DEBORAH CROMBIE: You know I have a real soft spot for American authors who write about Britain and do it well, and I count my friend Will North as one of the best of the bunch. Will has the same deep attachment for Cornwall that I have for London, and he's set some wonderful novels there, including a wonderful series featuring the irascible Cornish detective inspector Morgan Davies, and her Scene of Crimes manager Callum West.
MURDER ON THE COMMONS is the fourth Davies and West book, and it was certainly well worth the wait. I'm sure Will has struggled as I have during the pandemic with being unable to visit the much-loved setting of his book. But Will has had other and greater obstacles, as he will explain.
WILL NORTH: Morgan Davies and Calum West are back!
“Murder on the Commons,” the fourth book in my British mystery series, releases May 17. There was a three-year delay between book three, "Trevega House", and this one. But it wasn’t writer's block. It was cancer. Two and a half years ago, I was diagnosed with a particularly aggressive form of bone marrow cancer. I went through three unsuccessful cycles of chemotherapy. The last resort, stem cell replacement completed at the end of February, was successful at last!
I’ve always believed the central characters in a series should develop from edition to edition, gaining depth with each professional and personal challenge. But don’t worry, Detective Inspector Morgan Davies is still her cantankerous self and Scene of Crimes Manager Calum West is still putting up with her. As I wrote and the story unfolded, I was delighted to discover how much more we learn about DCI Penwarren and the rest of Cornwall’s major crimes team. I hope you'll love this aspect of the book, as well.
Now for a teaser: A body is discovered neck deep in an inaccessible bog on Cornwall’s Bodmin Moor. The corpse is faceless, thanks to carrion birds, but the body is tattooed. Without a crime scene or motive, the trail feels cold from the outset, but the victim's tattoos offer clues that lead the team on a chase to find a cunning killer.
I hope you enjoy the twists and turns in “Murder on the Commons.” Write and let me know!
Will North is the pen name of an international award-winning author and ghostwriter of more than a dozen nonfiction books as well as seven recent novels. He has ghosted books for Bill Clinton, Al Gore, several famous Everest mountaineers, a team of dinosaur hunters, a renowned physician, and others. Two of his books have been the subject of PBS and A&E documentaries. As a fiction author, Will has penned two romantic suspense novels, a family saga, and four books in his Davies & West British murder mystery series. Will lives on an island in Washington's Puget Sound. You can find him at www.willnorthnovelist.com, on Instagram @willnorthnovelist, and on Facebook at Will North, Author.
Murder on the Commons
When a hawk-ravaged head of a body is discovered neck-deep in a Cornwall bog, Detective Inspector Morgan Davies and her Scene of Crimes manager Calum West find themselves equally mired in questions and dead-ends. Who is this badly broken corpse on the grounds of Poldue Manor? How did the body appear there? And why does the Lord of the Manor’s daughter seem unfazed by her gruesome discovery?
Clues diverge and send the investigative team out of Cornwall and across borders as the team finds itself immersed in unfamiliar waters of both politics and romance.
But when shots are fired, there is suddenly more on the line than catching a killer. This time, it’s personal.
DEBS: That is such wonderful news about your cancer, and I am in awe of your fortitude in keeping on with your writing during your treatment. We all wish you the best of health in the future.
Now, the book! It is so atmospheric, the body in the bog! Such a fabulous cover, and such great characters--I loved getting to know more about them in this book, too.
For all you current armchair travelers, Will be stopping in to chat and I'm sure he can tell you anything you'd like to know about Cornwall. Who has visited? Who would like to visit? Favorite locations?
What wonderful news about the successful stem cell treatment . . . .
ReplyDeleteI’m excited to hear that there is a new Morgan Davies/Calum West book coming out . . . and the idea of the body in the bog is so intriguing . . . I’m looking forward to reading “Murder on the Commons.”
I’ve never been to Cornwall [except in books] . . . .
