I started to write fiction as a way of keeping my mind active in retirement. I have read and enjoyed hundreds of detective stories and mystery novels in my time, while another of my loves is history. It seemed natural to put the two together and write historical mysteries. To date, I have focused on two series of murder-mystery books, both set in Norfolk between 1760 and around 1800; a period of turmoil in Britain, with constant wars, revolutions in America and France and finally the titanic, 22-year struggle with France and Napoleon. Why Norfolk? It is an inherently interesting county and happens to be where I live, which makes research far easier. Besides, London has been more than adequately covered by other writers. There seemed no reason why the rest of the country should be pushed into its shadow. I have not regretted my choice. The period has far exceeded my expectations in richness of incidents, rapidity of change and plentiful opportunities for anyone with a macabre interest in writing about crime. I cannot see myself running out of plot material any time soon! If you have read this far, may I offer you a warm welcome to the fascinating world of provincial England in the eighteenth century. You won’t regret venturing there, I assure you.