Wandering beside Lakes and Rivers…
Lakes and Rivers. Photos taken by Jane Risdon.
Childhood Memories: Grandad, Camphor, and Indian Furniture.
Britain became involved in supporting the United Nations' collective security effort against North Korea's invasion of South Korea. As a founding member of the UN, Britain was bound by its charter to help resist aggression, and the government viewed it as a duty to assist South Korea. It was also a crucial component of the Cold War struggle against communism.
Autumn in England
Autumn in England, a magical season.
Childhood Memories: The NAAFI, Hair Rollers, and Fur Coats…
The room fell silent as we entered, and all eyes turned to us. I was announced as the new secretary, I think, and was led to the desk with the typewriter, an Imperial, and told to sit. Two ladies opposite me nodded, and Fraulein Carpentier told me they were Frau Herta something, and Frau another name I didn't catch. For some daft reason, I said, 'Bonjour'.
From that moment on, I think they'd all decided I was a blithering idiot.
Photographic interlude…
I love walking and taking photos. I haven't been able to get out and about much in recent times, but I have a massive catalogue of photos to plunder now and again. Here are a few. Enjoy.
Desert, Castles, Islands and History…
My Jollies overseas and in the UK
‘Jollies’ through my Lens…
I haven't posted any photos from my many 'jollies' for some time and I thought I'd share some with you whilst I recuperate. I hope normal service will soon be resumed.
Nuclear War, Travesable Worm Holes, Spies, and Time on my Hands…
Wishing you all happy, healthy, safe, and peaceful days ahead. I cannot wait for something good to happen to us all. We deserve it.
Margot is so excited and why not…
Many congratulations to Crime writer, Margot Kinberg, upon the publication of her fifth Joel Williams novel, Scene of Crime.
A Rural Death Remains Unsolved…
A search was made and eventually, her body was found in nearby woods. She'd been shot with a .22 rifle that had obviously been used for target practice - several trees and tin cans were found nearby. A murderer was on the loose, it was initially thought.
Stalker
I remember once, walking through a local park, when I 'felt' someone behind me. Turning around often to look, I never saw anyone there. That is the closest I ever got to suspecting someone was following and watching me. Apparently, he had followed me through the park a few times, so I was told later, but I didn't know at the time.
The Murderer, The Baker, and his Book…
The murderer always maintained he didn't mean to kill the child and had confessed immediately, having helped the police search for her when she was first reported missing.
Looking for Inspiration and Locations…
I used to carry a large camera around with me wherever I went. I love taking photos and if I spotted something unusual or interesting, I'd take a picture. Mostly, I photographed beautiful buildings, gardens, and trees for example; mementos of visits and trips out - my 'jollies.'
Flash Fiction
Sam ‘the stiletto’ Musso waited until the noise died down before clearing his throat and looking up from his notes.
‘We are agreed. No more discussion, no more voting. Sonny Versace is toast.’ Hands and cutlery thudded on the white-clothed tables as the various Families showed their approval.
All Your Stories with My Short Story…Dying to Meet You
He scanned the audience, noting the woman in black was watching him intently, a sly smile on her lips. Was it her? The strawberry blonde kept staring at him and actually winked when he caught her eye. Could it be her? He felt panic rising in his chest. Every woman in the library was a possible suspect. His temples thudded and his palms began to sweat. What did it all mean? He took another drink of water – his thirst unquenched, and his throat was constricting.
Haunting Melody: My Short Story for Ghostly Rites 2023
At Ace's funeral they'd played the new song he'd been working on. A feeling of dread crawled through Spike when he heard it. He couldn't fathom why. But he felt doom was upon him...
Roger A. Price: My Guest Author tells us about his DS Martin Darker Detective series and more…
INSIDE THREAT the first in the DS Martin Draker series was first released in late 2022 and is now rereleased with a wonderful fresh cover by Sharpe Books.
Following straight on its heels are the follow-ups; DOUBLE CROSS and RED HERRING. DS Draker is ably assisted by Field Intelligence Analyst Cath Moore, both overseen and aided by their boss DCI Colin Carstairs. They are all attached to the Northwest Regional Crime Unit, based in its Preston office, but work all over the Northwest of England.
