27 JAN 2020 So Poisoned at The Priory is published! Last Friday, an article on the book ran in London Weekly News and two advertisements appeared in The Daily Mirror and The Daily Express. There should be some more publicity over the next few days. Also, started work on the presentation for my first Cold Case Jury evening. More on this later.

21 JAN 2020 A new month, year and decade. This week the fourth title in my Cold Case Jury series is published: Poisoned at The Priory. My books arrived last week. I find the case endlessly fascinating - it's as much to do with the era as anything else. A poisoning in an upper-middle class Victorian home - it's a real-life Sherlock Holmes story. But all true, of course. I believe it is probably the best in the series, but please let me know what you think. I'm now turning my attention to the fifth and sixth books. Watch this space!

2019

22 NOV 2019 The past two months has flown. The publication date for Poisoned at The Priory is slated for 23 January 2020. However, I heard today that the book may print next week, well ahead of schedule. I don't know if this will mean the book will available before Christmas or not, but it's typically about two weeks after it goes to press. I've seen the covers - and I think they are the best in the series so far. The bad news: I've only just been given the laid-out text to go through. So it looks like a working weekend!

19 SEP 2019 I've heard from the publisher that Poisoned at The Priory will be published in April 2020. This is not as early as I had hoped, but it is not long to wait.

10 JUL 2019 A quick update on the next books in the Cold Case Jury series. The manuscript of Poisoned at The Priory is finished and includes the full text of Agatha Christie's solution to the case - the first time it has been published in a book and the first time anywhere for over 50 years! I'm now writing the fifth book, The Shark With The Tatooed Arm, will I hope will be published in the second half of 2020.

8 JUL 2019 A flurry of articles about the Bella Wright case has appeared in the media on the centenary of her tragic death. It featured in a double page spread of Love Sunday (pp 8-9), the magazine of the Sunday Mirror, and most recently in an article on the BBC News website. It also interviews one of the curators of the exhibition at the De Montford University Heritage centre, which sheds more light on Bella's short life and the time in which she lived.

5 JUL 2019 A hundred years today, Bella Wright was shot in a lonely lane in Leicestershire. A century later, her unsolved death is still remembered and discussed. A new exhibition at the De Montford University Heritage Centre has opened retelling the story. I was delighted that The Green Bicycle Mystery was used as a source and is one of four books recommended for further reading. The exhibition runs until February next year.

24 MAY 2019 Added a new section to the site - Reviews. This lists a small fraction of reader comments available online in the public domain. Sometimes, when the day has not gone so well, I look at this page before I go to bed. It never fails to motivate me. Thank you to everyone who has left a review over the last two years. I'm hoping Poisoned at the Priory will be as well received.

13 MAY 2019 Delighted to announce Poisoned at The Priory will be the fourth book in the Cold Case Jury series. It tells the story of the mysterious death of Charles Bravo in 1876, one of the most intriguing unsolved cases of all time, I would say. A sneak peak of the first few pages will be avaiable soon, and it will be published in July. The cover reveal is next month. The fifth book in the series takes us out of Britain for the first time. It will be The Shark With The Tatooed Arm, the incredible Shark Arm case from 1935. This will be available in early 2020.

29 MAR 2019 Well, February seems to have passed me by! Busy working on my 4th and 5th books in the Cold Case Jury library. More about this later. Last evening watched pupils from Year 7 and 8 of Wyecliffe College perform a dramatisation of the trial of William Wallace based on my book Move to Murder. It was staged at Gloucester Crown Court. The pupils were amazingly confident, articulate and knowledgeable on the case. It was a great occasion. I hope they will do another case next year. I have two excellent ones for them in the works, if they do!

29 JAN 2019 My interview with investigator John Hoda is now live on his podcast. Discussed the creation of Cold Case Jury from its original inception to researching the cases and writing the books.

