There are moments in a writer’s journey that feel like gentle nods from the universe — quiet confirmations that you're on the right path. Seeing Moorland Forensics – Conspiracy of Souls reviewed by Paul Norman in Books Monthly UK was one such moment for me. To say I was delighted would be an understatement. I was truly touched. 

I still vividly remember receiving Paul’s first review of The Devil’s Realm a few years ago. His thoughtful words stayed with me and encouraged me as I began work on what would become Conspiracy of Souls, the third novel in the Moorland Forensics series. When it came time to release this book, I remembered his kindness and insight — so I sent him a copy, hoping it would once again resonate. The fact that it did, and that he took the time to write such a generous review, filled me with pride and gratitude. 

Writing this book was a deeply personal experience. Conspiracy of Souls wasn’t just another installment — it was a story that unfolded in layers, rooted in the landscapes of my youth, shaped by characters I’ve come to know as old friends. Growing up in South Hams, Devon, the moors were my playground, my inspiration, and my quiet retreat. Those sweeping views, the hushed stillness of the heather-covered hills, and the mystery embedded in every twist of the moorland lanes — all of it has found its way into my writing. It’s impossible not to let those places influence the mood and heartbeat of my stories. 

This particular novel follows James, Fiona, and Katie Sinclair — three siblings who’ve grown into their own as forensic investigators. With each book, their bond becomes deeper, more intricate, just like real siblings navigating the demands of both family and profession. I’ve loved exploring the way they each process trauma, truth, and loyalty. In Conspiracy of Souls, they are confronted not just with a complex crime, but with secrets buried for decades, questions of faith, and the haunting impact of past decisions. 

Paul’s review picked up on so many elements that I worked hard to get right — the realism of dialogue, the historic connection to a wartime incident, and the subtle but strong link to the Catholic church. When a reviewer doesn’t just read your book but feels its texture — its emotional and historical weight — that is a rare and beautiful thing. 

When I sat down to write this story, I remember sifting through old journals, photographs, and even wartime letters that had been passed down in my family. I didn’t set out to write a historical crime novel, but the past kept whispering through the plot. I’m grateful it did. I believe that, in some way, stories like this choose us as much as we choose to tell them. 

The journey of being an author has been one of unexpected twists and turns, much like the plots I try to write. I’ve gone from being a journalist to an author, a flautist to a storyteller, and, somewhere in between, I’ve become a vessel for the voices of these fictional lives — voices I feel privileged to share. 

I want to thank Paul Norman not just for his review but for his encouragement, his attention to detail, and his thoughtful comparisons to other greats in the crime fiction world. And to my readers — whether you’ve just discovered the Moorland Forensics series or have been following James, Fiona, and Katie from the beginning — thank you. Your support means more than words can say. 

If you’re curious to step into this latest story and join the Sinclairs as they unravel secrets lost to time, Conspiracy of Souls awaits you.