In Honour of Cruising + 99c Cruise Ship Mystery (Virus-free!)

The first ship I ever fell in love with was the Oriana, back in the early 1970s. I was just a little girl, it was my first sea voyage, and my family was travelling between Papua New Guinea and Australia. So it was a relatively short trip but, boy, it left its mark.

I've been in love with cruising ever since. 

And it's not just about the ship, although I do love a glittering atrium, a sparkling Lido deck, and a small but oh so cosy cabin. The truth is, I'm just as happy in a leaky dinghy as I am on a luxury vessel like the Queen Elizabeth, pictured below. I jumped aboard last year, pre-Corona, for my Dad's 80th birthday, and what better place to celebrate? 

I just love being on the water! I love the rich, salty smell and rhythm of the sea, the slapping of the waves against the bow and, most of all, the anticipation and mystery of all that lovely open ocean ahead.

It's no wonder, then, that I set one of my murder mysteries on a cruise ship, this one an imagined replica of a real ship that once sailed the Antipodes—the SS Orient, which I wrote about in a previous blog.

As you all know, cruise ships have taken a battering during this time of the Corona virus, and it breaks my heart, if only for the beautiful, hard-working crew, and for those of you who never got a chance to don your best nautical gear and set sail.

But take heart, I'm sure cruising will be back. I don't think it's such a bad thing if there's a few less of them, though. Massive ships are not exactly great for the environment and we have to consider the next generation. But I do want my kids to experience cruising as I did, just more sustainably, and minus deadly diseases while they're at it!

Until then, here's an exciting voyage you can take from the comfort of your own self-isolation, and it's virus free! Of course that's not to say there's not other dangers lurking somewhere on the ship… 

Agatha Christie Book Club's Murderous Voyage—99c sale

In this refreshingly modern take on the classic whodunit, the AGATHA CHRISTIE BOOK CLUB set sail on replica steamship the SS Orient and quickly encounter eerie echoes of another murderous voyage—a menacing note, a passenger dead in bed, and more clues than you can poke a blood-soaked dagger at. With no CCTV, a shipful of slippery passengers, and enough red herrings to fill a seafood platter, the amateur sleuths decide to abandon their shuffleboard and solve the crime before they hit land and the professionals boot them off. Jump aboard for the second gripping adventure of the beloved book club friends, who include devoted sisters, a dashing doctor, a flighty librarian and two vintage fashion queens. This time there's a new member lurking in the wings, a brusque barman with a bad attitude and a secret that will change absolutely everything. With a dash of romance, a splash of adventure and plenty of good humour, this is a fun, fast-paced cozy adventure for those who like unexpected plot twists, endearing ensemble characters and a gripping final denouement. GRAB YOUR 99c COPY AT ONE OF THE E-STORES BELOW And happy (cruisy) reading everyone! xo Christina

.   @AMAZON online  Apple iBooks   B+N nook   kobo

99c Book Sale + 3 Crime Series To Self-Isolate With

During these mad and worrying times, it's easy to make light of self-isolation, especially if, like me, you feel as though you've been rehearsing for it your whole life.

Even though I have a full house with kids, a hubby and a frisky Blue Heeler, I've always enjoyed my own company and am very good at sneaking away. (Growing up in a large family and then six years in boarding school taught me a few tricks!)

If I'm not hiding out in my sunroom/office to write my latest mystery (Agatha Christie Book Club 4—more on that next newsletter*) I'm usually perched in the sun, on the sofa or under the covers, reading a good book.

And while I've been enjoying the zany way people have been reaching out to each other—from hilarious online memes to singing together on balconies—I must say there is still no better distraction than a book.

But not just any book. It has to be thick with plot, rich with characters and keep the pace and your heart beat galloping.

With that in mind, I've selected three crime series I think tick all the boxes, all by authors other than me. If these don't help you block out the world for a little while, you could always work your way through my seven Ghostwriter Mysteries. The latest, Without a Word, is now on sale online for just 99c. But only for three days so don't dillydally!

