Cast, Crew and Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood by Veronica Cline Barton(My Goodreds Review)

Cast, Crew and Carnage; the Filming of Castlewood Manor by Veronica Cline Barton

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

In the first story, Cherrywood Hall wins the rights for the new and exciting TV saga serious called Castlewood Manor. This is done with the help of a distant American cousin who helps the aristocratic family in the contest. The American lady is 27 years old Gemma Lancaster Phillips.

In this second story, Gemma is organising various promotional events for the up and coming show. They have a wide range of publicity agents and helpers among the British upper classes who want to help. There are models for the period costume designs. TV interviews etc. All manner of things is happening. Gemma Lancaster Phillips is in the thick of it and in love with her distant Lancaster family cousin, Kyle. Everything is going swimmingly well. Until diabolical scheming and then murder rears an ugly head.

Gemma finds herself the target of attention from the fiendish and anonymous attentions of un-well-wishers. A splendid who is doing this read. Lots of great characters too. If you like Murder Mystery and suspense with upper-class glamour, champagne and paparazzi, I’m certain you will like the Cherrywood Hall sagas.

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The Fall of House Ramanov (The Fall of Europe's Eagles)

House Ramanov

Russia, as most people know, is a gigantic country that covers over 17 million square miles. There is no other nation like it. Part is in Eastern Europe and another bigger part is in Northern Asia. It also stretches south into the Middle East near Turkey and Iran. This colossal country was always hard to govern over so vast an area with many different types of peoples.

Tsar Nicholas II

During the time of the last and final Tsar Nicholas II, there was just one railway running across the vastness of Russia into Siberia, the Asian part of the nation. This meant that much of the country was cut off. The peasants lived in humble ignorance of many things that everyday laymen in other nations took for granted. Passing news and other resources like food and machinery was extremely difficult. Much of the peasant population was neglected.

Those people that chose not to live in the countryside as peasants worked in cities like Moscow or St Petersburg. They would work in factories and live the lives of the downtrodden proletariat – low paid, bad working conditions, and horrendously crowded living accommodation. Many found food sustenance lacking and the ordinary city dweller had a very bad diet. Early mortality among the proletariat was common due to such harsh living conditions.

These people began to harbour a growing frustration and resentment towards the high ranking and privileged classes that ruled over them and they wanted to change their poor circumstance by improving their standard of living. They did all the usual things like form trade unions and strike for better conditions. Also, they tried to bring reasonable protests before the government and their Tsar Nicholas II. It was to no avail and often they would be imprisoned for, what Tsar and government thought, taking liberties they were not entitled too. The rulers would not accept a concept that freedom and fairness was a right that they (Tsar and rulers) should not be allowed to grant or take away.

Many who led such demonstrations of protest were forced into prison camps in Siberia or forced to go into exile. In 1905, things became so bad that a delegation of strikers and other citizens tried to gain an audience with the Tsar at his palace. These people hoped the Tsar would meet with them, but instead an army unit was used to open fire killing upwards of 500 protesters. More were captured and interned with others being tried and executed.

The Russian masses were willing to follow anyone with the right know how to make their miserable lives better. Living in exile were several young antagonists who believed in the doctrines of a man called Karl Marx. These were termed Marxists and one such man was called Lenin. He knew that one day the Tsarist regime and its governors would need to be replaced so that Russia could become a modern country where educated masses could all play a part in the running of the country and all would be able to have a decent standard of living. None would be able to have the privilege that the ruling classes of imperial Russia enjoyed at the workers and peasants expense.

Of course, in theory, this is easier said than done. Lenin attended meeting after meeting, addressed committee after committee, in exile, all over Europe from Britain to Switzerland. If Lenin learned one thing, while attending these meetings, it was that sometimes he would have to ride roughly shod over some of the new voices that were clambering to be heard. There were so many points of view from so many well meaningful people and no one could please all the people all the time. Some of the things brought up were obscure and secondary in significance to the needs of revolutionary change. The revolutionary groups had to be brought into line under one firm leadership that could establish control when the time for change would come.

