8th December 2025

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Derek Birks

Well, it’s that time of year again and the usual preparations are under way. The lead-in to Christmas is already taking its toll on me. Yesterday I had my annual fight with the Christmas tree and this year the tree gave a much stronger showing than usual. Yes, I know it isn’t a real tree, but that doesn’t mean it can’t still inflict pain. Worryingly, from my point of view, the damage was done in trying to prise the sodding tree out of the box. Even now, the day after, my shoulder is still feeling the effects of my epic trial of strength with that inanimate seasonal object.

Christmas films, of course, are everywhere and I’m sure there are a few gems among them. It’s just that I’m not sure I have the required staying power to find them. Elsewhere on the TV, I watched the feuding matriarchs in the western, The Abandons. I still haven’t fathomed out why it’s called that but, whatever the reason, it’s not a great title. Still, with Gillian Anderson on board, it’s likely to be a winner. I also caught the first episode of The War Between the Land and the Sea. It’s too early to tell about that one, but I’m a fan of Russell Tovey so I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

I’m recording a new podcast episode with Sharon tomorrow – we’re looking into fifth century post-Roman Britain. Speaking of which, I’m currently still wrting the new Last of the Romans book, which is due to come out early next year. It’s a lot of fun returning to some familiar characters and charting their ongoing journey.

Oh, and don’t forget, books make excellent Christmas presents!

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Tennis Balls and Glitter Balls!

Posted on November 17, 2025 by Derek Birks

Annabel Croft, broadcaster, former tennis player and Strictly Come Dancing contestant, is doing a national tour at the moment and last night we went to see her at our small theatre in Christchurch, the Regent. Run largely by volunteers, the Regent is a much-valued local entertainment centre and once hosted Ricky Gervais. And by the way, Ricky, you need to come back for a couple more shows, because last time all the tickets were snapped up online and locals didn’t get a look-in.

Anyway, back to Annabel. I’m neither a big tennis fan nor any longer a fan of Strictly, but I’ve always kind of liked Annabel. If she is commentating on a match, I’ll enjoy both her dulcet tones and her game insights. So, taking the opportunity to see her seemed like a no-brainer. Just to discover, well, is she the same in person as on screen? Well, yes, I think she probably is.

She was ‘in conversation’ – as they say – wih a professional dancer called James and it was an entertaining evening, with a couple of enchanting dances thrown in. There were several insights into her personal life which fans seem to want to know but I’m never too keen to hear. In Annabel’s case, the tragedy in her personal life – the loss of her husband to cancer – is fairly well known, but it seems that she has learned to cope with that and has found solace in the joys of her children. And, I suppose, in her working life. Also, taking part in Strictly appeared to help her to heal.

If you get the chance to see her, why not? Meanwhile, I’m off to the cafe to continue writing the new book in the Last of the Romans series.

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Sunday, 27th July

Posted on July 27, 2025 by Derek Birks

Did a Craft Fair at Lyndhurst yesterday – as I sometimes do. Sold some books, signed some and met some great people, including tourists from Belgium Denmark and Germany – among others probably. Even had my picture taken by Robin from Germany who bought a copy of Feud. Robin, if you ever read this, maybe you could send me a copy of the picture via my website contact page!

No more craft fairs now until the end of October and the pre-Christmas season. Phew, back to the writing – and life….

Oh, by the way, if there’s any sci-fi fans who’ve accidentally stunbled across this blog post, my son, Rob Birks will be launching the second book in his Paradise Moon duology in early August. The first book is The Vanishing Girl and the new one is Black Sky Burning. I can recommend them both. Well, I would say that, wouldn’t I? But readers of book one seem to agree.

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Friday, 25th July

Posted on July 25, 2025 by Derek Birks

Well, I feel vindicated at last this morning because, apparently, I am definitely a grown-up. Many have questioned that in the past but not any more. Yes, Bluesky has verified that I am an adult. Which is good to know. They took a picture of my ancient, craggy face and it took barely a nanosecond for them to conclude that youth had abandoned me long ago.

But, joking aside, I’m quite pleased to see someone actually making a bit of an effort to keep social media more secure.

