The Sisters is twisty family noir. It was first published with the title Facade and a new version is out from Bloodhound Books on 2nd December.

Excited to be taking part in the inaugural Odiham Book Festival in October. Katharine Johnson and I will be talking about suspense fiction and psychological thrillers, unreliable narrators and why flawed characters are more interesting. Suitable for readers and authors.

Delighted to share the fantastic cover and preorder link for Girl Out of Sight. This is a new edition of the book that was previously called After Leaving the Village. It will be rereleased on Monday 29th July by Bloodhound Books. If you haven't read it, why not preorder now?

Hope to see you on Saturday 20th July 10.00-4.00 at Easthampstead Works, Town Square, Bracknell RG12 1BH

I'm delighted to be joining other fab authors at the Bracknell Book Fair on 20th July. Details in the Eventbrite link. Entry is FREE.

EXCITING AUTHOR NEWS!! After the sad announcement of the closure of my super publisher Darkstroke Books, another door has opened. I'm thrilled to announce that I have signed with the fantastic @BloodhoundBooks. They will initially be republishing my DS backlist. Very soon. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that there will be room in the kennel for my new work further down the line.

I was delighted to be invited to appear on the Hobeck Books podcast interview recently. It's on podcast 152 dated 18 December 2023 and my interview begins 20 minutes in.

I was delighted to be invited by Shepherd.com to take part in their event to showcase authors' favourite reads of 2023. My choices are at the link.

I've recently rereleased an ebook of my 2019 novel Lies Behind the Ruin when the rights reverted to me from the original publisher. Thrilled to see it's still attracting some great 5* reviews. Read the verdict of V Penny here and check out the novel on Amazon.

How well do you know your neighbours? Odeta’s life has shrunk to a daily round of drudgery, running her father’s grocery store in a remote Albanian village. One day, an enigmatic stranger from Tirana turns up, promising her an exciting career in London. Odeta’s life is about to change, but not in the way she expected. This is a second edition of my prize-winning 2017 novel After Leaving the Village.

I'm delighted to share the exciting news that The Girl in the Van was listed as a Finalist in the Pageturner Book Award 2022. This is a respected international prize and there were over 1,000 entries in the category.

Shepherd.com is a new book discovery and recommendation website, currently in beta test. To help readers discover new books (and their own), authors build a curated list and write mini-reviews around a theme. My theme was suspense reads with important contemporary themes for book clubs to discuss. Check it out here.

Delighted to be taking part in the 'read dating' event at Deepings Literary Festival. Imagine a blind date with a book or author. Sounds like great fun.

I'm excited to be interviewing bestselling historical fiction author, Suzanne Goldring at Farnham Literary Festival. We'll be discussing her journey to becoming an international bestseller.

I'm delighted to share the stunning cover of my new novel, to be published 17 March 2022 by Darkstroke Books. It's a chilling psychological suspense page-turner with important contemporary themes. Pre-order now at the link.

Meet the local authors this weekend at Milestones Christmas Market in Basingstoke. I'll be there with Katharine Johnson and Jude Hayland, signing novels and offering a discounted price on paperbacks.

I'm delighted to announce that the Noir Collective (me and authors Katharine Johnson and GD Harper) will be appearing at Cranbrook Literature Festival in Kent on Saturday 18 September. We'll be talking about writing suspense and crime and why flawed characters are more interesting. Free tickets from the link below.

Here is the second part of the author interview I did for Cahndler's Ford Today - thanks to Allison Symes for the warm wlecome.

Thanks to author and blogger, Allison Symes for hosting this two part interview about me and my books on Chandler's Ford Today.

Thrilled to feature on Lizzie Chantree's blog today with an unusual interview, answering her questions with photographs, not words.

Join me and fellow Noir Collective authors Katy Johnson (The Suspects) and G D Harper (Silent Money) via Zoom for a discussion about writing suspense, good characters doing bad things and why flawed ones are more interesting.

Author Helen Matthews will be launching her new psychological suspense novel in a Zoom event alongside fellow authors Guy Mankowski (Dead Rock Stars) and Michelle Cook (Tipping Point)

I'm delighted to share this short trailer for my forthcoming suspense novel Facade.

