Look what just arrived from those lovely people at Penguin (or should that be Random Penguin?):
The Hangman’s Song
Inspector McLean Book Three
The manuscript has been handed in, and publication is due early next year. Keep an eye out for more news soon.
Really looking forward to it
Really looking forward to this, loved Natural Causes and Book of Souls.
Thanks Jane. Not long now…
My husband read Natural Causes and Book of Souls first, then me and we both enjoyed them so much we made all our friends read them too. Waiting for the next one …………
Not long now, Maureen! Thanks for getting in touch. I’m delighted you and your husband liked the books, and even more so that you’re corrupting all your friends…
Hi James, just wondered why the cover has changed? Was looking forward to having my name on your great books as i supplied Penguin with the original image.
Hi Neil,
No idea why they changed it – I get very little input into these things. I liked the previous version, but I also think the new one is very good. I’ve been very lucky with my covers so far. Sorry it couldn’t be your picture on this one!
James, do you still have a copy of the original with my cover on it? if so can i have it?
thanks Neil
It was only ever an electronic image, Neil. I’ve not seen a finished book yet – just the uncorrected proofs, which have a plain cover.
Hi James,
We met at Ayr library where you kindly signed your ‘Book of Souls’ for me and I gave you my name in case you ever wanted to use a name. When I have finished your books I give them to the Second Hand Bookshop at Culzean.
I look forward to the Hangman’s Song. As a Fifer I was pleased at your success.
Hi Walter,
Yes, I remember you, and your request. Sieve-brain that I am, I forgot your first name though, so the Phimister mentioned in the next book ended up as a John!
Look out for it in February, when The Hangman’s Song is published.
Ooo! A new James Oswald book. Have pre-ordered it as a wee birthday gift to myself. Can’t wait.
As an aside, I was wondering if your Oswald family had any connections to Fife? Forgive the question but I am a keen amateur genealogist and our house was once supposedly haunted by a Miss Oswald – or it may have just been my Dad trying to frighten the hell out of me when I was wee! The family had connections to Kettle Leslie and Cadham in Fife. And my Mum and Dad remember Miss Oswald (who was a teacher) riding about on a penny farthing bike.
Hi Joyce,
Thanks for pre-ordering. I hope you enjoy it when it arrives!
Some of my Oswald ancestors were Fife-based. although my immediate family come from Easter Ross, and further back Ayr. There are still quite a few Oswalds in the Kingdom, although it’s not a very common surname. I don’t recall any Miss Oswalds terrorising children though!
Thanks for your reply James. I will let you know if I find out any connections between your OSWALDs and mine. Am on the case. š
Okay – so no connection between my OSWALDs and yours. Shame. I would have loved to have had a famous author for a cousin. My only famous relative, at the moment, as Sean (James Bond) Connery who is my 4th cousin once removed.