I’ve been writing apace this week, working on the first of a new Last of the Romans book. Hard to see how I’ve managed to get the words: ‘first’ ‘new’ and ‘last’ in the same sentence. But, anyway, the story picks up about ten years after the last book, Land of Fire, ended. So, most of the usual suspects are still there with Ambrosius Aurelianus – and quite a few new suspects…

In this new batch of books, we’ll see him begin to wrestle with the growing number of Saxons in Britain during the second half of the fifth century. For those who’ve forgotten – or never knew in the first place – Ambrosius Aurelianus is one of the few named people we know of in that period. It was he who banded the Britons together to defeat the Saxons and hold back their expansion for a generation or more. So he is, if you like, the real leader that the legendary Arthur might have been.

The new book from my alter ego, Tom Hadley, will be out soon. The sequel to Eyes Like Blades follows the exploits of Liv Fisher in the surprisingly criminal environs of Bournemouth.

Posted in Ancient History, Crime, Historical Fiction, murder mystery, New release, Post Roman Britain, Writing | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Friday, 11th July

Posted on July 11, 2025 by Derek Birks

It’s been a busy few weeks. My alter ego, Tom Hadley has been finalising the sequel to the thriller, Eyes Like Blades which went out to some beta readers last week. I’ve been editing podcasts, including one with best selling novelist, Scott Mariani. The podcasts available on Youtube seem to be gathering some momentum at the moment. The feed back from listeners has been great, So, many thanks for that.

I’ve now started work on a new book in the popular Last of the Romans series which traces the rise to prominence of the Romano-British leader, Ambrosius Aurelianus. At last, he comes face to face with the troublesome Saxons – although there are always a few disgruntled Britons to deal with as well.

Recently, I watched the film, Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve – before his Dune adventures. I must admit I had low expectations, because most films about alien arrivals on the planet tend to be rather disappointing. But I was very impressed with it. The two lead actors, Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner were very good, particularly the former, who really carried the whole story. I was also very impressed with its breadth and depth of themes. There is a lot to this movie, beyond your average sci-fi endeavour. I’d certainly recommend it.

Posted in Film & TV, Historical Fiction, New release, Podcasts, Post Roman Britain, Reviews, Saxon England, The Writing Process | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Wednesday, 11th June

Posted on June 11, 2025 by Derek Birks

Crikey! Almost a month since I posted here. Where did all that time go? Well, to be fair, I have had back trouble. No, that’s sounds pathetic…

Anyway, I’ve just been watching Department Q on Netflix and it’s the most impressive series I’ve seen for a while. Once you get past the series title, which sounds like a 1970s sci-fi series, it’s really rather good. No pun intended because the lead actor is Matthew Goode who plays a curmudgeonly detective – just my kind of detective – exploring a complicated cold case.

The cast is excellent and the plot holds the interest well. If you have a problem with the ‘F’ or ‘C’ words – I don’t – then it’s probably not for you. But for me it’s brilliant and the perfect antidote to Sunday night cosy murder mysteries. And, I mean, seriously murder is never particularly cosy, is it? It’s grim, brutal and hateful – which is how it’s portrayed in Department Q. And Akram has got to be the most interesting detective’s sidekick ever.

We have quite a lot of podcast recordings for A Slice of Medieval in the can now. Recently, we interviewed best-selling novelist, Scott Mariani and also historian Helen Castor. So, some great episodes in the pipeline. As for me, I’m decorating! And what’s my mate, Tom Hadley doing? He’s editing book 2 of the Liv Fisher thriller series and is also working out book 3, I hear. Oh, and if you haven’t yet caught the first one, Eyes Like Blades, you can find it here.

Almost forgot. The first two books of my Last of the Romans series are a kindle monthly deal for June.

Posted in A Slice of Medieval, Crime, Daily Blog, Film & TV, murder mystery, Podcasts, Post Roman Britain, Reviews | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Friday, 16th May

Posted on May 16, 2025 by Derek Birks

Busy week! Recorded two podcasts and edited another one. Did some decorating… Did some writing – contrived to lose said writing… never to be seen again. Did some editing of Tom Hadley’s next book. Did some more decorating… Deep joy…

This morning I got my first look at the concepts for the cover of Tom Hadley’s second Liv Fisher thriller. Exciting! Nothing to reveal yet though.

