Fiona Veitch Smith – författare

David’s dad gives him a very important job to do. But can the shepherd boy overcome his fear of the Hairy Beast to save the flock?David and the Hairy Beast gently explores the issue of a young child’s sense of identity and belonging in the family, showing how even they can make a positive contribution. It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David’s early years.The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

The prophet Samuel is looking for the next king of Israel. Will he find him on David's farm?David and the Kingmaker examines the vital issue of self-worth, and reminds children that good character is far more important than good looks, brains, talent or popularity. Through his encounter with the prophet Samuel, David catches a glimpse of how God sees him, and of his amazing future as king of Israel.It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David’s early years. The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

When the whole army of Israel is too scared to fight a giant, will young David be any braver? David must draw on his experience of seeing off the Hairy Beast to deal with a far greater foe.In this retelling of the familiar story of David's encounter with Goliath, children are taught that any problem can be overcome if we approach it with courage, self-belief, and faith in God.It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David's early years. The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

David is invited to a sleepover at King Saul's palace. But will David and the king's son ever become friends?David and the Lonely Prince shows us that for many children, learning to make friends can be a challenge. It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David’s early years. The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

When David agrees to spend a holiday with his best friend Jonathan, he never imagines he will have to run away from a spear-throwing king.In this age-appropriate retelling of the Bible story of when Saul tries to kill David with a spear, children learn about the faithfulness of God, the value of friendship and the need to forgive our enemies.It is a tale which encourages us to read between the lines of what the Bible tells us about David's early years. The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

In this final adventure, David is transported forward in time to the little town of Bethlehem, which has just witnessed the birth of a new King.But all is not well in Israel and it is not long before David is called upon to once more stand up to the terrible Hairy Beast - this time in order to save the baby Jesus.The light-hearted and beautifully illustrated pictures will delight parents and children alike, regardless of religious conviction.

In the first book of the Young Joseph series, we find Joseph living in Canaan with his dad, stepmothers, eleven brothers - and lots of scene-stealing cows!Joseph is his father's favourite, which makes his brothers very cross, especially when he tells them about the dream he has had in which the sun, moon and eleven stars bow down to him.To cheer him up, Joseph's dad gives him a beautiful coat of many colours - a 'rainbow robe' to remind him that God loves everyone - even his brothers.

In the second book in the Young Joseph series, Joseph's brothers grow more and more jealous of their favoured brother.They come up with a cunning plan to take Joseph down a peg or two by throwing him in a well to give him a fright. Eventually they sell him to passing slave traders but that's not the end of his story

In the third book in the series, Joseph finds himself in Egypt and is sold to a very important man called Potiphar.Potiphar is very busy and his servants are very lazy - as a result his house is a mess! With the help of his ever-helpful cow companions, Joseph soon takes charge and has things spick-and-span in no time.There's only one problem - and that is Mrs Potiphar, who is jealous of Joseph. What scrapes will Joseph get into next?

'Lively, fresh and innovative retellings, these fabulous tales of the young Joseph are an absolute delight.'Alexa Tewkesbury, children's authorJoseph used to live on a farm in the land of Canaan with his dad, stepmothers, eleven brothers and lots and lots of cows! His jealous brothers sold him as a slave and now he lives in Egypt.After Mrs Potiphar lied about him, Joseph has been thrown into prison, with only his imaginary cows to keep him company. Soon he's joined by a butler and a baker, who used to work for Pharoah. The butler and the baker have strange dreams. Can Joseph work out what they mean?

Joseph is still in prison in Egypt, with only his imaginary cows for company. Pharaoh’s butler, who promised to help him, has forgotten all about him. Meanwhile, Pharaoh is having some very strange dreams. Pharoah’s butler remembers that Joseph helped him to understand his dreams. Can Joseph do the same for Pharaoh and finally be free?‘Fiona Veitch Smith and Andy Catling have done an excellent job . . . The text is fun and accessible and imaginative, yet still faithful to the biblical story. And, best of all, there are cows!’ Bob Hartman, storyteller and author

A delightful re-telling of the popular biblical story of Joseph. Having helped Pharoah make sense of his strange dreams, Joseph is now the second most important person in Egypt. Pharoah puts him charge of making sure everyone has enough food. When famine stirkes, Joseph's long-lost brothers come to ask Joseph for food - but they don't recognise the brother they thought was dead. Will Joseph choose to help them or take his revenge?Hilarious illustrations by Andy Catling featuring scene-stealing cows! Covers issues of concern to contemporary children such as sibling rivalry, helping others and making good choices.

