of standalone novels
about lesser-known medieval queens and noblewomen.
When children are not quite the saints we’d like them to be!
ABOUT DEBBIE
YOUNG:
Debbie Young is
the author of three series of cosy mystery novels set in the Cotswolds. The
Sophie Sayers series starts with Best Murder in Show; the Gemma Lamb series
begins with Dastardly Deeds at St Bride’s; and the Cotswold Curiosity Shop
series kicks off with Death at the Old Curiosity Shop. She sometimes sends
characters from one series to visit those in another. She also writes short
fiction, not all of it crime-related, set in the same world, eg Christmas with
Sophie Sayers. Her novels are published by Boldwood Books in English, by DP
Verlag in German, and by Antonio Vallardi in Italian. She has recently written
her first murder mystery play for performance by her village amateur dramatic
group. She is a frequent speaker at events for writers and readers, a course
tutor for Jericho Writers, and the founder and director of the Hawkesbury Upton
Literature Festival. She lives in a Victorian cottage with her Scottish
husband, her student daughter, and three cats, and she writes in a little hut
at the bottom of her garden.
A ruthless thief leaves a private Dutch
gallery with a coveted seventeenth-century painting. The owner lies unconscious
on the floor. Art historian Fabiola Bennett is on vacation in Holland and takes
on the case.
Amsterdam, 1973.
It’s
late summer, and Fabiola and Pippa join their friend, Cary, for a few days of
sightseeing, museums, and riding bikes around the beautiful city.
For the first time in her life, Fabiola feels a pang of jealousy, and rude
comments from a gallerist make her doubt her own abilities.
Then, unexpectedly, Cary’s Dutch
client, Lennard van de Hoek, is brutally struck down and a baroque portrait by
Ferdinand Bol is stolen. Fabiola pushes aside her problems and jumps into
danger without hesitation. The list of suspects is long, and with a
cold-blooded criminal at large, they must constantly be on the alert.
Amsterdam, 1641.
Ferdinand Bol has completed his five-year training with Master Rembrandt van
Rijn and is ready to set up his own studio. The future looks bright, and
Ferdinand sets a goal to become a widely sought-after and, hopefully,
prosperous master portraitist.
Just when Ferdinand’s career starts to flourish—and patrons and customers
discover his exceptional talent—one of his models confesses she’s in deep
trouble, and he drops everything to help her.
This is a fast-paced and captivating
who-done-it set in the Netherlands—the fourth installment and a spin-off from
the Soli Hansen Mysteries.
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.
HEIDI ELJARBO grew up in a home full of books, artwork, and happy
creativity. She is the author of historical novels filled with courage, hope,
mystery, adventure, and sweet romance during challenging times. She’s been
named a master of dual timelines and often writes about strong-willed women of
past centuries.
After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and
Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She lives with her husband on a charming
island and enjoys walking in any kind of weather, hugging her grandchildren,
and has a passion for art and history.
Her family’s chosen retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in
the summer and ski the vast white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are her family, God's beautiful nature, and the word
whimsical.
Knowing she is innocent is easy …
proving it is hard
1560, Berwick-upon-Tweed, northern England
Following the unexpected death of her
father, a series of startling discoveries about the business she inherits
forces Isabella Gillhespy to re-evaluate everything she understands about her
past and expects from her future.
Facing financial ruin, let down by people
on whom she thought she could rely, and suspected of crimes that threaten her
freedom, Isabella struggles to prove her innocence.
But the stakes are even higher than she
realises. In a town where tension between England and her Scottish neighbours
is never far from the surface, it isn’t long before developments attract the
interest of the highest authority in the land, Sir William Cecil, and soon
Isabella is fighting, not just for her freedom, but her life. She must use her
wits and trust her own instincts to survive.
Lady of the Quay introduces an enticing
new heroine who refuses to be beaten, even as it becomes clear that her life
will never be the same again.
From the author of the award-winning ‘The
Woman in the Painting’.
This title is available to read on
#KindleUnlimited.
Amanda Roberts has worked as
an Editor in business-to-business magazines for over 30 years, specialising in
out-of-home coffee, vending and foodservice/catering, including Editor of the
global gastronomy title: ‘Revue internationale de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs’.
She currently freelances,
editing UK-based healthcare titles – HEFMA Pulse, Hospital Food + Service and
Hospital Caterer. She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical
Novel Society and West Oxfordshire Writers. She also volunteers for Tea Books
(part of Age UK) to run a book club/reading group for elderly people in the
community.
When Dokimos the vegetable seller is found bludgeoned to death in the Black Sea
town of Tomis, it’s the most exciting thing to have happened in the region for
years. Now reluctantly settled into life in exile, the disgraced Roman poet
Ovid helps his friend Avitius to investigate the crime, with the evidence
pointing straight at a cuckolded neighbour.
But Ovid is also on edge, waiting for the most momentous death of all.
Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome, is nearing his end, and the future of the
whole Roman world is uncertain.
Even as far away as Tomis, this political shadow creates tension as the pompous
Roman legate Flaccus thinks more of his career than solving a local murder.
Avitius and Ovid become convinced that an
injustice has been done in the case of the murdered vegetable seller. But
Flaccus continues to turn a deaf ear.
When Ovid’s wife, Fabia, arrives unexpectedly, carrying a cryptic message from
the Empress Livia, the poet becomes distracted - and another crime is
committed.
Ovid hopes for a return to Rome - only to
discover that he is under threat from an enemy much closer to home.
This title is available to read on
#KindleUnlimited.
Fiona studied Classics at
Oxford before teaching it for 25 years. A family move to Qatar gave her the
opportunity to write about ancient Rome, and she is now back in the UK, working
on her seventh novel.
