To catch up on lots of earlier messages from readers, please go to the Readers' Page Archive

email Stephen

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Total messages: 601

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10 April 06 - Hello, Stephen. Thank you very much for your books. I just want you know that you have fans even in Yemen. One year ago I was lucky to buy your two first books in foreign airport and since I'm your fan and I gave these books to read to all my friends. We really enjoyed! It's difficult to find English books here in Yemen, but I hope I'll be lucky to find them anywhere and I'll be able to read your other books too.

Leila (Yemen)
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10 April 06 - Snippet: You may remember (or not; you're a busy man), but last year the Mystery Analysis subgroup of Sisters in Crime, formed to learn the tricks of the trade from the masters, studied Black Dog. The suggestion was made by Sandra Parshall, who is a big fan of your writing (as I now am). So, as a bit of BSP on Sandra's behalf, thought you might like to know that her debut novel, Heat of the Moon, will be officially released by Poisoned Pen Press on April 15th.

Carol (USA)
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10 April 06 - Stephen, a Ben & Diane walking trail would be great. My wife & I finally made it up on Stanton Moor to see the Nine Ladies on a brilliant chilly but sunny (crisp snow on the ground) on our last visit to our cottage in Winster last month. We do try to locate some of the scenes from your books as travel around the Peak, great fun. We'll be back in the Autumn & look forward to reading your latest. And yes, I did vote for you (while drinking my Greene King IPA)! Keep up the good work.Cheers from America,

Mark & Kathy
(Detroit, Michigan & Winster, Derbyshire)
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10 April 06 - hi, just read the chapter, absoluteley brilliant. sent a cold shiver down my spine, never enter a car park again.  love all your books, can't wait to read it all

Carol 
(Stourbridge, UK)
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10 April 06 - Thanks for the newsletter Stephen, and yes, I Have voted !

Gary (UK)
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10 April 06 - just bought  my copy of the Dead Place here in NZ and looking forward to another great read!

Mags (New Zealand)
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Suzanne
(Tinton Falls, New Jersey)
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10 April 06 - I expect Scared to Live will be on store shelves here in Canada either this summer or early in the fall; we're never far behind the UK. I can't wait to read it!:)

Kathy (Canada)
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Wendy 
Washington, USA
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Regards, Meg
(UK)
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27 March 06 - The links to pictures of the Peak District from your website appear to be out of date.Am enjoying the books - bought a cottage in the small village of Wensley a year ago so it's nice to have some "local colour" to read.Regards.

Bee (UK)
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8 March 06 - Stephen, I have recently joined the subscription list to your newsletter and, with my welcome e-mail, was given a copy of the February newsletter. I read the items under "Snippets" and noted that the first chapter of One Last Breath was available on your website. However I was disappointed to see that you apologised for the fact that you used English spellings! Why shouldn't you? You are English after all and you never see American authors apologising for mangling the English language with their version of some of our words. I know you only meant it light-heartedly but surely you should revel in the fact that you are enjoyed across the English speaking world using the language of this country. Sorry if I have gone on a bit but as far as I am concerned the language is English and English authors should not bother about the pecularities of other nationalities, unlike the British film industry who have to include an American star to have any chance of selling their films over there. In spite of this I still enjoy your books!

Mike (UK)
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5 March 06 - You know the Death Clock does it really tell when you are going to die or is it just fiction?

From Paul 
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2 March 06 - I have now finished 'The Dead Place' and enjoyed it very much. Upon reflection, I think my comparison of Diane Fry with the female character in Rankin's books was probably more with Gill Templer than Siobhan, based probably on that ambitious edge in the character, and I think, in part at least, it's the absence of that ambitious, contentious edge in Ben Cooper that makes him seem so different and yet so convincing. He comes across as a man with plenty in reserve, as a man of spiritual strength and depth. Could it be a touch of modesty perhaps? but not a meek and mild modesty - a philosopher's modesty, that has been earned, and that believes in an essential and irreducible decency and dignity in human affairs that is worth defending.

Tom
(Hull, UK)
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2 March 06 - Still waiting! when can we get the dead place and one last breath in the US?

Irv (USA)
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1 March 06 - Hello StephenI have read all your books (eventually getting them in the right order) and look forward to your next. Do you have any intention of writing any books in a different area to the Peak District with new characters? Presumably if you only write about Cooper and Fry you will eventually run out of ideas for new situations.

Mike
(Loughborough, UK)
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Arthur
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27 February 06 - Stephen - what a hoot! I really enjoyed this! Delightful. Wish I'd been there to hear you give it.

Nancy
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27 February 06 - just wondered what brought you to Runrig..............

Sheila
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25 February 06 - Dear Mr. Booth, I'm an avid reader and keep trying to find new authors. I decided I'd just start at the beginning of the mystery section at our local library and I'd find someone I really liked. Well, I was in the B's and ran across "Blood on the Tongue" and " Blind to the Bones". I don't want to put these books down, and am looking forward to getting my hands on some more! Thanks for giving me so much pleasure. 

Claudine 
(Portage, Indiana)
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David
Chesterfield, UK
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20 February 06 - In 2005, your Newsletter said The Dead Place would be published in the US in April 2006. Now your Newsletter says The Dead Place will be published in July 2006. What happened? I have been waiting for a year for the book to come out in the US.

JoAnn
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20 February 06 - Hi there. Have just finished reading the first novel, Black Dog and I must congratulate you as I thoroughly enjoyed it!.. I particularly like your characters and the setting, it does give a real sense of place, fascinating!..... I think we all know an Harry Dickinson type character.... Look forward to catching up with the rest of your Fry & Cooper series.. Once again Thank you and congratulations on earning yourself another fan!!

Scott
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7 February 06 - Stephen, I noticed in your newsletter the competition with your poster on London Underground stations. on my last visit to London a few years ago I got into trouble more then once for taking photo's and was lucky to escape penalties in a few stations. I am a train mutt as most old Englishmen are and never gave a thought to it not being allowed. Mind having said all this, its a great idea and love the poster, I'm sure many will take their pictures unnoticed with digital camera's that don't need flashlight for the image. Best Regards,

Graham
Vancouver, Canada
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6 February 06 - Hi there. Not long finished reading the above in hardback from my library. Easily the best of your novels and I have read them all. Keep up the writing and enjoy the challenge of outdoing your latest. Sincerely

Eddy
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6 February 06 - Hello Stephen, Just finished reading the Dead Place, must be your best yet, the characterisations and settings are spot on. How about casting John Simm as Ben Cooper, currently starring in Channel 4's 'Life on Mars'. He's the right age and Northern as well. Kind regards,

Tina (UK)
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4 February 06 - Hello there, i have just finished your fourth book, Blind to the Bones I enjoyed it so much i cant wait to start One Last Breath, i dont get a lot of time for reading, so they take me sometime to get through, but well worth it. As you can tell im now also learning about emails, so many things to learn, so please excuse my poor attempt at contacting you. Look forward to reading many more of your books.

Carole
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3 February 06 - Re: 'The Dead Place'. What can I say except I enjoyed it tremendously! A bit 'darker' than I'd expected-the mortician details were, umm, well-graphic. :) But-as always-executed (no pun intended) with excellence and incredible detail. Ben and Diane appear to be getting along much better - and that was a surprise - but not an unwelcome one - even though their 'relationship' or lack of one-is a highlight of the series. Thank you once again for so many pleasurable hours. You've established a benchmark hard to surpass. I look forward to seeing you at Bcon! Best to you as always-

Elaine
http://www.elaineflinn.com
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2 February 06 - I have just read the first chapter of The Dead Place and I cannot wait to read the book . I have read all of the other books by Stephen Booth and they were fantastic.

Pauline
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1 February 06 - Have just finished Dancing with the Virgins. I enjoyed it very much. I read black dog over Christmas and discovered you for the first time, I intend to read the rest in order of publication until I catch up. P.S. MASTERMIND was restarted in 2003 and is still going strong. 

Pat (UK)
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31 January 06 - Hi Stephen, Happy new year to you and your family, it's a bit slow on the crime book release front at the moment so I am looking forward to next Monday when 'The Dead Place' is released in paperback. I have already read it in Hardback  but lent it to my dad, who is another big fan of yours, he subsequently lent to my sister, who lives in the Lake District and the last I heard it was being read by my sisters partner's relative who lives in Windermere! I wonder where it will end up! subsequent to say that I will have to buy the paperback to enjoy it again. Am really looking forward to 'Scared To Live', roll on June.

