Julian Stockwin’s THE POWDER OF DEATH out in paperback today

Julian Stockwin’s thrilling historical novel, THE POWDER OF DEATH is published in paperback by Allison & Busby on 20 April. THE POWDER OF DEATH follows THE SILK TREE (also published by Allison & Busby), another standalone historical action-adventure novel examining and reimagining a key turning point in the past.

As Alan Eggleston writes in Booksville: ‘I'm a big fan of Julian Stockwin novels. He doesn't disappoint…Stockwin is a master teller of grand historical fiction tales. Pick one, any one, and you will be highly entertained…Stockwin writes brilliantly, bringing wonderful characters to life in a wholly realistic setting exploring history and times in thoroughly researched detail…’

1261. Oxford, England. An envoy returns from the land of the Tartars to meet with an English scholar and share a deadly secret that touches on the future of Christianity itself. The two men vow that the knowledge of gunpowder must die with them as the consequences are otherwise too fatal to contemplate.

1290. Hurnwych Green, England. After his quiet life is shattered by tragedy, local blacksmith Jared begins a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Aboard a ship to Venice, he meets Sir Nicholas Gayne who invites him to join the Knights Hospitallers as their blacksmith on a holy crusade for King Edward.

The adventure that follows sees Jared encounter men from distant Cathay who harbour the secret of huo yao, and so begins one man’s obsession with the powder of death and a king’s determination to change the very nature of warfare…

Julian at sea

The most recently published book in Julian Stockwin’s popular Thomas Kydd series is INFERNO, with PERSEPHONE to be published on 18 May this year (Hodder & Stoughton). THE BALTIC PRIZE, the nineteenth title in the maritime adventure series, comes out in November.

At 14 Stockwin joined a tough sea-training school, followed by the Royal Navy, transferring to the Royal Australian Navy when his family emigrated.  He saw active service in the Far East, the Antarctic, the South Seas and Vietnam, and was on board the Melbourne at the time of its disastrous peace-time collision with the Voyager. Later he worked for NATO on the strategic deployment of merchant shipping.

See more on Julian Stockwin’s website.
Follow Julian Stockwin on Twitter.

Praise for Julian Stockwin, and THE POWDER OF DEATH

‘The preeminent living historical naval fiction writer on either side of the Atlantic.’ – George Jepson, Quarterdeck (Spring 2017)

‘Stockwin has the knack of weaving a great story around an event in history to create an entertaining and informative adventure. He is up there with the best of the maritime novelists.’ – Ross Gates, Sunday Tasmanian

‘Historical fiction is a tricky beast. As a writer you have to keep your history in proper shape while combining it with a narrative that someone actually wants to read. Score two out of two for Julian Stockwin.’ -- Daily Mail

‘Julian Stockwin has become a master at this craft, no more so than in POWDER OF DEATH…The plan is cunning and the struggle is compelling. Your payoff is the life-changing journey…a great adventure.’ – Alan Eggleston, Booksville

THE SECRET nominated for Best Mini Series at this year’s BAFTAS!

We’re delighted that client Stuart Urban has been nominated for a BAFTA for a third time! ITV's THE SECRET has been nominated for best mini-series at the 2017 awards, alongside Channel 4's ‘National Treasure’ by Jack Thorne, BBC1 drama ‘Witness For the Prosecution’ by Sarah Phelps and BBC2’s ‘The Hollow Crown: The War of the Roses’, adapted by Dominic Cooke.

Starring James Nesbitt (who was nominated for Best Actor for the role at the 2017 national RTS awards) and Genevieve O’Reilly, THE SECRET is a chilling four part series based on the true events that occurred between 1991 and 2011, and the extreme actions taken by dentist Colin Howell and Sunday school teacher Hazel Buchanan to cover up their illicit affair.

Urban’s previous BAFTA wins include ‘An Ungentlemanly Act’ (1992 Winner Best Single Drama) and ‘Our Friends In the North’ (1997 Winner Best Drama Serial, Winner Best Actress for Gina McKee, plus a sweep of other nominations).

Praise for THE SECRET

THE TELEGRAPH ****

“The real achievement of Stuart Urban’s superb script was in capturing the weird balance of religious devotion and sexual obsession that seemed to normalise the relationship in Howell and Buchanan’s minds…‘The Secret’ was masterly, an excellent reason to say in on Friday nights to come”. Gerard O’Donovan.

