I have just emerged from organising the Historical Novel Society UK 2024 conference at Dartington Hall in Devon. The conference had 250 delegates onsite and another 150 online. Speakers included Bernard Cornwell, Diana Gabaldon, Ian Mortimer, S.G. MacLean, Elizabeth Chadwick and Kate Quinn.

The chairman of the society, Richard Lee, presented me with this replica medieval vielle – the instrument played by the heroine of my latest novel, Beatriz de Farrera. The instrument features – blood spattered – on the front cover of the novel, which is a medieval murder mystery.

I am absolutely chuffed! What a brilliant gift!

I’ve just been to buy a case to fly home to France, so now I look like a musician. I will have to ask the luthier in my village if he might be able to show me how to play at least one note.

Love’s Knife is just out in paperback and ebook.