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
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 Editionby 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/
“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
The Reading Agency’s Quick Reads giveaway for World Book Night in Waterstones Bradford – photo credit Guzelian Photography
UK charity The Reading Agency has joined forces with Spotify to make free-to-stream Quick Reads available for World Book Night on 23 April 2026.
The Reading Agency and Spotify have partnered as part of a wider joint campaign within the National Year of Reading – including a new audiobook toolkit for libraries and Spotify’s industry-leading reading aids such as ‘Page Match’ and ‘Audiobook Recaps.’ The initiative is part of The Reading Agency’s mission to tackle the UK’s reading crisis, with only around half of adults regularly reading.
For the first time, all six Quick Reads titles will be available in audiobook format, widening access for people who struggle with print, including those who are time-poor, neurodivergent, or lacking confidence in reading. Quick Reads, which marks its 20th anniversary this year, was launched in 2006 to support adults who are lapsed readers, non-readers, or face barriers such as time, confidence, or concentration. The short, accessible books are written by bestselling authors across a range of genres.
Audiobooks on the rise
With the average UK adult now spending 52 hours a year listening to audiobooks, audio has become a powerful and increasingly mainstream reading format. Its popularity in the UK is growing rapidly, with the market nearly tripling since 2016, driven largely by 16–54-year-olds and changing, multitasking lifestyles. Spotify’s ‘Multi-Format Readers’ research found more than a third of U.K. readers (34%) are more likely to consider listening to audiobooks as “real reading” than they were a year ago, and over half of readers in the U.K. (51%) now switch between audio and print/e-book formats to meet their reading goals.
The Reading Agency’s State of the Nation report found that almost half of adults (46%) struggle to focus on reading due to distractions, while one in three multitask while reading. Those who read fewer books are more likely to engage with audio: 33% of men listen to audiobooks weekly, compared to 24% of women, while women are more likely to read daily. More than half of 25–34-year-olds are regular audiobook listeners, including 56% of men in that age group.
Audiobooks are also helping to widen access: 52% of adults with learning differences listen weekly, compared to 22% without. For time-poor adults, audiobooks offer a practical solution. Over half (53%) of parents with children under 11 listen at least once a week, compared to 18% of those without.
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said: “Audiobooks create shared experiences in new ways — whether families listening together at home or groups coming together in libraries. We’re seeing a real rise in audio listening groups, where people listen and discuss books collectively. We want to challenge the idea that ‘real’ reading must be print. Listening to books delivers many of the same benefits, from supporting comprehension and vocabulary, to increasing wellbeing and empathy.”
Duncan Bruce, Director of Audiobooks Partnerships and Licensing, Spotify said: “Stories have the power to connect, entertain or inform us. But for some, finding the time or confidence to pick up a book isn’t always easy. Audiobooks are helping to change that with people increasingly moving between formats – listening on the go and reading when they can – and that flexibility helps more stories fit into busy lives. We’re proud to help more people discover stories, including this year’s Quick Reads, in ways that work for them, supporting a more accessible and inclusive reading culture across the UK.”
Supporting libraries during the National Year of Reading
As part of the partnership, The Reading Agency and Spotify are developing a new audiobook toolkit for libraries, supporting staff to deliver audiobook clubs, group listening sessions and inclusive reading activities. The organisations will also work together with the National Year of Reading to champion audiobooks as an accessible and engaging way into reading, helping to reach new and underserved audiences across the UK.
Shared listening and national reach
A selection of the 2026 Quick Reads titles will be available to stream for free on Spotify on World Book Night. A new curated audio resource will also be distributed to libraries and schools to support classroom listening, community events and group listening experiences.
The Reading Agency’s research highlights a strong link between audiobooks and wider reading, with one in four listeners saying audiobooks have encouraged them to read more. Spotify is one of several landmark partnerships marking a step change in ambition for Quick Reads, which has grown from a small intervention into a national reading movement.
To mark its 20th anniversary, The Reading Agency aims to gift up to one million Quick Reads to communities across the UK.
@readingagency #QuickReads #WorldBookNight #GoAllIn For all enquiries, please contact: ann@causeuk.com m: 0753 489 2715.
Whitby Lit Festival has announced the first authors confirmed for its 2026 programme, as the event returns (from 19–22 November) following a highly successful inaugural year. Leading the first wave of announcements are Ann Cleeves OBE, Joanne Harris OBE, Dr Sian Williams, and Mark Billingham.
Ann Cleeves Author Pic (c) Micha Theiner
Ann Cleeves OBE, creator of the Vera Stanhope and Jimmy Perez (Shetland) series—both adapted for television by ITV and the BBC—has received widespread acclaim for her crime writing, alongside an OBE for services to reading and libraries. Her latest novel, The Dying Light, from the Detective Matthew Venn series, was published in October. Joanne Harris OBE, best known for her bestselling novel Chocolat—later adapted into an Academy Award-nominated film starring Juliette Binoche and Johnny Depp—has written more than 30 books. Her forthcoming novel, Sleepers in the Snow, will be published in October 2026.