       @hugh_laurie  The Secret is astounding. Urban, Murphy, Nesbitt, O'Reilly are just absurdly good.

THE SUNDAY TIMES

“I can’t remember a better portrayal of suburban charm hiding suburban evil…it’s hard to create suspense when you already know the ending. But in this case…it was still a nail-biter”. Matt Rudd.

RADIO TIMES “A scarily excellent dramatisation”. Jack Eagle.

THE I

“Told with passion and power...the sort of tale we’ve seen many times before, yet what made ‘The Secret’ so interesting was the way Stuart Urban’s smart script dealt with it…Urban sensitively depicted a close-knit community where religion was central”. Sarah Hughes.

Paul Finch’s new thriller ASHES TO ASHES published today by Avon!

ASHES TO ASHES, the sixth novel in Paul Finch’s crime thriller series featuring Detective Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg, is published today by Avon.

Readers first met ‘Heck’ in Finch’s debut crime novel STALKERS (2013), which was a number 1 eBook bestseller – the second novel in the series was the most pre-ordered title in HarperCollins history. In 2016, ‘Heck’ took a break and the debut DC Lucy Clayburn novel, STRANGERS, became a Sunday Times Bestseller. The sequel to STRANGERS will be published September 2017.

John Sagan is a forgettable man. You could pass him in the street and not realise he’s there. But then, that’s why he’s so dangerous.

A torturer for hire, Sagan has terrorised – and mutilated – countless victims. And now he’s on the move. DS Mark ‘Heck’ Heckenburg must chase the trail, even when it leads him to his hometown of Bradburn – a place he never thought he’d set foot in again.

But Sagan isn’t the only problem. Bradburn is being terrorised by a lone killer who burns his victims to death. And with the victims chosen at random, no-one knows who will be next. Least of all Heck…

Paul recently participated in a ‘live podcast’ with fellow novelist C. L. Taylor, in which they discussed their tips for writing thrilling fiction.

He is also embarking on a blog tour, the first guest spot being posted today on the book blog For Winter Nights, where Paul answers the question: ‘What seven things should you know if you want to write crime fiction?’

Paul’s short story THE BELFRIES is currently being adapted in Hollywood, and his movie script WAR WOLF is under development by Amber Entertainment.

Praise for Paul Finch and his novels:

 ‘Finch is a born storyteller and writes with the authentic voice of the ex-copper he is.’ – Peter James

‘An ingenious and original plot. Compulsive reading.’ – Rachel Abbott

‘A deliciously twisted and fiendish set of murders and a great pairing of detectives.’ – Stav Sherez

‘Avon’s big star…part edge-of-the-seat, part hide-behind-the-sofa! An excellent series.’ – The Bookseller

‘An explosive thriller that will leave you completely hooked on Heck.’ – We Love This Book

‘Edge-of-the-seat reading…Heck is formidable – a British Alex Cross.’ – The Sun

SLEEPER’S CASTLE by Barbara Erskine – published today in paperback by HarperCollins!

Today sees the paperback publication by HarperCollins of SLEEPER’S CASTLE – the latest novel by the Sunday Times bestselling author Barbara Erskine.

SLEEPER’S CASTLE returns to the setting of Hay, shared by her much-loved debut novel LADY OF HAY, which was recently republished in a limited hardback edition to mark its 30 year anniversary. Erskine was also presented with an Outstanding Achievement Award by the RNA (Romantic Novelists’ Association) in March this year.

SLEEPER’S CASTLE revolves around two women, centuries apart. One endless nightmare is tearing Wales apart – and only they can stop it.

Hay-On-Wye, 1400 – War is brewing in the Welsh borders, Catrin is on the brink of womanhood and falling in love for the first time. Her father is a soothsayer, negotiating a dangerous game playing on the mixed loyalties and furious rivalries between Welsh princes and English lords. For two hundred years, the Welsh people have suffered under the English yoke, dreaming of independence. And finally it looks as though the charismatic Owain Glyndwr may be the man legend talks of. In the walls of Sleeper’s Castle, Catrin finds herself caught in the middle of a doomed war as she is called upon to foretell Wales’s destiny… And what she sees, is blood and war coming closer…

Hay, 2015. Miranda has moved to Sleeper’s Castle to escape and grieve. Slowly she feels herself coming to life in the solitude of the mountains. But every time she closes her eyes her dreams become more vivid. And she makes a connection with a young girl, who’s screaming, who’s reaching out… who only Miranda can help. Is she losing herself to time?

