“My inspiration tends to come from two words. The two most important words to a writer: What if?”
Welcome
I write mystery novels and short fiction, including the Meredith Island Mysteries.
A question people often ask people who write is How did you know you are a writer? For me, it was as soon as I could pick up a pencil. This is the way I naturally interact with the world: through story and images, symbols and themes, and more often than not, irony. Ursula Le Guin said it best: “But when people say, Did you always want to be a writer?, I have to say no! I always was a writer.”
England is my home by birth, Canada is where I was brought up, and Wales is my spiritual home. I am a lover of singing, history, archaeology, and all things Welsh.
If you’d like to keep in touch with the latest news about my novels, short stories, and appearances, please sign up for my Newsletter.
Latest News
NOW AVAILABLE
the first book in the Meredith Island Mysteries
“If you like a well wrought complex plot with lots of twists and turns; a lovely Welsh setting; attractive and believable characters; an interesting psychological depth, this is the book for you.” — MAUREEN JENNINGS, author of the Murdoch Mysteries and The Paradise Cafe Mysteries
Kate Galway has returned to Meredith Island off the Welsh coast to attend her grandmother’s funeral. At the wake, she’s confronted with the islanders’ suspicion that her Aunt Emma didn’t commit suicide over fifty years ago but was murdered. When she learns that her grandmother’s dying wish was for Kate to uncover the truth, she takes on the daunting task of tracking down her aunt’s killer. Along the way, she must confront not only her family’s dark secrets, but her conflicted feelings about the place which was once her home.
NEW MEREDITH ISLAND BOOK COMING SOON
If you're eager for more adventures of Kate, Siobhan, and the other islanders, A Dark Death, the second book in the Meredith Island Mystery series, will be released in June, 2025. There are teasers about the plot of this book in each of my newsletters. So if you’re curious, go to the Newsletter page and sign up.
Secrets in the Water is featured on the All Lit Up Holiday Reading List
I'm delighted that Secrets in the Water is featured on the All Lit Up Holiday Reading List. Whether you're looking for presents for those special people in your life or a book to read over the holidays, order from All Lit Up and enjoy free shipping Canada-wide + 10% off books in their holiday shop with discount code GIFTGREATBOOKS until November 30 at https://alllitup.ca/all-lit-up-holiday-reading-edit/
UPCOMING APPEARANCES
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 7:30 - 10:00 PM & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, toronto
If you’ve never visited the Toronto Islands, now is the time. I’ll be selling my book at the Algonquin Island Holiday Boutique along with lots of other fabulous creative folks. You’re sure to find Christmas presents for everyone on your list.
Everyone who buys my book or signs up for my newsletter at the boutique will be entered into a draw to win a copy of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
sunDAY, DECEMBER 8, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, toronto
If you can’t get out to the islands, come to the Leslieville Pop-Up Christmas Market at 388 Carlaw Avenue (midway between Gerrard and Dundas). In addition to selling my books, I’ll be teaching a writing workshop to help you shut down the voice of the editor/critic and let your creatively flow. $10.00 for the workshop. Time TGA.
Everyone who buys my book or signs up for my newsletter at the boutique will be entered into a draw to win a copy of Dylan Thomas’s A Child’s Christmas in Wales.
SUNDAY, MAY 4, 2025, 12:50 PM Et (9:50 AM PT), global news BC
I’m looking forward to chatting with the folks at Global News about the Meredith Island Mysteries.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, 7:00 - 8:00 PM, TWUC, Ontario Region, Open Mic night
I’ll be reading from A Dark Death at The Writers’ Union of Canada, Ontario Region Open Mic Night. Open to TWUC members only.
OTHER NEWS
The Beginning
At the age of thirteen, I wrote my first novel about ballet, my obsession at the time.
But I was always drawn to the Agatha Christie traditional mysteries I’d read growing up. The traditional mystery explores the disturbing idea that seemingly ordinary people in idyllic locations are capable of taking the life of another human being.
Given the right circumstances, the retired schoolteacher you pass every morning walking his dog or the young woman who serves tea and cake in your local cafe has the potential to commit murder.