One close-knit choir. Twenty members, singing in perfect harmony — but two won’t live to see the next rehearsal.
Welcome to sleepy Kings Richington, where nothing ever happens . . .until local butcher and bass singer Charlie Snell turns up murdered! He’s been conked on the head and dumped in the woods.
Detective Jack Dawes is on the case, with an endless list of suspects to interrogate. In life, Snell was a nasty piece of work, with a talent for making enemies wherever he went. From his jealous wife to the pretty young sopranos he groped — and the ambitious mayoral candidate who happened to ‘trip over’ his body. Anyone could be guilty. And anyone could be next.
Just when Jack thinks he’s getting somewhere, a second singer turns up dead. Is the killer picking off choir members one by one — or singing from their own twisted hymn sheet? It’s up to Detective Jack to find out before the body count rises again.
Frances Lloyd was born in Essex but spent a nomadic childhood being carted between RAF stations until mercifully, she was allowed a crack at a proper education in Cheltenham, studying English and Classics. As an adult, she became something of a wandering minstrel with no physical or spiritual roots apart from a strong work ethic. Frances has always been a writer. The job that paid the mortgage was in government communications, She also worked as a freelance journalist and photographer but her ambition was always to write crime novels. She now lives in Northumberland – “Vera” territory – and writes full time. She has published ten DI Dawes murder mysteries. Married three times but now a widow, Frances’ hobbies are reading, wine tasting and cooking
Byrdfyre Covenant is about desperation and loss, unbreakable bonds and old Gods, and a young woman locked into a deal with a dark stranger that stole her humanity and chained her to him for eternity.
And the young man who refused to do the same.
My mother died on the same day my father went mad. He tried to kill me.
With his bare hands, he gripped my throat, stole my breath, meant to tear me from the world.
I survived, but I changed.
That was the beginning of the plague that devoured us. I would be its ending.
I am Astrid, my mother’s first child, promised to an ancient, odious priest and surrounded by brothers who love me to varying degrees, but don’t respect me at all. Still, I love my family and my home, and I would do anything to save them, to save everything I can from the sickness that’s come to our shores, but no one will listen to me.
No one but him — the mysterious foreigner, Will Green.
Kind, intelligent, but strangely changeable, he stands by my side when others won’t, whispers ideas in my ear as we bury our dead. They are mounting up by the day, by the very minute. He tempts me with logic about what we owe one another.
If we are to survive this, my sincere belief is that our only chance is to run. Some of the women are on my side, but being women, at most, we must work in the shadows, constrained by husbands, children, and the church.
What if no one follows?
If they won’t, Will says, would it be so wrong to force their hand?
I trust him, because Will Green is good and I believe in good, and in sacrifice, even in myself. And we do need to act … but sometimes his eyes burn with a strange flame, and I’m not sure he isn’t more than he seems. I’m not sure of anything. Not what to do, not who to trust … Sometimes, I’m not sure if I’m even alive.
Fire destroys, but it also tempers. It makes things strong. And I’ve been through hell. If I can harness it, and if I am careful, it might be our salvation. Or… In the late Middle Ages, the Black Plague devoured half the population of Europe, arriving in Norway via a “ghost ship” that was entirely unmanned. After the pestilence burned itself out, stories emerged about seemingly-otherworldly lone-survivors, including one made so feral by her long abandonment, she was called Rype, or “wild bird”. We remember the fleas and the rats, even her name, but we don’t remember everything. What if there were more to the stories of the past than we ever imagined? Byrdfyre Covenant is about the survivors the fates failed to claim.
Jayne Starwing is a new pen name for seasoned author Olivia M. Jacques (Women’s Fiction, The Madisons), who is also the co-author of The Lightbringers series (Fantasy Romance). Byrdfyre Covenant merges Dark Fantasy Romance and Speculative Historical Fiction and will appeal to fans of V.E. Schwab (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue), Audrey Niffenegger (The Time Traveler’s Wife) and Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass). Expect heart-pounding action, swoony slow-burn romance, twists and turns you won’t expect, and a chilling and heart-rending cliffhanger ending … because there’s always more to the story.
A fallen king. A hunted queen. Bound by fate, divided by war.
As a relentless enemy sweeps through the mountains in search of a legendary power, Elara rules a fractured realm. Her grip on power is fragile and her heart is caught between duty — and the haunted king who once vowed to fight by her side.
Once the king of Norrandale, Cai is now an exile. He has lost everything. Everything . . . except her.
Their only hope of survival is a lost diary, said to have belonged to the first king of Everness. Its pages hold answers buried in ancient magic, cursed relics and a war that never truly ended. If they can find it, it could change everything.
As Elara and Cai’s enemies close in, the line between truth and legend begins to blur. Now, the fate of two kingdoms — and one forbidden love — hangs in the balance.
