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Author celebrates third edition of Little Mallow series

By Patsy Collins

READERS may remember the picturesque seaside village of Little Mallow; which made the Globe last January after being discovered by tearing a map between Lee-on-the-Solent, Hill Head and Stubbington. Proving to be highly popular in two stories; the location will now be the scene of a third that completes my personal cosy crime series when it is released later this week (January 24)

The third story will feature multiple characters as they enjoy life in the village and visit places that readers are familiar with; such as Gosport Library, High Street and police station. They also buy their groceries in similar supermarkets, walk their dogs on the same beach and have friendship groups consisting of many residents or even family members.

The criminals, whether a well organised gang or lone operators, are further nearby; but readers are urged not to worry about their potential threats. Police offers and detectives have been assigned to focus upon them, alongside a wide range of amateur sleuths ranging from amusingly precocious school boy Adam to retired teacher Muriel who is eight times his age. Rest assured; they’ll get to the truth long before the bad guys get to the readers.

A few burglaries, touch of arson and dollop of blackmail have further been thrown into the mix in addition to the killings. However it’s not all gloom or doom for readers as there are parties, a flower show, strong friendships, budding romances and an extremely generous quantity of home-made cake to enjoy.

The three books in the series, Disguised Murder and Community Spirit in Little Mallow, Dependable Friends and Deceitful Neighbours in Little Mallow and Deadly Words and Innocent Gossip in Little Mallow are all available as paperbacks, e-books or through kindle unlimited. They can be bought online, ordered through bookshops or requested at the library. Readers can also meet the author on January 25 (10:30am to 2:30pm) at The Bookshop in Lee-on-the-Solent, where they can buy a signed copy or entire series.

This series follows the publication of seven novels (mostly set locally) including Acting Like A Killer and marks another step in a long career, which started with writing short stories for national magazines twenty years ago. Readers are encouraged to learn more about myself and my writing by visiting patsycollins.uk; where they can also join her newsletter and receive a free e-book giving exclusive insights into the world of Little Mallow.

PICTURED BY PATSY COLLINS: Little Mallow is the location of all three books as seen here; the cosy crime series now into the final instalment when released this week.