Love letter to the Eastern States

Dear Everyone from Victoria and New South Wales,

You are wonderful. I have had the best tour I think I’ve ever had. So many of you turned up to see me - we had event numbers of over 100 in places and you were all so kind and generous with your words. Telling me how much you’ve loved all the books and Detective Dave. And how much you love Jack and Angie (so sorry if I can’t tell you if one or both are ever going to appear again! Who knows?!)

The two weeks that I was away from home to head over to Vic and NSW was filled with laughter and fun and liveliness. I had the best week’s book sales I’ve ever had and I’ve heard so many stories of how my books help many of you during tough times. I’ve had plenty of tough times myself and I can’t tell you how much I’m so glad the books were there to hold you. I would have been if I’d known, but the books are the next best thing.

While I was in Sydney, my publishers and I celebrated the good fortune you readers have given us, with an exception lamb shank lunch and sparklers! I love sparklers! Make me think I’m a kid again. We shared this little cake and ice cream between six of us; that was more than enough for me! Just a taste.

I’m still trying to kick the sugar cravings I have. (Not helpful eating a whole lot of ice cream over the weekend.)

Now, I need to tell you about Joy. This is Joy below.

Meeting Joy was complete serendipity. I had gone into a QBD store to sign books. The fact I was going to be there hadn’t been announced, I was just there to sign stock. Joy happened to be there at the same time. She had no idea who I was, so when she turned up at the counter with The Witness and a couple of other books to purchase, I asked if she would like me to sign her copy. Joy was very confused for a moment until we explained that I was the author. Then she got tears in her eyes and was so overwhelmed,. She grabbed my hand and told me how much she loved my stories and she’d read every book. Joy was the highlight of my day. She made it joy-ful!

Now I’m back home at my desk, with a heart and head full of memories, editing The Buried, starting book 5, The Runner and burning the midnight oil a tooth ends so I can get another book to you, so I can, quite selfishly, come and see you all again. Because you are all wonderful!

Now there are four other events taking place in WA in June. The details are below.