Stephen Booth's Blog
July 12, 2019
A NEW STANDALONE - DROWNED LIVES
My Derbyshire police detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry are on holiday at the moment (I think they deserved it after 18 novels and all those murders!).Ìý
So my next book, due out in the UK in August, will be something different - a standalone novel with a historical theme, called DROWNED LIVES.
This is set in Derbyshire's neighbouring county, Staffordshire, and in particular around the fascinating city of Lichfield, which is packed with history.Ìý
DROWNED LIVES is a story of family secrets and a centuries-old feud, told against a background of the often dark history of inland waterways, from their origins in the industrial revolution to the restoration projects of recent decades.Ìý
Even now, the West Midlands region of England contains more than 500 miles of canal, which run not only through countryside but right into the centre of major urban areas like Birmingham.Ìý
Canals are very appealing as a setting for crime fiction. They may appear very peaceful on the surface, but they attract all kinds of crime. And who knows what's under the surface? When something (or someone) disappears into water, we tend to think it's lost for ever. But we may be wrong...Ìý
I've always loved to explore the ways the past can affect the present, and in DROWNED LIVES council officer Chris Buckley is about to discover a lot of things from his past which he might have preferred not to know.
I set this book in the late 1990s. That's only 20 years ago, but it feels like a historical period - there were no smartphones, and the internet was just becoming more popular. Remember the dot.com bubble? Companies like eBay were starting up, but a lot of investors in other internet start-ups got their fingers badly burned.
The point where the 20th century was about to give way to the 21st felt like an interesting time to explore the buried secrets of the past.
DROWNED LIVES will be published by Sphere in hardback and ebook on 15th August 2019, along with an audio download.Ìý
I hope you enjoy reading something a bit different!
DROWNED LIVES can be pre-ordered in all the usual places, including your local bookshop or online here:
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
Amazon UK:
The Book Depository:
The Hive:
*The Book Depository offers free shipping to readers in the USA (and many other countries).
Of course, I'll also be doing a number of events and signings following publication, including:
THURSDAY 15th August, 11am - 1pm
Retford Library, Churchgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6PE - book signing for DROWNED LIVES (in conjunction with Bookworm of Retford). To reserve a signed copy, phone 01777 869224 or email:
SATURDAY 17th AUGUST, 10am - 12pm
Waterstones, 13 Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1PY - signing for DROWNED LIVES.
Phone 01246 231061 or email: [email protected]
SUNDAY 18th AUGUST, 1-3pm
High Peak Bookstore, Ashbourne Road, Brierlow Bar, near Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9PY - signing for DROWNED LIVES.
TUESDAY 20th AUGUST, 7 for 7.30pm
Bakewell Bookshop, Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1EE - talk and signing for DROWNED LIVES. Tickets £5 including glass of wine and nibbles. To book, phone 01629 812818 or email:
THURSDAY 29th AUGUST, 7.30pm
Gillingham Library, High Street, Gillingham, Medway, Kent ME7 1BG - talk and signing.
A FREE event. To book a place, phone 01634 337799 or email: [email protected]
SATURDAY 24th AUGUST, 10am - 12pm
Waterstones, 6-7 Coopers Square, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire DE14 1DF - signing for DROWNED LIVES.
Phone 01283 566055 or email: [email protected]
SATURDAY 24th AUGUST, 2 - 4pm
Scarthin Books, The Promenade, Cromford, Derbyshire DE4 3QF - book signing for DROWNED LIVES.
SATURDAY 31st AUGUST, 12 - 2pm
Reading Matters Bookshop, 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire SK23 0HY - signing for DROWNED LIVES.
THURSDAY 5th SEPTEMBER, 7pm
Lichfield Library, St Mary's Centre, Market Square, Lichfield, Staffordshire WS13 6LG - launch event for DROWNED LIVES with talk, Q&A and book signing.
Tickets £7 (you get a £5 discount on the cover price of the book if bought on the night), available from Lichfield Library,
phone 0300 111 8000 or email: [email protected]
December 2, 2018
WRITING COURSES FOR 2019
I'm very aware how lucky I am to make a living from writing books (my dream from being 12 years old).
