It’s the best damn World War II thriller set outside Lodom that you’ll read this year. Guaranteed.
It features as strong Northern woman, Woman Police Sergeant Cathy Marsden, as the main character.
You’ll walk those streets and feel the fear as the air raid sirens sound.
You’ll be there with Cathy as she hunts an escaped German spy.
It’s set in Leeds.
Bonus: I want to sell plenty of copies of this, partly because it’s very good, but also because it means my publisher will let me continue the series. The second comes out next year, but I want a third and a fourth, so…please?
Buy it from an independent bookshop if you can, but the behemoth is going to be easier for some people. The link is here. I know money’s tight for so many people – ask your local library to get it for you.
I’m sorry you couldn’t be there, out at Kirkstall Forge for the launch of No Precious Truth. I never counted how many came, but the estimates are between 50 and 60 – a hell of a turnout for a sunny Thursday evening, and I’m flattered so many attended.
A number of faces I knew, and far many more that I didn’t. There had been an article about the event in the regional newspapers that must have made people curious. But also people familiar with my books, curious to see Leeds in a World War 2 setting, and to meet Woman Police Sergeant Cathy Marsden. And to be terrified by that rare vision of me in a suit.
The Forge features in the book, making it an ideal location for the launch. It had been important in the war (and was bombed in 1942, with five men losing their lives). I’m grateful to Lucinda Yeadon, who ended up in hospital two nights before the event (all wishes for a speedy recovery), to Marius and Shelly for being so receptive to the idea and organising everything, as well as providing refreshments for everyone.
Plenty of artifacts and ledgers from the Forge in wartime were on display, along with replica war documents, like ration books and identity cards, and newspapers.
Truman Books, a wonderful independent from Farsley, was the bookseller. 22 copies of No Precious Truth were sold, as well as two from the Tom Harper series. Thank you, everyone who bought a copy.
The centrepiece, though, was the cake, made and decorated by Lizzie, the daughter of Shelly, who runs Butler’s café, the venue for the event. Isn’t it glorious? Here it is, before and after.
I’m grateful to everyone who came and all those involved in putting on the event. Thank you. I hope the photos make you feel you were there. Remember, you can buy the book and see what all those people have discovered. Cheapest UK hardback price, with free postage, is here.
Just a week until No Precious Truth is published (April 1, and I hope that’s not an omen!). It’s seemed so distant for so long, and now it’s barrelling down on me at a rate of knots.
Things are in place. I have a new review from Booklist that says the book has a “likable heroine, a twist-a-minute plot, and heart-wrenching details about the effects of war make this a good choice for fans of historical wartime mysteries.”
I’ll definitely take that. Meanwhile out of the blue, the Promoting Crime Fiction website has declared an as “Unsung Hero Of Crime Fiction.” I’m flattered, but I don’t feel very heroic. Read it here.
The blog tour begins on publication days. Eight stops, eight different reviews, all posted online (mostly Instagram, I believe). Keep your eyes peeled for them.
I’ve taken out ads, putting my money where my mouth is because I believe in this book.
There’s going to be a launch. It’s on Thursday, April 17th, from 6-7 pm. It’s going to be held at Kirkstall Forge, which features in the book. They’ll have some photos and artefacts from the war. I’ll be bringing replica documents from the war, as well as newspapers. Truman Books will be there to see you copies of the book.
And there will be a special cake.
You’re invited. If you’re close, come along. Plenty of parking, or the Forge has its own little railways station, just five minutes on the train from Leeds.
If you really can’t wait until then to read No Precious Truth, why not buy it from your local indie bookshop, or Speedy Hen has the cheapest price for the hardback, with free UK postage. Go here and get it.
Chris Nickson 