15 JAN 2019 The first post of a new year. On reflection, last year was a good one for Cold Case Jury. Two books published - Death of an Actress (April) and Move to Murder (November). There were several radio interviews and a TV appearance on a BBC News Channel documentary, The Porthole Mystery. Looking ahead to this year, I hope the fourth installment in the series will be published and I'm also finishing an exciting project related to one of my books - details in due course. This year will also be the centenary of the death of Bella Wright, the case presented in my first boook The Green Bicycle Mystery. It will be interesting to see how much media attention this generates.

Receiving positive feedback on the latest book. I was particularly pleased to receive this comment from an associate professor in the English Department at a major UK University: "I have read many books on the Wallace case, but yours is by far the best." As you can imagine, that really made my day.

2018

7 DEC 2018 Just posted an article on the parallels between the murders of Effie Ratley (2007) and Julia Wallace (1931). Does the former help us see what happened over 75 years before? Please let me know your thoughts.

3 DEC 2018 A review of the Green Bicycle Mystery is published by On: Yorkshire magazine. I was humbled to learn that, out of all the excellent titles in the Mirror Books portfolio, the editor chose to review my first book. I was delighted to read that the editor found it "an interesting and original concept that's both engaging and involving." That was my intention when I set out writing the Cold Case Jury series.

15 NOV 2018 The final edition of Real Crime carries a review of Move To Murder (p. 92). My thanks to all the team at the magazine, who have been supportive of Cold Case Jury since its inception. There are other true crime titles on the newsagents shelves, but I always felt this was by far the best in class.

1 NOV 2018 Two radio interviews done today, both with the BBC, talking about Move to Murder. I was live with Ben Jackson of BBC Leicester and recorded and interview for the Radio Merseyside's DriveTime, to be broacast either later today or some evening soon. Both were enjoyable apart from an echo on the headphones meant I kept on hearing myself on a one second delay. Very distracting. Hope it did not show too much! Also, an article on the Wallace case ran in the Daily Express today based on my book. Apart from a mix up on one point, I thought it was very good.

31 OCT 2018 I have just been informed that Real Crime Magazine is closing. It is a tragedy because it is by far the best true crime publication on the market. True crime on television goes from strength to strength, but the print market appears to be less robust. The last ever issue will carry a book review of Move to Murder.

30 OCT 2018 The book is still not at the printers. Clearly, it is going to miss its on-sale date of 1 November. Hopefully it will be in the shops early next week. The cover has undergone a dramatic last minute change. Only two images on the front and the background colour is now gold, rather than red. This is the printer's proof of the covers. I think the design team at Mirror Books have done a great job.

29 OCT 2018 A hugely enjoyable 20-minute interview with Talk Radio Europe about Move to Murder.

17 OCT 2018 Interviewed by Marcello Mega, a freelance journalist working for the Daily Express, about the Wallace Case and Move to Murder. Hopefully, this will lead to an article in the national newspaper, possibly as early as this Saturday.

16 SEP 2018 The next book in the Cold Case Jury series will be Move to Murder about the Wallace case from 1931. Publication date is early November. Not much time to get this all ready to print, but really excited. The manuscript was delivered a year ago but publication was postponed to release Death of an Actress in time for the 70th anniversary of the James Camb trial.

23 JUL 2018 My article about creative non-fiction has been published in this month's Red Herring - the magazine of the Crime Writers' Association. You can read it here.

30 APR 2018 My interview with Liz Love Books is now posted here. Some really interesting questions. I hope the answers are half as good.

23 APR 2018 Just recorded an interview with Susannah Lack of Wireless Radio about Death of an Actress for their new Book Club programme.

20 APR 2018 Doing interviews for the blog tour of Death of an Actress which starts in a ten day's time. More details in due course.

5 APR 2018 It's publication day for Death of an Actres, the second book in my Cold Case Jury true crime collection. I've been working on this book for almost three years, so I'm delighted to see it in print. If the initial verdicts are anything to go by, the Cold Case Jury is split between a verdict of murder and manslaughter. It appears few believe Camb's story. The real jury didn't either: that's why he was sentenced to hang in March 1948.