Dr Sian Williams is an award-winning broadcaster and chartered counselling psychologist. After a 40-year career in television and radio, including over a decade presenting BBC Breakfast, she now hosts Life Changing (BBC Radio 4) and Classical Unwind (BBC Radio 3). Her work focuses on trauma, stress, and anxiety, including collaborations supporting emergency services personnel. Her latest book, The Power of Anxiety, published this month, combines research, case studies, and personal insight.
Mark Billingham (c) Steve Best
Mark Billingham, originally from Birmingham, is a novelist, actor, and comedian, and a familiar presence across UK media. He is best known for the Tom Thorne crime series, adapted for Sky, starring David Morrissey. The latest instalment, What the Night Brings, is released in paperback this March. Further authors will be announced in the coming months, with the full programme continuing the festival’s commitment to showcasing both bestselling and emerging voices. The debut festival exceeded expectations, drawing large audiences and establishing Whitby as an exciting new destination on the UK literary calendar. Building on that momentum, organisers promise an ambitious and diverse programme for 2026. Uniquely, Whitby Lit Festival is the UK’s only literary festival headquartered in a fish and chip restaurant—Hetty & Betty.
Lois Kirtlan, Chair of Whitby Lit Festival, said: “We were thrilled by the response to our inaugural festival in 2025. The enthusiasm from audiences, authors, and the local community was extraordinary. For 2026, we’re expanding the programme and are delighted to begin announcing what promises to be an exceptional line-up.”
Festival Patron Kate Fenton has also announced that Sir Alan Ayckbourn CBE will join as Honorary Co-Patron.
Sir Alan Ayckbourn (c) David irlan
Sir Alan Ayckbourn said: “I’m delighted to become co-patron of this exciting new venture. The festival promises to inject fresh literary energy into Whitby in a way unequalled since the days of Bram Stoker.”
Set against Whitby’s dramatic coastline and historic streets, the festival will once again feature author talks, panel discussions, workshops, book signings, and special events across multiple venues. Whitby Lit Festival continues to champion accessibility and inclusivity, bringing readers and writers together in a vibrant cultural celebration.
Tickets and full programme details will be released in summer 2026. Early updates and exclusive content are available via the festival’s website and social media channels. Website:www.whitbylitfest.org.ukSocial: @whitbyliteraturefestival
The striking thing about Amanda’s art is the colours she uses – perhaps because she is a natural health therapist and experience tells her that colour carries its own energy. I agree, I feel the vibrancy reaches out along with the energy of her compositions.
‘Tell us more about that, Amanda,‘ I asked.
‘Ah, I believe that people respond to mood and frequency, as much as to image. That’s why my forests, waterfalls and wildflower meadows are intentionally more luminous and emotive, than pedantically realistic. You see, my work is created to be felt – to calm, uplift and reconnect one with the quiet power of nature every time you pass by.’
This resonated with me, as I find actually walking by meadows, and woods is mood calming, and adds something to my life, and indeed, helps my work as an author.
Meadow Glow
Amanda Brake is an English artist whose love of colour and creativity took root in her childhood in Poole, Dorset. Growing up by the coast and countryside, she was surrounded by natural beauty which encouraged her to notice the small details of light, texture, and atmosphere. She was fortunate at school to have teachers who recognised her ability, and encouraged her imaginative, expressive approach.
Bluebell Woods
‘Was this partly because your father was an artist, and not someone who pushed your talent to one side, and suggested you pushed on with the usual career skills.’
‘Oh yes,very much so. He and my teachers nurtured my confidence and curiosity and more or less gave me permission to use my talent to explore my feelings, observations and sense of the world around me.’
Of course, as Amanda developed as an artist, she extended her interests into a variety of projects such as he illustration of children’s novels. She also became a member of the Milan Art Institute, thereby connecting with an international community, all of which deepened and refined her skills,
‘Now, at Amanda’s Art,‘ she tells me, ‘ I specialize in creating captivating illustrations and unique prints that seem to resonate with diverse art lovers. This excites me enormously as I believe strongly in the power of art to inspire and evoke emotions.’
I found myself nodding along, because, for me, that is exactly the response Amanda’s art evokes. After all, you can remember an image of a cornfield that calmed or inspired you, but why not try putting a work of art on the wall that evokes the same response. Long may she continue to produce such individual work.
“Tan Dun is not afraid of pauses, recognising how silence can be just as important”
It’s staggering to realise that worlds collide in mysterious ways… Beethoven grew up in times we now term the Enlightenment. The world was changing, with revolutions in France and America. At home, he experienced first-hand when Napoleon’s troops invaded Vienna in 1805 and 1809.