But one disadvantage I had when I was trying to get published was that I really had no idea how publishing works, and I only learned the craft of writing by years of trial and error (hence all the unpublished novels sitting in a drawer!).Ìý
There's plenty on offer for aspiring writers these days. But I know there are many writers who find it impossible to attend conferences, or to afford the courses which might be vital to their development. I recently saw a course advertised at £699, which I'm sure just isn't affordable for many people. Also, they almost always take place in the cities - Writing East Midlands, for example, run excellent writing school programmes, but are only able to offer them in Nottingham and Leicester at the moment:
With this in mind, I'd like to bring opportunities to writers in areas away from the big cities, making them genuinely accessible and affordable. So I've decided to offer my novel writing courses free in my part of the UK's East Midlands region (Nottinghamshire and neighbouring areas).Ìý
I'm aiming to run some courses during 2019, probably in six weekly sessions. The subjects I cover include character, setting and plot, as well some of the essential technical elements of the craft which new writers often struggle with, such as controlling point of view, 'Show Don't Tell' and the use of dialogue, etc. I also share advice on routes to getting published, and some insights into the mysterious world of publishing itself. There's everything from tips for keeping your readers hooked to an explanation of the passive voice and why you should avoid it.Ìý
While my experience is largely in the world of crime fiction, much of the content of my course applies to other types of novel writing.Ìý
If you're an aspiring novelist in the early stages of your writing career, either with a first novel you're working on, or just with ideas you want to develop by learning more about the craft, this might be an opportunity for you. If you know a friend or family member who might benefit, please pass it on. And feel free to share the information with other writers in your area. Adult writers only though, please (18 and over).Ìý
This is for writers based:
- anywhere in Nottinghamshire
- on the eastern side of Derbyshire (Chesterfield, Bolsover, Dronfield, Alfreton etc)
- in Lincolnshire west of Lincoln (such as Gainsborough or Saxilby)
- on the borders of South Yorkshire (around Tickhill, Bawtry, Dinnington etc)
So that I can assess the degree of interest in this idea, please send me an email giving your name, the town where you're located (or that you can get to easily), and a few details about what you're interested in writing and your level of experience.Ìý
I'll choose locations where most people are based and work out suitable dates and venues. The only cost would be the hire of a venue, but I'd need between 6 and 12 people in a group to make this work.
To register your interest, send an email to:
A BIT ABOUT ME: I've been writing all my life - the last 18 years as a full-time novelist - and I first signed with a literary agent nearly 23 years ago, so I think I've gained some experience of the writing business, and a few insights to share. I've worked with several major publishers, both here in the UK and in the USA, as well as foreign publishers in 16 territories around the world. Several of the Cooper and Fry novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers, and the series has won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. I've done countless reader events, at which I get the vital reader's perspective, and I've led courses for Writing East Midlands, as well as running a number of workshops for writing groups, and even for prison inmates. In addition, I've self published 14 titles under my own imprints, so have experience of the self publishing market too. My previous career was in newspaper journalism, with many years as a sub-editor and editor. I have three cats (this may not be relevant!).
But one disadvantage I had when I was trying to get published was that I really had no idea how publishing works, and I only learned the craft of writing by years of trial and error (hence all the unpublished novels sitting in a drawer!).Ìý
There's plenty on offer for aspiring writers these days. But I know there are many writers who find it impossible to attend conferences, or to afford the courses which might be vital to their development. I recently saw a course advertised at £699, which I'm sure just isn't affordable for many people. Also, they almost always take place in the cities - Writing East Midlands, for example, run excellent writing school programmes, but are only able to offer them in Nottingham and Leicester at the moment:
With this in mind, I'd like to bring opportunities to writers in areas away from the big cities, making them genuinely accessible and affordable. So I've decided to offer my novel writing courses free in my part of the UK's East Midlands region (Nottinghamshire and neighbouring areas).Ìý
I'm aiming to run some courses during 2019, probably in six weekly sessions. The subjects I cover include character, setting and plot, as well some of the essential technical elements of the craft which new writers often struggle with, such as controlling point of view, 'Show Don't Tell' and the use of dialogue, etc. I also share advice on routes to getting published, and some insights into the mysterious world of publishing itself. There's everything from tips for keeping your readers hooked to an explanation of the passive voice and why you should avoid it.Ìý
While my experience is largely in the world of crime fiction, much of the content of my course applies to other types of novel writing.Ìý
If you're an aspiring novelist in the early stages of your writing career, either with a first novel you're working on, or just with ideas you want to develop by learning more about the craft, this might be an opportunity for you. If you know a friend or family member who might benefit, please pass it on. And feel free to share the information with other writers in your area. Adult writers only though, please (18 and over).Ìý
This is for writers based:
- anywhere in Nottinghamshire
- on the eastern side of Derbyshire (Chesterfield, Bolsover, Dronfield, Alfreton etc)
- in Lincolnshire west of Lincoln (such as Gainsborough or Saxilby)
- on the borders of South Yorkshire (around Tickhill, Bawtry, Dinnington etc)
So that I can assess the degree of interest in this idea, please send me an email giving your name, the town where you're located (or that you can get to easily), and a few details about what you're interested in writing and your level of experience.Ìý
I'll choose locations where most people are based and work out suitable dates and venues. The only cost would be the hire of a venue, but I'd need between 6 and 12 people in a group to make this work.
