Please use this page to leave a comment on the Booker & Cash stories, or read some from readers who have enjoyed them.
Oliver Tidy
Crime and Thriller Fiction
Please use this page to leave a comment on the Booker & Cash stories, or read some from readers who have enjoyed them.
Oliver Tidy 
Well done Oliver, another great book.
Thanks so much, Dawn. I sincerely appreciate your feedback and comments elsewhere.
Best wishes.
Having just read your blog, I must tell you though I love R&M I prefer Booker and Cash. Just saying.
David
Thanks for your comment. I’m equally fond of all of them and it pains me to break my writing cycle but needs must.
Best wishes.
I have read Bad Sons. It was another great read. Couldn’t put it down, had to keep going from the hooked start to the satisfying finish. You do not confuse your readers as some authors do. You tell it as it is. Anything remotely likely to cause confusion you kindly provide ample explanation. I love the books. Please could I comment on a few tiny errors? location1190 , the context calls for “knew” and not “new”, location 2786, the word “hijack” was spelt incorrectly.
Linda
Thanks very much for your positive and encouraging comment. I’m very pleased to learn that you enjoyed Bad Sons. And thanks for your very kind words regarding my writing. All much appreciated.
Got those corrections, thanks. I’ll update the text.
Best wishes.
Oliver
Finished the first Booker & Cash book today. A very enjoyable journey and I thought I had the plot ‘sussed’ (auto-correct keeps wanting to change this to ‘Sussex’) when I was just over a third of the way through – wrong! I’m not sure how believable the reason was for all the criminal activity was (I won’t go into detail or it might spoil the story for others) but a good read never-the-less.
Do you know what? I might just part with some of my ‘well earned’ and actually pay for the next book of yours that I read.
Please keep up the good work as finding a new author and catching up with their books is one of life’s pleasures.
By the way (or more importantly) I’ve recently read a couple of Lee Child books and I think you give him a good run for his money.
Jim R.
Hi Jim
Many thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the read.
That auto correct function on my kindle is causing me some problems. My mum is still not talking to me.
Fourth R&M next.
I wouldn”t mind some of Lee Child”s advantages.
Best wishes.
Oliver
Incidentally, is the Book Shop the Pilgrims Hospices Furniture Shop on Google street view? I’ve never been to Dymchurch but like to get the ‘feel’ for a place when reading a book set in an identifiable location so I often have a look around on street view.
Regards
Jim
Hi Jim
Indeed it is.
Best wishes.
A great read, Oliver. For a while, I was expecting another Ocean, the pub, to take a bigger role!
Linda beat me to it with the ‘new’ ‘knew’ error, and I have a feeling there was an earlier one.
I came across Bad Sons through a tweet from Tin Larrick, who I think you know. He has an uncanny knack of directing me, either through his books, or yours in this case, back to places I know well. I nearly drowned in the New Beach holiday camp when I was 15, just 2 years after coming 3rd in a pipe-smoking competition there! Don’t ask, but I blame the parents. I’m now looking forward to reading your other books set in the Marsh area.
Hi Mark
Thanks for getting in touch. It”s always good to hear from readers with an intetest in the locality. Glad you enjoyed the read.
Pipe smoking competition at New Beach? The mind boggles. Anyway, good that the pool didn”t claim you – I”d have lost a reader. (You can see how selfish and narrow minded a writer”s outlook can become.)
If and when you get around to any of my other books, please let me know what you think.
Best wishes.
PS I hope Tin doesn”t get jealous.
Hi Oliver
I blame you for my tiredness, another late night sitting up in bed reading. Another excellent book and thank you for the free download. Am about to buy your other books (Sansom) and I’m looking forward to the next Romney and Marsh book, Don,t forget that Romney is to be bitten by a small dog!
Best wishes
Penny
Hi Penny
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know. And it’s great to learn that you will give the Sansoms a try.
As for Tom Romney and the toy dog, I can promise you a big story there. First draft is finished and . looking good.
Best wishes.
Hi Oliver,
Finished the new book and I have to say what a pleasure it was to read. Just left my 5 star review on Amazon and Goodreads…..
“What a fantastic weekend read!!!
I’ve read all of the books published by Oliver Tidy and, I’m glad to say, this one lived up to and even surpassed the very high standard set by his Romney & Marsh and Acer Sansome books.
Others have given a good précis of the plot so I won’t repeat that here. What I will say is that this book is brilliant in it’s conception and plot line. The characters live and breathe off the page. The detailing is perfectly pitched without becoming tedious and the writing is crisp and clean.
The book is a very professional piece of work and if you hadn’t guessed already, I thoroughly enjoyed it. As good as any Patterson, Cussler, Connelly that I’ve read lately (and I’ve read them all)!!!