Thank you,Joan. I have no idea where the idea for the body in the bog came from (my books are a mystery to me, too!) But I've been intrigued by Bodmin Moor ever since reading "Jamaica Inn" decades ago. It is bleak and somehow forbidding and a great place for a murder!
DeleteIt's such a great puzzle--how did the body get in the inaccessible bog!
DeleteCongrats on the successful treatment! And on the new book, too.
ReplyDeleteStem cell replacement: weeks in hospital and months of recovery. Grueling but miraculous!
DeleteWill congratulations on beating the cancer, the process sounds grueling and I am awe that you're back writing. I've never been to Cornwall, but now that I see where it is on the map, I'm dying to go.
ReplyDeleteOn another topic, could you tell us what it was like to ghost write books for big names? that must be a true art!
I fell into ghostwriting. I spent several years in Washington DC, first in the Carter Administration and later as an independent public policy consultant with a reputation for making really dull policy stuff fun to read. But it was a huge surprise when VP Al Gore, and then President Bill Clinton called to ask me to write books for them. I'm not sure it's an "art" but the key is to listen carefully and write in their "voice." That was fascinating.
DeleteWill, welcome to JRW and congratulations on your new book. I always try to begin reading a series with book 1. Debs is my guru, so I'm off to find your series!
ReplyDeleteLike Roberta, I am very interested in hearing more about your ghostwriting. It has to be a particular challenge to express someone else's ideas.
I am deeply moved to learn of your battle with cancer and glad to know that the stem cell treatment is working. There is little that anyone can say other than we are all sending you vibes for good health.
A body in a bog! Perfect.
ReplyDeleteBlessings on your stem cell replacement working. A dear friend, already elderly, was diagnosed with that cancer but was too old and sick to receive the treatment, and her chemo didn't work. And blessings on your being able to write, regardless.
The hardest part of cancer treatment (for me) was the disappearance of my imagination due to "chemo brain." I pictured my imagination lounging on some tropical beach sipping fruity rum drinks with little umbrellas in them. Lazy bugger. But it finally came home again.
DeleteGlad it did! I have heard chemo brain is very common.
DeleteCongratulations seems an understatement for your current successes, Will. A new book and positive results from a stem cell transplant. I'm sending loads of best wishes your way for continued health and publishing milestones...
ReplyDeleteI remember Cornwall from childhood holidays there (eating ice cream cones by the sea), but your books are new to me. I'm off to find them.
And do please tell us more about ghostwriting. That is a form of writing I find intriguing -- how do you do it? And what does it feel like for the 'author' to find success from your writing-work?
I have been lucky: most of my ghostwriting clients have been generous with their thanks (especially Bill Clinton). And one of the books, "Ghosts of Everest," was an international best-seller and award-winner.
DeleteThrowing in a personal recommendation for Ghosts of Everest. Wonderful book!
DeleteCongrats on the book, but most of all on the successful treatment!
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on successful treatment and a new book. Cornwall is on my list of places to go.
ReplyDeleteI was so pleased to hear that your cancer treatment was ultimately successful! I know it will make you treasure every day more than ever.
ReplyDeleteI have enjoyed the Davies and West books very much and am excited to hear there's a new one on the way. Congratulations!
Welcome, Will, and what joy, to beat cancer! It's too bad stem cell therapies have been so politicized in the US.
ReplyDeleteI'd heard of Cornwall through reading, but didn't know anything about it until I started watching the Doc Martin series filmed there. And they mention Bodmin Moor a few times in the early episodes. What a beautiful part of the world. I did not know there were bogs there, though. Tattoos would make a great identifier; they've become so prevalent in these last couple decades.
"Doc Martin" is filmed in Port Isaac on the Atlantic coast, a lovely place. As for bogs, most people think of moors as low, swampy places. The truth is the reverse: moors sit atop high granite plateaux. It rains a lot and the underlying granite limits percolation, so soggy peat builds up over the centuries and shallow areas hold bogs. They're dangerous.
