Congratulations to Natalie Kleinman, whose second-chance love story, After All These Years, is out out now!
When Guy Ffoulkes walks into Honeysuckle ‘Honey’ Bunting’s tea shop in the little town of Rills Ford, she’s transported back in a flash to her teenage years – and to the pain of first love.
As a young girl she worshipped Guy from afar – but to him, she knows, she was simply his best friend’s scruffy younger sister.
Over the years Honey has poured her energy into her business and caring for her elderly mother, telling herself it’s enough for her. But no man has ever replaced Guy in her heart…
Now, fourteen years on, Guy has returned from Australia, a rich and successful architect, but a lonely man. And when he and Honey reconnect, neither can deny the spark between them.
But Honey’s loyalties are tested to the extreme when Guy reveals the reason for his return…
Does Honey know her old flame as well as she thinks? Will Guy let pride and ambition drive away the only woman he has ever loved?
And as the pair find themselves at the heart of a local scandal, can they find the strength to take a chance on love?
Congratulations to Eric Helm, whose action-packed Vietnam War adventure, Bromhead’s War, is published today!
Bromhead’s War is the thirtieth book in the Vietnam: Ground Zero series: action-packed, authentic historical thrillers set during the Vietnam War.
Republic of Vietnam, 1969
An Army general, on a recon mission near the Vietnamese/Cambodian border disappears when his aircraft is engaged by anti-aircraft fire.
A search using Air Force and Army assets is hastily set in motion because the general has information about planned critical missions.
Men are deployed from a Special Forces camp commanded by Captain Jonathan Bromhead, and he enlists the help of Major Mack Gerber and Sergeant Major Anthony Fetterman.
But Gerber and Fetterman have been given their own secret mission: to gather intelligence about the build-up of North Vietnamese Army forces just over the border in Cambodia.
And when those forces encroach on the camp, the situation suddenly becomes deadly…
Can they recover the Army general? Will the US missions remain confidential?
Or will enemy forces take over the Special Forces camp…?
Congratulations to Raymond Wemmlinger, whose gripping Stuart-era novel, The Queen’s Children, is published today!
England, 1605
Anne of Denmark, Queen of England, gives birth to her daughter Mary, her first child since coming to England in 1603 when her husband James succeeded to the English throne.
Although they would have preferred a son, both parents are pleased the child is healthy, and their courtiers are thrilled with the birth of the first royal child on English soil in nearly seventy years.
The Scottish family has been welcomed by the English and the reign has started out well, despite continuing tension between the Catholics and the Protestants.
Although Anne has enjoyed the opportunities in England for promoting her artistic interests, she feels inferior to James, and finds satisfaction in rearing her four children, in particular her eldest son Henry.
Anne is determined to bring about an engagement for him with the Spanish infanta. But with anti-Catholic sentiment on the rise, it is not necessarily the wisest match.
Anne becomes pregnant again, but almost immediately afterward the news is clouded by the discovery of the Gunpowder Plot, aimed at the near total destruction of the royal family.
The troubling psychological impact on James is enormous, and Anne worries for the stability of their family.
Can she secure a suitable match for Henry? Will her children survive to adulthood?
Or could the Stuart reign already be doomed to fail…?
Twin brothers Romulus and Remus Hutchinson grew up in a proud seafaring Liverpool family. So when war breaks out in Europe, they are both keen to sign up and do their part.
With their parents’ consent, both boys join up on their 16th birthday in October 1939 – Romulus as an RNVR sub-lieutenant on a Royal Navy destroyer and his brother as a deck hand with their father’s employer, John Holt & Company.
But with Romulus’s sadistic training officer seemingly intent on breaking the cadets’ spirits before their careers have even set sail, he struggles with the intense training.
There is no time for doubts, however, as the two brothers are quickly thrown into combat.
With Operation Dynamo around the corner, will the Hutchinson brothers both make it out alive…? Can they make their mark as their forefathers did before them?
Or will the bottomless deep claim yet more victims…?
Following the success of her many historical and mystery romances, including the Lady Fan Mystery Series and The Governess Trilogy, we are delighted to announce that we will be republishing eight backlist tiles by Elizabeth Bailey.
In Elizabeth’s words:
“As a child, I found and read with relish Georgette Heyer’s historical romances. For several years, my parents gave me the latest Heyer as one of my presents at Christmas, thereby ensuring I would bury myself in the book until I finished it. It was inevitable, perhaps, that when I came to write myself, I chose to try my luck with historical romance. It took time, but I was successful at last.
“Of the eight books that Sapere is taking on, almost all feature a hero or heroine disadvantaged in some way. It is an ever-fascinating thing to me how the human spirit manages to overcome all manner of life’s apparent cruelties. Yet these are not necessarily dark tales, although they have their moments. It is the pleasure of writing romance that one’s task is to lead the protagonists through the scary woods and out into the light of happiness.
“I could not have hoped for a better home for these stories than Sapere Books. I’ve worked with them since the publishing house was formed and the editors are both meticulous and sympathetic to the author’s intentions. They are friendly, helpful and supportive. Moreover, Sapere covers are superb! I’m delighted to entrust my books to Sapere’s hands.”
The forthcoming titles are:
A Trace of Memory
A Lady In Name
Friday Dreaming
The Count’s Charade
An Angel’s Touch
The Veiled Bride
The Conqueror’s Dilemma
A Fragile Mask
We are delighted to announce that we have signed a new naval fiction novel set during the Second World War by Anthony Palmiotti.
Anthony Palmiotti
In Anthony’s words:
“When searching for subjects to write about, I look for little-known stories or actions within bigger events that emphasize the strength of character and the contributions made by ordinary people — the individuals that make a difference to the outcome. Invariably, it is the strength of character of the common man or woman that determines the outcome — that makes the difference between winning and losing. It could be a single heroic action or simply a steadfast stubbornness. It might be the will to go on when common sense says this is not a good idea. They are the unknown people who make the seemingly impossible, possible.
“Operation Pedestal was just one convoy in a war that saw hundreds of convoys. Malta was just one island in a sea of islands. What makes these two different is that they faced extreme odds and yet, through a steadfast perseverance, they beat the odds. The citizens of Malta and the common men on the convoys showed an uncommon resolve. They simply did not give up, even when giving up was the smart thing to do.
“My take on Malta during the summer of 1942 and Operation Pedestal is not a history but a novel. A novel allows the writer to get personal. It not only offers the facts, but, hopefully, a feel for what it’s like when ordinary people are asked to do extraordinary things.”
Following the success of The Marwood Family Tudor Saga, we are delighted to announce that we have signed a new Sherlock Holmes-inspired cosy crime series by Amy Licence.
In Amy’s words:
“Tucked away in a sleepy Sussex village, Sherlock Holmes’ great-great niece Charlotte Holmes wants nothing more than to run her antiquarian bookshop in peace and quiet. Divorced, and with her grown-up children having flown the nest, she’s looking forward to reading her way through the shelves, attending quiz nights with best friend Nell, and going out for dinner with handsome lecturer Toby. But then a young woman unexpectedly turns up in answer to an advert she placed for a housemate, whose name just happens to be Scarlet Watson. It seems too much of a coincidence, but when the landlady of the local pub is murdered, the pair team up to solve the crime, and Scarlet’s infectious enthusiasm wins Charlotte over. But is the new arrival all she seems? What secrets is Scarlet hiding?
