books below are in publication order
 |
| sorry, our authors are by invitation only |
ALL BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE
from AMAZON
or order from any good bookstore
* * *
FATE: Tales of History, Mystery and Magic
If you had a crystal ball to predict what lay ahead,
would you be tempted to use it?
Or would you leave the future to the turn of Fate?
Authors:
by (in order of appearance)
Introduction: Cathie Dunn. Bramble Creep by Annie
Whitehead, Six Pomegranate Seeds by Jean Gill, One Black Dog by
Marian L Thorpe, In the Shadow of Ghosts by Helen Hollick, A Fateful
Encounter by Alison Morton, Following Fate by Elizabeth St.John, The Black
Onyx Box by R. Marsden, Beware the Crows by Anna Belfrage, Dame
Fortune’s Wheel by J. P Reedman, Saints Alive by Debbie Young
Endword: Helen Hollick
Amazon Universal Buy link: https://mybook.to/FateAnthology
Available as: Kindle Unlimited, e-book and paperback
Publication date: 16th June 2025
Tales
of Variety. Tales of History, Mystery and Magic – some comprising just one of
these popular fiction genres, others, a mild mixture of all three. Perhaps
you prefer historical fiction rather than a story about magic or fantasy? Maybe
you enjoy exploring new themes or prefer sticking to the familiar? Historical
fiction can often inform, imparting knowledge of the past, of its events and
its people. Stories of mystery exercise the ‘little grey cells’ as Poirot would
say, while fantasy and magic create new worlds and awed wonder.
Whatever result, this is where anthologies
come into their own, and where short stories are often appreciated as
enjoyable, entertaining, quick or easy reads shown through the eyes of a
variety of extraordinary characters and situations. In this instance: an
Anglo-Saxon woman facing the consequence of conquest, the pursuit of alchemy,
the concern of a mother for her daughter, the shifting of time, the necessity
of hidden identity, souls who will linger as ghosts, a warning from the
supernatural, the necessity for (justifiable?) revenge. All mingled with the
rekindling of romance through a mutual quest, and the preparations for a
Cotswold village celebration. (Along with a good tip if illicitly snaffling
cakes.)
The binding theme? Destiny... Kismet... FATE!
Content warning: some stories have adult content/language
* * *
 |
| cover design: avalon graphics cover artwork: Chris Collingwood |
https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters
Everyone assumes that ghosts are hostile.
Actually, most of them are not.
You either believe in the existence of ghosts or you don’t. It depends on whether you’ve encountered something supernatural or not.
Many of the encounters related in this narrative are personal in origin, not second-hand anecdotes or over-dramatised (and mostly unbelievable) tales to deliberately scare and frighten. Some of the private locations mentioned are inaccessible to public scrutiny, but there are enough public places, such as old pubs, villages and beaches, for ghost enthusiasts to explore – and maybe experience a friendly encounter or two.
Accompanied by photographs of some of the locations – and animals – featured in the text, Ghost Encounters will fascinate all who enjoy this beautiful region of South-West England, as well as interest those who wish to discover more about its history. And a few of its ghosts.
 |
| © Kathy Hollick |
Tawstock Court near Barnstaple
A shirtExcerot
Chapter 1
WELCOME TO NORTH DEVON
Published in three volumes between 1724-1727, Daniel Defoe, the author of Robinson Crusoe (and a government spy as a secondary occupation), produced A Tour Thro' the Whole Island of Great Britain. South Devon impressed him but North Devon he declared to be, ‘Wild, barren and poor.’ He was right about the wild landscape, for Exmoor has a natural beauty of dramatic scenery and a rugged, breath-taking coastline that, in the past, saw many a tragic shipwreck.
 |
| Valley of the Rocks, Exmoor © Cathy Helms |
Ghost, spirit, shade, presence, spectre, soul – whatever term you prefer to use, unless you are a sceptic the general thinking about ghosts is that these unexplained phenomena are troubled or tormented apparitions which haunt the places where they died. They are misty shapes curling beneath trees, lurking in dark shadows or eerie cellars while oozing an atmosphere of supernatural horror. Spirits allegedly remain through spite or remorse; their only intention is to frighten living people in any and every way they can.
