Murder at Raven's Gate by Louise Marley

 

"Too many people want us out of this house and they're being very creative about it. Well, stuff them!"

Murder at Raven's Gate is an atmospheric cozy mystery, with mild Gothic undertones and a bit of woo.

Murder at Raven's Gate

Beyond the village of Raven's Edge stands the Gateway to the Dead - a crumbling stone arch marking the site where a long-ago battle raged and the dead were buried where they fell. But it's the forgotten mansion hidden in the trees behind it that holds the real mystery...

Lady Peony has lived at Blackheath Hall for decades, invisible to the world - until a ghostly soldier begins knocking at her door. But Lady Peony is no fool. In her experience, where there are spirits, there are schemers. And someone wants her out of that house.

As DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March begin their investigation, bitter winds howl through Raven's Edge and strange mists curl around the battle site. Harriet must untangle what's real from what's imagined. Is there truly a ghost haunting the old house, or is someone very much alive using supernatural tales as cover for their own deadly agenda?

Atmospheric, chilling and deliciously gothic, this cosy mystery wraps ancient legends and murder into one unputdownable story. Perfect for fans of Fiona Leitch, Agatha Christie and readers who like their crie with a shiver down the spine!

The village of Raven's Edge is a huge attraction for the fans of ghost tours. Just beyond the village, you come across the so called Gateway to the Dead, a weathered stone arch built upon the battelgrounds. Locals whisper of restless souls wandering there...

But the true danger lies deeper in the woods, at the nearly forgotten Blackheath Hall, belonging to the once wealthy Weston family. Now only two reclusive sisters inhabit the old house.

As we follow a group of gawking tourists on one of the ghost tours, a body of a man dressed as a Royalist soldier is found lying face down in a large freshly-dug hole.

Lady Peony has been living behind the shuttered windows of the Blackheath Hall for decades, quietly ignoring the world. The house belongs to her cousin Giles, and as soon her sister and she move out, the house reverts to Giles Weston, the current Marquess of Blackheath. The house is slowly turning into a dangerous wreck

As Peony ruminates, "I grew up here. My ancestors have lived in this house for five hundred years before me. They built this house. I've no intention of moving out".

When a ghostly figure in a Civil war uniform begins knocking at the door of the mansion after dark, even she is forced to take notice. Peony knows one thing for sure. Spirits may haunt, but it's the people you should be aware of, and their schemes.

Is the murdered man found in the hole on the old battlefield related to the harassment of the reclusive sisters? Is there a connection at all?

Called in to investigate, DI Ben Taylor and DS Harriet March find themselves drawin into a case brimming with long-dead secrets and crimes, superstitions and legends, as well as historical grudges.

Will they be able to separate truth from legend? Is Blackheath Hall truly plagued by a restless spirit, or is it a living killer who's hiding behind the antique helmet of the ghostly figure? 

Murder at Raven's Gate is darkly atmospheric, quirky and cosy. It blends murder, folklore and ghostly shenanigans.

There was one continuous reference through most of the book that I found both amusing and exasperating, if not jarring. When you hear the words "little old lady", what comes to mind?

Well, Lady Peony Weston is supposed to be 65, but for some reason she and her sister are considered by everyone in the story to be decrepit old dears. And the story takes place nowadays, not in the 18th C. Maybe they would appear old to someone in primary school, otherwise it is ridiculous.

"Lady Peony Weston wasn't your average "little old lady". "It felt awkward, having an ederly lady wait on her like a servant..." "The elderly woman walked slowly across the hall..." "Those little old ladies at that big old house?" and many more examples. 

(Mid-sixties these days is not old, just look at Julianne Moore, Michelle Yeoh, George Clooney, Demi Moore, Jodie Foster etc etc.)

With these outdated ideas, members of the local police force appear to be very amateurish and not too smart.

Murder at Raven's Gate is book no.4 in the English Village Mystery series, and from my own experience, you probably need to start with the previous books to understand the full context and backstories.

To keep track of multiple characters, I had to go back a few times to remind myself who is who, and what is going on between them.

The story fluctuates between now and flashbacks from ten years earlier, which gives us a chance to learn something of the backstory of some of the characters.

Purchase Links

UK: www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0GHZN9F1L

USA: www.amazon.com/dp/B0GHZN9F1L

Author Bio –

Most of my stories are set in small villages filled with quirky characters. These are partly inspired by the places I’ve lived in over the years, although the characters are straight out of my imagination! I currently live in Wales, close to a famous library and two ruined castles. My husband thinks we moved here by accident.