Finally got around to watching the film A Complete Unknown with Timothée Chalamet as the legendary Bob Dylan. Now, it’s taken me a while to get around to it because firstly, I was never a great Dylan fan. It’s heresy, I know. But I’ve always loved the songs he’s written and there’s just no denying his influence on popular music. Anyway the other reason for not watching it till now is that I’ve almost always been disappointed by music biopics. I think they’re hard to pull off. Well, this one was, I thought, pretty fabulous.

I gather that all the songs in the film were played and sung by the actors. Timothée Chalamet apparently trained for five years to mimic Dylan’s rather nasal voice, as well as learning to play guitar and harmonica like him. I’ve listened to Chalamet and Monica Barbaro (playing Joan Baez) singing ‘It Ain’t Me, Babe’ and wow, I actually prefer that version to Dylan and Baez! Chalamet is such a versatile actor, but, to be fair, the whole cast is exceptional.

In a couple of weeks time I’ll be at a craft fair in Lyndhurst in Hampshire – Sunday, May 25th – selling and signing books. If you’re in the neighbourhood, why not pop in for a chat?

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Monday, 5th May

Posted on May 5, 2025 by Derek Birks

Busy week ahead…

Later this week, if I manage to escape from planet decorating, I’ll be recording the final part of a three part podcast on the Wars of the Roses with Aspects of History editor, Oliver Webb-Carter and fellow author, David Pilling. You can find our earlier podcasts on the Causes of the Wars of the Roses here. And, just in case I haven’t mentioned it recently, my new book, A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, is available in hardback in all bookstores, or kindle on amazon.

How about a spot of summer reading? On Friday 9th May, Tom Hadley – someone I know very well, who you might almost call an alter ego – is putting out a thriller called Eyes Like Blades. Oh, look, here it is…

And you won’t have long to wait for the sequel either…

And there’s a new Slice of Medieval podcast out on Wednesday with historian and author, Annie Whitehead talking about Medieval Murders!

Posted in A Slice of Medieval, Covers, Crime, History, Medieval History, Podcasts, Wars of the Roses | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Thursday, 1st May

Posted on May 1, 2025 by Derek Birks

I’ve been a bit AWOL of late because I’ve been immersed in a somewhat daunting blend of writing, decorating, recording and decorating. Work has started on a new project: the continuation of the Last of the Romans series, following the exploits of Ambrosius Aurelianus in post-Roman Britain. And this time, the Saxons are very much the main threat – well, mostly anyway.

Podcast recording continues apace and we’ve got some more fabulous episodes of A Slice of Medieval coming out during the year. You can find them more or less anywhere in podcast land as well as on Youtube where we seem to have a growing number of subscribers. If you have already subscribed, many thanks.

Recently, I happened across a couple of what I’d call ‘multi-bulleted action movies’ – as you do… And though they both tried to use up as many bullets as possible, they were very different films from my perspective. One was very compelling while the other was so banal I had to give up on it quite early on. The latter film was The Expendables #3 but the one I liked was Havoc starring Tom Hardy. Just a better plot, better script, better acting, etc etc. Even so, it’s astonishing how many bullets it takes to knock the main players down… I suppose it comes down to the fact that I’d probably watch Tom Hardy in any film, TV, whatever…

Posted in Ancient History, Daily Blog, Film & TV, Historical Fiction, News, Podcasts, Post Roman Britain, Roman History, Writing | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Tuesday, 15th April

Posted on April 15, 2025 by Derek Birks

Last week, I was in Shaftesbury talking about Rebel Sword which is set in the town during the Anarchy period. I was also interviewed by local radio Alfred 107.3FM. Here is the interview: https://bit.ly/3EavC3f

You can get Rebel Sword on Amazon UK or Amazon US as well as bookstores.

Why not request it at your library? Because we need libraries!

Posted in Book Reviews, Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, History, Interviews, Medieval History, Podcasts, The Anarchy | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment