Yes! After all this time - I'm Back!

Time seems to be passing too quickly. I have lost count of when I posted my last blog. But, quite honestly, I really haven't done much to write, or, shout about. Nevertheless, I really wanted to get back to all you lovely people who followed my posts in the past. 

At the moment, I am trying to find somewhere for both my husband and I, to spend a few days away from home. Anywhere abroad is out of the question, as our passports have run out and, due to our age, we have no desire to even think about renewing them. Therefore, I'm looking at areas here in the UK - especially those not too far from where we live. Somewhere in Northumberland would be great as it wouldn't be too far to drive, But it would get us away from our house😉

Though there are several places we would enjoy staying, we still haven't made up our minds, as most of them don't have car parking on the spot. Can you believe it? Once you check in, you then have to find somewhere to park your car. That certainly doesn't go down well with me! 

One of the places I would love to spend a few days is at the Premier Inn near the Millennium Bridge. Having been born on Tyneside, I love going there. and also why I set my Agnes Lockwood Mysteries  in the area. However, though I started the 5th Agnes Lockwood Mystery sometime ago, I still haven't managed to get any further forward. 

I began writing book 5, just before the Covid pandemic stopped everyone from getting out and about. Maybe that's why my brain stopped working. Therefore, as a writer, I now need to get out into the world and catch up with what is going on. Thankfully, this hasn't happened with all authors, otherwise there would be no new books out there. 

Moving on, I am considering joining an easy-going exercise class. A friend of mine goes to one nearby and, from what she has told me, it sounds good. Therefore, it might be just the thing I need. If I do join, I'll add more about it in my next post 😉But, at the same time, don't hold your breath...

I think that is all I have to pass on at this time. Nevertheless, if anyone picks this up, I would really love to hear from you. 

In the meantime, should you be interested, my novel, A Mystery on Tyneside, is on offer for only 99c/99p. Simply follow this link to download a copy from your favourite store - books2read.com/u/bPyvVd 

Enjoy your weekend and the week ahead

Cheers

Eileen

Enjoy your weekend!

Hello Again!

 Yes, it's Me - After all this time - I'm Back!

I am so sorry to have left it so long before getting back to you all. However, I think I might have lost most of my followers, as they probably thought I had closed my blog. But the time is passing so quickly, I tend to forget what day it is, let alone when I last posted anything. 

Nevertheless, I am here today for a catch-up, even though I don't have anything to tell you; well nothing mind-blowing. I don't think anything of that capacity happens up here anymore. 

Truthfully, I don't think my husband and I have really recovered from the lockdown, even though it ended a few years ago. Back then, we both obeyed all the rules, in that we didn't go out and had all our groceries, and anything else we needed, delivered to the door. However, despite the lock-down having ended, we still seem to be following the same routine. It's almost as though we had been shipwrecked on a desert island and didn't know that things had changed. 

But enough of that. I would love to know what you are all doing at the moment. Should you reply to this post, then I will certainly be delighted to hear what is going on in your lives. 

Meanwhile, I am still having problems with the 5th book in the Agnes Lockwood Series. When I wrote the other four books, I had no problems at all. However, this one is going nowhere, which is frustrating for me and also for the people who have contacted me, saying they would love to read the next book in the series. 

Perhaps I spend too much time re-writing what I had written earlier, rather than moving forward and leaving the corrections to the editor, as I had always done in the past. 

In-between all the writing and re-writing, I have been looking for somewhere Phil & I could spend a few days away. I was looking for  place on the Northumberland coastline. Somewhere that overlooks - the beach and the sea but, more importantly, has it's own car-park.  However, I'm sure you will agree, such places are hard to find. Yet, I'll keep looking. Any ideas/thoughts on an area near the Scottish Borders would be very welcome 

I think that is all I have for you at the moment - I did say that nothing had changed in my life. 

Take care & please get back to me, even if only to say hello.

Cheers to you all and enjoy your weekend. 

Chink Chink!

 It has been so long since I last posted a blog, I guess you will have forgotten me.

Nevertheless, here I am again and, though I would love to pass on some wonderful news, I'm afraid that isn't possible. Life here in the Scottish Borders, at least for me, has been quiet, which is why you haven't heard from me for a while. However, here I am again, despite having no outstanding news. 