My first published novel was Smoke Gets in Your Eyes, which was a finalist in Poolbeg’s Write a Bestseller competition. As well as ten novels, I’ve written short stories for women’s magazines. Before becoming a full-time writer, I worked as an administrative officer for the police.

When I’m not writing, I enjoy visiting big old houses, which I use as inspiration for the houses in my novels, and reading other people’s books when I ought to be writing my own…

Social Media Links –

www.ravens-edge.co.uk

www.louisemarley.co.uk

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarleyAuthor

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/LouiseMarley/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisemarleywrites/

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@louisemarleywrites

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/louisemarley.bsky.social

April Box Degustabox: Snacking and New Recipes

 Degustabox is a monthly food and drink subscription box. It's an excellent way of discovering new products which have only just appeared in the shops, or those which have been around for a while, but you haven't had a chance to try them yet.

Thanks to Degustabox, I have found new favourites to add to our shopping list, including some products which I otherwise wouldn't have tried.

Each time a monthly box arrives, its contents are a total surprise. You get a good selection of foods and drinks.

If you haven't tried Degustabox subscription box yet, and would like to have a go, I have a £3off discount from your first box (and you can unsubscribe any time), just use code DKRLN when placing an order. 

What did we get in April Box: Hello, Snacking and New Recipes Degustabox?

BE FREE by Eisberg sparkling white 0.0% (£2) is an alcohol free sparkling wine based drink in a can.

Drink cooled straight from the can, pour in a glass with ice, or make a lemonade spritz with this alcohol free wine. We had it before, it was one of the products in the Advent calendar, and it is lovely, refreshing and crisp.

Eisberg have teaed up with artist Samuel Thomas to create a funky design, evocative of the sea, sky and freedom.

Nutritional values: 23kcal and 5g of sugar per 100ml.

Available on Amazon.

Seabrook Tomato Ketchup Crinkle Cut Crisps (£1.50) is the latest addition to the popular range of crisps.

Seabrook Crisps are the original crinkle cut crisps, crafted in Yorkshire since 1945. These crisps combine bold flavours with a classic crinkle texture. 

Tomato Ketchup crisps are bursting with flavour, sweet, savoury and tangy. 

Nutritional information: 124kcal and 1.1g of sugar per 25g bag; gluten free, suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Available in the major supermarkets.

I used a bag of crisps as an ingredient in cooking crab cakes. I added crushed crisps to the panko breadcrumbs as the coating for the crab cakes.  They turned out really tasty, with a lovely added flavour and texture.

Namdong Kimchi Jjigae Noodle Pot (£1.60) are Korean-inspired noodles. 

K-noodles are a big trend nowadays, with a variety of brands and flavours to choose from.

These noodles allow you to personalise your spice level, as they come with a separate chilli sachet - spice as you like, depending on your preference, from a gentle kick to a more mighty level of heat.

My younger son is the noodle king in our family. He is not the biggest fan of the kimchi flavour, but did say the noodles were fun to try.

Nutritional information: 376kcal and 3.5g of salt per pot; vegan.

Available in the major supermarkets.

Alpen Muesli No Added Sugar/ or Original (£2.99) is inspired by the Apls themselves.

You will receive one item of two.

We got the Original flavour, promising a brimful of delicious toasted wheat flakes, creamy rolled oats, crunchy nuts and juicy raisins in every spoonful of the original recipe.

Nutritional values: 168kcal and 9.5g of sugar pper 45g serving; 100% natural ingredients, wholegrain, high in fibre.

If you're not a cereal-in-the-morning person, use muesli as an ingredient in cookies or homemade oat bars.

Available in Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Morrisons, ASDA, Ocado, Amazon and Co-Op.

Angel Delight Bubble Jelly (£2.85 each) is a new product from the Angel Delight range. It's a fun new product, which combines the wibble-wobble wtih boba pearls.

There are three flavours to choose from, and you should receive one of three.

We got Lemonade Jelly flavour with Strawberry Boba, and it certainly delivers a burst of flavours in each bite/slurp.

Nutritional values: 86kcal and 20.8g of sugar per 130g pot; suitable for vegetarians. Keep it in the cupboard, or fridge, if you like it chilled. 

Available in ASDA, Sainsbury's, Morrisons, Ocado.

Whitworths Nutty Kitchen Original Supermince/ or Italian Supermince/ or Mexican Supermince (£3.20) is a new 100% natural meat-free mince.

You should receive 1 flavour of 3. 

