WELCOME

Welcome and thank you for visiting my website. This homepage includes latest updates, while showing off some of my success as an indie author. But there is more to discover on other pages. Can I recommend a visit to the ‘Reviews’ page, where you’ll see a comprehensive collection of what other readers think about my books. While my blog page includes a range of stuff relating to the themes of my books. And what on earth is ‘Mooge?’ Click to discover more!

LATEST NEWS

• In The Face of the Foe has received a B.R.A.G. medallion and a five star review. In the spirit of full disclosure, of the three reviewers two really liked it and one didn’t. That’s the beauty of reading.

• Feedback received from the 15 judges of the Wishing Shelf Book Awards for my short-story, The Last Tree (which is included within the collection, The Dividends of Love and Other Stories). As a finalist, it scored 28/30 and a five star rating, with 15 out of 15 of the judges stating they would recommend to another reader to try. Some delightful comments back: “A beautiful and haunting read.” “It’s rare for a short story to feel this expansive while remaining so intimate.” “This is the kind of story that lingers in your mind long after you finish it.” “…beautifully written - warm, believeable, and quietly heartbreaking.” “A poignant, atmospheric story that feels both ancient and painfully relevant.”

• Five star review for In the Face of the Foe from Reader Views. “If you are a fan of historical novels that take you through the full spectrum of human emotion, I would highly recommend In the Face of the Foe and the entire series.” https://readerviews.com/reviews/in-the-face-of-the-foe-wrey/

• A belated announcement - In the Face of the Foe achieved 2nd place in the Bookfest Book Awards - Historical (Military) fiction category - https://www.thebookfest.com/award_entries/in-the-face-of-the-foe/

• As an Indie Author, I am a member of the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi), an organisation supporting and promoting writers without the marketing clout of the traditional publishing houses. ALLi have just launched their own online bookstore, bringing together the works of all their members. It has great range of authors and genres and I would encourage you to pop in for a browse: https://bookstore.allianceindependentauthors.org/

• New blog posted called The Motorway Formula. No, it’s not about the correct proportion of sand and cement in the concrete, but how we shape drama to meet our psychological needs.

• Excellent review from IndieReader for In the Face of the Foe: “…this novel is perfect for lovers of classic historical thrillers.”

• Tucked within my eclectic publication of short stories, The Dividends of Love, lies one of my personal favourites, The Last Tree, a sweet tale of a young girl, Chananpuldala, trying to understand the gods who watch and fight over the inhabitants of the isolated island she calls home. I’m delighted to announce The Last Tree is a finalist in the short story category for the Wishing Shelf Book Awards 2025. Winners are announced in early April.

• Following the 5 star review for In the Face of the Foe from Literary Titan (read full review here), I’m delighted to announce it has also received their monthly Gold Book Award - link to award page . “Anyone who likes character-driven plots, moral puzzles, and a close look at the fragile ties that hold people together will find a lot here. I would recommend it to readers who want grit without glamor and heart without sentiment.” You can also read a short interview related to the novel here.

• I am pleased to introduce you to my new book, In the Face of the Foe. The complete collection of Jock Mitchell adventures, including the final tale, For All the Treasures Buried Far. Three stories covering Jock’s life as a prisoner of war, set in 1941, 1945 and 1948. The editorial review from the International Review of Books describes it as, “… a compelling, finely crafted narrative and a thoroughly rewarding read, one I would readily recommend.” Read the full review here. Available in hardback, paperback and eBook, including on Kindle Unlimited. Get your copy here.

• With perfect timing, I’m delighted to announce that book two in the Jock Mitchell adventures, A Place More Dark, was a finalist in the Independent Authors Network Book of the Year Awards in the Novella category. My congratulations go to Scarlet Ibis James for winning the category and to all other winners and finalists.

• I do not use AI for my novel writing and will never use it for such, but I’m a curious chap and so decided to see what CoPilot might construct if I commanded it to write a short story in the style of a certain Nathaniel M Wrey. I set out the idea and sat back and watched. The result is The Ledger of Shadows and you can find it via this link.

• Congratulations to Janet in Arizona, winner of my Bargain Booksy readers list competition. Signed copies of Liberty Bound, Where Liberty Lies and Mooge: The Prehistoric Genius are on their way to her. Three other lucky souls are receiving a signed copy of Liberty Bound, while another three get an eBook copy of my first novel. ‘Tis the season of giving!

A private page is available for all subscribers to this website providing access to exclusive material that delves into the meaning and development of Liberty Bound and early glimpses of work in progress. To subscribe follow this link . To access the private page, find the button on the Liberty Bound page

Scroll left-right through the images below to see the range of editoral awards won by the author to date.