Lenin had the foresight to see that if a revolution did take place, there might be so many small radical groups deliberating of trivia – doing the same thing back home as in exile, that it could be usurped before it got off of the ground by middle-class academics with an organised police force behind it. The workers and peasants would jump from oppression into another led by a new young middle-class intelligentsia. This he feared and he knew he would have to act swiftly if and when the time came.

That he might be an oppressor and of the young intelligentsia did not occur to him and if it did, he was the better way, from his point of view. He set about building his revolutionary groups by uniting them with the common goal of attaining power first and foremost. All else could be sorted later when a rudimentary law was established in the post-revolutionary Russia. This had not occurred yet and seemed a long way off, but he continued to try and shape a basis of Marxist power in exile – one that would be ready to enter Russia and take up the power vacuum if the weak and ineffectual Tsar was deposed.

In 1914 Russia was forced into a war with the Central powers of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and the German Empire. France and Great Britain joined imperial Russia for the biggest imperial family falling out the world had ever seen. I know to call it such is perhaps disrespectful, but I am an ordinary person sitting on a computer enjoying a look back, and this Great War was to bring about the deaths of many decent people all across the world. I can’t help but get cross by that thought sometimes. I find the events and privileged people involved in all this dreadful, fascinating and compelling. I’m sure many were good who accidentally brought about ill for the many and with hindsight; many of these grand rulers would not have trod the path they did. Perhaps I would have made exactly the same mistakes if I had been one of these high-ranking rulers. In reality, they were as much victims of their environment as others, but it was still a reckless inter-imperial family squabble that would turn Europe upside down and leave it in turmoil for much of the 20th century.

Tsar Nicholas II mobilised his army and went to war against the Central Powers of Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire. From the start, Russia’s war effort was mismanaged. There were problems with government and logistics, industrial output and continuous replacement of high ranking officers and officials in army and government. Tsarina Alexandra was becoming more unpopular because of her influence over the Tsar. That she was also a German did not help matters. She was often referred to as, ‘The German Woman’ in cold terms. The Tsar was the absolute ruler and he often dissolved the Duma (Parliament) and called it together as and when he saw fit. He appointed ministers that would do his bidding and if they did not, he sacked them. To fall foul of the Tsarina could destroy a political career. To win her favour could bring great power.

One such person was a strange priest called Father Grigory or Rasputin as he became known. He had pleased Tsarina Alexandria because of spiritual help he had brought to her and her young haemophiliac son Alexis. She persuaded her husband Tsar Nicholas II to bestow government powers over him, much to the despair of his Duma representatives. The Tsar finally left his Tsarina wife Alexandria to watch over matters of government while he went to the front too, as he put it, share in the responsibilities of conducting the war against Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Things got worse. On the front, his soldiers became openly mutinous towards their officers. In some parts, they shot their leaders while in Moscow and Petrograd (St Petersburg) more strikes and civil unrest escalated. Also, Rasputin, the mad monk, was killed. Eventually, some men in the Duma invoked a call for the Tsar to abdicate. A man called Alexander Kerensky who was a socialist-led the rebellion in the Duma. He was one of the very types of the young intelligentsia that Lenin feared.

As the Tsar was on board a train coming back from the front to one of his palaces to try and take control of the internal strife in his country; he and his entourage were stopped by his army along the route. He was confronted by one of his high ranking officers who tried politely to say that his signature of abdication was needed and the Duma would now be taking control of the country and the continued war with Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. At first, the Tsar tried to remonstrate but then Nicholas was firmly told that the Duma and Armed forces demanded his abdication.

In layman’s terms, the Tsar was sacked but the men that did it were not so radical that they would harm the Tsar. Kerensky had every ambition of continuing the war against the Central Powers of Europe. However, other cogs of the political wheel were set in motion. The Marxist groups led by Lenin were in exile in Switzerland and his political agenda was to end the pointless imperial war with Central Europe. As far as Lenin was concerned, the imperialist aristocrats could carry on their war and leave Russia to sort her internal problems out.