“A Study in Scarlet is the first book in my new cosy crime series, inspired by the Sherlock Holmes stories. I’ve always loved reading detective fiction and, as an English teacher, I have been reading the Holmes stories with my classes for twenty years. I felt it was a perfect addition to the genre, imagining a modern setting for some familiar devices, swapping the gender of the detective, and keeping a literary twist — my heroine loves reading! Each book is based on one of the original stories and Holmes fans will love spotting the overlap and solving the crime.
“I’m delighted to be branching out with Sapere Books into another genre that I’ve always loved. Books two and three in the series are already planned and ready to be written, with more sleepy village intrigue, plus some local festival glamour, but always remaining true to the Holmes genre.”
Set at the court of King Henry VIII, the series follows the drama and intrigue at the heart of the Tudor court.
In Amy’s words:
“I’m really excited to be publishing the next instalment in Thomasin Marwood’s journey with Sapere Books. Readers of the series will recall her turbulent experiences at the court of Henry VIII in the 1520s. The young Thomasin arrived aged seventeen, fresh from her Suffolk childhood, to navigate the various intrigues and romances of court life. She is dazzled by the elegance of Anne Boleyn, before she finds a place in the household of Catherine of Aragon. Watching the royal marriage unravel, Thomasin becomes close to her mistress, who trusts her implicitly, whilst trying to protect her own heart from the handsome Rafe Danvers and other suitors.
“Now, two years later, the eagerly anticipated Legatine Court is about to open at Blackfriars, to test the validity of Henry and Catherine’s marriage and hopefully bring them all some resolution. Not all is as straightforward as it seems, though, as friends and lovers just as quickly turn into enemies, and long-term scandals in the Marwood family threaten to re-surface. Then there is Thomas Cromwell, keen to do Henry’s bidding, leading to some dangerous clashes with Thomasin’s father.
“I love writing the Marwood series, with all the colour, textures and details of life at the Tudor court. It’s the closest we can come to travelling back in time there ourselves. When I was planning this series, I wanted to create a heroine outside the cast of usual characters, a complete outsider with whom the reader could identify, and set her within the dynamic of known individuals like Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon. There must have been many similar silent witnesses to the crucial events of the 1520s who have gone unnamed and unrecorded, so Thomasin also represents them.
“There’ll be some twists and turns in this book, but it’s building towards a mid-series mini-conclusion, with both Thomasin and her cousin Ellen settled by the end. I thought it time to give them both some happiness at last, after everything they’ve been through. After that, I hope to give Thomasin a little breathing space, then bring her back to court in 1532, for Book Six. She will find herself at Anne’s side through the coming years, as a witness to her queenship and downfall.”
To keep up to date with Amy’s latest releases, visit her website.
We are thrilled to announce that we have signed a new historical mystery series set in eighteenth-century France by Cheryl Sawyer.
Cheryl Sawyer at the Château de Breteuil with a contemporary portrait of Émilie du Châtelet
In Cheryl’s words:
A cavalier of the Maréchaussée, the French military police, in the early 1700s
“It’s 1735 in the remote Champagne province and a cavalier in France’s mounted police force must investigate a murder at the chateau of Cirey, where the scandalous Marquise du Châtelet is sheltering Voltaire. How could a lower-class gendarme solve major crime in a society where aristocrats held all the power?
“That very question sprang to mind when I visited beautiful, secluded Cirey during my research into Émilie du Châtelet, a brilliant physicist of the Enlightenment. A lone military policeman would struggle to do his duty in this privileged locale, even if Voltaire himself were a likely suspect.
“That is how Victor Constant and his first challenging investigation came to life. I had eight historical novels published in several languages, but this was my first crime story and I sought seasoned opinion. Peter Lovesey wrote to me: ‘Marvellous tensions between the great free-thinker and Victor Constant, the book’s hero. The story dazzles and beguiles and the setting is pitch-perfect.’ The novel went on to be longlisted for awards by the Historical Novel Society and the American Library in Paris, and readers have since called Victor ‘the Jack Reacher of the eighteenth century’.
“I am delighted that Sapere Books have chosen Murder at Cirey to lead this series and thrilled that Victor Constant persists in battling injustice within the rigid society of the Champagne. The new titles are Death in Champagne and Murder on High. A huge thank you to the Sapere team for launching this adventurous series!”
“The first book in the series is set in London in 1854. Jack Moon is a foundling, brought up in an orphanage and then a workhouse, where he and his best friend Danny are subject to regular beatings. Together they escape, but when Danny dies in tragic circumstances, Jack secretly buries his friend in a cemetery at night.
“Alone and living in a deserted and rat-infested warehouse, Jack starts seeing Danny’s ghost, who warns him that someone is out to kill him and worse, the girl he loves, too. This is Victorian London, with its criminal underworld, body-snatchers, phrenologists, séances, ghosts and ghouls.
“I am delighted to be writing another historical series with Sapere Books, who have permitted me to set my stories in a variety of times and places, from ancient Egypt and medieval England to a contemporary Scottish island. My new mystery series delves into the occult and the psyche of the Victorian mind. It is murky, sinister and just a little bit scary.
“At the end of the 1980s and at the beginning of the 1990s, the world moved close to a world war that could easily escalate into a thermonuclear exchange that would end modern civilization. There were those who wished for nothing more because they believed it would thrust them to the top and in control of the world. And there were those who wanted to prevent that. Their purpose wasn’t always altruistic, but that goal matched their own climb to power. It is into this world that the characters in this series move, serving on every continent and sailing all the oceans, dealing with those problems.
“The characters are military and civilian, members of the media, and those with an academic frame of mind. Each brings an interesting take to the problems of trying to prevent a world war, except for one nation whose leaders believe such a conflict would benefit them. These are unique situations that require unique solutions. This is a tale told on the world stage with players at nearly every level of society.
“Sapere Books have been very good to me. The packaging of my Vietnam Ground Zero series has been perfect. The enthusiasm with which the books have been received has been wonderful. Sapere is a great publisher who have looked out for my best interests. Everyone seems to be excited by the various projects that I have suggested and there is no pressure to crank out a book quickly. They let it evolve naturally, which I believe makes the books that much better.”
1943
Sisters Anna and Jennifer Nightingale are recruits in the top-secret Siren Squadron: a group of women trained in the RAF to fight against the enemy.
The Sirens are tasked with flying a series of night stealth missions as part of Operation Scorpion. The first mission is successful, and on returning to base they are told that new members will be joining their ranks.
Hopeful that this means the all-female squadron has been deemed a success, the sisters welcome the new recruits and start training them on the Mosquitos.
They head out on another night mission. But this time not everyone returns.
With a downed plane found empty off the English coast, fears grow that one of the Sirens hasn’t survived.