My novels, though they are not leaping off the shelves, have been selling well on Amazon and all other online stores. So I am quite happy about that. But now, I am having problems working in the 5th novel in the Agnes Lockwood Mystery Series. Despite ideas running through my head, I seem to forget them when I sit down to continue writing the novel. However, I doubt I am the first author to admit that. I guess it is something which happens to all writers. 

I will plod on, and, hopefully find the solution. 

In the meantime, if you are interested, Vengeance on Tyneside, will be reduced to 99c/99p on 19th Dec for a short time. Therefore, keep looking out for the offer - don't miss out. 

Cheers to your all and I wish you all a Wonderful Christmas and New Year 

Eileen Thornton 

 Hello again.

Yes, it's me, I am back. Though I don't have much news, I really wanted to catch up with you all. 

My husband and I have both had our booster covid jabs. But then, there isn't much fun to talk about on that scenario. Nevertheless, with covid 19 problems still hovering around, it's good to know that the government/s are still looking after us. 

But enough of that. On a more cheerful note, a few days ago I dropped off more copies of my Tyneside novels to the Floors Castle Gift shop. At the moment, they can be found in the Apple Shed Gift Shop which has been open throughout the winter months. However, once the grounds and Castle reopen in May, I believe they will be added to the Courtyard Gift Shop, where, last year, they almost flew off the shelves. 

At the moment, I am still trying to work out where we can spend a few day away from home this summer. We really enjoyed being in Whitley Bay last year, especially as we stayed at the Premier Inn overlooking the Promenade. It was really wonderful being able to gaze out of the window and look at the sea. However, the journey home rather spoilt our break - though I won't go into that again. 

Anyway, I would be delighted to hear from anyone who might have a suggestion as to where we could stay this year. Somewhere easy to reach from the Scottish Borders, yet has something enjoyable going on during the evening.  I understand that it will be difficult, but if you think of something, then please get back to me. 

Meanwhile, I would love to hear how you are all doing. Whether you are authors, office staff, shop assistants, canteen assistants or have held any other similar jobs, then I can honestly say that I have also been there. 

Take care all and please get back to me, 

Cheers, 

Eileen

Hello Again!

So sorry that I haven't been back to you before now. However, as I didn't have any news, I wasn't sure what to say. Yes, I know a blog, or a newsletter,  is where people can spout all their thoughts. Yet, at the end of the day, they must have somewhere to start, and that is my problem. 

Truthfully, I don't have anything exciting to pass on. Nevertheless, I felt I ought to get back in touch, as some people have kindly asked if all was well as I hadn't been around for a while. Thank you so much for your concern, but yes, I am fine, though I did have an accident shortly before Christmas. 

No, not a car accident, or anything else involving a third person. It was all down to me. I had been out around the local area delivering our Christmas cards, but on arriving home, I simply tripped over one of the steps outside our house and, without anything to hold on to, I fell to the ground - hitting my head on a large, stone plant pot on the way down. 

I still can't believe it. For goodness' sake, those steps have been there for ages. I have walked up and down them countless times! Yet, on that one day, I misjudged where I put my foot and, without anything to hold on to, I fell over. I'm sure that this must have happened to several other people reading this post. Though some might simply have staggered a little before getting their footing back in control, that wasn't how it worked for me. I was taken to hospital where I needed to have nine stitches on the top of my head - all of which have since been removed. So, guys, for your information, I am still leaping around - well sort of. I must say, haven't leaped around for some time now. 😄

Other than that, here in the Scottish Borders, all is much the same, as far as I am concerned. Though there is the ongoing election of a new First Minister. Though I'm sure you won't want me to dwell on politics. I have my thoughts on how the country should vote and I'm sure you have your own, which is why I never voice my pollical opinion here.  

Therefore, changing the channel, so to speak, I am trying to think of somewhere my husband and I can spend a few days this summer. Yes, it would be good to go abroad. However. we are both past that stage now, having been on several trips to various European resorts. Therefore, we are looking for a Hotel, Premier Inn, or Travelodge, fairly close to the Scottish Borders, but, at the same time has enough parking spaces for all people staying there. 

Looking down from the promenade

Last year, on a previous post, I'm sure you'll recall me saying that we went to Whitley Bay. For those who don't live in the UK, Whitley Bay is a coastal resort in North East England. 

Many years ago, before people started going abroad, Whitley Bay was the highlight for families all over the region. Some came from Glasgow, and even further north. 

