Porto is gorgeous! Loved our few days here.

I know I’m banging a not-particularly-original drum here but why does everything cost so much in Ireland? Had breakfast in Casa da Musica (similar cafe would be very expensive in Ireland) two coffees, cheese toastie, cheese croissant, fruit salad, water - €11.50!

We’re very wet. #Porto

Lunch in a vegetarian and naturism themed restaurant! #Porto

Starting the year off with a visit to very pretty bookshop. Happy 2024 from Porto!

Gaza is the only place on earth where thousands of children could be trapped under rubble and there is not an international coalition planning a rescue

Can’t remember if I’ve shared this but I think about it constantly “Just take them and leave me alone”

Coffee and profiteroles for breakfast (I could pretend there's no bread for toast but there is...).

Watched 'Miracle on 34th Street' last night for the first time and really didn't like it. That letter the little girl writes to Santa is like a blackmail note! Back to 'It's a Wonderful Life' today... #ChristmasClassics

Doing the Christmas quiz in The Guardian (questions set by leading authors which includes *gasp! crime writers!) and loving this question from Anne Enright.

Christmas swim (brrr) in the rain. Now for the reward! Happy Christmas all!

During the Covid lockdown, if you had family round on Christmas Day, police could force entry to your home and make them go home.

Does anyone know if this is service is still available, and if you have to book?

Know someone who loves a good crime read? Bet they'd also love tickets to hear Denise Mina, Andrea Mara and Doug Johnstone discuss crime fiction with Andrea Carter at #EBCF2024

(Part of our limited 5 events for €55 ticket bundle!)

Info/tickets: ennisbookclubfestival.com/events-2024/

Christmas in Dublin. Mammon and the Messiah!

Highly chuffed to make it into the The Irish Times Best Crime Fiction of 2023 along with amazing fellow Irish writers Catherine Ryan Howard Olivia Kiernan Jane Casey Liz Nugent unamannion Mark O’Connell all of whose books I loved!

Very sad about this, but wishing Simon a wonderful retirement (and hoping not much will change!).