Stephen Port was jailed in November 2016 after luring four young, gay men through dating apps so he could drug them to death and rape them. 

Easy Kills tracks Port’s life and crimes and questions the role of Barking and Dagenham Police, who were investigated by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as a result. 

Officers neglected to check Port’s electronic devices when the first overdosed body turned up outside his flat in June 2014. They found Port had called 999 trying to pose as a bystander after hiring the young man as an escort. He was not charged with murder, but perverting the course of justice.

In August 2014, a second body turned up 400 yards from Port’s front door. The young immigrant’s corpse showed signs of being dragged. No investigation was opened. Less than one month later, another body turned up in the same churchyard.

Port was jailed in March 2015 after being given eight months for perverting the course of justice. He served just under three. Had he served the full sentence, he wouldn’t have been free to murder his fourth victim, Jack Taylor.

The case has garnered massive national media attention,  resulting in a TV drama released January 2022.

I love true crime, I spend a unhealthy amount of time binge watching true crime documentaries and like many others I have a morbid fascination with serial killers. If, like me you are fascinated by true crime then you will enjoy this book. Bates puts the victims at the heart if the story rather than focusing on the killer. At times this book can be downright frustrating due to the many opportunities the police had to catch the killer but for one reason or another the leads were not pursued. I highly recommend this book for my fellow true crime buffs.

Available in Paperback and eBook

Joffe Books have led me astray, which is  really BAD. You see  they mentioned to me that the team had been eating doughnuts during the week to keep up their energy, so busy have they been in the office. ‘Well, thanks guys,’  say I, a porker who is  doing her best to lose a bit and has even resorted to copying the grand-daughter’s school playground exercise Wake and Shake. All ruined now as off to the baker I went… huh.

But all is forgiven as this week’s offerings are really fantastic. I am in awe.

Take the Book of the Week: THE LAKE HOUSE, a gripping new crime mystery full of twists and turns, which tells the story of a dream vacation gone wrong from the brilliant, multi-award-winning author Kate Watterson.

Three friends with secrets. One luxurious lake house vacation. And a killer on the loose . . .  Close friends Lauren, Drew, and Rob take a trip to a lake house in a picturesque corner of Tennessee. They were planning a relaxing vacation, but it quickly turns into a nightmare . . . And not just the normal holiday nightmare of mosquitoes, lousy food… Oh no.   As Lauren sunbathes by the lake, she notices her neighbour lugging something heavy into a boat on the lake shore. What could he possibly be hiding? Arghhh…

CLICK HERE TO BUY THE LAKE HOUSE BY KATE WATTERSON  FOR JUST 99P | 99C.

Joffe also suggests that if you have had holiday disasters let them know by  leaving a comment on their Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram pages.

On to their new books out this week

Really truly do not miss this delightful ‘smile of a whodunnit’ from  CWA DIAMOND DAGGER AWARD WINNER SIimon  Brett.

Come with me and meet Mrs Melita Pargeter, a vivacious widow whose mystery-solving talents come in handy when a murderer stalks a hotel for well-to-do retirees. Oh, it did my heart good, and humour is soooo diifficult. Simon Brett is a hero, so very there. And the novel a steal at only 99p/99c.

“Few crime writers are so enchantingly gifted.” Says The Sunday Times. ‘Well, quite,’ says Frost Magazine.

But that’s not all, feast on these:

Murder at Haggburn Hall by Roy Lewis  ONLY £1.99 | $2.99

Arnold is working on an archaeological dig in the grounds of Haggburn Hill when he meets the owner, the eccentric Vita Delaney.  She invites Arnold for dinner with her inner circle. But as the wine begins to flow, tongues loosen, and tempers begin to fray . . . Is this feud about to turn deadly?   I found the characters three dimensional and the novel page turning.

