I started work on The Message of Blood, book 8 of the Thomas Berrington series, in the last week and already the first draft is 11% complete. There’s a lot of work still to do, but I have a scheduled release date for 13th February 2020. It might seem a long way off, but I plan to complete the 9th book for release in June or July 2020. That will complete the Spanish phase of Thomas and Jorge’s story, but don’t worry because after a short – and relatively peaceful – hiatus in their lives they will return together to England in the company of Catherine of Aragon. And yes, there will be murders, and mysteries, and everything you have come to expect of the series, but by then Thomas will have returned to Lemster, the town he was born in.
A scene from the book, Columbus petitioning Queen Isabel, while she looks bored.Tentative blurb for The Message of Blood:
Can you expose a killer when they are your best friend?
Spain: 1490. Cordoba, Andlusia
When Thomas Berrington is sent to Cordoba on the orders of a man he hates he welcomes the distraction of a crime, but is shocked when the evidence points to the killer being his closest companion.
When Jorge is imprisoned Thomas has to continue the investigation alone. His task is made harder by the distraction of two beautiful women.
As the truth is uncovered Thomas has to twist and turn through the confusion of Jorge’s past, uncovering a myriad of revelations each of which throws up a new suspect.
Finally reunited the pair come ever closer to revealing the culprit, only to be confronted with a more powerful adversary than they have ever encountered before.
I love your Thomas Barrington series and look forward to the next book!
Thank you so much for your kind comments, Carolyn. If you’ve not done so already you might want to sign up for the Newsletter using the link on every page. You’ll be first to hear about the next release, as well as gain access to special free offers such as a forthcoming novella telling how Thomas started his journey to Spain, as well as exclusive short stories filling in gaps in the current storyline.
I’m with them at every twist and turn! When the next is available- I hibernate until it’s finished – and then regret its ended! Then wait with baited breath for the next!
Thank you, Sylvia. The next instalment is currently almost finished as a first draft but needs work, editing, proofreading and a cover so has a release date set of February 13 2020.
These books are amazing!!! I’ve read the first two in three days. I’m thrilled to know that there are more to come. I’m going to start the Sin Eater now……
I’m about to start book 7, and I’m so glad to know I won’t have to wait too long for the next one. Longer than I would like, though, having read the first seven back-to-back.May inspiration give wings to your writing!
I TRIED to read the last one slowly… Feburary seems far away! Thank you for writing this series. I work at El Rancho de las Golondrinas (Spanish colonial living history museum south of Santa fe nm.) We tell the story of the Spaniards who fled Granada for Mexico city and walked 6 months to arrive here at the end of the 1500s. The Moorish influence is strong in our architecture and items in collections. Ferdinand refused to allow them to bring merino sheep so they brought churro which now populate Nm. (We maintain a small flock)Thanks for giving me a deeper sense of the politics and culture of this place and time. If you find yourself in Santa fe please contact me. I would be happy to arrange a private tour.
Thank you very much for writing such a wonderful story. You have brought the characters and places to life in a time in history and a region I knew very little about. Think I will be putting some of these places on my bucket list.
Looking forward to the next book
A pleasure to discover an author who writes such gripping stuff, but especially one who’s still hard at it. Knowing Andalusia and the modern iterations of these splendid old towns gives a marvellous sense of recognition. I have inhaled the first seven books in less than a week. Please write faster, Mr Penny!
Thank you, Tilly. (And what a fabulous name – I love it!)
Thank you for bringing such a fascinating culture and people to life. I wonder, though, how Jorge and Thomas will deal with the filth, disease and squalor of the Tudor court.
Thank you so much, Jennifer.
Love them all. Used to live in Andalusia and was always intrigued that the music, culture etc always seemed more Arabian than Spanish. Loved the land and the people. Heart still breaks a little on a grey, overcast, rainy day. Please hurry with no 9 xxxx