Barbara will appear at the Charroux Festival in France on 24 August, to talk about her inspiration and her novels spanning the past 30 years. She will also be at the Wrexham Carnival of Words on 6 May.

Praise for Barbara Erskine and SLEEPER’S CASTLE:

 'Barbara Erskine's storytelling talent is undeniable.' - The Times

'The Queen of timeslip epics.' - The Bookseller

'Stephen King meets Ruth Rendell.' – Frank Delaney

‘SLEEPER’S CASTLE is a haunting tale, confirming that Barbara Erskine remains the mistress of the time-slip novel.’ - acclaimed historian and novelist, Alison Weir

‘Captivating . . . Beguiling ghosts that whisper to us from the past and seek to stamp their will upon the present.’ - Richard and Judy bestseller, Rachel Hore

‘Evocative and haunting, [I was] every bit as captivated as I was when I was swept away by LADY OF HAY.’ - Sunday Times bestselling author, Elizabeth Chadwick

About Barbara Erskine

An historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of 14 bestselling novels, beginning with the much-loved classic, LADY OF HAY, which has sold over 3 million copies. She has also published three highly successful volumes of short stories. Her books, which have appeared in 24 languages, demonstrate her masterful storytelling abilities and her fascination with history and the supernatural. She lives with her family in an old police station in Hay-on-Wye.

Visit Barbara Erskine’s website

Follow Barbara on Twitter

Carole Blake Open Doors Project

Blake Friedmann has decided to offer two places on their inaugural Carole Blake Open Doors Project, as well as a further three-month paid internship to a third applicant.

Ada Igwegbu, from Aberdeen, will take the first placement, from 8th to 19th May 2017. She said: ‘At the risk of resurrecting clichéd words, I am terribly excited to be part of the Carole Blake Open Doors Project. I heard about the programme by complete accident: a friend mentioned it in passing, I applied and here I am. I am thrilled.’

Connor Faulkner, from Doncaster, has been offered a second placement from 31st July to 11th August. He writes: 'I'm incredibly excited to be chosen as a candidate for the Carole Blake Open Doors Project. It's not very often that you're presented with such a brilliant opportunity, and I can't wait to get stuck into an industry which has eluded me for so long.'

Grace Kabeya, from Zimbabwe by way of University of Exeter, will take up a 3-month paid internship from May to July 2017. ‘A chance. A platform. An opportunity to learn more about the industry in one of the best possible ways. I could not be more grateful and excited. It is all I can talk about and I cannot wait to begin.’

Isobel Dixon added: 'All of us at the agency - and many of our internship alumni now working across the book trade - are looking forwar‎d to welcoming the first Open Door candidates to Mandela Street and sharing insights into this brilliant industry. We're very grateful to David Hicks and The Book Trade Charity (BTBS) for their generous support of this initiative, and to others who have offered to help in many ways including, crucially, with their time and experience. It's this generosity and energy that makes ours one of the great creative industries, one we seek to make even more varied, dynamic and inclusive.' 

The Carole Blake Open Doors Project is a programme specifically aimed at encouraging candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds to enter the publishing industry. Applications will re-open in July for a placement in late autumn 2017 – details of how to apply will be published on the Blake Friedmann website.

The Carole Blake Open Doors Project offers 10 days of work shadowing to selected applicants over a two-week period, including funding for travel and up to twelve nights’ accommodation in London. The programme, which will run twice a year, will include close mentorship with Blake Friedmann’s book agents, the opportunity to attend selected meetings with authors and others working in the publishing industry, and the chance to be involved in every aspect of day-to-day life as an agent. It is intended that candidates will come away from the project with varied knowledge of working for a leading literary agency, the beginnings of new and essential relationships in the publishing industry, and some excellent experience to include on their CVs.

Carole Blake and the Blake Friedmann team have always placed great value on diversity and openness, in the company's client list as well as its hiring practices. We aim to build on this foundation and be proactive about drawing from a wider pool of talented applicants who are passionate about books and ambitious about getting a job in publishing.

For more details on how to get involved with the project please contact Hattie Grunewald hattie@blakefriedmann.co.uk