To register your interest, send an email to:
A BIT ABOUT ME: I've been writing all my life - the last 18 years as a full-time novelist - and I first signed with a literary agent nearly 23 years ago, so I think I've gained some experience of the writing business, and a few insights to share. I've worked with several major publishers, both here in the UK and in the USA, as well as foreign publishers in 16 territories around the world. Several of the Cooper and Fry novels have been Sunday Times bestsellers, and the series has won awards on both sides of the Atlantic. I've done countless reader events, at which I get the vital reader's perspective, and I've led courses for Writing East Midlands, as well as running a number of workshops for writing groups, and even for prison inmates. In addition, I've self published 14 titles under my own imprints, so have experience of the self publishing market too. My previous career was in newspaper journalism, with many years as a sub-editor and editor. I have three cats (this may not be relevant!).
September 25, 2018
OUT NOW IN THE USA - DEAD IN THE DARK
The 17th Cooper and Fry novel DEAD IN THE DARK is out this week in the USA, released in ebook formats with this wonderful cover from Witness Impulse.
How do you prove a murder without a body?
Ten years ago, Reece Bower was accused of killing his wife, a crime he always denied. Extensive police searches near his home in Bakewell found no trace of Annette Bower's remains, and the case against him collapsed.
But now memories of the original investigation have been resurrected for Detective Inspector Ben Cooper - because Reece Bower himself has disappeared, and his new wife wants answers.
Cooper can't call on the Major Crime Unit and DS Diane Fry for help unless he can prove a murder took place - impossible without a body. As his search moves into the caves and abandoned mines in the isolated depths of Lathkilldale, the question is: who would want revenge for the death of Annette Bower?
Meanwhile, Fry is working on a murder investigation of her own in an entirely different part of Derbyshire, where a community is divided against itself.
A blog tour is now under way in the US, organised by Partners in Crime. Check out all these lovely bloggers who are hosting reviews, features, interviews and guest posts over the next few weeks for the launch of DEAD IN THE DARK:
In particular, check out the interview Stephen did for Crack a Book Cafe, where he talks about his influences, the inspiration for Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, and how he finds time to write (among other things!):
A Rafflecopter giveaway has just started, with the chance of winning one of three copies of the previous Cooper & Fry novel SECRETS OF DEATH. Enter here to be in with a chance of winning:
US readers can download the ebook of DEAD IN THE DARK here:
Amazon Kindle:
Barnes & Noble Nook:
Kobo:
Google:
Apple iBooks:
* A US paperback edition of DEAD IN THE DARK will be released in October.
How do you prove a murder without a body?
Ten years ago, Reece Bower was accused of killing his wife, a crime he always denied. Extensive police searches near his home in Bakewell found no trace of Annette Bower's remains, and the case against him collapsed.
But now memories of the original investigation have been resurrected for Detective Inspector Ben Cooper - because Reece Bower himself has disappeared, and his new wife wants answers.
Cooper can't call on the Major Crime Unit and DS Diane Fry for help unless he can prove a murder took place - impossible without a body. As his search moves into the caves and abandoned mines in the isolated depths of Lathkilldale, the question is: who would want revenge for the death of Annette Bower?
Meanwhile, Fry is working on a murder investigation of her own in an entirely different part of Derbyshire, where a community is divided against itself.
A blog tour is now under way in the US, organised by Partners in Crime. Check out all these lovely bloggers who are hosting reviews, features, interviews and guest posts over the next few weeks for the launch of DEAD IN THE DARK:
In particular, check out the interview Stephen did for Crack a Book Cafe, where he talks about his influences, the inspiration for Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, and how he finds time to write (among other things!):
A Rafflecopter giveaway has just started, with the chance of winning one of three copies of the previous Cooper & Fry novel SECRETS OF DEATH. Enter here to be in with a chance of winning:
US readers can download the ebook of DEAD IN THE DARK here:
Amazon Kindle:
Barnes & Noble Nook:
Kobo:
Google:
Apple iBooks:
* A US paperback edition of DEAD IN THE DARK will be released in October.
August 14, 2018
'FALL DOWN DEAD' IS HERE!
The new Cooper & Fry novel FALL DOWN DEAD is published THIS WEEK in the UK in hardback and ebook editions, shortly followed by its arrival in several other countries. I love this cover from my UK publishers, Sphere!