Gary (UK)
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25 January 06 - Hi Stephen, Now I have read (and yes, definitely enjoyed) another one of your books. Unfortunately I seem to be reading them out of sequence, so this one was Blind to the Bones, set supposedly in spring. But actually set in Withens which is dank and unpleasant and set in a hole (literally and metaphorically as far as I can tell). Is there going to be a romance sometime? I like a romance, especially in books that aren't specifically romances. Every now and again an author says something that is just so reminiscent of something in my life. You wrote a bit about Mrs Renshaw's guilt (do authors remember what they wrote ages afterwards?) and had Diane quoted as saying "I think if Emma turns up dead, she'd going to interpret that to mean she didn't believe hard enough. She'll think Emma is dead becase she failed her." My father died when I was almost 16 and that's exactly how I felt. I obviously didn't have enough faith or he would have lived. Thank you for your books. I will look out for more of them. I'll see if summer is nice and warm in the peak district or unpleasantly hot and sticky.

Cheers, Carolyn D. (New Zealand)
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22 January 06 - Hello Stephen: A Happy New Year to you! Just thought I'd let you know that you have another new fan - my dad. I've introduced him to other British mystery writers, like Ann Granger and Bernard Knight for example. I took home for Christmas the stack of your Fry and Cooper mysteries that I read last summer, and handed them over to Dad. He started on Black Dog, and like myself last June, he was hooked. When I spoke to him on the phone Friday, he was just about through Last Breath, and was going to make sure one if not both of the two libraries he goes will be getting a copy of The Dead Place. I'm looking forward to reading Scared to Live when it comes out this year.

Kathryn (Canada)
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15 January 06 - ONE LAST BREATH is the first of your books I have read and I enjoyed it immensely. I look forward to working my way through all your other books. I found the descriptions of the Peak District evocative and well-researched and I hope to visit the area some time, though I doubt if I could ever dare to go caving now! Best wishes,

Carolyn W.
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14 January 06 - To Stephen, I'm not terribly sure this is the correct e-mail address I need to send this to but I wish to thank you for sending me the signed book, It was more than I could have hoped for especially after the year I have had, your work takes people to another place away from there own troubles of every day life and pitfalls, thank you. kind regards,

Brian
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Joan
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12 January 06 - Reading your book. I live in Maryland, outside of Washington DC. I am curious where you got the name Murfin and why you used it? I am going to Great Britain in the summer to search family history. Did you get it from Derbyshire by chance?

Steve
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5 January 06 - Have just read Black Dog and enjoyed it very much. it was the first of your novels that I have discovered and will now make a point of finding the others. Thanks for giving me something to get my teeth into over Christmas. 

Pat (UK)
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5 January 06 - Dear Stephen, I found Black Dog in a local bookshop a few weeks ago (Ottakers, Crewe, Cheshire) by accident. Being a fan of detective/thriller novels, I was please to find a British, whats more English & northern, writer  - I get so sick of all the US trash we get fed. After Black Dog, I was hooked - being a lover of the Whiite Peaks, the thoughts you invoke about the rest of the Peak District remind me that I do need to get on some of these big barren hills a bit more. I eventually found your next four books, bought them all at once and just read then back to back - finished "One Last Breath" on yet another train journey to London this morning - wow - where are Ben & Diane going? Now what do I do? Thought I'd check u on the web and found your new book - just ordered from your site and looking forward to it - pse hurry delivery! Great to see a British author, northern no less, writing great fiction set in all the places I know - thanks and roll-on your next book (No 7).

Keith (UK)
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4 January 06 - Hi. Just read Blood on the Tongue which I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed and was gripped by it. It's great to find books which have plots that aren't overly complicated and difficult to follow or have characters that you can't relate to. I'm now going to get the rest in the series. Being a Derbyshire dweller (but only for the last 4 years) I'm now interested in the fact that there are so many aircraft wrecks in the area, something I've never heard anyone talk about. I've had a quick look on the internet to find out more. I also have friend who's mother is Polish so I'm sure she will be interested in your books as well. Best Regards,

Sue (Belper)
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3 January 06 - Dear Stephen, Just read 'One Last Breath' over Christmas and you are to be congratulated on the novel. Knowing the areas well really brought the story to life, but the graphic detail of the caves was all thanks to your pen (or PC I suspect!). Your research of the Radon issue and Leptospirosis (from infected cattle urine dribbling into caves) was commendable. Well done - I look forward to the next installment.

Kindest regards, David (Chesterfield)
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1 January 06 - Dear Stephen, like many people I suppose I picked up my first copy of one of your books after being taken by the book jacket artwork, It is after all the first introduction to a new writer for many of us. I have been curious on seeing how the trend of the striking soft colour jackets have continued with each new book, on how much you have in their design. Did you have choices? and will they continue to be similar in the future? Added to this , why are the US and foreign editions not the same? Just a curious reader,

Graham (Vancouver, Canada)
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Debbie (Guisborough, UK)
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17 December 05 - Hello Stephen, Andrew from Nottingham E Mailing you. Thanks for your newsletter I found it very interesting to read. Glad you enjoyed your trip to Australia. Hope you have a nice Christmas and all the best for 2006.Hope to see you at a talk in 2006.

All the best from Andrew (Nottingham, UK)
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16 December 05 - Dear Stephen Booth: I am in the middle of Black Dog at the moment and want to tell you how much I am enjoying it. I lost my vision a few years ago and am reading Black Dog on CD rental from Recorded Books. As a former librarian, I have always loved to read and discover new -- to me, that is -- authors; I am so glad to have come across Black Dog and plan to read the others in the series. I can read print books on a scanner that converts print to synthetic speech, so, either audiobooks or print editions, I will track them down. I almost wrote "doggedly" track them down, but why sink to that level? Besides the plot and excellent story, one thing I am enjoying about Black Dog is the setting. My mother is from Leicester, and I have been to the UK several times before going blind. The peak district is one of my favorite areas, and I like seeing it come alive again through your book. I was interested to read on your website that you have cats and goats. No Labrador like Jess? I am owned by a black Lab, my guide dog Boise. My husband and I have also been owned and well-trained by five formerly stray cats, only one of whom is still alive. I think there are probably a few cats out there looking for us. No goats here, though. Anyway, I just wanted to say "thanks" for the excellent book and that I will definitely buy the rest. Merry Christmas!

Sally (Philadelphia, USA)
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10 December 05 - because I love to listen to audio cd's while working and have just started listening to one last breath so have come in late but loving it already and it engages the brain and I can multi task and do work as well have ordered more from the library!!!!Hope to give more positive comments later!!!!!

My name is Rhona from Andover in the UK
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Helen (Lytham, UK)
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7 December  05 - Dear Stephen Booth: I have Just finished Blood on the Tongue, and I have read the coments by other readers. For me the joy of the book was the description of the landscape and the weather. I lived in Buxton for a time and  well remember the cold and snow in winter, my children went to school in Stockport and by the time they got they there they had experienced a climate/season change. The plot of the story was fascinating to me, and I enjoyed the way that the stories interwove seamlesly. The private lives of the detectives never do interest me I read a book for the ambience, the mystery, and its  unravelling, and your book held my attention all through. Tonight I will begin Dancing with Virgins and know that  when I read that first page I will be entertained until the last page. Thank you very much.

Chris (UK)
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7 December  05 - Dear Stephen: I was a bit confused by something you sent in your last newsletter. You wrote:  "My new US publishers, Bantam Dell, have the paperback of BLIND TO THE BONES scheduled for publication on June 27th 2006, followed by the hardcover of ONE LAST BREATH on July 26th. Since there's been a bit of a delay in the USA, I took the opportunity to do a bit of re-working on this book - and it's now even better than the UK edition! There are a few extra scenes added, so you could think of it as a sort of 'director's cut'. "Do you mean you added new scenes to Blind to the Bones or One Last Breath? I think you must mean One Last Breath, but I'm a bit addlepated, so I wanted to confirm.
Thanks!