And the crown may demand the greatest sacrifice of all.
Leané Giliomee is a romantasy and historical fiction writer from South Africa. She fell in love with writing in high school and has wanted to be a full-time author ever since. If she’s not reading or watching movies, you’ll find her with her cat (and most trusted writing partner), Loki, working on the next novel.
We’re proud to present the cover of The Seventh Sister by M.A. Brown. The release date for this beauty is August 6th, but you can pre-order a copy now!
The Seventh Sister
Expected Release: August 6, 2025
Genre: Epic Dark Romantasy
“Witcher & Viking Vibes”
Balance the Scales As Above So Below
When Ertha is stolen away to the dark shores of the enemy kingdom she’s thrust into a tangled web of political intrigue and deadly secrets that leaves her wondering who she can trust. The otherworldly right hand of the king, who is her keeper? Or the soldier she healed who has vowed to protect her at all costs?
When it becomes clear she wasn’t just taken by chance– that there are much more powerful entities with their hands steering her fate— she’s forced to confront that nothing is as it seems, not the men who protect her, the world she knows, or even herself.
Snowblind – 10th Anniversary edition, including NEW Dark Iceland series prequel, Fadeout.
Siglufjörður: an idyllically quiet fishing village in Northern Iceland, where no one locks their doors – accessible only via a small mountain tunnel. Ari Thór Arason: a rookie policeman on his first posting, far from his girlfriend in Reykjavik – with a past that he’s unable to leave behind. When a young woman is found lying half-naked in the snow, bleeding and unconscious, and a highly esteemed, elderly writer falls to his death in the local theatre, Ari is dragged straight into the heart of a community where he can trust no one, and secrets and lies are a way of life.
An avalanche and unremitting snowstorms close the mountain pass, and the 24-hour darkness threatens to push Ari over the edge, as curtains begin to twitch, and his investigation becomes increasingly complex, chilling and personal. Past plays tag with the present and the claustrophobic tension mounts, while Ari is thrust ever deeper into his own darkness – blinded by snow, and with a killer on the loose.
Taut and terrifying, Snowblind is a startling debut from an extraordinary new talent, taking Nordic Noir to soaring new heights.
Take a summer break to stunning Northumberland via the pages of this feel-good romantic comedy by award winning writer Kimberley Adams. Full of love and laughter, it will leave you yearning to visit this iconic location in person!
When a stranger appears in the middle of a very important celebration, no one can foresee the island connections that will later come to light. Kittiwake Penaluna is drawn to the island at a sad time in her life; she’s broken, but it doesn’t take long for the islanders to rally round and take her under their wing.
Ellie and Zen are busier than they’ve ever been, jumping from task to task with little time for themselves. Will they ever find a moment together away from all the drama that constantly follows them around the island?
The forthcoming arrival of nine new mini animals puts even more pressure on the islanders, but Bert is resolute, and it’s all hands to the pump to prepare for their arrival. The Mini-Fest fundraiser gets off to a great start, until a despised face from the past appears and throws everything into chaos.
Full of heart, Love Forever Lindisfarne is a story steeped in love and community. You’ll reunite with beloved characters who feel like old friends and meet a few lively newcomers with big personalities! Each page will pull you deeper into island life and leave you with a wide smile and a warm glow!
Praise for Kimberley Adams taken from Amazon reviews:
‘Kimberley’s books often feel more like a chat between friends than reading a book, she has the knack of making the reader feel they are part of the action and at the heart of the story.’ Ginger Book Geek Reviewer.
‘The characters just jump off the page and charm you and are so well drawn you can almost see them.’ Amazon customer.
‘I want to visit Lindisfarne even more after reading Kim’s books.’ June, Australia.
‘Thank you for writing such a beautiful love letter to Northumberland.’ Kindle Customer.
‘Witty, great storytelling and a wonderful mix of characters that keep you engaged and invested.’ Orapps.
Pre-order Links
Publication Date: 26th June 2025
Author Bio – Kim writes heartwarming romantic comedies which are set in glorious Northumberland on the iconic Holy Island of Lindisfarne. Kim is an award-winning writer and her books are amongst the highest rated romcoms on Amazon. Kim’s beautiful book covers are bespoke artwork by a Northumbrian artist and a representation of a scene within the book!
FACEBOOK Kimberley Adams-Writer or Love Lindisfarne
You may remember I reviewed the hardback version of this book a while ago, and now I am sharing the gorgeous paperback cover. Look at it! Isn’t it gorgeous. Order a copy at the link below.
The only sin is betrayal…
It is the year 1715, and Thomas True has arrived on old London Bridge with a dangerous secret. One night, lost amongst the squalor of London’s hidden back streets, he finds himself drawn into the outrageous underworld of the molly houses. Meanwhile, carpenter Gabriel Griffin struggles to hide his double life as Lotty, the molly’s stoic guard. When a young man is found murdered, he realises there is a rat amongst them, betraying their secrets to a pair of murderous Justices. Can Gabriel unmask the traitor before they hang? Can he save hapless Thomas from peril, and their own forbidden love? Set amidst the buried streets of Georgian London, The Betrayal of Thomas True is a brutal and devastating thriller, where love must overcome evil, and the only true sin is betrayal…
I thought I was lucky before all this happened. I have a beautiful baby boy. A man I want to make a life with. A gorgeous cottage in the Cotswolds that we’re in the middle of doing up. Life’s good.
Then Ben drops a bombshell. His brother Adam is coming to stay. ‘Promise me something,’ Ben says as he gazes into my eyes. ‘Don’t believe everything Adam tells you.’
Ben’s not home when Adam turns up, with his waif-like girlfriend — and a suitcase full of secrets. He looks me up and down, his mouth quirking into an amused smile. ‘You must be Sophie.’ Deep in my bones, I know this man is dangerous. He says he won’t stay long. But the lies come quickly.
First his girlfriend disappears — and I think he’s done something very bad to her. I should have listened to my instincts . . .
Born in West Bromwich and with her family roots deep in the Black Country, Eve has spent much of her life ‘on the run’; she has probably lived in more houses in various parts of the country than most people eat dinners. Currently settled in Herefordshire with her husband, she often has a houseful of offspring, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, partners and a growing tribe of little ones. When not writing she can be found playing the piano, enjoying a glass of wine and/or reading, and has a particularly soft spot for historical and spy fiction.
We’re thrilled to present the cover and blurb for The Serpent Prince by Jacquelyn Gilmore. Pre-order a copy today!
The Serpent Prince (The Plot of the Six Saint Series Book 2)
Expected Release Date: October 28, 2025
Genre: Dark Fantasy
Fated mates,
Shocking plot twists
Spicy slow-burn romance
Shadow mama and fire daddy
Angst
REAL enemies to lovers
Love triangle
Fake engagement
Feminine rage
Antiheroes and villains
Imani flees her home as a wanted murderer.
Betrayed, she seeks to regain her footing in Niflheim and vows retribution against those who wronged her. She will let nothing block her path to vengeance: there will be a reckoning, and she will spare no one who stands in her way.
Yet despite being used by everyone she knows, Imani turns to the only people she can, burrowing herself deeper into the lives of her former allies to uncover their secrets—and her own. But the longer Imani immerses herself in the politics of the Niflheim Kingdom, the less sure she becomes of anything—allies, enemies, wrong, right, evil, good, hate… and love.
Another more insidious threat, orchestrated by people beyond her imagination, lurks beneath the surface. With civil turmoil swelling in her own kingdom, the clock is ticking on Imani’s plans. Faced with the choice of which side to stand with, she’ll stop at nothing to come out on top—and the Serpent Prince himself could not foresee the cost of victory.
We’re proud to present the cover for upcoming release by Briar Black, Nightshade!
Nightshade (The Cheshire Set #2)
Expected Release: June 21, 2025
Genre: Small-town Romance
Forbidden Love 💔
Age Gap 🕰️
Slow Burn 🔥
Small Town Romance 🏡
Grumpy x Sunshine 🌦️
Morally Grey Hero ⚖️
Healing Romance 🩹
Dark Cottagecore 🍄
When eco-warrior and budding bee expert Suzie returns to Ashfordby, she expects a peaceful summer solving the mystery of Hugh Delaware’s dying bees and spending time with her best friend.
After a recent run-in with The One That Got Away (and made her swear off relationships for life), she needs the break. Peace, quiet, and a chance to focus on what she loves sounds perfect—until she stumbles into a tangled web of sabotage, murder, and secrets threatening to destroy the estate Hugh has dedicated his life to saving.
As Suzie and Hugh join forces to unravel the mystery, a shocking discovery leaves the estate reeling and the pair questioning everyone around them—except each other. But with a struggling marriage and the weight of the estate on his shoulders, Hugh’s world is a far cry from Suzie’s council-house upbringing. Any connection between them feels impossible—and forbidden. She would never entertain an affair, yet the more she tries to stay away, the more she’s drawn back in.
Caught between her growing feelings for Hugh, the painful wounds of her past, and a sinister plot targeting the estate, Suzie must summon the courage to expose the truth—and keep her heart out of the crossfire—before more lives are lost.
With its blend of romantic tension, murder, and environmental intrigue, Nightshade is a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and uncovering beauty in the most unexpected places. Perfect for fans of romantic suspense and age-gap romance.