During the next few weeks I'll be out and about signing copies of the new book, so check out the dates below for opportunities to get your book signed.
FALL DOWN DEAD is set around one of the Peak District's most iconic locations, Kinder Scout.Ìý
The highest point in the national park, it was also the scene of the famous Kinder Mass Trespass in 1932, which led directly to the creation of Britain's national parks - the first being the Peak District.ÌýIn this case, one member of a walking group lost on Kinder may not make it down alive...
Order your copy of FALL DOWN DEAD online now:
Amazon:
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
The Hive:
Or call in at your local bookshop of course!
An ebook edition can be downloaded here:Ìý
Kindle:
Kobo:
An audio download is also available:
GET YOUR SIGNED BOOKS
Signings for FALL DOWN DEAD start with a publication day event in North Nottinghamshire this Thursday. This will be with my old friends at Bookworm of Retford, but since their bookshop is now closed, the signing will take place at Retford Library.Ìý
I'm looking forward to seeing lots of regular readers of the Cooper & Fry series - and hopefully a few new ones. Just come along between 11am and 1pm for a chat and to get your signed book. Light refreshments are promised, so there should be a cup of tea too!
Then I'll be embarking on a 'mini tour' of Derbyshire, with visits to the Oxfam Bookshop in Matlock this Friday (17th August) to help celebrate their 50th anniversary, and to Reading Matters bookshop in Chapel-en-le-Frith this Saturday (18th August). Next week, I'll be heading off to Bakewell Bookshop (24th), Waterstones Chesterfield and Scarthin Books, Cromford (both on the 25th) and High Peak Bookstore near Buxton (26th). It would be great to see as many of you as possible!
Details of forthcoming signing dates for FALL DOWN DEAD:Ìý
THURSDAY 16th AUGUST, 11am - 1pm
Retford Library, 17 Churchgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6PE - signing in conjunction with Bookworm, Retford. Phone 01777 869224 or email:
FRIDAY 17th AUGUST, 2pm - 4pm
Oxfam Bookshop, 70 Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LT - signing to celebrate 50th anniversary of Oxfam Bookshop. Phone 01629 55799 or email:
SATURDAY 18th AUGUST, 12 - 2pm
Reading Matters, 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 0HY - signing. Phone 01298 938166 or email:
FRIDAY 24th AUGUST, 7 for 7.30pm
Bakewell Bookshop, Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1EE - talk and signing. Phone 01629 812818 or email:
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST, 10am - 12pm
Waterstones, 13 Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1PY - signing. Phone 01246 231061 or email:
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST, 2.30 - 4.30pm
Scarthin Books, The Promenade, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3QF - signing. Phone 01629 823272 or email:
SUNDAY 26th AUGUST, 1 - 3pm
High Peak Bookstore, Ashbourne Road, Brierlow Bar, near Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9PY - signing. Phone .
During the next few weeks I'll be out and about signing copies of the new book, so check out the dates below for opportunities to get your book signed.
FALL DOWN DEAD is set around one of the Peak District's most iconic locations, Kinder Scout.Ìý
The highest point in the national park, it was also the scene of the famous Kinder Mass Trespass in 1932, which led directly to the creation of Britain's national parks - the first being the Peak District.ÌýIn this case, one member of a walking group lost on Kinder may not make it down alive...
Order your copy of FALL DOWN DEAD online now:
Amazon:
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
The Hive:
Or call in at your local bookshop of course!
An ebook edition can be downloaded here:Ìý
Kindle:
Kobo:
An audio download is also available:
GET YOUR SIGNED BOOKS
Signings for FALL DOWN DEAD start with a publication day event in North Nottinghamshire this Thursday. This will be with my old friends at Bookworm of Retford, but since their bookshop is now closed, the signing will take place at Retford Library.Ìý
I'm looking forward to seeing lots of regular readers of the Cooper & Fry series - and hopefully a few new ones. Just come along between 11am and 1pm for a chat and to get your signed book. Light refreshments are promised, so there should be a cup of tea too!
Then I'll be embarking on a 'mini tour' of Derbyshire, with visits to the Oxfam Bookshop in Matlock this Friday (17th August) to help celebrate their 50th anniversary, and to Reading Matters bookshop in Chapel-en-le-Frith this Saturday (18th August). Next week, I'll be heading off to Bakewell Bookshop (24th), Waterstones Chesterfield and Scarthin Books, Cromford (both on the 25th) and High Peak Bookstore near Buxton (26th). It would be great to see as many of you as possible!
