As the days slowly lengthen and the deep midwinter grips England, there’s one night where superstition takes centre stage: St Agnes’ Eve, on January 20th. This wasn’t just another cold winter night; it was historically believed to be a powerful time for young women to glimpse their future love. The reason I’m especially interested in…
As the decorations come down and the final embers of the Yule log fade, we reach the “Grand Finale” of the festive season: Twelfth Night and Epiphany. In England, this has historically been a time of boisterous celebration, role-reversal, and one last magnificent feast before the reality of winter sets in. For a mystery lover,…
The Christmas pudding is more than just a dessert; it’s a centuries-old tradition wrapped in superstition, fire, and secrets. As we look forward to the serialisation of Much Ado About Stuffing, it’s worth remembering that this festive, dense cake is the ultimate backdrop for hidden clues and thrilling discoveries. The pudding embodies the cozy mystery…
Valentine’s Day is meant for comfort, sweetness, and perhaps a perfectly baked treat. In my latest culinary cozy mystery, The Cakes of Wrath, amateur baker and sleuth Jessica Askew is hosting a special event in Little Quillington and her biggest worry is purely domestic: whether her Battenburg is going to turn out neat enough. But…
I adore the glorious strangeness of British celebrations. While our big, well-known holidays are peculiar enough—take Boxing Day, which for most of us is a national holiday dedicated to rubbing our overfull stomachs and finally tackling the unpopular chocolates left in the tin—it’s the niche, small-village traditions that are positively shocking and perfect for cozy…
If you’ve picked up a cozy mystery set in an English village, you’ve probably come across a mention of a cream tea. And if you’ve considered trying one yourself, you’ve likely seen the words clotted cream—a name that sounds about as inviting as a cow pat. But don’t let the name fool you. Clotted cream…
These recipes are all simple home-baking fare, shown just as you’d enjoy them. They’re delicious and are sure to please your family and friends even if they’re not perfect. Have fun this holiday, and happy baking! Arrina’s Cheese Oatcakes Julie’s Quintuple-tipple Gingerbread Cake Add a slice of stem ginger on top to present or enjoy…
Friday is my writing day. I write every day (the writing muse loves a writing routine), but Friday is different… On Friday, I do nothing but write…Well, I also drink coffee and eat cake. But those are purely fuel for the writing. I’m lucky enough to have a full-time, successful indie author friend here in…