#Blog Tour - Dark Waters - Mary-Jane Riley

Welcome to the last stop on the blog tour for Dark Waters by Mary-Jane Riley.

There’s one problem with being a book blogger – there’s never enough time to read all the books you want to read which is why I’m going to be telling you about the book and chatting with Mary-Jane, the lovely lady behind the words, rather than sharing a review with you.

If you haven’t been following the tour I’d highly recommend that you check out the other stops to find out more about this fabulous sounding book. 

While we’re on the subject of the book let me tell you more about it.

DARK WATERS is the third crime thriller in the series featuring journalist Alex Devlin. It begins with a macabre discovery on board a pleasure cruiser on the beautiful Norfolk Broads – the decomposing bodies of two elderly men. It appears the dead men did not know each other and police suspect an internet suicide pact. 

Alex’s search for the truth reveals a darker story. She finds a connection between the two men and possible links to other unexplained deaths. 

As she investigates further, the stakes rise and her own family becomes embroiled in the mystery. Her inquiries lead her to the University of Cambridge. Could the roots of the puzzle lie there with a tragedy that unfolded amongst a group of carefree students many years before? 

Long-buried secrets come to the surface and Alex’s life and the lives of her family are on the line. As the past and the present collide, Alex questions everything she thinks she knows about those she loves.

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Photo courtesy of Mary-Jane Riley

Mary-Jane wrote her first story on her newly acquired blue Petite typewriter. She was eight. It was about a gang of children who had adventures on mysterious islands, but she soon realised Enid Blyton had cornered that particular market. So she wrote about the Wild West instead. When she grew up she had to earn a living, and became a BBC radio talk show presenter and journalist. She has covered many life-affirming stories, but also some of the darkest events of the past two decades. Mary-Jane has three grown-up children and lives in Suffolk with her husband and two golden retrievers.

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Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
When my first book THE BAD THINGS was bought by Harper Collins, I was all set to use my initials and maiden name - I used my maiden name for work and using initials seemed to be ‘the thing’ at the time. However, I had to abandon that idea when my editor told me that that an MJ Cullen was on Amazon writing Werewolf and shapeshifter fiction. We thought it best not to get muddled up with that. So, after a chat with my agent, we went with my full, married name. And I am so glad I did, as my (grown-up) children said they were very proud of me and wanted people to know it was their mum who was the writer. However, if I wrote in a different genre, I would consider using a pseudonym, though I wouldn’t keep it quiet - after all, everyone knew Ruth Rendell was Barbara Vine, but readers knew they would get a different sort of book, and it didn’t do her any harm.

Do you often hear from your readers and what do they say?
I do hear from readers, which is one of the very best things about being a writer - that a reader has taken the time and trouble to get in touch and tell you how much they enjoyed the book. I often get readers from East Anglia - where I live and where all three of my books are set - telling me they love reading about places they know. A lovely thing that has happened since I was published is that people I went to school and university with, and who I haven’t spoken to for many years have got in touch to say they have read my books. Also, my former colleagues at the BBC (whose names I have shamelessly stolen for many of the characters) have been amongst the most supportive bunch of friends a writer could have.

What’s your favourite motivational phrase?
I have two, which are related - firstly, ‘Get it writ, don’t get it right’ and ‘You can fix a bad page, you can’t fix a blank page.’ 

What advice would you give your younger self?
Go for it, believe in yourself and don’t worry about what anybody thinks about you, because when you’re older you don’t want to have any regrets.

Where did your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing etc come from?
Do you know, I don’t know! I can’t remember a time when I haven’t loved books and storytelling. I remember my father reading to me when I was ill in bed with measles. My parents buying me the full set of Enid Blyton’s The Twins at St Clare’s when I was in hospital having my tonsils out. I remember Little Aunty Alice (as opposed to Great Aunty Alice) lending me her Hammond Innes/Alistair McClean and Agatha Christie books, and I remember going to the library in Lymm, Cheshire and devouring the books there.

What do you think is more important: characters or plot?
That can be a difficult one for a crime/thriller author where plot is so important, even so, I think everything stems from character. You get your character right, then you know how they are going to react in certain situations and your plot comes from there. 

Describe yourself in five words.
‘A good fun old gal’ - courtesy of my husband and to be read with a Norfolk accent.

What is your guilty pleasure?
Zombies. Love ‘em. Films. Books. Anything. Though I wouldn’t like to meet one.

