Writer unearths new village in latest novel
SURPRISINGLY few people know about the picturesque seaside village of Little Mallow. It must have been there a long time as St Symeon’s church dates from the 12th century and the imposing ruin of Solent castle is even older in age. Until recently, few outsiders found their way there.
As part of my newest book I discovered Little Mallow by tearing a line in the map from The Shack refreshment kiosk on the seafront at Hillhead up to the B3334. It is a small village that was generated between Lee-on-the-Solent and Stubbington, which has been filled using my imagination and features as part of the story.
The village is the perfect place to spend a few hours if you like interesting characters, delicious cakes, beautiful gardens and a touch of murder. Why not pop into the Snail and Kale for a drink and a few clues, or better yet the Post Office where you can buy almost anything and pick up all the local gossip while you’re there?
Readers won’t need to solve the crime yourself as support is offered. Student Officer Crystal Clere is (somewhat unofficially) leading the investigation, with help from her mentor Officer Trevor Harris and the charismatic DI Shortfellow. Also joining them is Arnold the enigmatic verger and the excessively enthusiastic schoolboy Adam; who will ask the questions that will assist in discovering “whodunnit”.
“Disguised Murder and Community Spirit in Little Mallow” is available from January 19 as an e-book (£1.99) or paperback (£10) from online retailers. If ordering from a bookshop or requesting it at the library, the reference number to quote is ISBN 978-1-914339-47-9 with readers further invited to buy from this link.
This the first book in a brand new cosy crime series and the second one is due out later this summer, both written by me. I live in Lee-on-the-Solent and have been the author of several novels set locally, as well as being the writer of hundreds of short stories for women’s magazines in the UK / abroad.
A selection of these have been published in 28 themed collections, each containing 24 stories. More information about my work can be seen by exploring www.patsycollins.uk, where you can further sign up for my newsletter and receive a copy of an e-book entitled: “The Inside Scoop and Stories from Little Mallow”.
PICTURED: Local author will start selling new book from January 19 about “new village” based in Gosport.
