Secrets of Burnham House | The gripping historical mystery in the regency era (The Sinclair Mysteries Book 1) by Bethany Swafford. She entered Burnham House to find the truth. But behind every locked door lies another lie … The first book of the captivating historical whodunit series set in Regency England

London, 1816. A name disgraced. A truth hidden. And a house where secrets whisper behind every door …

Juliet Sinclair was raised a lady—but when whispers of treason stain her family name, she steps into the shadows to clear it. Posing as a servant in the opulent home of her father’s former associate, she enters Burnham House with a false identity and a singular mission: uncover the truth behind the allegations that destroyed her family.

But the household is not what it seems. Servants vanish without explanation. Locked doors hide more than valuables. And the family she once knew has changed in ways she cannot explain. As Juliet pieces together fragments of the past, she realises someone will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GQCCN6BR/ FREE!

The Sugar Secret: A thrilling action-packed naval adventure – really it is… (Evan Ross Book 7) Kindle Edition by Lyle Garford. For only £0.99 instead of £4.99 – for now.

In the wake of the Battle of Trafalgar, a secret mission, hidden treasure and a trail of murder threaten to ignite the Caribbean once more. As the French and British forces collide, they are pulled into a dark web of conspiracy where the fate of two empires hangs in the balance.

Martinique and St. Kitts, 1808. In the aftermath of Trafalgar, French power in the Caribbean is crumbling. With morale at rock bottom and British forces closing in, only Martinique and Guadeloupe remain under French control. Desperate pleas for reinforcements go unanswered … until Napoleon takes matters into his own hands. He dispatches Colonel Rémy Bernard, a senior intelligence officer and Knight of Malta, to restore order. But Bernard arrives with a secret agenda: the Knights have uncovered rumours of a priceless treasure hidden decades earlier on the British-held island of St. Kitts—and Bernard is determined to find it. While launching a series of daring raids to keep the British off balance, he begins a covert search that could change the course of the war.

Standing in his way are Captain Evan Ross and Commander James Wilton of the Royal Navy. As they race to halt the French attacks, they are drawn into a darker mystery when a string of brutal, unexplained murders rocks St. Kitts.With cannons blazing, spies at work and a legendary treasure at stake, Ross and Wilton must uncover the truth before the Caribbean is plunged into chaos once again. The action-packed new installment of the #1 Bestselling Evan Ross Series and it’s no wonder it’s such a popular series. Unputdownable and as I know nothing of these times, it was also, for me, quite fascinating. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GPWFC8LL/ @ £0.99 not £4.99 for now.

Frost Magazine has raved about the Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener before – with its fine-grained diamond grinding wheel, it’s both exquisitely beautiful and incredibly useful. The first real knife sharpener for the home chef, it sharpens the entire bevel of the knife, achieving professional sharpness in minutes. But such a beautiful piece of engineering should not be kept hidden, so I’m excited to report that Tormek have just released a new model – a powder-coated zinc body in NEW SWEDISH RED. Inspired by the classic red cottages with white trim that define the Scandinavian landscape, it feels unmistakably Swedish. The warm, matte red finish is complemented by a light birch handle, echoing the natural materials and bright wood details found in traditional Swedish craftsmanship. 

The Tormek T-1 Kitchen Knife Sharpener in NEW SWEDISH RED,  RRP £342, is available from shop.tormek.co.uk and comes with an eight year warranty. 

But that’s not all. I said two announcement, so… Green Pan have announced their new Frost Soft Serve & Frozen Drinks Maker. This clever countertop essential transforms fresh ingredients into indulgent desserts and cooling drinks in just 30 minutes. Whether it’s a rich vanilla ice cream, a vibrant mango sorbet, a thick banana milkshake, a zesty lemon sorbet, healthy protein packed smoothie or a zingy frozen margarita-style slushie, the possibilities are limitless.

With intuitive controls and a streamlined design, the GreenPan Frost makes it easy to switch between creamy and icy textures. Simply add your ingredients, select your setting, and let the machine do the work. No complicated prep, no lengthy waiting and no freezer required.

Features at a glance:

• Large Double-Insulated 1.87L Transparent Mixing Bowl 
• Built-in Cooling-Compressor – A quiet, integrated cooling system keeps ingredients cold for hours with no need for separate containers or the freezer
• Six Versatile Modes – Easy to read screen makes it simple to choose from slushie (alcoholic or otherwise), soft ice scream, spiked slushie, sorbet, milkshake and extrude / clean
• Seven Texture Settings – From soft and creamy to delightfully firm and thick
• Easy Self-Cleaning Mode

RRP £399, in Cream and Anthracite, available from Very (cream only), Curry’s and amazon.co.uk

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Album Starter Pack, £9.99 from Craft Buddy

Many will be delighted to hear that one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons is taking centre stage in a major new collaboration as Craft Buddy announces a three-part rollout for its Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art® range. Starting this April, 2026, fans can immerse themselves in the world of Sanrio through a series of hands-on collectibles. This multi-stage launch is designed to meet the skyrocketing demand for Sanrio’s roster of characters, providing a tangible way for the UK’s massive “Kidult” and Gen Z communities to connect with their favourite stars.