And happy (safe!) reading everybody.

xo Christina

*NB: Yes, I have immersed my Agatha Christie Book Club in another mystery, which is why I've gone to ground. I'll try to reach out every month or so but please be patient with me. :-)

3 OF MY FAVE CRIME WRITERS

• ANN CLEEVES & VERA

I love everything British author Ann Cleeves writes, but my favourite is her series starring the best character this side of Hercule Poirot—Detective Inspector Vera Stanhope.

A seemingly innocuous middleaged copper, Vera has a hilarious ability to sting her opponents with just one look, and you underestimate Vera at your own peril. 

Portrayed brilliantly by the beloved Brenda Blethyn in the BBC TV version, I think the books are even better. Start with her first, The Crow Trap and work your way through all seven.

• SUE GRAFTON'S ALPHABET SERIES

What's not to love about kick-ass Kinsey Millhone? She lives in somebody's renovated garage, barely has a social life and, as far as I can tell, only three items of clothing, but when you need someone to do a little snooping, this no-nonsense California PI is your go-to gal.

Starting with A is For Alibi—where else?—you'll have an almost complete alphabet of murders to work with. Sadly Ms Grafton never got to pen the final Z, may she rest in peace, which leaves our imaginations wide open...

• AGATHA CHRISTIE. WHO ELSE?

If you thought I'd leave the Queen of Crime off the list, you're not the most intuitive detective. But don't worry, after a few rounds with Hercule Poirot, you'll get the hang of it, and learn a few French words while you're at it. Miss Marple is just as beguiling.

Once again, start with Christie's first attempt—The Mysterious Affair at Styles—or just select from the 82 detective novels she ended up writing. (Yep, you read that right!)

Okay, that's it from me. I do hope you enjoy my suggestions and stay tuned for updates on my next cozy mystery. If you want to share some riveting book ideas of your own, don't hesitate to get in touch by reply email or leave a comment online. 

xo CA

"It's a page-turner!" Ghostwriter 7 On Sale Now—Most Gripping Mystery Yet

"I really loved this book. The storyline was interesting and grabbed your attention. It’s very well written and developed. I found this a hard book to put down. I recommend reading."

– Heather 177, Booksprout

“A well written suspense with engaging characters and well plotted mystery.”

– Anne Glass Kasaba, Booksprout

WITHOUT A WORD

A Ghostwriter Mystery 7

IT'S BEEN a long time between drinks for our merlot-swilling ghostwriter, but Roxy Parker's back in the belly of her mates and on a 20-year-old missing person's case.

Roxy’s client—PR princess Phoebe Fisher—was just a child when her entire family vanished. She wants Roxy to tell her story now; Roxy’s more interested in the past. Why did young Phoebe’s family vanish? How could they do it in just one night? And what's the 'dark and sinister event' that triggered everything? As Roxy sorts fact from fiction, detective friend Gilda has a shocking case of her own—a woman has baked to death in a sizzling hot car. They’re calling it "suicide by sunbaking" but is that even possible or could it be something more macabre? From the best-selling author of the AGATHA CHRISTIE BOOK CLUB comes the much-anticipated seventh instalment of the Ghostwriter Mysteries, a fun, fast-paced series for those who love a complex, humorous whodunit with contemporary characters you can fall in love with. This time, Roxy’s got a dog by her side and a secret so scary she's terrified to tell her mum (let alone her ex-boyfriend Max!). GENRE: Cozy, crime, humour, romance, amateur sleuth, international adventure NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: This book contains Australian slang and a little adult language—all part of the Aussie vernacular. No offence is intended. AVAILABLE: @ Amazon @ Apple iBooks @ B+N nook @ kobo

A New Mystery, A Cozy Sale…

Super eBook Sale: ACBC 3

Thanks to my buddies at BookBub and EReader News Today, I'm running another global promotion, this time for the third adventure in the AGATHA CHRISTIE BOOK CLUB series, the award-winning Evil Under the Stars. 

For the next week or so, the eBook can be purchased for just 99c — in the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and India.

To clinch your discount copy, just click here. And happy, reading, folks!

