WELCOME TO MY WORLD!
Yes, you are in the right place! The website and blog of C.C. Humphreys. Click on any of the links above, or the covers to the right, to go to any of the novels. On their pages you will also find podcasts, galleries of photos… and the odd film!
… and now!
OUT ON PAPER IN THE UK NOW AND IN CANADA ON SEPTEMBER 17TH
HISTORICAL FICTION BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHRIS (CC) HUMPHREYS PRESENTS:
SMOKE IN THE GLASS
THE FIRST NOVEL IN A FANTASY EPIC TRILOGY THAT THE GUARDIAN CALLED: ‘INTRICATE FAST PACED STORY… AND IMPRESSIVE WORLD BUILDING’ (Read Full review HERE)
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And GRIMDARK MAGAZINE SAID: ‘I really enjoyed this book. Smoke in the Glass isn’t pulp–Humphreys’ plot, prose, and characters give this book a sense of quality and gravity without skimping on fun and readability. If readers are in the mood for traditional fantasy with historical verisimilitude and a mythical twist, this is the novel for them.
THE FIRST NOVEL IN A FANTASY EPIC TRILOGY THAT THE GUARDIAN CALLED: ‘INTRICATE FAST PACED STORY… AND IMPRESSIVE WORLD BUILDING’ (Read Full review HERE)
And GRIMDARK MAGAZINE SAID: ‘I really enjoyed this book. Smoke in the Glass isn’t pulp–Humphreys’ plot, prose, and characters give this book a sense of quality and gravity without skimping on fun and readability. If readers are in the mood for traditional fantasy with historical verisimilitude and a mythical twist, this is the novel for them.
(Read that review HERE)
Three realms. Each knows nothing of the other. Each has immortality at its heart.
In Corinthium a decadent endlessly-lived elite run the world for profit and power. But when a poor, honest solider dies, and is reborn, everything changes.
In wintry Midgarth, where immortals are revered as deities, one of them has realized that something – or someone – is killing the gods.
While in Ometepe there is only one immortal, for he has murdered every other. Until one woman gives birth to a very special baby…
Yet there is a fourth, hidden land, where savage tribes have united under the prophecy of ‘the One’: a child who is neither boy nor girl. Now they plan to conquer the world.
Unless a broken soldier, a desperate mother and a crippled god can stop them.
Available NOW in paper in the UK, and on Kindle and Audiobook worldwide.
(Click HERE for Kindle)
(And as recommended by the lovely Diana!)
AMAZON #ONE BESTSELLER
IN HISTORICAL THRILLERS, INTERNATIONAL MYSTERY AND NOIR
CHOCKS AWAY! ROXY LOEWEN TAKES TO THE SKIES!
Here she is. In two different versions:
This is the one you can buy in Canada
Click HERE
Or if you are in the rest of the world, and on Kindle, go to your local store:
Here’s the link for US readers. Click HERE
And if you want to read a blog post about the differences, and why it is being published in such a different, go to my blog HERE
For you YA fans: (Formerly known as ‘The Fetch’)
Oh, and for you die-hard Jack Absolute fans …
JACK’S BACK! DOWNLOAD THE NOVELLA!
Over the years I’ve had so many letters and messages demanding more Jack Absolute and so far I’ve been so distracted by other novels I’ve been unable to get back to him.
NO LONGER! DRUM ROLL PLEASE!
Here’s the first of what I hope will be a resurrection of one of my favourite characters – as well as all his friends and enemies. But you don’t need to have even read Jack before – because this starts at the very beginning… with his birth!
Just click on the cover!
ALSO, HOT OFF THE PRESS… THE NEW NOVEL.
FASTEN YOUR SEAT BELTS, BOYS! ROXY’S FLYING…
“A barrel rolling barn burner of a book.” Diana Gabaldon, author of Outlander.
Smuggler. Smoker. Aviatrix. Thief.
(Click on image to pre-order from Amazon)
The dynamic Roxy Loewen is all these things and more, in this riveting and gorgeous historical fiction novel for readers of Paula McLain, Roberta Rich, Kate Morton and Jacqueline Winspear.
You should never fall in love with a flyer. You should only fall in love with flight.