Most of this thinking is generated by religious beliefs and enhanced by the fascination for horror novels and Hollywood movies of the paranormal. Exposing an angry poltergeist or a vengeful demon is common on the TV or cinema screen. Readers and viewers (for some unfathomable reason!) like to be scared. There are hostile spirits creating hostile environments, but outside of high drama and the movies, these are in a minority.
Movies such as Ghostbusters are not so frightening, but perpetuate the belief that unfriendly ghosts are to be extinguished as soon as possible. A few ghost movies, however, are clever – Clint Eastwood’s Pale Rider and High Plains Drifter spring to mind. Hamlet, of course, is a ghost story, as is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. The 1945 version of Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit starring Rex Harrison and Margaret Rutherford is delightfully amusing. UK TV had its share of entertaining concepts, and a more recent BBC sitcom series, Ghosts (2019-2023), brought further entertainment as adult comedy. The ghosts in this series remain, bored with their repetitive routine, in the house where they died. When new owners arrive, they initially resent the intrusion but then discover the joy of new company and watching television. I often complain that my husband forgets to turn the telly off when he goes out, but now I feel obliged to leave it on in case our resident ghosts were also watching.
A pity they don’t pay anything towards our electricity bill.
https://mybook.to/GhostEncounters
(Amazon Universal Link)
* * *
the fifth Jan Christopher Mystery
There’s a missing girl, annoying decorators, circus performers, and a wanna-be rock star to deal with.
But who remembers the brutal, cold case murder of a policeman?
Easter 1973.
The North London library where Jan Christopher works is in upheaval because the decorators are in to spruce the place up, but there is more for her policeman uncle, DCI Toby Christopher and her fiancé, DS Laurie Walker, to worry about than a few inconvenient pots of paint.
An eleven-year-old girl has not returned home after school, and strange ‘gifts’ are being surreptitiously left for the detective chief inspector’s family to find. Could these items have anything to do with the unsolved murder, fifteen years ago, of Jan’s policeman father?
"Can I say this is the best one (of the series) yet? YES! For the depth of the writing, the maturity of the main character, and the complexity of the premise. It's cosy...with a few chills for good measure!" (Reader's comment)
***
Anthology of short stories
Historical Stories of Exile
by (in order of appearance)
Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb, Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn and Cryssa Bazos
With an introduction by Deborah Swift.
~ ~ ~
Exile: a risky defiance, a perilous journey, a family’s tragic choice – or an individual’s final gamble to live. Exile: voluntary or enforced, a falling-out between friends, a lost first love, a prejudiced betrayal – or the only way to survive persecution?
In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile. Some are based on true history, others are speculative fiction. All mine the depths of human emotions: fear, hope, love, and the fortitude to survive.
* * *
the 4th Jan Christopher Cosy Mystery
"As delicious as a Devon Cream Tea!" (author Elizabeth St John)
Make hay while the sun shines?
But what happens when a murder is discovered, and country life is disrupted?
Summer 1972. Young library assistant Jan Christopher and her fiancé, DS Lawrence Walker, are on holiday in North Devon. There are country walks and a day at the races to enjoy, along with Sunday lunch at the village pub, and the hay to help bring in for the neighbouring farmer. But when a body is found the holiday plans are to change into an investigation of murder, hampered by a resting actor, a woman convinced she’s met a leprechaun and a scarecrow on walkabout..
paperback: https://mybook.to/MeadowMurder
kindle: https://mybook.to/AMeadowMurder
(the cover is the author's hay meadow in Devon!)
You'll find these cosy mysteries on Amazon: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick
* * *
The PENDRAGON'S BANNER TRILOGY
New Edition
(worldwide except USA & Canada)
The story of a man with ambition, determination and human flaws.