“An unforgettable character.” The New York Times   

Coming Home  to Byland Crescent  by Bill Kitson — ONLY 99P | 99C

And now onto the next new offering, and strangely I was talking just this week to someone about a friend of my mum’s – both were nurses . Mum’s friend was on the wartime convoy before Mum. Singapore fell just after  her friend arrived,  while Mum sailed on to India . Her friend survived appalling mprisonment by the Japanese, but her husband also stationed in Singapore, did not: her home coming was difficult.  But then whose wasn’t at this time. This novel is well worth a read. So here’s a bit more about it.

Kitson’s ‘Coming Home to Byland Crescent’ novel is set in Yorkshire, 1946. World War Two is finally over. But the Cowgill family have fresh challenges to face.    Their son Mark, who was injured in the war, will make it home in time for Christmas. But their youngest, Billy, has been declared missing in action and is presumed dead . . .  I found it thoughtful and moving.

Now a firm favourite from  Nicholas Rhea – aother novel set in  Aidensfield, Yorkshire.

Constable beats the Bounds

Summer is coming to the village of Aidensfield in the North Yorkshire moors, and the local tradition of “beating the bounds” is underway when a human skull is found on the lonely moors. Local bobby Constable Nick must play this one exactly by the book. Can Nick piece together the mystery of the stranger’s death?

“One of life’s little pleasures.” Yorkshire Post. ‘Indeed it is.’ says Frost Magazine.  

And finally, something from Joffe for a fun weekend . Create your own crime fiction protagonist from your birth month and the first letter of your name!

Let Joffe  know who the hero of your very own crime novel would be leaving a comment on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!

See Joffe books range  of novels at Joffe Books

We have here a cornucopia,  a feast, a veritable buffet : let me lead you to three child friendly  picture books, so  in no particular order here we go:

Anansi and the Golden Pot by Taiya Selasi (£6.99, 6 January 2022, HB)

Award-winning author of Ghana Must Go, Taiye Selasi, reimagines the story of Anansi, the much-loved trickster, for a new generation: Kweku, has grown up listening to stories about the mischievous spider Anansi. Anansi is also Kweku’s nickname. But why? Ah,  because his father says he has similarly cheeky ways. On a holiday to visit his beloved Grandma in Ghana, Anansi the spider and Anansi the boy meet, and discover a magical pot that can be filled with whatever they want. Anansi the boy fills it again and again with his favourite red-red stew, and eats so much that he feels sick. But … But …  sadly, Anansi the boy feels this magical pot, and its gifts are  just for HIM.

Will he, Anansi the boy,  learn to share this wonderful gift?

This charming retelling of a West African story teaches readers about the dangers of greed, and the importance of being kind. Taiya Selasi’s writing is described as having a “glittering poetic command, a sense of daring, and a deep emotional investment in the lives and transformations of her characters.” which earned her a nomination for the NAACP Award for a previous book, Ghana Must Go (Penguin 2013)  Taiya Selasi is a British-American writer and photographer. Born in London, UK, raised in Massachusetts, of Ghanaian and Nigerian origin. This is her first children’s book.

In You I See by Rachel Emily and Jodie Howard (£9.99, 6 January 2022, HB)

People are not always what they seem on the surface and it is important to look a little closer. This  book does what a good book should –  encourages its readers to use their imagination. In, In you I See  the young readers are also  drawn in to look within others, and themselves, and discover all that they have to offer. Are you as joyful and bright as a daffodil? Or as bold and brave as a … what? With  energetic rhyming text by singer-songwriter Rachel “Maiday” Moulden and thoughtful atmospheric illustrations by Jodie Howard, the magic of rhyme and nature come together in harmony.

Rachel Emily has been a published songwriter for almost a decade. Alongside her own independent releases under the alias ‘Maiday’, Rachel’s commercial successes include penning and producing UK number one and US platinum-selling singles. Her poetry has been used as the stimulus for performances at the Barbican, London.