Joseph waits for his brothers to return to Egypt with his younger brother, Benjamin. Will they finally recognise the brother they had left for dead? And will Joseph ever be reconciled with his long-lost family?

One ordinary meeting of the science club at Parkview Primary School becomes extraordinary when their teacher takes them back in time to 1843 to meet Christian inventor Charles Babbage. There they learn about his latest invention, the Difference Engine, but they have to be careful – if they’re not back in an hour they’ll be stuck in the nineteenth century forever!This brilliantly fun graphic novel for 7- to 9-year olds is a fantastic time travel adventure that will keep kids on the edge of their seats. Children will love the memorable characters and colourful artwork from illustrator Laura Borio that brings to life Fiona Veitch Smith’s entertaining story, and the graphic novel format is perfect for kids beginning to explore their own independent reading.As they follow the journey of the science club, children will learn about the history of the computer and its inventor, Charles Babbage, and about how science and faith go hand in hand. Produced in partnership with the Faraday Institute, it ties in with the National Science Curriculum for Key Stage 2, making it ideal for reading in the classroom as well as at home.

''You know a book is good when you get up, realize you finished it last night and are really disappointed that you can''t read it with your breakfast. This book reminds me of the best golden age of mystery writers, especially Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers... Can''t wait for the next one!'' Reader review 5 starsMurder is no occupation for a lady... or is it?1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right.But the world isn''t ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she''s a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library.Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.Clara couldn''t become a detective, could she?The decision is made for her when one of her uncle''s old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences.It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder.She''s suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?The first in a brand-new, glittering Golden Age cozy mystery series. Fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey will be hooked from the very first page to the final breathtaking finale.Readers are GRIPPED by The Picture House Murders:''A real page turner... What a great tale with many twists and turns. Couldn''t help reading to the very end in one go'' Reader review, 5 stars''I loved it and was totally hooked from the very first word ... a fantastic cast of characters (I absolutely love Clara), an intriguing plot ... I can highly recommend this'' Reader review, 5 stars''I absolutely loved this book. It has so many twists and turns and I just didn''t want to put it down!'' Reader review, 5 stars ''I couldn''t put this book down. Great read, great storyline and believable characters'' Reader review, 5 stars ''Kept me up reading all night!'' Reader review, 5 stars ''...a fascinating read... great fun... I enjoyed this book immensely and have ordered the sequels. A great start to a new series'' Reader review, 5 stars

''A twisty plot and plenty of red herrings. I was hooked from page one!... 5/5 Stars!'' Reader review, 5 starsSomeone is killing fairy godmothers in Cinderella... Can Miss Clara Vale crack the case before the clock strikes twelve?1929, December: Snow is falling, and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation.When a young actress from the touring pantomime of Cinderella arrives at her door, Clara isn''t sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production, has mysteriously vanished. Could Clara help track her down?But a few days into Clara''s search, Sybil''s body is pulled from an icy river, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery.With scheming stepsisters waiting in the wings, handsome princes who aren''t all they seem, and clues as elusive as glass slippers, Clara will need every one of her scientific skills to catch the killer...And when Sybil''s replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after...The perfect Golden Age mystery to curl up with by the fire. Fans of Agatha Christie, Helena Dixon and Verity Bright will be gripped by this historical crime novel from the very first page.Readers love this festive cosy mystery:''Delightful 1920s cosy mystery... to put you in the mood for the festive season... Sophisticated style and cosy, comforting feel that I hoped for... felt myself escaping into the story'' Reader review, 5 stars''Recommended!... I most appreciate about this series is the accuracy of the 1929 world-building... If you like historical mysteries, give this one a try!'' Reader review, 5 stars''...clever and ingeniously plotted... The characterisation is marvellous. I was completely caught up in the mystery and I couldn''t put it down'' Reader review, 5 stars''A well crafted plot that is full of twists and turns. The story was engrossing and I found it hard to put down'' Reader review, 5 stars''I felt sad to finish this book and immediately went back to read through the last couple of scenes once more so I could relish the final reveal again!'' Reader review, 5 stars''Cosy reading... The perfect story for a cold evening sitting by the fire'' Reader review, 5 stars