Details of forthcoming signing dates for FALL DOWN DEAD:Ìý
THURSDAY 16th AUGUST, 11am - 1pm
Retford Library, 17 Churchgate, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6PE - signing in conjunction with Bookworm, Retford. Phone 01777 869224 or email:
FRIDAY 17th AUGUST, 2pm - 4pm
Oxfam Bookshop, 70 Dale Road, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3LT - signing to celebrate 50th anniversary of Oxfam Bookshop. Phone 01629 55799 or email:
SATURDAY 18th AUGUST, 12 - 2pm
Reading Matters, 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, Derbyshire SK23 0HY - signing. Phone 01298 938166 or email:
FRIDAY 24th AUGUST, 7 for 7.30pm
Bakewell Bookshop, Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1EE - talk and signing. Phone 01629 812818 or email:
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST, 10am - 12pm
Waterstones, 13 Vicar Lane, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1PY - signing. Phone 01246 231061 or email:
SATURDAY 25th AUGUST, 2.30 - 4.30pm
Scarthin Books, The Promenade, Cromford, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3QF - signing. Phone 01629 823272 or email:
SUNDAY 26th AUGUST, 1 - 3pm
High Peak Bookstore, Ashbourne Road, Brierlow Bar, near Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9PY - signing. Phone .
July 19, 2018
FALL DOWN DEAD is coming!
I've just opened a box of these beauties - advance copies of the new Cooper & Fry novel FALL DOWN DEAD, due for UK publication in hardback and ebook on 16th August.Ìý
And you can pre-order it right now!
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
Amazon:
Or call in at your local bookshop and ask for it, of course.
And you can pre-order it right now!
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
Amazon:
Or call in at your local bookshop and ask for it, of course.
July 3, 2017
NEW COOPER & FRY NOVEL - DEAD IN THE DARK
The brand new Cooper and Fry novel DEAD IN THE DARK will be launched in the UK in July.
I have lots of launch events planned across Derbyshire, and in neighbouring Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Please come along and say 'hello' at one of these events - and of course get your copy of DEAD IN THE DARK signed!
Here's the blurb:
This is the 17th title in the award-winning series featuring young police detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, set in England’s beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.
How do you prove a murder without a body?
Ten years ago, Reece Bower was accused of killing his wife, a crime he always denied. Extensive police searches near his home in Bakewell found no trace of Annette Bower's remains, and the case against him collapsed.
But now memories of the original investigation have been resurrected for Detective Inspector Ben Cooper - because Reece Bower himself has disappeared, and his new wife wants answers.
Cooper can't call on the Major Crime Unit and DS Diane Fry for help unless he can prove a murder took place - impossible without a body. As his search moves into the caves and abandoned mines in the isolated depths of Lathkilldale, the question is: who would want revenge for the death of Annette Bower?
Meanwhile, Fry is working on a murder investigation of her own in an entirely different part of Derbyshire, where a fractured community is divided against itself.
Stephen Booth ventures into the Peak District's dark subterranean world for this stunning Cooper & Fry thriller DEAD IN THE DARK.
Hardback and ebook publication by Little, Brown areÌýscheduled for Thursday 13th July, along with an audio download.Ìý
My launch dates are:
TUESDAY 11th JULY, 6pm
Chelmorton War Memorial Institute, Main Street, Chelmorton, Derbyshire SK17 9SH - 'Dark Peaks and Strange Shores' crime panel for Chelmorton Festival, with Sarah Ward, Martin Pearce, Quentin Bates and Roz Watkins. Tickets £4 including glass of wine. Email: [email protected] or book online here:Ìý
WEDNESDAY 12th JULY, 6.30pm
Waterstones, 78-80 St Peter's Street, Derby DE1 1SR - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.ÌýPhone 01332 296997 or email: [email protected]
THURSDAY 13th JULY, 10am - 12 noon
Bookworm, Spa Lane, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6EA - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.