Jodie Howard (Illustrator) graduated from Cambridge School of Art in 2020, and was long-listed at the World Illustration Awards, and selected for both the AOI and D&AD’s ‘Ones To Watch’ showcase lists. I do love her illustrations, there is a stillness to them.

Forest by Brendan Kearney (£6.99, 6 January 2022, PB)

Join fisherman Finn and his dog, Skip, on their second adventure in this illustrated story book for young children, which teaches them about deforestation and what they can do to help. Forest is the ideal introduction to the environmental concerns facing our forests, featuring colourful illustrations and an engaging, light-hearted storyline, drawn and written by Brendan Kearney.

Grown-ups and children will be relieved not to be harangued, or preached at as they  follow the story of Finn and Skip, with its ups and downs, and including all the different animals that Finn meets in the rainforest. They’ll also learn about how using ethical products can help save the animals. The light touch is reflected in the  fun, and quirky, illustrations. I applaud it ‘s uplifting constructive message about protecting the world around us.

Brendan Kearney is a children’s book illustrator and author represented by Plum Pudding Illustration agency. His first picture book Musical Mac was published in 2019. He is also the illustrator of the popular Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast book series written by Josh Funk.

Everyone must know what a favourite Williams Homebaked biscuits are with the Frost Magazine team,  but it’s really  interesting to learn about some of their stockists too. To the right of the image of the scrumptious biscuits you will see an ancient olive tree – heavens, even older than our editor, Margaret Graham. This amazing olive tree fronts Bents Marget Garden, where you will now find some Williams Homebaked.

The Bents story begain in 1937, when Alfred and Margaret Bent began to cultivate and sell roses grown in the front of their terraced house in Glazebury, Warrington.

This immediately attracted Margaret Graham, because she is bore of the year when roses are mentioned – yep  she lives and breathes her own Old English babies, using them in mixed beds. So she determined that Frost Magazine must  find out more.

After the war, Alfred bought 16 acres of land and began to grow on a larger scale. There were no such things as garden centres, and planting was  seasonal, with  business pretty much hand to mouth. What you made in the growing season had to last the year.

In the 1970s, Alfred and Margaret’s sons Ron and John expanded the business, with Ron suggesting that food and drinks should also be offered. This was extraordinarily entrepreneurial –  most nurseries were just that back then.

Voila!  No sooner said than done –  Bents Garden Centre  began to evolve into a unique lifestyle destination where customers could and can discover the products, advice and inspiration to make outdoor and indoor living more beautiful.  In addition, they could and can head off to dine in comfort ‘a la Bents’ and imagine  their  purchases transforming their home and garden. Couldn’t be much better, could it?

But yes, actually, it can, because it is heart warming that Bents has  resisted becoming all  ‘corporate’ on the heels of its success and is still very much a family business, with succeeding generations becoming involved.

So let’s look at the details: alongside plants, seeds, outdoor furniture, barbecues and outdoor buildings, you’ll  find  indoor furniture, gifts, fresh food, clothing, shoes, toys, pet supplies and everything you need for your kitchen. And your hips – because Williams Homebaked offerings reside here alongside other excellent top of the range  food products.

So is it any wonder that these days, Bents is regarded as one of the very best garden centres in the North West, and a weekend destination for many families. If you find yourself in the food hall, you can always pick up a Williams Eccles cake or Manchester Tart. Be careful, once tried you will go back for more. Take the car –  you’ll want to bring the whole garden centre back with you.

Do please ask Frost Magazine to tea if you buy LOTS of Williams biscuits. We’ll be there like a shot, nipping into the rose section at Bents first.

Williams Handbaked.co.uk 

https://www.bents.co.uk/

The granola range includes: Digestive Health, Low Sugar, Low Sugar Maple & Pecan, High Protein, Gluten Free, Organic, Original, Belgian Chocolate, Treacle and Pecan, Passionfruit and Pistachio, Mango and Macadamia, Pink Apple and Cinnamon. Lizi’s has also launched Lizi’s Adventurers Granola Crispies for kids, available in Banana and Strawberry flavours.  The Lizi’s Super Muesli range includes: Glow, Focus, Boost and Cleanse.

