I chose to read A Curse in Nuala as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team and received a copy from the author but this does not alter my review in anyway.

There are few things more comforting than sinking into a new book from a series you love. You know it’s going to be well written and you know the story is going to be good. I was therefore delighted to pick up A Curse in Nuala, having read several from this long series before.

Ceylon is now independent from the British, and Inspector Shanti de Silva has a new boss. One he is concerned about serving under. However, when an Indian maharajah is murdered and a priceless sapphire stolen, de Silva is pleased with the way his boss, Police Commissioner Fernando, gets things in motion and the support he gives him, without taking over. The sapphire is rumoured to be cursed, which affects many of the staff at the Residence, where the maharajah was living with his wife. And while Shanti doesn’t believe in such things as curses, it still makes him edgy, especially when there are more suspicious deaths linked to the first.

This is a wonderful series of detective stories. I can see it as a television series, actually. The characters are great, the plots sufficiently involved, and the outcomes satisfactory. Although these books are standalone you will get much more from the series if you start at the beginning, as life evolves for Shanti and his wife, Jane, as the stories progress.

Highly recommended.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #bookreview for A Curse in Nuala (The Inspector de Silva Mysteries Book 16) by Harriet Steel #RBRT #detective #series #Ceylon #mystery appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

While I don’t believe I’ve achieved the heights of unpredictability I’d like to have done with this series so far. I do think I’ve written something new with each book. There are no formulas to see here. I’ve tried to cover different types of psychological suspense and crime. I haven’t always stuck to my safe haven of first person present tense. I’ve used different points of view. And there have been the twists along the way that have surprised readers.

Here are some of the shows that inspire me (no spoilers):

Inside Number 9. If you are a fan of this series from Steve Pemberton and Reece Shearsmith you might have spotted my cheeky indulgence with the name of the Jackson’s house in A Killer Strikes. Here is a short preview of Sardines, the first episode to be aired. It is a delight. And if you watch nothing else from the series. Watch this one.

The epic Game of Thrones. That scene when a popular main character is killed off. Wow. I did not think they’d go there…

There are moments in Line of Duty when the tables turn and as your eyes widen you realise all is not what you thought it to be. Delicious. (And there’s another series on the way – yippee!)

And the glorious Talking Heads monologues from Alan Bennett. Each and everyone one of them a masterpiece. The subtlety of Bennett’s writing is a joy. What is left unsaid as revealing as the words themselves. I have just treated myself to the DVD’s (yes, I still have a DVD player) of the original series which I have seen and listened to on audio many times, and the redone ones which I haven’t seen at all. I can be quite stubborn (noooooo, I hear you cry…) and if I’ve loved a particular programme or film I won’t watch any other version for fear of ruining it. But I will watch the new set of actors take on these monologues at some point and see which version I prefer. I’ll say at the outset though that the originals will be hard to beat. 😉

So, yes, my A Shade Darker series is born out of my love of unpredictability. However, rather predictably, as it’s right on schedule, it’s time for the latest in the series to be released.

Driven by Deceit will be released on the 1st May 2026. The eBook is available to pre-order now HERE. or by clicking on the book cover below. The paperback and hardback formats will be available to buy from the 1st May.

Crack the façade… Expose the truth…

A toxic arrival. The villagers enthralled. What will it take to show the reality of what lives among them?

Laura Brown has already had a tough year. What she doesn’t need is someone making it worse. But when her friend’s cottage is rented out, that’s exactly what happens as her life, and the village she loves, are invaded by someone from her past.

Laura has learned how to react to her abuser. With silence. With indifference. No one else sees the danger in their midst. That is until her friends are affected and the time comes for Laura to remember who she really is.

With the help of a mysterious visitor and Laura’s friend, Harry O’Connor, a plan forms, but when a lack of discretion threatens to derail it, Laura finds help comes from the most unlikely place.

Driven by Deceit is a gripping domestic suspense novel. If you like character-driven action, suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists, then you’ll love this psychological thriller.

What about you? Do you like unpredictability or do you prefer to know what’s going to happen and have the story pan out in a straightforward manner? And do you have any other series to add alongside these? I can add them to my To-Be-Watched list 🙂

The post Unpredictability in storytelling – I love it. Driven by Deceit (Book 5 in the #AShadeDarker series) is coming soon. #domesticthriller #suspense #newrelease #psychologicalthriller appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

I invited Harry O’Connor onto the blog this week to find out more about a person very close to the centre of my upcoming book, Driven by Deceit.

Welcome, Harry. Make yourself comfortable.

Thank you, Georgia. It’s grand to be here. I thought you would invite Laura back as she’s the main character, so I’m honoured to be here instead.