I'm delighted to share the stunning cover of my psychological suspense novel Facade which will be published on 17 September. The ebook is available to preorder at the link below.

I'm delighted to announce I've signed a new book deal with darkstroke (an imprint of publisher, Crooked Cat). My new psychological suspense novel 'Facade' will be published later this year.

In these difficult times of isolation and cancelled book events, I was thrilled to see my novel 'Lies Behind the Ruin' included in Hampshire Life's recommendations of books to read in lockdown.

An excellent evening talking about writing and the themes of my books to Beggarwood Bookworms in Basingstoke.

My eBook Brief Encounters, a collection of short stories and travel writing, is available to download from Amazon for £1.99. It reached number 16 in one of its categories and was heralded as a 'hot new launch'. The stunning cover design is by the talented Charnah Bradley.

Come along to the Christmas market at the cricket club where I will be signing copies of my suspense novels After Leaving the Village and Lies Behind the Ruin. Perfect Christmas gifts.

The Noir Collective is appearing at Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Join authors Katharine Johnson, Glyn Harper and me to discuss writing suspense novels, flawed characters and all things books.

I'll be appearing at Bracknell Literary Festival with fellow psychological suspense authors Katharine Johnson and G D Harper talking about 'Why Bad Choices Make Great Stories'

I love getting good news - the quirkier the better. Here are a few bits from the last few days. Reviews for Lies Behind the Ruin have reached 21 with an overall star rating of 4.7*. Bookshops in South Africa have requested copies of both my novels and a magazine specialising in French property is going to review and feature Lies Behind the Ruin in September. You couldn't make it up!

On Saturday 20 July between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m I'll be signing copies of my new suspense novel Lies Behind the Ruin at Haslemere Bookshop, 2 Causewayside, High Street, Haslemere GU27 2JZ. Come along for a chat and choose your next holiday read in this fabulous shop.,

Delighted to have my flash fiction published in EllipsisZine literary magazine today. You can read it at the link below.

On Saturday 8th June I will at at W H Smith, Broad Street, Reading, RG1 2AD from 11.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. signing copies of my new suspense novel Lies Behind the Ruin

On Tuesday 4 June, 19.30 - 21.30 at the Spire Cafe. A panel discussion featuring local authors Joanna Barnard, B A Paris, Christi Daugherty, Catherine Hewitt, Andy Robb, Lucy Courtenay - and me.

7.00-9.00 pm Three suspense thriller authors, Helen Matthews, Phoebe Morgan and Katharine Johnson discuss their latest novels and all things writing. Tickets (£8 including a signed book) at the link below.

On Saturday 11th May between 11.00 a.m. and 3.00 p.m. Hampshire author, Helen Matthews will be at One Tree Books, Petersfield signing copies of her new suspense novel Lies Behinnd the Ruin.

I'll be at W H Smith in the Malls in central Basingstoke from 11.00 a.m. this Saturday 4th May signing copies of my new sus[ense novel Lies Behind the Ruin. Come along and say 'Hi!'

I'll be at the UK Southern Book Show in Worthing this Sunday with other fantastic authors. Come along and hear about my new novel 'Lies Behind the Ruin' published this week.

This is a free public event hosted by Waterstones Swansea. It starts at 1.00 pm. I'll be there with fellow writer, Neeta Oza, author of my Mini Micro Mindset Manual. I'll be reading from After Leaving the Village and might slip in a mention of my new novel Lies Behind the Ruin, followed by a Q&A.

To bring a little New Year cheer, I'm offering a book giveaway. On offer is one copy of Ali Smith's 'Winter' and one copy of my suspense thriller 'After Leaving the Village'. To be in with a chance of winning, please follow and like my Facebook author page (see link). I will choose and contact two winners on Monday 14th January.

Delighted to be a guest on Jane Davis's excellent blog where she hosts interviews with writers whose books may be of interest to book clubs.