That’s what Roxy Loewen always thought, until she falls for fellow pilot Jocco Zomack as they run guns into Ethiopia. Jocco may be a godless commie, but his father is a leading art dealer and he’s found the original of Bruegel’s famous painting, the Fall of Icarus. The trouble is, it’s in Spain, a country slipping fast into civil war. The money’s better than good–if Roxy can just get the painting to Berlin and back out again before Reichsmarshall Hermann Göring and his Nazi pals get their hands on it . . .
But this is 1936, and Hitler’s Olympics are in full swing. Not only that, but Göring has teamed up with Roxy’s greatest enemy: Sydney Munroe, an American billionaire responsible for the death of her beloved dad seven years before. When the Nazis steal the painting, Roxy and Jocco decide that they are just going to have to steal it back.
What happens when Icarus flies too close to the sun? Roxy is going to find out. From African skies to a cellar in Madrid, from the shadow cast by the swastika to the world above the clouds on the Hindenburg’s last voyage, in the end Roxy will have just two choices left–but only one bullet.
“Flying on the wings of Humphreys’s vivid imagination, spunky aviatrix Roxy Loewen soars from Ethiopia to Madrid, as the Spanish Civil War rages, and to Berlin and Hitler’s Olympics, where she contends against the Nazi elite in a struggle to retrieve a stolen 16th century painting. A hold-onto-your-seats aerial display with the throttle open all the way.” – William Deverell, author of ‘Needles’ and ‘Trial of Passion’.
“Chasing the Wind has everything a historical fiction reader could want. The suspense is wonderful; the writing is sure and confident; and the dialogue is witty and fast paced. I was completely engrossed from the very beginning.” – Roberta Rich, author of The Midwife of Venice
COMING TO BOOKSTORES, ONLINE AND IN YOUR TOWNS, JUNE 5th 2018!
THE LATEST YOUNG ADULT NOVEL!
YOU CAN BUY IT AT AMAZON.CA HERE
READ MORE ABOUT IT HERE:
PLAGUE AND FIRE: BESTSELLER LIST IN CANADA’S GLOBE AND MAIL 2016:
Toronto Star – Marissa Stapely
“It’s clear something is going to ignite and Humphreys’ staccato prose drives the plot towards the inevitable trial by fire and a satisfying conclusion. This author clearly has great affection for the city he writes about. There are touching moments too, in amongst all the breathless adventure and dangerous acts. Humphreys offers up an absorbing and well-wrought blend of heroism and villainy in a story that is ultimately about the danger of unchecked fanaticism and the capacity of bravery to overcome. Plus — it’s a lot of fun.”
Whole review HERE
Another major review: from Macleans magazine:
“The brilliance of Fire is that while the villains and their motives are known, the rest of the plot is slowly revealed in an engrossing thriller that shifts from a riverside theatre to the cramped confines of a 17th-century warship and finally to the congested parishes of London. In September, an ember at a bakery starts a fire that will consume much of the city. Soon the heroes are battling the conflagration as well as their enemies. Readers can smell the bitter ash, hear the pleas of the trapped and see the sparks dance from roof to roof.” Patricia Treble. For full review click HERE
And here’s a link to a terrific review in the National Post HERE:
While Zoomer calls it one of their seven Blockbuster Reads of the Summer:
“The Great Fire rages. Blending sex, sin, murder and royals in one giant melting (literally) pot, it’s the sort of Backdraft meets British tabloid headlines tale that you won’t be able to put down.”
Click HERE to go to their site
London 1666 – And the Devil must have his due.
It’s here! FIRE, having spread through the UK, has reached Canada. Click HERE to go to its page.
A loose sequel to my 2014 award winning novel PLAGUE – (in other words you can begin with this one if you want!)
The Great Plague has passed. Londoners celebrate survival in different ways. They drink. They gamble. They indulge in carnal delights.
But 666 is the number of the Beast, the year foretold when Christ will return. A gang of fanatics – the Saints – choose to hasten that prophesied day. They will kidnap, rape, murder. Above all, they will kill a king.
Two men, the highwayman William Coke and the thief-taker Pitman and one woman, the actress Sarah Chalker – will try to stop them.
Then in the early hours of September 2nd, 1666, something starts that will overtake them all…
London’s a tinder box. Politically, sexually, religiously. Literally. It is about to burn.
At all savvy bookstores and click HERE for Amazon.co.uk. And HERE for Amazon.ca.