Wendy

SB: Yes, Wendy, I meant ONE LAST BREATH. Sorry if it wasn't clear!
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3 December  05 - thank you for the update especially regarding your publications in the U.S.  Have the upcoming dates written down for future use.  Love your books! 

Helen (Mentor, Ohio)
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2 December  05 - Do you know when the Dead Place will be available in audio? Thanks,

Janice (UK)

SB: Sorry, I can't tell you just yet, Janice. Some time in 2006, I would hope.
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Susanne (New Jersey, USA)
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1 December  05 - I spent 1943-1948 as an evacuee In Chapel-en-le-Frith, went to school in Buxton. Later cycled miles around A57 and A6 (from Cambridge) In the late "50s drove many times from Sheffield to Manchester along most highways. Did all the Caves at Castleton. Had three visits since from Oz including driving through a late April blizzard over the Cat & Fiddle. I'm still wearing shirts from Bakewell. I've only Black Dog to read now. I can feel the Peak in all the books. A bonus really as crime fiction is my thing be it USA formula or UK writing. The question is can you give me a map reference for the imaginary Edendale. I'll enjoy it even more then.
Thanks

Ian (Australia)

SB: I do have an idea where the fictional Edendale would be, but I've stretched the map a bit to create a new valley, midway between the Hope Valley and the Wye Valley. So map references don’t quite work, Ian! But if you look somewhere around SK185775 you won’t be too far off.
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18 November  05 - Hi. I was just scanning Amazon looking to find a hardback copy of Black Dog when I came across a 'Scared To Live' by Stephen Booth, out in June 2006. Is that you? We can but hope.
Regards

ivor (UK)

SB: Yes indeed, Ivor. This is the 7th Cooper and Fry novel, currently in the editing stage and due for publication on 5th June in the UK.
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15 November  05 - Stephen, I have read all your books except the new one. You just keep getting better; thank you so much for all the reading pleasure. Your pictures of the Peak District on the website are great!

Nancy
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15 November  05 - Dear Stephen, I've just finished reading Blind to the Bones, which is my first Stephen Booth book. I loved it and it turned into one of those books that stopped me doing all sorts of other things that I should have been doing - always a sign of a good book. However, one of your characters aroused my curiosity. Before I got married my maiden name was 'Check'; this was an anglicised version of the Polish family name of Czech. My father changed the family name before I was born, so I was the only one born as Check. For this reason, I believed that it was a rarity as a surname, so imagine my surprise to discover Peggy Check in your book. Could you tell me, please, what made you choose Check as a surname for one of your characters? Indeed, I'm curious, how do you choose names for your characters?
Many thanks

Helen (Lytham, Lancashire)

SB: Peggy Check is an exception to my usual rules for naming characters. In 2002, during the writing of 'Blind to the Bones', I auctioned the name of a character in aid of a literacy charity. The auction was won by a lady called Peggy Check from Chicago, who donated nearly 500 dollars to the charity to have a character named after her. And Chicago does have a large Polish community, so it could originally have been a Polish name.
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2 November  05 - I've just finished reading 'The Dead Place' and would like to say how much I have enjoyed it, it was a real surprise to come across Geocaching in the book and gave me pleasure to see one of my caches mentioned in it (Tidza Treat). I also know Itinerant Meggie and showed him the bit that almost! refers to him. I've now read 3 of you books and I'm looking forward to reading the rest.
Many thanks

Stephen (Hathersage, Derbyshire) 
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30 October  05 - Hi Stephen. DI am so looking forward to seeing you in Bristol in March. I have to tell you that our customers are demanding more of your books!! I keep telling them that there will be a few new releases in the winter/spring. Am I right? Have a wonderful holiday season.
Love,

Diane and Cooper (San Francisco Mystery Bookstore)

SB: Hi, Diane (and Cooper, of course)! The next US releases will be in the summer of 2006 - the paperback of 'Blind to the Bones' in June and the hardcover of 'One Last Breath' in July. I really hope to get back to San Francisco Mystery Bookstore again one day.
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27 October  05 - Hello Stephen: I just finished reading Dead Place, and I think it's your best so far. A great story to read in the weeks leading up to Halloween. I'm really curious as to what path Ben and Diane's relationship is going to take. I think it should keep being as complicated as it has in the past, but with some intimacy; say the kiss that your readers have been looking forward to, but only that, as Diane is still suffering from her scars.

Kathy (Canada)
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24 October  05 - I have been totally convinced that Stephen Booth's books should be given the star treatment they so deserve, since I became 'hooked' on the lives and times of Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. I have spent many hours trying to decide who should have the honour of playing who! I scanned the suggestions on your website - and immediately Mathew McFadyen and Hermione Norris 'leapt out at me'. No doubt about it! Mathew is Ben - good looking without knowing it, thoughtful, brooding, a little lonely... Hermione is Diane - determined, firm, afraid to show her softer side, but also desperately lonely... I feel that I know them personally - and I so miss them when I finish each book.

Karen
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Peter (Calgary, Alberta)
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9 October  05 - Dear Mr. Booth, I never wrote to an author before, but I feel that I have to write to you to say how wonderful your books are. I already was a fan of the UK in general, and of the Peak District in particular. During my stay in Tideswell this summer I saw your books in a Buxton bookshop. I started on Black Dog during that week, and read it in one day-and-night! So I went back to the shop and bought the next four books, being afraid that I shouldn´t be able to buy them back home in the Netherlands. Now I am in the middle of Blood on the Tongue and it is as fascinating as the others. There is one big problem though: you evoke such wonderful images of the Peak, that I long to go back there immediately. Which is not possible! But thanks anyway for letting me reliving my holidays and seeing in my mind hills, the dales, the villages … I´ll be back next year and hope there will be another book for me to buy!

Carla (Netherlands )
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9 October  05 - I have been an admirer of Stephen Booth's books & have read each one as it has been published so I awaited with pleasure the arrival of "The Dead Place" & with great anticipation. What a disappointment ! I think it is one of the most gruesome & distasteful books I have ever read. I read avidly & always have. What on earth was he thinking about to mire himself & his readers in such appalling descriptions of dead & decaying bodies. Sadly it will be a long while before I buy another of his books & I am NOT SQUEAMISH.

Cynthia (France)
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7 October  05 - Hi Stephen Booth, what can i say amazing books, I first discovered Black Dog whilst living in Wales, with many a holiday camping in Edale and surrounding areas, so I recognise many places within the books, I'm just starting One Last Breath, at present have all 6, once i start reading one i have trouble putting it down as they are so  good, almost to the last moment you're not sure who has been commiting the crimes, love books like that especially when you can relate to the area too, now living in NE Derbyshire due to work commitments.

Joolz (Derbyshire, UK)
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29 September  05 - I think that your books look wonderful but you need to make them look much scarier.

From Paul
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26 September  05 - Dear Stephen, Since we (New Zealanders) stayed in Sheffield last year, I have been on the lookout for books set in that area. Someone pointed me in your direction and I read Blood on the Tongue recently. Having driven over Snake Pass and through Glossop (what a dreadful town it is to drive through - took me half an hour once to get through the 3 miles) quite a number of times it was fascinating to read about it in such detail. I've read a few books now set here and don't quite understand why it seems to be portrayed as dreary and cold always. We found the Peaks delightful - warm and green and welcoming. And driving over Snake Pass isn't too bad if you are used to driving over New Zealand's mountain passes. The other thing that read very oddly from a New Zealand point of view was Diane's horror at the farm. I can't imagine that any author in New Zealand could realistically portray a police officer unfamiliar to that degree with farms. That's not very fair - to enjoy your book lots and just write with minor complaints. I shall look out for more. Best wishes and thanks, 

Carolyn (Owaka, New Zealand)
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13 September  05 - Dear Mr. Booth, I have just completed my Booth initiation with Black Dog. I congratulate you on your descriptive style, its hard, gritty and very believable. A scene is conjured up with few words and I liked especially those of thecountry. I must one day, visit the Peak District. I also liked the characters foibles and imperfections and most seemed very much down-to-earth type people.The story was so engaging that, after I had finished it, I went straight outa nd bought another - Blind To The Bones caught my fancy. I have only passed the first 100 pages and I wonder if Withens really exists, could exist. Certainly no-one seems to like it, not even you? Thank you for your most profound efforts, long may they continue.
Best wishes

SB: The village of Withens doesn't exist (though Withens Moor does). I based the village on several real places not too far away.
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9 September  05 - Mr. Booth, I have just finished the last of the books you have written The Dead Place. I have enjoyed all your books and now my mother and father-in-law are reading them. What I need to know is ...when is the next book coming out? SOON?

