Book Extract: A Mirror Murder by Helen Hollick
I’m excited to be welcoming Helen Hollick to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for her book, A Mirror Murder, the first instalment in The Jan Christopher Cozy Mystery Series.
The first in a series of quick-read, cozy mysteries set during the 1970s in North East London and North Devon, featuring the characters of Jan Christopher, her Aunt Madge, her uncle, DCI Toby Christopher and romantic interest DC Lawrence Walker – plus several other endearing, regular characters.
The background of Jan’s career as a library assistant is based on the author’s own library years during the 1970s, using many borrowed (often hilarious!) anecdotes, her life in suburban north east London on the edge of Epping Forest, and her present life in rural North Devon…
July 1971
Eighteen-year-old library assistant Jan Christopher’s life is to change on a rainy evening, when her legal guardian and uncle, DCI Toby Christopher, gives her a lift home after work. Driving the car, is her uncle’s new Detective Constable, Lawrence Walker – and it is love at first sight for the young couple. But romance is soon to take a back seat when a baby boy is taken from his pram, a naked man is scaring young ladies in nearby Epping Forest, and an elderly lady is found, brutally murdered… Are the events related? How will they affect the staff and public of the local library where Jan works – will romance survive and blossom between library assistant Jan Christopher and DC Walker? Or will a brutal murder intervene?
There’s some more information on the upcoming novels in the series below but first, Helen has shared an extract from A Mirror Murder with us today. We hope you enjoy it.
*****beginning of extract*****
CHAPTER TWO
Summer 1971
Detective Constable Walker
(It’s home time after a long day at work for young library assistant, Jan Christopher…)
by 
Book Spotlight: A New Hope in the Highlands by Rachel Debrave
I’m so pleased to be welcoming Rachel Debrave to Novel Kicks as we shine a light on her latest book, A New Hope in the Highlands – book one in The Highland Hearts: The Haddon House Duets series.
Amid betrayal and family secrets, a journey to the Scottish Highlands brings unexpected romance, healing, and a second chance at happiness.
Scarlett flees to the Scottish Highlands on her 35th birthday after discovering her husband’s affair. Desperate for a fresh start, she seeks comfort with her estranged mother at the estate of the surly, yet rather attractive bachelor, Edward Cameron-Reid; a reclusive laird devoted to his family’s legacy.
As Scarlett disrupts Edward’s solitary life, an inescapable chemistry sparks between them amid the estate’s last-minute preparations for his brother’s wedding. However, their growing connection faces turmoil when shocking secrets and hidden motives surface, threatening not only the wedding but their blossoming romance.
Will the drama keep Scarlett and Edward apart? Can they overcome their fears and confront their true feelings for each other? Or will they discover that even after heartbreak, love has the power to offer a second chance?
A dual-narrative, spicy contemporary romance set in the Highlands of Scotland, for fans of Elliot Fletcher and Evie Alexander.
A New Hope in the Highlands was released in September 2025. Click to buy on Amazon UK, Waterstones and Amazon US.
by Book Review: Valour by Richard Cullen
I’m pleased to be welcoming Richard Cullen to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his latest book, Valour – book three in the Chronicles of the Black Lion series.
Estienne Wace is forced to play a desperate game of cat and mouse, where the only way to win is to survive.
Burzenland 1223 AD
King András II of Hungary has invited the Teutonic Knights to secure his eastern frontier against the nomadic Cuman raiders, establishing fortresses along the Carpathian Mountains to quell the constant incursions by pagan clans.
Estienne Wace, has found purpose serving at the Order’s fortress of Rosenau, and he has earned respect through his unflinching courage. When a Christian mission, led by Fabrisse of Avallon, arrives determined to convert a pagan clan beyond the mountains, Estienne’s warnings of danger fall on deaf ears.
News soon arrives of Fabrisse’s capture and Estienne, along with a small band of knights, undertake a desperate rescue mission through hostile territory where Estienne will face trials beyond endurance.
In the ensuing crucible of violence, he must decide what price he is willing to sacrifice for survival, justice, and redemption, in a land where mercy is a luxury few can afford.
*****
Set in the 1200’s in Burzenland (a part of modern day Romania) Valour continues the tale of Estienne Wace, a young squire thrust into the house of William Marshal.
by Book Review: Eagle and the Flame by Adam Lofthouse
It’s exciting to be welcoming Adam Lofthouse back to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for his book, Eagle and the Flame.
Rebellion is in the air at the far reaches of empire.
Wall of Hadrian, Britannia, AD 367. Tribune Sixtus Victorinus is scouting north of the Wall when he first sees the smoke. Riding south he finds a province in chaos, the local populace in flight, the soldiers absent.
Britannia is ablaze, overrun with barbarians and Valentia is the word on everyone’s lips. But no one seems to have the first clue what it means…
Victorinus may have let his life run to ruin and drunk his youth away, but now he must forge himself into the soldier he always wanted to be, the hero his children think he is.
Because his family are among the missing, and traitors lurk much closer than he could ever believe.
To save his family, he must first save an empire.
EAGLE AND THE FLAME will sweep you through the tumultuous years of the late Roman Empire.
*****
Having read books by this author before, I was intrigued by his latest book, Eagle and The Flame.
This book is the first in a new series and features Tribune Sixtus Victorinus, a man relegated to patrolling the lands north of Hadrian’s Wall. When the flames of rebellion start to burn around him he must pull himself out of the rut he has been living in and become the solider that Rome needs.
by Book Extract: The Shaw Thing by Tanya Mounts
It’s a pleasure to be welcoming Tanya Mounts to Novel Kicks and the blog tour for The Shaw Thing.
Recently separated Demelza is nearing 50 and learning to live life again away from her problematic ex. The menopause is causing havoc with her hormones and after years of frustration she finds herself attracted to a much younger man.
28 year old wanna be comedian Stephen Shaw knows he’s attractive. He’s worked hard on his talent and physique but he never imagined being instantly smitten by a woman old enough to be his mother.
After an almost one night stand, Stephen starts work as Demelza’s new PA and the sparks continue to fly.
When Demelza’s ex comes back on the scene, she has to stand her ground and find the strength to fight for what she believes in.
Stephen shows Demelza what it’s like to have a man that’s kind, considerate and confident in life and also in the bedroom.
Will their relationship turn into something lasting or is Stephen just a Shaw thing?
This dual POV spicy romance has a supportive cast of friends and sizzling chemistry.
Tanya has shared an extract from The Shaw Thing with us today. We hope you enjoy.
*****beginning of extract*****
This extract is from the opening chapter of the novel. It’s where we first meet Dem and it gives a real feel for her friendship with her old school friends. The whole book was inspired by a weekend I spent with my old school friends where we laughed nonstop and many things in the beginning few chapters are based on real events.
Dem hadn’t laughed this much in a very long time. Her jaw ached, she felt like she had a stitch from the constant giggles and guffaws and her eyes were sore from the tears that kept falling down her cheeks as she rolled around the floor literally pissing herself with laughter. Not for the first time since entering her late forties had she thanked the lovely people who had invented Tena pads.
by Book Club