This interview was broadcast live in May 2018 but I've just discovered the clip still exists on their website. It may not be there forever so I thought I'd share it while it lasts.

Delighted my story 'Community' made the shortlist for the 1000 Word Challenge competition

I'll be signing copies of my novel After leaving the Village at this fair on Saturday 1 December. Hope to see you there.

Based in Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire or London? Need a speaker for your club, library panel, book event, charity or local group? I'm the author of suspense thriller After Leaving the Village and I offer talks on a range of topics including - a writer's journey; human trafficking and modern slavery; Albania, and the work of anti-slavery charity, Unseen. As an ambassador for the charity, I aim to raise awareness of the scourge of slavery in our towns and cities. I give a donation to Unseen from sales of my novel.

The Hastings Book Fair is part of Hastings Literary Festival and takes place on Saturday 1st September at the Stade Hall. I'll be there with other authors.

This guest interview appeared on Janet Emson's blog From First Page to Last

My flash fiction story Breaking the Silence has been published on the Reflex Fiction website. You can read it at the link below. It will be published in an anthology with all the other winning and longlisted stories.

Thrilled to be hosting a literary chat with best selling author Tim Weaver at the Lightbox Literary Festival

Thrilled that my story Breaking the Silence is on the Spring 2018 long list and will be published in an anthology

A book fair including author talks near Winchester

A Literary Evening featuring local authors - part of Farnham Flash Festival at 19.30 Waterstones, Lion and Lamb Yard

Today I’m thrilled to welcome Helen Matthews, author of ‘After Leaving the Village’ to the book review café. ‘After Leaving the Village’ has been described as a gritty contemporary suspense thriller and I must say the book description has piqued my interest (details further down this post). The author is the latest guest to write A day in the life post

Bristol based anti-slavery charity Unseen invites you to 'Journeys to Freedom', an evening exploring modern slavery and recovery through film, literature and music <br>

Looking forward to reading at the open mic evening with other poets and authors

Incredibly proud that Emma Moyles of Books and Winegums blog selected After Leaving the Village as a top ten read of 2017

My blog about book launches originally published as a guest blog by Nicola on Short Book and Scribes website

I'm partnering with Abi Oliver (who also writes as Annie Murray) to run a writing workshop at Basingstoke Discovery Centre. Tickets available.

Three authors, writing in different genres, will talk about their books and the inspiration behind their writing at Fleet Library

Join me to discuss my novel After Leaving the Village in the stunning setting of Denbies Vineyard, near Dorking

Join me and many other talented authors for a pre-Christmas book signing event at Bridport Bookfest on Saturday 2nd December

Your Christmas presents - sorted! Delighted to announce I will be signing copies of After Leaving the Village at No 3 New and Nearly on the evening of Hartley Wintney Christmas Market. Pop in for a chat and to see Jilly's wonderful selection of new and nearly new designer clothes and party wear.

A week of non-stop fun and events: mini-launch for the neighbours, an appearance on the Bill Buckley Show on BBC Radio Berkshire, a packed out launch party at Waterstones, Festival Place and an all day signing in the lovely Barton's Bookshop, Leatherhead.

Delighted to announce I will be at Barton's Bookshop, Leatherhead on Satuday 21st October signing copies of 'After Leaving the Village'. Come along for a chat about the inspiration behind my novel.

A live author Q & A about my debut novel 'After Leaving the Village' for members of the Fiction Cafe Book Club. This is a closed group on Facebook. Follow the link to find out more.

This is an invitation only event. Only a few spaces left. To check availability or to stay informed about future events, please email helenmwriter@gmail.com

Modern slavery is real. It's happening in our communities. Today is World Day against Trafficking in Persons. Watch Unseen's short film in the link below to find out more.

I'm delighted to support the inspirational charity Unseen UK, initially by donating 5% of the cover price on pre-orders of After Leaving the Village and longer term by donating from profits and helping to raise awareness.

With Helen Lewis, Abiola Bello and Stephanie Nimmo at the LiterallyPR summer party at the Jewell Bar, London.

Gripping new psychological suspense thriller by prize-winning writer Helen Matthews