We got Italian Supermince, which is made with chopped Californian walnuts, lentils and red quinoa, with an Italian seasoning blend. Use it to make a vegan Bolognese. One pack offers 4 servings.

Nutritional values: 307kcal and 0.59g of salt per 100g.

I didn't cook a Bolognese with it, but mixed with cooked rice and stuffed sweet peppers, which were roasted in the oven. 

Available on Ocado and Whitworths webshop.

What is your favourite product from the latest Degustabox?

Photo diary: Project 365, week 17 2026

I think most days I cook the same dozen meals on a rota, with occasional takeaways, when my guys want a treat. I fancied trying a new twist on a recipe which I haven't cooked in years - crab cakes with a coating of Panko breadcrumbs and crushed crisps. 

You will need two tins of white crabmeat (drained), mixed with 2 eggs, mashed potato (from 1 medium potato), 1/3 cup of Panko crumbs (I used this measure for convenience as it's easier to scoop up the crumbs with the cup), 1 tbsp corn flour, salt and pepper. If you have chives, add chopped chives.

Mix well, roll into balls, flatten a bit - be gentle with the mix, as the patties are quite soft, place in the mix of breadcrumbs and crushed crisps, coat on both sides, and quickly pan fry in oil.

Serve as an appetiser, or light lunch or dinner with salad.

I used Seabrook Tomato Ketchup crinkle crisps, they added some flavour and texture to coating.

The greens on the plate are called Monk's Beard. They were on offer from Ocado. Never tried them before. Basically it's a coastline succulent, similar to samphire. It's OK, I ate it. My guys were not keen. Don't think I will buy it again, but it was fun to try.

 

We watched Greenland 2 Migration with Gerard Butler, and there was a scene when they arrive by boat into the flooded Liverpool. I just had to take a snap for Eddie, who recently visited Liverpool to watch a football game.

Apparently we've seen the first film, though I have completely forgotten about it. I vaguely remembered some scenes, but overall it was a very distant memory. I think it came out during the first year of Covid.

Have you seen Greenland & Greenland 2?

Our local library was closed for refurbishment for almost a year, and now that it is back, I'm trying to visit it at least once every three weeks. It also should help with buying less books (that is, it should in principle, in real life this hasn't solved the problem so far).

The shelf I am drawn to is the British Library Tales of the Weird. I bought several books from the series, and borrowed quite a few from the library. They vary in themes, each volume has a selection of stories on a certain topic.

Roads of Destiny and other tales of alternative histories and parallel realms must be one of the best ones in the series. Absolutely loved the Introduction by Alasdair Richmond, it's superbly written, informative and inspiring. I made a long-ish list of books, mentioned in the Intro, that I would love to read.

Think alternative history, multiverse, where familiar events take a different turn. One of my personal favourites was a short story by Gerald Kersh, called An Undistinguished Boy. It imagines a Nazi-occupied Britain. Poignant and moving, it makes you think.

An excellent collection.

My Mum has been writing poetry since her early teens, both in Russian and Ukrainian. She was in a boarding school in Donbas. Sadly, the town where she grew up, is almost a wasteland now thanks to the senseless war. One of her poems, written in high school, was the winner in the regional competition, and she still remembers that with fondness.

I wanted to translate one of Mum's poems into English. It is very personal. I love it but also feel conflicted about it, as it's meant to be about my father, who I loved very much. They were very different people, quite incompatible, both talented, each of them vivid and creative in their own way.

My darling Dad is gone these past 26 years. 

The poem is quite savage, a declaration of self, fierce and unbending. Trying to keep true to her poem, I kept my translation simple, capturing the mood and sacrificing the rhyme.

The illustration is a reference to her thoughts, galloping like wild Scythean horse.

At the weekend, when my husband is not travelling, we take Sasha out to his favourite cafe, where we often meet a retired American gentleman who loves to chat. 

A couple of weeks ago, while queuing, I asked him what he was reading, as I spotted a book he left on the table when he went for a refill. He told me he's a big fan of John Grisham. 

Then a week later he arrived, when I have already left the guys to enjoy their food and drinks, and gave my husband a bag with two Grisham's books for me. 

At first, I was a bit peeved, as I have so many books to read, including some that I agreed to review for the blog tours. I do appreciate a kind gesture, it's just the timing is not perfect. 

I did a couple of book reviews on my blog in the last week, and decided to start reading The Exchange, which is a sequel to The Firm (love the film, which we've seen many many times, and it's still brilliant, and read a book years ago and enjoyed it too). Now I'm glad that he took the initiative. The book is very good so far.

