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I received your magazine and enjoyed it. Re "One Last Breath" - happy to hear that the appreciation is by Peter Robinson who is another favourite author of mine. I'm certainly looking forward to reading it.

J Litke (Canada)
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Hello Mr Stephen Booth

First may I say many thanks for writing such wonderful books.  The characters are fantastic. I am an avid reader of crime thrillers, for which I have several authors in which I favour - James Patterson, Tess Gerritsen, Kathy Reichs, and most recently your good self.  I am also a big fan of Stephen King, although sometimes I find his works confusing, he has a very strange imagination.  I must admit that the first book I read was 'Blind to the Bones'.  I know that this is out of writing order, but I was on the look out for a new author, and your style and continuous flow gripped my attention.  Since then, I have purchased your other three novels, and yesterday I finished reading 'Black Dog'.  Excellent.  From start to finish.  I really enjoyed the build up of the main characters, Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. Yet I find myself growing rather against the said female detective. She is comes across very single minded, and arrogant, but given what has happened in her past I am really not surprised.   Ben Cooper is much more down to earth.

I have two more to read, (your second novel I started this morning) and then I will be ready for your new novel out around June 2004. Please keep writing your good works, I for one would miss them.

Kind regards

Pamela
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When your new novel comes out are you doing a book signing in or about the South Yorkshire region? I have got all your novels but the thing that is missing is a signed copy. Can I just say thank you for the enjoyment you have given me.  To escape and bury yourself in a novel is great and your books have allowed me to do that. Thanks for your time and all the best.

Pete
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Dear Mr. Booth,

I have just started reading my first of your books. Blind to the Bones and I love it.  I love the way you grab the reader and bring them right into the book. As a Cheshire person living in the US at present but one who has visited the Peak District many times and always loved it. Your books really have a way of bringing back alot of memories.

I do have a question for you I have managed to obtain 3 of the other books in your series but am having difficulty finding "Black Dog". Perhaps I should say that I always like hardbacks (I think they stand up to more abuse). But I think I read somewhere that your first book only came out in paperback. Could you tell me if that is correct.

Avril LeBeau

SB: Yes, it's correct that there was no hardback of 'Black Dog' in the UK, though there was one in the USA.
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Suzanne (New Jersey)
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Dear Mr. Booth,

I just recently discovered your books. I have read all four books now and am anxious to read the next in the series. I have signed up for your newsletter, so I can receive news of your latest book. Thank you for a very enjoyable pastime.

Hi Stephen

We have all been waiting for Blind to the Bones out here in Australia for about a year now!!!! Is it coming soon? We are really keen to read it and we hope many more!

Pauline
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hi Stephen

many thanks for the new newsletter which, as with #1, makes for a witty and interesting interlude in an otherwise fairly humdrum day. I'm glad to see Ben and Diane are going from strength to strength and, although I have BttB on hardback I still stood and read the 'chunky' (you're right) paperback version that I stumbled over in Borders yesterday. Keep up the good work.

Alistair (UK)
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Dear Mr. Booth,

I just finished reading your book and must tell you how much I enjoyed it. I have never really wanted to leave the United States for a trip but your description of the moors almost make me wish I could walk upon your moors. Cathy and Heathcliff come to mind.

Very truly yours,

Florence Compher
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Hi Stephen

I see that you have a new book coming out in the UK in July.  I live in Lincoln and when Blind to the Bones came out you did a talk at Ottakers in lincoln which we attended.  It was really interesting and great to see you and speak to you. Will you be visiting and doing another talk when your next book is published?  Also, having met you, why do you look so friendly in the flesh yet so fierce in your dustjacket photograph? Finally, as a police officer and regular visitor to Derbyshire I have to say your books are brilliant.

Ivor (UK)
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I was surprised to find Blind to the Bones out in paperback already, that will just make the will-power required to save it for my holiday in May even greater! Perhaps we should start listing our holiday reading, as they do in all the papers in summer, so long as it includes one of your books! (Then confess which we actually read when we return!)

Janet (Sheffield, UK)
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Dear Mr Booth,
Discovered your books last year and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. Today I found 'Blind to the Bones' in Waterstones (Edinburgh) and would like to keep it for my Easter holidays in three weeks' time but am not sure if I have the will power. I have just one gripe.  Why do you publish your books first in hardback, obliging most of your loyal readers to wait a long time for the paperback? I know you are not alone in doing this and I often wonder am I the only reader who thinks there should be protest marches in the streets against the practice?
With kind regards,

Janet 

SB: I'm afraid these decisions are made by publishers, not by authors. Of course, there's quite a big market for the hardbacks, so protest marches aren't likely to make much of an impression on my publisher. Nice idea, though. Let me know if you ever get it together!
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Suzanne (New Jersey)
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When can we expect a new Ben Cooper mystery? Thanks.

D. Pryor

SB: ONE LAST BREATH will be published on July 5th in the UK. 
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Hi Stephen. Greetings from Australia.
My wife and I have now read all four of the titles available - and read them in order which I think is a good idea. Have really enjoyed them all - the descriptions brought back memories of a visit to the Derbyshire Dales some years ago in winter - it was bloody cold but very invigorating. Our favourites have been 'Black Dog' and 'Blind to the Bones'. Great character development, descriptions of the scenery. Looking forward to the fifth book in the series.

Roger
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I just had to write and say how much I've enjoyed reading your books. The first one I read was 'Blind to the Bones'. It was a page turner, I could not put it down. As I read it, it was just there with Ben Cooper, I could see it so clearly in my mind. I was hooked and had to read them all. Now I can't wait for the next one. Do keep writing more, please.

Linda (UK)
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Hi from Ontario, Canada. I have finally managed to get my hands on "Blind to the Bones" and look forward to peace and quiet at the upcoming weekend to really enjoy it. Your books are just great and I'm sorry to see that I will have a long wait before a new one is published. Perhaps 2005? Best wishes to you.

J. Litke

SB: Not such a long wait. July 2004 in Canada.
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I thought I would write to say how much I have enjoyed all your books in your Ben Cooper and Diane Fry series. Not only are the characters and stories very real, but the local settings have a great appeal for me. 
Do you have any plans to visit Adelaide and other Australian cities in a book tour? I shall look out for the fifth book when it is available. Keep up the great work.

Stephen (Australia)

SB: Sorry, no plans for Australia this year, but it's a possibility for 2005.
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Thanks for writing such a good book ('Dancing with the Virgins'). I've just finished reading it (better late than never). It's not often I can start a book and not put it down. Excuse punctuation etc. I never could get the hang of it.

Clint
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I have read all of your books and am a big fan. Just finished "Blind to the Bones." Excellent, maybe the best yet. When can we expect the next?

SB: 'One Last Breath' will be published in the UK on July 5th 2004. No news yet of publication in the USA.
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Dear Stephen Booth,

Your work is a problem for me as I must forget sleep and read to the finish of your intricate plots. Your work is splendid. I have walked from Benson to Ewelme. In Oxfordshire. As I walked, I passed RAF Benson. In Oxfordshire. Can you please tell me how you moved RAF Benson from Oxfordshire to Lancashire in 'Blood on the Tongue'?

Sarah

SB: All too easily! I thought I had made up a fictional RAF station by that name. Of course, readers with sharp eyes occasionally spot errors in my books. Thankfully, there are some that only I know about. :)
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M. Brennan (USA)

SB: Sorry, there are no plans for the series to transfer to film or TV at the moment.
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As an avid reader of crime fiction I came across 'Dancing with the Virgins' at my local library. I found it so brilliant that I had to go and get Blood and the Tongue and Blind to the Bones. I am afraid that 'Black Dog' is still out on lending. Eagerly awaiting it’s return. What intrigued me was the relationship between Diane Fry and Ben Cooper.
Your detail is amazing. I have never been to the Peak District but I feel like I have already been as it’s like being there reading the novels. My favourite is 'Dancing with the Virgins' with 'Blood on the Tongue' a close second.
I read on your website that the 5th instalment is due out in 2004. Will it be in the beginning of the year? I am looking forward to it immensely.

SB: 'One Last Breath' will be published in the UK on 5th July.
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Hello.   Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your Cooper-Fry novels.  I've read the first one, and am currently engaged in the 2nd.
I relish the descriptions of the Peak District and surrounding environs, and the way in which you relate the characters to the settings and each other.. we come to know the characters more and more as the story unfolds, as you release tidbits about them and their lives throughout the narrative. My wife and I visited England last year and had a wonderful time!  We are hoping to return again this Fall.  We absolutely loved our time there, but there's so much more to see.

Cheers!  Chris (Portland, Oregon) 
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Thank you for your excellent stories. You can always tell a good book by the fact that when you're reading it's hard to put down and you feel you are taking part in the story. Well done, and keep writing.

Philip
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Thanks for a great read. Looking forward to the next one.

Paul (UK)
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I just finished my first 'Booth' - the absolutely absorbing 'Dancing with the Virgins' . Well done, sir. As an English teacher here in Canada, I am lucky enough to get to spend my working day with Shakespeare, Greene, Eliot and many others worthy of the time and effort. And now, while I should be marking papers, I can say I get to spend some of my leisure time with Booth. What a brilliant way to lose oneself on a Saturday.
Although I have spent only five or six days in the Peak District, your writing evokes so clearly so much of it for me. I look forward to reading the other three books and wish you a long and inspired career.

Brad (Canada)
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Love the books. Great website. Do you do it all yourself?

Bill (UK)

SB: Yes!
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'Black Dog' is one of the best books I've ever read!!!! i just fell in love with Diane Fry and Ben Cooper.

Esther (Germany)
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I bought 'Black Dog' at Manchester station one cold winter evening. I got the slow train by mistake but I didn't mind because I was warm and enjoying the book. It gave an extra frisson going (very slowly) though the dark, cold wilds of Derbyshire while reading it. I've enjoyed the subsequent books more and more. It is always a worry when you read a good book that the author has put their all into that and it's downhill from then on. You clearly have lots more to give us.

Janet (UK)
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As one of your newest readers - I read 'Black Dog' over Christmas and couldn't put it down, much to my family's annoyance, and just finished reading 'Blood on the Tongue' - I thought I would just write to let you know how much I enjoyed  reading them. If you read a lot as I do, it is always difficult to find a good new author and I am delighted to have found you and your stories of Derbyshire, which is where I come from. I guess you got the name Murfin from Derbyshire as well, as I have never seen the name used in a book elsewhere? Can't wait to move on to reading the next two books in the near future.

Roger Murfin

SB: I always like to give the characters local names where possible, and Murfin is an excellent Derbyshire surname. 
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Having read all four of your previous books I was delighted to discover you have a new one due to be published. Yet imagine my disappointment on discovering it will not be until July! I have pre-ordered it and can hardly wait. Many thanks for giving me many hours of great reading and hopefully many more to come.

Jill
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I read the second half of 'Blind to the Bones' in a day and a half when I was in Austria skiing. I delayed reading it until I had no work interruptions and found it unputdownable. The tour de force had to be that one word: "Sis?" Brilliant! I'm looking forward to the next ten!

Edwin (UK)
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Hello. I saw the cover for the title 'Peak Park' on Amazon.com. They said, however, that it was no longer available. I don't see it mentioned anywhere else. Can you tell me about this book? Thank you.

Nancy (USA)

SB: 'Peak Park' is the French language edition of 'Dancing with the Virgins'. It's most widely available in France and Canada. 
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I ordered all four of your books in one go from my book club as I enjoy detective novels and love the Peak District. How glad I am that I did. I read the first three one after the other during the summer and intended to keep the fourth for when I went on a return visit to the Peak District. Not a chance! I had to find out how the relationship between Ben and Diane developed and couldn't wait. You capture the area so well, both its geography and spirit. Thank you for such a great series of books. 