Phone 01777 869224 or email: [email protected]
THURSDAY 13th JULY, 7pm
Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1QN - launch event for DEAD IN THE DARK (in conjunction with Waterstones Chesterfield). Tickets £3 (redeemable against the price of the book if bought at the event), available from the library, phone 01629 533400 or email: [email protected]. To reserve a signed book, contact Waterstones on 01246 231061 or email: [email protected]
https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-with-stephen-booth/chesterfield-33692
SATURDAY 15th JULY, 2.30 - 4.30pm
Scarthin Books,The Promenade, Cromford, Derbyshire DE4 3QF - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Phone 01629 823272 or email: [email protected]
SUNDAY 16th JULY, 12 noon
Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, NottinghamshireNG24 1DU - 'Nottinghamshire: Today's Heroes' panel for Newark Book Festival, with Tim Utton and Gareth Baker, chaired by Stuart Gibbon. Tickets £5 (£3 concessions) from the Palace Theatre box office (10am - 5pm), phone 01636 655755 or email: [email protected] Or book online here: https://www.palacenewarktickets.com/en-GB/shows/nottinghamshire-%20today's%20heroes/info
Festival website:
WEDNESDAY 19th JULY, 7pm
Bonington Theatre,High Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE - event for Gedling Arts Festival. Crime writing workshop from 7pm - 8.30pm. Talk, Q&A and book signing from 8.30pm. Tickets £3, available from the Bonington Theatre Box Office: phone 0115 901 3640 or email: [email protected]
Festival programme here:
FRIDAY 21st JULY, 7.30pm
Spring Bank Arts, Spring Bank, New Mills, Derbyshire SK22 4BH - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Tickets £7 (including glass of Pimms or non-alcoholic drink), available from Spring Bank Arts,Ìýphone 01663 308202 or email: [email protected],
or from High Street Books, New Mills, or book online here:
SUNDAY 23rd JULY, 3 - 5pm
High Peak Bookstore (formerly Bookstore Brierlow Bar), Ashbourne Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9PY - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Phone 01298 71017 or email: [email protected]
MONDAY 24th JULY, 6.45 for 7.30pm
Haxby Memorial Hall, 16 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 3HT - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK at fund-raising event for new Haxby Library.
Tickets £5. Book your place online at
SATURDAY 29th JULY, 12 - 2pm
Reading Matters bookshop, 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire SK23 0HY - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.
Phone 01298 938166 or email: [email protected]
Dates later in the year can be found on the Events Page:
I have lots of launch events planned across Derbyshire, and in neighbouring Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire. Please come along and say 'hello' at one of these events - and of course get your copy of DEAD IN THE DARK signed!
Here's the blurb:
This is the 17th title in the award-winning series featuring young police detectives Ben Cooper and Diane Fry, set in England’s beautiful and atmospheric Peak District.
How do you prove a murder without a body?
Ten years ago, Reece Bower was accused of killing his wife, a crime he always denied. Extensive police searches near his home in Bakewell found no trace of Annette Bower's remains, and the case against him collapsed.
But now memories of the original investigation have been resurrected for Detective Inspector Ben Cooper - because Reece Bower himself has disappeared, and his new wife wants answers.
Cooper can't call on the Major Crime Unit and DS Diane Fry for help unless he can prove a murder took place - impossible without a body. As his search moves into the caves and abandoned mines in the isolated depths of Lathkilldale, the question is: who would want revenge for the death of Annette Bower?
Meanwhile, Fry is working on a murder investigation of her own in an entirely different part of Derbyshire, where a fractured community is divided against itself.
Stephen Booth ventures into the Peak District's dark subterranean world for this stunning Cooper & Fry thriller DEAD IN THE DARK.
Hardback and ebook publication by Little, Brown areÌýscheduled for Thursday 13th July, along with an audio download.Ìý
My launch dates are:
TUESDAY 11th JULY, 6pm
Chelmorton War Memorial Institute, Main Street, Chelmorton, Derbyshire SK17 9SH - 'Dark Peaks and Strange Shores' crime panel for Chelmorton Festival, with Sarah Ward, Martin Pearce, Quentin Bates and Roz Watkins. Tickets £4 including glass of wine. Email: [email protected] or book online here:Ìý
WEDNESDAY 12th JULY, 6.30pm
Waterstones, 78-80 St Peter's Street, Derby DE1 1SR - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.ÌýPhone 01332 296997 or email: [email protected]
THURSDAY 13th JULY, 10am - 12 noon
Bookworm, Spa Lane, Retford, Nottinghamshire DN22 6EA - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.