 You don’t fancy a night out with this lot then Mary-Jane? They look friendly enough!😂 😱

Dark Waters is available as an eBook now (paperback at the end of May) and you can find out more about more about Mary-Jane and her books by using the links below:

Facebook

Twitter

Amazon

Instagram

The Hippo Hangs Out . . . . with Colette Kebell

I’ve been looking forward to chatting to Colette Kebell and I’m so pleased that the day has finally arrived that we get to sit down and have a good old natter!

Let me start by introducing you all to the lovely lady herself.

Photo courtesy of Colette Kebell

Colette Kebell is an author of Chicklit, though a relatively new one and thus far has self-published her books. Her books are light-hearted, fun and quirky and even considered by some to be inspirational.  She has also found avenues to translate both into Italian (thanks to her husband), and one, thus far, into French, Spanish and Portuguese via Babelcube. 

As a career, Colette spent her later years as a legal secretary. After a first attempt at writing many years ago (a book that still remains in her drawer) she resumed this passion a few years back, after being made redundant.  After a few book signing events and a book talk, which almost caused her to collapse with nerves, Colette now spends her time between her home in the UK and her home in France.

Colette has two adorable dogs and spends some time, when not writing and marketing her books, cooking for herself and her husband, gardening or designing various items for their home.  Amongst her other hobbies, she has also experimented with furniture upholstery, and she might, from time to time, have a paintbrush in her hand.

She can be found on twitter @ColetteKebell though doesn’t tweet a vast amount.

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Colette’s debut novel was called Blue and Green Should Never Be Seen and although I haven’t read it (yet!) I know that I’ll love the main character GiGi, or Griselda Griswald to give her her full name. How could you not love someone with that name?

Here’s the blurb:

GiGi (well, Griselda Griswald actually, but everybody calls her GiGi) is a woman with a mission: to help people improve the way they look, increase their self-esteem, and eventually, make them happier. Being a personal shopper is a dark art, with few tangible rewards. Spread by word of mouth, her clients would never admit they needed her assistance. Not even if they were put under torture. Let us be honest, who would admit to being in need of a style consultant? It is like being an alcoholic: the first step is to admit you need help, and acknowledge that that pair of leggings, now that you are in your mid-fifties, do not suit you anymore. When you have recognized it, you are on the path to recovery, and GiGi’s services will help you, despite her mother nagging that what she is doing is not a “real” job. People need advice and often a fresh point of view helps in rejuvenating a wardrobe that, with time, has become boring. Would they admit it? Not a chance! So, it is just a matter of going around and helping people buying clothes and shoes? Not quite so. Money is tight; GiGi has to work with rich and very eccentric people, who often do not have any idea about what they want. She and her business partner Ritchie are in a constant struggle to keep the business afloat, but as they say in Dragon’s Den, she is very investable. But, with success comes the difficulties, the Battersea Fashion Center is going to open soon, just opposite of her office, and they claim they will be fierce competitors. A powerful enemy is lining up ready to make a meal out of her, knowing very well that GiGi’s approach, eventually, will make her a force to be reckon with. Whilst she invents new ways to make her consultancy firm successful, she finds who could be the love of her life, thanks to some of her best friends. The business is eventually expanding and they take onboard new partners along the way, making them one of the most influential fashion consultancy firms in London. But, with a very demanding job, hours and hours spent working, will she be able to balance her career and her private life? Will she reach a point where she loses focus on what is important in life? Do not worry; mother is there to remind her, with her nagging.

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I’m sure I don’t need to tell you lovely readers that this is being added to my TBR as we speak – well as you read!

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I’m thrilled to welcome Colette to The Hippo today, don’t be shy, come on in, grab a comfy seat and let’s chat!

What book/books made you cry and why?

Most recently and one that has stuck with me was Me Before You by Jojo Moyes.  Why, for anyone who hasn’t read it, was due to how well written it was and the subject matter.  The story draws you in and brings out your emotions, often at the most inappropriate moments.  I went through a whole box of tissues reading that.

I know what you mean Colette and the film had exactly the same effect on me. It wasn't pretty!  😉

                                          

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

I already do…in a roundabout way, same Christian name, different surname.  That made things simpler, particularly at book signing events etc. Rather than signing my full name I just sign Colette.  That way I can’t inadvertently let my married name out of the bag.

What other authors are you friends with and how do they help you become a better writer?

I’m friends with quite a few authors, virtually, though have met Lizzie Lamb at a Jill Mansell book launch, as well as a few book bloggers such as Anne Williams and Rachel Gilbey.  I hope to meet plenty more though, now that I am a member of the Romantic Novelists Association, providing I can attend a few of their functions this year.  My chief virtual author friend, who was my mentor at the time I elected go to self-publish, is an American author called Donna Jane McDonald.  I’ve given up counting how many books she has now written, most of which are novellas but all are funny, entertaining and quite a few are on the raunchy side.  I left that part well enough alone though in my own books.   I guess, as far as becoming a better writer is concerned, that comes from reading their books.  I do try my utmost though to ensure I’m not posting gobbledygook on Facebook though, as seeing their posts makes me more aware of my own.