''This time her intrepid heroine is on the trail of a mystery wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a mummy... a beautifully rendered period of Egypt... a ripping adventure in the company of a no nonsense heroine'' Vaseem KhanA night at the museum, a dead body and a trail to Cairo. Sounds like a case for Miss Clara Vale!1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake, it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara''s own life is in danger too.Can Clara catch the smugglers before they get away with another murder among the pyramids?Perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey!Readers are LOVING The Pyramid Murders:''Unputdownable... I know by now not to start one of Ms Veitch-Smith''s novels unless I have a free weekend in which to finish it!'' Reader review, stars''A delightful cozy mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy smart and sassy protagonists, interesting and not too complicated plots, and a whole lot of FUN! One of the most entertaining cozies I''ve read in a long time'' NetGalley reviewer''The third in this delightful series. A great cast of characters set in 1930, a cameo from Agatha Christie... what''s not to like!'' NetGalley reviewer''Well written and filled with detail... The characters are vivid, and the mystery is very well plotted... there isn''t a dull moment'' NetGalley reviewer''Wow!! Absolutely riveting!! From beginning to the last page, I could not put this book down. Housework - don''t bother - this was much more exciting'' Reader review, 5 stars''The best Clara Vale mystery to date ... An exciting and adrenaline fuelled mystery taking us on a quest... whilst thoroughly entertaining us'' Reader review

Murder is no occupation for a lady... or is it?1929: Miss Clara Vale is a woman ahead of her time. Rather than attending Oxford to bag an eligible Duke (as her mother, Lady Vale, so desperately hoped), she threw herself into a degree in chemistry, with aspirations to become a scientist in her own right. But the world isn't ready for Clara. Unable to land a job in science because she's a woman, she is stuck behind the desk at a dingy London library. Until her estranged Uncle dies suddenly, leaving her his private detective agency, and laboratory, in his will.Clara couldn't become a detective, could she?The decision is made for her when one of her uncle's old clients comes to her for help with a case surrounding the local picture house and invites Clara to see the latest show, before they discuss the details.But during the film, a fire suddenly engulfs the picture house, with tragic consequences. It seems at first an accident, but Clara soon begins to question if it was in fact a carefully orchestrated murder. She's suddenly in the middle of a deadly mystery and will discover her scientific skills make her a sleuth to be reckoned with... Can she catch the killer before they strike again?

Someone is killing fairy godmothers in Cinderella... Can Miss Clara Vale crack the case before the clock strikes twelve?1929, December: Snow is falling, and Miss Clara Vale is wrapped up against the cold as she braves the icy streets of Newcastle in her latest investigation.When a young actress from the touring pantomime of Cinderella arrives at her door, Clara isn't sure what to make of her request. Sybil Langford, the legendary fairy godmother in their production, has mysteriously vanished. Could Clara help track her down?But a few days into Clara's search, Sybil's body is pulled from an icy river, and Clara finds herself in the middle of yet another murder mystery.With scheming stepsisters waiting in the wings, handsome princes who aren't all they seem, and clues as elusive as glass slippers, Clara will need every one of her scientific skills to catch the killer...And when Sybil's replacement meets her own tragic end, Clara is in a race against time before the murderer sends a third cast member to their unhappily ever after...

A night at the museum, a dead body and a trail to Cairo. Sounds like a case for Miss Clara Vale!1930: Miss Clara Vale, chemistry major turned detective, is taking a night off from sleuthing to attend the launch party of a new exhibition at the Hancock Museum in Newcastle. But when the piece de resistance, a rare ornate sarcophagus, is finally opened and it turns out the mummy inside it is a fake it looks like there is no rest for Clara after all...Later that night, she is summoned back to the museum and asked to investigate a series of stolen Egyptian artefacts. Using her scientific and forensic prowess, Clara, with her trusted assistant Bella in tow, embarks on a trail that will lead from Newcastle to London and along the river Nile to Cairo.But she is not the only person hunting for stolen antiquities and when she uncovers an international smuggling ring with a penchant for murder, it becomes clear that Clara's own life is in danger too.Can Clara catch the smugglers before they get away with another murder among the pyramids?