Well done Mr Tidy. You made my weekend (again).”
Truly a tremendous effort which deserves far more recognition!
Looking forward to R&M 4 and anything else that you care to grace us with.
Andy
Andy
Many thanks for leaving such wonderful comments here, on Amazon and on Goodreads. I really appreciate your time and trouble and thoughts.
Very pleased that you enjoyed this read too. Truly, it is highly motivating to read such kind words about my writing.
Fourth R&M is coming along nicely.
Best wishes
Oliver
Loving bad sons, used to holiday in st Mary’s bay so have fond memories of dymchurch. Thank you again, stella
Hi Stella
Great to learn that Bad Sons is going well for you. Thanks. I hope I haven’t spoiled your memories of Dymchurch. 🙂
Best wishes.
Just finished reading Bad Sons whilst recovering from some particularly painful surgery. Thanks for a good read and despite my Tramadol induced haze I managed to follow the storyline. Looking forward to the 4th R and M book.
Thanks, Paul. Glad you liked it.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery. R&M 4 is finished in its first draft form and I’m working on the edits. I think it’s the best one yet, but I would say that, wouldn’t I?
Best wishes.
Read all your books now enjoyed all of them whens the next one out ?
Acer,romney and booker have a lot of mileage left in them will we ever see any of them crossing paths in future books ?
Hi Grant,
Thanks for getting in touch. And thank you for your support of my writing.
I’m working on Acer #3 at the moment. It’s going well. Should be out in time for a British summer read i.e. sitting indoors while it’s raining.
Funny you should mention the crossing of paths. It has occurred to me, usually when I’ve been drinking. But it would be a lot of fun to manufacture.
Best wishes.
Hi Oliver,
being an expat in florida summers are spent indoors with the A/C cranked up!
ive had my eyes opened on just how many quality self published author’s are out there takes a bit of getting used to that books being given away free or a few dollars bears no relation to the quality of the writing at all! some really really good stuff out there! always a pleasure to find a new author with a few books already out there for a binge read
keep them coming!
grant
Grant,
I still get a kick out of learning that my books are being read on distant shores.
I agree with you about the quality of a good chunk of self-published books available. I’ve had some great reads. And a lot of them come from the free lists. I really don’t need the competition. Things are hard enough without it.
Best wishes.
Just finished Bad Sons and loved it, had to stay awake last night till nearly 3am to finish it because I couldn’t put it down! Have to read all books on kindle as unfortunately I have an allergy to print which to say the least is a bloomin’ nuisance, but so glad I have found your books. Read all the Romney & Marsh ones, is this one the only Booker & Cash so far? Am just about to order the first Acer Sansom one now!
Hi Anne,
Thanks for your lovely message and for trying B&C after your Romney and Marsh experience. It’s great for me to know that it gripped you so. Glad you enjoyed it. Bad Sons is the only B&C at the moment, but I am working on #2 now.
As a ‘real’ book lover and a book collector I can only imagine how awful it must be to have a print allergy. And then what a welcome innovation for you ebooks and ebook readers must be.
I look forward to seeing what you think of Acer. They are a bit different from my usual. I’ve just finished the first draft of #3 in that series.
Thanks for your continued support of my writing. It is greatly appreciated.
Best wishes.
I loved this book and am looking forward to the 2nd installment
Thanks, Tamara. I’m working on it at the moment in between editing my third Acer Sansom.
Best wishes.
Oliver, thanks again for another wonderful book. Read it in about a week, like all your other books. I love the fast pace of the books and the interesting way you keep us hooked as to what will happen next. I want to ask about your inspiration for this book? Where did you get the idea that a detective could somehow become involved with a suspect in a murder investigation? I kept thinking “she wouldn’t be doing that” but I guess that what makes it a great book. If Cash had shown no “personal” interest in Booker, the book would fail to grip us the way it does. Thanks again. Ben.
Hello again, Ben,
Good to hear from you and good to learn that you enjoyed this one, too. Thanks for getting in touch and saying so.
Years ago I heard something of PLUTO. I thought then that it could make a subject for a crime novel. One of those ideas that were stored away.
As for where the idea for Booker & Cash came from – it was really a response to reading a Raymond Chandler novel. I felt inspired to try a bit of hard-boiled in the first person. I managed the first person, but it’s more soft-boiled in my opinion. If you’re interested here is a blog-post from the time where I wrote regarding my venture into B&C country.
https://olivertidy.wordpress.com/2013/01/22/551/ (Note: I changed the title that I was planning.)