At school, we learned Scottish dancing so we could join in the dancing at the Panama Dip. But that was a long time ago. 

Phil and I went there last year as I wanted to see the changes made to the place I lived until I was married - so many years ago. However, while the sea-front, outside what was once known as the the Plaza Ball Room, had been beautifully upgraded, streets in the town centre had been forgotten. Therefore, perhaps it would be a good idea if we went back to take another look. Maybe the council are still working on plans for that part of the town. I do understand such things take time and, money doesn't grow on trees. Hopefully, the town will be upgraded over time. 

What else can I tell you, other than I am still working on the fifth novel of the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries? However, it is going very slowly; too slowly for me. I usually have an idea on how the novel begins and how it ends. The in between bits develop as I go along. But, though I have the beginning and end in my head, the bit in the middle is not working out as well as usual. Perhaps I need a shove. 

Meanwhile, I am promoting the books which are already published. Incidentally, Murder on Tyneside, the first book in the Agnes Lockwood series, is free to download. If you have already read it, then perhaps you would be so kind as to pass the on the information to your friends. They can find it by following this link: books2read.com/u/4ElXzA  

I think that is all I have to tell you for the moment, but I won't leave it quite so long before getting back to you. 

Please leave a comment, I would love to hear from you. 

Take care 

Cheers! 

A Trip to the Coast!

I know it has been a while since I last added something to my blog, but I really didn't have anything to pass on to you... until now. 😌  For the first time in nearly three years, we decided to go away for a few days. so, we unlocked the door and ventured out. So, where did we go?

No, we didn't fly off to the moon. Though, I admit, it would have been very tempting, should we have been given a guaranteed a first-class return ticket 😉  Nor did we join the never-ending queues at the Airports, or Dover, hoping to swan off abroad. Instead, we simply took a short trip down the Northumbrian coast to Whitley Bay, a seaside resort situated a mere ten miles from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.  Having lived in Whitley Bay in the past, I thought it would be a good idea to spend a few days there to see how it had fared over the years. 

Premier Inn

We had booked a room in a new hotel situated on the main Promenade, a short distance from what was known as the the Empress Ballroom. Our room was at the front of the building and looked out over the Promenade towards the sea.

 

The following day, we set out along the lower Promenade towards the Rendezvous Café. Actually, it seemed further away than I remembered it. But then, when you haven't been somewhere for a while, everything never appears to be the same, or could it be an age thing? After all, I am older now 😒 We stopped off in the café for tea and some wonderful, large buns. Mine was filled with ham & cheese, while Phil enjoyed Ham and Pease Pudding - a favourite of his from years ago. Incidentally, if you watch Vera on TV, you will recall seeing this Café several times

Then we ambled back towards the hotel, pausing every now and again to sit on the one of the benches and enjoy the sun, sand and fresh sea air while watching the world go by. 

The Beach at Whitley Bay, looking north.

Most of the changes to Whitley Bay had taken place on the main Promenade. overlooking the sea. The road, which used to run along in front of the Spanish City had gone and is now pedestrianised. I must admit, it was all very impressive. A new road, had been built behind the Spanish City for traffic to get back onto the Promenade. 

However, the town hadn't been as well looked after. I won't say too much about that - they could still be drawing up new plans . Nevertheless, I was disappointed to find the pavements in such bad condition, especially as my husband needs use a scooter to get around. Several times, I had to grab the scooter to stop it falling over.

Anyway, we are home now. Nevertheless, I am still reflecting on my trip to the northeast coast. I can only hope I will get there again in the not too distant future. 

 

I have added another two photos below!

Cheers all, have a great time wherever you go! 

 

Looking down at the Lower Promenade.

Lower Promenade

Hi Everyone!

 Yes! It's me. I am back!

Throughout the pandemic, as I hardly set a foot out of doors, I really didn't have anything to pass on to you. That's the reason I only bobbed my head above the surface now and again. However, now that everything seems to be getting back to normal - well sort of - I thought that I would let you all know that I am still here. 

During the months we were all stuck indoors, I read more books than I had done for a long time. I began by reading the first novel in the Professor Acton Mysteries by J. Robert Kennedy and am now up to the 17th book in the series. 

In between, I also read several novels by other authors which I enjoyed so much, I pre-ordered book in the series. Should anyone be interested, here are a few names of the authors whose books I really enjoyed: Irina Shapiro, C.J. Archer and Karina McRoberts. 