Sneak Peek: Ghostwriter 7

Meanwhile, I'm beyond excited to report that my brand-new mystery—the seventh in my popular GHOSTWRITER MYSTERY series—will be out on March 2. 

To PRE-ORDER your copy, head straight to Amazon now. To learn a little more about this series, click here, or read on to see what Roxy's been up to. [Oh and if you'd like to share your thoughts on the cover, don't hesitate to leave me a comment, below. :-)] 

Without a Word

(Ghostwriter Mystery 7)

OUT: March 2, 2020

"It’s been a long time between drinks for our merlot-swilling ghostwriter Roxy Parker, but she's back, this time in the belly of her mates and on a 20-year-old missing person's case.

Roxy’s client—PR princess Phoebe Fisher—was just a child when her entire family vanished. She wants Roxy to tell her story now; Roxy’s more interested in the past.

Why did young Phoebe’s family vanish?
How could they do it in just one night?
And what's the 'dark and sinister event' that triggered the whole thing?

As Roxy sorts fact from fiction, detective friend Gilda has a shocking case of her own—a woman has baked to death in a sizzling hot car. They’re calling it ‘suicide by sunbaking’ but is that even possible or could it be something more macabre?

From the best-selling author of the AGATHA CHRISTIE BOOK CLUB comes the much-anticipated seventh instalment of the Ghostwriter Mysteries, a fun, fast-paced series for those who love a humorous whodunit with contemporary characters you can fall in love with. This time, Roxy’s got a Border Collie by her side and a secret so scary she's terrified to tell her mum (let alone Max!)."

Happy (mysterious) reading, everyone.

xo Christina

The Joy! The Relief! On Birthing Ghostwriter 7 and Discounting the First 6 ($5 for all!)

ON THE EVE of her 10th birthday, Phoebe Fisher wakes to find her entire family has vanished. Twenty years later and ghostwriter Roxy Parker is hired to write 'Forgotten Phoebe's memoir, but is she getting the whole story, the true story of what really happened that fateful day…?

It's such a hackneyed phrase, forgive me, but writing a book really is like having a baby—the pain, the promise, the missing months—that I can't help but trot out that old chestnut again. 

Not only do you get 'mummy brain' (just ask my family—they're so thrilled to have me back), even the stages of pregnancy are the same, starting with the queasy first trimester when you're building the story's skeleton, blood and bone. Then there's the blissful middle bit where you get to pad it all out, followed by the difficult final trimester when you have to squish it all together, hope everything's in the right place, and bring this baby home!

We're not quite at the birthing stage yet folks, but boy we're close. My seventh Ghostwriter Mystery is officially with my editor (hey Annie!) and I'm in the throes of creating the cover with my lovely designer Stu. So put the champagne on ice and get the cigars out, because we're almost there! Ahhh...

Meanwhile…

It's been a while between Ghostwriter mysteries, so get familiar with Roxy and her crew. While each book is a stand-alone adventure, knowing the back story always makes for a much richer and more immersive read. 

Which is why I'm discounting all six of the previous books (well, the first one's free so that's even better!) For ONE WEEK ONLY every Ghostwriter Mystery is on SALE for just 99c each. And you can still get Book 1 for zip.

That's six ebooks for less than $5! But get in quick. SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 21.

Next newsletter you'll get a sneak peek of the new cover, and a title reveal. And there'll be free copies, too. Until then, happy (ghostwriter) reading!

xo Christina

99c Sale: Murder on the Orient (SS) + The Real Steamship Behind the Mystery

Image: bogstown.com

From Murder on the Orient (SS): Author's Note

"When I started conjuring up the second adventure for the Agatha Christie Book Club, I wanted to take them on an exotic journey à la the infamous Orient Express—one of my favourite Hercule Poirot settings—and began looking around for ideas.

Boy, did I get lucky.

In the late 1800s/early 1900s, there really was a classic steamship called the SS Orient that sailed between London and Sydney, via the Cape and the Suez. According to my research, it was a sparkling ship, brimming with luxurious fittings and eclectic characters, and host to several rather suspicious deaths.