As for why a detective would risk it all by behaving the way she did in the book, I’m going to fall back on my usual defence: I just make it up as I go along. I’m with Elmore Leonard and Ray Bradbury regarding writing. They both liked to let the characters lead the stories. Elmore said something like, ‘If I don’t know what’s going to happen to a character then how will the reader.’ I like that idea. I find planning intricately rather dulls my writing. Also, I can blame the characters when things go wrong.
I’m 30,000 words into the sequel and I’m quite liking it.
Best wishes and thanks again.
Oliver, thanks for the reply and thanks for remembering me!!! I like the way you let the characters lead the story, it must make it really interesting when writing, compared to having some pre-planned sequence of events. You must have an amazing imagination to just roll with it. It must also make you feel immensely proud that so many people are on here requesting you write more. I have never completed an ebook review, but I will do now as I know how much it may help you. Thanks again.
Ben,
My pleasure. I try to remember everyone who has done me the kindness of getting in touch. But, of course, I’m only human and sometimes my memory lets me down.
I have tried planning stories but it just doesn’t work for me. Nothing comes. I once said to a friend that I ‘think through my fingertips’ which was a bit pompous and got the reply, ‘so you make it up as you go along then.’ Yes. That’s what works for me.
Writing a book, especially a detective story, is like a puzzle, I find. Sometimes I can paint/write myself into a corner for a few days and I think, how the hell am I going to get out of this. So far something has always occurred to me. It’s a bit seat of the pants stuff at times but it brings its own rewards and satisfactions.
I do feel very fortunate to have a good readership who offer me solid support with downloads, comments, feedback, contact and encouragement. It is a very special feeling.
Best wishes and thanks again for being one of them.
I am so very fortunate to have stumbled upon you (the author) quite recently. I just this moment finished Bad Sons. This is the fifth book penned by you I’ve purchased and devoured. While I quickly became addicted to Romney & Marsh, Booker was not as addictive to me. I truly enjoyed the book and would buy the next, were it available. I just don’t feel the same pull with these characters as I did/do to R&M. A wonderful read, a bit too much violence. Didn’t quite seem believable that one would subject themself to such danger. I do not mean to sound as though I did not like the book, I did, truly. I totally love your writing, you have such an amazing gift! Clever clogs, you! Well done, Oliver Tidy! I look forward to more…please hurry!!
Hello again, Lucy!
Many thanks for another wonderful message and your thoughts for my writing and characters. I’m always interested in reader feedback.
I’m working on B&C#2 at the moment. I like the way it’s going.
I know what you mean about the different characters and their appeal. B&C are not Romney and Marsh, yet, but I do hope to build them into a pairing that will make them as popular as the Dover bunch, or close to it. Time will tell on that.
Maybe it would be in my best interests to just churn out R&M Files because they are by far the most popular of the three series that I write, but I think I’d get bored doing that. I need the interest that comes with variety.
I sincerely appreciate your kind words for my writing. To be honest I’m a bit humbled by them.
I’m writing as fast as a day job and a three year old boy will let me. Oh and the World Cup has just stared so I don’t think I’ll be very productive for a couple of months. Good job it’s only once every four years.
Best wishes.
Mr Tidy,
I’ve downloaded most of your books. Love Acer but had to give my Kindle to my daughter who is studying eng /eng lit at KCL. I’m holding out for a Kindle Voyage so Acer 3 may be a April birthday read. Any chance of a signed photo that you allegedly couldn’t give away.
Regards,
Dave Williams.
Hi David
Many thanks for getting in touch.
It’s always good to know that readers are enjoying my writing. Writers are nothing without readers.
Good luck to your daughter with her course. My name will probably not crop up in an English literature programme of study. And good luck for that Kindle Voyage – they look great.
If and when you get to read Acer #3 please let me know what you think.
As for those photos, my wife gave them all away to the local boy scouts for target practice. Sorry.
Best wishes.
Oliver I am very impressed with your books, I have read the Booker Cash, and two of the Romney Marsh series.I will purchase and read all your books, and you are now on my must read author list, along With Peter May, Peter Robinson,Ann Cleaves,Elly Griffiths, Kate Ellis and a few more.
Well done I have enjoyed all of yours I have read todate.
Daivd
Great to know. Thanks for getting in touch. And thanks for your support and downloads. Good to know that you’re enjoying the books so far. Some great authors there. I’m very flattered for your kind words for my writing.
Best wishes
Mr. Tidy,
I’m not a writer. But I did leave an Amazon 5 star review. I loved “Bad Sons.”
Thank you!
Best,
Julie
Hi Julie,
Many thanks for your very welcome message and for your very positive and encouraging review on Amazon. Much appreciated.
So pleased that you enjoyed Bad Sons. I hope you’ll give the follow up He Made Me a try and let me know what you think.
Best wishes.