But the show must go on. And Anna Nightingale has to destroy the crashed plane so the Sirens can remain classified.
As their night missions continue, increased skirmishes with enemy pilots suggest someone may be leaking information to the Germans.
Have the Sirens been compromised? Can they find the mole?
Or will these daring female agents be forced out of the war…?
We are delighted to announce that we have signed a new series by Angelina Hill, which follows the fortunes of a female pirate across the high seas.
In Angelina’s words:
“I’m excited to introduce my new series Freedom’s Curse, about a woman who wants what men in 1605 take for granted — freedom.
“After ten years at sea on a merchant vessel, Augusta has almost perfected the art of sailing and passing as a man. But when the crew discovers her true gender, she’s abandoned at port and forced to join the deadliest profession — piracy. Aboard a new ship, posing as both a man and a pirate, she must discover who she is, what she wants most, and what she’s willing to sacrifice to get it.
“Along the way, Augusta is surprised to find a father figure in the captain, a lover in the first mate, and a friend in an Algerian courtesan — all while she strives to outwit and outfight her brother as he chases her across the world in an attempt to bring her back to where he believes she belongs: home.
“Sapere Books is the perfect home for my Freedom’s Curse series, and I look forward to working with the team. When I first met Amy Durant at the Historical Novel Society conference, she said she was looking for a historical nautical series with a strong female lead and a dash of romance. My jaw dropped, and I almost hugged her as I exclaimed, ‘You just described my series!’”
As she is seventh in line to the throne, sixteen-year-old Lady Margaret Clifford knows her marriage should be an important one. Which is why she is shocked to learn her father has agreed to entertain a proposal from a mere knight.
Sir Andrew Dudley is a court favourite and joins the ranks of the Duke of Northumberland’s family who are attempting to secure politically advantageous marriages. His nephew, Guildford Dudley is recently married to Margaret’s cousin, Lady Jane Grey, and with the boy-king Edward VI failing to secure a marriage of his own and produce an heir, it is clear the Dudleys are plotting a path to the throne.
All is flung into turmoil when the king dies and the attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne is foiled. Instead, Catholic Queen Mary takes the throne and Margaret is sent to court as one of her ladies-in-waiting.
With the Dudleys’ fall from grace, Margaret is relieved that Sir Andrew’s proposal is off the cards, though she is still keen to secure herself a match befitting her royal heritage.
But first she must win the favour of the new queen. And with Queen Mary fearing rivals to her throne, that is not an easy task…
Can Margaret steer clear of the political machinations at Court? Will she strengthen her ties to the English throne through marriage?
“It’s so good to be in a relationship with a publisher who likes what you write, and encourages you to write more of it. A marriage made in typescript, so to speak.
“Some years ago, Publishing Director Amy Durant liked my idea of viewing English history through the eyes of ordinary folk, beginning with the conquest of England by William of Normandy in 1066. This became The Medieval Saga Series, which followed the fortunes of several fictional families over two hundred years, ending with the death of Simon de Montfort in 1265.
“I had also written a Tudor series for Sapere that began with the life of Henry VII, who became king in 1485, and ended with the reign of Elizabeth I. As I looked wistfully at the remaining gap of over two hundred years, I couldn’t help wanting to write about that period. ‘Go for it’ was Amy’s response, and The Plantagenet Series was born. It will span from 1265 to 1485, and will involve later generations of the fictional family that readers first met in 1066. When completed, Sapere will have published a novel of mine featuring every English ruler from Harold Godwinson to Elizabeth I. That’s what I call an enduring marriage!”
Recently returned from the Mediterranean theatre, fighter pilot Gus ‘Bouncer’ Beamont is promoted and offered a posting to a secret Special Operations Executive outfit that flies dangerous night missions over occupied France.
After training, Gus leads Polish SOE mission, Operation Lódź. But the operation is a disaster, as German troops were waiting for the agents to parachute in.
The Poles place the blame on London, insisting there is a traitor at large.
And when Gus’s plane is intercepted by German’s during another mission, he thinks they might be right.
To escape, Gus is forced to crash land in Occupied France where he is picked up members of the French Resistance.
But will they be able to get him to safety?
Who is tipping the Germans off? Is it someone high up in charge of special operations?
We are thrilled to announce that we have signed the first three books in Kristi Ross’ new Scottish Queens series.
Kristi Ross with Bolt
In Kristi’s words:
“My new series brings to life the untold stories of Scotland’s Stuart queens. While the histories of queens in England, France, and much of Europe are well documented, these Scottish queens have been mainly forgotten — until now.
“In this series, readers will explore the compelling journey of Queen Joan Beaufort, niece of King Henry IV and cousin to King Henry V, who enters Scotland as the wife of King James Stuart I after he was held prisoner by her English family for eighteen years. Her tale is one of true love, resilience, and determination as she navigates her husband’s assassination, becoming the first dowager queen of Scotland in over a hundred years.
“We also delve into the story of Queen Euphemia Ross, whose life begins as King Robert Bruce I’s ends. Her rise from noblewoman to queen consort is a testament to the position of pawn that high-ranking women played. As the second wife of King Robert Stuart II, Euphemia constantly defends her children’s succession rights against rivals and navigates the complex dynamics of her husband’s family. Readers will also meet her daughter-in-law, Queen Annabella, born into the powerful Drummond clan and niece to King David Bruce II’s second wife, Queen Margaret Drummond. Annabella takes the reins of the kingdom when her husband, King Robert Stuart III, is incapacitated, showcasing her leadership and strength in crisis.
“Working with Sapere Books is a perfect match, as their commitment to historical fiction and their passion for bringing forgotten stories to light resonates deeply with me. These women had little control over their destinies, yet their strength and adaptability are fascinating. It drives me to tell the world their stories so that their legacies are remembered.”
Sherlock Holmes and the Cabinet of Wonders is the eighth novel in the Early Casebook of Sherlock Holmes series.
1878
Sherlock Holmes is in a slump of despair and self-doubt following his recent encounter with his brother Mycroft and his good friend Mr Stamford is determined to snap him out of it.
When Stamford hears of a new show being put on at the Egyptian Hall Theatre, he brings Holmes with him for a night of diversion.
But for Holmes, the outing leads to something much more stimulating…
A few days later, a corpse is found inside the cabinet used for one of the conjuror’s acts at the theatre, and at first it appears the death was accidental.
But Holmes soon realises it was the result of something more sinister. And lurking beneath the surface of the magician’s code of conduct is a murky world of false identities and professional jealousy.
There are secrets in the world of illusion that people would kill to keep hidden…
And if they are not careful, Holmes and Stamford could be the next targets…
We are delighted to announce that we have signed Anthony Palmiotti’s American Merchant Marine series set during World War II.
Anthony Palmiotti
In Anthony’s words:
“Thank you, Sapere Books, for allowing my series to sail on.