However, like I said, as we are back to normal, I would like to let you all know how excited I am about my Tyneside novels. 

At the beginning of May, when Floors Castle opened the grounds to visitors, I spoke to the supervisor of the gift shop. I hoped they would accept a couple of books to put on sale. But, she asked me to deliver four copies of each title - 16 in all. 

Since then, I have delivered another 30 copies of the books. As you can imagine, I am delighted they are selling so well. 

Now, I can almost hear you asking me what other news have I to tell you? 

Well, actually, not a lot. Other than I am hoping/planning to visit Whitley Bay sometime this year. Whether it is simply for a day, or even a couple of days, I haven't yet decided. As I said, it is simply a thought whirling around in my head and might not even happen. 

However, as I used to live in Whitley Bay many years ago, I really would like to see the changes that have taken place on the sea front. Especially those outside, what was know as, the Empress Ballroom. I would also love to take the opportunity to wander down the streets I knew back in the day. Will I find them the same as I remember them? I doubt it.

Has anyone here, reading this, ever taken a trip down memory lane and found that all the places they knew, or grown up with, had changed beyond all recognition? Or, perhaps, had found that nothing had changed. 

I am sure anyone reading this would enjoy hearing your thoughts, especially me. Simply leave a message below. 

Meanwhile, I wish you all, good wishes for the months to come.

Take care,

Cheers!

Hello Again

 Hello again from the Scottish Borders.

It is such a lovely day, I thought it was a good time to drop you a quick message. The only problem being, I don't have much news. 

As usual, due to covid 19, my husband and I haven't been out much. However, we do hope to get away for a few days in May (fingers crossed) and then maybe take another break later in the year. Though we won't be travelling far, just getting away will be great. Therefore, I might have something more exciting to pass on in another blog. 

At the moment, I am still trying to work on the fifth novel in the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries. While it started well, it now seems to have come to a full stop. My brain seems to have switched off, probably because of being indoors every day for almost two years. But I now realise that I need to get to grips and carry on, if only to stop Agnes Lockwood from getting annoyed and keep popping into my head. 😉 

In the meantime, my publisher has informed me that most of my novels are now available from various online booksellers, Therefore, I have found a link for each of the Agnes Lockwood novels which will lead customers to various book stores, not just Amazon. So maybe that will keep her quiet for a little while. 😀 

However, I also understand that most independent book shops can order books from Bookshop, while large bookstores can order any books from their own supplier. I will now need to start finding the all inclusive links for my other novels. 

Later this evening, I will be watching Grantchester on TV. I have watched this series from the beginning and have always enjoyed it. However, things seem to have changed a great deal since the end of the last series and I'm not sure where this one is going... I guess it's wait and see time. Being a Geordie myself, I love to see Robson Green on screen as an actor, not so keen on the fishing programmes. Last night, I watched a repeat of  Vera. A series with Brenda Blethyn playing the part of a DCI in the Newcastle and Northumberland Police. As for tomorrow... it's wait and see time. 

I think that is all for the moment.

Take care all, 

Cheers! 

The Wonderful Tyne Bridge

Where Has The Time Gone

 Hello there, it's me 😀 I'm back!

You will probably forgotten me as I haven't added a post for such a long while. But, quite honestly, I haven't had a single thing to pass on to you, otherwise I would have posted it here immediately. 

This virus seems to have taken over our lives. But you must already know that as most of the UK, including my husband and myself, have played it safe by staying home. However, I understand that things are getting better, so maybe, touch wood, we will be able to get out and about again.

But, in the meantime, perhaps we could all pass on how we spent our time trying to cope with the boredom of being indoors for almost two years. Simply add a reply to my post. I understand if you would prefer to put the whole episode behind you and move on. But there might be a few out there who would like to say how they spent their days. Maybe some took up sewing, knitting, reading, writing, or even painting. Whatever it was, I'm sure we would all be delighted to hear from you. 

As for me, I started working on the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 5. I had hoped that being stuck indoors I would be able to finish it very quickly. However, I don't seem to have got anywhere. Not sure why, maybe it's just one of the those things. I open the PC, add a few paragraphs then the next day, I change them all. Not a good way of going about writing a novel. But then, maybe it happens to other writers all the time. Who knows?

But, until I can move on, my latest novel is still:  A Mystery on Tyneside. 