Germany, at war with Russia, saw an opportunity to help replace the Russian government with one that would end the war on the Eastern front. It would allow Germany to release a large number of divisions over to the western front against France and Great Britain’s Empire forces. However, the ministers needed to persuade Kaiser Wilhelm II to allow Lenin and his revolutionary Marxists to pass through German territory into Russia from Switzerland – something that Wilhelm was not keen on. The Tsar was, after all, his cousin and he thought rightly, that Germany would be replacing an imperial power with a Bolshevik one that would one day threaten them more then Tsarist Russia could.

In the end, the Kaiser relented and Lenin and his cohorts were transported across Germany from Switzerland into Russia. From here Lenin was met by members of the new Soviet guard (loyal to his cause) and they escorted him to Petrograd. The middle-class intelligentsia of the Duma that had been trying to take over the masses and keep them in the war effort against Germany was replaced by Lenin and his men who enjoyed the support of the masses - the Marxists had won power. Some of the Duma where removed, some fled to join the White army, some joined the Marxists and others of little use to the Marxists were killed or interned. Russia’s aristocracy and upper ruling classes were about to pay the bill for years of imperialist oppression. Many that could get away fled abroad never to return – others were not so fortunate.

The former Tsar Nicholas and his wife Alexandria were handed over to the Bolsheviks along with his young son and heir Alexis – also his four daughters Olga, Tatiana, Marie and Anastasia. For a while, the defunct Royal family was transported to various locations and held in continual captivity. While any Romanov lived the White Russian forces, who still tried to fight on, hoped to restore the monarchy one day. Eventually, the inevitable decision was made by the Bolsheviks to be rid of the Romanov Royal family forever. In July of 1918 the entire Royal family, along with some Royal household servants who had remained with them, were killed as they were lined up in the cellar of a house near the Ural mountains. A Chech unit of the White army was battling the Reds close by. A group of hardened Bolsheviks came before the family and servants and shot everyone in a violent and evil end to the Romanov dynasty. The bloodline had ended and with it the Russian monarchy - forever. 

Romanov's final moments before Bolshevik executioners.

A New Meaning to Heavy Metal.

I saw this clip on LinkedIn. I had to download and use on this blog. It reminds me of an old science fiction Brit flick from the 80s. I think it was called Hardware. The film had this demented killer robot in it. It was a b flick really, but I think it had a cult appeal to it. There was a cameo appearance of two Eastenders soap actors in the film. They played father and son in the soap opera and they played a father and son roll in the science fiction movie too. 

These heavy metal dudes bring an ominous yet compelling look of dystopian horror. Despite the music, there is a gruesome appeal.

Lamentation by C.J. Sansom (My Goodreads Review)

Lamentation by C.J. Sansom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another riveting episode of the hunchback lawyer, tackling a diabolical conspiracy against Queen Katherine Parr - the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. It is 1546 and the final months of the grand and volatile old king's life are playing out. Matthew Shardlake is asked to attend the royal court and brought before a small council. Katherine Parr is in a desperate situation. Religious fundamentalism is at its height. The radical left has Protestants competing for ultimate power while the conservative and traditional Catholics are trying to restore the old ways of religion. The old king is flirting with Rome and a new found peace. Is he going to compromise?

Queen Katherine Parr has written a confession of a sinner lamentation work. A written piece that could cause tremendous political ramifications for England and the old king. This private work has been stolen. But which fraction has it? Matthew Shardlake is given the task of recovering it. He comes up against diabolical conspiracies along the way. It all leads to a dreadful and unbelievable consequence. A great tour through Tudor England and a highly recommended read.

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The Wolf of Kerak - The Mad Crusader.

Raynald of Châtillon 1125 - 1187 
The Wolf of Kerak the Mad Crusader.