Hello Oliver,
You can certainly tell a cracking story! You have three series on the go, all with distinctly different styles. No mean feat indeed. While reading ‘He Made Me’, I had to smile at one of the locations. Where did you billet Julian Clary while you had Rebecca Swaine in residence at Goldenhurst?
I’m currently reading Acer#2 and, while I appreciate the general improvement in spelling and punctuation throughout my journey through your books, the proofreading still needs work. Reading about Sansom and Samson in the space of two paragraphs spoils the flow somewhat! In a previous life I was a freelance proofreader for OUP’s ELT division, and the errors do spoil a good book when you are on the edge of your seat with suspense. That said, I must concede that yours are the best CWAP books I have read since subscribing to Kindle Unlimited.
Best wishes
Shelagh
Hello Shelagh,
Many thanks for getting in touch. I always appreciate a reader’s time and trouble for that. It’s encouraging to know you’re enjoying the reads.
Your message was timely. I needed distraction. I’m currently revising some of my early books. It’s become a chore. I’m spotting a lot of errors. On the bright-side at least I’m spotting them now.
I went straight to my Acer files to check ‘Samson’ and was astounded to find 7 in Dirty Business and 2 in Loose Ends. Yikes! (None in Acer #3. Phew!) I’m in the process of updating all the front matter in all my books, so I’ll take the opportunity to upload those changes, too. Thanks for pointing them out. Something else I am always grateful for is when a reader lets me know about an error.
Your Julian comment made me smile. I wonder what the man himself would think of me populating his home with my characters.
And your CWAP line made me laugh out loud. It’s all good fun. (Or it should be.)
Best wishes and thanks again. 🙂
PS I have not proofread this reply. 🙂
Hi Oliver
Glad to provide the distraction, but I’m tempted to nag and tell you to get on with your writing!
With regard to Julian, let’s hope he’s not one of your readers! Incidentally, have you read his “Briefs Encountered” which was inspired by Goldenhurst?
Since you seem to relish the wagging finger, be careful with “they’ll” where it should be “there’ll” – Acer#3 Loc 2707 “But if it won’t then they’ll be implications for you …” and Loc 2894 “But they’ll be checks.” This is a common error in all your books, along with missing words. Easily done – brain quicker than fingers.
Are you happy for me to continue using this method of communication, or would you like to email me a direct contact? I would be happy to help you with additional proofreading, although if I really want to be kept out of mischief I suppose I should offer my services to some of the cwappier writers!
Shelagh
PS I can tell that you do not generally do so!
Hello Shelagh
Thanks very much for the ‘they’ll’ correction. All fixed in all the books it showed up in. (I’ve just spent time doing that.) Much appreciated.
Not read Julian’s book. I probably won’t. (Unless he reads mine. Fair’s fair.) I did wonder what would happen if he did read He Made Me and liked it and Tweeted about it. Can you imagine the people who would see it?
My email address is olivertidy@yahoo.co.uk Please feel free to contact me there anytime, if you’d prefer. I am genuinely happy to receive feedback.
Thanks very much for your offer to proofread. I do have a long standing arrangement with someone who does that for me. But if ever he can’t or doesn’t want to continue, I’ll be in touch. 🙂
Best wishes.
PS Not sure if you will have seen my CWAP joke on the blog but in case you didn’t: What do you call three Crime Writing Author Publishers lying on top of one another? A pile of CWAP. 😦
Having enjoyed all 6 (to date) of the R&M files, the obvious next step was to dip in to Booker and Cash. I read both in 3 days! As enjoyable as R&M with the characters as well drawn and likeable, the plots as exciting and well planned. Acer is next and I’m looking forward to the R&M Christmas Special and more B&C of course.
I haven’t been to Dymchurch for a while but I must go when the weather is a bit warmer. Such a shame I won’t find a lovely peaceful book themed coffee shop. Of course I’ll have to try!
Keep up the great work Oliver,
Cheers,
Mike.
Hi Mike
Good to hear from you and with such a positive message. Thank you. I’m really pleased to learn that you enjoyed the B&C stories. Thanks for your continued support in giving those a go. Good to know you enjoyed them.
I do enjoy writing about Romney Marsh (the place) and I often dream of having my own coffee themed bookshop in Dymchurch, although I don’t think it would do very well down there.
Glad you’re going to give Acer a try. It’s different to the other two series, obviously. I look forward to learning what you think.
Best wishes.
I finished reading He Made Me at the weekend the same day as I happened to take a trip to Dymchurch to give the dog a run on the beach before summer season restrictions kick in (work means I doubt i’ll get chance to do the short journey again before may), was so windswept I had looked at the Hospice furniture shop and wished so hard it was somewhere to get a decent coffee.