Debbie (Qualicum Beach, British Columbia)

SB: New books come out around June in Canada, Debbie.
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6 September  05 - I've just finished your first novel which I enjoyed thoroughly. I particularly liked your portrayal of characters throughout Black Dog and the attention you gave to social issues which impacted on their lives. Although I'm sure you dislike such comparisons, having read and enjoyed all of Ian Rankin's Rebus series recently I found myself at something of a loose end and missing old friends until I met Ben and Diane. I look forward to reading how their relationship developes and cannot help but feel you portray and empathise with their situations and dilemmas in a comprehensive and holistic way that demonstrates depth of understanding of the human condition. Your description of the peak district villages and observation of characters reminded me very much of the nature of many rural communities in 21st century Britain and the often competing needs of "locals" and "in-comers" played out in the central characters relationship. I look forward to visiting Derbyshire hopefully in the near future. 
Regards

Adrian (Aberdeenshire, Scotland)
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6 September  05 - Looking forward to your next book. My bookseller is a bit slow at the moment, The Dead Place hasn't arrived yet. Impatiently awaiting it. I want to know what's the deal with Angie and if she wants to entrap Ben and Diane. She's obviously up to something.

Charlie (UK)
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2 September  05 - Dear Mr. Booth, I am in the middle of reading "The Dead Place" (I have read all your previous storys) and as usual, thoroughly enjoying it. The main thing I like about your books is one of the leading characters i.e. a detective constable. So many police stories have to have an inspector or chief inspector, who, lets face it, don't really do the donkey work. I am a bit dubious of Diane Fry as she seems on an ego trip. Anyway, all the time you write novels like you do i will read them. 
Good luck

Mac
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2 September  05 - No no no no no!  Most of those actors are far too old (George Clooney 44, Liam Neeson 53, for goodness sake!) No, it would have to be Ewan McGregor or Chris Eccleston for Ben, and possibly someone like Hermione Norris (except she's a bit too pretty) for Diane.  How about Helen Baxendale? Or how about Steve Coogan and Kathy Burke, just to go for a really glam pairing?!
Regards,

JEAN (UK)
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1 September  05 - I'm still enjoying the books a great deal. More than ever now, I can see Schwarzenegger would be perfect as Ben Cooper in a film series - I don't think there's any other contemporary actor capable of handling the subtleties of his character. Okay, joking aside, I look forward (as ever) to your next work, and I trust the writing process will be consistently fruitful!
Kindest regards

Gary (UK)
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30 August  05 - Mr. Booth: I have just read "Blood on the Tongue", "Blind to the Bones" and  "One Last Breath". Overall, very good reads. However, Diane Fry's indulgence of Gavin Murfin's slovenly eating-and-littering behaviour in her own car just doesn't ring true given her general hard nosedness and unwillingness to suffer fools (and if ever there was a fool it's Gavin Murfin). Why hasn't DC Fry read Murfin the riot act? You have Ben Cooper driving a Toyota and  say, in "Blood on the Tongue", that it's a four-wheel drive. However, you never indicate which model. Is it a Land Cruiser?

Thanks,
Allan (Canada)

SB: Perhaps you're being a bit hard on Diane Fry - she does try to be tolerant sometimes! Interestingly, I've been told that, of all the police characters in my books, DC Gavin Murfin is the most true-to-life. I'm not sure how much that should make us worry about our police force... Yes, a Land Cruiser is what I imagine Ben Cooper driving - though it could be a Rav. Sometimes, if you're too specific about models of car, it can make a book appear out of date very quickly. 
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29 August  05 - Have just finished reading all 6 of your novels - in the right order - a great experience. And the last 4 in the last 10 days !! I think the relationship between Cooper and Fry is just great and I cann't wait to see how it develops in the future. I have my ideas - but I guess you have yours too ! And what IS Angie up to ? - not much was given away about her in The Dead Place - will the next one have more detail? Thanks for a great website too by the way...

Mike (UK)
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Greetings
Charlie (UK)
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26 August  05 - Hello Stephen! I feel a brief email is in order, as I have (sadly) just finished THE DEAD PLACE, and I thought it was terrific - like all 5 previous Ben Cooper/Diane Fry novels. Atmospheric, full of evocative description of people and places, eerie at times, and very moving. What more could one ask for? Thank you once again for over 400 pages of outstanding storytelling, Stephen!

All the best
Gary (UK)
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21 August  05 - Could you tell me when "The Dead Place" will be coming out in paperback please?

Zebedee128

SB: February 2006 in the UK.
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19 August  05 - Are these books sold in the USA? Just finished reading a post on the UK geocaching forums and would love to read your books:)

James aka Mustard Devil (USA)

SB: James, the first four books in the series are available in the USA (up to BLIND TO THE BONES). Number 5, ONE LAST BREATH, is due to be released in July 2006, but the book which features geocaching (THE DEAD PLACE) won't be available in the US edition until 2007.
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17 August  05 - Just finished reading Blind to the Bones. This is up to the usual high standard, having kept me from things I ought to be doing in order to fiinish it. I do find the "darkness" factor in describing Derbyshire a bit over the top. I was born in Glossop and come from long lines of  Peak and Derbyshire farming families, including a grandfather born and educated in the Derwent Valley before being moved due to the sad flooding at the end of the 19th century. Although now living near Southwell I regularly visit the Peaks and except in foul weather don't find them at all "dark". An aquaintamce who was a long time serving officer with the Derbyshire police once commented that the Glossop police were virtually a separate authority from the Ripley HQ. Has this ever come up in your research? I now look forward to reading the next book.

Roger (UK)

SB: Of course, I do tend to exaggerate certain aspects to create atmosphere, but the story of 'Blind to the Bones' was deliberately located in one of the bleakest areas of Derbyshire. The next book in the series ('One Last Breath') is set in the Hope Valley. I believe Glossop did historically have its own police force separate from Derbyshire Constabulary for many years. And given the distance from Force HQ in Ripley to the Glossop area, it's not surprising if many officers still consider themselves a bit separate!
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14 August  05 - Absolutely fantastic books, I have read all 5 in last 3 months could not put any of them down. Just started The Dead Place, please keep writing Cooper and Fry are so believable with graphic and gripping storylines which are crying out to be dramatised. Very much looking forward to your next book.

David (Cambridge, UK)
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12 August  05 - Re: THE DEAD PLACE. Terrific book, I was spellbound with the story, have to agree its the best one to date.I have one question though, the last line in the book ! is there a change coming in the relationship?

Graham (Vancouver, Canada)

SB: Who knows, Graham? Ben and Diane will do just as they want, no matter what I think!
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7 August  05 - Hi, I've just finished reading One Last Breath and it's the best one yet. However, I do have The Dead Place to look forward to - my wife's reading it at the moment. Some of your descriptions can only have come from someone very familiar with the location, and I can feel the stone under my feet and hear the grasshoppers. One minor point in One Last Breath, but please don't think I'm nit-picking as your way of dealing with it added to the plot. When Ben Cooper wanted a copy of Death Underground, he'd probably have found it in Matlock. Under County Hall is the Derbyshire Libraries Local Studies section. One part of this houses the best speleological library in the country. It's small, cramped and overflowing but has a wealth of literature on the subject. On the whole, the Local Studies section would be a godsend for such as Ben Cooper.  

Yours in admiration, 
Mark (Long Eaton, UK)
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2 August  05 - Stephen , firstly – Thank you for many hours of enjoyment. I love spotting places that I have walked through on my many wanderings through the peaks. Your characters are very believable and really bring to life the area and its people. Please keep on writing. Each book leaves me wanting to read more. Once again – Thanks.

David (UK)
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2 August  05 - Just finished The Dead Place and per usual, what a terrific read. Well done. And thank you for giving Ben and Diane a little push at the end. Finally!! 