Raynald of Châtillon is a very controversial crusader knight of the middle ages. He was born in France in 1125, but his origins are vague. He was a man of middle-class ranking in Middle age French society and his father was said to be a Lord of Châtillon. However, history seems unsure if Raynald came from Châtillon Sur/on Marne or Châtillon on Loing - each Châtillon is on a river.

This young man seems to have been a reckless and rebellious character and was sent away on the second crusade at age 22 years in 1147. He entered the service of Constance of Antioch - a noble-born lady who would be widowed in 1149. Raynald of Châtillon was to spend the next 40 years in the Holy Land until the end of his life aged 62.

Raynald of Châtillon must have made some impression upon Constance of Antioch - perhaps the lady was taken by the brash young chancer. There would have been an obvious element of danger about the young man. It is also possible that the young noble lady of Antioch was manipulated in some way for she was used as a commodity of power from a young age. Her mother, Alice of Antioch, had tried to marry her to a Muslim Prince to gain control over Antioch as a regent. This was when Constance was an infant. Alice of Antioch was banished for this deed, and when she was allowed to return, she tried to broker a marriage alliance for herself with a Christian Crusader called Raymond of Poitiers. Through this marriage, they could both rule Antioch, by her young daughter, as regents. Again Alice was foiled by Raymond of Poitiers for he married her 9-year-old daughter in secret and Alice was forced into humiliating exile. This was in the year 1136.

In the Holy Land, lower-ranked individuals could rise in social standing, far easier than in Europe, doing service for the Holy Roman Empire in the Holy Land. Here, the new Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem had been founded in 1099 AD. Areas all about the Middle East were being colonised by Christian invaders and small vassal kingdoms were being set up in various surrounding cities. The Crusader state of Antioch was one such place and now, through devious means, a low-rank knight had won control of a small kingdom state within the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.

A situation had developed in the Holy Land where wealthy men were pedalling the religion of Christianity as a material business. Anyone could jump on the band waggon and all were deluding themselves that they were doing God's work. Some may have believed this, but many that were intelligent enough to grasp the situation of ambition and acquisition, easily manipulated more pious and devoted men, of lower rank, to naively support hidden and unscrupulous causes. The example of Raymond of Poitiers and Alice of Antioch is such an example. The 9-year-old wife could hardly have known what was going on.

Then at the age of 20, Constance of Antioch sees a young knight from France come into her service, though more likely under the command of her husband. This is Raynald of Châtillon's first appearance in the Holy Land. Did he quickly grasp the situation coupled with his rebellious streak?

Raynald of Châtillon would have witnessed Muslims and Hebrews being subjugated to Christian rulers - immigrants who believed their prophet Jesus Christ should have Christian people rule the area. He may have been indifferent to them and probably the lower ranks of his own kind. It is hard to put oneself in the mind of such men when they could do underhand things and pedal forgiveness and penance so easily through their church. Imagine - suddenly there is a land of milk and honey to plunder and there is a God-given right to do what you want, provided you rule as a believer of the Christian religion - or say you do if you are of an unscrupulous and cunning mind.

In 1149, two years after Raynald of Châtillon arrived at Antioch, his Lord and master were killed at the Battle of Inab. Raymond of Poitiers - the husband of Constance of Antioch, was beheaded by his Muslim enemy when captured during the battle. His head was sent to the Caliph of Baghdad as a gift. Why young Raynald of Châtillon was not on this expedition is not known for he was in the service of Constance and Raymond the co-rulers of Antioch.

Four years passed for the widow Constance of Antioch, then one day in 1153, she secretly married Raynald of Châtillon. How this secret marriage came about is not well known but it was not approved by King Baldwin III of Jerusalem. Together Raynald and Constance would have two daughters. The marriage of Constance to a man of such low birth was not permitted, but this was the Holy Land where men could better themselves in the service of God. Raynald had got his foot on the ladder of ambition and climbed up a few steps.