A Mystery on Tyneside 

Cheers to you all 

Cheers from Tyneside!

Yes! It's me again!

Just when you thought I had left earth on the last shuttle to the space station, you suddenly find me back here, all set and ready to go... but where? The space station sounds good, but I tend to get dizzy with heights, so I gave that a miss.

I would be quite happy spending a week in a hotel here, on earth in the UK, where meals would be set in front of me without me having to even think about cooking them. But at the moment that doesn't seem possible. I know hotels are open for business again, however, after spending so long in lockdown, I'm not sure that I want to risk staying in a hotel with several other guests - maybe it's too soon. On the other hand, am I just be being over cautious. 

What do you all think? Have you made any plans yet? If so, where are you going and when?

With nothing else going on, I have been reading like mad. 

The first book I chose was called Murder in the Crypt: A Redmond and Haze Mystery Book 1 by Irina Shapiro.

I got so caught up with the storyline, I then went on to read the second, third and fourth books in the series.

However, the fifth book hasn't yet been published, but at least I have pre-ordered it. Therefore, I am waiting for it to appear on my kindle. 

Wanting to continue with my reading, I looked for something else to keep me going in-between working on my own books and found 

The Watchmaker's Daughter. Glass and Steele Book 1 by C.J Archer.

At the moment, I am reading book three, so you will realise how much I have enjoyed this series. The books are 'magical'.

Perhaps you might like to give them a try. 

Death on Tyneside

But please don't allow that to  put you off checking out one of my Agnes Lockwood Mystery novels, which can be found on amazon for only 99p. The offer will only last a few days, so don't let it pass you by.

Death on Tyneside - Book two in the series, is available for 99p/99c from 16th May. 

But the offer won't last long. Therefore, check it out today and download your copy before you miss out. 

Take care all and please stay safe

Cheers! 

Chink! Chink!

Long Time Since My Last Post - But, I'm Back!

 I am sorry I haven't been back to speak to you, before now. But quite honestly, I haven't had anything of interest to pass on. Every day has been the same in this house for the last year. The only up side is that we have now had our two vaccine jabs. Though here in Scotland, we have not been given anything to prove it - well not so far anyway. 

I do understand that this virus has had the same impact on you, wherever you are. Some of you out there might still be waiting to receive your first injection. If that is the case, I hope you receive the letter or the phone-call informing you very soon. 

So, what have you got planned for the rest of the year - should the virus begin to disappear and lockdown is slowly and carefully lifted. Truthfully, we have nothing planned. Going abroad is out of the question, due to my husband's health issues. However, given the chance, I believe we would spend a week on Tyneside. Being Geordies, we do enjoy going there when we can. Just to walk along the Quayside and gaze down at the River Tyne is wonderful. Plus, I would love to get to Whitley Bay. My parents moved there for Low Fell, Gateshead, when I was eleven. But I left when I married and, though I visited my parents whenever I could, I was always surprised at how quickly the town was changing over the years. My mother worked at the Co-op opposite St Paul's Church and my sister, when she left school, worked at Woolworths - which has now long gone.  

Now, it's your turn. How has the lockdown treated you? What will you be doing once it's over? Please don't leave the comments box empty. Say something - even if it's a simple hello. 

A Mystery on Tyneside

Meanwhile, I'd like to give a quick mention regarding an offer on my novel. 

A Mystery on Tyneside the latest in the Agnes Lockwood Series, is available for 99c/99p for a few days.  

Cheers to you all. Stay safe. 

I'll get back there!

January 2021

 We have entered a New Year and I am sure we are all hoping for a bright new future - certainly brighter than last year. Hopefully, when the vaccine has been given to everyone, we will be able to meet up with friends and relatives again. In the meantime, I think we should follow the guidelines and stay home. 

Meanwhile, as I said in my last blog, everything is quiet in the village where I live. Therefore I don't have any news for you. Perhaps you have something that you would like to pass on to me and the other readers of this blog. If so, then please add a comment below. I'm sure we would all like to hear what you have all been doing while in lockdown.  

As for me, I finished reading a novel recently, Mistaken Identity Crisis by James J Cudney. I really enjoyed it and left a review on Amazon UK. 

Mistaken Identity Crisis

A clever thief with a sinister calling card has invaded Braxton campus.

Meanwhile, a string of jewelry thefts, remarkably similar to an unsolved eight-year-old-case, is taking place in town. When a body is discovered at the campus, Kellan is called in to investigate.