First week of May, and a new Penandinkchallenge list of prompts. This week's prompts are all about hobbies/pastimes, like knitting, sewing, gardening, etc. I painted my little witch and her chunky cat, in a total yarn chaos.

A wet day. Don't know if it has anything to do with a changing weather and the atmospheric pressure, but I was feeling awful most of the day, with dizzy spells and nausea. Checked the blood pressure a few times, and it was high for me, though not dangerous, according to the online sources. 

Ordered McDonald's for my guys, as I could hardly move around, and ate a bit of soup myself. 

My rhododendron is beginning to bloom. Last year I hardly had any flowers, and this spring it is covered with blooms. It looks pretty with the raindrops.

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Murder in Rome by T.A. Williams

 

"The more I look into this case, the more I believe our killer - or possibly killers - is to be found among the people staying at the castle. As far as I can see, everybody had the opportunity and the means to commit any of the murders... but I'm struggling to find a motive."

Murder in Rome by T.A. Williams is a smashing cozy mystery, set in Italy.

This is book no.15 in the successful Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery. By now I have read most of the books in the series, with an exception of one or two.

If you scroll down to read a short bio, you will see that the author mentions he feels he needs to provide something to cheer his readers up because of so many horrible things happening in the world. And I totally agree with this. In times like these, books that let you escape from the awfulness of the politics around the world (and personal challenges), are a godsend. 

Blurb:

Murder in Rome

The BRAND NEW instalment in the bestselling, beloved Armstrong & Oscar Cozy Mystery.

A road leading to Rome.

Former DCI Dan Armstrong has been living and working in Florence for nearly three years - yet somehow, Rome has always eluded him. That is, until glamorous TV celebrity Tamsin Goodfaith turns up with a request he can't refuse: investigate her uncle's suspicious death in the Eternal City.

Murder at the castle.

Philip Hastings was a billionaire financier, found dead at his magnificent - if slightly spooky - medieval castle in the Roman hills. Dan and his faithful canine companion, Oscar, soon find themselves surrounded by luxury, secrets and more suspects than sightseeing opportunities.

This time it's personal.

But when a second murder follows close behind, the case turns dangerously personal. With whispers of ghosts and crumbling alibis, Dan and Oscar must sniff out the truth before he becomes the next victim. Harder to crack than castle walls - and harder still than stopping Oscar from stealing snacks - this Roman holiday is anything but relaxing.

Former DCI Dan Armstrong has been living in Florence for nearly three years, enjoying good food, better weather and a company of his loyal "colleague" Oscar the lab. 

Somehow, Rome has always passed him by. Until Tamsin Goodfaith, the British TV celebrity, straight out of the survival reality show sweeps into town with a mystery she wants him to solve. She is convinced that her wealthy uncle's death is not an unfortunate accident, as decided by the local police investigation. No further action was taken.

Philip Hastings, billionaire financier, has supposedly died from a fall while staying at his grand medieval castle outside Rome. It's a place full of splendour, with rich history and lots of opportunities for a killer to operate. That is, if there is a killer indeed present, as only Tamsin is certain that Philip's death was not accidental.

Accompanied by his loyal sidekick Oscar, whose main interests are food and more food (and pretty ladies), Dan sets off for the Eternal City.

Castello del Lago looks spectacular and menacing at the same time. "Yes, it was definitely beautiful, but it was also creepy", a bit like a setting for a horror movie.

The castle and its grounds provide plenty of exploring to do, both for Dan and Oscar. 

"...there was an ornate, but forbidding, suit of armour partway along the left wall... holding a vicious spear... As he reached it, Oscar suddenly stopped dead and surprised me by turning towards it and emitting a low growl".

Arriving to the castle, Dan meets the family of the late financier residing there. "By the sound of it, this family had its quirks, and I wondered whether jealousy, greed or plain animosity might have led to the murder of Philip".

He is trying to establish whether the death of Uncle Phil was an accident, suicide, or something more sinister.

And then the second death follows.

Gossip swirls, tempers flare, and alibis begin to crumble faster than the ancient masonry. 

With so many possible suspects to choose from, there is also an additional supernatural element to the investigation. The staff working at the castle hint at the ghostly shenanigans and possible revenge from the disturbed remains of the long gone ancestor.

Will the sleuth duo find the killer? And why is Oscar so unnerved by the antique suit of armour?

After following Dan and Oscar's exploits for a few years, they've become close like good friends, or even family. 