From the start, the rebellious and reckless young man caused controversy, often raiding and plundering neighbouring Muslim states in the name of God and the Holy Church of Rome, becoming a difficult person to control within his Crusader state of Antioch.

Raynald of Châtillon became very angry and resentful towards the Byzantine Emperor Manuel I, who Raynald believed, owed him a vast a sum of money. As a form of revenge and punishment, Raynald wanted to invade the island of Cyprus which was ruled by the Byzantine Emperor. For this, Raynald requested that the Patriarch of Antioch (Bishop) grant him the funds necessary to finance such an invasion. When the Patriarch refused this, Raynald had the Patriarch stripped naked and covered in honey. He was then put out in the hot sun for a great length of time until the exhausted holy man was forced to relent and grant the funds required.

Raynald of Châtillon led his Crusader forces against the Byzantine state of Cyprus, the way he attacked Muslim states in the Holy Land. The island was ravaged and plundered by his knights much to the consternation of the King Baldwin III of Jerusalem and the Byzantine Emperor. The shock waves caused Emperor Manuel I to raise an army and move towards the Holy Land.

Raynald of Châtillon was forced to grovel before the Byzantine Emperor in bare feet and dressed in rags. Later the Emperor went to Raynald's Crusader state of Antioch where he was received with pomp and ceremony by Raynald, and then; in full view of his subject, Raynald of Châtillon had to be seen leading the Byzantine Emperor's horse through the streets. This was always a mark of humility in the Middle East. Also, Antioch was forced to accept a new Patriarch - an orthodox Greek Bishop. The last thing wanted by Rome and the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem was to upset the Eastern Christian Church. This political unrest with neighbouring Byzantine lands was put to rest in 1159.

If 1159 was a bad year for Raynald of Châtillon, then 1160 was to be the beginning of 16 years of trouble and strife. He led an expedition raid against the Muslim Kingdom called Marash and got himself captured. He was taken to the large city of Aleppo in Syria and remained a prisoner for 16 years. He was released in 1176 aged 51. When captured he was 35 years of age and now after a 16-year prison sentence and aged 51, one might think the old ruler of Antioch had mellowed. This was not so. Perhaps, as a high ranked official of Antioch, Raynald of Châtillon's confinement might have been better accommodation then most might expect. The Crusader Knight does not seem to have been humbled or integrated with an understanding of the Muslims where he had lived over the years as a prisoner. His wife, Constance of Antioch, had died in 1163 and all rule of Antioch was passed from him.

In 1176, after his years of confinement, Raynald of Châtillon was released from the Islamic prison and sent back to the Holy Land, where he was married to a Princess called Stephanie of Milly. She had been widowed twice and had children. She would have two more by Raynald of Châtillon and was the heiress to Oultrejordain and owned the castle of Kerak.

Raynald was back and into his old habit of attacking Muslim caravans as they travelled through the Kingdom of Jerusalem and her other Crusader states. The signed truces had allowed for this, but Raynald of Châtillon would not abide by these things still - despite all of the trouble this impulsive and disorderly conduct had brought upon him, in the past. History seems to portray him as a very driven pantomime villain, for he would not conform in any way. He even made threats upon the Islamic Holy Temple of Mecca and this brought Saladin the Great upon his castle at Kerak during the year of 1183. At the time there was an arranged marriage ceremony going on between Leper King Baldwin IV's half-sister and Stephanie's son.

The antics of Raynald of Châtillon were a constant cause for concern and when the Leper King Baldwin IV died, the reckless knight supported Queen Sibylla (Baldwin IV's sister) and her husband Guy of Lusignan. This led to a fatal confrontation with Saladin's invading army at Hattin. 

Prior to this epic battle, Raynald of Châtillon had continued to attack Muslim pilgrimages and caravans. One such caravan had Saladin's sister travelling within. This final outrage brought Saladin the Great into the Holy Land to sort the problem of rogue Christian attacks out, once and for all.

