Woodland Daughter in audio

My historical novel Woodland Daughter is now available in audio format such as Mp3 and cds and even cassettes. These can be ordered in by your local library.

The audio book company's website which showcases is http://www.ulverscroft.com/ (you can do a search with my name, etc)
Sadly, I can't get the cover large with it distorting.

blurb;

Throughout her years of devoted service to the Bradburys, Eden Harris has hidden a secret that would affect them all, a secret shared only with her husband, Nathan and her grandfather. But an enemy returns, shattering her world and exposing her secret. Then, robbed of Nathan, she must flee from the country estate. However, her attempt to start anew is not so simple as the past haunts her. Now Eden must gather her strength and look into her heart to accept what the future offers.

A COVERT WAR

My latest book is due out March 31st. I have already had some lovely comments from family and friends who have read it. But as we all know; as much as we appreciate those comments, we would dearly like to see them translated into sales. Anyway, for your delectation the prologue follows:


PROLOGUE

I think that was the moment I realised that I was in love with Shakira. I had known her barely three weeks. It probably happened within days of our first meeting at the Mission. Shakira was such a lively, extroverted character; so full of humour and yet with warm simplicity. I felt a connection with her that is difficult to describe, but one I believe was reciprocated. I knew without doubt that Shakira had warmed to me as soon as we met. There was something in her manner; the way she spoke and reacted to me. I can remember how her face would light up as soon as she saw me and how the atmosphere in a room seemed to change when she walked in; such was the effect she had. I felt the change in me and could see it in others. I loved the way she would throw her head back and laugh out loud at my terrible jokes, showing her beautiful, white teeth. And then she would stop laughing and look directly at me, her lovely eyes softening. And as her laughter died away, so her mouth would change into that wonderful, disarming smile of hers.
I had been working at the Mission for a number of weeks, each day writing up my report for The Chapter on the work that the centre was undertaking. Shakira was the senior administrator there. Because of my project I often found myself in Shakira’s company. In the evenings we would walk up to the high point above the Mission and talk over the highs and lows of the day. We would sit on a fallen tree trunk that had been there for many years. It was divested now of its foliage. It had no branches; they had been lopped off so that it could be used to sit and look over the lovely countryside. The view from there down into the valley was charmingly beautiful, particularly as the sun was setting. As we sat together on that log, it was obvious to me that we were getting closer and I felt, instinctively that Shakira welcomed it.
I can remember when I realised I had fallen in love with her. I had told her one of my ludicrous jokes. I can see her now, tossing her head back, her mouth wide open in that delicious laugh. She had thrown her hands up in the air and slapped them down on the tops of her legs. Her red dress, patterned with large, white flowers seemed to dance like fire in front of me. I was mesmerised and happy that I knew I loved her and that she loved me.
And that was the moment the bullet slammed into me. The impact pitched me forward and sent me sprawling at Shakira’s feet. The sound of the gun came moments later. As I hit the ground I blacked out, but it could only have been for a few seconds because when I looked up I saw Shakira’s lovely face turning into an image of shock and pain. The white flowers on her dress began to change colour as her blood seeped into the dress, and she rolled off the log, falling face down on to the hard, stony ground.
I opened my mouth to call out, but no sound came. I felt a terrible pain in my shoulder where the bullet had hit me, but the pain in my heart when I realised Shakira was almost certainly dead and I was probably about to die was unimaginable. It would be true to say that I wanted to die then; life without Shakira would be so empty.
I remember hearing a great deal of shouting and the sound of gunfire coming from below the slope, down at the Mission. I could hear screaming and the sound of men’s voices. Then the gunfire stopped and I heard the thud of footsteps as the attackers ran up the slope towards us. I lowered my head on to the ground and pretended I was dead. I prayed nothing else would happen.
But something else did happen; something even worse. I felt myself shrivel inside with an inordinate fear because I couldn’t close my eyes; I had to keep them open. Several men appeared. They were all wearing camouflage uniforms and calf length boots. Two of the men stopped beside Shakira and said something to each other in a language that I couldn’t understand. One of the men put his boot on Shakira’s body and pushed her. Then he leaned forward and pointed a gun at her head. He said something and shot her. I can see Shakira’s body jumping now. I see it every night in my dreams; in my nightmares.
The killer walked over to me and pointed the gun at my head. I noticed the little finger of his left hand was missing. Why do we remember such trivial things in our darkest moments? Aren’t we supposed to have no recall of events immediately preceding such trauma? Why wasn’t I allowed to have no memory of what happened? I will never forget it. Never. He laughed and said something in English, and then he shot me.