“World War II was, perhaps, the most dangerous of all times for American Merchant Marines and British Merchant Navy seamen. Particularly in the early years, these civilian seamen had less chance of surviving the war than their comrades in the traditional military services. The series starts just as things are heating up when a young third mate, Patrick Welch, joins the tramp freighter Arrow. Throughout the first three books in the series, Patrick, and the crew of the Arrow, deal with Nazi U-boats, unforgiving weather and are part of a little-known rescue of Norwegian civilians from the far north.
“The goal of these novels is to highlight the contribution and sacrifice of these civilian warriors. And, of course, tell a good sea story!”
We are delighted to announce that we have signed the ‘Anne Boleyn Chronicles’ by Rozsa Gaston.
Rozsa is the author of the Anne of Brittany series — an enthralling historical series set during the French Renaissance.
In Rozsa’s words:
“My new series tells the tale of Anne Boleyn’s years abroad before joining Henry VIII’s Tudor court. Set in the years 1513–1522, the story begins in the Netherlands at Margaret of Austria’s Burgundian-Habsburg imperial court.
“We see Anne grow from girlhood to womanhood as one of Margaret’s eighteen maids of honour. Facing the challenges of cliques and envy, she navigates court life by learning to fit in even as she longs to stand out.
“We then follow Anne to France, where she serves first Mary Tudor, then French queen, Claude of France, and finally, the French king’s sister, Marguerite d’Angoulême.
“After six years in France, Anne attends the summit of the Field of the Cloth of Gold where she realises the advantages that might await her at the Tudor court as an Englishwoman with French sensibilities. The series culminates in Anne’s return to England in the first months of 1522, fully armed with Continental flair, Reformist ideals, and a drive for self-determination fuelled by the new learning of Renaissance humanism.
“I am delighted to work with Sapere Books, with their strong commitment to historical fiction and historical biography. The team comes highly recommended for their personal touch, and I look forward to working with them to bring to readers Anne Boleyn’s formative years in a series that both informs and entertains.”
Set in 1960s London, Simon Michael’s Charles Holborne Legal Thrillers follow a barrister with a tough past as he becomes embroiled in dangerous cases.
The first nine books in the series are already published, and we are delighted to announce that we have now signed up the tenth instalment.
In Simon’s words:
“I’m absolutely thrilled to be publishing my tenth Charles Holborne legal thriller with Sapere Books! When my previous publisher went bust four books into the series I feared my writing career had hit another brick wall, but Sapere were absolutely brilliant, offering to republish the first four books and continue with the series. Five years later, book 10 is taking shape. Regular readers will be aware that having worked throughout the 1960s, in Nothing But The Truth Charles’s nemeses, the Kray twins, were finally outwitted. Nonetheless, there are still plenty of evil men and topical social issues for Charles to confront. Thank you, Sapere!”
Congratulations to Isolde Martyn, whose enchanting medieval romance, The Lady of Mirascon, is out now!
1208
When cruel King John makes advances on her, young Adela de Whitchurch is forced to flee her comfortable position as hairbraider to the Queen of England.
After stowing away on a ship, Adela finds herself in France. Surviving on her wits and courage, she is soon accepted into the retinue of Lady Alys FitzPoyntz — a noblewoman who is on her way to meet her betrothed, Lord Ricart, Vicomte of Mirascon.
On the journey, disaster strikes when the party is attacked by brigands. As one of the only survivors, Adela decides to make her way to Mirascon to deliver Lady Alys’s jewels to Lord Ricart and throw herself on his mercy.
But when the vicomte mistakes Adela for his betrothed, she is swiftly pulled into a web of deception. With Mirascon threatened by the Pope’s brutal crusade against heretics, Lord Ricart is occupied with protecting his people, and Adela is unable to find an opportunity to tell him the truth.
And as she begins to fall for his charm and passion, she wonders whether she will ever summon the strength to leave his side…
Will Lord Ricart discover Adela’s true identity? Can he return her love?
Congratulations to Elizabeth Bailey, whose page-turning Gothic mystery, Nell, is out now!
Nell is the second book in the Governess Trilogy: heart-warming Regency romance novels with strong female leads.
1795, England
Nell Faraday has grown up at the Paddington Charitable Seminary for Indigent Young Ladies and now, like her two best friends Prudence and Kitty, she is ready to take up a position as a governess.
A star pupil, Nell prides herself on her common-sense and practicality. But when she arrives at Castle Jarrow, the imposing abode is enough to test even the steadiest of nerves, and the brooding man in charge of it is enough to test the firmest of hearts…
Lord Jarrow is a widower with a young daughter, Hetty, who Nell is to be in charge of, but it is soon clear that Nell’s job will not be an easy one.
Dark secrets lurk within the walls of the castle, secrets that could threaten the safety of its inhabitants.
Will Nell’s steadfastness keep her from fleeing? Can she earn the trust of Lord Jarrow?
The series follows the espionage adventures of Tom Walsingham during the Elizabethan era in Tudor England.
In C.P. Giuliani’s words:
“Tom Walsingham sleuths on! I’m thrilled to have signed up three more adventures featuring my Elizabethan detective and spy with Sapere Books. I have great plans for Tom. He will be tasked with recovering a misplaced foreign ambassador — whose mission could change the course of Anglo-Spanish relations; he’ll become involved in a personal investigation when death strikes at his family home, Scadbury Manor; and poor Tom will find himself in prison when his money troubles and Sir Francis Walsingham’s plans collide. Plenty of mysteries and dangers lie ahead for Tom!
“I’m really happy to be working with Sapere, whose welcoming and stimulating atmosphere and competent, friendly and helpful team have made (and are making) my publishing journey a truly lovely adventure.”
“My new series features Detective Winter Cooper of Scotland Yard and is set in the 1950s.
“Detective Cooper’s first case is based upon a real event, the Eastcastle Street robbery — Britain’s biggest cash-in-transit hold-up at the time. In May 1952, robbers used two cars to sandwich a Post Office van in London and escaped with mailbags containing £287,000 (estimated to be worth approximately £8,500,000 today). It was a case that shocked the nation and embarrassed the Government, with Prime Minister Winston Churchill demanding daily updates from the Police Commissioner. Despite the involvement of over a thousand police officers, and the offer of a £25,000 reward, no one was ever caught.
“This is my take on that case, and while it is a deviation from my contemporary novels, I hope readers will embrace Winter Cooper with the same enthusiasm that I have put into creating him and this new series.
“Working with Sapere Books again was an easy decision to make. Over the past five years, they have given me so much support as a writer and I cannot thank them enough. When I ran the idea of this new series past them, their backing was unflinching.”
Congratulations to D. R. Bailey, whose exciting aviation adventure, Tip and Run, is out now!
Tip and Run is the sixth book in the Spitfire Mavericks Thrillers series: action-packed novels set during the second world war and featuring a team of vigilante pilots.
Winter, 1942
Flight Lieutenant Angus Mackennelly and his team of Mavericks are informed that a new kind of raid is being perpetrated by the Luftwaffe nicknamed a ‘Tip and Run’.
The planes arrive over the Channel, flying extremely low to avoid radar detection, drop bombs and make a quick getaway. These nuisance raids are designed to disrupt the allies and keep their defences on high alert.