30 MAR 2018 Thank you to Brian Bone, who sent me an article by H L Adam on The Green Bicycle Mystery (N.B. Published in 1936, I believe this was the first time the title was used). It is an interesting read and - sigh of relief - there were no game-changing facts. Of course, this was published when the Bowley Statement was hidden in a police safe and Ronald Light was still alive. Little wonder the author concludes that Bella Wright was killed accidentally by a youth shooting crows. It is not a view that is widely shared by members of the Cold Case Jury. The current verdict is that Light got away with murder.

23 MAR 2018 Delighted to see "The Porthole Mystery" broadcast on the BBC News Channel tonight, almost exactly 70 years to the day when James Camb was found guilty for the murder of Gay Gibson at The Great Hall, Winchester. It is slated for a further eight showings on the BBC News Channel over the next 10 days. This project started at the end of June 2017 when BBC presenter Richard Latto called me when I was researching the case for my book on the case, Death of an Actress. Filming took place over several days in November and December 2017, including the footage from The Great Hall in Winchester. It took a lot of hard work. Although the BBC News Channel provides national coverage to this fascinating case, I am really surprised to learn that BBC South is not running it - this is one of the region's most famous cases of the 20th Century.

16 MAR 2018 The BBC documentary "The Porthole Mystery", about the trial of James Camb for the murder of Gay Gibson, presented by Richard Latto, is being broadcast on the BBC News Channel on Friday 23 March (21:30), Saturday 24 March (13:30 and 20:30) and Sunday 25 March (00:30 and 10:30). Of course, this assumes there is no major breaking news story that demands rolling coverage; the standoff with Russia and the imminent cold weather could yet play a part. Now I have to prepare for seeing myself on the TV (my daughter is already hiding behind the sofa)! Hopefully, the 30-minute TV documentary and 60-minute radio documentary (broadcast Thursday 22 March at 7pm, BBC Radio Solent) will increase interest in my book on this fascinating case, Death of an Actress, published by Mirror Books on 5 April.

7 MAR 2018 It's great to see programmes like "Murder, Mystery and My Family" on BBC 1. For those who have not seen them, two barristers examine cold murder cases in which the verdict is open to doubt. The cases are from the first half of the 20th century. So, strong similarities with my own Cold Case Jury books. It differs in several respects, most significantly that a real judge is asked to decide whether the original verdict was sound or not. In my view, this is a bit of an anti-climax for two reasons.

First, even if the original jury verdict was unsound, it means only that there was a reasonable doubt about the accused's guilt. It does not imply the accused was probably innocent. That's why in my books I apply a different standard - what most likely happened. For example, in the Bywaters and Thompson murder case of 1923, episode four in the first series, there does appear to be a reasonable doubt about Edith Thompson's guilt, which is what the judge found. However, on balance, I think Thompson incited her lover Freddie Bywaters to kill the husband she no longer loved. There was too much circumstantial evidence, especially in her letters. The expert psychologist on the programme got this badly wrong, in my opinion. So, yes, Thompson should not have been found guilty and hanged, but I believe she was probably guilty of conspiracy to murder nevertheless.

Second, the denouement of a single judge making his pronouncement is, quite frankly, a let down. It lacks drama and, quite frankly, who cares if there are legal grounds to think the original verdict unsafe? I believe people want to know, What most likely happened? Was the accused guilty of murder or innocent? Or, depending on the case, perhaps guilty of manslaughter rather than murder? Above all, the decision needs to be put to a jury - a real jury. The audience. Of course, this is the whole premise of Cold Case Jury. However, that said, "Murder, Mystery and My Family" is currently the best programme on daytime BBC.

2 MAR 2018 The paperback edition of my second book, Death of an Actress, is now avaiable for pre-order. The e-book version should be out later this month. To pre-order on Amazon click here. Five inches of snow fell yesterday, and more is falling outside my study window as I write. I'm thankful I do not have to travel to work - at least that is one advantage of being a writer.

