New Posts
Amazon availability: Why my Istanbul thriller “Palladium” isn’t on Turkish Amazon
Amazon availability of my Istanbul thriller “Palladium” is great – except in Türkiye. But – great news – a Turkish-language edition is coming in October.
Kushner and Witkoff in Moscow and Kyiv
President Trump’s envoys seem unlikely to bring about progress in their early-September talks in Moscow and Kyiv. I hope I’m 100% wrong. US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are undertaking a round of peace negotiations in Moscow and Kyiv. Progress seems unlikely. The good news First, the good news. This is the first time that Witkoff and Kushner have
The Three-Body Problem
“The Three-Body Problem” is out on Netflix. Some Chinese critics are reportedly angered by the Netflix series, including its depiction of China. I can see why.
Wodehouse on authors
What are the views of PG Wodehouse on authors? “The Clicking of Cuthbert” reveals how he hated wannabe authors forcing themselves on him.
Russia’s attack on Ukraine: 3 ways it threatens your security
‘If Putin is allowed to break the taboo, which has really been maintained since 1945 in Europe, that you cannot invade your neighbour and steal
Book cover design: Lessons in Diplomacy
Authors, famously, often cannot influence the book cover design of their works. I’ve been lucky with mine.
Travis McGee, loner prototype
Travis McGee, the creation of US author John D MacDonald, is a superb prototype of a loner hero. Lee Child cites him as an inspiration for his solo tough guy, Jack Reacher.
Choosing a safari
Choosing a safari is something most of us are only ever likely to do once in a lifetime, if that. A few tips.
Phineas Finn: The Irish Member
You have to worship an author who wrote: ‘It has been the great fault of our politicians that they have all wanted to do something.’
Prigozhin: “Burnt by the Sun”
Yevgeny Prigozhin, Russian mercenary leader, might have done well to watch, and learn from, the 1994 Russian film “Burnt by the Sun”.
The Tunnel Under the World
The Tunnel Under the World begins with the words: “On the morning of June 15th, Guy Burckhardt woke up screaming out of a dream.”
Christmas books: 5 options
Christmas books: I feel kind of embarrassed pointing you towards these 5 options. If you’ve already read all my books, skip to the bottom of
Ukraine Fatigue
Is the world suffering from “Ukraine fatigue”? It is, and it matters immensely. The security of all of us is at stake: wherever you live.
Deutsche Bahn: Germany in crisis?
Does the chaos at Deutsche Bahn – German railways – show Germany in crisis? What is happening to Europe’s largest economy?
Fighting Terrorism: What Terrorists Want
Fighting terrorism is about more than a tough response. In fact, the tougher your response, the happier the terrorists may be.
The Welsh Secret Service
I don’t usually reveal top secret information on this site. But here, exclusively, I want to talk about the Welsh Secret Service.
Great Expectations
“Great Expectations” is a stand-out Dickens: rich in wisdom, love and astonishing set pieces. It’s also full of great quotations – see here.
Full-time writing: 2 years on
What’s full-time writing like? What are the pitfalls? How do you make the most of it? Reflections from a newbie writer.
PALLADIUM ON AUDIBLE
My Istanbul thriller “Palladium” is on Audible. It’s a cracker! Contact me now if you’d like a free audio review copy while stocks last.
Can You Forgive Her?
Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope oozes sex and politics. It’s funny, moving and enlightening. Read it.
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