Phone 01777 869224 or email: [email protected]
THURSDAY 13th JULY, 7pm
Chesterfield Library, New Beetwell Street, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S40 1QN - launch event for DEAD IN THE DARK (in conjunction with Waterstones Chesterfield). Tickets £3 (redeemable against the price of the book if bought at the event), available from the library, phone 01629 533400 or email: [email protected]. To reserve a signed book, contact Waterstones on 01246 231061 or email: [email protected]
https://www.waterstones.com/events/an-evening-with-stephen-booth/chesterfield-33692
SATURDAY 15th JULY, 2.30 - 4.30pm
Scarthin Books,The Promenade, Cromford, Derbyshire DE4 3QF - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Phone 01629 823272 or email: [email protected]
SUNDAY 16th JULY, 12 noon
Newark Town Hall, Market Place, Newark, NottinghamshireNG24 1DU - 'Nottinghamshire: Today's Heroes' panel for Newark Book Festival, with Tim Utton and Gareth Baker, chaired by Stuart Gibbon. Tickets £5 (£3 concessions) from the Palace Theatre box office (10am - 5pm), phone 01636 655755 or email: [email protected] Or book online here: https://www.palacenewarktickets.com/en-GB/shows/nottinghamshire-%20today's%20heroes/info
Festival website:
WEDNESDAY 19th JULY, 7pm
Bonington Theatre,High Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE - event for Gedling Arts Festival. Crime writing workshop from 7pm - 8.30pm. Talk, Q&A and book signing from 8.30pm. Tickets £3, available from the Bonington Theatre Box Office: phone 0115 901 3640 or email: [email protected]
Festival programme here:
FRIDAY 21st JULY, 7.30pm
Spring Bank Arts, Spring Bank, New Mills, Derbyshire SK22 4BH - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Tickets £7 (including glass of Pimms or non-alcoholic drink), available from Spring Bank Arts,Ìýphone 01663 308202 or email: [email protected],
or from High Street Books, New Mills, or book online here:
SUNDAY 23rd JULY, 3 - 5pm
High Peak Bookstore (formerly Bookstore Brierlow Bar), Ashbourne Road, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 9PY - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK. Phone 01298 71017 or email: [email protected]
MONDAY 24th JULY, 6.45 for 7.30pm
Haxby Memorial Hall, 16 The Village, Haxby, York YO32 3HT - talk and signing for DEAD IN THE DARK at fund-raising event for new Haxby Library.
Tickets £5. Book your place online at
SATURDAY 29th JULY, 12 - 2pm
Reading Matters bookshop, 48 Market Street, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Derbyshire SK23 0HY - signing for DEAD IN THE DARK.
Phone 01298 938166 or email: [email protected]
Dates later in the year can be found on the Events Page:
November 3, 2016
BBC 'LOVE TO READ' INTERVIEW
In September the BBC filmed an interview with me as part of their 'Love to Read' campaign, which is running through the autumn to encourage a love of reading and books.
The resulting feature will be aired tonight (Thursday 3rd November) on BBC East Midlands Today, which starts at 6.30pm.
The interview with the BBC's Dominic Heale was filmed partly on Stanton Moor (the inspiration for the 2nd Cooper & Fry novel DANCING WITH THE VIRGINS) and partly in a Peak District pub, the Flying Childers Inn at Stanton-in-Peak.
If you're in the UK, you should be able to catchÌýthe programmeÌýon the BBC iPlayer.Ìý
July 3, 2016
MURDER IN THE PEAKS
For readers in the Derbyshire area, the last chance this summer to hear me talking about the Peak District locations in the Cooper & Fry series and the new Cooper & Fry novel SECRETS OF DEATH will be on Thursday 14th July at my 'Murder in the Peaks' event for Buxton Festival Fringe.Ìý
This is the first time I'll be taking part in the Fringe, which is one of the highlights of July in Derbyshire.Ìý
On the evening, there will also be a chance to ask all those questions you've been itching to get answers to.ÌýAnd copies of SECRETS OF DEATH, and all previous Cooper and Fry titles, will be on sale at a special event discount.
So make sure your book your places now! Tickets are just £6 (£5 concessions), available from the box office at Buxton Opera House:
You can alsoÌýnowÌýorder tickets via PayPal from my website:(it isn't necessary to have a PayPal account yourself, but you will need a credit card):
Don't forget the date - Thursday 14th July. See you there!
Date:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý THURSDAY 14th JULY
Time:ÌýÌýÌýÌý 7.15pm
Venue:ÌýÌý Buxton Methodist Church Hall, Market Place, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6HX
Event:ÌýÌýÌý 'Murder in the Peaks', with talk, Q&A and book signing.
Tickets:ÌýÌý£6 (£5 concessions)Ìý*
* Concession ticket price is for under-16s, over 65s, students or unwaged.
Directions:
Buxton Methodist Church is centrally located on Buxton Market Place, and the entrance to the church hall is a few yards along Chapel Street. The postcode is SK17 6HX.
There is pay-and-display parking in the Market Place, as well as some on-street parking on either side of the church in Chapel Street and Fountain Street. If busy, a larger pay-and-display car park can be accessed from Market Street or Clough Street, and is just a short walk through an alley to the church hall.
