I've put this on a separate thread because reading hisorical crime fiction isn't everyone's cup of tea. I know some of you managed to work your way through 'The Glint of Silver'. Some even went to the lengths of writing favourable reviews which were much appreciated. Needing something to keep my brain, such as it is, occupied I embarked on rewriting a second book, also set in ninth century Wessex and featuring the same female protagonist, Winfrith. It's called 'The Wide Embrace' and will be available on Amazon as either paperback or Kindle download within the next week or so. Here's a very brief taster: Winfrith hovered by the doorway, peering through the drizzle towards where the sluggish brown water of the Kennet curved out of sight. The rain pattered relentlessly on the thatch, sending tiny waterfalls cascading down the doorposts. She was about to turn away, convinced no-one would come yet, when a lone rider careered into view, sending streaks of mud and black water high into the air. He barely slowed as he reached the first house, sliding a leg across the saddle and hitting the ground running. Winfrith dashed out into the rain. A single rider travelling at such speed rarely meant good news, but she had to know. Despite his obvious haste, he hesitated as she ran towards him and, if she was uncertain which of Cuthbertâs retainers this mud-bespattered figure was, he at least seemed to recognise her. âTheyâve got Leofranc,â he called as she approached. It was what she most feared, whenever he rode out. No, that was not quite true. What she most feared was that he would stop a Danish spear somewhere and lie wounded and undiscovered, with no news of him whatsoever. She had imagined that more than once. Yet at the very moment it seemed her fears might be realised her first thought was to deny it. âThey canât have. He said we were safe here.â The man glanced impatiently over her shoulder. He clearly had no doubts. Winfrith clutched at his sleeve as he tried to edge past her. âWhat happened then? Was he hurt? Where did they take him?â He made as if to brush her hand away, but then seemed to think better of it. He turned his head aside, spitting mud from his lips before replying. âI donât know. No-one saw it. They came on us suddenly, among the trees. By the time weâd driven them off there was no sign of Leofranc. We went back to look but heâd gone. The heathens must have him.â I have to warn you...there is a third Winfrith book, 'The Morning Gift', though that won't be ready to be submitted for some time yet. There's a fair bit of rewriting to do before then.
For anyone who likes the sound of it enough to read on, it's available on Amazon in paperback or as a Kindle download. The link is: http://amazon.co.uk/dp/1484854241
Hi Theo, tried the link but it seems the Kindle Version is not ready yet. Any ideas. I will get both however, one to read and one to keep.
Hi Charlie...It was only set up last night so although it shows on Amazon it may take a few days before you can download it. I'll have a go this evenig and see what happens.
Just tried on Amazon one-click and it says its sent it to my Kindle...and I've checked and it's there
theo, I made the mistake of reading the first few pages on Amazon, now I'm anxious for my copy to arrive so that I can continue the story
I've just picked up my copy of "The Glint of Silver" and ordered "The Wide Embrace!" Theo, you must let us know when part three is available! Stop dallying and get writing!
Funny you should say that, Dave, I'm about to start... The third book is called 'The Morning Gift'. It's already written in draft form but there's bound to be a fair bit of rewriting before it goes public. It could take some time but I'll keep those interested informed as I go...