Listed in America

I received the news from Hale today that my novel, THE THIRD SECRET has been listed in Publishers Weekly in New York. I don't know just how this will affect my sales in America, but it must be good news for Hale to send me a note through the post. Let's hope it's a foot in the door for Michael Parker

Pure Passion - Love Story of the Year

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I am getting ridiculously excited about the upcoming Romantic Novelists' Association Pure Passion Awards Lunch on Tuesday. (The pendant is my commemorative present to myself.)

The awards have generated a lot of interest, as part of which Fair Deception (shortlisted for Love Story of the Year) has received a lovely review from SingleTitles .

Julie says:

Jan Jones writes with such verve and gusto that readers will be thoroughly enchanted by her exciting, enthralling and wonderfully engrossing debut historical romance, Fair Deception! Ms. Jones’ love for the Regency period shines in her writing and she manages to make the past come vividly to life without being didactic or overwhelming. A fast-paced romantic adventure that sparkles with atmosphere, danger, drama, humour and passion, Jan Jones’ Fair Deception is a mesmerizing historical romance in the grand tradition of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer which reader will want to read again and again!

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Sold out or not?

When John Hale told me that my novel, THE DEVIL'S TRINTIY (published 2008) had sold out, I got quite excited. But when he told me he wouldn't be printing any more, I was very disappointed and told him so, but there was to be no change of mind on his part. Then last month, Nik Morton told me that the book was being reprinted according to Hale's website. I checked the site and, sure enough, it said 'reprinting'. I figured that this was a 'catch-all' phrase to say there were no more available but they couldn't very well put 'sold out' on the page. So I ordered one from the Book Depository and it turned up yesterday. Tickled pink? You bet. I haven't asked John Hale if the book is actually being reprinted; I'll just walk about with a smile on my face and wait until my statement turns up next month. I'll probably stop smiling then.

Excellent review of DEATH IS THE CURE

Another Great Review for Death is the Cure at MyShelf.Com - the reviewer is Rachel A Hyde

Death is the Cure Charlotte Richmond Mysteries - Book IIby Nicola Slade

Merry widow Charlotte Richmond has always wanted to see Bath, ever since reading Jane Austen back when she lived in her native Australia. Now she has the chance to do just that, in the company of her best friend Elaine Knightley. They put up at a hotel that caters exclusively to invalids, and discover that their fellow "inmates" are a motley crew indeed. When one of them is murdered Charlotte naturally is keen to discover whodunit, especially when she is sure that at least one person knows about her less than spotless past....This is the second in an utterly delightful new series of Victorian whodunits, featuring a "lady" with a shady past who cannot help encountering dead people and wishing to find out who killed them. From the tongue-in-cheek dramatis personae to the vein of humor that bubbles throughout like a refreshing spring, this is a highly readable and well paced novel that sows the seeds of the third book and leaves the reader eager for more. Ms. Slade is adept at sketching in people and places rapidly and concocting interesting plots, while keeping her feet on the ground regarding a feel for the period. I look forward immensely to this being a long-running series.

Shortlisted for Love Story of the Year!

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I am delighted to announce that Fair Deception has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association 2010 Love Story of the Year Award!

Fair Deception is the first of my Newmarket Regencies and concerns Susanna Fair - an actress who urgently needs a place to hide - and Kit Kydd - a would-be knight errant who badly needs to appear betrothed.

Unfortunately, Susanna's past won't stay conveniently put, Kit doesn't have a let-sleeping-dogs-lie nature, and both of them find themselves becoming enamoured for real.



I'm so thrilled to be on a shortlist that celebrates the best in romantic fiction and am really looking forward to the Pure Passion Awards Lunch in March and all the new readers that the publicity for the awards will hopefully bring in.