Tim Walker, Author of London Tales, Published 8th November…
London Tales evokes the city’s rich history and the qualities that were needed by Londoners at various times to survive and prosper – from the base and brutal, devious and inspired, to the refined and civilized.
Seeking Light Relief…
Every now and again, I share some of the photos I have taken throughout the years on my travels - Jollies - and with all the horror, doom, and gloom surrounding us, I thought I would post some photos to remind us all of the beauty around us. They won't stop horror or misery but I trust they will provide a little light relief.
At last! I am back…
The Gremlins have been at it again...
The Secrets We Keep. Congratulations Jo Lambert upon Publication of her latest Cornish Novel.
After her father’s tragic death, abandoning thoughts of university, Hayley has supported her mother with the day-to-day running of the Estuary House Hotel in Kingswater. Now, she is ready to return to her studies, but before that, there’s a summer to enjoy.
Hayley has no idea how much the two young men she is about to meet will influence her future. Adam Davenport, wealthy and entitled, arrives on his father’s luxury motor yacht, livening up the quiet town with his onboard parties. But it’s photographer Nick Pallister, staying at the hotel while working on an assignment for the Cornish Tourist Board, who captures her heart.
Helen Matthews is my Guest Author today celebrating her latest publication ‘Lies Behind The Ruin.’
How can you build a new life on toxic foundations?
So how does it turn out for the Willshire family in Lies Behind the Ruin? Will their impulse buy of a dilapidated property solve their deep problems, or will their plans for a new life evolve into something darker?
The Black Widow
These characters were mainly from the East End, judging by their accents, although some were Essex locals apparently. Mostly men, who carried themselves with a certain swagger and self-confidence, they were well-known and 'respected' by the criminal classes to which they belonged. When they entered the bar a reverent hush descended. All eyes turned to them.
Observing Mr. Big in Action.
Blokes in black suits with lace ties and interesting bulges - in their jackets - squared their shoulders at one another other, whilst whispering into each other's ears as they drank their cocktails. Huge designer wristwatches flashed as others gesticulated, and every now and again there was a glimpse of a huge gold bracelet or a medallion nestling on top of an abundance of chest hair poking through tight-fitting shirts, jackets open exposing paunches of varying proportions. Their dyed black hair betrayed the lie their wrinkles proclaimed on faces stiff from too much sun.
When Thoughts Turn Murderous…
Are you sure this is what you want? Your plan had better be watertight, without any plot holes. You can run but you cannot hide!
Roger A Price – Crime Fighter to Crime Writer – with his latest publication: Inside Threat
What I hadn’t expected was the cathartic effect my writing would have on me! During my time with the police, I had to witness and deal with the worst of what society is capable of. In fact, my own life was put in serious peril on nine occasions – I’m outliving a cat! And, as one advances through the middle and later years of life, I have found that I am naturally less resilient. Things I would have shrugged off in my thirties sometimes replay in my mind and make me shudder.
Nik Morton Multi-Genre Author is my Guest…
Leon Cazador is on FBI liaison duty in Charleston, South Carolina when a dead child is found with a kidney missing. Suspecting an old foe, he jumps into action when a convoy of trucks with kidnapped children hits a snag, and a boy escapes. But what starts out as a simple cat and mouse chase turns into a convoluted web of deceit involving an underground organ transplant ring that surpasses Leon’s wildest expectations—and abilities. Years later—and carrying around the weight of unresolved burdens—Leon runs into suspicious activity in Córdoba, Spain which makes his heart stop cold. Organ traffickers are running rampant, and a three-man investigating team has gone missing. Eager to put an end to this corrupt organization’s misdeeds once and for all, Leon makes finding its leader his top priority. But will he have what it takes to bring an evil like no other to its knees?
Hardwick Hall: Part Two of my 2016 Jolly with additional photos
At the end of 2016 I participated in several 'jollies' to some of the most amazing houses and beauty spots in England, and I've shared my experiences, as I often do, with visitors here. Hardwick Hall.
Playwright, Producer, and Author, Martin JP Devaney is My Guest Author…
No one can ever know how I reduced the world’s population
(7.8 billion) by just one. Martin JP Devaney: How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and get away with it).
Your Comments