The last time some of you heard from me I was just about to set off for Egypt to research Book 2 of the Lily Ash Adventures. And indeed I did go to Egypt with my lovely assistant, and we had an incredible time. It was everything I’d hoped for – and more. I got back, thoroughly inspired, and set about writing Book 2. However, dear reader, I was in for a surprise!
My characters were not ready to go to Egypt.
There was much too much going on in Oxfordshire and London, Bombay and Sialkot.
Up to the last third of the book, I still thought we’d get there, but then it became clear that Lily Ash was in serious danger right here in the UK, and that this situation was going to have to be addressed!
I am pleased to report that Draft 1 is now finished and that Lily will definitely (*I use this word with a feeling of trepidation) be travelling to Egypt in Book 3!
And I have a feeling she’ll be visiting this site ⬇️
One of the most fascinating places we visited in Egypt was Tuna el-Gebel – the necropolis of Hermopolis – on the western bank of the Nile almost opposite the city of Ahketaten (Tel el-Amarna). Hermopolis was the cult centre of the god Thoth – the god of writing (amongst other things). Here I am in the catacombs. It was a very atmospheric (ie. spooky) and unspoilt site. We were the only tourists there.
Can you guess what I’m holding? The answer will appear at the bottom of the post!
So I’m delighted to reveal that the next Lily Ash Adventure is entitled The Ghost Gambit.
Whilst writing it, I had a wonderful time researching the members and activities of ‘The Ghost Club’ – a London Club since 1862 (and still going after a hiatus in the 20th century). Also appearing in the book is a fascinating female chess champion, Miss Vera Menchik, who lived in the UK in the 1920-1940s, although she was born in Russia. The plot includes many fascinating ancient objects, The British Museum, Seth – God of the desert, Port Said (yes she does technically set foot in Egypt, albeit rather briefly) a steamer to Bombay, and, of course, Lily’s faithful Cretan dog, Kaltsoní.
All being well, The Ghost Gambit will be published in November 2026. I’ll keep you updated about a special deal for pre-orders, once the cover design is done (one of my favourite parts of publishing!)
In other news I’ll be reading from my new poetry collection The Matter at three locations over the summer:
4th July, 7pm – Poetry Pharmacy Lab, Bishop’s Castle, supporting Kim Moore tickets
14th July, 7-for 7:15pm – Shrewsbury Poetry at the Hive Arts Centre – with Steph Morris
9th August 10am – Saturday Books Poetry Breakfast, Dudley Library. Saturday Books founder Francis has written a review of An Ancient Haunting and The Matter which can be read here: review
And I’ll be at the Shrewsbury Folk Festival 27-31 August, with my book stall and running two creative writing workshops.
In the meantime, if you require any reading material – do place an order via my website:
Hope, perhaps, to see you soon at one of these events. Thank you very much indeed for your continued support for my writing!