Postcard from a book launch

It's always good to see a friend do well; so yesterday was a treat. The Afrika Reich by Guy Saville was launched and is already attracting great reviews.

The book is a gripping thriller set in an alternative history where a Nazi empire dominates Africa. The action races along and the characters with their complex motivations and emotional baggage demand your attention.

The plush 5th View bar at the Waterstones on Piccadilly was the venue for the launch party: a suitably impressive setting to celebrate what's sure to become a best seller. I started reading on my journey home. It's a sign of a good book when you almost miss your stop because you're so engrossed!

Guy's a brilliant, hard working writer and deserves his success. Look carefully at that photo: he can even spell my name correctly!

Postcard from Charlestown

It was cool and windy in Cornwall last weekend, but bagging a bargain on last minute accommodation always gives a warm glow. I was staying up hill with a sliver of sea view so took the first opportunity I could to get down to the coast itself. And was thwarted. On arrival in Charlestown late last Thursday there was not a parking space to be had. The place was heaving.

What I didn't know was that I was visiting a film star. The Georgian harbour and resident tall ships do still work in their original capacity, but mostly they stand in for other places for filming purposes. Last week Dr Who was in town; hence the mayhem. The TARDIS had left by the time I got there next day. I'll have to watch closely to find out what planet or era present day Cornwall is thought to resemble.

That is a hint of turquoise you can make out in the sea. If the sun had only been a little stronger and the drizzle had dried up, I couldn't have wished to be transported in time.