Joffe is delighted, on this the publication of the 100th digest, with our readers’ superb support for all their wonderful authors – who are very much part of the Joffe family, and they so  look forward to introducing many more in the years to come.

Joffe’s book of the week is the latest absolutely unputdownable crime thriller from #1 bestselling author Cath Staincliffe — DESPERATE MEASURES which is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

It would be a shame to miss out on DCI Janine Lewis’s last case. Ever . . .   Respected GP Dr Don Halliwell is discovered brutally murdered and his colleague Dr Fraser McKee goes missing. Then McKee walks into the police station: ‘Somebody’s trying to kill me.’ However, he and Halliwell had been seen screaming at each other right before Halliwell’s murder.

It’s up to Janine to separate the murky truth from the lies.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DESPERATE MEASURES BY AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR CATH STAINCLIFFE FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

The Guernsey Ferry Murders by Pauline Rowson 99p/99c

Detective Inspector Andy Horton is in Guernsey when he receives an urgent call from his friend, Inspector John Guilbert. ‘A woman’s been found dead on the ferry which sailed from Portsmouth this morning.’Renegade detective Horton dives headfirst into his investigations, where dark secrets lead to destruction . . . 

A Future Murder b Linda Mather  99p/99c

MEET JO HUGHES, YOUR NEW FAVOURITE PRIVATE DETECTIVE.  Jo Hughes goes undercover to investigate Flora Howell. She tells Jo she’s looking for a missing friend and almost immediately afterwards she gets knocked off her bike in a hit-and-run accident. Then Flora’s friend is found dead. It’s up to Jo to read the signs and uncover the truth.

Murder at the Roman Baths by Jane G Goodhind 99p/99c

Amateur sleuth Honey Driver is attending the funeral of one of her mother’s friends. But before the deceased can be laid to rest, another body is found in the grave.The victim is C.A. Wright, renowned hotel reviewer with a nasty reputation and some even nastier habits. Wright was known as a leech, a lecher and a venomous cockroach by most people who crossed his path — including Honey Driver . . .

Such great great news:

Coming soon from Joffe Books — BABYLON BERLIN by Volker Kutscher. These truly are wonderful novels. I love them, love love love them. (You get the picture)
Joffe are not unnaturally delighted to be publishing Volker Kutscher’s award-winning series of Gereon Rath historical crime mysteries set in pre-war Berlin do not miss them. Do buy them.

The series of five historical thrillers, notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Weimar Republic Germany, has sold over a million copies worldwide and was recently adapted for television by Sky Atlantic, with the critically acclaimed Babylon Berlin TV series.

CLICK HERE TO PRE-ORDER BABYLON BERLIN BY VOLKER KUTSCHER.
“Atmospheric.” Peter James  “Gripping.” Mail on Sunday “Splendid and chilling.” Crime Time   “Conjures up the dangerous decadence of the Weimar years.” The Sunday Times

Joffe Books Publishing Director Kate Lyall Grant says:

“We are thrilled to have acquired digital rights in the remarkable Gereon Rath series, which brings the seedy underworld of 1920s’ Berlin to vivid and memorable life.”

NEWS

Now for a fulsome tribute on this, the celebration of Joffe’s100th digest, to honour Joffe’s beloved author Roy Lewis, creator of the Arnold Landon and Inspector Crow mystery series, who recently reached the impressive benchmark of over half a million books sold!

Joffe Books were delighted to receive a testimonial to Roy from his son, John,  which they wanted to share with Frost Magazine readers.

Roy was born in Ton Pentre, Rhondda, South Wales on 17/1/1933. He died on 18/8/2019. He probably started writing as a teenager.    In the late 1950s he contributed a number of short stories to an Australian publication, Man Magazine (and possibly also Adam). Suffice it to say that these publications mostly consisted of photos of young women in bathing suits with some articles and stories thrown in! 