The confrontation at Hattin was a huge defeat for the Crusaders and many prisoners were taken - among them Raynald of Châtillon and Guy of Lusignan (ruler of the Crusader Kingdom of Jerusalem.) It was 40 years since 1147 when 22-year-old Raynald of Châtillon arrived in the Kingdom of Jerusalem and by this time in 1187, the 62-year-old Crusader's luck had run dry. Some say Saladin himself plunged a dagger into the unruly Crusader's neck before he was dragged among his Muslim soldiers and beheaded. It was also said to have been done before Guy of Lusignan's eyes. 

Whatever happened; the problem of Raynald of Châtillon - the mad Christian crusader was put to rest. He died as violently and terribly as he had lived. He received no mercy for his rank and social standing. In the eyes of Saladin and his Muslim soldiers, Raynald of Châtillon (often called the wolf of Kerak) had shown no such protocol to Muslims. Why should he receive such respect for his social standing in return? 

While convulsively chocking from his stab wound in the neck, he was beheaded. It is difficult to imagine a person choking for life and standing still so that an executioner can swiftly behead. It was probably a very messy affair.

He died a martyr by some Crusader's perspective. However, history is less sympathetic to the man. For 40 years he lived out in the Holy Land, spending 16 years as a prisoner, midway through this time. His monument among the Muslims is that of a terrible land pirate or plunderer. He was known as The Wolf of Kerak. Among Christians and the western world, he is remembered not. Only historians with a special interest in the Crusader wars would know of this man. He was also portrayed in the Ridley Scott movie 'Kingdom of Heaven.' 

Dune by Frank Herbert (My Goodreads Review)

Dune by Frank Herbert

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Epic story set in a far-flung future with a vast Galactic Empire. Space travel abounds over vast distances and humans have learnt to fold space, allowing a craft to jump from one corner of a fold to another. When the fold opens back out the spacecraft has travelled Billions of light years in a split second. To do this Humans take a mind-enhancing spice called melange. This mutates the navigators who are deformed and have a sole purpose of folding space. This melange spice is mined on one planet called Arrakis or Dune. Whoever controls this planet controls the Empire. Computer technology is not used anymore, humans have evolved into necessary types to work out matters. Maths is handled by Mentaps who work out equations in the head and there are various spiritual groups and ruling houses. It is a grand story and well worth reading.

That was in 1979 and I have, again, just finished for the second time. Almost forty years later. There was so much more. Things that I forgot and other things I did not appreciate. It was like a new discovery. Therefore, I'm upgrading from a four-star to a five-star rating.

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Heartstone by C. J. Sansom (My Goodreads Review)

Heartstone by C.J. Sansom

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was so looking forward to this Matthew Shardlake story. C. J. Sansom always finds a way of entwining the hunchback lawyer into the historical events of King Henry VIII's time. 

In the last story, the clever and modest lawman earnt great favour by his help to Catherine Parr. In this new story, Catherine Parr is now queen. She once again calls upon Matthew's help. 

This time the trusted lawyer and his companion Barak go on a crime adventure that takes them to Portsmouth and the surrounding area. It is 1545 and the French are about to invade England. Amid the clamour and preparation for war, the steadfast lawyer and Barak seek to find answers to a young man's wardship. 

Also answers to a young ladies confinement in Bedlam. She was in the previous story.

I knew that the events of the Mary Rose and the Battle of the Solent were going to be the decisive backdrop for this 5th novel. I have always had a fascination for the ship and went to see the raised hull in Portsmouth navel museum a few years back. 

Therefore, the whole story came to a fabulous climax as Matthew pursues his quest against all odds with familiar dastardly scoundrels of court and new ones to boot. A rip-roaring tale of Tudor England.

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Donald Johnson and Hidden Treasure

Hitler’s Lost Golde Bunker’s: Dime Store Novelette's Two by Donald Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Hidden Treasure Conspiracy Theory Essay.