Spammers

If you look at the seventh comment my last post, you'll see it's in Chinese or something similar. The only English word there is SEX, so it looks like our blog is being sullied by a spammer.

Prize Guy

It's always nice to get recognition for something, and I achieved that on www.thebookawards.com by winning the book of the month award for January for my novel THE THIRD SECRET. It's ironic really because John Hale told me last year that sales were disappointing. But I'll wallow in glory until the bigger prize comes up: a best seller. If you look at the website, you'll se that you can add your books to the list of nominees. Good luck!

The Other Mr Darcy now on Kindle!

Just wanted to let those of you who are in possession of this marvelous space-saver that The Other Mr Darcy is available internationally on Kindle. This means that those of you who own Kindle can now download it wherever your are, so I no longer need to talk about US editions and UK editions, which is far more democratic, in my mind.

Click here to see more about the Kindle edition of The Other Mr Darcy

Of course, Kindle itself isn't exactly a freebee. For those of you who enjoy the pleasure of holding a solid book in your hand, all the Robert Hale books are available internationally at The Book Despository, with free posting to most countries.

Resurrection?

My second novel. SHADOW OF THE WOLF, which was first published in 1984 by Robert Hale, was released today by Ulverscroft in large print. Although in paperback, it's like having a new book released. When I approached John Hale about the possibility of reprinting the novel, he agreed to try Linford (Ulverscroft). Took him about a week. That's another title for my PLR list.

Secret References

Like Nicola, I enjoy slipping references into my stories. If people spot them, that really delights me. Currently, I'm writing a story set in Brighton in 1814. The Prince Regent holds an evening party at his Pavilion. In real life, if a possibility offered, he would entice a pretty young woman into a quiet room for a bit of dalliance. So in my story he plans to be alone with the heroine. To thwart him, Giles [the hero], places his friend, Ned, in the library. Only... Ned is a poet.

Behind him, he heard a footman yawn. A glance at one of the ornate clocks told him it was very late. There were only a few people left but Ned had still not appeared. Giles found him in the dimly lit library, deep in a book he had taken from the shelves.
'Nothing happened,' he assured Giles, when the latter had succeeded in rousing him from his story. 'Is it time to leave? Pity. This is a damned interesting tale.'
'So I see,' replied Giles caustically, 'Devil take it, Ned, there could have been an orgy in here and you would not have noticed.'

The 'interesting book' is a story by Jane Austen. The Prince Regent was a great fan and kept copies of her books in all his residences.

Because my books tend to have a lot of humour in them, I thought readers might be interested to hear about the little secret references that I sneak into the text!

Something I very much enjoy when I’m reading a novel is spotting little in-jokes and references to other aspects of life. Lindsey Davis does this particularly well in her novels featuring Marcus Didius Falco, the Roman detective and I’ve never forgotten yelling with laughter when I spotted Falco turning down a job offer from some Hebrew slaves who were building the Colosseum. They wanted him to go on a raid in search of The Lost Ark!

Because I find this so much fun I decided to slip in some odd references into my own books. So far, nobody has commented on the allusion to Cold Comfort Farm, in Scuba Dancing, though the use of a phrase from the Chalet School books has been picked up.

In the first of my Victorian mystery series, Murder Most Welcome, I nailed my colours to the mast (so to speak) by calling a main character, Mr Knightley, and keeping a Jane Austen theme running through the book, as the heroine, Charlotte Richmond, is (like me) an Austen devotee. There are also references to places in Hampshire, where the book is set, and local readers have told me what fun it is to watch out for these.

The latest book, Death is the Cure, (number two in the Victorian series) has some Austen mentions as befits a novel in which the heroine sets off to Bath with a friend who is taking the Cure. However, nobody so far has spotted that a famous fictional female turns up in the book, as does an equally famous, but real, historical gentleman.

Borrowing again from Lindsey Davis, I use the slightly archaic device of having a Dramatis Personae or Cast of Principal Characters at the beginning of the novel. Again, this is something I particularly relish when I’m reading for my own pleasure, and in my books it’s been a way of signalling to a potential reader that there is humour in the story. Jilly Cooper has been doing this successfully for years and my reasoning is that if it’s good enough for those terrific best-selling authors, it’s certainly good enough for me!

