Your Latest London Dispatch for August 2024
As I write a draft of this newsletter, I have the Olympics on in the background.1
I love the Olympics. Although it was not the first I remember, Atlanta in 1996 was the first time I really paid close attention to the games, and what memories I have. Muhammad Ali lighting the Olympic flame. The Magnificent Seven and Kerri Strug’s vault. Michael Johnson2 wearing his gold spikes and winning gold in the 200m and 400m.
I don’t think I realized how much I needed the Olympics this summer, but my dedicated watching every night (and during the day while writing Substack posts, apparently…) tells me that I absolutely did. I rarely speak about politics here,3 but suffice it to say I have been in a pretty constant state of worry for months.
Although the British election is now behind us, I am keeping a close eye on the American election coming this autumn and what that will mean for my friends and family back in the US. I am worried about the erosion of many people’s rights, including my own. I’m very concerned about the rhetoric on and offline and how it will all play out. Closer to home here in the UK, I watched the disgraceful riots that have happened across the country before communities came out to protect those being targeted, but I continue to worry about the innocent people who continue to be the focus of that hatred.
It is very easy to descend into a feeling that everything is dark right now—and much of it is—but I think things like the Olympics help. It might sound cliche or cheesy, but the games have reminded me there are good things happening in the world right now too. People can show incredible kindness, incredible humanity, and incredible sportsmanship. And, with determination, they can also do incredible things.
If you are a reader in the US, please take a moment to make sure that you are registered to vote in November, and make a commitment to exercise that right to vote. Vote.org makes it very easy to register do that. And if you’re an overseas US voter like me, check out the Overseas Voter Services.
Book news
Not going to lie, I feel a little weird talking about my books after advocating for voter registration, but I’m pushing through uncomfortable feelings here and going to roll with it…
Evelyne Redfern series
There is so much going on in the world of Evelyne Redfern right now! After turning in the first draft for Evelyne Redfern #3 in July, I took a much-needed breather while I waited for the developmental edits from my editor. Now that I have that in hand, it’s full steam ahead with making the book the best version it can be.
Meanwhile, gearing up for two big releases in the world of Evelyne Redfern. A few readers have reached out to ask about when these books are coming out, so here’s a quick cheat sheet:
September 10: A Traitor in Whitehall (Evelyne Redfern #1) comes out in paperback
October 1: Betrayal at Blackthorn Park (Evelyne Redfern #2) comes out in print, ebook, and audiobook
(If you want to check out more details on either of those books, just click on the titles.)
The Dressmakers of London
I have put the finishing touches on The Dressmakers of London my historical novel (out February 18, 2025) and now the first copies are starting to make their way out to reviewers, bloggers, and bookstagrammers.4 Keep an eye on this space to find out more about a couple of upcoming giveaways I have planned…
Link Roundup
There are two things I wanted to share with you. First of all, if you haven’t had a chance to read my article about Noor Inayat Khan, a heroic radio operator who worked in Paris during World War 2, you’re really missing out! She showed incredible bravery and should absolutely be remembered.
I also did an interview with The Strand Magazine about the Evelyne Redfern series ahead of Betrayal at Blackthorn Park coming out. You can read all about it here.
Postscript
What I’ve been reading: I have been fascinated and impressed with the in-depth reporting that Anne Helen Peterson has been doing on Substack all about Bama Rush with her Bama Confidential series. Whether you have a connection to Greek Life or not5, it’s compelling reading. I would also highly recommend reading her “A Unified Theory of Glen Powell.”
What I’ve been listening to: I really enjoyed Bad on Paper Podcast’s recent episode with special guest and very much best-selling author Emily Henry. It’s wide-ranging and made me realize I’m probably just outside the generation that watched Disney Channel movies. Or perhaps we just didn’t have cable…
What I’ve been watching: I mean, obviously the Olympics. Also Twisters, which I thought was far better than it had any right to be. However, the movie that’s stuck with me most recently was Iron Claw, which I watched with my family last weekend. Well-acted, beautifully shot, and heart-breaking, I highly recommend it but also recommend checking content warnings before you proceed.
What I’ve been cooking: I made this Crispy Mustard-Roasted Chicken from the Barefoot Contessa the other day, and it was a big hit.
What I’ve been knitting: I am so close to finishing a Find Your Fade shawl for my sister because knitters deserve having things made for them too. It’s proven to be a great stash-buster!
Track cycling, for those who are curious. And yes, I do sometimes write these newsletters a bit in advance because I’m doing my best to fit them around my regular writing schedule.
He is a commentator for the BBC now, and I always enjoy listening to his take on the Athletics.
I used to be a journalist, and it was drilled into me that I was not to publicly speak about politics. Although I am very vocal about issues that matter to me in my private life, donate, and am a dedicated voter in both of my countries, speaking publicly is still something I struggle with now that I am out of the business because old habits are tough to shake.
If that’s you, you can request the book on NetGalley now!
I do not.