I am so pleased to have a new book coming out this year and to be making the departure into short stories is exciting. Let me share an extract from my the title story from my new book.
The Blurb
DI Hunter Wilson is looking forward to spending a holiday in India with his girlfriend Dr Meera Sharma, away from the cold, wet winter of Edinburgh. He looks to share his happiness with others when he is attacked by Santa Claus, he says.
His team swing into action to catch his attackers but then receive information about an elf found dead in a car park and a car stolen by Mrs Claus.
Are the crimes by these Christmas characters connected?
Can Hunter’s team restore peace and good will to Christmas?
Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories includes tales about DI Hunter Wilson and DS Jane Renwick along with those about new and different characters in this gripping collection of short stories especially for crime fiction readers.
The Extract
“The paramedics said he was near an ATM at the West End of Princes Street, there may be some CCTV we can look at and that might solve that.” Mel suggested. She scowled. “This coffee is really rank.”
“When can I see Hunter?” Meera asked.
“He’s in the recovery room right now. You stay here and I’ll come and get you when he’s awake but do remember he’ll be groggy from the anaesthetic.”
“She knows. She is a doctor, sis.”
“I could do with something to eat. Shall I go and see if I can find us a bite?”
“Bear, you’re always hungry, but yes, see what you can find.” Mel sounded exasperated.
“It’ll just be machines this late. Do you want me to see if I can find a sandwich for you?”
“Yes, please Ailsa. I’ll try and find crisps to go with it.”
“Not for me, I couldn’t eat a thing.” Meera looked up at Bear. “I feel so helpless. I wish there was something I could do for him.”
Tim reached out and held Meera’s hand. “I know. It’s miserable any time but especially when you had such a wonderful trip planned. Hold onto the fact that he’ll be fine, it’ll just take a while for him to get back to himself.”
“He’ll be furious he’s missed his darts match too,” Bear said. He walked back into the room with several bags of crisps and emptied bars of chocolate out of his pockets. “This is all I could find.”
Ailsa popped her head around the door. “One round of tuna and two egg salad. That’s all that’s left. She laid them on the table.
“Does anybody like egg salad sandwiches?” Mel asked.
“Me.” Bear grabbed a packet and tore it open.
“To be fair, you’ll eat anything.”
“Not butternut squash. I don’t like that. Or broccoli. Or aubergine. But these are okay.” He waved an egg sandwich in the air,
Silence fell over the group. Meera stared at the door, Tim gazed at his shoes, Mel played a game of solitaire on her phone and Bear polished off the sandwiches. Time seemed to pass slowly until Ailsa came back.
“He’s awake. He’s asking for you Meera. Don’t expect him to talk any sense, but he’s awake. I’ll take you to him.”
Meera smiled. “At last.”
“Meera, do you need us to wait and give you a lift home?” Tim asked. “Otherwise we’ll get off. I want to be early to speak to the DCI and get the investigation started.
“You’ve not left poor Kenneth to wait for you, have you?” Ailsa asked.
“He insisted.”
“No. I’ve got my car, Tim. Thank you. I’ll be okay once I’ve seen him and spoken to him.”
“Then we’ll get away. Send the boss our best. I’ll pop in tomorrow.”
The Author
Val Penny has an Llb degree from the University of Edinburgh and her MSc from Napier University. She has had many jobs including hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer but has not yet achieved either of her childhood dreams of being a ballerina or owning a candy store.
Until those dreams come true, she has turned her hand to writing poetry, short stories, nonfiction books, and novels. Her novels are published by SpellBound Books Ltd.
Val is an American author living in SW Scotland. She has two adult daughters of whom she is justly proud and lives with her husband and their cat.