Frost Magazine can heartily recommend it. It’s scrumptious

Lizi’s Low Sugar Granola: RRP £3.70 for 500g, available from Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco,  Morrisons and Ocado

I first started practicing mindfulness & meditation, (albeit sporadically) over a decade ago, whilst I was being treated for severe agitated depression when we were living in Germany, which , (as I said last week),  was the start of my peri-menopause, or so I came to believe. 

My journey into meditation & mindfulness was self-led. I’d read books & tried to introduce more mindfulness into my kids’ lives. Kids are inherently mindful & present, I figured it made sense to nurture this rather than condition it out of them. So I knew mindfulness would be helpful for me. I started meditating & slowly my mental health started to improve.

We moved to Germany to Bangkok for my husband’s work where I met my dear friend, Violaine, a practicing Buddhist & meditation teacher. Violaine became my meditation mentor: with her I studied & practiced meditation for 2 hours almost every week.

It was a revelation. She guided me through all the pitfalls of my own self-led practice, taught me how to do it (although it’s less about doing & more about being), helped me navigate inevitable obstacles.

I learnt 2 profound lessons during my time with Violaine: you don’t have to believe everything you think. Our thoughts are just thoughts, not necessarily fact & they do not define you.

That was a relief!

We can all fall foul of being sabotaged by our inner critical voice – mine was brutal. Layer on the ugly, insidious thoughts of mental heath (or lack thereof) & that dialogue in my head was not a pleasant space to be.

This insight almost gave me the permission I needed to let go of those unhelpful thoughts. I started to acknowledge the ugly, unhelpful thoughts & I would just stop & remind myself if I wouldn’t say that to a friend I wouldn’t be saying it to myself. Overtime that inner critical voice has quietened.

Violaine also said, “It is a work, Alex, it is always a work.”

And it is but oh my gosh it is so worth it.

We lived in Bangkok for 2 years & I absolutely loved there for many reasons, one of them was to see the monks every morning on their daily alms rounds. They were a beautiful reminder to take a moment to turn inwards & I was grateful for that.

I also discovered that the Buddha ordained temples were not for the sake of worship but instead a reminder of our own Buddha nature: we are all inherently good, loving & kind. It helps to cultivate that all important self-compassion. I just love this concept.

When we moved back to the UK over 4 years ago it was because my marriage was over. Our nomad life (when we arrived in the UK my young son  had lived in 4 other countries) was over & it was time to settle.

Settling into any new country is hard, layer on a divorce & as the autumn night’s started to draw in I began to miss our spontaneous, social, fun life overseas & feel sorry for myself.

Then I had an idea: I thought about Rumi’s quote – it’s all about perception.

If I think things are going to be cr*p, then damn sure it will be because that’s what I’m looking for, so that’s what I’ll find.

But what if I think it’s going to be OK, good, great even?

And so I decided to do just shift my perception… and nothing changed…but everything did.

What a great lesson.

Next time find out how my mindfulness training helped overcome crippling anxiety & suicidal thoughts.

If you would like to find out more about creating your own self-care practices check out Alex’s FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mindfulnessyoga4selfcare

Or on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexbannard/

Incorporate short yoga sequences & meditations as part of your self-care toolkit with guided practices on Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQlKZJ7MeyYc6lqkv6seISw

For more info check out www.alexbannard.com

Alex is based on the edge of the stunning Cotswolds & has been sharing her love for all things yoga & mindfulness for almost a decade, not just in the UK but also around the world. Having used her training & knowledge to navigate her own menopausal journey & create a life in which she is thriving, Alex is devoted in supporting other’s in this life changing transition.

Yep, that’s right, Self-Destruction. On the first page I was laughing aloud. Such a great self-help book. No preaching. It’s so refreshing I recommend it.