Jan (UK)
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Your books are wonderful. I keep sneaking off to read pages here and there, so unfortunately my husband and children are being neglected. Looking forward to the next instalment in the series.

Colleen (Kansas USA)
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I recently discovered your novels and have rapidly read all three. They are tremendous! I am eagerly waiting the paperback edition of 'Blind to the Bones'. I can't contain my curiosity. Will Ben Cooper and Diane Fry ever realize that they are two complementary halves of a whole? Thank you for your most enjoyable books.

Reed (USA)
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Many Thanks, Ann

SB: There's no need to apologise for reading Peter Robinson's books, Ann. Peter has been one of my heroes for years!
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Derek (USA)
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I have approximately twelve favorite 'living' authors. Stephen Booth is one of those twelve who I anxiously look forward to their next new book hitting the book shelf. My first introduction to British literature was from English Literature classes in college. It was not until right after graduation over thirty-five years ago I read my first Agatha Christie novel. I read all her works. I have thoroughly enjoyed modern British literature. Stephen Booth is outstanding. Character development, plot etc are all first rate. 

(USA)
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I want to offer my congratulations on your winning the Library Award.  CWA Dagger in the Library goes to the author whose books have given most pleasure to readers.  Nothing could be more true.  Your books are a joy to read and I always tell anyone who asks what I am reading that my favorite is Stephen Booth.

Kathy (USA)
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Most enjoyable books, your scenery is amazing. You eventually explained "salter" (in 'Blind to the Bones'). But what is a "badger"? A dialect form of "bodger"? Or did you really mean the 4-footed animals trekking the moors?

Lois

SB: My apologies, Lois. I didn't mean to leave you with this particular mystery! A badger was an itinerant dealer in dairy produce, eggs, corn, meal, malt and such like. It seems the word derived from a 17th century law, which obliged anyone receiving Parish Relief to wear a badge with the letter P. The badge meant they were forbidden to beg, but were allowed to trade. Hope that helps. Nothing to do with four-footed animals, anyway!
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Regards,
Chris

SB: 'Blind To the Bones' will be released in paperback in April 2004 in the UK. I'm currently finishing work on the fifth Cooper and Fry novel, which is also due for publication in 2004. Although we've had some interest in TV and film rights, there are no firm plans yet for transferring the series to the screen.
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Hi Stephen,

Love your books and hope to read many more.  The characters are so alive and believable and it is hard to put the books down.
I have a question regarding the Canadian Air Force Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to Pilot Officer Danny McTeague in your book "Blood on the Tongue". It is described as a medal on a red and gold ribbon and highly polished. My uncle was a Squadron Leader (No. 407 Squadron) in the Royal Canadian Air Force during W.W.II and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. His medal is on a blue and white ribbon and is not highly polished.
Please understand that this is not a criticism.  I am not at all familiar with all the different awards made to these wonderful men who served in the military. I was just wondering if there are two or more types of the same award?
Thanks for any enlightenment you can provide, and keep up the great stories.

Beverley

SB: I'm guilty of confusing the issue here. All World War Two DFCs were awarded by the RAF, and they were all the same, whatever the nationality of the serviceman. They were on a ribbon officially described as 'blue and silver', and this is what your uncle will have received. However, although there was no distinction between nationalities, there was a distinction between ranks. Pilot Officer Danny McTeague would have been too junior at the time to be awarded a DFC, but would instead have received an Air Force Cross (AFC), which has a mostly red ribbon.
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I HAVE ENJOYED YOUR BOOKS. I AM READING YOUR 'BLIND TO THE BONES'
I HOPE YOU HAVE STARTED YOUR 5TH BOOK.

Macdonaldshn
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Catherine
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Dear Stephen,

I have written you before, but want you to know how much I enjoyed 'Blind to the Bones'.  Just as great as the other three.  I've gotten my signed copies from The Poisoned Pen in Scottsdale AZ.  We moved from there in 1999, but I still order a lot of books from Barbara.  I am looking forward to the next in the series.

Thanks for providing intelligent, enjoyable mysteries.

Pat (Arizona)
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Lynne
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Your description of the oplatki wafers (in 'Blood on the Tongue') brought back forgotten memories from my childhood when my mother would get a sheet of these unconsecrated wafers from her oldest sister who got them from a convent in Cleveland, Ohio. My mother's parents were Slovak so the word for the wafers was different but the tradition was the same. They came at Easter time and we spread them with honey and shared them before dinner. There may have been more to the Slovak tradition but I have no idea what it was...N ow it is just a warm memory...

Thanks. 

Susan (Baltimore, Maryland, USA)
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Dear Stephen

Any plans for a trip to Australia in the near future?
Thanks

Ric

SB: Not in the immediate future, I'm afraid, Ric. I'm keen to get to Australia, but I do have to resist the temptation to spend the whole year touring - otherwise the books would never get written! At the moment, I think the earliest you'll see me Down Under will be 2005.
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Diane

SB: A general map of the area would be a bit of a problem for me. Many of the places I refer to are real, but some of them are fictional - such as Edendale itself, and the village of Harrop in 'Blood on the Tongue'. In fact, trying to identify the location of Edendale creates a great deal of discussion among readers here in the UK! For the US edition of 'Dancing with the Virgins' I did include a map of Ringham Moor (where much of the action takes place), showing the Nine Virgins stone circle etc. But that isn't in the UK editions. 
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I have just finished reading blind to the bones. another great read! was kept guessing right to the end. the characters of the Oxleys and the persistence of ben trying to communicate with them was brilliant, along with surprising sub-plot of the appearance of Diane's sister. the descriptions of the area are very atmospheric - have been to Peak District several times and particularly like the castleton and mam tor areas - such a beautiful part of england. hope there will be more of the same very soon. are there any plans for ben and diane to be bought to the small screen? it would be good to see them alongside morse, daziel and dalgleish.
many thanks for the series. 

karen
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I joined the Mystery Guild and picked out "Blood on the Tongue" as one of my free selections.  Little did I know what I was letting myself in  for.  It was wonderful, I then found "Dancing---" and read it.  After looking for two months, I found "Black Dog" and was thrilled; I just read on your website that you have finished a fourth book with Cooper and Fry.  Hopefully it will be released soon in the U.S.
Not only are the stories exciting (there's always a little clue that Ben discovers) and now I can go back and look at the exact spot of discovery. I love the descriptions of the mountains, villages , esp. the winter scenes in 'Blood on the Tongue'--I could feel the cold--no one really knows cold unless you have spent winters in England without central heating-----I would change our horrendous Buffalo, N.Y. blizzards safe with central heating for just one more winter in England. Your gift of being able to describe brought back the most wonderful memories of our time there.  
Keep sharing those talents with us--looking forward to the next one.

Barbara (Buffalo, New York)
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Having been a fan for a while now, finally got to meet the real deal in the 'Bodies in the Bookshop' meet-the-authors event in Cambridge. Nice to speak to you Stephen and thanks for the tips; I'm brim full of determination to get my project completed!

All the best
Alistair
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I bought a copy of your book "Black Dog" at my local Borders Bookstore. I started reading it this weekend. It's 117 degrees Fahrenheit in Phoenix right now, thanks to your book I can escape to a much cooler climate. It's been more than a few years since I visited the Peak District. 
Again thanks to your book, it's all coming back to me. I mean that in the nicest possible way.
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Wow!  You are really a reader's writer!  You did reply. I am thankful to Alex who introduced me to your books.  I wondered why the copies I read spelt color without the 'u', then I realized it was the American version of the book. Being from the Caribbean I have a special love for the language that I know as English.  Thank you for the characters who are real to me also.  I am glad you said you have no control over them....for then the mystery continues...for you
and for us.  Good luck and I look forward to many more of your journeys with Ben and Diane.  Thanks, much.

Rodlyn
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Dear Mr. Booth,
I first met you in person at the Bouchercon convention in D.C.  You were so kind and patient when I chased you down to get your autograph.  I have read all of the books that you have had published and I am eagerly awaiting more.  I have introduced your writings to many of my friends and they agree-you are Brilliant!
I have a chance to attend the convention in Las Vegas and I am so looking forward to meeting you again.  Have a safe trip.  Thank you again, for such wonderful reads.

Joan (Genoa, Ohio)
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I  have been glad to meet you at Black Orchid Bookshop. After I read your second novel "Dancing with the Virgins" I recommended to my friend to read "Black Dog" and "Dancing with the Virgins" and we discuss your characters in both novels. My friend and I like the relationship between Ben Cooper and Diane Fry. 
In behave of my friend, I would like to send her comments: "I like Ben Cooper, he is kind and has a human heart which is unusual for a police officer. Diane Fry, I believe got a little more compassionate in "Dancing with the Virgins", bending more to being more human than a steel rod of a woman.  Diane has her reasons  to be so 'hard' of heart. I believe in "Dancing with the Virgins" having deal with Crew,  Stephen Booth gave a little glimpse at the other side and allowed her be more understanding of Ben. Although I would like to see them get together as lovers, Diane and Ben. I enjoy the tension created in their relationship."
I like Harry Dickson character in "Black Dog". In Dancing with the Virgins" I like the end of the story when The Virgins became witnesses of the crime which had been committed at night. Even though  The Virgins can not punish a murders of innocent girls all of them have been killed by the end of the story. My friend and I hope that you will continue giving us the tension in relationship between Diane and Ben and the historical background of English countryside.

Sincerely,

Rodlyn and Alexander (New York City)
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Mr. Booth:

I have read "Black Dog", which I enjoyed. I am almost finished with "Dancing With the Virgins", and I have some questions and comments. First, is 
it really necessary to make all the Police Service characters so ignorant and uneducated? Are there no university graduates on this force? Even 
without university graduates, are there no tolerant officers of any rank? They express incredible prejudice against the "travelers", gay people, 
farmers, anyone who doesn't measure up to their very limited standards. They have never read any literature and it seems as though they have 
never had a thought outside of football and beer. This holds true even for the higher grades, Tailby and Jepson. They say, "You what?" when they 
need some statement repeated. They use this working class expression time after time. Even Diane Fry is portrayed as incredibly ignorant and 
intolerant. Ben Cooper is not much better. This is not to say that I don't enjoy the plots. But I thought the first one was so much better.

Ann

SB: Unfortunately, it's perfectly possible to gain a degree and still be ignorant and intolerant! Also, it's more than possible to be a graduate and 
working class at the same time. The only other thing I can say in my defence is that I've known an awful lot of police officers over the years, and I 
still do. They often write to me and tell me how accurate my depiction is of their colleagues. You might find that a bit depressing, I suppose!
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I was pleased to find 'Blind to the Bones' in a Chapters Book Store in Kingston Ontario. I am well in to it and thoroughly enjoying the read. I tell all who will listen about your grand books. What's next?

Tom

SB: There's another Cooper and Fry novel on the way for 2004, 'One Last Breath'.
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I lived and grew up in Buxton for thirty years and find Stephen's four books absolutely riveting.  I run a walking club which regularly walks the Peak District and it's great trying to work out the various locations set in his four books. I presume the police station in West Street is the one in Buxton 'overlooking the football ground' where I have spent many a frustrating hour watching Buxton FC lose to useless opponents.
I hope that Stephen's books will be serialised for television/film as they would transfer well to the screen. Great books from a great crime fiction author.

Chris
(Peak Challenge Walking Club, Norwich)
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Dear Stephen
Just a brief email to say how much I have enjoyed 'BLIND TO THE BONES'. Another great, atmospheric novel with brilliantly-drawn characters and a great deal of tension and unease. I look forward to your next book!

