by Philip Eliot | Feb 8, 2026 | Mystery |
Four captivating historical mysteries. Over 1000 pages of intrigue. In the glittering court of 10th-century Al-Andalus, justice falls to two unlikely allies. It’s the golden age of Cordoba and justice comes at a price. Vizier Hasdai ben Shaprut is a physician, diplomat, and scholar—a man whose sharp mind and subtle words can defuse wars as easily as they can unmask a murderer. Trusted advisor to the Caliph, he balances his Jewish faith with his duty in a Muslim court, navigating intrigue with intellect, patience, and an unshakable moral compass. At his side stands General Ghalib , commander of the Caliph’s personal guard. Scarred by years of battle and walking with a limp, Ghalib is blunt, formidable, and utterly loyal. Where Hasdai reads patterns in politics and people, Ghalib sees the truth in blood, steel, and the hardened instincts of a soldier. Together, they are the Caliphate’s first and last defence against treachery—partners bound by duty, respect, and the shared knowledge that in Cordoba, every shadow hides a secret. Book 1: Checkmate Córdoba, 948 AD. When a Christian professor is found murdered after a tense chess match, whispers of war spread through the city. To prevent disaster, the Caliph’s vizier, Hasdai ben Shaprut, must unmask the killer. But as the bodies mount and every move brings new danger, can he checkmate the murderer before Córdoba falls into chaos? Book 2: Blood Horizon Córdoba, 950 AD. On the eve of war with Baghdad, disaster strikes — the Admiral of the Royal Fleet is murdered, and his lieutenant soon after. As the investigation unfolds, a darker threat emerges: Baghdad is preparing a weapon of unimaginable horror — a deadly plague, sealed in earthenware pots, destined to devastate Córdoba. It’s up to Shaprut and Ghalib to put a stop to this dangerous threat. Book 3: The Devil’s Chain Córdoba, 961 AD. When a professor is found poisoned, General Ghalib and Brigadier Zaffar uncover a conspiracy reaching deep into the caliphate. With a new ruler on the throne and treachery spreading, Vizier Hasdai ben Shaprut must risk everything to protect his position — and his friends — before Córdoba descends into chaos. Book 4: Allah’s Architect Caliph Hakam seeks to secure his son Hisham’s future as heir with the grand opening of a new extension to the Great Mosque. But when a revered Quran — chosen by Hakam himself — vanishes, the vizier Hasdai ben Shaprut and General Ghalib are drawn into a deadly struggle. What begins as a celebration soon descends into bloodshed as rival factions fight to control the caliphate. Perfect for fans of C.J. Sansom, S.J. Parris, Jason Goodwin, Umberto Eco and Paul Doherty. PRAISE FOR MARK DEWAR: ????? ‘ Part historical record, part murder mystery and part thriller. A must read .’ Kindle Reader. ????? ‘This is an atmospheric tale of dirty deeds in tenth-century Moorish Andalusia – a great read, and a well-crafted plot .’ Dennis C. ????? ‘What a brilliant read ! Historically accurate as well as a well crafted plot with ‘authentic’ characters .’ Poppalong ????? ‘ A recommended must read .’ Moseley ????? ‘ Atmospheric and well written, this series gets even better with each new title, and this is a real page-turner .’ D.E. Wilson
by Philip Eliot | Feb 8, 2026 | Crime Fiction |
“Do you remember Savannah?” How could she forget? Two decades ago, Trinity Calhoun’s best friend—18-year-old Savannah Stuart—went missing. Just weeks later, Savannah’s body was found brutally slain outside the mountain town. With no suspects or leads, the local authorities dismissed the murder as a tragic one-off, likely perpetrated by a tourist. But Trinity wasn’t convinced. Determined to do better for other victims, she left town and settled in Vancouver, rising through the ranks to become a detective. She’s never looked back. But now, an unexpected phone call from her former lover has her barreling down the highway to face the past. Another young woman has disappeared under eerily similar circumstances. Allegedly. But the local police are disinterested. Trinity’s ex has a tenuous—at best—hold on his mental and physical health. And Savannah’s secretive and handsome brother is in town, asking an awful lot of questions. Trinity’s focus is clouded. Maybe her judgment, too. As she wades through her past, she needs to answer a potentially life-threatening question: is there a dangerous, repeat criminal on the loose, or is she just desperate for closure? Perfect for fans of Lisa Gardner and Tana French, Can’t Go Home delivers a gripping cold-case mystery filled with small-town secrets, psychological twists, and a tenacious detective you won’t forget.