The evocative setting, rich in the historical detail, scrumptious descriptions of food, a delightful side kick, gentle humour - this cozy mystery incorporates all the elements to create a successful story with a masterful final twist. 

Isn't it time for Boldwoods Books to produce a Dan & Oscar cook book, with the recipes of the Italian meals mentioned in the series? 

Murder in Rome is a captivating murder mystery, entertaining, intriguing and enjoyable. 

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/MurderInRome

Author Bio – I’m a man. And a pretty old man as well. I studied languages at Nottingham University a long time ago and then lived and worked in France and Switzerland before going to work in Italy for seven years. My Italian wife and I then came back to the UK with our little daughter (now long-since grown up) where I ran a big English language school for many years. We now live in a sleepy little village in Devonshire. I’ve been writing almost all my life but it was only thirteen years ago that I finally managed to find a publisher who liked my work enough to offer me my first contract.

I started off writing romances but after 28 of them, I knew I wanted to try something different, and so the first of the Armstrong and Oscar cozy mysteries, Murder in Tuscany, was born three years ago. I’ve been having a lot of fun ever since getting to know the dynamic duo (and introducing them to people all over the world). These books are cosy crime [a genre I didn't even know existed when I started writing them). They are murder mysteries, but not gory, over-violent stuff, but stories designed to exercise the brain of the reader and to put a smile on their face. Maybe it’s because there are so many horrible things happening in the world today that I feel I need to do my best to provide something to cheer my readers up. My books provide escapism to some gorgeous locations all over my beloved Italy.

Social Media Links – 

Website: www.tawilliamsbooks.com

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/tawilliamsbooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrevorWilliamsBooks/

Woden's Vengeance by Donovan Cook

 

"He had been told by someone much wiser than him that the past was not important, but Octa used the memory of that fear and his cowardice to drive him forward. To be a warrior worthy of the Saxon people and the gods. They called him Octa the Coward to disgrace him, but Octa took that byname and used it to motivate himself".

"And you are playing with powers you do not understand. Once the fires start, there will be nothing any of us can do".

Woden's Vengeance by Donovan Cook is a fascinating blend of historical novel and action, with the elements of supernatural, set against the backdrop of Britannia.

I vaguely remembered the story of Hengist and Horsa from Geoffrey of Monmouth's account, which I've read many years ago. It was time to revisit the early history of Britain and get re-acquianted with the warlords who changed history. 

Blurb:

Woden's Vengeance

450AD Britannia

The war has begun - a war feared by both men and gods. But will the old give way to the new?

Prince Vortimer has imprisoned his father, King Vortigern - The High King of Britain. With Woden's spear, he believes God has chosen him to lead an army south to banish the Jutes once and for all from Britain's shores. Triumphant after the first battle, Prince Vortimer lays siege to the Jutes, but the war is far from over.

In a desperate fight for survival, Octa and the Jutish warlods, Hengist and Horsa, are trapped on Thanet, their island home, as Prince Vortimer's army surrounds them. With dwindling numbers, their only hope is to send for reinforcements, but winter is upon them, and the journey will be perilous.

In a race against time and his own wishes, Octa leads the expedition to recruit Saxon and Jutish warriors. But will they follow Octa the Coward? To prove himself, Octa must confront his past and seek vengeance on those who wronged his family, all while being mindful of Woden's wrath.

Can Octa stand strong as the fires of war rage around him?

And will warriors pledge their allegiance to a man known as Octa the Coward?

Woden's Vengeance is the third book in The First Kingdom series. It can be read as a standalone (I haven't read the previous books), though I imagine you will understand the dynamics of the storyline and the relationships between the main characters better if you're already familiar with the earlier books.

From the very first page you're plunged deep into action, as the horns sound and men roar on the Thanet Island in the late summer of AD450. Prince Vortimer has launched yet another attack on Hengist and Horsa's Jutes and trapped them on the small island.

Octa the Coward, a Saxon fighting for the Jutes, is holding Gungnir in his right hand. "Gungnir looked like every other spear apart from the two ravens etched into the spearhead, neither looking alike, and the spear's name engraved onto its shaft in runes". This is the legendary Woden's spear.

Prince Vortimer has imprisoned his own father, King Vortigern. Vortimer believes he is the chosen one who has Woden's sacred spear, and is convinced of its divine purpose. His early victories are swift and brutal, and have encouraged him to march south to drive the Jutes from Britain forever.

