This book began way back in 2018, on a day when my husband and I had spent a most enjoyable visit to the Antiques Centre in Sheffield. This is a large area within the Sheffield suburb of Heeley, and there are several huge antique places to explore, and spend money.
While we were there I saw a desk. I had just bought a white one from Amazon that had required a degree in engineering to assemble, and I actually quite liked it, until I saw the desk in the Emporium. I stroked it, I investigated every drawer and every cupboard, and I wanted to get out a can of Pledge and give it a good polish. Then the dealer, having spotted me drooling over this stunning piece of furniture, appeared at my side.
‘You found the secret drawer yet?’
He showed me where the lever was that released the drawer I would never have imagined was there, and then said the killing phrase, ‘I can take £25 off the price.’
I thought of my new desk at home that only that morning I had been so happy with, and looked at the price ticket of £350. I reluctantly left the centre, feeling disgruntled but having to agree with my husband that an antique desk simply wouldn’t look right in my little corner of the kitchen that is my office. I could have cried.
On the way home I began to write in my head. The story evolved slowly, but by the time I reached home the illegitimate child had arrived in my world, as had Clare.
With the first couple of chapters tucked nicely away, things suddenly ground to a halt because my publisher asked if I would fancy having a go at writing a cosy mystery series, and subsequently that became nine books. The Desk remained on my computer ready for resurrection when the time was right, and that time is now here.
It is no longer called The Desk, which was only ever a working title, and has morphed into The Couple Across the Street. The two original chapters haven’t changed at all, I just continued as if there hadn’t been five years between that visit to the Emporium and 22nd January 2023 when I finished the book.
Get out a can of polish and enjoy!
Get a copy of The Couple Across the Street here: https://mybook.to/Acrossthestreetsocial