A Cultural Phenomenon -Since her debut in 1974, Hello Kitty has grown from a simple illustration into a global lifestyle powerhouse. Today, the fandom has expanded to include a diverse family of characters, each with their own distinct personality. This collection marks a significant moment for global fans, offering the chance to build high-quality, sparkling versions of underground favourites like Kuromi and Cinnamoroll alongside the legendary Hello Kitty herself.

The Art of Unplugging – In an era dominated by digital notifications, this collection offers a purposeful way to disconnect. The experience centres on “slow crafting” a movement focused on lowering stress levels through fun and addictive activities. By removing the need for messy adhesives or complicated tools, the range allows for a pure and present focus on the task at hand. It provides a peaceful, screen-free outlet for enthusiasts to decompress at the end of the day, resulting in a permanent piece of fan memorabilia.

Hello Kitty will be launched in 3 stages:

Phase 1: Available Now: The Ultimate Collector’s Drop. The initial soft launch and final stage of the rollout introduce the highly anticipated sticker collection: Hello Kitty And Friends Crystal Art Sticker Album Starter Pack, £9.99 from Craft Buddy as seen above.

Phase 2 (Coming Soon): Portable Fandom (RRP from £4.99) introduces a wide array of character-driven accessories and display pieces:

Individual blind bag packs (with three stickers in each) to help fans complete their shimmering albums.

Crystal Art Buddies: Bad Badtz-Maru, Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kerokerokeroppi, Kuromi, Little Twin Stars, My Melody, and Pompompurin. Crystal Art Bag Charms: Cinnamoroll, Hello Kitty, Kuromi, and Pochacco. Crystal Art Scrolls (40x50cm): Hello Kitty & Friends II and Hello Kitty & Friends III.

Phase 3 (Coming Soon): Creative Keepsakes. This wave expands the collection into functional lifestyle items and gifting (RRP from £5.99): Crystal Art Secret Diaries: Themed designs featuring Hello Kitty and Kuromi. Mega Activity Set: A comprehensive Hello Kitty and Friends 4-in-1 Crafting kits box set. Crystal Art Cards (18x18cm): Two distinct “Happy Birthday” designs featuring greetings from the iconic characters. The Hello Kitty and Friends Crystal Art range will be available via craftbuddyshop.com.

A House of Mirrors: A twisty Sherlock Holmes historical mystery (Mrs Hudson & Sherlock Holmes) by Liz hedgecock. Can a widow’s hidden past unlock the secrets of 221B Baker Street? Book 1.

In the late 19th century, Nell Villiers, now Mrs. Hudson, grapples with a new identity while assisting Sherlock Holmes in his detective work. Her journey is interwoven with personal loss and the pursuit of truth, as she navigates the challenges of a Victorian-era mystery.

Will Mrs. Hudson overcome her inner struggles and embrace her new life as a detective’s ally? Can she uncover the truth behind her husband’s mysterious disappearance without losing herself?

This historical fiction mystery immerses the reader in a Victorian world where Mrs. Hudson’s courage and wit are tested, with the implications of her success or failure affecting her newfound role and personal redemption. A House of Mirrors: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DLHKFTMG/ FREE

A new and mysterious spin on the detective classics with the witty and determined Mrs Hudson at the centre next to a young Sherlock Holmes – by superb Liz Hedgecock

Life in Baker Street is not all Nell Hudson thought it would be. The household is struggling financially, and in the masculine world of police work, Nell finds herself pushed aside in favour of Dr Watson. In search of money and recognition she takes a job as a department store detective. Sherlock himself is busy investigating a missing prisoner; but when Emmett Stanley is found it turns out to be a case not of escape, but abduction.

In the midst of it all, an opportunity beckons for Nell. She is approached to go undercover as a spy; but to do so she must leave everything behind and live a life completely alien to her. Will Nell dare to step out of Sherlock Holmes’s shadow? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DP7QDW67/ Now £0.99 instead of £2.99.

Milly Adams is the author of the lovely The Waterway Girls trilogy, Only £5.97 for all three: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF

TRIDO has launched The Style on Kickstarter, a magnetic design object created not for play, but for focus.