Angus takes a trip to the site of the most recent bombing to see if he can discover more about it. And he makes an extraordinary find – a flat piece of stone with an Ace of Spades playing card attached. This was undoubtedly the calling card dropped by the pilot.
Angus is convinced that the same pilot will try again, and he makes it his personal mission to catch the ‘Ace Raider’.
So begins a deadly game of cat and mouse between the Mavericks and the Luftwaffe invaders.
Who will emerge victorious? Can Angus track down and defeat the raider?
Or will the German Ace lure the Mavericks to destruction…?
Congratulations to Graham Brack, whose absorbing historical adventure, The Moers Murders, is out now!
The Moers Murders is the eighth historical murder investigation in the Master Mercurius Mystery series: atmospheric crime thrillers set in seventeenth-century Europe.
1688, The Netherlands
Master Mercurius has just settled back into his life as a lecturer at the University of Leiden when he is once again summoned by the Stadhouder, William of Orange.
A message from William is never good news, but he is not a man you can say no to.
So Mercurius finds himself once again uprooted and at the centre of dangerous political plot.
William has decided it is time to expand his empire and launch an attack on his nemesis, the French King Louis XIV. And to keep the element of surprise on his side he has decided to march through Germany.
To keep the Germans from blocking him, William has decided to make use of Moers, the German stronghold he inherited which he is allowed to occupy and arm. But he needs someone in control there.
And that is how Mercurius finds himself as the newly appointed Governor of Moers.
William has promised that Mercurius will be executed if the secret plan is discovered, so can the Master keep it under wraps? Or will he be facing the hangman’s noose…?
Congratulations to Eric Helm, whose thrilling Vietnam War adventure, Proxy War, is published today!
Proxy War is the twenty-ninth book in the Vietnam: Ground Zero series: action-packed, authentic historical thrillers set during the Vietnam War.
Republic of Vietnam, 1969
The American government has known for a long time that there were Soviet advisors in North Vietnam, but now it seems they are ready to strike.
Intelligence has been gathered suggesting that Soviet fighter pilots have engaged in aerial combat with American Air Force and Navy pilots.
As of yet the Americans have not retaliated, as the UN is terrified of the Vietnam War escalating into a global nuclear disaster.
But the Soviets have been spotted engaging local Vietnamese troops and it seems they are readying for an attack.
U.S. Army Special Forces Major Mack Gerber and Sergeant Major Anthony Fetterman have been on light duties in Vietnam, during a relatively peaceful period in the war.
But after a visit to a Special Forces Camp, they are told that the enemy have been increasing their assaults on the base.
What are the Soviets planning? How large is their army?
Can the US Special Forces stop their deadly attack…?
Congratulations to Alistair Forrest, whose epic Roman adventure, Vipers of Rome, is out now!
42BC
Two years on from Julius Caesar’s assassination, his successors still crave vengeance. The massed legions of the new Caesar, Octavian, and Mark Antony face off against Cassius and Brutus at Phillipi.
Leading the charge for New Rome are primus pilus Titus Villius Macer and his optio, Crispus.
Their heroics come to the attention of Octavian’s spymaster, Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, who recruits them for his Viper network of spies.
Their mission: Return to Titus’s native Sicilia to gather intelligence on its current ruler, Sextus Pompey.
But when Titus and Crispus arrive in Sicilia, they find much has changed while they’ve been fighting with the Fifth Legion.
The woman Titus came home to marry has grown cold and he must face up to domestic troubles while trying to help Agrippa restore Sicilia to Roman rule.
Suspecting a plot to assassinate Rome’s new rulers, Titus will face savage sea warfare against the local pirate fleet.
Can he uncover the deadly plot? Will he save another Caesar from assassination?
And can he save his family from the ravages of war…?
The winners of Sapere Books’ second writing competition have now been announced. Sapere Books pitched six briefs that writers could choose from for their entries, ranging from naval thrillers to Gothic mysteries. The winners have now been chosen – one for each of the six categories – and they have been offered a five-book contract to turn their pitches into a series.
Top row: Jennifer Bruton, David Clensy and Lucy Smith. Bottom row: Jonathan Eyers, Clare Hawkins and Julian Barr.
Amy Durant, editorial director, said: “We had an unbelievable response to this year’s competition with an incredibly high standard of entrants. It was not easy, but we picked our winners due to their clear knowledge of the period they were writing in and brilliant storytelling that left us all wanting to read more. We are very excited to be adding so many talented writers to our Sapere family.”
The Bletchley Park Codebreaker series brief was won by debut author Jennifer Bruton. Jennifer said: “The courageous contributions of the women at Bletchley Park have long held a special place in my heart. To be able to share their story in collaboration with a publisher like Sapere Books is a dream come true.”
Assistant editor Matilda Richards said: “Jen’s brilliantly authentic entry not only provided a detailed description of what Bletchley Park was like for the codebreakers who worked there during the Second World War, but also captures the horrors of war for the soldiers fighting on the front line.”
The World War Two Naval Thriller series brief was won by indie author David Clensy. David said: “I am delighted to be working with Sapere Books on this series, which will allow readers to immerse themselves in the kinds of extraordinary experiences endured by our Royal Navy and Merchant Navy sailors during the Second World War. It is an honour to have this opportunity to commemorate the dedication of a generation who served our nation so valiantly.”
Editorial assistant Claire Smith said: “David’s inspired use of twin main characters joining up to the Royal and Merchant Navies is a fantastic way to explore the thrilling action and perils faced by both services during the war.”
A series chronicling the lives of England’s Medieval Queens has been won by debut author Lucy Smith. Lucy said: “I’m delighted to have been selected by Sapere to write a new series about England’s medieval queens. I can’t wait to immerse readers in the fascinating medieval era and tell the stories of the remarkable Plantagenet women.’
Assistant editor, Natalie Linh Bolderston, said: “Lucy’s submission pulled me straight into the knotty intrigues of medieval Europe. Eleanor of Aquitaine is such a compelling historical figure, and Lucy has done a fantastic job of capturing her cleverness and defiance.”
Non-fiction writer Jonathan Eyers has been chosen to write the fictional Age of Sail naval series. Jonathan said: “I am very pleased my new series will set sail with Sapere Books. I can’t wait for readers to follow Midshipman Newt Beresford across the oceans, into the heart of battle, and up the ranks. I can only hope his adventures are as thrilling and fun to read as they are to write.”
Matilda Richards said: “Jonathan’s well-researched submission showed a passion for the era and a good insight into life aboard ship during the eighteenth century. I’m excited to read more!”
Fantasy author Julian Barr is the winner of the King Arthur Origins brief. Julian said: “Combining historical grit with the otherworldly, the Arthurian Chronicles captures the tragedy and epic scope of this timeless myth. The series situates the legend in sixth-century Britain, following Arthur as he rises from beer-swilling mercenary to true nobility. It’s an honour to work with Sapere Books on bringing the series to life, and I am very grateful that they selected my pitch.’
Editorial assistant Helen Jennings said: “As soon as I started reading Julian’s submission I was immersed in Arthur’s world. His knowledge of Arthurian legend shines through in an exciting series proposal, and his storytelling is vivid and compelling.”