All best, Lou (Seattle, USA)
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31 July  05 - I just checked and to my amazement and happiness I found your new book. I am so happy to see that.  ;)))  Of course I ordered it immediately and sent notes to all the lists that I am on. Congratulations on number 6!! I know it will be just as fantastic as the other 5, and I hope that there are plenty more. 

Sue (California, USA)
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30 July  05 - Hi Stephen. I was wondering as you have described Petrus GC7AO6 and Mr Potato Head TB if you are a active Geocacher, or someone who has done his research to a extremely hi standard? And if you are an active geocacher what your user names is? I don’t know if you are aware but the owner of Petrus is actually on of GC’s UK cache reviewers.

Dave-Mancunian Pyrocacher (UK)

SB: No, I'm not a geocacher, Dave. The details in THE DEAD PLACE are from research.
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29 July  05 - Dervla Kerwin would make an excellent Diane Fry.

Annlt147
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Many thanks, Chris (UK)
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27 July  05 - At last, a worthy successor to Reginald Hill, my all-time favorite British author. His 'On Beulah Height' has to be the most haunting mystery I've ever read.  I've been worrying lately about who would fill his shoes, so to speak. I can quit fretting now. I don't mean to imply that your writing is an imitation of Hill's. Different, but just as rivetting. Have just put down 'Blood on the Tongue' and must say it ranks up there with 'On Beulah Height' I ordered all four books of yours available on Amazon at the moment, and am reading them straight through. Like others, I will have to order the new ones from Canada. Can't wait till next spring.They get better and better. I must say, I disliked Sgt. Fry intensely at first, but she's growing on me! LOL

A true British Mystery fan - Donna (Maryville, TN)
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27 July  05 - Do like your books for the atmosphere of suspense and the sense of place you invoke. Have you read Man in the Moss by Phil Rickman or Place of Execution by Val McDermid? As a Derbyshire person these are two of my favourites. Also did you mean Ben to refer to Darley Dale churchyard towards the end of The Dead Place?

SB: No, no - and no! I was well aware of the McDermid book, of course, but not the Rickman. However, I've since bought a copy of the latter, so now I have both books to read some time when I get chance!
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Barbara (Fort Worth, Texas)
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24 July  05 - Just finished "Black Dog" and wondered if Fry slept with Hitchens prior to her promotion. Ben Cooper suspects maybe she did, but I'm pretty sure  she did not. Will one (or both of us) have this question answered later  in the series? 

Harold

SB: Well, I'm with you on this one, Harold. Personally, I don't think Ben knew Diane well enough at that stage to judge her.
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21 July  05 - Re: THE DEAD PLACE. Congratulations once again on an excellent read, possibly the best written of all the books Of course if you do ever dry up you will presumably now be sufficiently qualified to become an embalmer. As I was reading a couple of days ago I heard on TV the Brighouse and Rastrick playing On Ilkley Moor and half expected them to feature at the climax of the book! Keep up the good work.

Joy (Portugal)
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19 July  05 - Hiya, is the next book called "Scared to Live", perchance?

Rach (UK)

SB: Yes it is, Rachel (and already listed on Amazon, I see).
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Warm Regards, Bill (USA)
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1 July  05 - Have been waiting to buy One Last Breath and now, The Dead Place in U S.  WHEN will they be available ?????? 

Thanks, Irv (USA)

SB: ONE LAST BREATH is scheduled for publication in the USA in July 2006, with THE DEAD PLACE in 2007 Sorry if that means you have to wait, Irv!
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27 June  05 - Hi, I don't know whether, like some Authors I have written to, you reply to e-mails but hopefully you do have time. I discovered your books recently when I found Black Dog on a table at Chapters. Having read a few series set in England, Robinson with his Banks books & Jardine with his Skinner books (Ok they are set in Scotland, I know the difference), I figured Black Dog looked good. Had no idea where the Peaks were altho I have been to the south of England many times. Which brings the suggestion of a little map in the front for us Colonists in North America who have no idea where Derbyshire is. I do now having looked it up immediately. I have read Black Dog & Dancing with the Virgins so far & have to hunt down the 3rd one. I prefer to read them in order. THEY ARE FABULOUS. I love your descriptions of the countryside, the farms & the people. Cooper is great as is Fry & the others.

Angi (Vancouver, Canada)
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27 June  05 - By far the best actor for the part is Gerard Butler. Recently I have seen him in his roles as the phantom in the phantom of the opera, andre marek in timeline, dracula in dracula 2000, and I wish to see him in tomb raider two as soon as possible. However, lets get back on topic you may see from the variety of films I have listed above that he could probably fulfill any role he wishes to the extent of excellence. I only wish I could meet him and see if he is as fabulous in reality as he appears in his films. I understand you may receive thousands of these suggestions a day but please trust me when I say Gerard Butler is one of if not the most amazing actor I have witnessed and can conform to almost any character. I can only hope you take my suggestion into consideration.

Lindsay (15 year old student at Hereford High School, UK)
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26 June  05 - Have read 3 of your books - on your web site 1st time - is One Last Breath & The Dead Place now published in the U.S?  

Helen (Ohio - USA)

SB: Sorry, no. ONE LAST BREATH is scheduled for  publication in the USA in July 2006, with THE DEAD PLACE some time after that.
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24 June  05 - Hi. These stories just get better and better. As an obsessive book collector I'm pleased to say I have firsts of all your hard backs although had to get the US edition of Black Dog. I look forward to collecting your titles for many years to come.

Mike
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28 February  05 - Thought I'd let you know my store's mystery book club chose Black Dog for the March selection. I'm anxious to introduce everyone to Cooper and Fry. I finished the book this weekend. Great all the way through but especially the ending. You do human nature so well! Have a wonderful Spring (it's snowing here) and take care.

Maryann (USA)
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Cheers, Wendy (USA)
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18 February  05 - I borrowed your first and third book from a local library. After reading the first book returned to the library and had them order in the second one before reading the third as I like to read them in order. Don't know why they hadn't purchased it! Can't describe how much enjoyment my husband and I have received from reading your books. I usually know well before the end "who dunnit", but in your books never know till you tell me.  Aboslutely love that plus the descriptions of the villages and people as well as their thought processes. Hope you continue this series for a long time.  Bravo!

Loretta
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17 February  05 - Dear Stephen, I just finished reading BLIND TO THE BONES. I thoroughly enjoyed your story. The plot was suspenseful and intriguing, and I particularly enjoyed your depictions of the law enforcement characters. You also did an excellent job of depicting the types of thought processes law enforcement officers experience when they are frustrated about lack of progress in an investigation. I look forward to reading more of your books and learning more about Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. 

Alicia (USA)
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17 February  05 - When will One Last Breath be available in the United States?

Jo Ann (USA)

SB: Still holding my breath, Jo Ann! Keep an eye on the website and the newsletter for US publication dates.
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Maryann (USA)
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2 February  05 - Dear Stephen, as a resident in the Peak District (Chapel-en-le-Frith), I really enjoy reading your books and feeling familiar with the settings. At present I am half way through "One Last Breath" and I am particularly enjoying it as it is set only a stone throw away. The question I have is, When will Ben and Diane eventually get together? Looking forward to the 6th in the series, and hopefully Ben could make to our village one day, instead of just finding a mobile phone near by (Blind to the Bones)!

Gareth (UK)
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C. Miller
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28 January  05 - Dear Stephen, It is -10 with 4 feet of snow outside here in Buffalo, N.Y. and I have finished all James Patterson's last published books, along with 3/4 others and still no publisher for your latest book. I was complaining to my son in law about the situation and because his mind still works logically, he went on line to Amazon UK and now your latest book - One Last Breath - is now here waiting for me to start it.  I truly love your characters, descriptions and story lines.  Not only me , but the other seven families -close friends - who have read the first three.  This too will be passed around.  I have also signrd up to receive your new one to be sent from the UK when it comes out. P.S. One of our friends who is niw hooked was a detective for 30 years, says he really enjoys Ben Cooper- says he sees a bit of himself in the character.

Barbara (Buffalo, USA)
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Wendy (Washington, USA)
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22 January  05 - Stephen, I must congratulate you on your excellent series. Thanks for some great post-holiday relaxation. I was wandering around my favorite book store looking for a good read when I chanced upon your series I took Black Dog home with me thoroughly enjoyed it, once I finished I went right back for another unfortunately picked up Blood on the Tongue. I just put it down this morning and once I send this note I am heading out to pick up Dancing with Virgins.  I am a retired police officer and very much empathize with Ben, it may not be in the cards but love to see him promoted.