I’m not giving away all the secrets, allusions and references in my books but would be delighted to hear from readers if they spot them!

A Fistful of Legends

Introduction by James Reasoner, author of over 200 books. 21 new stories of the Old West edited by Nik Morton.

Revenge, retribution, and deceit. Damaged men and sinister night stalkers. Humor, irony, and tears. Bank robberies, showdowns, and lynchings. Tragic doves, plucky homemakers, and gun-toting belles. Birth and death, love and hate….
You’ll find it all here, penned by seasoned Western scribes and a few newcomers, too.
So saddle up for action and adventure … and grab yourself A Fistful of Legends!

Although this book isn’t from Hale, it deserves to receive a mention here for a number of reasons. Many of the writers featured are Black Horse Western authors, and some of their books are highlighted in the author biographies. The dedication is to ‘Robert Hale Ltd, publisher of the Black Horse Westerns imprint, for keeping the spirit of the Old West alive.’ The back pages, besides advertising a number of related western websites and blogs, also advertise six BHWs currently still available from halebooks.com.

As James Reasoner says, 'Western fiction has a tremendous power to entertain... As a reader, I count myself extremely fortunate that there are authors like these to spin such wonderful yarns and provide hours of solid entertainment. And as a Western author, I’m very pleased to count them among my friends and comrades who are upholding a long, proud tradition.'

Large format book, ISBN 978-0-557-19954-9
248 pages
Afterword by Nik Morton
Available on Amazon on 31 January 2010.
http://stores.lulu.com/expresswesterns

Hale take first steps with ePubishing

Recently I interviewed Nikki Edwards for the forthcoming Black Horse weekend on my blog, The Tainted Archive. In the course of the interview some interesting details were revealed about Hale's plans regarding eBooks. Check it out HERE.

The full interview will be posted as part of the Black Horse Weekend starting Jan 29th 2010

First Review for Death is the Cure

The first review for Death is the Cure has arrived and it's a lovely one! Thank you, Geranium Cat (well known book blogger). I'm so pleased she enjoyed the book and very grateful for her perceptive comments.

DEATH IS THE CURE by Nicola Slade
Nicola Slade does atmosphere well; a short way into Death is the Cure I became aware that she had caught the buzz of the Pump Rooms in Bath exactly, and I was there with Charlotte Richmond and her friends as they tried the (revolting) spa waters. Charlotte, a young widow, has accompanied her dear friend Elaine to Bath while she undergoes a Faraday cure, latest in the fashionable Victorian flirtation with electrical treatments. While Elaine is busy “sizzling”, as she puts it, Charlotte is at liberty, guidebook in hand, to explore the town – not so elegant as it had been in Jane Austen’s day, but especially interesting as she hopes there may be clues to her own background. For Charlotte is not quite the quiet and grieving widow she appears to be, but the daughter of a young woman transported to Australia and, while she would like to trace her mother’s origins, she is less than keen that they should be widely known. And she’s not alone – several of her fellow guests at the respectable Bath establishment where they are staying look uncomfortable when the sharp and inquisitive Mr Jonas Tibbins seems to suggest that they might have secrets. Before long, Charlotte stumbles across a body…

Charlotte is a very believable heroine – she is warm, practical, prone to giggles, and thoroughly good company. She’s not above considering her own interests when indulging in a bit of matchmaking, and quite prepared to admit that there are people she doesn’t like; indeed, she is thoroughly pragmatic about the other guests (inmates, as she drily thinks of them) and tolerant of – if amused by – their foibles. She and Elaine are quick to see the funny side, so that you know their company would be readily sought by the other guests – indeed, there is much of Jane Austen about these two women, in their intelligence and humour, but Charlotte is necessarily more modern and resourceful than Lizzy Bennet, used to living by her wits…hmm, perhaps more than a touch of the Heyer heroines, too?

This is the second time Charlotte has appeared – the first was in Murder Most Welcome – and I really look forward to her next foray into detection. With her independent spirit I can see her doing a good deal more travelling, her status as a widow giving her leeway to investigate all kinds of skulduggery, and you can be sure she’ll find allies (and readers!) wherever she goes.

