What are the ingredients for your perfect weekend?

My wishlist would include amazing scenery, great company, good food and drink and plenty of time for reading in the sunshine – we’re heading off on holiday soon and I hope to find all that and more when we get there.

In the meantime, I’ve been absolutely bowled over by the reaction to The Weekend, my next book, after I announced earlier in May. There were so many people on social media getting into the spirit of the title, posting ideas for their own perfect getaway and it’s made me even more excited for the launch of the new book in early 2026.

It was also amazing to see The Daughter climbing the charts, shooting up to no.4 on Kindle. With so many good books out there it’s hard to make an impact on the top of the chart, so it was great to see it in the top five.

I’ve been on the road again for my first visit to the Bath Literature Festival. The event was held at the Guildhall, a spectacular setting in the heart of the city, where I was on stage for a very interesting chat about books and writing with fellow author Clare Mackintosh. There was also time to fit in a quick dinner with my son, Tom, in between his revision for final-year university exams. I can’t believe his time at Bath has gone so fast!

On stage with Clare Mackintosh at Bath Literature Festival

I’ve got a busy schedule of events this summer that will take me to the Wirral, North Wales, Malvern, South Yorkshire, Bridgnorth, Newark, Lowdham and Nottingham. Plus a couple that are not yet announced…

I’ll also be at the Capital Crime Fingerprint Awards on June 12th, as The Dream Home has been shortlisted for Crime Audiobook of the Year. I’ve never had a book shortlisted for an award before so I have everything crossed! Voting closes very soon (31 May) and so it's your last chance to have your say. I’d love to have your support – thank you.

But mostly I will be in my writing cabin, racing to finish The Weekend before the end of the month. The last few weeks before deadline always feel a bit like going into a tunnel, when everything narrows down to a single focus. It’s quite intense but I love it, and it’s always very satisfying when I’m able to type 'The End' on the last page of the manuscript.

I’m closing in on the last chapters now, and then it will be time for a short break…

Counting down to The Weekend!

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