“Read all abaht it!”

Hi there,

Thanks for dropping by. I mentioned earlier that I would have an announcement soon and this is it! You might want to grab a cuppa and a biccie ‘cos this is a long post. I thought it would be good to keep you all in the loop.

So, as an author, there are moments when the trajectory of your career takes unexpected turns, leading you down paths you never imagined. After the success of my long-running Paterson & Clocks series, I thought the journey would continue uninterrupted, propelled by the enthusiasm of my loyal readers and the thrill of weaving intricate crime stories. However, life has a way of throwing curveballs, and my latest one has set me on an entirely new adventure—one that I am eager to share with you all.

Farewell to Paterson & Clocks?

Before I dive into what lies ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect on the Paterson & Clocks series. Writing these books has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. With each novel, I explored the darker corners of human nature, delved into complex characters, and crafted stories that kept both me and you, the readers, on the edge of our seats. The success of the series was beyond my wildest dreams. Seeing my books hit the bestseller lists and receive such positive feedback has been incredibly gratifying.

However, I recently received some perhaps not entirely unexpected news from my publisher. Despite the previous success, it seems sales have declined in recent years, and as a result, they have decided that ‘THROWN UNDER THE BUS’ will be the last in the Paterson & Clocks series. It was a shock, I’ll admit. There’s something about bidding farewell to a series that has been such a significant part of your life for so long—it’s like saying goodbye to old friends.

Yet, I understand that publishing is a business, and sometimes, decisions are made that aren’t easy. Offering the eight-book set for less than a pound is a strategy to boost sales, and while it’s a tough pill to swallow, it’s the reality of the industry. But as one door closes, another opens, and I am excited to embark on this new chapter in my writing career.

Introducing Detective Alex Winter: A New Hero in a New Town

The decision to end Paterson & Clocks might have been beyond my control, but how I choose to move forward is entirely in my hands. I’ve always believed in the power of storytelling, and the urge to create new worlds, new characters, and new mysteries hasn’t waned. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce you to Detective Alex Winter, the protagonist of my new crime thriller series.

Set in the quaint little town of Bexhill-on-Sea in East Sussex, this series follows the journey of Alex Winter, an ex-detective from the Met who transferred to this small town after a difficult breakup with her husband. Bexhill, with its picturesque views and peaceful atmosphere, might seem like an unlikely setting for crime, but as you and I both know, it’s often the quietest places that hide the darkest secrets.

Alex Winter is a character who has seen her fair share of turmoil, both personally and professionally. Her move to Bexhill was supposed to be a fresh start—a chance to escape the painful memories of her failed marriage and the relentless pace of life in the big city. However, the town she hoped would offer solace instead presents her with new challenges, as she finds herself drawn into a series of chilling cases that test her skills, her resilience, and her ability to trust again.

Why Self-Publishing?

In the wake of my publisher’s decision, I had two choices: offer up the Alex Winter series to them or take the leap into self-publishing. After much consideration, I’ve decided to go with the latter. Why? The answer is simple—control and connection.

Self-publishing allows me to have complete control over my books. From the creative process to distribution, every decision is mine to make. I can dictate the pace of releases, choose my cover designs, and even decide on the marketing strategies that will best reach my readers. It’s a level of freedom I haven’t experienced before, and while it comes with its own set of challenges, it’s a challenge I’m ready to embrace.

Moreover, self-publishing gives me the opportunity to connect with you, my readers, in a more direct and personal way. I’ve always valued your feedback and support, and I believe that this new approach will allow us to engage more closely. Whether it’s through social media, newsletters, or even book signings, I’m looking forward to building a community around the Alex Winter series—one where your voices are heard, and your input is valued.

The Challenges Ahead

Of course, self-publishing isn’t without its hurdles. There’s a steep learning curve, and I’m fully aware that I’ll be taking on roles that were previously handled by a team of professionals. From editing to cover design, from marketing to distribution, I’ll be wearing many hats, and there’s bound to be a few bumps along the way.

The Support of Loyal Readers

One of the things that gives me the most confidence as I step into this new phase is knowing that I have the support of my readers. Over the years, you’ve stuck with me through thick and thin, and your enthusiasm for my stories has been a constant source of motivation. I’m hoping for that same support as I venture into the world of self-publishing.

The transition from Paterson & Clocks to Alex Winter might seem daunting, but I’m convinced that you’ll find just as much to love in this new series. Alex is a complex, multi-dimensional character with a rich backstory, and Bexhill offers a fresh, atmospheric setting that’s ripe for mystery. The crimes she investigates will be just as gripping, just as thought-provoking, and just as compelling as anything you’ve read in my previous books. And, she’s got herself a temper!

What’s Next?

So, what can you expect from the Alex Winter series? For starters, a deep dive into the life of a woman who is trying to rebuild herself while confronting the darker side of human nature. The cases she tackles in Bexhill will be both intricate and emotional, forcing her to confront not only the criminals she’s hunting but also the ghosts of her own past.

The first book in the series is already in the works, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

In the meantime, if you want to get a FREE taster of things to come, you can go to my new website here and sign up to my mailing list. Once you’ve done that, you’ll be taken to StoryOrigin where you’ll be able to download a free novella introducing her. 

I really hope you do join me on this new path and, as a little teaser, I’m also working on a way to self-publish more Paterson & Clocks stories. I mean, the end isn’t always the end is it…?