Wow I’m jealous that you’ve met Jill Mansell, I’ve read lots of her books but I’m up there with you as I’ve met Anne and Rachel too!

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I’m not sure this is a writing quirk, but I occasionally make up names, for characters of my books.  For example, there is one lady in Blue and Green Should Never Be Seen! (Or so Mother Says) whose name continually changes…one of which being “Lady PainintheNeck”.  Having said that my doing so obviously hasn’t confused my readers and not one has remarked on it.  I won’t say too much though as this might be considered a bit of a spoiler…

What advice would you give your younger self?

My younger self should have taken her working life less seriously and find more time for her creativity, which she lost touch with for quite a while…  Having said that I’m thankful I have that back now as I put it to good use as often as I can and not necessarily only by writing.

What did you edit out of your last book?

I didn’t actually edit anything out, though while writing it, I had to keep a tight rein on the elements which involved the nagging Mother.  I didn’t want the story to just be solely about a woman and her nagging Mother, though I could have added a whole lot more.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with and why?

That I have to say would have to be Jasper Barnes.  He is a snake, rogue and downright villain at times, though doesn’t come across that way initially.  I found it great fun developing his character but I just don’t get along with people like that…life is too short to have to watch your back regularly.

You get a brilliant idea/thought/phrase at an inappropriate moment (e.g. in the shower or driving) what do you do?

If I’m in the shower, I shout out to my husband, who is never too far away, as he works from home (though he may get a little irritated initially, mainly due to being on a conference call, he soon gets caught in with the idea).  Driving, if we are together, we might discuss it but not before I jot it down on my mobile. If I’m on my own, I wait for the first opportunity to pull over and jot it down, as I don’t have a hand's free kit.  If I’m out and about without needing to take care of what I’m doing my handbag is never without a notebook and pen…

You can find out more about Colette, her books and connect with her using the links below:

Website

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Facebook

Twitter

I'd like to say a big thank you to Colette for taking the time out of her busy schedule to stop by and hang out with me today, I've loved having you here. 😘

The Hippo Hangs Out . . . . with John Mayer

Today I’m hanging out with an author I’ll admit I knew very little about until we hung out together, but I’m sure that many of you reading this will have read his books. I’d like to introduce you all to John Mayer – author of The Parliament Books.

Photo courtesy of John Meyer

John Mayer was born in Glasgow, Scotland, a war-zone where violence and poverty reigned. In 1963 when he heard The Beatles on Radio Caroline, he decided to change his life. Aged 14 he left school because, in his opinion, he wasn't being taught. For the next year, in all weathers, he cycled 9 miles to and 9 miles from the Mitchell Library in central Glasgow where he devoured books of all kinds and began to understand what more the world had to offer. He became an Apprentice engineer, and soon was teaching men twice his age. In the early 1970s his love of music led him to set up as a Record Producer. He built his own record company trading in 14 countries. After a disheartening court battle with global giants, he left the business world and went back into further education at the University of Edinburgh, becoming an Advocate in the Supreme Courts of Scotland. There he acted for the downtrodden and desperate as well as Greenpeace International. His specialism was in fighting international child abduction.

John has written non-fiction, legal texts and articles; broadcast to tens of millions of people on US and UK radio, appeared on TV and in print media.  Since retiring from the Law, John has enjoyed using his years of very colourful experience to create The Parliament House Books series.

The Trial is the first full length novel in this series. Set in Edinburgh and Glasgow, it is more than a nod to Franz Kafka's book of the same title. The Trial sees crusading Scottish Advocate, Brogan McLane, fight injustices so casually delivered by Low Life in High Places in the Old Town.

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Hello John and welcome to The Hippo.

We’ll start with a hard one. Can you describe yourself in five words?

Intelligent          Fearless            Ambitious            Eidetic             Humorous   

      

Has reading any book ever made you cry and why?

J D Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ does it to me every time. The central character ‘Holden Caulfield’ who is around 15 years old and very emotionally vulnerable, represents the USA at a time of painfully growing up to take on the responsibilities of the world’s largest economy in the post Second World War era. Salinger captures perfectly the naivety and false sense of security that small happinesses bring Holden; and by association, those false happinesses felt by the people of the USA through being consumers. By the end of my first reading, I was screaming into the pages.

What would you say is your most interesting writing quirk?