And finally, historical novelist Clare Hawkins is the winner of the Gothic Houses brief. Clare said: “I was delighted to have my entry selected. I love writing to a brief that offers plenty of scope for creating unique plots and characters in engaging historical settings.”
Natalie Linh Bolderston said: “Reading Clare’s submission, I was struck by the strength of her voice and how deftly she planted the seeds of the central mystery. With Clare’s shrewd sense of pacing and her close attention to her story’s setting, it is clear that she has a gift for creating a sinister atmosphere.”
Runner-up spots have also been offered to the following authors, with the prize being three-book contracts to work on a new series: Lynn Bryant, Melanie Golding, Philippa Elliott, Claire Dunn, Christopher Cevasco, Megan Clarke, Samantha Wilcoxson, Jules Larimore, Laura Karim and Carlo Gibbs.
Congratulations to C. P. Giuliani, whose gripping espionage thriller, A Snare of Deceit, is out now!
A Snare of Deceit is a page-turning adventure set during the Elizabethan era in Tudor England. It is the fifth book in The Tom Walsingham Mysteries series.
London, 1587
A new year is being celebrated at Greenwich Palace, but not everyone is in the mood for rejoicing.
Mary Stuart, the imprisoned Queen of Scots has been officially declared a traitor. But Queen Elizabeth is reluctant to sign the death warrant and her mood has been downcast, even in the middle of the festivities.
And the night is soured further when one of the performers is found dead in the tiltyard.
The show must go on, but Tom Walsingham, spying for his cousin Sir Francis, stays behind to investigate. The dead man was no ordinary player, but a man called Jack Perkin, who Tom knew was meant to be passing information to the queen’s confidants about a plot against her life.
With Perkin’s death unlikely to be an accident, Tom feels the danger of the murderous plot escalating out of control. And the player was killed before he could pass on his warning.
But that would place the murderer at court. And dangerously close to the queen…
Can Tom find the killer? Will he uncover the deadly plot?
Inspiration can come at any time of the day or night, but I find that the small hours are awash with ideas — plot lines, character development, a resolution to a particularly tricky scenario — so it is important that I keep a notepad and pencil by the bed. It may be old-fashioned but it is also reliable and has the advantage of not involving bright screens.
Frustratingly, come morning, I cannot always decipher what I have written down, but sometimes there are gems. These may be character or plot evolution, or perhaps just phrases, but I know I would have forgotten them completely if I had not made a note.
While out walking — an excellent way to clear the brain of fog — I defer to modern technology and record voice notes on my mobile phone. The same principle applies — if there is no immediate record, the thoughts can be lost.
These brief lines are later transferred to a laptop. This is strategically placed in a corner of my study so that I am not distracted by the view outside the window. A row of reference books and one of my favourite possessions, an original Steve Bell cartoon, are all that I have for company. It also helps if I can visualise a character or a place, so I keep a sketchpad on my desk where I can create basic images — maps, plans, sometimes the progress of marches or battles. These drawings help to maintain consistency and authenticity.
This is my primary space, where the words are typed up. I add to them, enhance them, contextualise them, read them back. I often discover that I have used a particular word or phrase twice or more. Or if there is something I’m not sure about, I look it up. The reference books help to straighten out facts and also to find alternative words. Roget’s and Brewer’s and Fowler’s and Chambers provide a wealth of information unmatched by an American-leaning internet. I admit to slipping down rabbit holes of etymology and semantics, but find it strangely satisfying.
I always have to read what has been written, in context with the book so far. Traditionally that would have meant printing the manuscript out and sitting down with a pencil. Happily, that is no longer the case. Instead (thanks to everything going up into the Cloud) I can now read and review on my iPad. This means I can lounge in a chair, or sit outside, or read whilst travelling. So it is more a case of recreating the experience of the reader to see how and if things work.
Of course, there are edits, and actual printouts sometimes, but that is basically it: pencils and pads and technology.
Oh technology, where were you when I had all those essays to write at school?
We are delighted to announce that we have signed a new series of historical naval adventures by Daniel Donato.
In Daniel’s words:
“The series follows English privateer Gideon Locke during Queen Anne’s War, which engulfed the colonies from Newfoundland all the way down to the Caribbean. With the Royal Navy tied up back home, it largely fell to privateers to protect the colonies.
“The story begins in 1707 with Gideon newly returned from a disastrous privateering venture, leaving him destitute and shunned by his fellow privateers. His fortunes change, however, when a charismatic captain recruits Gideon on his next venture. But by the time Gideon realizes that change in fortune was for the worse, it’s too late, and he finds himself caught up in a plot to kidnap the son of a prominent English Governor and deliver him to the French.
“As the series progresses, we’ll see Gideon fight to redeem himself, earn a reputation and climb in rank until he’s ultimately in command of his own vessel.
“I was very fortunate to meet Amy Durant at the Historical Novel Society Conference in Texas last year, and even more fortunate that she was interested in this series. It’s a dream come true to be working with a publisher like Sapere Books who understand that there’s quite a hunger out there for historical action and adventure.”
Following the success of her Jane Austen Investigations series, we are thrilled to announce that we have signed a new dual timeline series set in the modern day and Tudor times by Laura Martin.
In Laura’s words:
“I am absolutely delighted to be writing a new dual timeline series for Sapere. With threads of the present day and Tudor times, as well as hints of the occult, the books are fantastically interesting to research and write. In the present day the series follows two friends — Alice and Lydia — whose lives are ripped apart when Lydia suffers a catastrophic accident whilst they are playing with a Ouija board. Alice tries to move on with her life until it becomes apparent Lydia’s condition is linked to an unsolved mystery in the past.
“Vivacious and charming, Bessie Blount is an immediate favourite at court when she joins the household of Queen Katherine of Aragon. With her skill at singing and dancing she soon catches King Henry VIII’s eye and quickly has to learn how to navigate the intrigue and politics at court. When she falls pregnant with the King’s son she begins to wish for a normal life, but the price she has to pay is watching her firstborn son grow up from afar. She cannot guide Henry Fitzroy through the dangerous world of the Tudor court, and cannot stop worrying about her eldest son’s safety.
“The happenings of the present day and the Tudor times are inextricably linked and only by unravelling the mysteries of the past can Alice have any chance of saving her friend.
“I am thrilled to be working with Sapere again on this new series. The whole team are wonderful to work with and have a way of making the complicated process of producing a book appear seamless.”
We are thrilled to announce that we have signed a new series of Ancient Rome novels by Alistair Tosh.
Alistair is the author of the Edge of Empire series — gripping adventures set in the tumultuous Roman Britain of the second century AD.
In Alistair’s words:
“My new series takes place during the Second Punic War (218–201 BC) between Carthage and the Roman republic in the important theatre of Iberia (Spain/Portugal). It focuses on the lives of two historic figures: Hasdrubal Barca (Carthage) the younger brother of the legendary Hannibal and Gnaeus Cornelius Scipio (Rome), uncle of the famous Scipio Africanus. The novels will follow the ebb and flow of their lives and fortunes as their armies struggle for dominance of the land and its warring tribes.
