A.A. Abbott

GREAT CRIME STORY WRITER

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crime thrillers

Book Review – The Fatal Coin, by Lucienne Boyce

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The Fatal Coin is a novella, commissioned by Lucienne Boyce’s publisher as an e-book-only taster for her Dan Foster historical mysteries. Although short, there’s plenty of drama and danger for Bow Street Runner Dan Foster as he heads to Staffordshire to solve his latest case.

Historian Lucienne Boyce hails from Wolverhampton, and brings the roots of the present day Midlands landscape to life as she describes canals being built and the bullion coach leaving Matthew Boulton’s Soho Works in Birmingham. The story revolves around a stash of gold coins turning up in a Staffordshire field and then promptly disappearing. This is not, incidentally, the Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard on display in Birmingham today, but Roman Empire gold and artefacts. Naturally, the find draws unsavoury characters as well as serious archaeologists to the area. The two groups do not combine well, with fatal consequences.

Dan Foster has crossed swords with the villainous Colonel Pepper before, and is determined to bring him to justice. A killer, thief and forger, Colonel Pepper is also cautious and clever. Dan does not survive unscathed in his task, almost losing his life in his quest to outwit the Colonel.

As well as exciting action and an interesting historical setting, emotions are played out in the tale. Dan, who is beginning to regret his own shaky marriage, is sympathetic to the misfortunes of others. He spots a young woman’s unrequited love and a squire’s alcoholic loneliness, even noticing that Colonel Pepper may not be quite the blackguard that he seems. Yet he is a lawman, not a social worker. Ultimately, he cracks the case and moves on. It will be interesting to see what writer Lucienne Boyce has in store for him next.

The Fatal Coin is a gripping historical mystery by Lucienne Boyce, Read my book review.

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I also write crime stories. If you like a good read on your Kindle, check out my Trail series of crime thrillers set in the British cities of London and Birmingham. You can download free samples from Amazon, or even read all three books completely free if you subscribe to Kindle Unlimited.

Missing A Writer…

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There are many compelling reasons why new and established authors should join a writing group (look out for a blog about this soon!). A quite unexpected, but delightful, benefit is the new friends who enter your world. Eileen Elsey, proud redhead, gin connoisseur and writer of deliciously quirky stories, was one of them. She turned up at the same writing group five years ago and sprinkled fairydust in my life ever since. Her solstice parties were a legend, her friends were fun, and the improvements she suggested to my stories were fabulous.

I miss her, and I’m not the only one. Friends say there’s an Eileen-shaped hole in their lives. Her funeral last week captured her spirit perfectly – a stylish ceremony in a woodland chapel (see the picture above), with jazz, wine, food and interesting friends. Best of all was the greatest gift a writer can give: her latest short crime story, Handbagged, was published in a limited edition by her family and handed to everyone on the day. 

Three of Eileen’s wondrous stories have been published in an anthology under her pen name, DA Allen. You can see actor Alun Robins read one of them here (warning: there are four letter words) – it’s wickedly funny.

A beautiful spirit, much missed. I’m dedicating my next crime thriller to her.

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I’m a British writer. As well as three full-length crime thrillers, I’ve written many short stories – you can read some here.

My Writing Resolutions for 2016

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While still enjoying a whirl of festive celebrations, it’s never too early – or too late – to set goals. You’ll probably suspect my top goal for 2016 is to write another crime thriller, but can you guess the rest?

Studies show that the most successful New Year resolutions are those that begin after 1st January, and it’s best to concentrate on achieving a few key objectives. These, then, are mine.

#1. Write a sequel to The Bride’s Trail. I’ve written one book a year as well as many short stories, and I’ll do the same in 2016. Until now, each of my three crime thrillers has been a stand-alone story, with a completely different cast of characters. Although writing a series will be a change in direction, I think cunning Kat, awkward Amy and arrogant Ross are worth it. The biggest challenge will be shaping the book into a story in its own right, so first-time readers can pick it up from scratch. I’m looking forward to it – starting in mid-January once the parties are over.

#2. Write more short stories. They’re a great way to relax – I find them fun and fast to write, and I hope readers love them too. After all, in the frantic world, it’s great to grab five minutes for a coffee and an entertaining tale or two. There are plenty on this website, and you can receive more by subscribing to my newsletter. Also…if you are or know of a publisher for short crime stories, please get in touch!

#3. Do (at least) one good deed every day. Sounds trite, perhaps, but over the year that’ll be 366 rays of sunshine in the lives of others. Whether it’s a compliment, a contribution to the local foodbank or helping another British writer out – I’ll be smiling, and so will someone else!

#4. Read, read, read. Hardly a resolution, more a way of life. As much as I love writing fiction, I adore reading it too. (Last week’s 12 Books of Christmas rather hint at that).

What are your resolutions for 2016? Tell me on Facebook!

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I write crime thrillers, mostly set in the British cities of Birmingham and London, but watch this space – the sequel to The Bride’s Trail may travel further afield!