He was first published by Collins in 1969, John thinks, and stayed with them in their Crime Club series for many years. He took inspiration for his books from what he saw around him, from his early years in the Rhondda, through his years as a Further Education college lecturer, college inspector, and the places where he lived — Wales, the North-East, Spain and France. He also travelled widely in the Far East, which features in his writing as well. Archaeology was of particular interest to him, as was mediaeval history (e.g. the Knights Templar), which is reflected in the Arnold Landon series of books

Joffe Books Publisher CEO Jasper Joffe on Roy Lewis:

“For a long time I wanted to publish Roy Lewis’s excellent crime novels. We used to speak occasionally on the phone and I always really enjoyed the charming lilt of his voice and his warmth.

I am very proud to publish his books and that we have sold over half a million of them, reaching a whole new generation of crime lovers. There’s a little sadness that he’s not alive to see the new-found success of his titles, but his books live on for his many loyal readers and I am so happy that we are his publisher.”

For more information: www.joffebooks.com

They say everything comes to those who wait…

But how long? I hear Marion call. Well, the good news is that the WiFi is up and running, with the misspelling of the user name on the hub rectified, and responsibility accepted by the supplier.  The email was a game in itself, but has eventually been resolved. I’ll leave Marion to tell you the full story when you pop in. It’s a hoot.

The kitchen is being stripped out on 1^st September and refitted on Friday 2^nd.

Natural Oak doors /Turkish Marble worktops. Crockery free to anyone who wants it
And clever Bob – he with the red trainers  (BTW, as editor of Frost I felt I too must have a pir of red trainers,so I will be NOTICED, Could I find a pair?) But back to Bob, who has passed an on-line PAT training course; Marion tell us ‘I am looking forward to hiring him out. ‘    ‘Bagsy me,’ said I. Marion insisted she was  only kidding. Huh.   Equipment ordered and delivery due any minute. 

Even with the turmoil of the  refurbishment, the classes continue, and brilliant news- Marion has had so many booking enquiries going forward into June 2023 she has had to buy a 2023 diary. Marion also met with Laura Bains from Equans to discuss the centre hosting a week-long training programme. Oh Laura, were you ‘had’? Yes, of course, you were,  for lo and behold Marion managed to negotiate the decoration of the computer room, benches installed, along with wall cupboards, as payment for the room hire.

Marion also told us: ‘Let’s not forget ‘Wind Chime making day’ with MBC Arts Wellbeing and happy smiling children. They are due to return on Friday with their creative work.’ So we’ll see the finished work on Frost Magazine. Hurrah, the doors have returned, though people have been enjoying the air conditioning in this hot summer. How lucky they have been  are with the weather, and though it has been relatively quiet, Marion said, ‘ Hang onto your hats folks we are about to take off because, our home is is very much on the way to being our pride and joy.’  We will hear more as this week closes.

Of courses, the Bingo ladies had cake – calorie free, though Linda won’t confirm. Last Friday of the month is Coffee morning and a good old natter. Hamper Raffle took place at the coffee morning berfore bank holiday and  fabulous news, it has been announced that the Hampers made £190 in donations, and the committee  thank every single one of you who supported the Ukraine appeal and a special thank you to Yvonne who donated £40, making a grand total £230.

Friday afternoon the Centre hosted  another ceramic class then the doors were firmly shut, and all headed off for the long weekend – to take a breath, recharge,and be ready for a new week at the Columbia Community Association. Can’t wait to hear how it’s going. 

Of all our senses, the ability to smell is possibly the most underrated. We all know that lavender and chamomile can help us sleep, but there’s a whole battery of essential oils and other fragrant plant extracts which can benefit us in so many ways. Ancient medical systems, such as Ayurveda recognize these powers on our mood and mental health and use essential oils in treatments.

As with all products which we plan to inhale or put on our skin, quality is so important, as a significant amount will end up inside our bodies – so I was so glad to discover Made By Coopers – created by Clare and Darren Cooper. Clare had suffered for years with anxiety disorders and when they visited an Ayurvedic centre in Kerala they were inspired to learn about the therapeutic powers of the different plants used there.

Eager to share with others, using the knowledge they’d acquired, they started producing fabulous products, ranging from Atmospheric Mists and candles to skincare products and a special sleep range. Each product has an aromatherapy element to it: Calming, Balancing, Uplifting, Energising and Passion. They follow the Ayurvedic philosophy to treat the body as a whole and they believe in ‘to nourish the skin, nourish the mind’.