What a brilliant backdrop for my book club friends!

While I have tweaked some minor details for the sake of this contemporary plot (including the original itinerary), much of the information about the ship is authentic and my sources are listed in the bibliography at the back— with thanks.

This is fiction, however, folks. So I’m sad to say the   SS Orient has not been recommissioned nor is there a real-life replica floating about as I have imagined here, but an author can dream can’t she?

And a book club can jump aboard for the ride… 

Bon voyage!"

FOR MORE ON THE ORIGINAL SS ORIENT:

• The SS Orient Story by Roy Clifford and Dave Knight

• bogstown.com

• Museum Victoria

GRAB YOUR COPY FOR JUST 99c - Sale ends Jan 10

@ Amazon

@ Apple

@ B&N nook

@ kobo

Happy (cruisy) reading everyone.

xo Christina

Aussie Bushfires, A Real-Life Mystery + 3 Festive Gifts!

It's been a big year for me on a personal level and while I only published one book in 2019—After the Ferry: A Gripping Psychological Novel (see more on that and whether you've won a copy, below)—I want to say a very big THANK YOU for all your support in 2019, and APOLOGIES for not getting my seventh Ghostwriter out in time for Christmas as planned. 

I do have a pretty good (well, bad!) excuse

My eldest son finished school this year, which was whopping for him and us, but it wasn't the biggest event of 2019. As you may have seen on the news, large swathes of Australia have been burning now for months, and we have had our own battles in my immediate area, in the hinterland beyond Byron Bay. We had to evacuate our property at one point and while everything is okay for now, it has been extremely unsettling and, as you can imagine, a major distraction. But that's not the worst of it.

To date, across Australia, almost a million hectares of bushland and forest and about 1,000 homes have been destroyed, several lives have been lost as well as countless wildlife, including our precious and already endangered koalas. It really has been a horrendous start to our summer season here and, with no leadership at a political level, sadly, things remain very grim.

That's why, in 2020, I'm hoping for rain and lots of it! I'm also hoping for relief for our beautiful 'firies' - the unpaid, volunteers who leave their own homes, families and jobs to fight the fires for the rest of us. Many of them have been working for two months solid and THEY are the real heroes in all of this.

To them, I say THANK YOU,  and to you, my beloved readers, I say, here's to a calmer, cooler, happier year ahead—not so I can write more books, but so the firies can finally find time to put their singed boots up and read some!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS everybody.

For more on my books and other news, visit: calarmer.com

Why I Love My Latest Book

As some of you may know, I conjured the idea for this psychological thriller many decades ago, and have been itching to write it ever since. 

Back in the 1990s—pre-mobile phones—I really was a young Aussie backpacker travelling with a group of guys and girls making our way on a ferry to Santorini in Greece.

During the long, sunburnt voyage, one of the guys in my group—a handsome American lacrosse player—fell head over heels for a woman from a different group. I think she was a Kiwi but I'm not 100% sure. In any case, he fell hard and literally jumped ship with her long before we got to our destination! He threw caution to the wind and deserted all of us for someone he had only just met.

There were no mobile phones back then. No way to track each other down, and I often wondered how things turned out. WAS it true love and are they now living happily in New Zealand? Did he realise his mistake and get the next ship out? Or did something untoward happen? I certainly never saw him again and have wondered about him ever since. Hence the book. 

In my story, I upped the ante by turning the traveller into a naive young woman and her love interest into a dark, Greek stranger. Then I wrote two versions of what happened—a parallel story, with a startling murder thrown in.

The result is my fictional suspense/thriller AFTER THE FERRY and, while it's a lot more complex than my other books, it's also richly rewarding and those who have made it to the end agree that it's the best thing I've ever written. 

Which is why I'm handing out free copies as a festive gift!

CONGRATULATIONS…

* Lesa Neace

* Thomas Palmer

* Joann Lord

I'll be in touch shortly to offer your free ebook. For everyone else, thanks again for all your support in 2019 and happy (calm!) reading, everybody.

xo Christina