Positioned as an executive desk piece rather than a traditional construction set, The Style blends geometric precision with bold, art-led aesthetics inspired by Piet Mondrian. The result is a modular system that feels close to a piece of modern sculpture.

Built from magnetic geometric forms, each element connects seamlessly, allowing users to build and rebuild structures intuitively – no instructions, no prescribed outcomes. Instead, it offers a tactile, hands-on way to reset thinking, work through creative blocks, or simply create moments of quiet concentration during the working day.

Where most desk objects are passive, The Style is deliberately interactive.

Its clean lines and primary colour palette echo the balance and structure of Mondrian’s work, encouraging users to explore symmetry, contrast and composition in real time. Whether assembled into a striking display piece or continuously reconfigured throughout the day, it functions as both a visual statement and a mental tool.

At a time when screen fatigue and cognitive overload are increasingly common, The Style taps into a growing demand for physical, mindful interaction – offering a way to engage the hands in order to free the mind.

TRIDO Style is available in different tiers, these include:

The Style 14 – Early Bird £47

The Style 28 – Early Bird £79

The Style 28 + Style 14 – Super Early Bird £110, available for the first 48 hours only.

The Kickstarter launch marks TRIDO’s latest step in evolving beyond traditional construction products, positioning its system as a creative medium for adults, one that sits at the intersection of design, mindfulness and productivity.

The Style is available now on Kickstarter.

Once more Tracklements is messing with my head. How do they come up with all those ingenious ideas? As regular readers know, this Wiltshire-based family company creates quality food by hand in small batches, using proper, honest ingredients, mainly sourced from English farms and small businesses.

Tracklements often collaborate with other wonderful companies who share their core values, and Hilltop Honey, their partner in this latest collaboration is 100% owned by passionate bee-keeper, Scott. Based in Wales, he has built up a major business with branches all over the UK selling high quality honey from what was a childhood hobby. With such a partnership, I knew this limited edition Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey would not disappoint. Frankly it’s absolutely delicious – the perfect balance of piquant with gentle sweetness of the chilli jam, combined with the complex notes of quality honey.

I also love that it comes in a squeezy container – so easy to dispense exactly how much you want, with no mess. It’s vegetarian and gluten free.  You can use it with meats, cheese or salads, or even to liven up a desert – I’ve discovered that Greek yoghurt, fresh raspberries with Hilltop Tracklements Fresh Chilli Jam Hot Honey is rather exceptional. In fact my waistline is reminding me that I have had rather too much already.

At RRP of £4.25 for 340g, this is a steal. It’s available from www.tracklements.co.uk and www.lovehilltop.com  But hurry – this is a limited edition – if you snooze you’ll lose and I wouldn’t wish that on you, my dear readers.

By Dr K Thompson, award-winning author of From Both Ends of the Stethoscope: Getting through breast cancer – by a doctor who knows

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01A7DM42Q http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01A7DM42Q
http://faitobooks.co.uk

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice.

A chilling Albuquerque serial killer thriller by Claire Stibbe that fans of Michael Connelly and Karin Slaughter will love. Nine girls. Nine trophies. One killer. But Detective David Temeke is on the case.

The Duke City Police Department has seen brutal crimes before, but this serial killer is different—he stalks young victims across New Mexico, mutilates their bodies, and keeps their parts as trophies. With one suspect already locked away, a new disappearance proves the nightmare isn’t over. Partnered with sharp new detective Malin Santiago, Temeke follows the trail into the remote forests of Cimarron State Park, where Norse legends and ritual sites hide dark secrets. With time running out… Can they stop the 9th Hour killer before he claims his final victim? Perfect for fans searching for serial killer crime novels, Albuquerque thrillers, gritty police procedurals, and New Mexico detective mysteries, and best of all, it is FREE for a limited time. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FKHGTG42/ FREE

The Vanishers | A Paranormal Gothic Thriller by R.G. Belsky – perfect for fans of Atmospheric Horror and Psychological Suspense Kindle Edition @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Megan Foley knows she saw the little boy. So why does everyone at the perfect seaside house insist he never existed? The house was perfect. That was its first lie. When Megan and her husband Patrick accept an invitation to spend the summer at a luxurious house share in Stone Beach, Connecticut, everything seems too good to be true. The rent is absurdly low. The host, Mrs. Monahan, is attentive to the point of unease. The other guests are pleasant — until they aren’t. One day, Megan sees a boy, Tommy, playing… and the next, Tommy is simply gone. Not moved. Not spoken of. Erased, as though he never existed. All the other guests at the house look at Megan blankly when she asks. One by one, the guests succumb to long hours in front of the television in a glassy trance. Patrick grows cold and distant. Something stirs in the attic… https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FYFY4SYD/ @ £0.99 – for now.

