In The Clocks, Hercule Poirot ponders historical crime cases, including that of Charles Bravo: 'There is no doubt whatever in my own mind as to who murdered Charles Bravo. The companion may have been involved, but she was certainly not the moving spirit in the matter.’ books2read.com/charlesbravo

In Agatha Christie's 'Ordeal by Innocence' (1963), Dr Macmaster says, ‘It reminds me, you know, of the Bravo case – nearly a hundred years ago now, I suppose, but books are still being written about it.' 150 years after the case, I've written about it... www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P...

Today I've been delving into the mind of the infamous Victorian baby farmer, Amelia Dyer, for the new edition of my book, Amelia Dyer and the Baby Farm Murders. I've been reading the medical reports, which are fascinating, especially as the doctors couldn't agree as to whether she was insane or not.

I’m going to attempt to read an Italian novel for the first time - un libro giallo, naturalmente #languages #Italian #detectivefiction

Sunday is beach day 🏖️

This is my weekend crime fiction read. It’s set in a heatwave on the Isle of Wight…

I’m back in Lancaster today for my son’s graduation. It has been interesting visiting the city’s crime history sites over the last four years - Lancaster Castle, the Pendle Witches’ trails, and the house in Dalton Square where Isabella Ruxton and Mary Jane Rogerson were tragically murdered in 1935.

⚰️At the inquest into Charles Bravo's death in 1876, his body was exhumed for the jurors to view. Undertaker John Mould (!) devised a clever way to allow them to 'see' Charles's body, which had been interred for three months. 🔎Find out more: www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P... #crimehistory #truecrime

This morning I’ve been writing a new Substack post about undercover detectives tracking pickpockets at public events. Two of the cases took place in the monkey house, at Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester where my sister and I used to go as children. It's been fun remembering our visits!

Happy weekend!

150 years ago today (it was also hot!), the second inquest into Charles Bravo's death opened at the Bedford Hotel, Balham. It lasted for 23 days. There were lots of quirky events inc viewing Charles's exhumed body and the jurors tasting the poison that killed him. 🔗 www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P...

Thank you so much to everyone who has read my new book, The Mysterious Poisoning of Charles Bravo. I'm delighted to end the week with 8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ratings (across all platforms) and some lovely reviews. Have a wonderful weekend! 🔎 www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P...

After an intense day investigating the psyche of the notorious Victorian baby farmer, Amelia Dyer, I opted for some light entertainment. A very funny and heartwarming film with some very tense moments. Perhaps it’ll lead to a whole new field (sorry!) of study…

Recently I made a visit to the Priory in Balham, where barrister Charles Bravo was fatally poisoned in 1876 after eating dinner. It was strange to see the house where the murder took place 150 years ago, especially as it has hardly changed. Find out what happened 🔗 www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P...

We’ve just had our final governors’ meeting of the academic year, at the Isle of Wight College. It has been great to work with staff, students and governors this year and I’m looking forward to continuing after the summer #furthereducation #IOW

In other news, The Mysterious Poisoning of Charles Bravo is now available to order through Waterstones and Foyles.

‘It is said no one truly knows a nation until one has been inside its jails' – Nelson Mandela, 1995. Inspired by this quote, I’ve been researching the history of Victorian prisons through my experience of visiting Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast, for a new Substack post later this month.

🔎 Two of the suspects in the Charles Bravo case had personal connections behind the scenes: Dr James Gully and Jane Cox had both lived in Jamaica (as had the Bravo family). Did these links lead to a conspiracy to commit murder to release Florence from her marriage? 🔗 www.amazon.co.uk/Mysterious-P...

📢 July is the summer/winter Smashwords sale! Both of my books in The Detective Caminada Chronicles series are available to download for half price 🔗 www.smashwords.com

For this week’s reading (for leisure!) I’ll be reliving my recent trip to Verona when I stayed in the hotel overlooking *that* balcony.

I had a fascinating visit today to Titanic Belfast. It is a phenomenal museum with lots of interactive displays and including a ride in a cable car. It tells the history of the city, shipbuilding, Harland & Wolff, and the launch and sinking of the iconic ship as well as the stories of those onboard.

Today on the Isle of Man, I visited Peel Castle. Built in the 11th century by the Norwegians, it includes the ruins of the cathedral of St German, which also has a crypt.

On my visit to the Isle of Man today I’ve been thinking of my great-uncle Giovanni Amato, who was interned here as an ‘enemy alien’ after he survived the sinking of the Arandora Star on 2 July 1940. He was rescued after 10 hours in the water. Over 800 lives were lost. #onthisday #WW2 #IsleofMan

Today I visited Fishguard in Wales, where I learnt about the history of Jemima Nicholas who, armed with a pitchfork, led a group of women to capture 12 invading French soldiers in 1797. She was awarded a lifetime pension. The event is commemorated in a fabulous tapestry. #welshhistory

Elizabeth Fort (Dún Eilís) in Cork has an interesting history. Built in the early 17th century and reconstructed by Oliver Cromwell in 1649, it was used for military and penal purposes. The replica ‘heads on poles’ represent its gruesome past. #crimehistory #darktourism

I gave my first talk on my Seabourn ‘tour’ on How to Plot a Murder. Probably the biggest audience I’ve ever had!

Florence Bravo is a very intriguing character. Independently wealthy and twice married, she had a tempestuous relationship with Charles but was this motive for murder? What do you think? books2read.com/charlesbravo

It has been a day of Henry VIII’s castles. First Portland, and then Sandsfoot, in Dorset.

It’s great to be back on Seabourn Cruise Line, where I’ll be giving talks on historical crimes as we sail around the UK. #crimehistory #Victorianmurder #Seabourn

I had a successful crime history field trip, until the heat got the better of me. I visited the Priory in Balham, where Charles Bravo died of poisoning in 1876. It was quite chilling to see the house and think of his final agonising days there. #CharlesBravo #truecrime #crimehistory #reallifemystery