Gary (Leicester UK)
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Stephen - I just finished your latest and now my favorite of your books.  I just love the little descriptions you give of what to most people would be ordinary things, e.g. the ivy growing up over the stained glass window of the chapel.
Eagerly awaiting the next visit with Cooper and Fry.

Nancy (Washington, USA)
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Stephen - just a quick line to say how much I admired your writing in 'Blood on the Tongue'. I read the book in a day, a beautiful sunny June Sunday - but your evocation of the Peak District was so strong I positively shivered, despite the heat. I used to live in Glossop and know the setting well - and your narrative brought it all back. I'll now go and find the previous books! Many thanks indeed for a superb novel.

Mike
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I just wanted to tell you that I really like your books. I'm not a fan of crime novels (not at all actually) and here I am, totally devoted to your books... <smile> I started off reading 'Dancing with the Virgins' and 'Blood on the Tongue', too bad really coz I understand the characters a lot better after reading 'Black Dog' But, hey! I love them, all of your books, and I'm waiting patiently for your fourth book to be available (in English) here in Sweden! Thank you!!! 

Åsa (Uppsala, Sweden)
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Dear Stephen.
One hundred and fifty pages into 'Blind to the Bones' and finding that it's as excellent as all the previous. I was trying to hold off reading it until my annual holiday but have been unable to resist! I even broke off a haul through Terry Pratchett's Discworld series to set about reading your latest. Great to discover a website.
Kindest regards.

John 
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Hi Stephen -
Brilliant books - very well written and real characters - there are very few writers who I find can write a decent mystery - and you're one who's on the top of my list. I'm in the middle of my exams at the moment, and so I have to read books I've already read before as I can't be distracted. So I've just read 'Blood on the Tongue' again.
Keep up the good writing - can't wait for the next book - 'Blind to the Bones' was "devoured" by all my family rapidly - your best one yet.

Best wishes
Anna
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Hi,

I love the Ben Cooper and Diane Fry series and have just finished 'Blind to the Bones'.  Now I'm worried that you don't have another book coming after this one because I read in an interview that your contract hadn't yet been renewed.  Please say there's another one in the works!

Denise

SB: The good news is that I've recently signed a new contract for three more books in the series. I'm currently working on the fifth Cooper and Fry novel, which is due to be published in 2004. So you can stop worrying now, Denise!
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Dear Stephen,

I met you at a book signing at Belper, when you told me that the feedback you had was that 'Blood on the Tongue' was your best book. I have read it over the weekend and found that it is an exceptional read. The only regret is that I did not start at the beginning with 'Black Dog'. Living in the Peak District made the book easy to relate to, but I was intrigued that the part of the Peak District that you relate to was the Snake and Glossop areas. You stated that I would know certain places and sure enough from your graphic details I could visualize a lot of the areas described.
Keep up the good work.

Martin (Ashbourne)
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Sandra Moody
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I just finished reading 'Blind to the Bones' and wish to offer you my compliments.  Another great one.  I sure hope you can keep up this one book a year pace because you have me hooked.  Can't wait for the next.  This series just keeps getting better and better.  
I've read a couple of your interviews and had to laugh when I realized I'm just like all of your other readers - this Ben & Diane thing has to be resolved soon!  I don't know how much more of her abuse poor Ben can take.  :)
I also wanted to thank you for kindly signing some of my books that Steve of CHC Books brought to you a month or so ago on my behalf.  It was very gracious of you and much appreciated. Best of luck to you, and continued success.

Lou (Seattle)
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Hi Stephen

I have just completed the fourth book, and managed to work out where everywhere was. Sad or what? We will be visiting the Peaks in September, so we will try to locate the Stones. Many Thanks for your time.

Regards, Ian
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Mr Booth, I have just finished 'Blood On The Tongue'.  I have devoured all three of your books in just two weeks.  No mean feat as I have twins of 11 and a full time job.  ( I have been getting up especially early!)  I will now be visitng Barnes and Nobles to purchase your fourth novel.  As an Englishwoman marooned in Texas, your books are not only wonderfully written, the characters are as real as any I have met in the north of England, They all take me back to England and of course, home.  I am looking forward to the next Cooper and Fry, their lives are fascinating, I need to find out what happens next! You have amazing insight in to how women think and feel, I wonder how you do that? Please keep writing.

Yours sincerely, Lesley (Texas)
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I was recently introduced to your work and just completed "Blood on the Tongue" which I enjoyed very much. I stumbled onto John Harvey's work several years ago on a "stake out" and recently that of Ian Rankin and enjoy them as well. As a recently retired FBI agent I have worked with police agencies around the world, but very little with Scotland Yard. I am unfamiliar with the rank system (DI, DCI, DC, Det.Sgt, etc.) and who is above whom. Is there a site I can go to for such information? Thank you, I am very happy to have been introduced to your work and plan to read more. Please let me know if you ever visit San Diego as I would enjoy meeting you. 
Thank you for your time 

Clyde (San Diego, California)

SB: Here is the rank structure for most UK police services, from the top downwards: Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, Assistant Chief Constable, Chief Superintendent, Superintendent, Chief Inspector, Inspector, Sergeant, Constable. In the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), the word 'Detective' is placed before the rank. The police are addicted to initials and acronyms, so a Detective Constable is invariably referred to as a 'DC', and so on. The Metropolitan Police in London is slightly different in structure. If you're interested in finding out more, the Police UK website has links to every police force in the country - go to http://www.police.uk/
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SB: The Nine Virgins are based on a couple of stone circles located on Stanton Moor, near Matlock in Derbyshire.
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I've just finished reading 'Blood on the Tongue' and finally got 'Black Dog', too.  Wonderful!  Did you say at some point that they were talking about a movie or television series from your books?  I'd love to see that, although
I have such clear pictures of the characters in my mind that I'd probably be disappointed in the casting.  ;+)
I've really admired your descriptions and the great sense of place they evoke.  When I saw your mention of Thomas Hardy, I thought, "Aha!  That's it!"  Really great stuff.
Not wanting to fawn or anything, but I can't tell you what a wonderful job you've done with all aspects of the novel and the mystery.  Do you think you'll ever be doing any tours on the west coast of the US?

Barbara

SB: Film and TV options were sold in 'Black Dog', but the production company didn't renew last year. However, we've had other interest since, and I'm hopeful the series will make it onto the TV screen one day. 
I did my first West Coast tour in 2002 (sorry if you missed me, Barbara!), but I'll be back again very soon. There may be a West Coast date or two when BLIND TO THE BONES is published in October 2003, as I'll be attending Bouchercon in Las Vegas at that time. And I'll definitely be in California during February 2004, when I'm due to appear at Left Coast Crime in Monterey.
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I was delighted to find 'Blood on the Tongue' yesterday and disappointed today- I finished it. Now I am left waiting for the next book. It is the only part that is disappointing about having found such a marvelous current author- as a reader, I have to be patient. However, for the past two days I was transported to the Peak District and into the lives of two very fascinating characters and an equally entrancing story. It was worth the wait and I eagerly anticipate going there again. Reading it slower would have prolonged the enjoyment of feeling such a vivid sense of being there but the sorting out of the tale became the priority.

Thank you to Stephen Booth

p.moore
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Stephen, I just finished the book ('BLIND TO THE BONES') and I'm still thinking about it, twenty-four hours later.  
You just keep getting better and better with each book.  Your ability to create the Peak District, using all the 
senses, is simply masterful.  I don't know if I want to visit Withens or the other small towns on the moors, but I 
would certainly recognize them if someone dropped me off there in the middle of the night without a map.
Your characters are becoming more strongly developed with each book.  And I hope that part of England never, 
never changes, not until I've had the chance to absorb it.
Thank you for writing your books.  I don't care if it took you forty years to get to what you were meant to do.  I 
only care that you keep doing it for the next forty years, and that I'm around to read the results.  

Laurie (USA)
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Your book arrived here in Perth on Monday (books from the UK Amazon site always arrive faster than from the US, maybe it’s our colonial ties) and I finished reading it last night. The book was very, very good, from my perspective at least, you are improving with age (or books). I really did enjoy the writing and it did create a superb atmosphere, although I’m yet to see where Ben & Diane are going and I think Murfin has improved in this book in providing comic relief. 
For someone who reads (including re-reads, over and over) at least 5-10 books a week and has over a period of 25 years, I’ve never yet come to a conclusion as to what makes a book good or bad, it is I suppose, just a sense of satisfaction and of sorts a happiness, that the reading was time well spent as a quiet sense of contentment abounds.
Thanks so much for your writing, it’s made it a very good week for me and maybe I will speak to you again next year.

Theresa (Australia)
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Theresa (USA)

SB: I definitely take comparisons to Peter Robinson as a compliment!
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I really enjoy your books and can't wait for each one to be published. I have lived in Stockport for 28 years and absolutely love crime fiction written about this area of England. The Peak District is an ideal place.

Keep writing
Linda
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I agree with Reginald Hill.  This is your best book to date ('Blood on the Tongue').  I enjoyed the characters immensely and there's always that touch of humour. Excellent weaving of sub-plots to confuse and enthrall.  Can't wait for the new book to come out. Well done, Stephen.  Keep up the good work.

From Pam, Bassetlaw Writers' Group
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Hello Mr Booth

I bought BLACK DOG from my local Waterstone's last weekend, and finished reading it last night. It was excellent, one of the very best novels I have read in a long time. Living in Leicestershire, and being familiar with the not-too-distant Peak District, I greatly enjoyed your wonderfully atmospheric descriptions of the achingly beautiful landscape, which added so much to the quality of your story. The characters were also superbly realized and totally believable, and I do hope you continue to feature the uneasy, unlikely "double act" of Ben Cooper and Diane Fry in your future works. Barely half-way into BLACK DOG, I bought up DANCING WITH THE VIRGINS and BLOOD ON THE TONGUE, and I am genuinely looking forward to absorbing myself in both (but I hope I don't finish them too quickly). Your work reminds me a little of Peter Robinson and his Inspector Banks novels in its lucid rendering of rural England and its sensitive characterisations, but BLACK DOG is certainly very original - and a fantastic debut novel. Thank you for your work, it is excellent.

Gary Roberts
Leicester
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Hi,

I am currently re-reading your books and am absolutely ecstatic to find that the new book is due out this week in Britain, my only comment is that I hope that the relationship between Fry & Cooper gets a few more words, I realize there is antagonism, but as yet do think that the conversations and characterization are a little sparse to explain it, and yes I have read & re-read the books.
So all in all I’m enjoying your series so far and as we normally get books in the Trade C size her in Australia at the same time as publication in the UK, I will be in the bookshops this week, some more dollars/pounds in your bank account and hopefully the book is to worth it and provides a lot of satisfaction in return.

Kind Regards
Theresa (Australia)
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Hello Stephen

I have enjoyed all your books. Have just finished Blood on the Tongue. I couldn't put it down but at the same time I didn't want to reach the end. So pleased that another book is due soon. Now retired I can really indulge my passion for reading.

Regards
Ann in Norfolk
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Just read this book ('Blood on the Tongue').  I found this book to be very interesting and could hardly put it down until I finished it.  Love the way a bit of history of WW2 was woven into this mystery.

Plano, Texas
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Hi,

I have just become an avid fan of your mysteries.  I was given the first one for my birthday in January and had to get another one as soon as I had finished it, so I have just finished Black Dog, and will now get Dancing with the Virgins.  I can't wait until the new one comes out in October, I am going to pre-order it from Amazon.  Until now my favorite author was Elizabeth George, but you are now on my top list.  Keep up the stories and I'll keep reading.
The Peak District is one of my favorite places and at one time considered moving to Buxton, so I can follow all the places and see them in my mind.
Thanks again for a Great Read.