And if the latest murder isn’t enough to keep him busy, Kellan partners with April to end the Castigliano and Vargas crime family feud. As the summer heat begins to settle in Wharton County, what other surprises are in store? 

Above is the back cover blurb Just to give you an idea of what it about.. This is the fourth book in the series and I have read all four, but I still have some catching up to do as James J Cudney has written a few others. The link I have given will lead to the UK Amazon site. You will need to search for the title elsewhere. 

Murder on Tyneside

Getting back to my own novels, perhaps you might enjoy reading the very first book in the Agnes Lockwood Mysteries, Murder on Tyneside. 

Therefore, I will send a paperback copy to the first person to get in touch with me within 48 hours with the best reason as to why you would like to read this book. 

You can either leave a message in the comments below, or contact me via -  eileenthornton1@hotmail.com 

I am so looking forward to hearing from you.  If you already have this book, then choose another in the series.

That's all for the moment. But please stay safe by following the rules of the government wherever you live

Cheers!!

Chink! Chink!

Happy New Year - UPDATE!

The Offer of 99c/99p for A Mystery on Tyneside Has Now Begun. 

Don't Miss Out 

I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, despite all the restrictions.

We spent Christmas on our own. But then we normally do that anyway, apart from a trip to the local hotel where we enjoy Christmas lunch, before returning home. However this year, we didn't even get to the hotel. 

Phil had been in hospital twice during the two months leading to Christmas (nothing to do with the coronavirus) and really wasn't up to going out anywhere, especially as we have nurses popping in to help. So I decided to cancel the lunch and allow some other people a chance to relax over a wonderful meal. 

Apart from that, I really haven't anything to tell you. Life has plodded along over the last year. We haven't been out of the house, apart from Phil being in hospital and my daily visits, which had to be booked and were limited to 30 minutes. But then it must have been much the same for everyone out there; having to make sure they kept to the rules. We can only hope that 2021 will be better for us all, especially if this new vaccine works. 😀

Then there is Brexit. I know some have groaned at the thought of leaving the EU. But it is going to happen and, if everyone got together, we could make it work. For a start, we could begin by buying British made goods rather than items made in China. Everything I seem to pick up these days, appears to have been made in China; things we could make here in this country and probably did in the past... 

Oops, best I don't start wandering off down the political road, I could go on forever.. 

A Mystery on Tyneside

Swiftly moving on, I would like to inform you that my latest novel, 

A Mystery on Tyneside will be on offer for 99c/99p from 30th Dec until 3rd January. 

Agnes Lockwood is no stranger to crime scenes, but even she is shocked when she finds the body of a man lying on the floor of the ladies' room.

With her partner Alan - the local DCI - they set about tracking the murderer. This time, they are joined by her friend Sandra. But is one of them holding back something that could further their inquiry?

As Agnes begins to pull the loose ends together, danger stares her in the face once again. Together with Alan and Sandra, can she find the killer before another life is lost - and avoid becoming the next victim?

I think that is all for the moment, except I would like to wish you all a Very Happy and Healthy New Year. 

Take care and stay safe.

Best wishes to you all

Cheers!

Chink! Chink!

* * * New Release * * *

 New Release!

A Mystery on Tyneside

Agnes Lockwood Mysteries Book 4

I simply couldn't wait to pass on the news that my latest cozy murder mystery has been released. 

I sent my novel, A Mystery on Tyneside to the publisher about ten days ago and expected to wait a while before I heard back. However, that wasn't the case. It seemed they like the story and set about publishing it immediately. 

Therefore, if you are interested in reading the book, then simply follow the links (shown in blue) above. 

I am afraid that is all the news I have for you at the moment. I am still staying home due to covid 19. I really wish it would go away so that we could all get on with our lives. Not that we go far anyway, but I find it awful that even if I had the urge to out for the day - I  can't. My husband's poor health comes first. 

I think that is all for the moment. If you do choose to read the book, I hope you enjoy it and, if that is the case, I would really appreciate a review.

Cheers, 

Chink Chink

"Exciting News"

Hi there everyone, I do hope you are all well and staying safe.

I really never thought this virus would go on so long, but I guess we now realise that we are in for the long haul. We are still in lockdown here. We have been ever since March. Due to my husband's health issues, we haven't dared to step out for anything other than Phil's appointments, or my odd visit to pay for the newspapers and even then, it has been early on a Sunday morning when not many people are about. 