“I discovered the stories of Hasdrubal and Gnaeus quite by accident. Last year I spent several months in Andalusia, Spain and was seeking a subject for a magazine article to aid with the marketing of my most recent trilogy. I thought of writing something about Rome’s impact on the province and during my research stumbled across their story. There’s a lot to tell.
“I am delighted to be working with Sapere Books. It was clear from the start that Sapere not only treat their authors fairly but understand the commercial fiction market, has scale, industry expertise and a strong focus on digital marketing.”
Congratulations to Patrick Larsimont, whose thrilling wartime adventure, The Vulcan and the Straits, is out now!
The Vulcan and the Straits is the fourth book in the Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers series: action-packed, authentic historical adventures following a young RAF pilot during the Second World War.
Autumn, 1942
Fighter pilot, Jox McNabb has survived the desert and the second battle of El Alamein, but now No. 111 Squadron is heading into a fresh new storm.
They embark on Operation Torch, the invasion of Vichy North Africa, but adverse weather conditions make flying almost impossible.
And their Commanding Officer, Tony Bartley is losing control as he becomes more and more dependent on alcohol.
After a rocky few months, and a final disastrous mission, it is decided that Jox should step up to Squadron Leader.
But as the North African campaign worsens and Bartley becomes increasingly erratic, Jox finds himself fighting an uphill battle.
Is Jox up for the challenge of command? Can he lead his men to victory?
Congratulations to D. R. Bailey, whose exciting wartime thriller, Tides of Change, is out now!
Tides of Change is the fifth book in the Spitfire Mavericks Thrillers series: action-packed aviation adventures set during the second world war and featuring a team of vigilante pilots.
December, 1941
After a tense encounter with attacking Focke-Wulfs, Flying Officer Angus Mackennelly returns to base to find Squadron Leader Bentley announcing the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
US forces are being drafted in as war is declared on Japan and an American airbase is to be established next to the RAF Banley base used by the Maverick Squadron.
Angus is promoted to Flight Lieutenant and is given orders to lead a squadron escorting the American bombers on short-range missions until they have their own escort fighters.
But after the US bombers have landed, the Germans stage an attack on the airbase and rumours start to circulate that there may be an enemy spy on base.
As Angus and the Mavericks prepare for more intense air battles over Europe, suspicion between the team grows.
Is there a spy? Are they only targeting the Americans?
And can Maverick Squadron prepare their new allies for the realities of war…?
We are delighted to announce that we have signed a series of Roman military adventures by Jeff Jones.
In Jeff’s words:
“Legion of the Damned is set in the middle of the first century when Rome was arguably at the pinnacle of its power and follows the career of Marcus Corvo, a man seemingly destined to forever live in his ancestors’ shadows. After a reckless act of bravery turns the tide of a battle, Corvo expects to be severely punished but is instead promoted and recruited for a clandestine rescue mission deep in enemy territory. But this is no ordinary mission and Corvo is obliged to recruit men from the gladiatorial arenas, prisons and mines. His small force is to comprise of expendables — a legion of the damned.
“In the coming series, Corvo’s adventures will take him and his men from the desert sands of Parthia, to the forests of Germania and then to Britannia where he will arrive in time to be caught up in Boudicca’s rebellion.
“The idea for Legion of the Damned has been bouncing around in my head for some time now and my original intention was for it to be made into an historical fantasy novel. When Sapere Books asked whether I’d be interested in writing Roman historical fiction I jumped at the chance. I knew that I could make the idea work.”
Congratulations to Alistair Forrest, whose gripping Roman adventure, Sea of Flames, is out now!
33BC
On landing in Ephesus to trade, Lachares, a Greek sea merchant, is seized and unfairly executed by Mark Antony, the triumvir of Rome’s eastern provinces.
Lachares’ crew are left to deliver the news to his son, Eurycles, the governor of a Greek trading post. Horrified, Eurycles vows to take revenge on Mark Antony.
With conflict brewing between Antony and his greatest political rival, Octavian Caesar, Eurycles is invited to work against Antony’s cause by smuggling two defectors out of his camp. Eager for an opportunity to get close to his enemy, Eurycles pledges his ship and men to Caesar.
Now embroiled in the deadly machinations of spies and defectors, Eurycles must decide who he can trust.
And when Mark Antony’s legions land in Actium and begin to prepare for an all-out war, Eurycles starts to wonder whether he will survive long enough to exact his revenge…
Congratulations to Austin Hernon, whose captivating medieval adventure, The Abandoned Queen, is out now!
The Abandoned Queen is the second book in the Berengaria of Navarre Medieval Trilogy: Early Plantagenet novels set during the Third Crusade and the reign of Richard the Lionheart.
1191
Having married Richard the Lionheart, Berengaria of Navarre is now preparing herself for the turbulent life of a queen.
Though he has not yet secured an heir, Richard is determined not to settle down until he has recaptured Jerusalem from the Saracen forces. Vowing to stay by his side for as long as possible, Berengaria accompanies him on the perilous voyage to the Holy Land.
Caught up in battle plans, Richard has barely a moment to spare for his new bride. And after witnessing a sea battle and a deadly siege in Akko, Berengaria is left disturbed by the king’s ruthlessness.
Surrounded by misery and bloodshed, the young queen begins to understand the true cost of war. And as Richard becomes ever more consumed by his ambitions, she starts to wonder whether their marriage will ever have a chance to flourish…
Will Richard survive his brutal Crusade? Will he and Berengaria return to England in triumph?
Or will the horrors of war tear their marriage apart?
Congratulations to D. R. Bailey, whose page-turning military adventure, The Sunrise Raiders, is out now!
The Sunrise Raiders is the fourth book in the Spitfire Mavericks Thrillers series: action-packed aviation novels set during the second world war and featuring a team of vigilante pilots.
Autumn, 1941
During a routine patrol, Flying Officer Angus Mackennelly ends up in a skirmish with the enemy over the English Channel and is nearly captured.
It is clear the Germans have unleashed a new weapon.
Back at base, Maverick Squadron are told the new German fighter plane is the Focke-Wulf 190. And it is far more manoeuvrable and nimbler than anything the British have got.
Soon the FW is causing problems for every unit. Squadron Leader Bentley exhorts the Mavericks to do their best no matter what and continue to fly in combat against the new plane.
The Mavericks struggle on against the enemy but the odds are falling further out of their favour.
Something needs to change and Angus is tasked with capturing one of the enemy craft for British intelligence.
But that’s easier said than done…
Will Angus succeed in his mission? Can the British match the new German technology?
Or will Maverick Squadron be forced to admit defeat…?
Congratulations to Patricia Caliskan, whose laugh-out-loud romantic comedy, When We Were Us, is published today!
Erika Forde has always played second fiddle to her husband David, the famous novelist. But since their son, Matt, left home for university, cracks have started to show in their marriage.
Erika has long had a nagging suspicion that David may not always have been faithful, and now his latest books are starting to wane in popularity causing erratic moods that are affecting Erika.