DeleteWill is on the west coast so will be joining us a little later!
ReplyDeleteOh, my goodness. What a journey. And you must be profoundly thrilled at your new book! What a milestone. But joining in the chorus here… I’d love to hear about ghost writing! How is that done?
ReplyDeleteI'd like to know more about what drew Will to Cornwall. You must have missed it terrible the last couple of years, Will.
ReplyDelete"terribly!" I hate not being able to edit typos without deleting the entire comment!
DeleteCornwall, at the southwest tip of England, is simply magical. There is great scenic variation over very short distances (the rugged Atlantic Coast and the pastoral English Channel coast. And the whole county is studded with Bronze and Iron Age monuments and even settlements. I've loved it for 40 years and have even participated in archeological digs there.
DeleteCongratulations on whipping cancer's butt!
ReplyDeleteDaphne du Maurier introduced me to Cornwall and it's been a love affair ever since. I admit that you are a new writer to me (so thank you, Deb for introducing us) and that's an oversight I plan to rectify immediately. I would like to know what attracted you to Cornwall.
Her Jamaica Inn takes place there, doesn't it?
DeleteSee above. And believe it or not the Jamaica Inn still exists, in the middle of God-awful nowhere!
DeleteThat's why Jamaica Inn was so great for smuggling. One of du Maurier's books that I love is The Kings General.
DeleteHeartfelt congratulations on your successful treatment - some experience there myself - and your ability to get back to your writing. Cornwall! We missed a big trip due to covid, husband and I have been tossing around the idea of a Cornwall trip, as a fascinating place we have never been and a (relatively) easy trip, with a stop at Stonehenge going west from Heathrow and at Lyme Regis/Jurassic Coast on the return. Cornwall sounds unique, like the perfect combination of history, legend,scenery,and vacation fun. Right? Any tips? Besides reading your books, which we will certainly do.
ReplyDeleteI love Cornwall! From my early days reading the old gothics, Cornwall was always the mysterious setting! I will absolutely leap onto this series. And I’m delighted to hear that the stem cell therapy worked. Congratulations all the way around, Will! Do you ever see yourself setting a book outside of Cornwall?
ReplyDeleteMy very first novel, "The Long Walk" home is set in the mountains of North Wales (and is slightly autobiographical). I like to describe it as a love story for grownups abut second chances at mid-life. It's been in print, in several editions, since 2007 and still gets five star reviews!
DeleteI will put in a plug for that book, too--another one of my faves!
DeleteFor wonderful Cornish atmosphere, I recommend one of Will's books called Water, Stone, Heart. It's not a mystery--maybe you could classify it as romantic suspense, Will? But when I think of Cornwall I think of that book. In fact, maybe I need to reread it!
ReplyDeleteRebecca is set in Cornwall. Isn't Poldark also set in Cornwall? the coast and the ship wrecks and the stormy weather? and, Rhys's last Royal Spyness book, The Last Mrs. Summers, too. Now I want to go there, too.
DeleteYes, Deb, that's a good description. It's also set during a real and catastrophic flash flood that nearly destroyed the village of Boscastle, on the Atlantic coast. Spectacular setting.
DeleteThe weather in that book is so gripping--talk about a tension-inducing device!
DeleteI knew about your mystery series, Will, and have really enjoyed the first two. I must have missed #3--so now two great books ahead of me! Plus, didn't realize you'd written the romantic suspense set in Cornwall too. More books!!
ReplyDeleteI'll add to the chorus of good wishes for your continued free-of-cancer state. And also to those wanting to know what drew you to Cornwall?
Having been through one cycle of chemotherapy (blessedly successful), I can't imagine going through three! It's so wonderful that the stem cell therapy worked and that you are cancer-free. I have not read your books yet, but will definitely remedy that situation. I've been intrigued about Cornwall from reading Victoria Holt novels, and it is one place I would love to explore ~
ReplyDeleteGood morning, Will, and congratulations on finding a treatment that worked. I'm so glad. Talent should not be taken away from us too early.
