DECEMBER 2022

It’s minus five degrees outside so it’s a relief to be inside doing research for my next novel.

An eventful year is almost over with a new novel completed, a third Prime Minister in Number 10 and strike action in store over the Christmas period. There’s no doubt these are turbulent times.

Meanwhile my editor at Penguin Random House has confirmed acceptance of my next novel UNIVERSITY TALES. Set in higher education in 1988 and based on my experience of working as a university lecturer during those times this novel will be out in hardback next year and introduces a new main character, Tom Frith, a 32 year old lecturer. I do hope readers of my Teacher series will enjoy this new venture.

On another note, as an ex-rugby player, I read this morning that Steve Borthwick will be replacing Eddie Jones as England’s new coach. It’s an exciting new appointment and like many others I’m hopeful we do well in next year’s Rugby World Cup. Likewise, there’s a big game this coming weekend when England play France in the quarter final of the FIFA World Cup. 1966 seems a long time ago so fingers crossed for this one.

I’ve had several requests for speaking engagements and most of these will probably coincide with the launch of UNIVERSITY TALES next year. When this date is finalised I’ll list them on the Events page of this website.

In the meantime, thanks to readers (and listeners) who have purchased a copy of LAST DAY OF SCHOOL along with the audio version, the fifteenth and final novel in the Teacher series.

Finally, thanks to everyone who has been in touch to say how much they have enjoyed the Teacher series and the amount of enjoyment they have experienced while reading my gentle tales.

With best wishes for a happy and healthy Christmas,

Jack