Bill (Toronto, Canada)
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18 January  05 - Hi is there any plans to adapt any of your books for televison? As i think they would be as sucsessful as programmes such as Frost and Morse etc. If so what do you think about Martin Kemp and Dervla Kerwin as Cooper and Fry?

Richard
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17 January  05 - might i suggest gerard butler  in the role of cooper.

ann
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17 January  05 - Dear Stephen: The Peak District was one area of England I badly wanted to explore and didn't get to (ended up in the Lake District instead) when I was in Britain in 2001. Images of the Dark Peak and Mam Tor always come up -- even more than the Dorset coast -- when I think of the England that draws me. For this reason I grabbed "Dancing With the Virgins" from the receiving belt in the bookstore where I work when I saw the cover, even though I'd never heard of Stephen Booth. I found it evocative and atmospheric, and have now nearly finished "Blood on the Tongue" (timely, considering that it's mid-January and my own part of the world is just emerging from under an uncharacteristic deluge of snow). If anything, this third one in your series is even stronger than the second. Keep writing about PLACE -- it's my substitute for not having made it there myself. P.S. It's good to see that a Brit knows where Toronto is. Most Americans are a bit unclear.

M.P. (Victoria, BC, Canada)
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17 January  05 - Hi Mr. Booth: Found your book, "Blind to the Bones", at my local library and loved it. Read the other three too.   Have told all my friends about them and they liked them too. When will the new books be available in the states??  Please let me know so I can order them.  Thank you.

Bill (USA)
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17 January  05 - I've already pre-ordered The Dead Place from Amazon.co.uk, Stephen, and can't wait to read it!

Gloria (New York, USA)
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17 January  05 - Hi Stephen. First of all I want to praise you for the wonderful books you have written so far. I have recently discovered Black Dog, and was so enthralled by it, that I was more than happy to see that you had been writing many more. I immediately bought the other ones and devoured them voraciously, figuratively speaking of course. It's hard to say which one is my favourite so far, I guess Blood on the Tongue and Blind to the Bones have to share the gold medal. I'm eagerly awaiting the paperback issue of One last Breath, because I must admit, that I'm not so keen on Hardcover books. But that's ok, the patience I have to show now will only make my reading-pleasure all the greater when I finally hold it in my hands. April is steadily creeping nearer, and my book has already been ordered by the bookseller. Thanks to you I got interested in the Peak District, and I plan on visiting the area this summer for a couple of weeks, to see all the beautiful landscapes you described with my own eyes. 
Cheers,

Charlie (UK)
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17 January  05 - Greetings from the USA - I loved the news letter THANKS. I would love to take your tour sometime. It sounds interesting. A part from that I love Yorkshire and the beautiful scenery. Thanks again. 

Liz (USA)
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17 January  05 - Dear Mr. Booth, I really enjoy your books – I’m presently on One Last Breath having devoured the other four.  Being Derbyshire born and bred and, since I now live in the States, I find them especially enjoyable.  Keep them coming! With thanks for many hours of pleasure,

Nick (USA)
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17 January  05 - hi, love your books, have been waiting awhile here in the old usa for your latest and now news that another is ready to print in the UK- -- any chance you are coming to Book expo in NYC in June 2005??? Ben Cooper- - actors to play him, in my mind he's a down on his luck Russell Crow type but ewan mcGregor sounds good too. . .thanks for all the great reads since Black Dog. Sincerely,

Donna (USA)
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13 January  05 - Stephen, Another great book that I really enjoyed.I'm living in the US and was able to pick this up last summer when in England. I'm not sure if this is the correct place to mention this but I would be happy to sell my copy to someone else in the US. It seems so unfair that they won't be able to get a copy till next year without paying ridiculous postage. Anyway if you think this would be acceptable feel free to post this on your site. Thanks

Lesley (USA)
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10 January  05 - Hi, i have really enjoyed reading your books,being born and raised in the Peak District and spending a lot of time in the Hayfield, Kinder Scout area in my youth, i find your descriptions of the area and the people in your stories very realistic. I have lived in Canada for the last thirty years but reading your novels i am transported back to another time and place.
Sincerely, 

Roy (UK)
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5 January  05 - Dear Mr. Booth, I want to write for my wife and I and thank you so much for allowing us the honor of being able to buy and read yor super novels. I stumbled across a new release of yours at one of our local book store's in fact it was a signed copie from the publisher. Blood on the Tongue. We were soon searching for all your pervious works and making sure that we got the latest as soon as they came out. Your novels have realy been the high spot for us in a long time and we can not wait to see what will happen next to Fry and Cooper they really are the best it is so easy to get into the book and feel as if you are standing there with them as the plot thickens. 
I do have to say that the first one I got Blood on he Tongue also had a extra meaning for me. My father was a Master Segeant commo specilist on a flying fortress stationed in England and I severed as a facilities manger for a number of years in the Marshall Island, which the Bikini Atoll is the northern most island group of. So I was really caught up inthe novel with the reference to the Atoll and the bombers in England during the war. The back ground and discription of life during that time was great. 
I know you must have milions of fans and hope that you find the time in your busy life to be able to read this thank you. Again thank you so much for shearing your incredible talent with us through you works.

Russ and Maureen (Massachusetts USA)
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Anna (Sweden)
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31 December  04 - Hello Stephen! I reluctantly finished ONE LAST BREATH (I'm not a slow reader-I savor favorite authors and limit myself to one chapter a night) and I can't seem to find the adequate words to say how very much I loved it.  If I were to offer stunning, superb, subtle - would that even seem enough?  The world you have fashioned for Ben & Diane is so rich in detail and nuance - that I really, really hated to see the book end.  I know you've heard that over and over, but it is so very true. I'm also thankful for the nasty cold I've had the past week in that it gave me an opportunity to read DANCING WITH THE VIRGINS -which somehow I'd missed.  At least with DANCING I didn't have to limit myself to one chapter a night!  I had plenty of time to read this time. Both books left me surprised at the end - and that is - to me - the joy of reading a fine writer. So, Stephen - thank you so very much for countless hours of pure pleasure. 

SB: The 6th Cooper & Fry novel, THE DEAD PLACE, is due to be published in the UK in June 2005.
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18 December  04 - Hello Stephen. This is a superb novel which is very hard to put down but even I can't read 632 pages at one sitting! Though I may be a tad biased because I live in the middle of where the story is set. Withens must be based on a shanty village like New Yarmouth (where the reservoir builders of Longdendale lived) which I guess you've set somewhere around Feathererbed Moss. Can I ask if you read a book called The Traveller's Valley before you wrote this novel?

Glynis (UK)
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14 December  04 - I like your books very much!

Kjell (Sweden)
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12 December  04 - Hi, Stephen - I live in Buxton and have a good friend called Alison Morrisey, who also lives in the town. She used to work as P.A. to the Chief Executive in the High Peak Borough Council and has moved to Stockport on promotion. Is the Alison featured in your excellent novel, Blood on the Tongue based on this real life person? She would love to meet you and so would I, for a second time, as I saw you at Waterstones booksigning about three years ago. Please get in touch when you are next in the Peak District.

Regards, Jackie (UK)
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1 December  04 - Dear Stephen - We met at the West Bridgford Library discussion recently and I would like to thank you for your contribution to an enjoyable afternoon.  I had not previously come across your books and would like to say I enjoyed "Black Dog" and will continue my way through the series. Just one comment arising from the afternoon.  There were remarks about the appearance of Ben Cooper in the context of film rights, whether he was dark or fair.  I understood you to say that this was not explicit. However, there are at least two references to his hair in Black Dog which I noticed, to quote chapter 3 "Everyone told him that his fine brown hair was just like his father's ...."  and I think one to eyes, although I cannot locate the reference. Which I suppose leaves plenty to the imagination ...  a bit mousey would be my interpretation but darkish rather than fair!

regards
Jean (UK)
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29 November  04 - I bought Black Dog and read it in one go on a Sunday afternoon. I went out the next day and bought the next three books and read them within the week. I truly enjoy finding a 'new' author who creates a set of characters and then builds upon them over a series. I have done this with many authors and the Cooper/Fry books have got me hooked, as much as Rebus (no mean feat!). I particularly enjoy the importance of the locus...very evocative. Thank you. Looking forward to June 05.