Grindelwald, Tasmania - home to Hale author

About 20 years ago a man named Roelph Vos, a Dutch businessman living in Tasmania, fell in love with Switzerland. But not wanting to move from his adopted country, he decided to build his own little bit of Switzerland – in fact a complete village – in the Tamar Valley near Launceston.



Grindelwald, with its Swiss-style houses, lakes and even a mini Tamerhorn, is still quite a tourist attraction. And this is where I chose to settle when I moved from Western Australia a little over two years ago.

Situated only 15 kilometres from Launceston (90,000 people), it is far enough from the city, to feel like being in the country. And, as it is situated on the top of a ridge, it is well above the mists which drift over the valley in winter.
When I look out of my window and see the early morning sun tinting the clouds, I feel as though I am on Cloud Nine.



As for 2010, my next Hale book is due out in May (FLOATING GOLD – a Horatio Hornblower-type nautical adventure) and am currently researching the life of Tasmanian bushranger, Matthew Brady, with a view to writing about him. I’ve enjoyed the research so much that I've applied to go back to university to study History and Aboriginal studies full time, so that should keep me out of mischief for a while.

So for now, wherever you are in the world, I wish you the compliments of the season and I send my very good wish to you all for a happy, safe and prosperous year in 2010.



Best wishes,
Margaret Muir

PS - Perhaps other Hale authors would also like to spotlight the place they call home

Loren Teague

It is with the greatest of sadness that I give the news of Hale author, Loren Teague's death.


After a courageous battle with cancer, Loren lost her fight, and we lose a treasured person and a gifted story teller.


I received an email from her only a few weeks ago and she was still being positive and excited about her latest book from Hale.



I wish to extend my personal, and I'm sure all Hale authors', sincere condolences to Loren's family and friends at this difficult time.

After Glow
I'd like the memory of me

to be a happy one.

I'd like to leave an after glow

of smiles when life is done.

I'd like to leave an echo

whispering softly down the ways,

Of happy times and laughing times

and bright and sunny days.

I'd like the tears of those who grieve,

to dry before the sun of happy memories

that I leave when life is done

Rest In Peace Loren.

Death is the Cure : an innocent visit to Bath can prove fatal!

Yippee! The advance copies of Death is the Cure arrived today!


Nicola Slade’s new Victorian Mystery – Death is the Cure – is published by Robert Hale Ltd on 31st December 2009

An inquisitive young woman, a swordstick, a wooden leg, a man whose hobby is funerals, a murder and some fearsome-looking electrical medical equipment!

Death is the Cure
Nicola Slade
A Victorian Mystery set in 1858

When Charlotte Richmond's dearest friend decides to visit Bath for medical treatment, Charlotte, a young Victorian widow, is delighted to accompany her. But the spa town turns out to be far less genteel than she anticipates. Their fellow guests at elegant Waterloo House seem to be haunted by secrets and Charlotte is soon embroiled in mysteries, mayhem and murder. When one of the inhabitants of Waterloo House is stabbed to death it is Charlotte who trips over the corpse and begins to ask questions. In the course of her unofficial enquiries her own life is put in peril as she uncovers family secrets and stumbles upon a mystery that could even change the course of history.

ISBN-13: 9780709089551 RRP £18.99
Special Offer @ www.halebooks.com £13.29 (till 31st January 2010)

Fortunate Wager Is Out Today

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I am delighted to announce that my second Newmarket Regency - Fortunate Wager - is out today.

As I say on my website:

Anyone who has read my first Newmarket Regency, Fair Deception, cannot have failed to spot that Caroline Fortune was only being held to secondary-character status by a supreme act of will on the author's part.

In Fortunate Wager (set a year later in 1817), she breaks gloriously free and sets about making the book her own from the very first page. Caroline is under no illusion about her attractions: plain, unbecomingly dressed and with little money, she is resisting all attempts at marrying her off as a housekeeper-substitute - because what she really wants to do is settle down on her own and train horses.