His first large-scale composition was at the age of 19. His Ninth Symphony was created in 1824, three years before he died. And it’s the fourth movement that stands out – famous now because since composition it has been used in so many different contexts. This is his Choral piece Ode To Joy – you will know it. Search the internet and nod in recognition. The Ode is actually a lengthy poem by Friedrich Schiller, who had long wanted it set to music.
Ludwig van Beethoven
The London Philharmonic Orchestra, numbering over 100 musicians on this evening, performed the Ninth Symphony with grace, pomp and power. Accompanied by the London Philharmonic Choir and the London Chinese Philharmonic Choir, they played under the precise baton of Tan Dun.
Tan Dun is not afraid of pauses, recognising how silence can be just as important. Before each piece, he freezes, holding everyone’s attention, as though ready to go into battle, composing himself. During the movements he singles out soloists, urging them to excel – and they do. He conducts as though it is a martial art, creating shapes with his arms and hands like no other conductor.
Tan Dun ⓒ LPO
The Ode To Joy was sung, not just with the thrilling choirs, but four soloists – underused in the piece really, but exciting to hear: soprano Elizabeth Watts, mezzo-soprano Hongni Wu, tenor John Findon and bass Matthew Rose.
Sadly, the interval talk amongst the audience was about the opening of the evening’s music – Tan Dun conducting his own contemporary composition, the Choral Concerto Nine. This was inspired by Beethoven’s Ninth. Hmmm. Although an Oscar-winner for his soundtrack to the stunning film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, the ever-youthful Tan Dun left us a little nonplussed with his piece in three movements. Modern music is always hit-and-miss with traditionalists. The first movement Nine was almost anti-musical, with the chorus not just using words, but gibberish. The same could be said for the musicians, not just playing their instruments but tapping and scraping them… The second movement, Wine, had more gibberish and randomness. It was only the third movement, Time, that sounded more like ‘music’ – a Hans Zimmer-like sound – reaching to a climax that gave us all some relief that it was over. But, one has to appreciate that all music begins somewhere and, who knows, this could become as much a classic as Beethoven’s Ninth. It could, but, to be honest, I don’t think it will!
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/ .
Paul Vates.
Principal Conductor Edward Gardner Artistic Director Elena Dubinets
Dates until Saturday 25th April 2026
Check with the LPO website for details
Instagram @londonphilharmonicorchestra – X @LPOrchestra – Facebook @londonphilharmonicorchestra
He left her sister at the altar and now she’s the one forced to keep him out of trouble – and out of her heartThis fun and flirty romantic comedy is really lovely and after all, , everyone deserves a second chance, even Matthew.
April hates Matthew’s guts, because seven years ago, he left her sister at the altar and broke her heart. Now June’s getting hitched to another man. April’s making the dress, the cake is iced, and nothing will ruin her sister’s big day. Or will it? Cue the potential crisis. June has chosen Matthew as her ‘something old’ and … Oh no, no what was she thinking? – It’s free and a lovely novel, so read and see what happens. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G4HCCC1N/ It is FREE.
Discover a Regency romance that continues the story of Jane Austen’s unforgettable characters, where love and betrayal intertwine… and the cost of freedom is higher than ever. This is the breathtaking launch of the Regency Romance Series The Ladies of Pemberley. At eighteen, Cassandra Wickham is as headstrong and sharp-witted as her beloved aunt, Elizabeth Darcy, preferring the thrilling pages of a book to the stifling decorum of crowded ballrooms. Yet, her mother, Lydia, has different plans for her: Cassie must marry a wealthy officer, and the grand Regimental Ball is the perfect opportunity for her debut into society… or so her mother hopes.
But Cassie harbours no interest in soldiers. Her heart belongs to one man only: Dr. Richard Courtney… Uh oh… read on and see what happens https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GTZM2JT8/ @ £0.99 instead of £4.99
She doesn’t believe in love. He wasn’t looking for it. One kiss changes everything. A fun and flirty romance starting with a speed dating event.
Photographer Valentine Jones doesn’t believe in love, but when her romantic friend Maggie drags her along to a speed dating event, she finds herself reluctantly attracted to architect Finn Logan. Against her better instincts, she ticks yes on her scorecard to seeing him again. He never calls. Finn shouldn’t have flirted with Val at the speed dating event. Well, of course, he shouldn’t – what was he thinking..? https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0G8GZ7VMT/ @ £0.99 instead of £1.99
A missing woman. A race against time. A detective haunted by the past.
Following an argument with her British boyfriend, Chinese student Min Li is abducted whilst walking the dark streets of picturesque Stratford-upon-Avon alone. Trapped in a dark pit, Min is at the mercy of her captor. Detective Inspector Will Jackman is tasked with solving the case and in his search for answers discovers that the truth is buried deeper than he ever expected. But, as another student vanishes and Min grows ever weaker, time is running out. Two murders, two kidnappings—are they linked?