Anyway back to the story and what a great read it was, loving the characters of Booker and Cash and you’re writing just gets better and better.
Love Booker and Cash, just finished the last one ( from Three Short Blasts), as always brilliant writing!
Thanks for sharing, Anne. Glad you liked it. I thought it was fun. 🙂
Best wishes.
Hi Mark,
Good to hear from you and that you are continuing to enjoy the stories. Thanks for your ongoing support.
Believe me, if I had the money that place WOULD be Bookers in the high street. And you would find me every morning sitting at my own table typing away. Posters of my books’ covers on the walls and signed copies for sale. 🙂
Glad you liked this one. There’s a B&C short story in Three Short Blasts if you need a top up. B&C #3 coming on nicely.
All the best.
Just started the Booker Story in Three Short Blasts, that opening paragraph describing Davids walk and ‘his’ Dymchurch was spot on (almost) could close my eyes and do the walk in my head, done it so many times. The only slight error was the dodgem music it’s at least 5 different songs and depending if its the old guy or the young guy running the ride it’s either the same 5 rock and roll or same 5 SKA Songs.
The R&M Story in 3SB was a great romp and Peter was in it 🙂
The surprise was the Acer story, i’ve not read any of those because the initial premise didn’t really grab me but having read the story I will now add those to my Oliver Tidy library. The writing style was excellently fast paced and as spy stories go was easily on a par with any of the Raymond Benson James Bond expansion stories.
You open Bookers and i’ll be a regular
Mark,
Can’t believe I got the playlist details wrong. Still, as I’m soon heading back ‘home’ I’m pleased to learn that there are more songs than I bargained for to entertain me.
Glad you enjoyed the R&M and if the Acer encourages readers to have a go at him, I’m happy. The short will have done its job.
I fear the only way there’ll be a Bookers is if I win the lottery.
Cheers.
Hi Oliver
Just finished B/C 2 when are these 2 going to get it on they did a bit of spooning on on one night and that was it .
Apart from that another good story I am now going to go into the withdrawl syndrome till the next one comes out the trouble is we can read them faster than you can write them
Who is next R/M or B/C or is it something else.
Best regards and power to your fingers from Mick. (I don’t say this to every author I am a big fan)
Hi Mick
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to get in touch. Really good to know that you are enjoying the reads.
Your timely question gave me a good smile. I’m writing #3 at the moment and I have been seriously thinking about what you suggest. But I’m still not sure. Would it not upset the dynamics of their relationship? I think that what I will do in the end is what I usually do – let the characters decide. One of the good things about making it up as you go along style of writing.
All the best and thanks again.
After ripping through the Romney and Marsh novels I started on the Booker and Cash stories. I have to say you could benefit from some editing of the French in Bad Sons. It’s pretty bad! Otherwise I am enjoying the stories and plan on buying more (via Kindle and Amazon.com)
Michelle
Hello Michelle
Many thanks for getting in touch over the reads. Very good to know that you are enjoying them and plan to try some more. You’ll be pleased to know that there is no more French to come. 🙂
Best wishes
OK, the football’s over (Wayuls, Wayuls) and you have your carpets. Now for B&C?
Some of us are in the sunset years. Time etc. No pressure …..
Anne
Hi Anne,
Thanks for putting a smile on my face. Believe it or not I haven’t turned the TV back on after the end of the football. And I’m back writing. Just not B&C 😦 Like all self-respecting athletes…ahem… I’m doing some warm up exercises before I get back to my game. 🙂
Best wishes
In connection with the first Booker & Cash book and PLUTO, there is an I nteresting article in today’s Mail Online – http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3704022/How-three-fake-cottages-ice-cream-shop-helped-defeat-Nazis-buildings-concealed-giant-pumps-send-fuel-500-miles-pipelines-Allied-forces-France.html
Thanks,James. Much appreciated. Going over to look at it now.
Best wishes
Good Morning Oliver,
Just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed the R&M series of books. Gutted that I’ve now finished them, but at least I can now look forward to the B&C one’s then the Acer Sansom trilogy.
Keep up the good work.
Regards,
Russell Hyde
Hi Russell,
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to get in touch over the R&M Files. it’s alwasy good to learn that they are being read and enjoyed. I had a lot of fun writing them.
If and when you get around to one of my other series, I hope it also brings you some reading pleasure. It’s what it’s all about.
All the best and thanks again.
Just finished reading bad sons. Quite enjoyable, but I must say that I prefer the R&M stories. also tried to download the free 3 short stories but unable to do so. Just kept going round in circles. When can we expect the nex R&M story?
Hi Barry,
Many thanks for your comment. And thank you for trying another series of mine. Much appreciated.
