I'm just blown away sometimes by learning things I never knew before. I've begun writing a new book based on a riveting Auckland murder case I was ignorant of before I stumbled over it in doing research for my last book. Once again, I'm deep into research and finding out how quaintly court cases … Read More...
My new novel is here for you
YOU CAN GET A SIGNED COPY HEREMy new novel Scarlet & Magenta is in good bookstores, but you can order your own autographed copy right here and now.
It's yours for $35 (with free delivery within New Zealand).
I’m happy to turn up at any community get-together to talk about how Scarlet & Magenta was sparked off by a true story, and to give you an insight into our ancestors’ real lives.
To get a taste of Victorian scandal, gossip and tragedy – and a bunch of household hints! – you can pop into the book's own website.
For speaking enquiries, just email me.
on my mind
Dinner or tea? Sofa or couch?
I asked my mother when I was small if a friend could come over for tea. ‘It’s not tea,’ she said. ‘We call it dinner.’ This was confusing but I came to understand that there are many names for meals. And the names we use say something about who we think we are. The only plate of food with a … Read More...
A bowl of cherries
I was out on the driveway the other day removing a sticker from my Mazda’s rear window. It was a useful marker for a long time, easy to pick out in carparks full of other red cars. And as I began to peel it off I realised this red, black and white paper strip had been with me through some big … Read More...