Sylvia
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Dear Stephen Booth, I have just finished reading Blood on the Tongue and as a fellow Lancastrian now living in Arlington, Virginia, I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed reading this - your third book published over here. I can identify with your locales and your characters and am now looking forward to the publication of your next book in the U.S. also your visit to Washington, D.C. I hope you have many more books to write. Best wishes to you and your family. 

Irene
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I read Black Dog and thought it was great; couldn't put it down.  The writing style reminded me of Peter Robinson. I just ordered the next two and look forward to reading them

A fan
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Dear Stephen Booth,
My husband and I are looking forward to a stay in Matlock in mid-April--inspired by your three books. I'm so glad to read about your awards;  you deserve them for having a fresh approach. We'll be in England till mid-May so hopefully I'll be able to get "Blind to the Bones".  It was also nice to know that many Americans have discovered you also.  It is a real struggle, made easier by the Internet, to find British novels and mysteries.
We now live in a small town in western Nebraska, in the middle of America.  I'm constantly trying to educate other readers about the superb quality of British writing.  In this area, they've had so little exposure to authors other than Agatha Christie, Anne Perry, Ellis Peters, and Ruth Rendell--and P D James.  They are all excellent but there are so many fine new ones. Thanks for bringing us Ben and Diane.

Sincerely,

Bunni (Scottsbluff, Nebraska)
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I have just finished "Black Dog". I thoroughly enjoyed it.. I could actually hear the voices of the three old friends as I read the dialogue. I'm off to Chapters to find "Dancing With The Virgins"! Thank You! 

Yours Truly 
Bevin (Canada)
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I enjoyed very much reading the suspense novel Black Dog. Since I'm fluent in English and German, I also wanted to read the novel, - or parts of it - in German. I found the German book title Kühler Grund very disappointing, weak, bland, non-mysterious. I believe a different, better title would definitely help to rouse German readers' interest and help to sell the book. 

Best wishes, 
Hildegard (Portland, Oregon)
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I've just finished reading Black Dog, so I decided to see how many others there are and have discovered several more.  Very good news.  Anyway, just a note - the verb infer can't be used the way it is used in Black Dog (probably by accident). I imply that you did thus and such, or I infer from what you are saying that you mean whatever. 

Looking forward to reading the whole series. 

Nancy (USA)
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Stephen, are you not coming to the West Coast on your forthcoming USA tour?  I'd even drive to San Francisco to meet you again, but Seattle would be closer! Congratulations to you and DC Cooper for all your honors.

Nancy (Washington)

SB: Sorry, there'll be no West Coast visits this year. But you only have to wait until February 2004, when I'm back in California to attend Left Coast Crime in Monterey (plus a few bookstore events, no doubt!).
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Dear Mr. Booth: 
I have to congratulate you on writing Black Dog. I enjoy reading a wide assortment of books from pretty much every category, and I am also very picky. I was in Chapters and in looking around the books they have to offer, I came across yours. In my hand already I had my favorite author Anne McCaffery, but decided to put her aside to try out your book. I am glad I did. It kept me up all hours of the night trying to figure out what was going to happen next. I look forward to exploring your other titles. Do all of your books have a common tie like a series, or are they all individual stories? May I ask what inspired you to write Black Dog? Please keep the stories coming, but remember to take time for yourself to relax.. :) 

Sincerely, T
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Hi Stephen I'm looking forward to the next book, as are my friends, but please don't stop at one!!!!!!!! Heaps of women particularly of my ( older generation )love reading detective novels. 

All the best 
Pauline
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Dear Mr. Booth:
I just want you to know what a huge fan I am of your books. I received your first book, Black Dog from the Poisoned Pen Bookstore in Scottsdale AZ as a First Mystery Club pick. I became a fan immediately.  I have read all three and have your fourth one on order from the Poisoned Pen. I love English mysteries in general, and yours in particular.  The characters of Ben and Diane are so well drawn, and I am eager to see where their relationship goes.  Your descriptions of the Peak area make me feel like I have been there, though I have never even been to England. Somehow English mysteries seem so much more satisfying to read than most American writers, although we also have some good writers.  There always seem to be more layers and nuances in an English mystery.
I look forward to many more books from you.

Sincerely,
Pat (Arizona)
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Dear Mr. Booth
I have just finished "Black Dog" and loved it . I am looking forward to the "Virgins". Many thanks for a great read.
Sincerely, 
Barbara (USA)
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Just finished reading "Blood on the Tongue". Read it in 2 nights and enjoyed it every page of great descriptive writing.  The paragraph on page 280 that describes the Lancaster SU-V crashing into Irontongue Hill sent chills down my spine.  Have just ordered "Black Dog" and "Dancing with the Virgins" from my public library.
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Hi Stephen

I love your books because they concern an English hero who is gentle and a little lacking in self-assurance so unlike the tough American types!!!!! Please hurry and write some more as I read your three novels whilst on a two week holiday in Tasmania last December  and then there were no more to read!!!!!
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Thank you for such excellent and compelling reading. I have read Black Dog, Dancing with The Virgins and have just finished Blood on the Tongue, am now eagerly awaiting your next book. Coming from Derbyshire originally and later living in Sheffield for 11yrs. I know the areas you write about and that adds even more to the enjoyment I receive from reading your books. My husband and I are retired and after living in many parts of England are now settled in North Lincolnshire not the most beautiful of places we have lived in but the most affordable!! We are both avid readers, Doug will particularly enjoy Blood on the Tongue because of his great interest in aircraft also.
Thank you once again

Margery
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I read two yours first books and I would like to come to your event in New York City. I need to know what day and bookstore you will sign your last novel. 
Sincerely 
Your Reader, Alexander

SB: I expect to be visiting Black Orchid Bookshop on East 81st Street on Tuesday 29th April, and signing stock at Mysterious Bookshop on West 56th Street.
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Black Dog - thank you for a superlative read! Have a nice day!

Ray 
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Just read all three of your fabulous books.  Superb reading.  
Any more in the pipeline?  I always like to support local people - I live near Glossop.

Barbara
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Dear Sir;
My name is Ken Drew and I just finished your book, Blood on the Tongue and I just want to say that I really enjoyed reading about the crew of the Lancaster Bomber, because I was stationed at Bushy Park with the ATSCE. The park was close to Hampton Court Palace, and our billets was at Hurst Park, which I was told was the Kings race course. I arrived there in Nov. 1943.
But I have one question to ask you. On page 163 you write that you would rather have the Polish lads than the Bloody Yanks, I know that we were Bloody as we sure got shot up on D-Day. As for myself I had to sleep close to the floor and listen to the Buzz Booms all night long, and I also helped search in the bombed out tenements for any survivors. It just didn't seem right to put that in your book, I am sure that the majority of the English people don't feel that way. 
Just an old retired Yank Veteran
                                                                         
Sincerely 
Ken

SB: I'm sorry if the "bloody Yanks" comment upset you. Of course this isn't 'me' making the comment, but one of my characters. In fact, the characters in my books often say things that I don't agree with at all! I wasn't born at the time of the Second World War, so I could hardly express this opinion myself. But from talking to people who were around at the time, I'm aware that there was quite a lot of resentment on the part of British servicemen towards their American counterparts stationed in Britain. It particularly seems to have rankled when US soldiers and airmen were able to use their superior spending power and glamorous airs to 'steal' the local girls. A phrase I've often heard used about US servicemen of that time is: "There's only three things wrong with the Yanks - they're overpaid, oversexed, and over here!" 
I'm afraid the comment made by the ex-serviceman Walter Rowland in 'Blood on the Tongue' is quite in character. In that scene, he's remembering the mood of the time. If you recall, he also mentions that British people were very suspicious of each other, and anybody who was a little bit different could be treated quite badly. Not all the feelings that came out during the war were noble and patriotic ones! You're quite right that English people don't feel that way now. In fact, I rarely even hear people use the term 'Yank' these days.
Personally, my research for this book led me to respect the sacrifice that so many US servicemen made during the war. I particularly recall the wreckage of a crashed USAF B52 bomber which still lies on one of the hills in the Peak District. There's a memorial erected among the wreckage by members of a local air cadet unit commemorating the 13 American airmen who died on that spot. I think that's the sort of memory that will survive after the last vestiges of wartime paranoia have finally disappeared.
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I work in a branch library and take pleasure in recommending all your books. I was recently asked if there were any in Large Print but could not find any in the Nottinghamshire libraries catalogue. Are they out in large print yet? I feel there is a huge market out there as yet untapped! 

Sincerely, Pam Mann

SB: Large print rights in the first four books have been bought by W.F. Howes for their new Clipper Large Print editions. Black Dog and Blood on the Tongue are available so far.
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Have read all three and am re-reading Black Dog at present.  Is another in the works?

Dave (USA)

SB: 'Blind to the Bones' is due in 2003 - October in the USA.
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I just finished your novel Blood on the Tongue. I enjoyed it very much. 

R Neubelt
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Just wanted to let you know I finally got the time to finish Blood on the Tongue. Your books just keep getting better. I must admit I was a little skeptical about reading it as I was afraid it would have too much airplane stuff in it that would bore me. Wrong again.  I just loved it and was totally absorbed with the details.
I don't know why any readers ever truly disliked Diane but I did like the way you brought out in this book much more the fact that she is not as tough as she tries to act.  I caught it in the first couple but it was much more subtle than in this one. I just can't wait until the next book.  Will Ben & Diane ever figure out how much they care about each other?  And I still haven't figured out if it will just be a friendship or a romantic relationship.  Please don't kill one of them off right away.  I will be deeply depressed.

Your fan,

Gina (USA)

SB: There's no chance of Ben or Diane being killed off just yet!
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Robert (UK)

SB: For my first three books in the UK, large format paperbacks were produced as the main 'trade' editions, while the hardbacks were intended as library editions. In fact, the only hardback of 'Black Dog' in this country was a book club edition (there is a full-size US hardback available, however).
Although there were UK hardbacks of the second and third books, the initial print-runs were fairly low, as they were intended for the library market. However, these first edition hardbacks became very 'collectible', and the first printing of 'Blood on the Tongue' had sold out before publication day (it's still possible to get a UK hardback of 'Blood on the Tongue' now, since it was re-printed).
On the other hand, my fourth book, 'Blind to the Bones', will be produced in a hardback edition only in the UK. It's due to be published on 7th April.
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I have finished the trilogy and rate them all a 5!!  Proud to be on 4MA with you. Keep them coming.

Dolora (USA)
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Dear Mr. Booth,
Congratulations. I could not stop reading "Kühler Grund" ( the German translation of "Black Dog"). An excellent book. So, do you know when the next books are coming out in Germany?
Thanks

Peter
(Germany)

SB: "Kühler Grund" will be out in paperback in May. The second book, 'Dancing with the Virgins', is being translated into German right now, and should be published towards the end of the year.
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Dear Mr Booth
I have just finished "Blood on the Tongue" - it is another very satisfying book from your pen. Thank you very much.   I am looking forward to the next one in the series and I am very eager to learn how things work out between Ben and Diane.

I am an avid reader of mysteries, especially British mysteries. Having recently seen a review of Blood on the Tongue I immediately purchased Black Dog (I always want to start at the beginning of a series). You are to be congratulated for an outstanding story well told. It is such a pleasure to find an author who can not only write the language well (increasingly rare) but can also tell a good story, filling out the characters' lives with some interest and nuance and, then, finish off the book without resorting to some kind of less than believable heroics. I am going to buy Dancing With the Virgins today! 