The Jutes' army led by Hengist and Horsa, is nearly cut off at the sea-lashed stronghold of Thanet. With a fast approaching winter and resources diminishing fast (both human and food), they have to think of their next step, or perish. Their only chance sounds like a desperate gamble. They must summon reinforcements, no matter the cost.

The task falls to Octa, and he is more than just reluctant.

Being mocked as Octa the Coward, he must cross the treacherous sea to rally Saxon and Jutish warriors to come to Britannia with him. But men don't follow those who they perceive to be weak. Octa must earn their respect and loyalty, and to do that he needs to confront his own past and avenge the wrongs done to his family. He has to prove himself worthy not just in the eyes of men, but of gods as well.

And Woden is waiting for him.

As the expanding war consumes the land, the old beliefs are tested in fire, could a coward become a leader?

 

We follow Octa on his journey of redemption and also self-discovery. He is attuned to the voices of the gods and can communicate with them, when they choose to approach him and deliver a message. 

Woden's spear is the serious bone of contention. Even gods cannot agree between themselves, whether Octa should have it, albeit temporarily.

Octa "felt the power of the gods of Asgard flow through it. Gungnir had chased away his fear and had replaced it with a calmness he had never felt before. But there was also a darkness in the spear. Something he sensed every time he killed with it, and he often worried what that darkness would do to him".

Octa struggles to make sense of everything, and especially of the destiny his mother wants for him. What does he need to do to redeem himself, and how far is he prepared to go to restore his name and honour?

Donovan Cook is a splendid storyteller. As much as I am indifferent to the military side of historical fiction, his battle scenes cannot but engage you, literally grab and drag you in the middle of the action and leave you breathless. The sights, and sounds, and even smells are so vividly described, you feel like you're present there as an invisible witness (or perhaps one of the gods who watch from aside).

Epic in scope, vivid and meticulously-researched, Woden's Vengeance is a fast-paced story, which moves effortlessly from one location to another. Enter an early medieval world at your peril!

This review is part of the blog tour for Woden's Vengeance.

Many thanks to Donovan Cook, Boldwood Books and Rachel's Random Resources for my e-copy of the book!

Purchase Link - https://mybook.to/WodensVengeance

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Bookbub profile: @cookdonovanbooks

Author Bio –

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series which combines fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world, and is inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology.  He was born in South Africa and currently lives in Lancashire, UK.

 

Social Media Links – 

Facebook: @DonovanCookAuthor

Twitter: @DonovanCook20

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/DonovanCookNews

Photo diary: Project 365, weeks 15 and 16

Two weeks' lot from me today...

Not sleeping well recently, suffering with insomnia, checking the clock on the side table, oh, it's 2 o'clock, three, four, and I'm still tossing and turning. I've already cut down on the caffeine, only have a cup of coffee in the morning, and just herbal or decaf teas in the afternoon, and it doesn't seem to make any difference. 

It was a quick hail, hitting the garden ruthlessly. I was worried about my lovely tulips, and they did look a bit bedraggled afterwards.

I follow Sacla on Instagram, and saw that they've launched a new product - a lemon pesto. It's available in Waitrose, and I couldn't resist buying a jar. The colour is very pale, so it's hardly visible in the photo, but it's definitely there. Lovely lemony flavour, not too overwhelming. We enjoyed it, and it's something different from the classic pesto. 

A new cafe has opened in town, called Opera. I popped in to check if it'd possibly appeal to Sasha. The menu has some lovely things, sadly the seating looks very uncomfortable, with tables placed too close to each other and a few bar stools by the window. Knowing how Sasha likes to sit in comfy leather chairs, and not jammed between the other people, this will be a No-No from him. 

I did buy four cannoli with pistachio cream. By the time I grabbed my phone to take a photo at home, one of them has "mysteriously" disappeared. Holy cannoli!

I've been watching The Other Bennet Sister on BBC iplayer. Bought the book a few years ago, and still haven't had a chance to read it. Ella Bruccolleri's performance is nuanced and flawless. 

I liked that Mr Collins was portrayed sympathetically. I mean, he is an idiot, but a harmless one, and certainly not a villain. You actually feel sorry for him.

Lilac tree is in full bloom... I found a five-petal flower and ate it for good luck. 

Passing by the butcher's shop in the centre, I saw this board and chuckled at the ScorpiAn.

To paint young Merlin to illustrate a poem, I asked Eddie to pose for me with a towel wrapped round his head like a hood, and took a few photos while he patiently obliged me.

Accompanied my guys to the cafe, and laughed when I saw the design on the cappuccino. I mean, what the heck is that supposed to be? A candle?