I thought it would be a great opportunity to meet Laura’s best friend. But if anyone wants to read the interview I did with Laura when A Killer Strikes was launched they can find it HERE. So, Harry, let’s get to it, you obviously enjoy working at The Stables, tell me about your background?

Okay, well, I’m Irish, and many years ago I worked in a racing yard in Ireland. I’d hoped to be a jockey, and I did race a bit, but I grew too tall and it was never going to work. Looking back, I didn’t take it well at the time and probably rather dramatically I left Ireland and all that behind me. By chance, I arrived in this part of England. I had lodgings in a nearby village, and I decided to develop my creative work. To do that, I needed to spend time round horses, which led me to Laura’s yard. I then moved to Melton, and here I still am.

Tell me more about this creative work of yours? What do you create?

Sculptures, mostly. In wood. And around ninety per cent of them are of horses. But I also paint. Again, mostly horses, but other animals too.

You seem to be at the yard at lot. You even cover for Laura so she can have a holiday in Driven by Deceit. How do you get any of your art made?

That’s the thing, isn’t it. I haven’t had the time for it. I’ve been trying to support Laura. We all had a tough start to the year with the murders. She has been under a lot of pressure, which is why I suggested the holiday. And I’m not sure if it’s what happened in January or just because I’ve been busy at the yard, plus I have a few other small jobs to keep the money coming in, but I’ve lost my appetite for creating at the moment.

I’m sorry to hear that. There’s one point in this story where you try to light that spark again, and it involves Laura. Do you want to tell me about that?

Ha ha, yes, that was a bit cheeky of me, I admit. It was quite an evening, though. I don’t think it will come as a surprise to anyone to hear that I have strong feelings for Laura. And I tried to put her in a situation where she might realise she feels the same. Because we have a problem. You called me her best friend at the start of this interview. And that is the problem. We are friends. Have been for years. And let me tell you, it’s practically impossible to change that relationship into a romantic one.

And was that cheeky evening of yours successful in changing the relationship?

A gentleman never tells, Georgia. You know that.

Interesting, Harry. Well, whether it was or not, I understand that there is a new arrival in this book that catches your eye?

Ahh. Yes. There is actually more than one new arrival in this story, but I know who you are referring to, and all I can say is that I’m only human. Red blooded male, and all that. I defy any man not to be attracted to–

Ooh, don’t spoil the surprise, Harry. Let’s keep the readers guessing, shall we? Do you think you might have sent mixed messages to Laura because of this flirtation?

I don’t think there was any flirtation. I met someone whom I found attractive. It happens, but it’s not like I was going to do anything about it because of Laura. Looking back, I think Laura maybe saw something that wasn’t actually there.

If you say so, Harry. Anyway, that’s all just a bit of a distraction in an otherwise rather nasty tale, don’t you think?

Absolutely. That other arrival I mentioned. I realise I was slow on the uptake, and I still feel bad for that, but honestly, talk about seeing someone’s true colours. I was shocked that anyone could be so awful.

Laura’s reputation was certainly at stake. But I understand there was money involved too?

There was. And don’t forget about the horse.

Ah, yes. It all started with the horse.

Did it though? I think it all started many years ago.

Very astute, Harry. Very astute.

Thank you. Given what a fool I was, I’ve given it a lot of thought.

I don’t think you were a fool, Harry. Let’s say you were taken in. And, of course, you weren’t the only one.

No, I wasn’t. Many of us had our eyes opened, rather dramatically. I have to say, Georgia. It is turning out to be quite a year.

It certainly is. I wonder what will happen during the rest of it.

Aren’t you meant to know that?

You’d like to think so, wouldn’t you? But the future is filled with infinite possibilities, Harry, and nothing is set in stone yet.

Oooh, intriguing.

I like to keep everyone guessing. Even myself. Anyway, let’s hope our lovely readers enjoy finding out all about your adventures in Driven by Deceit, Harry. And enjoy the rest of the weekend. I’m sure there are some horses somewhere you’re meant to be exercising.

I’m sure there are, Georgia, best get back to it. Thanks for having me here. I’ve enjoyed the chat. 😊

If you’d like to find out more about Harry O’Connor and see how he fits into the story you can buy Driven by Deceit from all the places you usually get your books. You can start HERE, or by clicking on the book cover below, or any of the images in this post.

Thank you x

The post An interview with Harry O’Connor, a leading character in the upcoming #NewRelease Driven by Deceit (Book 5 in the #AShadeDarker series) by @GeorgiaRoseBook #psychologicalthriller #suspense #domesticsuspense #series appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

Ophelia Street, North London, 1970. A young reporter lives in a flat there and watches the inhabitants. Written over four seasons this novel tells the stories of some of those who live and work in the street.

The writing is beautifully descriptive and observational. The stories told with an unemotional detachment.