Charles 
(Boca Raton, Florida)
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Stephen, another great story and a terrific read! ('Dancing with the Virgins').
Regards
Jill
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I just finished the novel (Blood on the Tongue). Thank you for a wonderful read!!! I have not 
read the first in the series but loved Dancing with the Virgins. I have been 
a murder mystery fan for years and now read only British ones and was 
thrilled to find Blood on the Tongue. With Morse dead and Rebus about to be 
killed off (or so I fear), I need new series to latch onto. Keep writing!!!

Debra Matheney
An Anglophile fan
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I picked up a copy of Blood on the Tongue just a couple of days ago and
couldn't put it down. Definitely your best to date. 

Best
Lizzie
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Hello Stephen!  Just wanted to let you know I thoroughly enjoyed 'Black Dog'.  I bought it last weekend and finished it yesterday.  A great read!  I had to go out specifically today to get 'Dancing with the Virgins'.
Keep up the good work.

Kind regards
Mrs Jill Mair (Bicester, UK)
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Hi Stephen
I felt I had to say a big thank you for the best three books I have read in a very long time. They have kept me entertained and thoroughly absorbed over the last few weeks. I am eagerly waiting for the next mysteries for Cooper and Fry to find themselves involved in. Can your readers expect something soon? I hope the wait won't be too long.

SB: 'Blind to the Bones' will be published in the UK in April 2003 and in the USA in October 2003.
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I don't know how I managed to miss your books when they first came out, but I was browsing through ebooks on powells.com, and found the first one. I bought it, and loved it, so went back and bought the second, which I am reading now. I hope the third one will soon be available as an ebook too; I've pretty much given up hardcovers as not being portable enough, so hope the ebook comes out before the paperback. 

Sue

SB: Unfortunately, Scribner have decided not to release an ebook version of 'Blood on the Tongue'.
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Helen (Mentor, Ohio)
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Dear Stephen, 
I finished reading your Ben Cooper and Diane Fry books today. I loved them! Of the 3 Black Dog, Dancing with the Virgins and Blood on the Tongue I couldn't say which I enjoyed more. I was totally enthralled! So when does the next novel come out? Thank you for sharing your love of the written word with us. You keep writing and I will keep buying and reading. <Grin> I live in Melbourne, Fl, retired and an avid mystery reader. 

Best wishes, Jeanette
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Can I just say that Black Dog was the best book I have read in AGES!! I couldn't put it down, a complete page turner and had me hooked from the start. I was up until 3am reading it the other night because I couldn't put it down, needless to say I was a bit tired at work the next day! 
Not wanting to be rude, but I had never heard of you or your books before and came across it totally by accident and I am glad I did, I can't wait to read the next 2 in the series. Well Done! 

Regards, Gail Prince (UK)
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Hi, Mr BOOTH. Just read all three on a two week holiday to Turkey, not that I did not enjoy the country or the holiday but what an exceptional read. I am a detective, a walker in the peak district and a lover of English Crime Novels and I have just read arguably three of the most accurate, entertaining and fulfilling books I am ever likely to read. Can not wait for the next installment. I am sure the televising of your books would lead to much debate among fans and I for one would not like to lend an opinion. Lets just say that  your characters are all present in my nick and seeing themselves on TV (some officers would never dream of picking up a book) might shock some into instant re assessments of themselves. April 2003 can not come quick enough.

With thanks, Paul G (Peterborough) 
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Prior to moving to Adelaide two years ago, I lived in Dore on the edge of the Peak District. I still remember seeing you do a TV interview on a Look North type of programme when Black Dog was very first published.  It sounded such a good read that I went the next day to Waterstones and bought a copy.  And I was not disappointed.  Since then I have been fortunate enough to read the other two books.  The settings for the books have even more meaning now we live so far from the beautiful Peak District. 
Is the next book still due for publishing April 2003, and what will it be called? Do you have any plans to visit Australia for a book tour and signing?  If so, will you include Adelaide?

Stephen Collins (Adelaide, Australia)
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Best wishes
Leslie (Hull, East Yorks)
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Just last week I was taken into hospital with an asthma attack. Although I felt fine within a few hours they kept me in for 5 days for monitoring. Now, through the QPD book club I'd decided to buy all three Ben Cooper books on spec, and I had the prescience to take them all in to hospital with me. I read them all in those few days. What a rush. Being a budding writer myself, I have to say I've learnt a lot from reading the books like that. The pace is excellent and the ability to weave so many strands is a real talent. Thank you for them, they're greatly appreciated. All I need to know now (apart from can I have your agent!?) is when is "Blind to the Bones" going to be released?

Cheers
Al

SB: 'Blind to the Bones' will be published in the UK in April 2003 and in the USA in October 2003.
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Dear Stephen Booth:

I recently discovered copies of your first two books in my local library -
Black Dog and Dancing with the Virgins - which I enjoyed very much and 
am now looking forward to the issue of your third book in the U.S. in 
October 2002.  I am always looking for new English mystery writers and was
interested to note that you, like me, were born in Lancashire.  My home
town is Prescot although I now live in Northern Virginia but am still 
very much a Lancashire woman.
I hope you will be able to continue writing the Cooper/Fry series and 
that I will be able to attend one of your U.S. book signings.  I wish you 
and your wife all the best in the future.

Sincerely,

Irene Clarke
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading Black Dog.  As an avid reader of mystery books,
I found your book spellbinding.  I like the in depth way you describe your
characters and the countryside of the Northlands. The staff at a quaint little bookstore in Toronto, appropriately named the Sleuth of Baker Street, recommended your book to me.  I will be watching to see if any more of your books become available. Again, thank you for writing such a wonderful book.

Lillian 
(Toronto)
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I am thoroughly enjoying your books. I was brought up in the Peak district so find the places are recognisable and the people believable! Keep writing - I haven't been lost in a book for a long time, thank you.

Geraldine
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I am a great fan of English police procedurals, mainly Yorkshire, but now I've added the Peak District.  I find myself thinking that the characters I've gotten to know are 'real', that they are just working away with cases and life between books, even though I know they are fictional.  I have actually found myself worrying about them! Just hypothetical as of yet - does Ben ever rise above DC?  Don't tell me, I am going to read the rest of the books when I can find them here in the US.

Peace, Bev Medcalf
(USA)
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James (Nottinghamshire, UK)
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Hi, my name is Alexander, a fan of detective stories. I have read your first 
book "Black Dog" in mass paperback format  and I like it.  I am looking to purchasing next your book in mass paperback format in November.

P.S. I am looking forward to see you in The New York City book stores.

Your Reader

Alexander (New York)
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Couldn't put 'Blood on the Tongue' down. Well, I could, because I had to sleep sometimes, but you get the idea :)) I know Derbyshire a little, but your sense of place was so strong that I could really see the settings, especially Lawrence Daley's shop and George Malkin's house. Lots of good twists and turns without cheating the reader, and excellent characterisation. I'm buying one for my best mate for his birthday. :)) Off to read 'Dancing with Virgins' now....

Heather (UK)
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Hello Mr. Booth - Just wanted to let you know how much I have enjoyed
reading your books.  Cooper and Fry are terrific characters and I look forward to
following them in the coming years.  I sure hope you can keep up the one
book a year pace. Wishing you continued success.

Lou 
(Seattle)
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Hi Stephen 

The site looks great. I ordered Blood on the Tongue from Amazon.co.uk -- it's in my to be read pile. I'm hoping to meet you finally at Bouchercon in October. My second home is in Austin and thought it would be a great opportunity for me to meet a new group of mystery writers. I saw your name on the list and was thrilled to see you are scheduled to attend. 
All the best

Moni (USA)
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Dear Stephen--
I am delighted to hear that you will be in Madison in October. It's about
time we got some of the awesome new British authors here in the Midwest.
Loved Blood on the Tongue. I don't know how it is possible, but each book
is better and more complete than the previous. I truly don't know how you
can keep topping yourself. Had a great time at dinner in DC, and very much looking forward to Bouchercon in Austin - I note that there is again a strong contingent of British authors, with Stephen Booth leading the group. Yea!!!
Sincerely,

Gary 
Madison, WI 
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Dear Stephen, just a quick line to say how much I enjoy your books and
have just finished Blood on the Tongue which you kindly signed for me at
Holmfirth. Living 'up north', it is nice to read about areas which are
familiar to me. I also enjoy the Inspector Banks series of Books by Peter
Robinson, which are set around North and West Yorkshire, and would urge
any of your readers who have not come across him to start quickly !!

Kind regards,
Gary, Huddersfield

SB: I'm a big fan of the Inspector Banks series, too, and have been for some
time. Peter Robinson lives in Toronto now, so he isn't over here very often. But I
did a joint event with him in January when he was touring to promote
'Aftermath'. And we'll be together again for the 'Dead on Deansgate' crime
fiction festival in Manchester in October.
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Stephen
I finished Blood On TheTongue a few weeks ago. I thoroughly enjoyed it and reckon it's the best yet.  You are developing the characters nicely and they look as if they should do many years service with the Derbyshire law. I have to admit that I picked up on a minority of the clues but was way behind on most.

Edwin (UK)
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I have just finished Black Dog, after it being recommended to me by the book club.  I found the book very interesting and the plot very good, not weak at the ending at all - not like most crime books.  I am looking forward to starting your next two books which I have also bought.  Keep up the good work, I will now add you to the list of 'must have' authors.

Anne (UK)
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Stephen
 
Just finished Blood on the Tongue which I thought was probably your best to date, but I must say that for longish novels all three have been superb at holding my interest from beginning to end. I grew up in Dore in Sheffield and have fond memories of the Peak District, which was why I was drawn to Black Dog initially. My mother still lives in Sheffield and I recently lent her Black Dog as I thought she would like it for the same reasons I did: mood, sense of place etc. This however then bought on a disagreement as to what was your likely basis for Edendale. Obviously it's fictitious but as you mention a number of real life towns/villages you must have at least a physical location in mind. I think you have used Hathersage as your basis while my mum thinks Hope (although we both agree the actual size of the town likens it much more to either Buxton or Matlock). Could you settle an argument/shed some light? Thanks. 

Charlie (London) 

SB: For Edendale's geographical location, I've stretched the map a bit and created a new valley, which lies halfway between the Hope and Wye Valleys. However, my mental image of the fictional Edendale comes from the stunning view up the Hope Valley from above Hathersage (so you're right there!). I talk about this very subject in a book due out in September called 'Scene of the Crime', which is all about the use of location in British crime novels. I even had my photo in front of that view.

On the other hand, Edendale itself is an amalgamation of several places. Buxton
is the only nearby town of the right size, but other parts of Edendale owe more to Bakewell, Matlock, Castleton and elsewhere. 
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Dear Mr. Booth,
 
It must be said that your novel, Black Dog, is by far the best crime novel I have ever read. In two days alone I read over four-fifths of the book. I thank you for providing that work of writing for readers around the globe.

Abby (UK)
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BLOOD ON THE TONGUE was an absolutely stunning book. I've enjoyed all three books tremendously. 

Bob (USA)
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Hi, I just finished 'Blood on the Tongue' and I loved it...would give it an A+. I think this is your best book so far, although I really liked the other too, also. This just seems so complete, all loose ends tied up so nicely in the end. Diane did not aggravate me at all this time. I found myself looking more closely and feeling sorry for her. I love the humor you put in... the time when Diane was sliding down the hill, and also Det. Insp. Paul Hitchens, he is very funny. The characters were great. I felt like I knew them and understood them, even the bad ones like Kemp. And the snow...I loved it. Living in Tucson Az. and it being summer with temps in the 100's there is nothing like reading a book that has snow from beginning to end. Thank you for that. It sure cooled me down. I don't know what you are writing next, but I can't wait....