Another day, another cafe, with a sad looking pup, wearing a backpack.

Our local yarn group has changed the postbox top again, this time it shows Care bears and a rainbow.

On Saturday Eddie and I went to Oxford, looking for a prom suit. We bought a suit all right, even if it costs an arm and a leg. As it's a slim fit, fingers crossed, he doesn't have a growth spurt until July.

We had a quick bite at Itsu, stopped at Uniqlo and TK Maxx. There is going to be a new Lego store open in May at West Gate centre, and I can't wait.

While at the centre, we visited a small art gallery with artwork by Bob Dylan. There are some striking prints, reminiscent of Hopper.

If I win a lottery, I would buy one of his prints.

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Photo diary: Project 365, week 14 2026

Easter holidays have come to an end, it's back to school and early mornings from tomorrow.

We had a very quiet celebration, just the four of us. I cooked salmon with blood oranges among other dishes (Canadian lobster was pre-cooked and not particularly good). 

For dessert we had an Italian cake Colomba from M&S (top marks) and, of course, chocolate eggs.

 

All the weekend I was listening to Classic FM Hall of Fame, an annual tradition of mine. I forgot to cast my votes this year, doh. They kept remiding regularly on the show, and I thought I still had time, until there wasn't, well, that will teach me to be more organised. There was a bit of a reshuffle among the top three.

My husband left early in the morning to fly to Italy to give a talk and see his parents.

Sasha went out with his PAs, and I had a quick run to the bakery to buy some fresh bread. On the way, I saw some lovely clouds and patterns in the sky.

These squiggles made me think of the music notes.

And this one made me think of a Phoenix or a fire bird, with a long beak and the wings spread widely.

The only photo I snapped on Tuesday was of a Dexter collection at the local Oxfam shop. I actually was looking for any Dick Francis books that I haven't read yet. Eddie read a couple of Dexter books last year, and I sent him this photo, asking if he wanted any of those.

We had a few warm days, and I tried to weed as much as I could in the garden. The blasted ground elder is out again, it is totally indestructible, and a bain of my life. It's a yearly battle which I am always losing.

I've been also clearing the ivy and climbing plants from the stone walls. Last year we hired someone to clear the lot, and it's back. 

I didn't do any sketches the week before, and decided to join in with the Penandinkchallenge this week. This is my illustration of the nursery rhyme to the Moon prompt.

The latest My Waitrose Little Treat is a voucher for a Gü dessert. I fancied trying a new pistachio cheesecake. It is just OK, nothing special, pistachio tastes rather artificial, and I wouldn't be buying it again. I should have got a Gü Zillionaire cheesecake instead, which Eddie likes a lot.

I'm a big fan of Sophie Anderson's books, ever since her first book came out in 2018. I was lucky to meet her in person at one of the book events in Oxford in the pre-Covid days. 

Sophie is a talented author, a wise woman, and a very very lovely person. We keep in touch online. 

I was thrilled to find out that there was a new book going to be published in April. I read the proofs, downloaded from NetGalley, and absolutely loved The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away. It is such a beautiful book. The tale explores themes of death and profound grief, and also acceptance of one's foibles and forgiveness of one's mistakes.

If you enjoy middle grade books, and also stories based on folk tales, I believe you will love it. It's now in the book shops.

Yesterday night Eddie and I had dinner with our friends, while my husband looked after Sasha at home. 

It was a Mexican-themed dinner, with a tortilla made of blue corn, and lots of spices. It was the first time I tried a blue corn product, and hominy too.

A bit too hot for my unsophisticated palate. It was tasty, but oh boy, I needed plenty of sour cream and water. And some Rennies, when I came home. 

What else did I do? I read Proof by Dick Francis. This is the sixth book by Francis that I've read this year, and it's probably one of the two that I enjoyed the most. An original start, albeit on the gruesome side, a great plot and an excellent protagonist. 

I also started reading one of the historical fiction books for reviewing, and I'm slightly regretting it. The book is great, if you enjoy a lot of historical battles, and testosterone-filled atmosphere. It's just I am struggling with it. 

There were too many sweet treats in the last couple of weeks, and I feel I need to go on a diet. 

How was your week?

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Photo diary: Project 365, week 13

 Happy Easter! I'm feeling quite stuffed after a big meal, and a good chunk of a chocolate egg. Hope you're having a relaxed day.

I mentioned in the last week's post about venturing into the craft fair in town and buying a vintage Scottish brooch/pin shaped like a hunting horn, with a little thistle on it. I put it on my coat the next day.