by Philip Eliot | Feb 8, 2026 | Cozy Mystery |
The coastal Oregon town of Rainbow Falls might be sleepy, but it’s definitely not innocent… True crime junkie and graphic designer Annie Abbott is convinced nothing exciting will happen while she’s house-sitting her parents’ home in Rainbow Falls, Oregon. Sure, the town has more coffee shops than people, but crime? Not so much. But that’s before a seemingly feral cat gives birth in her garage, prompting a call to the very handsome, very single town vet. Just as their romance starts heating up, Annie discovers the bloody body of her grumpy neighbor. And to make matters worse? The police suspect her. To clear her name, Annie will need to put her years of watching police procedurals and reading mysteries to good use. But the deeper she digs, the more she realizes that even the friendliest small towns hide big secrets. She’ll also need to rely on her new friends who have welcomed her to Rainbow Falls, but is one of them the killer? A witty, fast-paced cozy mystery with a lovable heroine, laugh-out-loud moments, and a charming coastal town setting. Grab your copy today!
by Philip Eliot | Feb 8, 2026 | Romantic Comedy |
The BRAND NEW second-chance romance from bestseller, Maxine Morrey, winner of the RNA Romantic Comedy Award 2024. Perfect for fans of Celia Anderson, Milly Johnson and Katie Fforde.?? Every moment of your life is a second chance… Kitty Collins was once a confident, carefree fashion history student living her best life in Paris. But then Tomas Laurent broke her heart and she retreated back to England. A year later, Kitty’s a married stay-at-home mum and those big hopes and dreams have been replaced by nappy changes, school runs and dinner parties for her husband’s Academia colleagues. Now fifty and recently divorced, Kitty is empowered to embrace single life and finally makes plans with Sasha, her daughter, to return to the city that stole her heart to move forward with her life. But when a chance encounter awakens feelings she’d forgotten she had Kitty begins to wonder whether the ghosts of Paris should be left in the past. With the help of old friends and new friends, can Kitty discover the woman she’s supposed to be and fall in love with the City of Light once more? A smart, emotional, funny romance perfect for fans of Celia Anderson, Milly Johnson and Katie Fforde. ‘Read yourself happy’ with Maxine Morrey. Praise for Maxine Morrey: ‘I absolutely love Maxine’s books – it’s so much fun to be in her world.’ Portia Macintosh ‘An uplifting read that stops you in your tracks and makes you wonder “…but what if?” Absorbing, funny and oh-so-romantic, I loved every page!’ Rachel Burton ‘A super sweet read, guaranteed to warm any winter evening’ Samantha Tonge ‘A lovely story that kept me turning the pages’ Jules Wake ‘A stunning, perfect novel – it literally took my breath away.’ The Writing Garnet ????? ‘A warm hug of a book.’ Rachel’s Random Reads ????? ‘Maxine Morrey brings characters to life, within a couple of chapters you feel as if you have known them for ever. Lovely story, great for the beach or curled up on the couch.’ ‘The perfect blend of a gorgeous, lovely man, a very likable main character and a detestable villain, mixed with feelings of love, sorrow and humour. I absolutely loved it and definitely recommend it!’ ‘I couldn’t put this down, lovely easy read that made me smile and feel there is good out in the world.’ ‘I really adored this book. It’s the epitome of heartwarming. Such lovely characters, and truly romantic.’
by Philip Eliot | Feb 8, 2026 | Romantic Comedy |
Valentine’s lesson: fake fiancés aren’t supposed to steal your heart. Here’s the deal. I’m pretending to be engaged to James Brody, the sizzling hot London deputy mayor, to help him dodge playboy rumors. In return, I get to evade my mum’s relentless matchmaking. Really, it’s the perfect cover, because while I’m wearing this fake engagement ring, I’m sneaking moments with my dream guy, Matt, who’s finally begun to notice me. I should be thrilled. But the more I fake it with James, the more I love our phony dates and red carpet outings—and the less I like what I see in Matt. And then there was that Valentine’s kiss—fireworks, orchestra, the whole swoon-worthy deal. I know it’s just an act, and my head should be in charge. But what do I do when the fake starts feeling real, telling me my heart belongs to James? Never Fall for Your Fake Fiancé is a laugh-out-loud, swoon-worthy rom com with a fake relationship, a totally swoony guy, and romance. As with all the books in the It’s Complicated series, this is a closed-door romance with some incredible kissing and all the feels. It is a full-length novel and can be read as a standalone story.