I’m not sure if and when there will be another R&M File. I have a lot of other writing projects that I’m very keen to have a go at.
Sorry that you are having trouble with downloading TSB. If there is anything I can do to assist there, please let me know.
Best wishes.
I have just read the first two Booker and Cash books. What makes them so special is that having lived in the area for a significant part of my life, it is so easy to picture all that is happening in my mind. Books read in a much shorter time than most as I cannot put them down, The same applied to the whole of the R & M series. Please keep these stories going.
Best Wishes
Jim
Hi Jim
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to feedback here with such positive thoughts for the books. Much appreciated and always good to know. Glad you enjoyed them.B&C #3 will be out in the summer. I’ll post information on the blog when I have it.
Best wishes and thanks again.
As a Whitstable girl (girl – ha!) and a fellow crime writer I was delighted to discover the Booker and Cash book, and look forward to the third. Just starting the Romney and Marsh series. Well done, and wish I was that prolific!
Hi Lesley, Many thanks for your comment. Good to know you have enjoyed B&C enough to give R&M a try. My secret for churning them out is living abroad away from distraction. I’m back home in the UK now and this is the most I’ve written in a month :-(((((
I wonder what name you are writing under?
Best wishes
Morning, Oliver
Thought I’d replied to this, but obviously not. I’m http://www.lesleycookman.co.uk/ and I feel I need to get to grips with the website! It’s been run by someone else for well over ten years, and as one of her first customers, I think I get left at the bottom of the pile, sometimes!
Best
Lesley
Hi Lesley,
As a student of the Amazon charts I am, of course, familiar with your books. Your writing is highly regarded and deservedly so. Many congratulations.
Yes, the social media presence, like a temperamental house plant, needs constant attention. Sigh.
All the best. 🙂
Love Booker and Cash, and was so interested to read others’ comments. Things I like best–their relationship and the new characters that were introduced in Book 3 and who I hope will appear in the next offering. I really enjoy the stories as well, and I’m not critical as to improbability, as all the scenarios are improbable for a 71 year old granny!!
I tried Romney and Marsh a while ago and found myself really annoyed at Romney’s treatment/descriptions of women. Perhaps you are just too good at getting your character right as he is, but I don’t like him! Does he “improve” as the books go on?? Cause I do want to love this series as much as I do Booker and Cash!
Hi Barb,
Many thanks for your time and trouble to get in touch. Good to know you are enjoying B&C.
I’ve had a few comments from readers hoping to see Ben and Maria again. I’d better make sure that happens. 🙂
Romney does start out as a bit of an ass. Actually, he’s a bit of an ass right through the series. But I like to think that Joy Marsh gets the measure of him and brings some balance to the team. If it’s any encouragement I have received lots of positive feedback for the later books on the Amazon UK site. But don’t read the comments because of spoilers. 🙂
I’ll be continuing with B&C soon I hope.
Thanks again for your message and best wishes.
As with all Oliver’s books, it was difficult to put down. I kept telling myself, “Just get to the end of this chapter then go and mow the lawn / sort out the garage / go for a walk… etc” but at the end of the chapter I just have to keep turning the pages. This man knows how to keep the reader interested. The pace of the book is spot-on, the characters believable and the sense of location brilliant.
Oliver has a very good turn of phrase and a wry sense of humour. My favourite sentence in this book is “We retook our places in facing sofas, a coffee table and a difference of opinion between us.” Love it!
Other favourite authors, currently (not necessarily in order of preference):
Robert Goddard
Pauline Rowson
Sara Sheridan
Elly Griffiths
Peter James
Mary Higgins-Clark
James Patterson
Oops, I should have said, this relates to Oliver’s latest book in the Booker & Cash series – ‘Poor Hands’ but having read all his previous books I can recommend them all (with one exception – just to add a bit of ‘Tidy Intrigue’).
Hi James,
Many thanks for your time and trouble to post a valued and encouraging comment. Sincerely appreciated, as are your kind words and ongoing support. Good to know you enjoyed the read.
Some great authors in your list. 🙂
Best wishes
Incidentally, I think you should be getting paid by the Kent Tourist Board (if there is such a thing) as some of the locations you so vividly describe probably attract visitors to the area. Personally I enjoy looking them up on Google StreetView (which could, possibly, be considered slightly sad 🤔).
Thanks for another great read.
I live in Ashford Kent and my sister mum and niece all live on the marsh I have just finished reading all three of your Booker and cash books loved them all especially as I knew most of the places you use in your books e.g. the bell in ivychurch I’m really looking forward to reading another Booker and cash but in the meantime going to start reading yr Romney and marsh books keep writing your brilliant.