* Previously published as The Art Fiasco*''Historical detective fiction at its best... I had to give myself a couple of days without anything else planned because once I began reading it, I actually couldn''t put it down until I''d finished'' Reader review, 5 starsNewcastle, 1924. Reporter Poppy Denby is making her way up to Northumberland to celebrate her father''s sixtieth birthday, but first, she can''t resist stopping for a few days in Newcastle, for a quick hello to her favourite Aunt Dot.The infamous suffragette has temporarily moved up and is hosting world-renowned artist and long-time friend, Agnes Robson who is staging an exhibition at the Laing Art Gallery.It was supposed to be a relaxing and art-filled stop on the way, however, when a local journalist tries to link Agnes to the mysterious death of a young art teacher in Ashington Colliery, twenty-seven years earlier, Poppy is quickly roped in to help.Poppy is determined to clear Agne''s names but the more she digs into this story the more she is convinced the young teacher was murdered by someone else, and that only means one thing: there is still a killer on the loose.Perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey!Readers are absolutely LOVING Murder at the Art Gallery:''This was one of those books I didn''t want to put down and stayed up late into the night to read'' Reader review, 5 stars''It ticks all the boxes. Absorbing, interesting and compelling'' Reader review, 5 stars''The mystery is multi-faceted with red herrings and interesting twists! If you are looking for a good historical mystery, this one is for you! It''s a five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended!'' Reader review, 5 stars

''Wow... kept me guessing till then. I found this one to be a real page turner... lots of twist and turns to keep you guessing'' Netgalley Review, 5 stars

It''s open season at Penford Manor! But someone has murder in their sights...

At Penford Manor, the guests are arriving to celebrate the start of the grouse-hunting season: lords and ladies, barons and baronesses, a Member of Parliament - and chemistry graduate turned detective, Miss Clara Vale, an old friend of the family. But Clara is no ordinary guest: she''s secretly investigating a blackmail plot against Lady Penford herself.Someone in the house is already up to no good, but when the body of a local trade unionist is found in the grounds, Clara''s case gets even more complicated because a clue left by the body links it to the blackmail note.Who has discovered Lady Penford''s secret? Can Clara and her trusted assistant Bella work together to find the murderer? And what do the cornflowers which keep popping up everywhere mean?Amidst the glittering dresses and sparkling conversation of society, Clara must find the truth - before the killer acts again!The perfect Golden Age cosy mystery for fans of Helena Dixon, Agatha Christie and Verity Bright won''t want to miss this!Readers LOVE The Penford Manor Murders!''Red herrings, and a fantastic reveal... I am very much looking forward to book 5!!'' Netgalley review, 4 stars ''I love historical mysteries, and this one held my interest until the end. I will be looking for more in this series. I truly enjoyed it'' Netgalley review, 5 stars''Perfect for cosy crime lovers. This one has an especially clever plot and is perfect reading for a sunny afternoon'' Reader review ''The fiercely independent Clara Vale is back again with more mystery and female rebellion! ... an inspiring character well ahead of her time and [I] adore every moment spent with such an intelligent confident woman'' Netgalley review, 5 stars''Fiona Veitch Smith is developing this series nicely and I eagerly look forward to the next book'' Netgalley review''I love a cosy crime novel and this ticks all the boxes'' Netgalley review''It didn''t disappoint ... A great series of books. I look forward to the next one!'' Netgalley review

* Previously published as The Cairo Brief *''I was torn: I wanted to rush on, to find out what happened next, but I didn''t want the book to end - I was enjoying it so much!'' Reader review, 5 starsEngland, 1921. Intrepid reporter Poppy Denby is headed to the English countryside to cover an auction of ancient Egyptian treasures, hosted by renowned explorer Sir James Maddox on his beautiful estate - Winterton Hall.Maddox is auctioning priceless artefacts from his travels, including the death mask of Queen Nefertiti, which is alleged to carry a curse... Poppy is not one to believe in superstition but when an unfortunate ''accident'' during the clay-pigeon shooting leaves one of the gun boys badly injured and she finds herself chased while walking the gardens, that''s enough for Miss Denby to smell a headline!But when Sir James is found dead it''s clear there is more at stake than just a byline. Is someone out to reclaim the ancient treasures, by any means necessary? And if so is anyone at Winterton Hall safe? Readers are LOVING Murder at Winterton Hall:''...the characters - very authentic, very believable - and the plot, which is tight, intricate and worked out to a satisfying conclusion. Everything a historical mystery / thriller should be!'' Reader review, 5 stars''I loved every bit of [Murder at Winterton Hall] and finished it in a matter of hours. It was just one of those stories I couldn''t seem to put down even when I probably should have been doing other things'' Reader review, 5 stars''Right from the start you are hooked... Poppy''s combination of sleuthing skills, determination and empathy make for wonderful reading... and you''re desperate to know what is going to happen next'' Reader review, 5 stars

