Happy publication day, Ministry of Unladylike Activity!

September 29, 2022

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Today’s the day! The wait is finally over, Detectives, because Ministry is OUT NOW in the UK and Ireland!

This has been such a long time coming – I first had the idea for the book around the time I began to write Death Sets Sail, in 2019. I spent years researching and planning out my characters – Eric and Nuala both went through about five different names and backgrounds before I worked out exactly who they needed to be.

Then my writing was made more difficult by life events I never could have imagined back in 2019 – the pandemic, the death of my father, and my pregnancy. My life has changed in so many ways since I made up the concept of this story – it’s not surprising that the book is about new beginnings, teamwork and the way every person can work to make the world around them a better place. And, of course, spying and murder!

I am so proud of this book, so grateful for all of the people who helped make it a reality (check out my acknowledgements – possibly my longest ever?!) and so excited that you finally get to read it!

Here’s a picture of me and Ministry at last night’s celebratory dinner for the book – happy publication day, everyone, and here’s to a brand new generation of the Detective Society!

More posts to explore

There’s a new exhibition coming to Oxford’s Story Museum this summer, and it’s all about young detectives! Created by young curators using a storyline by Sharna Jackson, it’ll feature plenty of your favourite detectives – including Daisy and Hazel!
I am doing two festival events this spring: one in Dublin and one in London. They are: International Literature Festival Dublin, 16th May, 12pm – a talk followed by a signing London Children’s Book Festival, 28th June, 3:30pm – a talk followed by a signing
I’m partnering up with the National Archives for their first ever school event, a free online event on Wednesday March 25th at 1:30pm.
I’m delighted to announce that I have something for schools who’d like a visit from me – I’ll be appearing in a virtual schools event on the 20th March at 1:30pm in partnership with my publisher Puffin.
I’m delighted to say that I’ll be visiting Lincoln in February to talk about my books! I’ll be at the Engine Shed on Saturday 14th February at 3pm – tickets are on sale NOW and include a book with the price of the ticket.
If you missed out on my pre-order campaign with Daunt Books … it’s back for a limited time only! From today until the 3rd of December, you can order a signed and personalised copy of A Stocking Full of Spies from the Daunt Books website.