1 MAR 2018 The date has been set for the broadcast of the radio version of "The Porthole Mystery", the BBC documentary on the Gay Gibson case. If you can pick up Radio Solent, then tune in on Friday 23 March at 7pm. Presenter is Richard Latto and features not only myself but fellow true crime writer, Paul Stickler. There is also an extended version of the interview with Doreen Mantle of One Foot In The Grave fame - the only living person to have acted with Gay Gibson. Her insights are vivid and revealing.

27 FEB 2018 With barely two weeks to the release of the e-book of Death of an Actress, the countdown to publication is truly underway. Currently going through the typeset manuscript, checking over the plate section, and readying the website. Printing of the paperback will soon follow. Also agreed to an interview with Crime Traveller, a true crime website.

26 FEB 2018 Had a call with Richard Latto of the BBC. A trailer is being made to promote his half-hour documentary on the Gay Gibson case (titled "The Porthole Mystery"). The trailer and documentary will be broadcast on a national BBC channel. I will provide more details, including the broadcast times, as soon as I am able. Very exciting.

22 FEB 2018 Received typeset manuscript of my book Death of an Actress today; tangible evidence that publication is not far away. A few questions on copyright to sort out. The reality of writing non-fiction is there is much more to publishing a book than meets the eye. You may need to get permission to quote another author in your work. This is tricky enough when the author is alive, but can be extremely difficult if the author is dead. The task should be made easier if the author's estate is handled by an agent or publisher, but I have found they rarely call back, leaving you in a state of legal limbo. Should you use the quote or not? TIP FOR WRITERS: Don't quote, report. Just express the writer's thought or opinion in your own words, obviously giving full attribution to the original author. This does not breach copyright and saves a lot of work. Photographic rights can be a nightmare too (see entry for 29 NOV 2017).

21 FEB 2018 Just learned that Wycliffe Preparatory school are re-enacting the trial of Ronald Light from The Green Bicycle Mystery on March 15 in Gloucester Crown Court. I wish my history lessons had been as interesting as this!

20 FEB 2018 Met with Tanita Matthews, the features editor of Real Crime Magazine, which is publishing a feature on the Gay Gibson case in April. Spent four hours talking through the case and photographing exhibits from the police file, courtesy of Hampshire Constabulary History Society. The arty image (left) was taken by a professional photographer. Why do they love jaunty angles so much? It looks like we're on board the Titanic!

19 FEB 2018 Finished writing an article for Red Herrings, the magazine for members of the Crime Writers' Association. It is about creative non-fiction, a topic that can get people rather animated. I hope to publish it here in due course.

16 FEB 2018 Was in the audience yesterday evening for Paul Stickler's cracking presentation on the Gay Gibson case, the subject of my next book, Death of an Actress. Romsey Town Hall was packed. The BBC was also present, filming for a South Today feature on the case, which will be broadcast before the documentary.

8 FEB 2018 Walked into Winchester this morning to buy a copy of the March edition of Real Crime Magazine which is out today. It has an article on the death of Bella Wright in its Cold Case section. Based on my The Green Bicycle Mystery, it gives an overview of the case and - as you can see (left) - it has some excellent graphics and images. Delighted to see that my book gets a mention too.

3 FEB 2018 Just listened to the first cut of the BBC radio documentary of "The Porthole Mystery", which is double the length of the TV documentary of the same name. It is really good and, with more time, pursues the story in greater depth. The radio documentary is due to be broadcast in four 15-minute segments on Radio Solent on the 70th anniversary of the trial of James Camb for the murder of Gay Gibson. The TV documentary is also due to be broadcast around the same time - I will let you know when I get more details.

