A MESSAGE FROM PETER BOLAND

Brief intro to yourself

I live by the sea with my wife and two children (I say children, but they’re in their late teens and early twenties, and like going out just as I’m going to bed). We also have a small terrier called Jess who thinks she’s the boss of everyone. I’m lucky to have the beach at the end of my road and when I’m not writing, I like to surf. Last count, I had eight surfboards, and I ride them all very averagely. I have a degree in architecture, which I’ve never used, thankfully, as I hate anything to do with buildings, DIY or fixing stuff in general. In a previous life I used to be an advertising copywriter, and wrote everything from TV and press ads, to those annoying leaflets that drop through your letterbox (apologies). Now I have much more fun writing cozy crime about three sweet but smart ladies who work in a charity shop. They solve murder mysteries in between sorting out donations (but please don’t leave them outside the shop unattended or they get most annoyed).

Describe your new novel in 3 words

Intriguing, page-turning, sit-com in a book (I know that’s more than three, sorry).

What would Bella’s favourite flavour of ice cream be? And what is yours?

Not sure, but I think Bella would be a fan of vegan ice cream. Mine’s definitely bubble gum. I tried it for the first time this year and it’s the best!

What was the most fun piece of research you did for your new novel?

An early form of ice cream was favoured by Roman emperor Nero, who would send runners into the mountains to fetch ice that would be sweetened with fruit and honey.

What are you currently reading?

The Draw of the Sea by Wyl Menmuir. My sister bought it for me. Anyone who loves the sea will love this book.