Margie
(Tucson, Arizona)
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I decided to read something enjoyable and I settled in with Black Dog 
and my Shell Road Atlas.  Wonderful characters, and wonderful descriptions, 
and you have a great knack for screwing up the tension--though I did want 
to grab Cooper once in a  while and give him a good shake and say "Pull up your bloody socks, lad!"  I assume he and Fry will be back. I loved following your journeys around the countryside on my map, though of course there is no Edendale or Moorhay (just the tauntingly named Edale, but that must be far too tiny.)  Cute, that, about "if Edendale didn't exist, it would have to be invented."  
Is the Derby constabulary actually broken into districts with alphabetical headquarters?  Or are you just having fun? Anyway, a job well done and a fine book.   Those crotchety old men were a great creation.  I'll have to watch for your next, and next...

Yours, John
(Los Angeles)

SB: There really are alphabetically based police divisions in Derbyshire - I didn't make it up! That's why my fictional 'E' division had to be in a town whose name began with an 'E'. And, of course, Cooper and Fry are already back, with both 'Dancing with the Virgins' and the latest book, 'Blood on the Tongue', which will be published in the USA in October 2002.
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Got chatting to my postman a few weeks ago as we both very much enjoy
walking in the Peaks - I live near Glossop.  I told him about your books and
lent him 'Dancing with the Virgins'.  He was instantly hooked, ordered 'Black 
Dog' and 'Blood on the Tongue' and joined a crime book club.  He says he 
hadn't read a book for years and has been thoroughly enjoying himself.  
The post comes earlier so that he can get back home and into a book!  I've 
introduced him to some of my other favourites like Val McDermid so lets 
hope he continues to enjoy reading as much as I do.  

Linda
(Derbyshire)
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Dear Mr Booth,

I have just finished "Black Dog" and I am very glad about having discovered your first novel.  You have created a very interesting couple of detectives and  managed to describe the atmosphere of the setting very convincingly. One really gets a feeling of the place. Tonight I'm going to start "Dancing" and I'm sure you won't disappoint me and all the other readers. "Blood on the Tongue" will be the next one on my shopping list and I'm looking forward to all the good reads you have in store for us. Thank you!

Gerhard
(Germany)
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I have been waiting and waiting and can hardly contain myself. The third book is out! I met Stephen at Bouchercon, and what a joy! 

Joan (Ohio)
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Thoroughly enjoyed 'Dancing with the Virgins' - it is the best yet. Also enjoyed the latest interview on your web site. More power to your keyboard. Look forward to next April and the next book.

Joy
(Spain)
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Just a short note to let you know how very much I've enjoyed reading your books!!!  We find that, in addition to the intriguing plots and fine characterizations, your writing brings the Peak back to us as if we had been there only yesterday, walking the lanes and climbing the hills. I look forward to reading more of your work.

Flora 
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Hi Stephen. I'm delighted to hear that your new book will be published here in the Fall -- do you have any book signings set in NYC yet? I loved your first two books and can't wait to read this one! 

Sincerely, Gloria
(New York)

SB: There are no plans for signings in New York City this Fall - but I will be in Texas, Arizona, Indiana, Illinois and Wisconsin. I hope to visit New York again next May. 
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Dear Mr. Booth:
I just completed "Black Dog" and am thrilled to have a new British mystery author to follow.  Ben Cooper and Diane Fry are very interesting characters, and I am anxious to see what you do with them next.  Ever since I visited the Dales a few years ago, I have been plotting my return; now instead of returning to the Dales, I may have to take a detour to the Peaks you so beautifully describe. As an aside, Harry Dickinson reminds me somewhat of the Yorkshire Dalesmen in James Herriot's books.  Please continue your writing and bringing us these colorful characters!

Kathy (Coppell, Texas)
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We met at Dead on Deansgate in Manchester in October 2000. At that time I had read Black Dog and told you how terrific a book I thought it was. Since then I have read Dancing with the Virgins and just this week finished Blood on the Tongue, which was excellent. Hope to see you at Bouchercon in Texas. 

Richard
(Granada Hills, Ca)
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Have read all three of your books and have loved them all and although 'Blood on the Tongue' is fairly recent can't wait for your next book. Any ideas when that will be?

k jones

SB: The next Ben Cooper and Diane Fry novel will be published in the UK in April 2003.
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Hello Mr. Booth, 
I've heard only rave reviews of your first novel and would love to read it, but I'm blind and am desperately looking for an unabridged audio version. Has one been produced since the last time I checked? I've heard that authors don't have much control over these things, but I hope that you might have some influence with your publisher due to the success of both of your books and I can soon have the pleasure of "reading" you myself.

Margaret

SB: Unfortunately, 'Black Dog' isn't yet on audio, but 'Dancing with the Virgins' is available in an unabridged audio version from Soundings.
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I wrote to you after finishing BLACK DOG to let you know how much I liked it.   I was almost hesitant to read DANCING WITH THE VIRGINS in case it would not be of the same quality.  No need to worry, it was! With best wishes for your continued success with this excellent series,

Carol Segina,
New York
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Stephen, 
Just finished Black Dog. It is a perfect book!! Loved it

Dan
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I found 'Black Dog' very interesting and would describe it as intimate, an adjective agreed by one of the librarians when I discussed it with him. What makes the book more interesting is that when writing you said that you did not know what was going to happen next and so of course it exacerbates my curiosity and I wonder what is going to happen next and how it will end. I look forward to reading your succeeding books. Write on.

Terry
Leicestershire, UK
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Read 'Dog' and 'Dancing' back-to-back last month and I really enjoyed them. Both a really good read but 'Dog' was my favourite.

Howard (London)
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I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed reading Black Dog. I live in Ohio in the US and, although I have not visited the British Isles, I felt I was transported there by your book. I have recommended it to several friends and they have all loved it. I'm not really a mystery maven but I will not forget reading Black Dog. Thanks so much for writing it. Looking forward to more! 

Jerry 
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I was the first person that received Dancing with the Virgins at our local public library. Will put the US date on my calendar for the next book. I am re-reading 'Dancing'. The book is so well written that it is very easy to read again. 

Mary (USA)
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How about making Ben Cooper more outspoken, especially to the women? I thought that he was going to get on with Helen, but it does not appear so. He should also make sergeant.

BigBud

SB: My own view is that Ben is a bit immature in some ways and needs to make some changes in his life before he can sort out his relationships and his career. But rest assured I've got plans for him in the future. Watch out for changes starting to happen in 'Blood on the Tongue'.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have just read your web site for the first time today.  Also, I concur with the favorable comments on "Black Dog" and "Dancing with Virgins".  I too look forward to the next in the series in October.

Helen, Ohio 
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Just finished reading Black Dog which is our March selection at our Mystery Club.  I enjoyed it so much that I must get Dancing with the Virgins.  I have visited GB 14 times and find, among other things, that there are endless plots for "murder."  I understand that you will be here for the 2002 Bouchercon in Austin.  Look forward to meeting you. 

Charles
San Antonio, Texas
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My mother, a retired teacher and stroke survivor, completely computer unliterate but a very discriminating reader, insisted I email you because she loved Black Dog so much. She has never asked me to email anyone or any group before! When it was due back at the library this sidetracked and overwhelmed caregiver and mom named Bonnie somehow renewed it and read it for myself. I couldn't put it down. Like your other emailers, I felt like I was there. The farm atmosphere was very powerful and unsentimental. I love the stubborn old man (who finds the trainer) and his grand-daughter. And I wish I had an old high school friend like Ben Cooper. His feelings about his incapacitated mother were very real to me. I'm very picky about my mysteries (and I hate the ones that promise to be as good as Ruth Rendell and PD James and are not at all!), but Black Dog was a great read and I will be getting Dancing with the Virgins as soon as I can.

Bonnie (USA)
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I read Dancing with the Virgins a couple of weeks ago, and thought it an absolutely  wonderful read - so, whilst in Seattle last week, I went to the Mystery Bookshop and bought Black Dog.  Now I understand the fractured relationship between Fry and Cooper. I hope you realise that you are responsible for everything coming to a standstill in my home - I couldn't put Black Dog down!   Your books are just terrific - so literary, and no foul language and "in your face" sex - how refreshing these days. I'll be looking out for Blood on the Tongue - how can I wait till October?!!

Wendy
Port Townsend, Washington
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Hi there. I just finished the book Black Dog and I enjoyed it very much. I work at a library in New Jersey in the States.  So I have access to all sorts of books and books on tape etc. I was a little confused about one part of the book though, when Ben came home and went upstairs or something and saw a horrible scene, what was that? I didn't quite get it. I'll keep my eye out for your other works and read them as well.

Sincerely, Matthew

SB: Look for the flashbacks in the next chapter, as Ben recollects the scene. That should explain it (I hope!).
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Dear Stephen
I finished reading Black Dog two nights ago. WOW!!!!! I loved it!!! This was, for me, an example of where the characters and the setting are the main characters in the story. Your rich descriptions of the place made me feel I was actually there, and I enjoyed the people with their complex personalities. You are a wonderful writer!!! I look forward to Dancing With the Virgins!!!! I will read each one as they come out!!!

Coco (USA)
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I have just finished reading the two books you have written. Am looking forward to the third one. The first one Black Dog was very good, but the second one was a little lacking in substance and with the characters of Ben and Diane. But really good in the descriptions of the countryside and surrounding towns. I would like to read more into the relationship of Ben and Diane. Does she have to be so hard and distrusting? And what really happened to her before she came to the Peak District. Does she ever find someone to tell her story too.? Or do we keep wondering? Anyway, Hat off to you Mr. Booth for a good story.

Berly (USA)

SB: From my point of view, Diane is a character with great depths, which I've hardly explored yet. I have a lot of plans for her - but I can't give everything away at once, because there are more books to write in the series yet!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sir,
Just finished "Black Dog" and enjoyed it very much.  Glad to hear you have written more.  Really liked the characters and setting.  Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,

Steve (Indianapolis)
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('Dancing with the Virgins') Excellent.  What sensitivity for the human condition; such understanding and empathy.  Excellent mystery.  Just finished it.  Can only say wow...  When is the next one?  

Penny (USA)

SB: 'Blood on the Tongue' is up next. It's published April 2002 in the UK and October 2002 in the USA. Australia, New Zealand and Canada should see books early in June.
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I just finished 'Black Dog'. Really enjoyed it. My mother is from Wolverhampton. I still have relatives in Hampton in Arden and elsewhere in England though I live in Galveston, Texas. Hope to see a sequel soon.

Susan (Texas)
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I just got an email message saying you will be at M is for Mystery bookstore. It is too far for me to drive to, please say you are coming to other stores in the Bay Area.

Leigh Ann

SB: Several. Check out the Events page for details of my forthcoming West Coast visit.
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I have been away over Christmas and took a copy of 'Black Dog' with me. I found it most enjoyable and could hardly put it down. I am sure it will make a good film or more probably TV show. I have acquired 'Dancing with the Virgins' and will start that soon.

Steve (UK)
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Mr. Booth,
I'm not sure if your novel 'Black Dog' should be considered an homage to or a complete 
rip off of David Lynch's Twin Peaks.

Sincerely
Steve (USA)

SB: Well, since I've never seen 'Twin Peaks', I guess I'm going to have to plead ignorance rather than plagiarism on this one!
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Dear sir,
I just finished reading your first novel 'Black Dog'. This was the best book I have read since 'Cider House Rules' - which was many, many years ago. I really did love this book. I can't wait until your second novel, 'Dancing with the Virgins'. Of course, being a resident of the U.S., I will probably have to wait quite some time until this book is available. Do you have a map of the area covered in 'Black Dog'? I simply cannot follow in my mind... just thought some others might have this same problem. Sure do hope so. My husband and I have visited England four times so far, and hope to make several more trips there. We simply love England and Englishmen (women). It is so nice to see that there are still gentlemen out there. Again - loved the book. 