* Previously published as The Kill Fee *''Love this book!... an intriguing mystery... you can''t put it down. I''m looking forward to read about the next Poppy Denby adventures.'' Reader review, 5 starsLondon, 1920. Newly promoted intrepid reporter Poppy Denby is tasked with her first big job for the Daily Globe: covering the royal exhibition at the Crystal Palace alongside dashing Globe photographer Daniel Rokeby.The champagne is flowing, the guests look resplendent in their finery, and the jewel in the imperial crown is a glittering Fabergé egg. But before the party is even in full swing, the lights go out and when they finally come on again, the guests are horrified to discover that the famous egg has disappeared.Miss Denby is determined to be the first reporter to get the scoop and find the culprit. Her investigation will lead her to no other than Princess Selena Romanova Yusopova, a cousin of the murdered Romanov family. Selena is now a leading lady at the Old Vic Theatre but when Poppy knocks on her dressing room ready to get her exclusive, she finds her sprawled across a pink chaise longue, drenched with blood - stabbed through the heart.Who could want the princess dead and is this a murder of passion or is it somehow connected to the great heist of the priceless Fabergé egg? It''s up to the ever-brilliant Miss Poppy Denby to find out.Readers love Murder at the Old Vic Theatre! ''Even more intriguing and pacey. I love the characters, especially Rollo, Delilah and Novoski... the story-telling sparkles... Enthralling.'' Reader review, 5 stars''I''d looked forward to this for months and was not disappointed!'' Reader review, 5 stars''Waiting for the next book ? Love the period and adventures.'' Reader review, 5 stars''Fast-paced, great opening, set in London in 1920s and also in Russia from 1917 onwards, during the revolution. It is about the theft of a Faberge egg containing secrets... and then murder!'' Reader review, 5 stars''I was over the moon to see most of the regular cast making a return... an epic and lively mystery set in an era of elegance and intrigue.'' Reader review, 5 stars''Loved this book and am getting ready to purchase the next.'' Reader review, 5 stars

It's open season at Penford Manor! But someone has murder in their sights...At Penford Manor, the guests are arriving to celebrate the start of the grouse-hunting season: lords and ladies, barons and baronesses, a Member of Parliament - and chemistry graduate turned detective, Miss Clara Vale, an old friend of the family. But Clara is no ordinary guest: she's secretly investigating a blackmail plot against Lady Penford herself.Someone in the house is already up to no good, but when the body of a local trade unionist is found in the grounds, Clara's case gets even more complicated because a clue left by the body links it to the blackmail note.Who has discovered Lady Penford's secret? Can Clara and her trusted assistant Bella work together to find the murderer? And what do the cornflowers which keep popping up everywhere mean?Amidst the glittering dresses and sparkling conversation of society, Clara must find the truth - before the killer acts again!

September, 1930. Fearless detective Miss Clara Vale is bound for Berlin, but this trip is all about la mode - not murder. Clara is set to walk the runway at Berlin Fashion Week, as a favour to her designer friend Juju, with her assistant Bella in tow.Elections loom in Germany, and among Juju's friends, the Spieglers, all the talk is of the National Socialists. But trouble brews closer to home, when a shocking murder at their clothing factory points the finger at the Jewish couple's brilliant young son.With the victim an old friend of the fashion crew, emotions run high - and Clara quickly joins the investigation, setting out to untangle Nazi conspiracies and nasty colleagues. To complicate matters, Clara's old flame Larry Winter is in town, and it seems he may know more than he's letting on...When a second body turns up, pressure mounts. Amidst the dark glamour of 1930s Berlin, on the eve of the Third Reich, can Clara find the real killer and protect those around her? From silks to secrets, peplums to poison, this will be a Fashion Week like no other...

* Previously published as The Crystal Crypt *''Difficult to put down... After whizzing through the book in the space of a weekend, I decided to re-read it more slowly'' Reader review, 5 starsOxford, 1925. Intrepid reporter Poppy Denby is headed to the historic university city of Oxford, where a young female scientist, Dr June Leighton, has been found dead.Though June''s death is ruled an accident by the authorities, one of her colleagues, Sophie Blackburn who is an old associate of Poppy''s, is convinced June was murdered for threatening to expose a male colleague for plagiarism.However, Sophie''s mental health is fragile and doubt is cast on her version of events. Poppy has always been reporter first, sleuth second, and whilst Poppy knows Sophie is still haunted by the death of her fiancé Bert, a former political correspondent for the Daily Globe, something tells Poppy there is a crime to be exposed and a scoop to be had.But as she begins to investigate, another female academic is attacked, and it doesn''t take long for Poppy herself to become a target.Can she unmask the killer before another life is taken?Perfect for fans of Verity Bright, Helena Dixon and TE Kinsey! Readers LOVE Murder of an Oxford Scientist!''A fascinating book... There is so much going on within the pages that it feels like you never really come up for air once you begin. If you love historical mysteries then this really is the series to read'' Reader review, 5 stars''A fantastic sixth addition to the Poppy Denby series ... an exceptional character and I highly recommend this murder mystery series'' Reader review, 5 stars''Finely crafted ... a well paced, intriguing mystery'' Reader review, 5 stars''A great mystery full of twists and turns! ... a five out of five on the enJOYment scale, I highly recommend it!'' Reader review