Anyway, I wanted to pass on some 'exciting news' - well, it's exciting for me. My publisher has announced that my books are going to be available in bookshops. Therefore, if you, or anyone you know, prefers to read printed novels, rather than eBooks and are keen to try my books, then please search the shelves of your nearest bookshop. If they don't have it in stock, please ask them to order a copy for you. If enough people do that, then they might add a few to their shelves. At the end of the day, it is all down to the readers. 

Stuck indoors, I can't get out to places like Newcastle-on-Tyne or Gateshead, where some of the big bookshops are located. Otherwise I might have been waiting on their doorstep for someone to open the shop so I could talk to them about it. Nevertheless, I have written to a few, saying that my Agnes Lockwood Mysteries (Tyneside Novels) are set in their area and that some of their local customers might enjoy reading them. Hopefully someone will take note - fingers crossed here 😉😉 But in the end, like I said somewhere above it is all down to readers. like you, going into the shop and asking them to order copies.

My latest novel, A Mystery on Tyneside is being proof-read at this very moment. The next step will be to send it to the publisher. I really would like to see it out there by Christmas. But I need to be patient. I never used to be a patient woman, but since I started writing, I quickly learned that being impatient got me nowhere. So I have changed over the last few years, I now feel that patience is my middle name. Though, on reflection, Eileen Patience Thornton, doesn't hit a cord.

Well, I think that's all for the moment. But, whatever else you do, please stay calm and stay safe. 

Cheerio for now!

Cheers x

Agnes Lockwood Mysteries

And so it Goes On...

I had hoped that by now we would have got over this virus, but it seems that is not the case, which means, as we haven't been anywhere, I still don't have any news for you. 

However, on 10th September, it was our 60th Wedding Anniversary and even though we didn't go out for a slap up meal, we still enjoyed our day. We received two bouquets of flowers and a parcel containing some wonderful biscuits, jars of preserve and a delicious fruit cake. The parcel was delivered from Fortnum and Mason, but was organized by my sister, our niece and her family. 

Then a few days later, we received a Diamond Wedding Anniversary card from The Queen. It was arranged by my niece. 

That's all for the moment.

Have a great day! 

Cheers!

Quite a Weekend!

 Hello again.

I hope you are all staying safe. We haven't been out much - only when it was absolutely necessary. Last Wednesday, we had to take the car to the garage for its annual service. It's a 50 mile round trip. It seemed such a long time since we had been down that route, I'd almost forgotten the way 😆

Then on Thursday, my husband had an appointment at the podiatrist at the local hospital. He has an ulcer on his foot which is causing him a great deal of pain. Then on Friday, he had appointment at surgery for a B12 injection. Once there, we had to wait in the car until the nurse, all masked up, appeared holding the syringe. 

Saturday was relatively quiet, it was only when the electricity went off for a split second (don't know why) that my laptop took 40 minutes to sort itself out. I sat staring at it as a circle of dots kept going around. I took the opportunity to pour myself a glass of wine and then swung around in my office chair until the laptop finally decided what it wanted to do. I think I will have to get a new laptop. For a start the little thing inside that is supposed to save my work, gave up the ghost a while back. I believe you can get replacements, but just haven't got around to it. 

Then on Sunday, I decided to update my phone online. I didn't want anything special. I don't listen to music, play games or anything else like that. I simply use it for emails, texting and phone calls. Therefore, I thought it would be easy.... how wrong was I? 

I found the phone I wanted, then I added a case before proceeding to the checkout. So far, so good. But then, when everything appeared to have gone through, I saw a message saying 'one more thing', before showing me what appeared to be their full collection of phones and plans. Why would they do that? I had chosen the one I wanted and already gone through the process of adding it to the account I already have with them. The top of the page showed what I had done so far. The only thing left was to press confirm order, but I couldn't,because of all the phones on display. Why does everything have to be so complicated? In the end, I came out of the site, but I still didn't know whether my order had been accepted. When I went back to take another look, my item was still in the basket! I finally decided to ring a number shown on the site and wait in line for my turn. When I got through, it appeared that the order hadn't gone through, so the nice man on the other end ordered it all for me. It is being delivered today!

Hopefully this week will run more smoothly.

Before I go, you might be interested to know that Vengeance on Tyneside is only 99p/99c to download at the moment. 