ReplyDeleteBut how is it possible that I have known Deb so long without reading your books? Clearly she is falling down on her "add to Gigi's TBR stack" duties in a big way. I will remedy that as soon as I can.
Cornwall has always intrigued me, since my maiden name is Sherrell, which books about names tell me comes from Cornwall. I have only been able to trace that side of the family back to the Missouri Ozarks so, clearly, I have some work to do. What's your favorite thing about Cornwall?
I suppose my favorite thing is the stunning landscape and the immense depth of history. Oh, and I really like the local Doom Bar ale! I love to walk into a pub and order "a pint of Doom!"
DeleteI did read du Maurier, but the first gateway to Cornwall for me was Arthurian legend. There are so many enticing connections in those stories. I did get to visit Tintagel, years ago, but I would love to visit again.
ReplyDeleteGood for you, Will! I've never been to Cornwall but would love to explore it. What was it that drew you to Cornwall originally? Family connections or something indefineable?
ReplyDeleteOh Debs, I'm so glad to see Will here today. I'm polishing up my review for Murder on the Commons today. I love this series set in Cornwall and all its characters. And, I have you, Debs, to thank for my friendship with Will, as you were our connecting point.
ReplyDeleteWill, you know how much I adore your writing and you. Your own time in Cornwall really brings the location alive. I want to ask you if your travel guides for Cornwall you wrote are still available. When I was working on the review for Murder on the Commons last night, I tried to find the guides and couldn't. I was going to put a link at the end of the review for them. And, I am so happy that your long struggle against cancer has you now at the point of being cancer-free. That you've been dealing with that struggle and still have a book coming out now is just amazing.
Will, one thing I have a question about is the police locations. The original call about the body (head) goes to Exeter, which is the central office for the area, right? Then, is it assigned out to the different smaller communities or towns, according to what type of crime it is? Penwarren grabs hold of the case early because of his personal connecstions to the landowners, which seems natural. Can you tell me the hierarchy from Penwarren up? I know it's police procedural stuff that not everyone wants to know, but I want to make sure I have matters right for the review, too.
And, one more plug for this series to everyone. The Morgan Davies and Callum West series is such a favorite of mine. The location of Cornwall is a major draw, but Will's characters and stories are what will keep you thrilled and coming back for more.
Hi Kathy! I never wrote guides to Cornwall. Many, many years ago I wrote a three book off-the-beaten-track series called "The Best of Britain's Countryside," now long out of print. They might be available used on Amazon, but they'd be out of date. As for the police, the Devon and Cornwall Police HQ is in Exeter. The Bodmin "Hub" seems to mostly serve Cornwall. Oh, and Davies and West are loosely modeled on real people, now friends. Their immediate fictional boss is Detective Chief Inspector Penwarren and his boss (Nemesis?) is Detective Chief Superintendent Crawley, who seldom leaves Exeter, except for press conferences...
DeleteWill, I should have worded that differently. I knew they weren't guides to Cornwall, but I did think they were walking guides of some sort. I may still have them. I need to check. Thanks for the further explanation about the Devon and Cornwall Police HG in Exeter. I liked learning more about Arthur Penwarren in this book, and you written Crawly as the perfect horse's ass.
DeleteWill, Murder on the Commons hasn't been uploaded to Goodreads data base yet, so I can't place a review there. Do you know if that's being worked on now? If not, I should be able to add it, I think.
DeleteCongratulations on getting back in the saddle, Will! Cancer is a bitch, and beating it is a full-time occupation for most of us. I genuinely glad your story had a happy ending (unlike the poor sod in the bog...)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julia. It was touch and go there for awhile!
ReplyDeleteWill,
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your treatment and welcome to Jungle Reds. I would love to visit Cornwall someday. Did you ever watch the TV programme Doc Martin?
Deborah,
Thanks for introducing me to a new to me author. There are many American authors who write about Britain.
Diana