Hi Diane,
Many thanks for getting in touch. Always good to hear from a satisfied reader, especially one who is familiar with the area and places I’m writing about. I’m working on B&C#4 but it will be a while. Too much else going on at the moment.
If and when you get around to some of my others, I hope you enjoy the reads.
Best wishes and thanks again.
I read the Romney & Marsh books some time ago and thoroughly enjoyed them. I have just got into Bad Sons; it’s ticking along nicely.
I hate to nit-pick, but in the scene where Booker is kidnapped and left in the barn, we are told that he’d had a gag placed in his mouth. When the old man finds him in the morning and asks him a question, he answers effortlessly … or did I miss something?
However, let’s accentuate the positive. I’ve enjoyed your plots and characters, thus far.
Hi Steve, Thanks for getting in touch. Good to know you are enjoying the reads and that you’ve gone onto B&C after R&M.
Good point on the barn scene. It was so long ago for me that I’m struggling to recollect. I’ll need to revisit it and, probably, make a change or two.
Best wishes.
BAD SONS: First of your books I have read. Really enjoyed it. A refreshing change from American thrillers. Not sure if anyone else has commented on the French (spoken by the native speakers towards the end) but needs checked by native speaker. Tu es/ regarde and some not very idiomatic turns of phrase. Sorry – typical (retired) French teacher!
Hi Peter
Thanks for getting in touch. Good to know you enjoyed the read.
I have had a few comments from readers regarding the French used in Bad Sons. I must have changed those few expressions more than anything else in the book 🙂 Perhaps it’s time to find myself a native French speaker. 🙂
Best wishes
Oliver, I have read your first two Booker and Cash books and am over half finished with the third. Already, I am dreading finishing it thus I am at this site attempting to learn if there will be more. I love your writing style, the realistic characters and your full knowledge of the locale. Please tell your fans that there will be further cases for Booker and Cash to solve!
Hi Carolyn, Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to get in touch. It’s always good to hear from readers who are enjoying the books. Thank you for your kinds words. Much appreciated.
There will certainly be more outings for Booker & Cash. Hopefully, another one this year, if I can catch up with everything else.
I’m Romney Marsh born and bred, so know the area well and have great affection for it.
Best wishes
I just discovered your series Booker & Cash and I love it and them! I read them all in the last week along with Three Short Blasts. Now I do not know what to do…I want, need, have to have another. I usually do not like English mysteries but this series is wonderful and the characters are so much fun. I am enjoying learning about your section of England and I have been googling the area to learn more. I am now starting your other series but please hurry with a new B & C book. I love their relationship, and their humor. I can’t wait to read more of their adventures!!!!!
Hi Sue, Many thanks for your time and trouble to get in touch. Much appreciated. Great to know you are enjoying Booker & Cash – they’re are a pairing I’m very fond of. I have a lot of fun writing them and, being from Romney Marsh, it’s a place I love to write about.
I hope to have another one in the series out before the end of the year. Fingers crossed.
Thanks for giving some of my other books a go. I hope they can also bring you some reading pleasure.
Best wishes
Hi Oliver
Some commentators critiquing your French, so I’ve used some other languages here:
Congratulazioni per i romanzi Booker e Cash
Felicitaciones por las novelas Booker y Cash
Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu den Booker und Cash Romanen
Keep up the great writing. I wish you financial success so you can fulfil your dream of creating a Book-Themed Coffee Shop in Dymchurch (although I could imagine some of your fans visiting and asking you to sort out their personal problems…and you missing the opportunity to write for the rest of us 😮 )
Best Wishes
John
Hi John,
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to get in touch. Sincerely appreciated, as are your kind words in mutiple languages. Haha…I really enjoyed that. Thank you.
Great to know that B&C have another satisfied reader. It encourages me to continue their story.
Like Costner’s Field of Dreams, one day I will build my coffee shop and ‘they’ will come. (I hope.)
Best wishes and many thanks.
I will come to the coffee shop when it opens. And I will bring friends. So looking forward to that.
3 days and read all 3 books. Loved the characters and now I need book 4! But I shall start with Dirty Business and hope I like this series as well. I like your writing style very much.
I’m a huge zazz, so please correct it to Miles Davis….only thing I noticed in a three books.
Cannot wait to see where Booker and Cash go next. Thank you.
Hi Krissy, 3 days, 3 books? That’s amazing and a real compliment, thank you. I’m made happy to learn that you enjoyed the characters and the stories. The series is very close to my heart. I hope to have #4 available towards the end of the year.
Did I spell Miles Davis wrongly? I’m embarrassed. I love his stuff. I will correct it. Thanks for pointing it out.
I hope the first Acer was worth your reading time.
Best wishes
Now onto Dirty Business. About 90% done but have to leave. Agggg.