Here we have a detailed roadmap to multi-faceted personal ruin, presenting  us with clear steps to drive ever onwards on the wrong path with hot tips to make it worse. Sleepwalk ™ leaves  absolutely no stone unturned in signposting the way to foul up one’s life. Even while we’re rolling on the floor screaming with laughter, we are aware that this guy, a psychologist, could be talking to us, about us.  It doesn’t ‘alf make us think.

Stephen Renwick’s mock 9-step program is an histerical,  dark, ironic and irreverent parody of the plethora of self-help genre.  The confessional humour is directed  at the writer, so says the blurb  but  nonetheless  it most certainly  bangs on the door of our lives and hi-lights some of what we do, think, assume.  And most of it alerts us to the fact that these attitudes perhaps ain’t helpiful and need mitigating.

Renwick, the psychologist, knows how to present not just humour, but help. This he makes clear in the closing chapters of the book. We have listened to his increasingly familiar road to disaster and discontent knowing we need adjust our lives and then – as a conclusion – is the punchline, the- hey, think about this now and redirect.

I ate it up.

Sleepwalk is available from all good booksellers.

https://www.sleepwalk-selfhelp.com/

I know little  of Chinese culture and history, so this exploration of one man’s roots – though in truth it is far more than that – is utterly fascinating.

Not content with exploring the tensions  between a present day son brought up in the British culture and his withdrawn father, Kwong Chun Ji,  who left China in 1921, F.G. Kwong, one feels, is also on a journey to understand his ancestors. So does it work?

Definitely.

The writing is excellent, the meticulous revelations of a culture unknown to him, and a father similarly unknown to a son is recorded with empathy and sympathy.  So let me lead you into this extraordinary autobiography, biography or is it a history? Perhaps it is all three.

Kwong Chun Ji was ordered by his father in 1921 to leave their ancestral home in semi-feudal China and head to the West to save the family from starvation during the civil wars that erupted, following the fall of the Last Emperor of China.

Landing  in Liverpool Kwong Chun Ji found he had not actually escaped the turmoil he had fled. There it still was, in the shape of Triad gangs who were waiting to target disembarking Chinese immigrants. He managed to evade them, settling elsewhere in the area. At the age of 38  he was instructed by his father to marry by proxy a much younger bride from a neighbouring village who joined him in Britain, and together they produced a family. All the while Kwong Chun Ji still continued to support this family back in China – as befits a dutiful son.

So, it was all ‘happy ever after’? No.

It transpires that there  was a huge unexplained gulf  between Kwong Chun Ji and Frank,  his first born; the author of this absorbing book. Why did his father treat Frank  with a diffidence bordering on hostility? What was it that Francis had done? Or was it not his fault? If so…

This is a book to be read carefully, one which will introduce the reader,  not only  to the culture and upheavals of an increasingly powerful China, but take them on  a quest into Frank’s ancestral past, a quest into the secret of his father’s near hostility, and then the  quest for peace and reconciliation

Read The Ancestral Quest, it is a momentous and brave search for truth.

Published by Book Guild Publishing, ISBN 9781913208899. The Ancestral Quest is available in paperback (£12.99) and Kindle format (£3.99) on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3oTLrzw and https://amzn.to/3xqqD6v respectively.

It is also available to purchase from The Book Guild, Waterstones, W.H.Smith, Foyles and all major bookshops in UK.

Also available from Amazon in Norway, Denmark, Spain, Portugal and India: Romania from books-express.ro: South Africa from loot.co.za: Australia from dymocks.com.au: USA from barnesandnoble.com

About the author:

After thirty years in osteopathic practice in Notting Hill, F. L.Ying aka F.G.Kwong retired to devote time to his other passion – writing. Living in London, married to a fashion designer with their young granddaughters not too far away who keep him on his toes with so many probing questions about the mysterious circumstances hitherto of his family background and the complicated ways of the world.