I try not to write anything which I can’t see clearly in my mind’s eye. I don’t write to a timetable. I’m not a robot. I write only when I feel like writing and think I can give the session my very best qualities. What I do is turn my feelings into words and back again into the reader’s feelings. That, so I’m told, connects my writing to the very core of my readers’ hearts and minds. To write any other way would seem phoney to me.

Do you often hear from your readers and what do they say?

Oh, I’m very pleased to say that my books get comments all the time such as ‘If I could give this book six stars, I would’ - ‘I’m right there in the courtrooms, the jail cells, the Calton Bar and the bedrooms of Mayer’s characters. They’re very real to me.’ - ‘Mayer is a master at leading you in to the world of Brogan McLane QC. Well, his twenty years in Parliament House must help with that. Authentic? Yeah!’ - ‘Read all three Prequels before you start the novels. They’re free from the Parliament House Books website and will set you up for your Grand Tour through the novels.’

I feel very proud when I get such comments. Even though I get them more and more nowadays, that feeling of pride in the quality of my writing never goes away.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Oh that’s easy. Drinking late at night, is the answer. Right now I’m enjoying some fabulous farm-made white wine from Poros in the Saronic Gulf in Greece. I was privileged to be included in a small group of guys who went by sea late at night to buy it by the 100 litre barrel. I like to watch interesting things (often on YouTube) on subjects such as Astrophysics or Egyptology and drink my wine. If I get an idea for my current novel, I’ll write it on the white board above my desk for examination the next day when I’m sober.

You must have strong will-power John, as this is what happens to me when I venture onto YouTube! 😂

                         

If a genie could grant you three wishes, what would they be?

I’d firstly ask for ten million dollars. I’m a firm believer that money can buy happiness; but you have to know how to spend it and on what things. That’s the difficult part. Ten million is just enough to keep a big investment income rolling in for the rest of one’s life. Any more than ten million could bring more trouble than the money’s worth. Secondly, I’d ask for the date, place and time of my death. That way I could schedule things I want to accomplish before dying. I’d also be able to die in any way I chose; which could be great fun. Thirdly - and here I remind myself that these wishes are being granted to me and not all of humanity - I would ask for that most elusive faculty; the one which the poet Robert Burns told us was impossible; that is to be able to see myself as others see me.

What did you edit out of your last book?

I edited out quite a lot of colloquialisms from the dialogue. Some readers say they love it because it is so authentic and deepens their experience of reading my books. But others - mainly Americans - say they can’t understand the colloquialisms and these therefore slow down their reading. My business is communication and if I slow down, or worse - stop my readers in their tracks, then that is a fault in the writing which I must correct. The joy of digital publishing of course means that I’m considering issuing versions of the novels written almost entirely in colloquial language.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Oh what a question! Actually I think I’d give reassurance more than advice. To give advice might alter the course of my life and I wouldn’t want to do that. What I would say is ‘Don’t worry, whatever you do, you’ll always become the guy who came from a tenement street in a gang war zone and rose to be an Advocate in Parliament House, sit on the Council of the University of Edinburgh and be the Legal Counsel to Greenpeace International. And of course, you’ll be the proud author of The Parliament House Books.’

Thanks for having me. I enjoyed this  -   John 

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The Trial is the first full length novel in the series so here’s some more about it.

An urban legal/crime novel set in the beautiful Scottish city of Edinburgh.

Part I of The Parliament House Books series - 3rd Edition

When Glaswegian Brogan McLane completes many years of university education and legal training he crosses that great divide from Glasgow to Edinburgh. 'Called' to the Bar of the Scottish Supreme Court, he becomes a member of the most prestigious club in Scotland; The Faculty of Advocates in Parliament House.

When High Court Judge, Lord Aldounhill, is found dead after a transvestite party in his sumptuous home, those who know the killer close ranks and need a scapegoat – who better than 'outsider' Brogan McLane?

Out on bail with his career on hold, McLane and his band of blood brothers in the Calton Bar in Glasgow need to get ahead of their enemies or McLane will go down for life after Trial. But every time they discover a piece of evidence, it seems there is a mirror image to contradict it.

Through the murky world of Russian controlled transvestite hotels and with some unexpected police and judicial help, McLane battles against 'Low Life in High Places in the Old Town' until the killer is found.

But well protected and knowing all the tricks, will the killer ever stand trial in Parliament House?

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You can find out more about John, his books and connect with him using the links below:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Amazon

Goodreads

Mailing list (sign up and receive 3 free books!)

I’d like to thank John for taking the time to stop by for a chat, it’s been great getting to know you and finding out about your books.