Hello lovely readers. It's been a few months...
I intended to write a blog post every month but, well, it's 2020! The year which kind of battered us all.
But despite the pandemic and the massive upheavals going on both globally and personally (if you want to know more you can always join my private reader group: click here) I have written a story in my Cornish Witch Series, which you can find in the absolutely brilliant anthology Hexes and Holly. It contains stories by some of the very best paranormal mystery writers and I'm thrilled to be included. They are, of course, all seasonal; Christmas rapidly approaches!
So, with very best holiday wishes to you, until next month, Stella

I was recently re-reading one of my all time favourite murder mysteries, And then there were none, by Agatha Christie, and was amazed to find it just as intriguing as the very first time. I just can't get over how brilliantly written it is. Right from the opening chapter she is obfuscating the murderer and misleading the reader, but if you go back to it once you reach the end, all you can do is be astounded that you missed the clue that was presented in her careful wording.

After finishing the book, I downloaded the television drama that was available on Amazon video in 3 parts. I have noticed in previous versions that they changed the ending, and while there were some changes made, this one didn't shy away from the final death.  I just wanted to take a moment, if you haven't read the book, to recommend it. It truly is murder mystery at it's best! 

 It's true, it's going... going...
Not quite gone yet.  I'm going to leave it up on Amazon until the end of January 2020. After that it will only be available to my Reader Group (which you can join HERE if you missed out - the reader group also has access to a hidden web page on this site!) And, eventually, the book will be in the box set, but if you want it then you'd better grab it now. Murder Most Pumpkin

It's that quiet time of year between Christmas and New Year as I post this. Only, it's not quiet for me as I'm gearing up to the release of Book One in my Cornish Witch Mysteries.

Body at the Bakery took longer to write than I wanted, but I'm relieved it's finally done, it took three different editors to help me iron out the clues so that the twist at the end wasn't completely obvious! Though I'd love to know if you guessed the identity of the murderer?

Book Two (Killer at the Castle) is still a work in progress, but I'm even happier with this one. It feels to me as if Portmage is really coming to life.

Of course, those of you who are familiar with the Arthurian legends will know it's a fictional place, but based around the real Cornish village of Tintagel.

I've spent a lot of time in Tintagel, it's a wonderful area, and though the castle there doesn't really resemble the one in the books, it's definitely worth a visit. The bridge is pretty spectacular too. I'd enjoy any pictures you've taken if you ever go there, and will post them on my twitter page if you send them @britishcozy

My little pixie getting into the spirit and pretending to be the Pumpkin Scarecrow

Autumn is my favourite time of the year. I got married in the Autumn. I love Halloween and Bonfire Night (it's a British celebration, to commemorate The Houses of Parliament not being blown up, by sending up a load of fireworks! I know, it makes no sense.) I love toffee apples and collecting conkers, pressing attractive leaves and finally getting to snuggle in my fluffy jumpers and comedy slippers. The light is more beautiful, sort of golden with the sun hanging low, and the moon is closer too, making me want to stand outside at night and throw a lasso around it.

Being a writer means that I'm more of a stay at home person than an out and about person, so the colder weather gives me the excuse to be inside (I always feel so guilty about it when it's brilliant sunshine and long summer days). Which means far more time for reading, yay! Not only am I getting cozy by the fire, but I'm also getting cozy with my book addiction. This month I'm working my way through the Murder in the Mix series by Addison Moore, it's the perfect Autumnal read. Hope you're enjoying the season wherever you are! Stella