There is much that happens over the year. Deaths, suicides, affairs, pregnancies, separations, arson. One property is earmarked as a hostel for newly released offenders. Other properties are gradually bought up to be demolished and replaced by a new estate. Because of this most of the inhabitants move away by the end of the year and the stories of the lives that lived there comes to a natural close.

I have done what this reporter did, on a much smaller scale. I’ve watched a building over a couple of weeks imagining the lives of those that lived there so I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Highly recommended.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

I have an older cover on my copy:

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #bookreview for Leaves by John Simmons #literaryfiction #drama appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

I chose to read Between the Lines as a member of Rosie’s Book Review Team. I received a copy from the author, but that does not alter my review.

American Sadie Reed is an editor and is sent from New York to Great Missenden, England, by her boss, Jess Harper, to help British author Corbyn Pearce finish his much delayed book. Sadie has recently parted from her ex-fiancé, Nate. Corbyn was in a terrible accident a few years before that has left him with physical and emotional scars and caused him to become something of a recluse in his manor. His only contacts being his sister, Ellie, a doctor who lives in London, and Edie and Paul, his housekeeper and groundman, who are as close to him as parents. Oh, and there is a gorgeous dog, Riley. We mustn’t forget him!

What Sadie finds when she arrives to work with Corbyn is a grumpy technophobe write who doesn’t want any help. Will she manage to get through his defences?

I enjoyed reading this well-written novel recently while on holiday. The pace is steady, the characters believable, and the outcome warm and satisfying.

For all those in search of a slow burn romance and feel-good story, this is the one for you.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #bookreview for Between the Lines by Tracey Magruder #RBRT #contemporary #romance appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

Ordinary Joe:

Joseph Carter is a decent guy who makes a terrible decision. This story is an explanation as to why he was led down the wrong path, it is so easily done with the right temptation, and the severe consequences of his actions.

With what he then endured, revenge was never far from his mind, and I was intrigued as to what form it would take. I have to say that the ending was surprisingly satisfying, but then, as I said at the beginning, Joe is a decent guy.

King of the Playground:

Told from Jerry’s point of view, this is the tale of him and his best friend, Mikkel, born one month before him. I’d say it is a tale of competition and one-up-man-ship but I think that would have to involve both parties, and this isn’t that. However, it is a complex story of emotions and relationships, and I found it hugely enjoyable. It also delivers a strong message that you should just get on with being the best you that you can be and not to try to live another’s life.

This was such an interesting read and, of course, therefore highly recommended.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #Bookreview for So Shall Ye Reap: Book #2 of The Revenge Series by Terry Tyler @TerryTyler4 #suspense #novellas #mystery #crime appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

I enjoyed the first anthology, The Wife, The Mistress, and the Guinea Pig and Other Stories, so much I immediately bought this one when it was published. I was not disappointed. Many of the pieces took me back to Arran which is such a wonderful place to be, if only in your mind.

There were many quality stories in the book, this time I have picked out a few of my favourites.

Alastair Milne – The Ghostwriter.

A.V. Dunne – The Italian Fiasco and the Peekie Hags, and Hetzer (which made me cry).

Anne Hodge – Back and Beyond.

Barb Taub – How I became a Medical Tourist 1-7 and the fascinating tales of (mostly) the India Medical system.

Elizabeth Ross – The Princess and the Froglet, and Rain on Arran?

Helen McIntosh – How I became a Sailor in Three Lessons.

Marshall Ross – A Love Story.

Tom Kelly – The Girl with the Golden Hair, and Scott Joplin’s Ragtime Dance.

There is also an Arran in 100 words section which is an excellent writing discipline and fun to read.

Super black and white illustrations from the u3a photographic group are dotted throughout the book which add atmosphere to the pieces and are an excellent addition.

If you love short stories, poetry, Arran or anthologies then this book is most definitely for you.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #bookreview for How I Became a Sailor in Three Lessons and Other Stories by the Isle of Arran u3a Writing Group #Anthology #shortstories #u3a #writinggroup #prose #poetry appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

“Art is never finished, only abandoned,” is a quote attributed to Leonardo DaVinci. It highlights the fact that perfection is unattainable and creative work is only completed when the artist chooses to stop and let it go.

This is something I really struggle with when writing. When to let go. In my day job I am a completer of things. I am project driven. I like to see something right through to the end where all the t’s are crossed and i’s dotted. When all the figures balance and I can walk away and know the job is finished. I like to cross the task off in my diary and know there is nothing more I could have done to improve it.

Oh, how very different writing is. I am getting better. With my first book, A Single Step, I dilly dallied over publishing it for months, years. I kept rereading it and endlessly editing. Tweaking, changing, rewriting. Obsessing*.