A treasure hunter and his group accumulate historical files and forbidden knowledge. Following some form of a conspiracy theory and speculation concerning lost gold in the Black Forest of Germany and in Austria. There are many such mysteries of such things. The writer mentions of other potential lost gold stashes throughout history. Also, the dangers of going after such legendary treasures in post-war Germany.

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Armistice Day in Chatteris 2018.

On Sunday I went into a storeroom by Chatteris car park. The place was void of all people. I was in there about twenty minutes and when I came out the entire car park was full of people. Hundreds of them. There were various groups like Girl Guides, Majorettes, Scouts, Air Cadets, Army Cadets etc. Plus lots of people from all warps of life. It was November the 11th 2018. One Hundred Years to the day of the First World War Armistice. Every town in the Fenland had one. This was in Chatteris Cambridgeshire. Eventually, all the people left the car park and formed a line. Then they marched to the monument by the town's church. I had to wait for them to leave before I could drive my van away. It was a grand sight to watch.

Gradual But Sure Book Sales Growth.

I've constantly looked for ways of plugging books. I enjoy doing it especially when I see some of the sales results. Over the past few months, I've been achieving regular sales. I always did manage a good few each month, but the last five months have been exceptionally pleasing. Please don't misunderstand me. I'm an Indie author and not a business person in any shape or form. I've just noticed there seems to be a regular little pattern of sales that is encouraging. 

I'm always trying new ways to improve and get my books out there. Before the eyes of a potential buyer. It's great fun. This has resulted in two conundrums for me to solve. They are not bad things as I enjoy the fumbling about with such possibilities and reason.

I try to attract the rush hours of London time and New York time. Targets are commuters travelling to work. Yet I've noticed many of the UK sales are late at night. I get up in the morning and there has been a book sold etc. Sometimes I'll get two or three sales in a day, but this happens in the afternoon. Then it will go quiet for a day or two. Then, Wham! Three, four or five days of sales sometimes multiple books bought in a day. 

Also in the lower graph are page reads of the books being borrowed and read on the Kindle Unlimited programme. This has increased greatly with multiple reads. Then it goes barren for a few days and then it takes off again. It is the sporadic little burst that intrigued me most of all. 

I don't know what I do that is right or if there are various odd things among so many ways that find the goal. The goal is a sale and a bar upon the scope. Then the smigging of gratification for the sale.

My two main conundrums are:

1. Because I try so many things, its hard to pinpoint what particular thing is rewarding more and what other stabs into the dark world of the internet are not.

2. One of the four titles outperforms the combined sales of the other three novels. 

I think the sci-fi story that outperforms has a cult appeal and I find it easier to concentrate upon a target audience. I also devote more time to it. I know the historical stories need to be targeted better and two need better cover designs before I become more focused upon them. One historical novel which has had a good cover design is beginning to perform better.

There are so many wonderful notions falling into place, it's difficult to know where I must begin. I also have other draught novels in need of editing (professionally.)

I always wanted to write pulp novels and now I'm here there seems to be this new cyber world of adventure where I enjoy the challenge of making sales. So many things to do, but if I can continue to enjoy doing this, I'm sure I can get further improvements. 

Revelation by C.J. Sansom (My Goodreads Review)

Revelation by C.J. Sansom

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Yet another splendid 'who done it' read from C. J. Sansom's number four story in the Matthew Shardlake series. It is 1543 and the ill and decrepit King Henry VIII is trying to woo Catherine Parr. The lady who will become his sixth and final wife.

This time Matthew Shardlake is recalled for a mission by Thomas Cramer. London is plagued by a serial killer who is devising deaths along the line of the Bible's book of Revelation. Victims are selected and given horrific deaths in accordance with these Biblical teachings. In a race against time, Matthew and his trusted accomplice Jack Barak are on the trail of the killer. However, the killer always seems to be one step ahead of them and knows a great deal about Matthew and Jack too.

The story takes the reader on a lot of twists and turns with dead ends etc. You, the reader, will be kept guessing all the way. As it draws closer to the dynamic climax the tension is nail-biting and compelling. You will not be able to put this down.

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