SJ (UK)
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27 November  04 - I just read Black Dog and liked it very much (also, thanks for the happy ending for the Border Collie - I have two Border Collies myself.) 

Doreen (Kansas, USA)
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27 November  04 - Hello Stephen, Your name on the LOVE IS MURDER site led me to your website.  First impression:  excellent.....I've only briefly browsed it - printed out the first chapter of One Last Breath ...and I'm intrigued by your bio, expecially the goats.  I live in Connemara among a lot of sheep so I can relate to that. 

Pat (Ireland)
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22 November  04 - As 'One Last Breath' is still not available here, I have just ordered two copies as Christmas gifts for family members from Amazon.com.UK - so I'm giving the British economy a boost too!

Wendy (USA)
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14 November  04 - I ordered ONE LAST BREATH from the UK. It took awhile to get to Pennsylvania, but the wait was worth it.  I really loved it, and tried to read it slowly, to make it last.  Of course that was impossible. I learned a lot about caves.  Hope your next book will be out soon.  Thanks for a great book.  

Helen (USA)
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12 November  04 - Hi Steve, Just to congratulate you on another good book. Thoroughly enjoyed One Last Breath - much better than Blind to the Bones (Blind to the Bones was a good read, just a little disappointing ending as I felt you had somewhat failed in what you have been so good at in the other books - to build up the character of the murderer - he appeared to spring from nowhere at the end.) I am now looking forward to the next publication.

Joy (Portugal)
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10 November  04 - I have been to Holmfirth twice and each time I have bought your books at the Toll House Book store in Holmfirth. Thanks in advance for the Newsletter. I live in the USA and have a spot on a web over there: www. Summer-Wine.co.uk 

Thanks again  

Liz
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4 November  04 - Recently finished 'One Last Breath' - another excellent read which again kept me guessing until the last minute.  I think that you need to find a new final proof reader - I spotted quite a few typo-type mistakes!  I'm available!!!

Maddy (UK)
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jess

SB: Yes, the story of the young caver Neil Moss is entirely true, Jess. It was one of the things that inspired me to write ONE LAST BREATH.
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31 October  04 - Dear Stephen, I just wanted you to know how much I enjoyed reading your excellent book, "Blood on the Tongue". I am a 64 year old Scot living in Long Island USA with a keen interest in aviation. I use the local library (sorry!) and am always looking for authentic British writing that will recreate in my mind's eye country life back in the UK. Your writing does just that. I first read "Dancing with the Virgins" last week and have just finished, a few moments ago, "Blood on the Tongue". Avid readers must be curious people to writers. Here you are slaving for months, no doubt, to produce a new book and readers such as myself would have you create something new every other week! So I wish you much continued success in your writing. Authenticity is so important and you have an eye and an ear for that which you soobviously know. Very many thanks for the joy and delight you have given me, so far!

Robin (Long Island, USA)
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28 October  04 - Isn't it about time we started fretting about the NEXT book? Title? When's it coming out?

SB: Well, thanks for being so patient, Janet! The next book (number 6 in the Cooper & Fry series) is called THE DEAD PLACE and it will be published in June 2005 in the UK.
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25 October  04 - I have read three of your books so far and really like them.  I do have a question about characters though.  In the first one you bring in the kind of love interst for Ben, one of his school friends.  Then in book two you mention her once and by book three she doesn't exist.  What happened or will she be back? Thanks.

20 October  04 - I'm a big fan of Mr Booth.  How can I obtain a copy of One Last Breath in the U.S.?

James (Roanoke, VA)

SB: Not very easily at the moment, James, as it's only available in the UK, Canada and a few other countries so far.  This is because I’ve just changed US publishers (the next three books in the series will be published by Bantam Dell). I'll post publication dates on the website as soon as I have them. Sorry if that means you have to wait! 
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Linda (USA)
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13 October  04 - Great website. 

Joanne M. Kerzmann-Troppello Author of Shadowed Remembrances
www.publishedauthors.net/jkerzmanntroppello
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13 October  04 - Bless Red Deer Library who found me a copy of "Blood on the Tongue" from a public library in Calgary. (140 Kms away) I have almost finished it and for me, this is your best of the 5. I notice your poetic writing more in this one and some humor. I'm also reading it with a much open mind and picking up things about Diane I had close my mind to previously. And I have visited that part of the World! My son lived in Derby for a while and has resided in Nottingham for about 12 years now. He married a local girl. He's a Photo-journalist. I visited Chatsworth House of course and other local sites including the Lincoln Cathedral and Castle where I saw the Magna Carta, Southwell, Sherwood forest, Clumber park and I remember a supper/trip on the Great Central Railways. That was great. Also attended at Cricket match in Derby. Keep them coming. Really looking forward to #6.

Mimi (Alberta, Canada)
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Linda (USA)

SB: ONE LAST BREATH won’t be out for a while yet in the USA. This is because I’ve just changed US publishers (the next three books in the series will be published by Bantam Dell). I'll post publication dates on the website as soon as I have them. Sorry if that means you have to wait, Linda! 
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7 October  04 - Dear Stephen: Well, I'm currently about halfway through your latest excellent novel, One Last Breath, and I just want to say I disagree (in a good-natured way, of course!) with the lady who emailed you recently and denounced Ben Cooper as a "wimp" and Diane Fry as a "bitch". Sure, Ben may not leap about mouthing profanities and beating the living daylights out of suspects, but this is the Peak District, after all, and not L.A.! I find Ben a very refreshing character - he's not a red-hot lover or relentless action man, thank Goodness. His love of, and respect for nature is very affecting, and contrasts well with Diane's seeming disdain for anything rural. (The little vignette in which he rescues the butterfly in Fry's office is beautiful). As for Diane Fry, well, I'll admit I was rooting for Ben to throttle her during the first couple of books, but she's had some bad times, poor kid, and she seems to be mellowing a bit. The descriptive passages in One Last Breath remain as potent as in its predecessors, as do the characterisations. Great work, Stephen, and let's just hope that Arnie Schwarzenegger doesn't express any interest in playing Ben Cooper in a film version!

GARY (UK)

SB: Fortunately, I think Arnie's too busy at the moment with his 'other' job!
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5 October  04 - You are an amazing author! I can only compare you with Homer! And your series with the Odyssey! What a great story, narration and plot! But above all the characters! So real! Alison Morrisey and Ben Cooper seemed to click soooo much! Both of them, such strong characters! Please give Ben a chance with this non-local lass! He can handle it! With great admiration and respect! 

Eleni 
(Washington DC)
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Bill (USA)
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22 September  04 - I hope you won't stop enjoying to write books and have fun in keeping the Peak District and its inhabitants (and Edendale police with Ben and Diane of course!) alive and busy. Good luck with anything and Best Wishes,

Cosima (Germany)
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22 September  04 - Hi, I grew up  near the Peak District and remember many days out there as a kid.  My parents did their "courting" in the area.  When we go back to the UK (initially with our kids) we visit relatives and try to go walking in the area.  I like to read books set in the area when I'm travelling and this year I bought Blind to the Bones in an Oxford bookshop before arriving at our cottage near Shatton in the Peak District.  We have travelled the Snake many times and have friends with a farm near Holme Firth and relatives in Glossop and Sheffield so it was great to read an engrossing crime novel with such a sense of place and so close to where we were staying (I had map in hand). We even saw a well dressing again that week and walked to the nine ladies on stanton moor.  I picked up another of your books at a country book store as we were driving south and then ordered the other two when I got back to Australia. A friend has just headed off to the UK with one of the books - for a stay in Castleton.   Hope you're having a ball writing full time.  I've tried to locate where Edendale is while reading the books but it seems to move!

Catherine (Australia)
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21 September  04 - Thanks so much for the newsletter. I really enjoyed reading it. Its so exciting to find an auther that writes as well as you do. Your books are wonderful. I'd love to read your latest - when will it be available in the U.S. Is it possible to order through the UK or Canada? I also appreciate your mentinoning other good authors, as I'm always looking for a good book to read. 