Vengeance on Tyneside

That's all for the moment except to say - stay safe.

Cheers!

Interview with Robert Crawford

Hello again

Great News - I have recently been interviewed by Robert Crawford. 

If you would like to take a look, and I do hope you will, you can find the interview by following the link. Interview with Eileen Thornton  

Perhaps you might even like to leave a comment once you've read it. There is a place at the bottom for comments. Or you could leave a comment here. 

It isn't often I give interviews, but Robert Crawford can be persuasive and I know that his posts are read my lots of people, so I thought, why not. 

All else is much the same here. This virus has put a stop to things we would all like to be doing now that the summer is here. Though we can go out now, it's not quiet the same having to wear a mask. But they are important, so we have bought some to have ready just in case we need to go somewhere. 

I am still working on my fourth Agnes Lockwood mystery. It does seem to be dragging on a bit. It seems I added too many problems for Agnes to solve; even I have lost count. But hopefully it will be finished soon. The working title is A Mystery on Tyneside, but I'm still not sure that's what I'll go with. 

Meanwhile the other three books in the series are selling well and have have been translated into several languages, as have my other books.. Audible versions are also available. I am not into audio books myself, but I understand that a large number of people prefer them. 

Well, I think that's all for the moment, but don't forget to check out my interview 😉

Wishing you a great day,

Cheers!

Chink! Chink!

Stopping By... UPDATED!

Where has this year gone? It seems to be passing very quickly. It's difficult to believe that we are into July already

I do hope you have all been keeping safe during this difficult time. My husband and I are still in lock-down due to Phil's health issues. I'm told that this will go on until 31st July, but who knows - it could continue for longer. Thankfully I have been able to order groceries online from our local supermarket. 

Due to being stuck indoors, I really don't have any exciting news to pass on. Yet I felt that I should add a new post to my blog otherwise you will all think that I have swanned off abroad... as if. 😂 

Anyway, as I an here, I will pass on the news that audio versions of my books are now available. Though, I think you are already aware of that. However, my publisher has informed me that most of them are now available in Large print, Extra Large print and even pocket size - I have no idea what that looks like. I guess I will have to get myself a copy to check it out. 

For those of you who have stuck with this post until now, I am adding  Free Codes to download an audio copy for a couple of my books. The codes will only work one. Therefore, if you are told that the code has already been used, then it means someone has beaten you to it. That's the way it goes, I'm afraid. 

If you are in the USA, then copy this link for both books

https://audible.com/acx-promo  

The Trojan Project Code: 6ZYUFHRATKGEU

Only Twelve Days  Code: D6AGL8MHZ7GFZ

UK link for both books:

https://audible.co.uk/acx-promo

The Trojan Project Code: 54PC6UQUSZPPC

Only Twelve Days Code: 7E6SESACW5ERT

I hope you enjoy the books, if so, I would appreciate a review.

Cheers! 

UPDATE:  Just a thought, if you missed out getting an audio book and would really like a code, leave a comment and I'll get back to you. 

This is not a scam. The codes above are genuine. But they only work once. 

Chink! Chink!.

It's Been Quite a While... **Updated **

Hello again,

It's been quite a while since I last posted a blog. But quite honestly I haven't had anything to pass on as we have been in lock down. We still are actually as my husband has so many health issues, we have been advised to stay at home until July 31st. So here we will stay - unless the advice is updated. But even then, I think we will take care.

At the moment I am sitting in what I call - the junk room. That's where my laptop is. I suspect most people have a wonderful tidy desk in a room that is also tidy. But not me! My desk is full of odd and ends, scraps of paper with the odd thing written on it in an attempt to remind me to do something. There are also a few small stuffed animals sitting next to the in-tray, also full of stuff I never look at. At the moment there is a mug of tea, but in a short while it will be replaced with a glass of something more exciting 🍷

I do hope that all is well with you and your families. How has this lock down affected you? I know some people have to work, depending on the job you do.

I think that's all for the moment, as I said earlier, I haven't been anywhere since March - Thank goodness for Sainsburys delivery service 😃




Don't forget, if you are looking for something to read this weekend, take a look at my Cozy Murder Mysteries. They all have audio versions now.
You can check them out by following this link: Agnes Lockwood Mysteries  

Leave me a message if you would like a free code to download an audio copy of one of the books. 

But I only have a few left. 


Stay safe.

Cheers!