It was a thrill to produce my first collection of short stories in time for Christmas. If I do say so myself, it makes an ideal and cost effective stocking filler for crime fiction loving friends and family. But don't take my word for it. Here's an extract from the title story, Hunter's Christmas for your consideration. Let me know what you think, or better still, write a review!
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
Tim and Bear marched along the hospital corridor to Hunter’s ward. They made an interesting duo; one tall with fair hair and broad shoulders, dressed in relaxed but expensive designer clothes, the other tall and black with equally wide shoulders and a more formal smart suit. When they arrived at Hunter’s bedside, Meera Sharma had just risen to leave.
“Hi guys, I’ve told Meera she mustn’t disappoint her family by staying here with me. Tell her. I’ll be fine. There’s nothing anybody can do until I get out of here, and it looks like that might be a couple of weeks. They haven’t even operated on my wrist yet. It was too swollen.”
Meera looked at Tim. “Look after him for me.”
“I will.”
She looked sternly at Bear. “Don’t let him do anything stupid.”
“Why do I always get the difficult jobs?”
The men grinned at Meera.
“Enjoy your holiday, darling and send my love to each member of your crazy family,” Hunter said.
“What do you mean they’re crazy? They didn’t get beaten up by Santa Claus.” Meera kissed Hunter and left the ward.
“You are a lucky man, boss. What does she see in you?”
Hunter looked at his foot which was raised to keep his leg straight. “You’re right Tim, I’ve been too scared to ask her, especially right now.” He smiled. “Pull up a chair and tell me what you know.”
“No boss, you’re meant to tell us if you’ve remembered anything else,” Bear said. “Would you recognise the men if you saw them again?”
“No chance, they were all dressed up and wore fake white beards.” Hunter paused. There can’t be that many stores near the city centre hiring Santas can there?”
“Forty-seven Santas hired in the area, and ninety-six elves but only three stores hired three Santas to provide cover in shifts. Uniforms are going to interview the relevant store managers.”
“Elves!” Hunter exclaimed. “One of the Santas, the tallest one, said they’d had they’re tips stolen by an elf. He said he’d like to kill him.” Hunter moved and then grimaced in pain.
“That’s interesting, because a guy dressed as an elf has been found dead in Castle Terrace car park,” Tim said.
“And Mrs Claus stole a car from Thomson’s Top Cars,” said Bear.
“Look, I can’t do anything about this here, but there’s something strange with all this. Could you find the connection for me? There must be one.”
“Must be one what, Hunter?” Ailsa Myerscough asked as she walked in. “Don’t get him too excited, Tim. I’m going to operate on that wrist later.” She smiled at Tim and Bear. “Staff nurse Jessica will be along to take you for premeds and so on shortly Hunter. Is there anything you want to ask?”
“Will I die?”
“It’s always a risk, but probably not. As I said, boys, no excitement.” Then, as quietly as she had arrived, Ailsa left to carry on with her work.
“If there’s nothing else you can tell us, we’re off to see Jamie and Frankie at Thomson’s Top Cars,” Bear said. “We’ll do our best to find out what’s going on.”
“I don’t want your best. I just want you to solve these crimes. There’s too much Christmas in them for my liking.”
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.
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