A story of murder and mystery

by Helen Hollick

When I moved from London to Atherington in North Devon in 2013 (in the snow!), I was already an established writer of a popular nautical adventure series, both historical fiction and non-fiction.

During lockdown I branched out into the quick read ‘cosy mystery’ genre with my Jan Christopher Murder Mysteries, which are all set in the 1970s.

Jan is a young library assistant with family connections to the police – and in the first book, A Mirror Murder, she also develops an attachment to a young Detective Constable. But will the discovery of a murder spoil their romance or strengthen it? I worked in a London library for 12 years... so I have plenty of anecdotes (although no actual murders!).

For the second book, A Mystery of Murder, Jan and her boyfriend spend Christmas in Devon, but the festivities are spoiled when human remains are found in a compost heap.

My plan for these ‘who-dun-it’ tales, is to add variety by alternating between London and Devon settings. The problem? I’ve started a trend with the titles: book three is A Mistake of Murder and four will be A Meadow Murder... suggestions to fit this pattern of titles are more than welcome!

Website: helenhollick.net

Amazon: viewauthor.at/HelenHollick

Link road night closures

Contractors will be working overnight on March 1st and 2nd, patching the existing highway and carrying out drainage work at the Borners Bridge junction of the A361.

The link road will be closed between Bish Mill Roundabout and Aller Cross roundabout from 8pm to 6am on both days, with diversions in place. There will be traffic lights on East Street in South Molton during the night time closures.

Band camp

South Molton Town Band are inviting everyone to listen to their competition rehearsal on March 7th at the Methodist Church. They’re performing Stephen Bulla’s ‘Chorale and Toccata’, ready for the West of England Brass Band contest in Torquay.

Coronation party licenses

Communities across Devon are invited to apply for a free street party licence to mark the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty The Queen Consort.

The Coronation takes place on the morning of Saturday May 6th at Westminster Abbey, and on Sunday May 7th ‘Coronation Big Lunches’ will bring communities together. A special Coronation Concert will be broadcast from Windsor Castle. You can apply via the Devon County Council website: devon.gov.uk/roadsandtransport/makea-request/temporary-traffic-restrictions/ special-events/street-parties