In this episode of 'Coffee Break', bestselling and award winning author of 'Take It Back', 'Truth Be Told', 'Next of Kin' and 'Those People Next Door', Kia Abdullah joins me to talk about her new book, What Happens In the Dark.

With her trademark twists and meticulous plotting, this novel delivers both a page-turning thriller and a thought-provoking exploration of justice. Discover why readers and fellow authors alike find themselves messaging Kia Abdullah after finishing her books, desperate to discuss the shocking revelations that leave them reeling.

What Happens In the Dark

Lily and Safa were best friends growing up. Now, Lily is the nation’s favourite breakfast TV presenter and Safa, once a renowned journalist, is reeling from a recent fall from grace.

When news breaks about suspicious bruises on Lily’s body, Safa attempts to rekindle their old friendship. But Lily claims the bruises are nothing to worry about.

And then one night the police are called to Lily’s home. Lily is strangely calm – and a body lies dead at her feet.

Lily pleads not guilty, and then says nothing more. Driven by her desire to give a voice to all victims, Safa begins her own investigation into what happened that night.

But Safa is not prepared for what her quest for justice will uncover …

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Rachel Ward never planned to become an author. After 25 years working in local government, she began writing in her mid-30s simply to explore her creativity. Little did she know this casual exploration would lead to an international bestseller and a complete transformation of her life.

During our conversation, Rachel reveals the stunning contrast between her early success with her debut YA novel "Numbers", the brutal realities she later faced in publishing, her pivot into self-publishing and the release of her new novel, the fifth book in her cosy crime series, "The Missing Heirloom Mystery".

The Missing Heirloom Mystery

Meet Bea Jordan: a checkout girl with a heart of gold and a knack for solving murders.

With the annual Kingsleigh Flower and Produce Show fast approaching and a tomato thief on the loose, Bea and best friend Ant have had little time for each other.

Now a grizzly discovery is waiting for them by the pumpkin patch . . .

The body of Dylan Bradley, their old history teacher. Someone stuck a trowel in his head and left him for dead.

But who would want to hurt Dylan?

When the discovery of a second body throws the townsfolk into full-blown turmoil, Bea must juggle small-town secrets, rivalries and murder with her growing feelings for Ant.

Can Bea dig up the truth before the killer strikes again, or has she finally planted the seed for her own demise?

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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What does it take to find your creative voice in a world that often pushes you toward the practical? In my conversation with debut author Mel Pennant, we explore the winding path that led to her debut novel "A Murder for Miss Hortense" , a journey spanning decades of creative exploration, professional balancing acts, and the courage to tell stories that authentically represent her community.

Mel shares how she maintained her creative practice alongside a demanding legal career, describing writing as her "hideaway place" that provided balance when life's other aspects felt constraining.

Whether you're a writer seeking inspiration, a reader hungry for fresh perspectives in crime fiction, or simply someone who appreciates stories of creative perseverance, this conversation offers wisdom that transcends the page.

A Murder For Miss Hortense

Retired nurse, avid gardener, renowned cake maker and fearless sleuth Miss Hortense has lived in Bigglesweigh, a quiet Birmingham suburb, since she emigrated from Jamaica in 1960. She takes great pride in her home, starching her lace curtains bright white, and she can tell if she's been short-changed on turmeric before she's even taken her first bite of a beef patty. Thirty-five years of nursing have also left her afraid of nobody - be they a local drug dealer or a priest - and an expert in deciphering other people's secrets with just a glance.

Miss Hortense uses her skills to investigate the investments of the Pardner network - a special community of Black investors, determined to help their people succeed. But when an unidentified man is found dead in one of the Pardner's homes, a Bible quote noted down beside his body, Miss Hortense's long-buried past comes rushing back to greet her, bringing memories of the worst moment of her life, one which her community has never let her forget.

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"Enjoying 'The Conversation'? Support the podcast by buying me a cup of coffee ☕️! Every contribution helps keep the show going.
https://ko-fi.com/nadinematheson

Don't forget to subscribe, download and review.

You can purchase books by the authors featured in our conversations through my affiliate shop on Bookshop.org. By using this link, you’ll be supporting independent bookstores, and I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Follow Me:
www.nadinematheson.com

BlueSky: @nadinematheson.com Substack: @nadinematheson Instagram: @queennads
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