Sincerely, 
Monna (USA)

SB: Edendale is a fictional town, and so are some of the villages around it, such as Moorhay. Since the area is still developing as the series goes on, there isn't yet a definitive map of the Eden Valley. However, many of the other places referred to are genuine Derbyshire towns and villages, such as Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock and Castleton, so readers can work out for themselves where Edendale would be, if it existed. Also, the US edition of the second book, 'Dancing with the Virgins', contains a map of Ringham Moor, where much of the action takes place.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I used to belong to a mystery readers group that you frequently posted to, I can't 
remember now what it was.  When 'Black Dog' came out that was the main reason 
I read it.  It was my favorite mystery that year.  When 'Dancing with the Virgins' 
came out I couldn't wait to read it and was even more intrigued.  I particularly 
enjoy reading about an area I am unfamiliar with.  The descriptions in the books 
are so vivid I feel like I have been there myself.  To entertain and educate at the 
same time is a real gift.  If you ever make it to the West coast of the US on a tour
I hope to catch up with you in person (and buy lots of books too!).
Thank goodness for Amazon, I won't have to wait for the US version of the next 
book!

Adriene (USA)

SB: You're in luck, Adriene! I'll be visiting the West Coast of the US during March 2002. 
I'll be at the Left Coast Crime convention in Portland, Oregon, and will also be doing 
a number of signings at bookstores in California. See the Events page for details.

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Dear Stephen,
Read all your books and they just keep getting better. Excellent! Look forward to your next one. The Derby settings are very familiar in your books as we have friends who have lived there for years. You'll be pleased to know that I have recommended you to them. Yes, they are reading them as I write

Best wishes, Janet
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I belong to a Readers Group, and while browsing the new titles on the wall, the cover and title of your book caught my eye. I read some reviews on it previously so I decided to purchase it. Some of the English expressions seemed a little strange to an American who has not read books by many English authors, but I soon got in the groove and really enjoyed reading about this little village and its inhabitants. The mystery kept me guessing till the end. It also made me want to know more about the future of Ben and Diane, as I really came to care about them through this story. I passed it on to my daughter, who liked it as much as I did, and look forward to reading your next work.

Arlene (USA)
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Your book was great. Even my wife, who taught college english before she retired and is highly critical of the writing in many of my mystery books thought it was great. Thanks.

Don (Tennessee)
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I have heard only positive comments from those I have discussed BLACK DOG with. I certainly enjoyed it myself. Your characters and setting were superbly done.

Carol (California)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I just finished VIRGINS last night, and enjoyed it very much. I'm ready for the next installment now, please!

Denise (Texas)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BD wound up being one of my favorite books of the year. I am so glad that I put it down after reading about 50 pages or so and then picked it up again in a few weeks when I was better able to concentrate and read large sections. I wound up reading until after 3am one night so I could finish the book and find out all the who's and why's. I'm eagerly awaiting the opportunity to buy 'Dancing With the Virgins.'

Rory (California)
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I am currently at about the midpoint of 'Black Dog'. I'm enjoying it immensely and have just placed an order for 'Dancing wit the Virgins'.. (So glad to read that Fry & Cooper will be teamed up again..)

Ann (Illinois) 
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I'm now reading Dancing with the Virgins and really enjoying it. (I passed Black Dog to my boss earlier this year and she couldn't put it down - but she did return it!)

Tamara (California)
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Just a quick message to say how much I enjoyed 'Black Dog'. I was desperately trying to finish it on the train this morning, but as I left the train my thoughts were in such a spin about the story that I completely missed the ramp out of the station and started heading off towards the other platform, much to the amusement of my fellow travellers. So I finished it at my desk before work. I enjoyed every page and really got involved with the characters. I'd love to see 'Black Dog' made into a TV drama, but who would play Diane I don't know. The actress who kept popping into my mind was Clare McGlinn, who plays Charlie Ramsden in Coronation Street (bet you don't have time to watch it!)

Pauline
(Lancashire, England)
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I finished 'Dancing' and agree that is should be taking home a Gold Dagger. As good as 'Black Dog' and that is the toughest thing for an author to do, follow up after their first novel is a success. I ordered your next book from Amazon, something about a mouth or tongue in the title? I can't remember but I am very happy that I will be reading you for years to come.

Leigh Anne

SB: The third book in the Ben Cooper and Diane Fry series is 'Blood on the Tongue', which will be published in the UK in April 2002 and in the USA in October 2002.
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A brief note to say I've just finished reading 'Black Dog' and thoroughly enjoyed it. Dark and sinister, and hard to put down. And I couldn't see who had done what until the end.

Adrian (UK)
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I read and enjoyed 'Black Dog' which I felt captured the sombre attitude of some of the isolated inhabitants of the Peak District. I have just finished 'Dancing with the Virgins' which I felt had a slight edge on the first novel and which I enjoyed even more. I am eagerly awaiting the next in the series which I assume you are in the middle of researching and writing.
I was delighted to see you had taken the trouble to research the procedures of the modern day force and the attitudes of its members. So many novelists sail on regardless and haven't a clue (pardon the pun!) as to what police investigatory procedures entail. They forget there are people out there who can spot the elementary mistakes and are annoyed by them. 

Peter (Lincoln, England)
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I would like to thank you for such excellent books that you have done so far. I`m not usually a book reader but I found them very interesting and could not put them down. Keep up the good work. I hear they may be making a film of the 'Black Dog'. I hope so, I would go and see. It would be the first time I`ve been to the pictures in years.

Chris (England)
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Dear Mr Booth

I just finished 'Black Dog' last night. I took it with me for the long weekend (Canada Day) and read and read. It was excellent. I liked the story and the characters were well done. It will be interesting to see how the main characters develop in succeeding books. I'm looking forward to reading the second in the series. Thank you for writing the book, and I hope the next ones are even better.

Ellen (Canada)
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Many thanks for writing such a well written book ('Black Dog'). It is a pleasure to read a story that has good characters and the ability to have the reader be present in an unknown part of the world. I might even give it a try in the future. Walking is limited but that would not stop me. Looking forward to 'Dancing with the Virgins' and then many more

Mary
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Hi Steve

I just got a beautiful book today ('Dancing with the Virgins') and I have already read 15 pages of it. This is even better than 'Black Dog', and that is something that I didn't think could be done! You are terrific, and even though I have 382 pages to go I can't wait for the next one. Please, please don't ever quit writing. You owe it to us all to share that wonderful talent.

Sue (California USA)
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Really enjoyed it ('Dancing with the Virgins'), actually 'got into it' more quickly than 'Black Dog', but maybe because of already knowing characters. Well done, when can I have the next?

Richard (UK)
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Hi Steve, just wanted to let you know that I finished 'Dancing with the Virgins' the next day. I thought it was excellent, even better than 'Black Dog'. I don't have to
tell you that I will be looking forward to the next and the next and the next ---

Lorraine (Wisconsin)
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We really enjoyed 'Black Dog', getting round to reading it in December after a brief visit to friends in Derbyshire helped in visualising the setting. Know-it-all husband was sure he knew 'who done it' when only a short way into the story but later had to admit that his first choice had been sadly wrong!

Tig (UK)
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I just finished Black Dog. I read about 200 mystery novels a year, and rarely find one as good as this. I read it very slowly, because I didn't want it to end.
Thanks for a great book. I look forward to the next one.

Gail (USA)
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It was so refreshing to read a mystery that has it all. It was a good mystery, had
great descriptive characters, wonderful atmosphere, and probably most
important today, great writing. You reminded me of James Lee Burke with
your ability to picture with words. I never got lost on who was who right from
the start. I wasn't sure which girl he would go off into the sunset with......
you are one classy writer!

jean u.s.a.
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Hi Stephen,

Just wanted to let you know I enjoyed your book, Black Dog.

Dee (USA)
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Dear Mr. Booth:

Just finished your first Cooper/Fry mystery, and can't wait for your second 
book with this duo to be released. It is an excellent first effort.
Sincerely yours,

Bernadette
Massachusetts, USA
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Mr. Booth,
I'm glad to have become acquainted with your Black Dog. I enjoyed it all the way through. And I never guessed 'who done it'! I felt like I had stepped right into the scenery, and watched all the characters doing all their deeds. You made them so real, and your wonderful writing was such that I didn't ever get mixed up with who was who. (Some authors don't have that particular talent.)

C.S.
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Stephen,
The beauty of the internet is that it provides us access to some of the best writers of our times. Gee, if only I could rattle off a note to Jane Austen.

Gina
(Atlanta, Georgia)
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Dear Stephen Booth, 

I want to tell you how wonderful and fascinating a read BLACK DOG was. It took a lot to make me set it down, and towards the end, I just didn't! I love the characters, sense of place, and everything about the book. The fact that I really had no idea who did what is a lovely treat for me because I seem to figure these things out early on, due I am sure of years of reading nothing but crime novels! 
I look forward to reading as many novels as you care to write!

Best, Diane Plumley
A&E Mysteries.com Book Club Moderator
http://www.mysteries.com/bookclub
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Dear Mr. Booth:

I am an avid reader who loves to pick up a "first novel" by a new writer. Yours is exceptional for the fact that one would think it was written by a truly "seasoned" author, not a "first time" author. Your writing is superb in that it is beautifully descriptive, your characters are unique and the book is a real "page-turner." I am constantly amazed (I am about to finish the book - reading it slowly, not my usual 
practice, as I am enjoying it that much, so as not to come to the end that quickly) by the fact that this is your first book! Just one more thought - I can't wait for your next novel! Best of luck and as far as I'm concerned, you have made it, along with all my other favorite authors!

Simona (New York)
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Hi Steve

I'm reading 'Black Dog' right now. God, how I'm loving every sentence. What a deft touch you have, Steve. My husband has already read it, and he was crazy about it; he said it's about the best book he's read in years--and that's a high compliment coming from him, because he reads constantly. You did, by the way, totally stump him as to who the killer was, something authors almost never do.
Just wanted you to know, as I journey through this tale, that it's wonderful. It has such a haunting quality about it, and I'm loving it. 

Beth (USA)
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Dear Stephen,

An avid mystery fan - three to four a week - I had begun to despair of finding any more new and worthwhile reads. Black Dog was wonderful. I not only enjoyed the complex character development of your main protagonists and the old cohorts, but also what another reader termed your wonderful "word painting" of sights and sounds. The twists and turns and clues and red herrings were lots of fun. This is one of the few books I actually stopped reading at the end of several chapters, put down for a while, and then picked up to savor again. Most contemporary novelists are so intent on creating page turners, their works discourage careful reading. They are more like fast food than satisfying meals. Yours, on the other hand, was too good to come to an end. Keep up the craftsmanship - I look forward to your next one!

Vivian
Princeton, USA
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A couple of days ago I finished BLACK DOG and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it! As I was on Christmas vacation from my job (I teach) and trying to do too many things at one time, I didn't enjoy it as much as I should have. However, I will read it again and relish it more leisurely.
Anyway, good job! I look forward to the next one.

Jana (USA)
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I really loved Black Dog, read it in one day. Did you know that there is a restaurant & gift shop on Martha's Vineyard (US) named black dog? guess they don't really know the meaning of the term, I didn't either till I read your explanation.
A map would really have helped me enjoy the book more. I will go look up some of these areas on a map. It sounds like such beautiful country.
Thanks again, looking forward to your next!

