Over the past few days my Sherlock hat and I have been on the road, spreading the word about Murder Most Unladylike (which would be, in case you are wondering, perfect for the stocking of anyone 8 and up who enjoys mystery stories).

On Thursday evening, Waterstones Hampstead were nice enough to invite me to their rather fancy Christmas author soiree (this is code for shopping with free mince pies).

I got to meet customers and chat about Murder Most Unladylike . . .

. . . and also hang out with some awesome children’s authors (yes, that’s the famous Animalium next to me. And yes, I did get extremely excited about that fact).

On Saturday, I visited the beautiful children’s department at Waterstones Cheltenham. It’s very special to me for two reasons: first, I went to school in Cheltenham, at Cheltenham Ladies’ College (if you want to imagine what Deepdean School might look like, you just have to click on this link . . .); and second, I spent several months after I left school actually working in the Waterstones building, as a barista at its Costa cafe on the first floor. I was quite horrible at making coffee, but I loved being around the books – it’s a fabulous store, and I think it’s looking even better now than it did then.

I had an amazing time meeting everyone . . .

. . . so much so that we actually sold out of Murder Most Unladylike! (Maybe this has something to do with the fact that, after my stint as a barista, my next job was a bookseller?)

Here I am with the brilliant sisters who got the final two copies:

I had an excellent time at both events – thank you to all of the Waterstones staff (especially Yael, Barbara and Antonia) who looked after me so well!

And now I leave you with a lovely festive shop window: Heffers in Cambridge, who have featured Murder Most Unladylike next to some really quite well-known books. Hooray – and happy December to you all!