Lord Alexander Rothwell, on the other hand, cannot wait to shake the dust of Newmarket off his Hessians and get back to London. Unfortunately he is stuck here for the moment because he has promised Lady Jersey that he will try to get to the bottom of the double-dealing she claims to be taking place on the racecourse.

He manufactures what he considers to be an excellent excuse to hang around the training grounds, by making a preposterous wager with cub-trainer Harry Fortune (Caroline's brother). This seriously inconveniences Caroline who needs seclusion to help train Harry's string.

But the wager is not nearly as inconvenient as when Alexander is struck down and left for dead at Harry's stable. Now that really does make life trying.

Fortunate Wager is available to order at a reduced rate from the Hale website, but non-UK readers can use the Book Depository for post-free delivery anywhere in the world.

Gary Dobbs Interview

There's an interview with myself HERE regarding both my western and crime writing.

THE ITALIAN AFFAIR by Loren Teague

Placing a pre-publication order for any Hale book through THE BOOK DEPOSITORY means you can secure a big saving on the recommended price and also receive free postage worldwide which represents a significant saving to overseas buyers.

Already advertised on The Book Depository’s website is New Zealand author, Loren Teague’s forthcoming novel, The Italian Affair.
Classed as a thilller, this is Loren’s third book with Hale.

As I thoroughly enjoyed reading Loren’s previous novels, True Deception and Ultimate Betrayal, I look forward to reading this story which is due for release in February 2010.

The story sounds intriguing:
Gina Rosselini, the granddaughter of a wealthy fishing magnate, lives a charmed life until her twin sister, Maria, is shot on her wedding day, and Gina is marked as the gunnman's next target. The Rosselini family hire Rick Caruso, an ex-cop and private investigator, to act as a bodyguard for Gina...but Gina has other plans. A strong, independent woman, Gina has no intention of letting Rick protect her. Then, an attempt on her life changes everything. As the danger escalates, Gina must face her worst fears. Meanwhile, the killer watches her from the shadows, waiting for his moment to strike...

The Italian Affair is currently advertised by THE BOOK DEPOSITORY at 25% discount for pre-publication orders.

Posted by Margaret Muir

E Books

I have been reading the dismal news about e-books. Dismal for non best selling authors like myself because the e-books threaten not only me but publishers too. I think the only people who will reap the benefit of e-publishing will be the top authors and any decent publicist who can persuade the buying public to download his/her client's material. Anyone have any thoughts on the subject?

Mick

FLOATING GOLD - first step in book production

The jacket cover is one of the first things completed in the process of publishing a book. It is required for all pre-publication advertising and promotion.

It's a well used cliche that you can't judge a book by its cover but it's also a fact that a good cover will go a long way to selling a book.

Revealed today is the jacket cover for FLOATING GOLD, Margaret Muir's latest novel due for release in May 2010.

The artwork by Michael Thomas is certainly colourful and will hopefully prove to be an eye-catcher on library shelves.

The Blurb which will appear inside the jacket flap reads as follows:

1802 - The fragile peace with France has brought massive debt and unemployment to England and frustration to its naval officers.

After an enforced absence, Captain Oliver Quintrell is eager to return to the sea, but the commission he is granted leaves him cynical and disappointed. In command of a mere frigate, he heads south unaware of the unimaginable dangers which lie ahead.

The seething Southern Ocean, enemy ships, a discontented crew and the secrets held by a living breathing volcanic island pose more of a threat than a full broadside from a man-of-war.

FLOATING GOLD is a nautical fiction adventure which follows the tradition of the CS Forester and Patrick O’Brian stories.

Margaret Muir (Tasmania)

April And May

When Rose Charteris arrives in Constantinople the last thing she expects or wants is to come face to face with Tom Hawkesleigh, the man who broke her heart four years previously. Worse still, she is forced to work with him on a top secret document for the Sultan. Spied on by all sides, Rose must affect a polite indifference and get the job done.
At last she can return to London but enemies still hope to disrupt Tom’s work and so danger follows her. Rose struggles fiercely to maintain her independence, spurning all Tom’s efforts to help her. Finally when she does realise that she still loves him, it seems she has left it too late to win him back.

The cover is another stunning picture by artist David Young. Sunset over Constantinople - and with a kiosk - what more could I want!