All their products use nutrient-rich plant oils, therapeutic grade essential oils, flower water (hydrolats) and botanical actives, and are 100% free from parabens, SLSs, mineral oil, sulfates, artificial colours and synthetic fragrances.

I love the Happy Room Spray, with Lime essential oils for upliftment, Basil for Energy and Stress-relief, and Clementine for Mental Clarity and Mood. At £16.50 for 100ml this instantly relaxes and raises your spirits.

But there’s much more on the website – do take a look, and follow them on social media (links below)

https://www.instagram.com/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.facebook.com/madebycoopers

https://twitter.com/madebycoopers 

https://www.pinterest.co.uk/madebycoopers/ 

https://www.linkedin.com/company/madebycoopers/ 

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.

Marion is thrilled with the  beautiful red roses, gifted to her by Sister Scholastica, and on that note, there are bound to be  knitters amongst you, Sister Mary’s sent her hat pattern (for the Seaman) which is on the CCA social media pages at copies are available at the Centre. As the evenings are drawing in,  I think Frost Magazine  will be hearing  the click of needles any minute now. More school uniforms have arrived, and will be collected by Equans. Was there ever such a smooth running operation courtsey of the CCA. But that’s not all, a freezer has been donated and so it goes on.  And, wonderfully, amidst all the mayhem still the groups arrive

The dancers are strutting their stuff,  Fat quarters  and  Shake that Boogey too.
Marion tells Frost Magazine that  ”Him indoors’ Bob, has put up a book stand in the office for the community to come along and browse the Margaret Graham books amongst others. Margaret is ‘our very own Brady Square lass and my friend.’  Which pleases Margaret, Frost Magazine’s editor, enormously.

During the week the CCA hosted a new programme of training with MBC Art Wellbeing which delivers free activities for children. This programme is funded for the next year, particularly during school holidays,which thrills Marion and the committee  Pottery class was the kick off activity and I daresay Marion got stuck in.  Roll on the 24^th and the making of Wind Chimes

Is that it for Week 4? Don’t be silly. Another friend of Marion’s is to visit to discuss delivering some First Aid training for all. and says Marion, ‘A little tea party was held  for two of our regulars, Sandra Noble and Ray Turnbull, both celebrating their birthdays (ages undisclosed!) Cake flowed in abundance. Refurb, what refurb who needs doors, thingamabobs or thingamajigs when you are having a great time.’ Frost Magazine, who love a bit of a ‘do’  has to agree.

And so exciting. The CCA should now be ‘live’ online, and soon there will be an email address. and everyone was on their marks waiting for the Asbestos check. Would hoards of men in white coats? No, to Marion’s intense pleasure it was a handsome young man named Chris who arrived. (Lord the woman’s so easy) She says, ‘That’s two handsome young men in my life today as my grandson Daniel has just arrived from Texas and the doors are back!! Hurrah hurrah. (will need priming and painting, but they have come home)

Another grand end to the week!’

Information: Columbia Community Association  Columbia uk Community Forum

Memories of Brady Square

Margaret Graham is an author, tutor, editor of Frost Magazine and grumpy when it’s too hot,. She just loves the fish and chips at the Washington Arms  near the green in Washington Village. Yep, got it, Margaret is greedy.

A few holdups as the team toddle through week 3. The doors, sent  off to be stripped (if Imight be indelicate) have not yet found their way home. Those in place are sanded and soon to be ‘tarted up’ – Marion’s words.   The flooring has to wait for the Asbestos check…

The delivery of the new bespoke kitchen is not yet confirmed. So the team wait – thrilled to bits. ‘Once it is here, work will begin immediately,’ so says Stu the gaffer. 

Marion is going to move  the existing benches into the computer room,which she showed me when Dick and I arrived to have a look. That woman’s mind works at the speed of light. 

Marion tells me, ‘One of the Forever Young ladies has very kindly donated a printer which is great as it saves me carting mine back and forth. This fits in well with the installation of our WIFI on the 11th; now, we need to locate the best place to purchase the ink cartridges, a job for Pauline our treasurer who enjoys shopping.’