Thanks for sharing. I hope you’ve finished it by now. 🙂
Oh yes, Oliver and on to Loose Ends.
I gasped aloud about the little girl!
Life gets in the way of reading 24/7.
Thanks again fir these intriguing stories.
Krissy
Many thanks, Krissy. Good to know you’re enjoying the reads.
Best wishes
Thank you Oliver, I thoroughly enjoy you writing. Have read all the B&C and Acer adventures + The Three Short Blasts, working my way through the R&M cases. Booker and Cash are my favorite characters and the location is on my doorstep. Even though I am a Kentish Man and not a Man of Kent, I certainly have always appreciated the Romney Marsh area and Dymchurch in particular. I am looking forward to B&C’s next adventure. Too bad there is not an actual coffee shop like Bookers.
Keep up the great writing,
Seadley
Hello,
Many thanks for taking the time and trouble to get in touch. I really appreciate connecting with readers who are enjoying my writing.
Always good to hear from another fan of Romney Marsh. I think it’s beautiful, full of interest and underrated, especially the golden sands.
If ever my ship comes in there will be a Bookers in the village and I’ll change my name to David Booker and sit around all day doing nothing except drinking good coffee.
Best wishes
If I ever win the lottery i’ll by that Hospice shop and open Bookers and Oliver can sit there writing all day 🙂
Haha… thanks, Mark. I could live with that. 🙂
Hi Oliver I have just finished the Booker and Cash books…Really enjoyed them..
As a child mum and dad took me to Maddisons , love the marsh so much , often come down to the RH&DR. Born and bred South London… Now in my 70s. P,ease tell me there will be more of Booker & Cash
Best wishes Rob (Woodchurch)
Hi Rob,
Many thanks for your time and trouble to comment here. Much appreciated. (Apologies for the lateness of my reply – holiday!)
Great to know that you enjoyed the reads. I had a lot of fun writing them. I love the Marsh and all it has to offer.
I’m on something of a writing sabbatical at present but hope to get back to things soon. When I do B&C are at the top of my list.
Best wishes
Hi Oliver
Have now read, I think all your opus ( or should that be opi ! Not too keen on the Acer ones – got a bit similar eventually but really liked Romney and Marsh. As for Booker and Cash they are fabulous. When do we get more?
Yours Gill
Hi Gill, Many thanks for your time and trouble to get in touch. Hearing from readers is always a pleasure, especially when they’ve ploughed through the lot! Thanks for your interest, support and endurance 🙂
I’ve had a lot of fun writing the above series. Acer is taking a well earned rest. Romney and Marsh may return. Booker and Cash will definitely continue, when I life settles down a bit and I get time to finally sit my backside down at the computer.
Best wishes and thanks again.
WOW so pleased I found this series. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Booker and Cash. The I also found Romney and Marsh! MORE PLEASE.
Hello again Siobhan, I’m delighted that you also enjoyed this series. I had such a lot of fun writing about B&C (there is a lot of me in David and a lot of David in me). One day I would like to get back to my characters but at present I’m engaged on other ‘real life’ projects. A man’s got to eat, sadly.
Best wishes
Hello Oliver. Firstly, I want to tell you that I love detective stories and read them almost to the exclusion of any other genre. Secondly, I spent many happy holidays as a child with an aunt and uncle who lived in St Mary’s Bay and cousins in Dymchurch – one of whom worked at Lydd Airport. So when your Booker and Cash books were brought to my attention by Amazon, I just had to delve further. I have just finished reading the first in the series and feel the need to contact you before starting on the second. What a refreshing change; to read a detective story written from the perspective of one of the ‘suspects’ rather than the detective, and in the first person too. I enjoyed it so much, I did not want to put it down until I read those words “The End”. Thank you for such an enjoyable read, you brought back so many happy memories for me of my childhood and young teens (many moons ago now) as I wandered along familiar roads in my memory.
Hi Margaret,
Many thanks for your kind message. It is sincerely appreciated and my day is always brightened by contact from a satisfied reader.
I live in Dymchurch and was born and bred on Romney Marsh. I love the place and I’m made particularly happy if readers who have personal experience of the area find that I’ve done it some justice.
I hope you go on to enjoy the other two books in the B&C trilogy.
Best wishes.
Bit of a late comer to reading this series, but I couldn’t put them down once I started! I grew up in Hythe, work at the Marsh Academy and drive past ‘Booker’s’ every morning on my way to work. Loved them. Romney and Marsh series next!
Hi Charlotte,
Many thanks for getting in touch regarding B&C. It’s always good to hear from a reader who is enjoying the writing, especially someone who knows the area well. I hope that the R&M Files don’t disappoint.
Best wishes.