11 JAN 2018 Spoke to the son of Dr Ena Schoub, the South African doctor who testified at the trial of James Camb for the murder of Gay Gibson. I was concerned he might have 'inside information' that might transform the case or, at the very least, details warranting inclusion in my book. Thankfully, there was none; so no last-gasp additions to my book were required. That is a panic best avoided! For my first book, The Green Bicycle Mystery, an important document surfaced just two weeks before the deadline for my manuscript. After the first read-through, I thought it was a game-changer requiring a potential re-write for which there was no time. But after careful checking, I discovered it was not so significant after all and was able to sleep!

8 JAN 2018 Received the manuscript of Death of an Actress from the copy editor today. Relieved to find tweaks to the copy rather than full-blow textual surgery. Changes by a good copy editor are usually vital but, in my opinion, it is far better to get the structure of your book nailed down way before the copy editor takes the lid off his red pen, otherwise you might find yourself having to make major changes. TIP FOR WRITERS: Show your work to trusted friends before you submit your manuscript. Ask for critical feedback and take stock, particularly for sections that were unnecessary or difficult to understand, for example.

1 JAN 2018 Spent New Year's Day watching the mix-down of "The Porthole Mystery", the BBC TV documentary on the trial of James Camb presented by Richard Latto. I sent a few comments back to Richard, but it is a great programme. However, I had to endure watching myself!

2017

7 DEC 2017 The global image library replied today: they have caved in! They are not claiming copyright and I am free to use the image in my book if I have access to another copy, which I do. Apparently, image libraries do this all the time. They scan in an image and then charge people to use their copy even though might not own the copyright. I am shocked that this is legal. However, today proves that you should demand to see proof that an image library, however large, own copyright. Result! I feel Christmas has come early!

6 DEC 2017 No reply from the image library, so I sent a chasing email today. I find it difficult to believe they own the copyright as the image has been widely used in books and articles the past. Of course, it is possible they recently acquired the rights. Agh! Image rights are such a nightmare!

5 DEC 2017 Second day of filming with the BBC at the Great Hall, Winchester. Today was my turn. I was interviewed by Richard Latto for about an hour, although only a few minutes are likely to make the 30-minute documentary. I was filmed sitting on the judges bench - the very one used by Mr Justice Hilbery when he sentenced James Camb to death for the murder of Gay Gibson on 22 March 1948.

4 DEC 2017 Spent the day filming with Richard Latto and the BBC at the Great Hall, Winchester, for "The Porthole Mystery", a documentary on the Gay Gibson case to be broadcast next March. The Great Hall was a magnigicent setting with its compound columns, vaulted roof and stained glass windows, although we had to carefully avoid filming the large Christmas tree! My favourite segment was when Richard talked to camera holding Gay Gibson's hairbrush. It was an exhibit at the trial (notice the original exhibit tag dangling from it) and the last time it was in the Great Hall was in March 1948 during the trial of James Camb for the murder of Gay Gibson. A spine-tingling thought. Does the hairbrush hold important clues for the case? All is revealed in Death of an Actress!

29 NOV 2017 Yesterday I noted that the iconic image of Gay Gibson was in one of the world's largest image libraries. Agh! I emailed the image library saying that I had a physical copy of the photograph, which clearly has "For Reproduction" stamped on the reverse by the original copyright holder, and asked whether I was free to use it in my book. Today I have the reply: not surprisingly, they want payment if I use the image and sent details of their exorbitant license fees. It will be a real blow if I cannot use this image in Death of an Actress. TIP FOR WRITERS: Image copyright is a minefield. Some publishers handle this on behalf of their authors, some don't, but you need to be aware that you cannot simply assume you can use an image in your book. Having a physical copy is insufficient. That said, I will be going back to the image library to demand that (a) they show proof of copyright ownership, and (b) why they are not legally bound to honour the clear instruction of the original copyright owner.

27 Nov 2017 The manuscript for Death of an Actress is with my publishers. I have been working on it solidly since September, completely updating and re-writing my original e-book. I will be celebrating with a class of wine tonight!