Tetchy was his resting disposition. Bitter and cynical when something aroused his contempt. Angry and bigoted when fully ignited. He could threaten, intimidate, and sometimes worse. At odds with the changing times, he looked much older than his 66 years. Even so, it came as a shock when on the 1st of December, 1964, heContinue reading “The last word: a curious story for December”
Tag Archives: fiction
Encountering ‘The Bookshop Novel’
In the summer of 2018 I bought a copy of Penelope Fitzgerald’s The Bookshop whilst on holiday in Aldborough, on the east coast of England. It was exceptional weather, with huge skies, endless shingle beaches, and great places to swim. The Bookshop, set in this very same landscape in the year 1959, was excellent holidayContinue reading “Encountering ‘The Bookshop Novel’”
Reflections following publication of my first novel
My debut novel Epiphanies and Robberies came out this summer. It tells the story of three people who find new friendships and ways of looking at things, as they simultaneously get drawn into sleuthing a series of art thefts that breaks out across their home region in south west Scotland. I have tried to writeContinue reading “Reflections following publication of my first novel”
The Vice-Chancellor’s Handover
When Professor Sir Angus Brown gave 12 months’ notice of his impending retirement, he envisaged a dignified departure from the University, preceded by an orderly transition of responsibilities. The conclusion of his nine years as Vice Chancellor of one of the oldest seats of learning in the land would be a measured and celebratory affair,Continue reading “The Vice-Chancellor’s Handover”
The exam before Christmas: a sociological mystery story
Sally had worked hard for the end of term exam. The lecturer had been wonderful, taking the class of 1974 through an insightful exploration of the lives and writings of four enormously influential people, often called the ‘founding fathers’ of sociology. Of course, Sally objected to the terminology, and felt sure that the story ofContinue reading “The exam before Christmas: a sociological mystery story”
Six word stories
Flash fiction is popular. Very short stories. From maybe fifty to a few hundred words. But how short can a short story be? Ernest Hemingway is credited with the quintessential version. A story of just six words. Coming across it a few months back (it’s easily found on the internet) I began scribbling my ownContinue reading “Six word stories”
A direct line to Paradise
Newly arrived from Virginia, Henry and Charlotte were entranced by Westminster Abbey. They had just spent two hours immersed in this Gothic-inspired royal church, full of tributes, memorials, the graves of remarkable people, and not least, with its wonderful mellifluous bells. It already felt like this was going to be the holiday of a lifetime. AContinue reading “A direct line to Paradise”
Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 12: The Advent of New Ways of Being
Whilst Andrew nurses a bad cold, Anne-Marie and Caitlin are Christmas shopping, and Michael is discovering a new-found enthusiasm for things culinary. Meanwhile the art robbers are awaiting sentence following their guilty plea and DC Harris makes arrangements for the safe return of the stolen goods. On the night of the Winter Solstice, The MaxwellContinue reading “Epiphanies and Robberies Chapter 12: The Advent of New Ways of Being”
Quotidian 