John at Cosmic Blinds has produced a fabulously reasonable quote and food hampers are being made by Marion to raffle in aid of Ukrainian Humanitarian Appeal. She asks again for food donations. By the way, the winning raffle tickets will be drawn at CCA’s coffee morniong on 26th August and Marion is so pleased because while telling me this, a lovely couple from Age Concern popped in to buy some raffle tickets. 

More good news: The Nationwide bank in Washington Galleries have kindly offered to display CCA posters on their notice board ( food donation requests and much needed medical supplies for the appeal. ) The CCA  accept medical supplies at any time and pass these onto the Polish Centre in Newcastle.

And… And…  Marion has made contact with the Washington Heritage Project Co-ordinator Arwa. Marion is hoping this will lead to the CCA being able to offer CCA resources to a wider audience and promote Columbia’s heritage.

Now onto the classes. Tuesday is  dancing day when the centre becomes alive with music and laughter. Last Tuesday was  no exception, and has actually put on an extended session. Marion laughed, and told me: ‘I love how the dads cannot wait to make a hasty retreat.

Aimee instructing her class just a shame we cannot hear the music

Fat Quarters, due to unforeseen circumstances,  cancelled their session for Week 3 and were missed,’ 

And here we have news of the “Shake that Boogie” group strutting their stuff to “Long haired lover from Liverpool” among many others. Marion wants evertyone to know: ‘It’s electrifying and so much fun with Claire at the helm.’

    Tuesday evening session                   Wednesday morning session

Dianne, CAA  chair, took over the reins for a while and did a bit of weeding on the pots at the front of the centre. ‘Then she did a walk around video with running commentary whcih has been posted  Columbia sites for all to see. (But has Marion told her that it IS UP for all to see?) 

Liam rang with an update on the doors. It appears it will take a little longer to strip the paint from them as around 80 years of gloss is taking some shifting. (83 to be exact and who knows what they used in those days)

 Apparently, the Openreach broadband Engineer was a young man by the name of Declan Garrigan and he was amazing, Over to Marion ‘ He worked three hours solid in heat of 31 degrees, refused to stop for refreshments saying he just wanted to get it sorted for us. What more could anyone ask for. Thank you, Declan it was much appreciated.’ Also said Marion.  ‘We did have our first volunteer come forward; Ray Turnbull you are a star, and he bought raffle tickets for the hampers.’

.Marion wanted me to say that she thanked me for the books (Really?! Must I?! 

I think the books will be there for you to borrow, or so Marion said. She also asked me to thank Sister Mary on her behalf for her flowers and gifts, and of course, ladies, we are all to knit titfers (hats) for the seamen. Righto. I have my orders, but am s-l-o-w.

Frost Magazine, in the rather rotund shape of Margaret, had a great visit to Brady Square which stirred many memories of my holidays with Uncle Stan, and my return visits since,  and I just know that the heart of the community is alive and well. Can’t wait to hear that the doors are in, the Asbestos flooring test is OK, and that the Fat Quarters are back sewing away soon. 

JOFFE’S BOOK OF THE WEEK is a brand-new historical mystery from bestselling author Gretta Mulrooney — DEATH AT THE DOLPHIN is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.    Such an interesting concept. I have so often wondered how those who held hich octane wartime posts made the cross over to peace. This books is fascinating:

London, 1945.

After completing her secret wartime work in London, Daisy Moore needs a job and somewhere to live. She ends up working at the Dolphin Hotel in a quiet Oxfordshire village.  But even in peacetime, death is just around the corner.  When a body is found in one of the hotel bedrooms, Daisy must use all her skills to help find the murderer.

CLICK HERE TO BUY DEATH AT THE DOLPHIN BY GRETTA MULROONEY FOR 99P | 99C.

MURDER AT MUDPACK BY jEAN G. GOODHIND 99P/99C

Move over Miss Marple, there’s a new amateur sleuth in town…

My sort of book: a woman is found drowned in a mud bath at the local spa and Honey is on the case. Only problem is, all the suspects have alibis.

Then a guest at Honey’s own hotel is found dead under what appear to be suspicious circumstances. Now it’s become personal . . .

MAKE BELIEVE BY CATH STAINCLIFFE 99p/99c (one of my favourite authors)

Discover the books behind the hit ITV detective drama, starring Caroline Quentin.