And by now quite a few people commented on it.

A bit of an upheaval during the start of the Easter holidays week. Sasha's PAs arrived on Monday to take him out, one was a totally new guy who has never worked with Sasha before, the other also only accompanied him once before. They were clueless about what they were supposed to do. So I had to give a quick update before they all left. I was anxious that Sasha might get upset. Thankfully, it went OK. 

We have such a fluctuation of PAs, and are never informed in advance who is coming, which is not helpful. I mean, the new person didn't even know that Sasha is non verbal. Not his fault, as he should have been informed earlier what kind of patient he is working with.

From the original team of PAs who started with us two years ago, there is only one left, and even he is not a regular any longer. It would have been better for our boy to have a continuity of care, so that he gets familiar with his team. They are nice guys, very polite and friendly. Not much older that Sasha. 

One of them keeps calling me Mma, which makes me smile. I feel like my favourite character, Mma Ramotswe from the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. 

In fact, right now I am reading In the Time of Five Pumpkins - book no.26 - and enjoying it. By book 26, you know all the characters like your own family. 

Dyed my hair. It had to be done. I'm too lazy to do it more often than once a month. Talked to my Mum, and the first thing she said was, Did you wash your hair? Thanks, Mum, does my hair usually look so bad? 

Ran into town to buy more Easter eggs for Sasha's PAs. I have the chocolate eggs squirreled for my guys, and we've already polished off two boxes of Divine mini eggs (soooo good). 

Treated myself to a Co-Op Neapolitan egg for £3 (it's £7 for non-members, £4.50 for members, plus I had a £1.50 off).

An "exciting" day, as our new recycling wheelie bin was delivered finally on Wednesday. I'm clearly turning into a certain age demographic if the arrival of a wheelie bin makes my day. :)

The previous one was broken by the rubbish collection team four weeks earlier. There must have been something wrong with their equipment, as I noticed a few bins in the neighbourhood with the lids torn off. 

I applied for a replacement, and was told to keep the broken bin outside the front door. Of course, then all the neighbourhood jerks were throing their rubbish in while passing by, including the dog poo bags. How do these people justify putting their dog's mess into someone's recycling bin?! Just want to add, that I love dogs, it's the entitled dog owners that get my goat.

Yesterday I bought a bag of Forest Feast pistachio milk chocolate dates. My darling Sash found it, nibbled all the chocolate and put the dates back in the bag, which made me laugh. I would so love to know what he thinks, "I'll just eat the chocolate, put the dates back, and nobody would notice the difference".

My husband was travelling back from France and asked what to bring for our guys. I told him, anything sweet. And that's the pack of madeleines and macaroons that he brought with him.

When Sasha was out on Thursday with his PAs, we had a quick visit to Huffkins cafe. Eddie's been doing quite a bit of revision during holidays, and we thought he needed a break. 

Our kitchen is built as an extension, and there is a glass dome over the ceiling. I've been looking at the roof and the dome from the bathroom window, thinking it really needs cleaning. One third of the roof was covered with the clematis growing from the neighbour's side, and there was moss too.

I climbed out and did a good clearing, cutting down the branches and sweeping the surface. Good timing, as there was rain in the night. I wouldn't want to walk over the wet roof.

At the moment we have lots and lots of muscari in the garden, as well as some tulips.

Taking Sasha out on Friday. His hair is so long now, but he hates having it cut. I need to find courage and do it. It's going to be stressful for both of us. It's a total sensory overload for him, and quite distressing. He just about allows me to trim his facial hair, so at the moment my big boy looks like Jesus.

What else did I do?

I finished listening to Hart's Ridge by Kay Bratt (free on Audible), which I enjoyed more than I thought I would, and even got the second book in the series, currently on offer.

It's a small town mystery series, with a likable main character, Taylor Gray, who happens to work as a deputy in the local police department. Growing up in poverty, with an alcoholic father, she and her sisters were in and out of foster care. Taylor reaches her dream of working in law enforcement. An only female in the male environment, she is overlooked and jeered at. 

As an older sister, she's been looking after her sisters, and even now feels responsible to care for her dysfunctional family, especially Dad and junkie sister Lucy.

Aside from her personal life story, there is a mystery around a little girl Molly who's been found wandering on her own, and her mother is missing. Taylor is called to investigate where she could come from and how she happened to be left alone.

The narrator Mare Trewathen is pretty good overall, except when she tries to speak for men's characters. I rolled my eyes every time she tried to make her voice sound gruff.

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