Helen (USA)
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20 September  04 - Well I'll be a monkey's uncle!!!! I did not think for one second anyone would actually read my EMAIL! I am  a great fan from  when I red your first book I found on a sale table at Chapters. I donated it to the Library and asked if they could order your other books which they did. Your story lines and plot are riveting and you are one of the few authors I can not cheat and read the ending first. I can not find the end of the plot!!!!!! I should have said that I have "come" to dislike "Miss" as Gavin calls Her; and I keep thinking that Ben is going to stand up for himself but he never does. I would love to meet you but I don't' think you will be coming to a nothing place like Red Deer, Alberta. I think you are a gifted writer and please pay no attention to us; just keep them coming! 

Mimi
(Red Deer College, Alberta)
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18 September  04 - Hi Stephen: I got my copy of the new Deadly Pleasures magazine, and was shocked to find you are not nominated in the Best British Crime Novel for a Barry Award..... I can't believe it. I will have to write to George Easter again.... I did that last year.

Wendy (USA)
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17 September  04 - I have enjoyed your series and hope you continue to do well. 

sincerely,
Betsy (USA)
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16 September  04 - I have red four of Stephen Booth books so far and I think that I am not going to read any more. Why??? I have come to dislike Diane Fry and Ben Cooper. Diane is a bitch and Ben is a wimp. I don't enjoy reading about their adventures and personal conflicts anymore. In fact unless Diane is brought down a couple of notches and Ben gets a backbone I'm joining the Mystery club here at my place of work in boycotting Stephen's books. And yes, I see the "sexual" undercurrent in their so call relationship! Yours truly,

Mimi
(Red Deer College, Alberta)

SB: I'm not aware of anyone in the UK organising tours quite like this. In fact, I think this will be the first visit of its kind to the Peak District, though parties from the US have toured other locations in Britain. You might be interested in some of the guided walks in the Peak District led by national park rangers. If you contact the tourist information office in somewhere like Bakewell or Buxton, they'd be able to tell you what's on. Good luck with the project!
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1 September  04 - Hello. What are the chances of your books being made into TV dramas? I picked up 'Black Dog' at a car boot sale and was intrigued by it, because I was born in Derby, and lived there until I was 15. (I now live in Essex). I was hooked straight away, and then had to go out and buy the first two, followed by 'Blind to the Bones 'and eagerly awaited 'One Last Breath'.  In my head, when I read your books, Diane Fry is something like Sam Nixon off The Bill.  Ben Cooper is a bit like Liam Neeson!  What or who do they look like to you? A drama series along the lines of Prime Suspect or Messiah, with one made every year or so, would be great. Can't wait for the next book.

Chris

SB: There are no actors who look exactly the way the characters do in my head, but I've had plenty of ideas from readers! Suggestions for Ben Cooper range from Ewan McGregor to George Clooney, and the role was once considered for Nick Berry. In the books, I don't describe the main characters in too much physical detail, which allows readers to picture them whatever way they like. I'm hopeful the series will make it onto the screen one day. After the publication of 'Black Dog' I sold both the TV and film options to one of the independent UK TV companies, but those lapsed. There's been some other interest since then, but nothing definite at the moment.
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SB: Yes, but you'll have to be a bit patient, Sheilah! I’ve just changed US publishers, and I don't have publication date yet. Watch the website for news.
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29 August  04 - I can't remember how I came across BLIND TO THE BONES, but it looked so interesting that I bought it in hardback!  From the first chapters I liked it.  I hadn't realized that it was set in the Peak District until I got into the book, but our summer holiday was already booked for Harthill Hall nr. Bakewell.  After I finished BLIND TO THE BONES, I ordered the first three books in the series from Amazon.com and saved them to read whilst in Derbyshire.  My wonderful visit to Derbyshire was made even more wonderful by seeing features mentioned in the books and particularly the train tunnels as we hired and rode bikes along the Tissington (sp?) rail line. Now that I'm back in the States I look forward to reading your new book (if I'd know about it I would have bought it whilst in England) and picturing the many beautiful sights/sites of the Peak District.

Suzanne (USA)
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SB: ONE LAST BREATH won’t be out for a while yet in the USA. This is because I’ve just changed US publishers (future books in the series will be published by Bantam Dell). 
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Hilary (USA)

SB: The fifth Cooper & Fry novel, ONE LAST BREATH, won’t be out for a while yet in the USA. This is because I’ve just changed US publishers. Sorry if that means you have to wait, Hilary!
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Suzanne 
Tinton Falls, New Jersey
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9 August  04 - I have just read "One Last Breath" and was very impressed.  It is the first book of yours that i have read but it has prompted me to go and buy the others in the series.  The plot was fantastic and constantly entertaining.  Your characters are well developed and it was pleasure to get to know them.  I am also considering studying your novel in further detail for an examined piece of work in school. Thanks for the read,

Yvonne (UK)
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5 August  04 - I've read all your Peak District thrillers, and your accuracy of the area and people is spot on. I've tramped and re-tramped most of the places you have mentioned. However, after 32 years as a policeman, in three different forces, I have never met any sergeant, male or female, as crotchety, self-centred and ignorant as Diane. I can't believe she is based on a real life character. That aside, keep writing the books - I look forward to the next Peak novel.

Mike (UK)

SB: Quite true, Mike. Crotchetiness and ignorance are qualities usually reserved for the higher ranks!
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5 August  04 - Have just finished reading One Last Breath and have found it as enjoyable and "un-put-down-able" as your other great books. I have to really discipline myself not to read your books too quickly so that they last longer - very difficult! Just one minor point. As a history teacher, I noticed that Mansell Quinn called the toilet sticking out the side of the castle an "oubliette" (page 122). Shouldn't it be garderobe or did you write it like that to indicate he'd "forgotten" so much having been in "prison"?! Keep up the excellent writing and can't wait for your next book.

Keith (UK)

SB: Keith, your explanation for 'oubliette' is far better than anything I could come up with, so I'll say no more!
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4 August  04 - I have just re-read all four books again and they were better the second time around. I emailed you once before and you mentioned you were hoping to have a fifth book out around April.  I have been looking for it in my Mystery Book Club selections.  If it is not offered there, then I will get out to the bookstore!!!!  If you haven't it ready yet, then I will continue to look forward to it.  I hope you are enjoying a beautiful English summer.

Barbara (USA)

Su (Derbyshire, UK)
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Anne (Bury, UK)
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17 July  04 - I have just finished reading your new book 'One Last Breath' and found it to be as gripping as those earlier in the series, enjoying the continuing character development and, more than ever, the locations (even Burton-on-Trent getting a mention!). Having purchased it last Saturday (10 July) and noted that the action begins on Monday 12 July, I determined to read it on the actual days (how sad is that?), but unfortunately I couldn't wait and now know what happens next Monday! What is the marketing strategy that decides to price it at £10, compared to £17.99 for 'Blind to the Bones' which you signed for me when I attended your talk at the Bakewell Festival last summer?

Mike
Burton-on-Trent, UK

SB: The £10 cover price for 'One Last Breath' is because HarperCollins decided it was the right time to expand the market and pull in new readers for the series. It seems to be working so far!
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15 July  04 - One Last Breath very good (although the publishers need to proof read a little more thoroughly). Please write faster!! Looking forward to the next one.
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3 June 04 - It was a great pleasure to meet you at Wingerworth  library. My friend Pat and I enjoyed your talk and we both look forward to the next book. Long may Cooper and Fry be policing Derbyshire and I shall treasure my O.S. map for ever, thank you for signing it.

Pam (UK)
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1 June 04 - I have just read your first novel 'Black Dog' & it was an excellent read, one of those rare books where you want to keep turning to the next page. The only thing I am curious about is have the Peak District police found who murdered Susan Edson [near Buxton] or is it an unsolved murder? I look forward to reading your next book in the series, Dancing with the Virgins. Enjoyed browsing your web site as well.

David (UK)
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SB: Not long to wait, Mark! ONE LAST BREATH will be published on 5th July in the UK.
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Wilf Couldwell 
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24 May 04 - You have given me much pleasure in reading your book 'Blind to the Bones', not only because it was a good read, but also because I was brought up in the region of Woodhead Pass, where the book's action is situated. Your descriptions of the region are spot on. Keep up the good work of writing!

Neil (Strasbourg, France)
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