Night Eyes: Volume 2 (The Detective Temeke Crime Series) Kindle Edition: When the past and present collide, a boy realises everything he loves is at stake… for £0.99 instead of £2.99 for a limited time.

Temeke and Santiago are pushed to the limit in the second book of this thrilling, fast-paced series set in New Mexico A decade-old investigation into the murders of several young boys has long gone cold – no suspects, no witnesses, no leads. Until a chilling phone call points police to the remains of a child buried near the ancient ruins of an Anasazi settlement. Is it a tragic one-off, or the mark of a serial killer resurfacing? Then, the young son of Albuquerque’s mayor is kidnapped. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FN3S19DJ/ @ £0.99 instead of £2.99 for a limited time.

Lord Garson’s Bride: A tender Regency marriage-of-convenience romance (Dashing Widows Book 7) Kindle Edition by Anna Campbell. The dramatic final novel in Anna Campbell’s bestselling Dashing Widows series brings redemption, desire, and a love worth fighting for: @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Plain, practical, and long overlooked, Lady Jane Norris has spent her life caring for her family’s estate and watching the world pass her by. At twenty-eight, with her father gone and her future uncertain, she faces spinsterhood—until a most unexpected suitor arrives at her door. Hugh Rutherford, Baron Garson, is England’s most notorious rejected bridegroom, still haunted by the scandal of his broken engagement. Determined to secure his legacy with a sensible match, he proposes to Jane, the steady childhood friend who has always stood in the shadows. For Jane, his offer promises comfort, security—and the children she has always longed for. What it does not promise is love. But when friendship turns to fiery attraction, Jane discovers … Nope… read it, it’s great. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DQ9BDRQM/ @ £0.99 instead of £4.99

Secrets at the Poplar House: A gripping historical crime novel by Tessa Harris set in Jack the Ripper’s Victorian London (A Constance Piper Mystery Book 2) Kindle Edition: Pre-order @ only £2.99

Where desperate mothers seek refuge, a predator waits: cold, cunning, and deadlier than London’s infamous killer… In November 1888, Victorian England offers little mercy to unmarried mothers. To escape public ruin, many surrender their infants to “baby farmers” which are women who, for a fee, promise care, discretion, and the hope of a loving home. Constance Piper begins to sense that something is terribly wrong with one such woman. Known as Mother Delaney, she presents herself as a savior to the desperate, her Poplar house a refuge for unwanted children. But Constance hears another story; one of vanished babies, muffled cries, and promises that end in silence. In her investigations Constance is drawn deeper into Mother Delaney’s shadowed world where there seem to be a truth too monstrous to face… Pre-order @ £2.99 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GSL6Q1R9/

Milly Adams is the author of the Waterway Girls Trilogy. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DK25HPRF Only £5.97 for all three.

“The LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success”

Under the assured baton of Principal Conductor Edward Gardner, the LPO played a trio of composers’ works … with varying success.

Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Three Screaming Popes was inspired by a series of Francis Bacon paintings (which themselves drew on portraits by 17th-Century works by Veláquez), transforming the distorted figures into a vivid orchestral canvas. To be honest, I was internally screaming like the Popes – the 15-minute piece was discordant and anxious, something akin to a horror film’s soundtrack. I think some of the instruments were screaming, too.

Béla Bartók (1881-1945)

However, this was followed by Béla Bartók’s Violin Concerto No.1, with soloist Alina Ibragimova. Two beautiful movements without a break. And a return to ‘conventional’ music. It was mesmerising and a wonderful teaser to what would follow after the interval. Alina clearly enjoyed herself, her passion and enthusiasm shining through.

Alina Ibragimova ⓒ LPO

Modest Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition was inspired by his friend’s paintings. Victor Hartmann created works which Mussorgsky imagines are hanging in a gallery and we step from one to the other. There are fifteen short movements representing each canvas – from the grotesque to the haunting to the romantic. Climaxing in the triumph of entering The Great Gate of Kiev with the playing of a real Liberty Bell. Yet, strangely, the pieces were written just for piano in 1874 – the whole work was orchestrated by Maurice Ravel in 1922.

Modest Mussorgsky (1839-1881)

Another superb evening spent with almost 100 musicians and the amazing LPO. The London Philharmonic Orchestra has a vast range of events at various venues around the country. Check out their website for details –
https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets

Dates until Saturday 25th April 2026

Check with the LPO website for details https://lpo.org.uk/whats-on/ .

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