* Previously published as The Death Beat *''It had all of the Roaring Twenties drama and atmosphere, not to mention all of the vices, that any Jazz Age fan could wish for. In short, it''s the bees knees. The cat''s meow'' Reader review, 5 starsNew York, 1921. Poppy Denby, star reporter for the Daily Globe is ready to set sail for a new adventure across the pond and join her boss for a stint at The New York Times.She can hardly wait for the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple but instead of scouting out scandalous stories for the Entertainment pages, she gets stuck on the Death Beat. Writing obituaries isn''t quite the American high life she''d imagined, but when a body is found in a luxury Lexington Avenue penthouse it''s not long before our intrepid newshound sniffs out an unmissable scoop . . .When cause of death is marked as ''suspicious, and unexplained'' Poppy''s reporter senses are already tingling, and then she discovers that the dead man is none other than Prince Hans von Hassler of Liechtenstein.Can Poppy navigate New York''s concrete jungle and find the truth before her life is in danger too?Readers absolutely LOVE Murder on Lexington Avenue!''This is the third book in the Poppy Denby series, and my favourite so far'' Reader review, 5 stars''I love the sparkling narrative pace, the colourful evocation of the era, the accurate description of the fashions of the time, the way the author blends in real people, and above all the delightful and engaging principal characters. Now I move straight on to the next Poppy Denby book!'' Reader review, 5 stars''Entertaining and captivating... It covered some hard-hitting issues which are still relevant in today''s society'' Reader review, 5 stars''A lighthearted romp though 1920s New York with some serious points to make which I have no hesitation in recommending as a good read'' Reader review, 4 stars

* Previously published as The Jazz Files, shortlisted for the CWA Historical Dagger *''I couldn''t stop reading until the end. I would definitely consider the book front page worthy'' Reader review, *****London, 1920. Starry-eyed aspiring reporter Poppy Denby swapped her quiet northern hometown for the Big Smoke to act as companion for her ailing (but ever-sharp) Aunt Dot, a pioneering Suffragette and former West End leading lady.She may only be twenty-two, but Miss Denby knows what she wants and quickly lands a job at the Daily Globe. She expects she''s going to have to pull up her stockings and work twice as hard as her male colleagues, but what she is not ready to deal with is... murder.It''s only Poppy''s first day on Fleet Street when one of the Globe''s senior reporters falls to his death from the highest staircase - just moments after receiving a mysterious note. Poppy is tasked with finishing his article involving the mysterious death of a suffragette seven years earlier, about which some powerful people would prefer nothing to be said. As Poppy investigates, she is thrown into a world of hard-drinking newspapermen, flappers and jazz clubs, and learns she must tread very carefully indeed. Luckily, she has her new-found friendship with the terribly dashing Globe photographer Daniel Rokeby who seems terribly eager to lend a helping hand...But first of all, she''s got a murder to solve and this might just make the front page...Readers LOVE A Front-Page Murder!''Fantastic! I couldn''t put it down... a fast-paced plot kept me up late into the night. I am going to wait a few days before starting the next one in the series to catch up on missed sleep'' Reader review, *****''I sat up to 2am in the morning to see what happened, I could not put it down!'' Reader review, *****''I was thirty pages into this novel when I went back to Amazon and ordered the second book in the series. You know when you''ve got a Good Book and you''re looking forward to finding the next opportunity to sit down and read ? This is one of those'' Reader review, *****''I couldn''t stop reading until the end. I would definitely consider the book front page worthy'' Reader review, *****''Now this is what I call a page turner! This is one of the best books I''ve read for a long time'' Reader review, *****''I had a hard time putting this book down. This story is pure entertainment for anybody who enjoys their mysteries with a generous helping of shenanigans'' Reader review, ****''Has to be one of the best books I''ve read in ages... I was completely drawn in to the story, kept me hooked'' Reader review, *****''Kept me awake well past my usual bedtime as I had to know what happened next!'' Reader review, *****