Craighall Park and Parkview writing duo, Kate Sidley and Gail Schimmel top the Amazon US and UK lists with their latest mystery novel, A Village Fete Murder.
The writing duo said A Village Fete Murder was the third in their Julia Bird series, and the sixth book they have written together as Katie Gayle.
“The books are all cosy mysteries, think Murder She Wrote if you aren’t familiar with the genre. A Village Fete Murder was published at the end of January and there will be at least one more this year.”
Sidley and Schimmel added that their latest novel was about a retired social worker, Julia Bird, who goes to a fete in the Cotswold village in which she lives. The day starts off with the biggest excitement being the cake competition; but when Julia stumbles across a body, things take a more thrilling turn.
The authors noted that the novel was well-received by readers.
“We’ve topped both Amazon US and UK lists in our category, and the loveliest reviews have been rolling in. For South African writers, used to the rather difficult fiction market in South Africa, this has been the most unbelievable ride. We are delighted that readers are reading and loving Julia Bird.”
Schimmel added that readers also couldn’t get enough of her dog, Jake.
“Pets are a big part of the cosy tradition, but we think that Jake is a bit unusual in that he is naughty and funny and very endearing as a character. Look out for the next book where he makes a very unusual friend.”
The writing duo concluded that they enjoyed working together, but plotting murders could be complicated, which sometimes led to them being in a big knot.
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