Val Penny (Christmas Special)
The day is finally here! Yes, it's only the 23rd December as I write this, but today is the day I publish this post - the Daydream Satchel Christmas special!
If you're stuck for ideas on what to read over the festive period then start by reading this post. This week's guest has a new book out which is certainly fit for the season. First of all, let's find out a bit about the author:
Val Penny is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat. Val has an LLB degree from the University of Edinburgh and an MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or a candy store owner. Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, non-fiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.
In her new book, Hunter's Christmas and Other Stories, DI Hunter Wilson is looking forward to spending a holiday in India with his girlfriend Dr Meera Sharma, away from the cold, wet winter of Edinburgh. The detective looks to share his happiness with others when he is attacked by Santa Claus, he says. His team swing into action to catch his attackers but then receive information about an elf found dead in a car park and a car stolen by Mrs Claus. Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories includes tales about DI Hunter Wilson and DS Jane Renwick along with those featuring new and different characters in a gripping collection of short stories perfect for crime fiction readers.
Now for the questions:
Do you find time to daydream at Christmas?
I always find time to daydream and Christmas is the best time for that. Because so many of the songs and hymns we sing are very familiar, my mind can wander while taking part in other activities.
What was the last daydream of yours that made the leap into the real world?
For many years I have been thinking of combining my character DI Hunter Wilson with a Christmas themed story. When my publishers suggested writing a book of short stories, I was able to include my idea for this tale as the title story of the book.
Was it a challenge pairing Christmas and crime or do they in fact go together like mistletoe and wine?
I tried to combine crime with Christmas in a way that used traditional characters with opportunistic crimes. It was fun to do and I hope readers will enjoy the result.
Is there anything you wouldn’t miss about Christmas if it was stolen?
Forced jollity! Happiness, joy and wonder, of course lie at the heart of the Christmas message. However, being forced to spend time with those I only see at most once a year and pretending to enjoy their weak jokes and party games...I could live without all that. Give me a quiet celebration, with those whose company I enjoy, please.
What do some of your characters think about Christmas?
DI Hunter Wilson is a son of the manse. His father was a Church of Scotland minister, so he is used to a traditional celebration. However, his girlfriend, Dr Meera Sharma is Hindu, so her faith does not include Christmas. Most Hindu festivals are determined based on the position of the sun and the moon.
Have you ever received a Christmas present that puzzled you? (You don’t have to reveal whodunnit).
My favourite uncle is a keen gardener and one year I can only assume he confused his interests with mine as he gave me a ball of string. However, as my husband said, it wasn’t any old ball of string, it was an M&S ball of string on a holder with a cutter built into it!
As a child, did you ever receive books for Christmas?
I always received books at Christmas. My grandmother usually gave me religious books, while my parents gave me story books that I read under the covers with a torch after I was meant to turn out my bedroom light.
Are there any books on your list for Santa this year or are there any books you are looking forward to in 2024?
I have The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer on my wish list. There is also a new book by Erin Kelly coming out in April 2024 – The House of Mirrors – I am looking forward to reading that too.
Would you do anything differently at Christmas if money was no object?
I quite like to spend Christmas away from home. When my children were young and we were living in the UK, we often spent Christmas with my family and friends in the USA or abroad in warmer climes. However, I do like quite a simple Christmas celebration. Whether at home or abroad, I don’t measure the joy in financial terms.
Thinking ahead to next year, can you say what you will be working on?
My publishers will be launching my next Hunter book, Hunter’s Rules at the Harrogate Crime festival next year and in the Autumn my next Jane Renwick book, A Fighting Chance, will come out. I hope readers will enjoy both.
Thank you for hosting me on your blog, Martyn, I wish you and all your readers a very Merry Christmas.
Thank you, Val. Merry Christmas!
You can find out more about Val Penny and her books from the links below:
Amazon
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads
Bookbub
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