Hey reader,

It's been ten days since the release of Sense of Belonging, book two in my new mystery series featuring private investigator Barty Symonds, and once again I've been delighted with the reception its recieved from readers both new and old.

So, first off, a huge thank you to everyone who's bought and enjoyed the book. If that's not yet you, grab Sense of Belonging at the below link.

​>>> Buy Sense of Belonging at Amazon Now​

MORE BARTY?

Sense of Belonging was so much fun to write. The basic premise came to me while I was still writing book one, and I was pleased to see how it came together once I got to writing the sequel.

Much as I enjoyed putting the pieces of the plot and central mystery together, I've banged on ad nauseam about how I'm more interested in character than plot, and some of my favourite scenes to write were those that had less to do with the plot and instead showcased some of Pivert's residents. Most notably, this includes the Pivert Book Club scenes. Those were both easy and a delight to write, and I hope you enjoyed reading them.

With both the eBook and paperback versions of Sense of Belonging available at Amazon now and being well-recieved by readers, I know many of you will already be wondering when (and maybe if) there will be a book three.

Yes.

In fact, book three is already available for pre-order on Amazon, and I've written the first 20,000 words (roughly 100 paperback pages). I know what the central mystery to this one will be. What I don't know is 'whodunnit'. I imagine I'll find out when I get back to writing. It usually goes like that.

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IN THE MEANTIME...

My plan is to get back to writing the third Barty book later this year. I'd love to have it out in February 2026, but we'll have to see how it goes.

Before I get to that, however, It's back to the eighth Alex Harper thriller and, well, here I'm having less fun.

I wrote a first draft that covered about three-quarters of the book. Doing that helped me work out the overall plot and shape of the story. I'm now confident in where I'm going and can see how a great book can emerge from what currently exists. All that remains is for me to knuckle down and get into it.

That's where I'm struggling at the moment. I've written bits and pieces over the last couple of weeks but I can't get into the flow. Annoying, but I'm not panicking. This often happens. In fact, I was looking back at my diary, and this time last year I was lamenting how much I was struggling to get into The Death of Us, the seventh book in the series. Eventually, I did get into that book, writing it became a joy, and it became my favourite Alex Harper book.

So, I will get there. Don't worry about that. The book will come out towards the end of this year as planned. I just need to get back into my groove.

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THAT'S ALL FOR NOW...

I'll be back soon. For now, don't forget to pick up Sense of Belonging in eBook or paperback format at the link below..

​>>> Buy Sense of Belonging at Amazon Now​

Best wishes,
Mark