DCI Janine Lewis’s most harrowing investigation yet.  For nine days, the people of Manchester have been tirelessly searching for a missing three-year-old. This is a case where nothing is as it seems . . . but will this be the case that breaks her?

Detective Rob Miller is back for the sixth and seventh instalments.

Joffe Books Editorial Director Emma Grundy Haigh has signed two more books in Biba Pearce’s bestselling Detective Rob Miller series.

Biba says:

“I’m delighted that Joffe Books have signed for the sixth and seventh books in the DCI Rob Miller series. Once again, Rob and his team are on the trail of a very clever serial killer, and the twists and turns will keep you guessing right up until the very end. A huge thanks to Team Joffe for all they do, and for helping to make the books such a success.”

Emma says:

“Tense, dark and utterly thrilling, Biba Pearce’s Detective Rob Miller has won legions of fans and I am proud to count myself among them! This gripping London-set series just keeps going from strength to strength, thanks to Biba’s characteristic blend of heart-racing action and propulsive plotting. I can’t wait for readers to see what Biba puts Rob Miller and his team through next!”

Book 6 will be released in eBook and paperback in spring 2023.

Joffe asks if you’ve  met Rob Miller yet? Why not get acquainted, or remind yourself, about the series here:
Detective Rob Miller series on Amazon.

Lots more information here:

Joffe’s  book of the week is acclaimed author Catherine Moloney’s latest addictive crime mystery — CRIME IN RETIREMENT is out now for the special launch price of just 99p | 99c.

The odd couple pairing of detectives Noakes and Markham return in their most gripping case yet . . . There’s a serial killer at large and retired detective DS Noakes, now head of security at Rosemount Retirement Home, asks Detective Markham for his help.

With the murder count rapidly rising, DI Markham sets a trap. Can he catch the killer before yet another person pays the ultimate price? 

CLICK HERE TO BUY CRIME IN RETIREMENT BY CATHERINE MOLONEY FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

The Thorney Island Murders Pauline Rowson   99p/99c

Renegade detective Andy Horton is called out to Oyster Quays Marina to examine a gruesome catch by two fishermen: a blackened human hand.

Meanwhile, a violent criminal is missing. Alfie Wright attacked David Jewson, a family man and bus driver in his forties, and was released on bail before going MIA . . .

Could the blackened hand belong to Wright?  

The Arnold Landon Mysteries (books 6-10) by Roy Lewis  99p/99c

This is a superb offer: FIVE ADDICTIVE CRIME MYSTERIES IN ONE BOX SET.

Meet Arnold Landon — local history buff turned amateur sleuth — in this beloved series of crime mysteries with an archaeological twist which have sold over half a million copies. Such good reads.

Missing on the Moors Priscilla Masters  99p/99c

MEET DI JOANNA PIERCY. SHE’S AN OUTSIDER IN A REMOTE STAFFORDSHIRE MOORLANDS TOWN.   A dead farmer. His son killed too. DI Joanna Piercy must find his missing daughter before it’s too late . . .

“The atmosphere of the heatwave and the claustrophobic community was beautifully done.” #1 bestselling author Ann Cleeves

Great News: Joffe Books Associate Commissioning Editor Steph Carey has signed a new dark and twisty psychological thriller by Lizzie Fry.

Lizzie Fry is a debut author of high-concept thriller The Coven (published by Sphere books), but you might know her better as L.V. Hay.   L.V.’s previous books, The Other Twin, Do No Harm and Never Have I Ever were published by Orenda and Hodder. The Other Twin is currently being adapted for the screen by Agatha Raisin producers Free@Last TV.

Lizzie says:

“I am delighted to be publishing with Joffe Books. I’m a super-fan of their forward-thinking digital strategy and it’s thrilling to be working with them on Over My Dead Body. I don’t think I could be in better hands!”

Steph says:

“As soon as I started reading Over My Dead Body I knew I had to finish it — it’s completely unputdownable and absolutely chilling! Lizzie is a fantastic writer and I’m so pleased to have her on the list. I can’t wait to get to work on this fantastically gripping book!” 

Over My Dead Body will be released in eBook and paperback in early 2023.

More information @ Joffe Books