This is the first time I'll be taking part in the Fringe, which is one of the highlights of July in Derbyshire.Ìý
On the evening, there will also be a chance to ask all those questions you've been itching to get answers to.ÌýAnd copies of SECRETS OF DEATH, and all previous Cooper and Fry titles, will be on sale at a special event discount.
So make sure your book your places now! Tickets are just £6 (£5 concessions), available from the box office at Buxton Opera House:
You can alsoÌýnowÌýorder tickets via PayPal from my website:(it isn't necessary to have a PayPal account yourself, but you will need a credit card):
Don't forget the date - Thursday 14th July. See you there!
Date:ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý THURSDAY 14th JULY
Time:ÌýÌýÌýÌý 7.15pm
Venue:ÌýÌý Buxton Methodist Church Hall, Market Place, Buxton, Derbyshire SK17 6HX
Event:ÌýÌýÌý 'Murder in the Peaks', with talk, Q&A and book signing.
Tickets:ÌýÌý£6 (£5 concessions)Ìý*
* Concession ticket price is for under-16s, over 65s, students or unwaged.
Directions:
Buxton Methodist Church is centrally located on Buxton Market Place, and the entrance to the church hall is a few yards along Chapel Street. The postcode is SK17 6HX.
There is pay-and-display parking in the Market Place, as well as some on-street parking on either side of the church in Chapel Street and Fountain Street. If busy, a larger pay-and-display car park can be accessed from Market Street or Clough Street, and is just a short walk through an alley to the church hall.
June 15, 2016
A NEW COOPER & FRY NOVEL - SECRETS OF DEATH
The new Cooper & Fry novel SECRETS OF DEATH has arrived! UK hardback and ebook editions are released this week.Ìý
SECRETS OF DEATH introduces a new phenomenon - suicide tourists, people who have decided the Peak District is a good place to die. The story involves DI Ben Cooper and his team from Edendale CID investigating a sudden upsurge in suicides, not knowing where the next death might happen.Ìý And when a suspect in a Major Crime Unit investigation goes missing, Cooper faces two more challenges - the arrival of DS Diane Fry from Nottingham, and the possibility that one of these deaths wasn't suicide at all...
In the UK, you can buy the hardback and ebook editions in all the usual places:
Amazon UK:
Waterstones:
WH Smith:
The Hive:
or call in at your local bookshop.
An audio download edition of SECRETS OF DEATH is also released today. Publication dates will follow soon in other countries such as Canada, Australia and New Zealand. We're still awaiting news of publication in the USA.
I'll be doing a launch event for SECRETS OF DEATH this Friday (17th June) at Spring Bank Arts, New Mills, Derbyshire. I'm on at 7.30pm (but the bar opens at 7pm!). Tickets are £7, including a glass of Pimms, available from Spring Bank Arts on 01663 308202 or [email protected], from High Street Books in New Mills, or online here:
On Saturday I'll be at Bookworm bookshop in Retford, Nottinghamshire, from 10am - 12noon to sign copies of SECRETS OF DEATH. To order a signed copy in advance, phone the shop on 01777 869224 or email: [email protected]
On Sunday I'll be at Lowdham Book Festival in Nottinghamshire for the festival's 'Day of Crime'. Also taking part are Elly Griffiths, Sharon Bolton, Anne Zouroudi, Steven Dunne, Sarah Ward, Chris Ewan and Robert Thorogood. Full day tickets are £15 (£12 concessions, £10 festival friends).
Don't miss your chance to get a signed copy of the new book - just in time for Father's Day too!
Other dates here:
November 23, 2015
EDLINGTON LIBRARY VISIT
Libraries have always been very important to me, and I think they're particularly vital in communities where there isn't much else available.
Edlington, near Doncaster, is a former coal mining area which is said to be one of the most deprived areas in England.
However, it now has a very nice new library located in the Martinwells Centre, a community facility which also includes doctors' surgeries, a dentist's, a pharmacy and a cafe.Ìý
I'll be there this Wednesday (25th November, 2pm) to talk to readers about the Cooper and Fry series, with copies of the books on sale. Tickets are just £2, refreshments included.Ìý
To be sure of a place, phone Edlington Library on 01302 736470, or just turn up on the day.
Edlington, near Doncaster, is a former coal mining area which is said to be one of the most deprived areas in England.
However, it now has a very nice new library located in the Martinwells Centre, a community facility which also includes doctors' surgeries, a dentist's, a pharmacy and a cafe.Ìý
I'll be there this Wednesday (25th November, 2pm) to talk to readers about the Cooper and Fry series, with copies of the books on sale. Tickets are just £2, refreshments included.Ìý
To be sure of a place, phone Edlington Library on 01302 736470, or just turn up on the day.