Jane (USA)

SB: I had never heard of the restaurant until I read a review of 'Black Dog' in the Boston Globe, which mentioned it. The term seems to mean lots of things to different people. A reader told me it was the name of one of the pirates in Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Treasure Island'. A British lawyer said it was a mythical animal blamed for road accidents by people charged with motoring offences. And for another reviewer in the UK, it meant a track by the 1970s rock group Led Zeppelin!
My U.S. publishers, Scribner, have asked for a map for the next book, 'Dancing with the Virgins'. I must point out that the town of Edendale is my own invention - though if it did exist, you could locate it from the references in the books.
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Dear Stephen, 
I just finished your book "Black Dog" and I just had to e-mail you. I am an avid mystery reader and this is a wonderful read. British mysteries are my favorite. This story had wonderfully human characters and descriptions of the scenery. I think your talents have been hidden in the newspaper business and I am looking forward to your next book. Thank you and bless your work. 

Jacqueline Howard USA
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As an American, I sometimes don't catch the special touches by an author that call forth the very essence of a non-U.S. place to readers who've been there (as James Lee Burke does for us Deep Southerners with his South Louisiana setting, for instance). But I'm a dedicated Anglophile, with a special affinity for the Peak District -- and 'Black Dog' made me smell it, feel it and taste it all over again, even though it's been three years since my last visit there. (My Derbyshire and Staffordshire friends, I can tell you, are getting thoroughly sick of my saying to them, "You've GOT to read this book!"). I'm so happy you're getting the praise 'Black Dog' so obviously merits, and I wish you at least the same triumph with its successors.

Sue (USA)
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I just finished 'Black Dog' a couple of nights ago. It was one of the best books I've read in a long, long time; and I was delighted to see by your bio that you've been writing at other things for while too, so you've earned your place. Likely 'Black Dog' was no accident and you will go on to write more that are as good or better. You've just joined Ian Rankin and Val McDermid on my own small list of British authors I can't wait a year for the U.S. edition and so will order from either England or Canada.

Dianne (USA)
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Your book 'Black Dog' was outstanding, and I predict you will be getting lots of notices for awards. So when is the next book coming out?

Dorothy (USA)
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As a totally blind reader of mystery novels. I look forward to reading your novel through the media of tape. It will probably be a couple of years before I can get the unabridged version through our national library service. I so hope it will be sooner. I do not purchase the versions they have in book stores as they are usually abridged and I want to hear every word. Looking forward to your book.

Pat (USA)
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In the current DL top ten listings I only nominated two - yours and Val McDermid's 'A Place of Execution'. I've read a hundred or so good books this year, but these were the only ones that "Blew my socks off" or "twisted my knickers."

Ernie in the Sunshine State
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Hello Mr Booth... I just finished 'Black Dog', sent to me by one of my customers, and just want to tell you how much I enjoyed it, definitely a VERY superior read and every bit as good as many of the long established writers of Brit DI series. After I finished it, I tried to think what I liked so much about it... and decided it was the characters, always doing the unexpected, the setting very wonderfully described, and the cleverness of the actual mystery, lots of red herrings and misdirection, just what I love.. and backed up by very good writing.

Carolyn Clement    
Malice the Mystery Bookstore (www.malicebooks.com)
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Mr. Booth,
I can only add my congratulations to an excellent job! Having read the other readers' comments, all of my laudatory praises have been used! However, I am anxious to know if the next book will indeed continue the characters already developed. Stop answering all of these E-mails and get on with the next book!!!

Jean
Colorado

SB: I don't feel too guilty about answering e-mails - partly because I enjoy getting them so much, but also because the second book is already tied up and ready to go into production. 'Dancing with the Virgins' will be published in the UK in May 2001, and in the USA in October. Now I'm planning the third. And, yes, both these books continue the lives of Ben and Diane. I feel there's a whole lot to happen for them yet.
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Just finished BLACK DOG - read all day and couldn't put it down. Loved it!

Nancy (USA)
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Like the others, I too loved your book. How you bring in all the SMELLS is incredible. I was right there in the room with the sweaty guys, at the compost heap about to upchuck, fantastic word painting. I too will look forward to your next book. I am a former news hen (female journalist) and of course, like all retired newspaper people, I'm writing the Great American Novel (hah). Meanwhile, I learned a great deal from your book. Get the characters down so well that they live after the book is closed and put back on the shelf. I liked Miss Fry, who was not all bitchy, but had a heart and soul. I liked the gentle Ben Cooper, who had feelings, and what's so bad about that? You have a nice web site. Are you Steve? Sounds too American, right?

best, 
Barbara from Hobe Sound, Florida.
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Enjoyed it (Black Dog), especially as I used to stay at Hassop and Bakewell when I was a child. I hope this will become a long series with surprise endings.

Michael G.
(USA)
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Stephen,

I finally got a copy of BLACK DOG and loved it. It was one of those books that I couldn't put down until I finished it -- but I didn't want to finish it too quickly because I knew it would be a while before you published another one. Thanks for the good hours of reading -- I look forward to DANCING WITH VIRGINS.

Deb
Columbia, South Carolina
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Dear Mr Booth
I have just, very reluctantly, finished reading Black Dog; it is one of those books that you can't put down, yet don't want it to end!! I found it absolutely enthralling; quite a few red herrings and a stunning climax.
I loved the setting too. I'm a Derbyshire lass and could picture the countryside so easily. Thank you so much, and I hope your typewriter is working overtime on your next novel.
Yours gratefully

Mrs E.S.
(Nottinghamshire, England)
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Hi
I just wanted to write and tell you how much I enjoyed Black Dog. 
I cannot wait to be able to sell it to my customers. Is there any chance that S&S will bring you to the US? Good luck with the book in the States.

Bonnie Claeson
Black Orchid Bookshop, New York
www.ageneralstore.com

SB: I'll be in the US in 2001 and am really looking forward to it. I'll be attending Bouchercon in Washington DC, and I hope to be doing some bookshop events too, if I can possibly fit them in. 
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BLACK DOG: This is a wonderful book. I couldn't stop reading, yet I didn't want to finish and say goodbye to the characters. Your writing has such a fine literary quality, which is rare among mystery/crime writers. The only other writers in this category (at least in my opinion) are Ruth Rendell, Sarah Caudwell and Josephine Tey. Have you been influenced at all by these writers? In Rendell's Inspector Wexford series, she, too, draws a spectacular portrait of the [Kingsmarkham countryside] and its inhabitants. 
I'm very excited to add you to my list of favorites. May you write as quickly as I read!

Sandy
(USA)

SB: It's so difficult for me to pinpoint exactly which writers I've been influenced by, since I have devoured everything I could lay my hands on in the crime and mystery field over a number of years. I've certainly read all of Ruth Rendell's work, so there must be something of her in me, I suppose - whether I'm conscious of it or not. One of my recent favourites is Reginald Hill, who sets his 'Dalziel and Pascoe' series in the Pennine district of Yorkshire, which is not very far from the Peak District and is similar in character. But then I just had to write about the Pennine countryside, anyway, because it is where I was born and I have such a passion for it. Sorry I can't keep up with your reading rate, but the next book IS finished and I'm working on the one after that!
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BLACK DOG is one of the best books that I have read in some time. I bought my copy from Sleuth of Baker Street in Canada and have been recommending it to friends and family. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

Good Luck,
Carol (USA)
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Hi Mr. Booth- I really enjoyed BLACK DOG. It was definitely a terrific story and a memorable reading experience. Good success with your future writings and endeavors.

Sincerely,
David D. (USA)
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Well Steve, with the great reviews on DL, I couldn't wait for the US release. Ordered it from Amazon.co.UK and got it in about a week. Great read. Have since sent it on to a friend, and hope she recommends it to other friends. Wish you utmost success with both the US release and the e-book.

Ernie in the Sunshine State
(USA)
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I'm just reading Black Dog which I ordered through Amazon. Brilliant book, genuinely un-putdownable (if that's how you spell it). (I'm a police man and a regular visitor to Bakewell and Derbyshire - so it's true to life for me)
Looking forward to Dancing with Virgins, I'll definitely buy it.

Ivor H.
(England)
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Mr. Booth,
I just finished reading Black Dog last evening and I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed it. In many ways it did remind me of Reginald Hill. I know that he gave you a wonderful blurb on the book and I can see why. The sense of place was very strong, as were the characters. I do read the britishmysteries list (I just lurk, don't post) and I believe I saw a comment by you that you are writing another in this series? I will look forward to that and only hope you write many more. I bought your book from amazon.uk and got a soft cover and was wondering if there is a hard cover also? Thank you and I hope this is a best seller, it deserves to be!

Lorraine
(Wisconsin)
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Hi Steve
I just received a copy of your book from Post Mortem books in the UK. It apparently is a paperback original. Is that correct? Most of us prefer the hardback format and it appears a bit curious that one of the most promising debuts of the year is not a hardback. Can you clear this up?

Thanks
Larry G. (USA)

SB: Black Dog was a paperback original in the UK, but Scribner have produced a very handsome hardcover edition in the USA.
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Dear Mr. Booth,
I started it (Black Dog) last night and read until 2.00AM. My mind wanted to keep going but my eyes said no. I can't tell you how excited and thrilled I was to find you. It's just brilliant, it reminds me of the best English authors, Reg Hill, Colin Dexter, Frances Fyfield, Elizabeth Corley. There are never enough books by these authors and I am always left waiting for a new title to come out. Happily I can now add you to the list and have many happy hours filled with beautiful writing, great plots, intelligent cops and robbers. I could go on and on but my writing skills are dismal and I want to go back to Black Dog.
So
Thank You!
Thank You!
Please let me know when the next book is coming out.

L.A.
(USA)
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Hi Stephen

Finished it (Black Dog) yesterday, in one sitting. Truly excellent. Already on my top ten for this year. As of this month April, there are only two other books in that position, so I do not bestow a top rating lightly. 
Is this the first in a series? I ask as there is some much scope for the characters, and I want to know more about them.

Best
Lizzie (England)

SB: The next book in the series, 'Dancing with the Virgins', will be published in May 2001 in the UK by HarperCollins and in October 2001 in the USA by Scribner.
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Dear Steve

I have just finished your book and would like to congratulate you on an extremely thrilling book - I was kept guessing right up until the murderer's exposure in the book itself, so well done to you. The whole book was extremely clever and I am eagerly awaiting the next one. Having visited the Peak District three times (twice from my Aunt's in Huddersfield and once we stayed for a week in a holiday cottage in the village of Alstonefield) I was able to visualise your various descriptions of the scenery and remember the 'real' places mentioned in the book.
Did you do very much research before you started writing/during writing or have you acquired most of the information from your years as a newspaper journalist?

Maddy
(Sussex, England)

SB: One of the skills of being a journalist is to write about subjects you know nothing about, but to sound as though you know everything! But yes, I do quite a lot of research on specific subjects I am unfamiliar with (such as how to identify bite marks on a body, or the best way to build a compost heap... ) 
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Stephen....I just started your book and really like it... I am only on Page 20, and the atmosphere is terrific...I feel like I am right there in the Peak District.

Margie
(USA)
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Congratulations on your wonderful book. I read it at the Great Yorkshire Show and couldn't put it down. Look forward to the next one.

Carol
(England)
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Hi steve, im just emailing you to tell you that i have finished reading your book, and i think its great and am looking forward to the next one.

Nick
(aged 18)
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Congratulations...we've both enjoyed Black Dog. Whose kitchen table/sink were you describing and whose goat? When is the the continuation to be published? (Do question marks get transmitted on e-mails?) 

Richard and Jane
(Herts, England)
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Hello Steve,

At last I've got hold of the book - I really enjoyed it. I didn't want to put it down so a fair part of the weekend was devoted to it and I finished yesterday tea time. It was interesting, exciting, happy, sad and loads more. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Lynne
(Derbyshire, England)
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Dear Stephen

We have both just finished reading your book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It kept us guessing to the very end. We hope it is the first of many and we look forward to the next one. No doubt you will soon be giving up the 'day job'!