But while David’s career starts to dip, Erika’s advertising agency is on the up.
Erika’s creative genius wins the agency a huge client in Stable Denim, but her life is thrown into turmoil when one of the models cast for the campaign turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Enzo.
Has Enzo been sent back into Erika’s life for a reason? Is it time for her to re-evaluate her marriage?
Congratulations to Daniel Colter, whose page-turning Crusader adventure, Blood of Lions, is published today!
Blood of Lions is the third book in the Knights Templar Thriller series.
Jerusalem, 1186
Baldwin V, the Boy King of Jerusalem, is dead and the nobles of the Crusader States scheme to fill his empty throne.
Alliances are fraying and in the midst of the politicking, the Templars, and their brother order, the Hospitallers, suffer a humiliating defeat at Cresson Springs, weakening both Orders.
All the while, in Damascus, the Sultan Saladin scents blood on the air and prepares to make good on his vows to reclaim the Holy City.
Templar knight Finn of Struan has been tasked with venturing across The Black, the no-man’s land between Christian and Muslim territories, to find Saladin’s war machine and assess its threat.
The balance of power in the Holy Lands is tipping. Two forces are converging on the Horns of Hattin, where the fate of a kingdom will be decided.
Finn must wade into a bloody fight and commit pitiless deeds, while relying on the loyalty of his brothers…
Will Finn emerge victorious? Can the Brotherhood prevail?
Or will Saladin finally fulfil his deadly promise?
Congratulations to Patrick Larsimont, whose gripping aviation adventure, The Maple and the Blue, is published today!
The Maple and the Blue is the third book in the Jox McNabb Aviation Thrillers series: action-packed, authentic historical adventures following a young RAF pilot during the Second World War.
Spring, 1942
The Allies and Fighter Command have gone on the offensive. The French town of Dieppe is selected for the first major assault on the European continent.
But Jox McNabb and No.111 Squadron start to feel like they are being lured into a trap.
And their new leader is acting unpredictably, making them worried that he can’t be trusted.
As the largest air armada since the Battle of Britain prepares for the operation, Jox suspects their squadron leader is using the men for his own vanity and ambition.
And if the Dieppe raid goes wrong could it prove to be a devastating sacrifice.
Can Jox lead his men to victory? Will the ambitious operation be a success? Or will the squadron face disaster…?
Book 1 in the Julia McAllister Victorian Mysteries series
In Marilyn’s words:
“My terrific relationship with Sapere Books continues with the signing of my new series.
“This time it’s crime
In Edwardian time,
With a heroine sharper than lime.
They’re nail-biting thrillers,
And though she catches the killers
She don’t ’arf have a bloody good time.
“The world might have been changing fast back then, but not for women. They still had no rights, no vote, and men could still “chastise” them until 10pm, after which it constituted a noise violation. I wanted to give those women a voice, so I created a character who rips up the rule book by running a refuge for battered wives, funded by a gentleman’s club with a fleet of… Let’s call them exotic dancers. And quite frankly, neither she or I could be in better hands, thanks to the guidance, support and encouragement from this young, dynamic publishing house. Go Sapere!”
Congratulations to Laura Martin, whose absorbing Regency-era mystery, The Body on the Beach, is out now!
The Body on the Beach is the fourth book in the Jane Austen Investigation series: thrilling historical murder mysteries with a tenacious literary heroine working as a female sleuth.
1798, Dorset, England
Jane Austen is on holiday with her parents and her sister, enjoying time at the seaside in Lyme Regis.
But one morning, while out on an early stroll, her peace is shattered.
There is someone lying at the bottom of the cliffs.
After rousing her father and sister, she hurries along the beach to find a young woman, dead.
It is clear to Jane that the young woman has been strangled. There is bruising about her neck and marks of discolouration on her face, yet the magistrate and doctor are quick to dismiss her concerns.
As Jane starts to investigate further, she discovers there have been two other young women found dead on the beach between Charmouth and Lyme Regis in the last five months.
Jane and Cassandra are certain the deaths are connected, but why is no one else looking for their killer?
Were the women known to each other? Are they connected in some way?
Congratulations to David Field, whose page-turning Tudor mystery, The Castle Abductions, is out now!
The Castle Abductionsis the first historical thriller in the Bailiff Mountsorrel Tudor Mystery Series: private investigation crime novels set during the reign of Elizabeth I and beyond.
Nottingham, England, 1590
County Bailiff Edward Mountsorrel and Town Bailiff Francis Barton have vowed to root out the criminals of Nottinghamshire and bring them to justice.
But after acting on information from a questionable source, Edward is tricked into allowing several deer to be stolen from a local estate. Furious, he sets about tracking them down.
Meanwhile, Francis is asked to investigate the disappearance of Nell, a young woman who was last seen at a local alehouse with a wealthy stranger.
When the bailiffs’ shared house is burned down and their servant is found stabbed to death, Edward and Francis begin to suspect that their cases are linked.
And when more young women go missing, the two bailiffs worry they are running out of time to retrieve them from danger…
Who wishes to silence to Edward and Francis? What happened to the missing women?
And can the two bailiffs find them before it’s too late…?
Following the success of Adele Jordan’s absorbing Kit Scarlett Tudor Mysteries, we are delighted to announce that we have signed her new series of Tudor thrillers.
In Adele’s words:
“I’m thrilled to be working with Sapere Books once more on my new series, The Shadow Cutpurses. This first instalment is the culmination of a lot of research into the Tudor era and a fascination with women’s lives outside of the royal court. This tale about cutpurses or thieves is a thriller, looking at what can happen when a woman at the bottom of the hierarchy is pitted against a man of ultimate power.
“My hope is that every page is a thrilling step in Gwynnie’s adventure. I hope that fans of my first series will find the same pace and spirit of adventure in this series, while plunging into the darkness of life during a slightly different period of Tudor history. It’s been a great joy to work with the Sapere family, and my huge thanks goes to Amy, Caoimhe, Richard and Natalie, for their support. My thanks also have to go to the other authors with Sapere, who through our chats have helped me to improve my writing.”
We’re delighted to announce that we have signed three contemporary romance novels by Natalie Kleinman.
In Natalie’s words:
“It feels strange but exciting to be returning to contemporary romance after seven Regencies, but I’m delighted that Sapere are publishing an adaptation of my first book, Safe Harbour, and also After All These Years. They still sit proudly on my bookshelf, but I’m really looking forward to sharing the updated versions with you.
“What I’m even more excited about is the publication of A Walk in the Park. I’m a dog lover anyway, so to have written and have published a book about a young woman who foregoes the rat race to spend time with a variety of pooches has been a real joy. Deserted by her father when she was a baby, Daisy Shepherd has been raised by her cookie artist mother and a stepfather whom she adores. Having always believed she was an only child, she discovers that her father remarried in Australia and that she has a half brother and sister. But everything isn’t quite what it seems.
“How lucky am I that Sapere are happy to take me in a new direction. It’s a joy working with them. I couldn’t be in a better place.”