The quote, “I was working on the proof of one of my poems all the morning, and took out a comma. In the afternoon I put it back again,” is famously attributed to Irish playwright and author Oscar Wilde.

I can relate. Often I’d spend an afternoon rewriting a whole paragraph. Turning it round and round only by the end for it to look remarkably similar to how it was when I started work on it. What a waste of time because, in fact, there are diminishing returns on all that extra effort.

But still that manuscript had to be prised from my hands.

As I said above, I am getting better. The schedule I am on to produce one book a year with the A Shade Darker series is helping with that. I still obsess over the fact I might have left something out. Something important. Once written, a line or thought will often pop into my mind while shopping, or when out with the dog, or in the middle of the night, and I’ll think ooh, that sounds better, I’ll use that and I’ll make a note of it and add it to the pile of other such scribbles. Often when I check through the manuscript (again!) to include all these important notes, I find they were the words I’d used in the first place, or, yes, I had already included that. Clearly my brain is just doing its own little double checking thing.

Occasionally, though, these random thoughts that spring to mind have indeed saved me from actually publishing something that makes no sense at all. Like in Before the Dawn, when on a dog walk I suddenly realised that character’s arms couldn’t possibly be hanging where they were as they’d been tied at the wrists! Phew. That was a moment. Major embarrassment averted!

So, the lesson is to always pay attention to the weird thinky thoughts that come to me. To always write them down, because, you know, memory… And to always just do that last check through to make sure your brain isn’t trying to save you, yet again.

And on that note, I have just added all my final (I hope!) scribbles to Driven by Deceit (Book 5 of the A Shade Darker series). I am currently doing a final read through and will then set up the files on Bookfunnel to send it out to my wonderful ARC (Advance Reader Copy) readers. (I should add that by this stage the book has already been through its beta readers, its intrepid editor and its diligent proof reader.)

But my eagle-eyed ARC readers will spot another load of errors. ‘Tis always the way, and I love them for it.

Driven by Deceit will be published on the 1^st May 2026 as its story is told through the month of May. The eBook is available for preorder from your favourite retailer by clicking HERE or on any of the images scattered throughout this post.

Crack the façade… Expose the truth…

A toxic arrival. The villagers enthralled. What will it take to show the reality of what lives among them?

Laura Brown has already had a tough year. What she doesn’t need is someone making it worse. But when her friend’s cottage is rented out, that’s exactly what happens as her life, and the village she loves, are invaded by someone from her past.

Laura has learned how to react to her abuser. With silence. With indifference. No one else sees the danger in their midst. That is until her friends are affected and the time comes for Laura to remember who she really is.

With the help of a mysterious visitor and Laura’s friend, Harry O’Connor, a plan forms, but when a lack of discretion threatens to derail it, Laura finds help comes from the most unlikely place.

Driven by Deceit is a gripping domestic suspense novel. If you like character-driven action, suspenseful storytelling and unexpected twists, then you’ll love this psychological thriller.

Driven by Deceit will also be available as a paperback and hardback but those formats will be launched on the 1st May and can’t be pre-ordered.

Thank you for your continued support. It means a lot.

Georgia x

* And I can tell you now. I don’t reread any of my older books as I’d start editing all over again.

The post “Art is never finished, only abandoned” Leonardo DaVinci – Driven by Deceit Book 5 of the #AShadeDarker series of #domesticsuspense #psychologicalthrillers #newrelease appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

Sometimes you’re not sure about whether to try a new to you author, both in terms of investment of time and money, or not, and I’m a firm believer in trying a taster first, where possible. This charming short story is just such an opportunity to see if you like the writer’s style before going on to try a full novel.

This short story, and the series, is set in Silver Springs, a beautiful small town in New England. There is no explicit content, violence, or profanity. And what I’ve read so far is definitely feel-good with mouth-watering descriptions of delicious dishes and plenty of crime solving among the crafting.

So if cosy mystery is your preferred reading then I can recommend this short story as a good place to start before you go on to explore the rest of the series.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

The post #TuesdayBookBlog #bookreview for Gifts of Goodwill: A Festive Page-turning Crafts and Culinary Cosy Mystery Short Story (Silver Springs Mysteries) by Jodie Morgan #shortstory #festive appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.

As I’m sure you’re aware, I’m rubbish at marketing but I absolutely have to share this. Here’s a quick post to share a fabulous blog post published by the hilarious Barb Taub. It is all about revenge, plus there’s a terrific review for A Stolen Future…

Please go and read Barb’s post by clicking HERE

Thank you xx

The post How is revenge like ice cream? PLUS #BookReview of A STOLEN FUTURE by Barb Taub @barbtaub #humour #AShadeDarker appeared first on Georgia Rose Books.