Published by Urbane
Available in ebook and paperback (24 May 2018)
320 pages
Congratulations to Anne Coates on publication of Songs of Innocence yesterday and thanks to Kelly of Love Books Group and the publisher for the tour invitation.
| About the Book |
A woman’s body is found in a lake. Is it a sad case of suicide or something more sinister? Hannah Weybridge, still reeling from her friend’s horrific murder and the attempts on her own life, doesn’t want to get involved, but reluctantly agrees to look into the matter for the family.
The past however still stalks her steps, and a hidden danger accompanies her every move.
The third in the bestselling Hannah Weybridge thriller series, Songs of Innocence provides Hannah with her toughest and deadliest assignment yet…
Falling in love with Characters
by Anne Coates
After publishing Dancers in the Wind, the first in the Hannah Weybridge series, I realised that some readers had definitely fallen for the charms of DI Tom Jordan. Without giving spoilers to those who may be new to the series, Tom and Hannah’s relationship is central to the plot. Can they trust each other? However by Death’s Silent Judgement, Tom has been seconded to New York and Hannah once again is alone.
But for how long?
One friend told me that as she read, she was shrieking, “Tom for heaven’s sake get on the next plane back.” I didn’t know crime readers were so susceptible to a bit of romance. I was surprised by another friend who, when I was writing DSJ, said, “Oh you’re not going to kill off Tom, are you?” when I wouldn’t tell her what was going to happen between him and Hannah.
I must admit while creating Tom, I was thinking about what I like in a man. He’s a widower, educated, good looking and (sometimes) fun to be with. It was the death of his wife that made him change career from teaching to the police. He’s attractive in many ways and I noticed that some reviewers would have liked him to be a greater presence in DSJ. Meanwhile I was happy encouraging other love interests.
Hannah’s friend, James, a hospital doctor, is gorgeous but overworked as a medic so he’s often not available. James has appeared in all three novels and in Songs he has a new neighbour who may also have romantic designs on Hannah.
Simon Ryan, the distinguished barrister brother of Father Patrick, has also shown some interest in Hannah. He certainly has a soft spot for her but whether he is up for romance is another question.
Plus there is the mysterious Mike, working as a supply teacher at Linda’s school who may or may not be an undercover operative. Hannah would appear to be spoilt for choice yet she spends most of her evenings alone.
While Hannah chose to be a single parent, nothing really prepares her for the loneliness she sometimes feels once her child is tucked up in bed. Hannah gest annoyed with herself as she has always thought of herself as independent. She’s a feminist but that doesn’t – and shouldn’t – stop her wanting a loving relationship, which is mutually supportive.
Bizarrely none of my male readers seems to have fallen for Hannah! Or perhaps they are keeping that to themselves.
© Anne Coates, 2018
| Author Bio |
Reading and writing has been Anne Coates’ passion for as long as she can remember. Instilled and inspired by her mother and by the Deputy Head at her secondary school who encouraged her hunger for reading by granting her free access to the books not yet in the school library, and she feels still grateful for this, in her eyes, amazing privilege.
After her degree in English and French, Anne moved to London to stay. During her career she worked for publishers, as a journalist, writer, editor, and translator. The birth of her daughter, Olivia inspired her to write non-fiction books, such as ‘Your Only Child’ (Bloomsbury, 1996), books about applying to and surviving university (NeedtoKnow, 2013), but also short stories, tales with a twist, and stories exploring relationships, published in two collections by Endeavour Press (2015).
The sometimes strange places Anne visited as a journalist often made her think “What if…” And so, investigative journalist Hannah Weybridge was born… The Hannah Weybridge series currently consists of three books, all published by Urbane Publications: ‘Dancers in the Wind’ (2016), ‘Death’s Silent Judgement’ (2017), and ‘Songs of Innocence’ (2018).
Anne Coates lives in London with three demanding cats and enjoys reading, going to the theatre and cinema, wining and dining.