The story of King Arthur as it might have really happened.
 |
PENDRAGON's BANNER TRILOGY worldwide except USA/Canada PENDRAGON's BANNER TRILOGY - USA/Canada |
The Boy Who became a Man:
Who became a King:
Who became a Legend... KING ARTHUR
There is no Merlin, no sword in the stone, and no Lancelot.
Instead, the man who became our most enduring hero.
BOOK 1
All knew the oath of allegiance:
‘To you, lord, I give my sword and shield, my heart and soul. To you, my Lord Pendragon, I give my life, to command as you will.’
This is the tale of Arthur made flesh and bone. Of the shaping of the man who became the legendary king; a man with dreams, ambitions and human flaws. A man, a warlord, who united the collapsing province of post-Roman Britain, who held the heart of the love of his life, Gwenhwyfar - and who emerged as the most enduring hero of all time.
BOOK 2
459 A.D. Arthur has the kingdom he fought so hard to gain. But keeping it – and his family – safe, proves to be even harder. Two enemies threaten everything that is dear to him: Winifred, his vindictive first wife, and Morgause, priestess of the Mother and malevolent Queen of the North. In this story of harsh battles, treasonous plots, and the intrigues of political upheaval during Britain’s Dark Ages we do not have the familiar tales of the Arthurian legend, but one much older, darker and deeper.
BOOK 3
SHADOW of the KING
500 AD. Britain is at peace. But after the war cry – bitter the grave.
At long last, the peace King Arthur has fought for has settled over Britain, but he is a warrior, restless for battle. When his territory of Less Britain is under threat from barbarian raiding he sails to Gaul, intending to be away for only a few months.
When he fails to return, and rumour spreads of his death, who will take his place as King of All Britain – and who will Gwenhwyfar, his wife, take as a new husband?
Not accepting her widowhood she is determined to discover Arthur’s fate.
But sometimes it takes more than courage to face the reality of truth...
A different telling of the later Medieval tales.
This is the story of King Arthur as it might have really happened...
"If only all historical fiction could be this good." Historical Novels Review
"... Juggles a large cast of characters and a bloody, tangled plot with great skill." Publishers Weekly
"Hollick's writing is one of the best I've come across - her descriptions are so vivid it seems as if there's a movie screen in front of you, playing out the scenes."
Passages To The Past
"Hollick adds her own unique twists and turns to the familiar mythology" Booklist
"Uniquely compelling... bound to have a lasting and resounding impact on Arthurian literature."
Books Magazine
(The trilogy contains scenes of an adult nature)
* * *
The third Jan Christopher Cosy Mystery
.jpg)
Was murder deliberate - or a tragic mistake?
January 1972. The Christmas and New Year holiday is over and it is time to go back to work. Newly engaged to Detective Sergeant Laurence Walker, library assistant Jan Christopher is eager to show everyone her diamond ring, and goes off on her scheduled round to deliver library books to the housebound – some of whom she likes; some, she doesn’t.
She encounters a cat in a cupboard, drinks several cups of tea... and loses her ring.
When two murders are committed, can Jan help her policeman uncle, DCI Toby Christopher and her fiancé, Laurie, discover whether murder was a deliberate deed – or a tragic mistake?
* * *
the sixth Sea Witch Voyage
Gallows Wake - the 6th Sea Witch Voyage
Where the past haunts the future...
Damage to her mast means Sea Witch has to be repaired, but the nearest shipyard is at Gibraltar. Unfortunately for Captain Jesamiah Acorne, several men he does not want to meet are also there, among them, Captain Edward Vernon of the Royal Navy, who would rather see Jesamiah hang.
Then there is the spy, Richie Tearle, and manipulative Ascham Doone who has dubious plans of his own. Plans that involve Jesamiah, who, beyond unravelling the puzzle of a dead person who may not be dead, has a priority concern regarding the wellbeing of his pregnant wife, the white witch, Tiola.
