50th blog party guest - Shirley Wells

Shirley Wells is another author I’ve known for so long it probably predates my M&B career. We met on the very first RNA email loop (so many years ago I can’t remember when) and hit it off immediately. Chocolate, books, dogs… yep, we have lots in common. (And I have serious puppy envy as Shirley has a new pup, Dylan. Definitely check out her blog for pics. He’s gorgeous.) Oh, and she writes fabulous crime novels. I can never work out who the murderer is or see the new twists coming. I can really see her ‘Jill and Max’ series working as a TV programme, and Philip Glenister would be the perfect actor to cast as the hero. (I say this a lot and Shirley just laughs.) And I love her new Dylan Scott series, too.

Anyway, over to Shirley:

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to be part of Kate’s party to celebrate her 50th (fiftieth!) release. Fifty books. Wow. It’s a massive achievement!

I used to write romance, I’m a proud member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and many of my mates write romance. Me? I write crime/mystery so on my bookshelves you’ll see such titles as Criminal Shadows, Blackstone’s Police Manual, Evil Serial Killers: In the Minds of Monsters. I love crime/mystery in all its forms but, as you might imagine, there comes a time when I need a rest from murder and mayhem. Books I read for pleasure are probably half crime/mystery and half romance, and I know I’m in for a real treat when I settle down with Kate’s latest release.

If I’d written fifty books - well, just the thought has me wanting to lie down in a darkened room. Kate, thankfully, has no such problem and her books seem to get better and better. The Hidden Heart of Rico Rossi is a wonderful story that has everything, including a lovely heroine in Ella, the most gorgeous (and I mean truly scrumptious) Italian hero and the beautiful Eternal City. And, of course, as it’s one of Kate’s, you can’t put it down until you reach the end.

Kate is a hugely talented writer and all round lovely person. She’s brought us wonderful stories, full of passion, conflict, humour and warmth. She’s taken us to amazing locations, introduced us to unforgettable characters and she continues to validate the existence of true love and happy ever afters. Thank you for the stories, Kate, and keep them coming. I hope that in a few years, we’ll be celebrating your 100th release. Meanwhile, I’m raising my glass to you. Many, many congratulations!

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When she isn’t playing with her dogs, eating chocolate, drinking wine or watching football, Shirley does a bit of writing. You’re more than welcome to distract her via her website, blog, Facebook or Twitter.

Giveaway: I’m giving away a hardback copy of Where Petals Fall (from my “Jill & Max” crime series) and a paperback copy of Silent Witness (from my Dylan Scott private investigator series). Chocolate might find its way into the parcel too.