Forced to sail to England without Jesamiah, Tiola must keep herself and others close to her safe, but memories of the past, and the shadow of the gallows haunt her. Dreams disturb her, like a discordant lament at a wake.
But is this the past calling, or the future?
all the Sea Witch Voyages have received the INDIE BRAG Medallion
* * *
A MYSTERY OF MURDER
Jan Christopher cosy mysteries
episode 2
‘Had I known what was to happen soon after we arrived at Mr and Mrs Walker’s lovely old West Country house, my apprehension about spending Christmas in Devon would have dwindled to nothing.’
Library Assistant Jan Christopher is to spend Christmas with her boyfriend, DS Laurie Walker and his family, but when a murder is discovered, followed by a not very accidental accident, the traditional Christmas spirit is somewhat marred...
What happened to Laurie’s ex-girlfriend? Where is the vicar’s wife? Who took those old photographs? And will the farmer up the lane ever mend those broken fences?
Set in 1971, this is the second Jan Christopher Cosy Mystery. Join her (and an owl and a teddy bear) in Devon for a Christmas to remember.
Will the discovery of a murder spoil Christmas for Jan Christopher and her boyfriend DS Laurie Walker
– or will it bring them closer together?
* * *
(new edition not US or Canada)
 |
| http://viewbook.at/HaroldTheKing |
the story of the events that led to
the Battle of Hastings
* * *
 |
| https://myBook.to/1066TurnedUpsideDown |
Have you ever wondered what might have happened if William the Conqueror had been beaten at Hastings in 1066? Or if Harald Hardrada had won at Stamford Bridge? Or if Edward the Confessor had died with an heir ready to take his crown? If so – here is the perfect set of short stories for you.
1066 Turned Upside Down explores a variety of ways in which that momentous year could have played out very differently.
Written by nine well-known authors the stories will take you on a journey
through the speculative ‘what ifs?’ of England’s most famous year in history.
stories by
Joanna Courtney, Helen Hollick Anna Belfrage,
Richard Dee, G.K. Holloway, Carol McGrath
Alison Morton, Eliza Redgold, Annie Whitehead
With a foreword by C.C. Humphreys.
Includes discussion suggestions for schools and
reading groups.
(goes to a different weblog)
e-book published by Matador
paperback published by Taw River Press
* * *
by Helen Hollick
A prequel short read story to the Sea Witch Voyages of Captain Jesamiah Acorne...
When the only choice is to run, where do you run to?
When the only sound is the song of the sea, do you listen?
Or do you drown in the embrace of a mermaid?
by Helen Hollick
The first in a series of cosy mysteries.
Will romance blossom between library assistant Jan Christopher and DC Laurie Walker – or will a brutal murder intervene?
Eighteen-year-old library assistant JaChristopher’s life is to change on a rainy Friday evening in July 1971, 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, Laurie 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 – and will a blossoming romance survive a police investigation into murder?
“A delightful read about an unexpected murder in North East London. Told from the viewpoint of a young library assistant, the author draws on her own experience to weave an intriguing tale.” Richard Ashen (South Chingford Community Library)
(e-book and paperback)
* * *
The North Finchley Writers’ Group
By Richard Tearle
1948-2021
written with Helen Hollick
When a group of north London writers meet each month for a chat, coffee, and cake – what else is on their agenda? Constructive criticism? New Ideas? An exciting project? And maybe, more than one prospective romance...? Eavesdrop on the monthly meetings of the North Finchley Writers' Group, follow some ordinary people with a love of story writing, and an eagerness for success. Discover, along with them, the mysteries of creating characters and plot, of what inspires ideas, and how real life can, occasionally, divert the dream...
 |
| Taw River is a private press and does not accept submissions |
All Cover Design and Graphics for Taw River Press
are created by, and are © of
* Public domain from Wikipedia ©
"I, the copyright holder of this work, release this work into the public domain. This applies worldwide. In some countries this may not be legally possible; if so: I grant anyone the right to use this work for any purpose, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law."