While the first blog reviews are in:
‘Author, actor and swordsman CC Humphreys is back with another edge of the seat, up late at night historical thriller…the history is deftly inserted between addictive swash buckle and peril as travel takes us further from London while the countdown to the conflagration in all its senses continues. Add to that banter and sardonic wit and it’s easy to see why a new Coke and Pitman book is fast becoming something to anticipate with a smile as well as a slight shiver of fear… for their sakes.’ – The Bookbag – Ani Johnson.
Full review:
http://www.thebookbag.co.uk/reviews/index.php?title=Fire_by_CC_Humphreys
‘Don’t worry if you haven’t had the opportunity to read Plague yet – you will still be able to understand and enjoy Fire, which works as an exciting historical thriller in its own right… Fire is an enjoyable read and a fascinating journey through 17th century London life.’ – ‘She Reads Novels’ –
Full review:
https://shereadsnovels.wordpress.com/2016/05/06/fire-by-c-c-humphreys/
AND THE WINNER IS…
It seems I have won an award! It’s from the Crime Writers of Canada and I was at the gala. Such an honour!
More details here:
www.crimewriterscanada.com
‘Arthur Ellis’ was the pseudonym that Canadian hangmen used when checking into towns to do their job.
THE FRENCH EXECUTIONER COMES TO AMERICA
The year is 1536, and notorious French executioner Jean Rombaud is brought in by Henry VIII to behead Anne Boleyn, the condemned Queen of England. But on the eve of her execution, Rombaud becomes enchanted with the ill-fated queen and swears a vow to her: to bury her six-fingered hand, a symbol of her rumored witchery, at a sacred crossroads.Yet in a Europe ravaged by religious war, the hand of this infamous Protestant icon is so powerful a relic that many will kill for it.
Bloodthirsty warriors, corrupt church fathers, Vikings, alchemists, and sullied noblemen alike vie for the prize as Rombaud, a man loyal to the grave, struggles to honor his promise. From sea battles to lusty liaisons, from the hallucinations of St. Anthony’s fire to the fortress of an apocalyptic messiah, The French Executioner sweeps readers into a breathtaking story of courage, the pursuit of power, and loyalty at whatever cost.
“A wonderful saga of magic and heroism. If you can find a first impression, hoard it and wait till it rises in value like a first edition of Lord of the Rings. This is as good.”—Crime Time, UK
“This unusual tale conjures visions of an Errol Flynn-type Hollywood swashbuckler…the tale’s well-told, engagingly written, and includes a colorful immersion into a time when life was cheap and danger or death literally waited around every corner. A gory but fascinating…look at the world in the early 16th century. ” – Kirkus
“Set against the backdrop of the Protestant Reformation, his superbloody Princess Bride-like adventure is, at its heart, a tale of redemption, well earned and hard-won.” – Library Journal
How about buying from the publisher?
Sourcebooks:
http://tiny.cc/ycobnx
or Barnes and Noble
http://tiny.cc/veobnx
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON THE FRENCH EXECUTIONER!
And then there’s…
A Book Trailer for my new novel, PLAGUE
And a Toronto TV interview:
http://globalnews.ca/video/1468351/author-c-c-humphreys
The first reviews are in. A few snippets:
‘Think 48 Hours in the 17th century… Plague is almost an embarrassment of riches… the sort of book you open when you have a spare couple of minutes, and look up from hours later, only after the last paragraph is read.” Robert Wiersma, Vancouver Sun and nationally.
“This novel screams “summer reading.” – Susan Cole, Now Toronto.
“With kings and cripple, rats and rotters, Highwaymen and loose women, you’d never think a lethal virus could be so much fun.” Jon Wise, Sunday Sport UK
Stand by all. Plague is coming… to a city near you!
JULY 15TH 2014: The release of my new novel in Canada and the UK.
The Canadian cover on the left, UK on the right.
“Humphreys’ expressive writing style and ability to weave a tale from these engaging characters’ respective points of view makes for a rich and addictive read, ideal for fans of historical fiction.” Publishers Weekly
SYNOPSIS
London, 1665. A serial killer stalks his prey, scalpel in his hand and God’s vengeance in his heart.
The Plague is back. Thousands are dying, thousands more imprisoned in their own houses, red crosses painted on their doors announcing the pestilence within. While on a dark road outside London, a simple robbery goes horribly wrong. The highwayman, Captain Coke, discovers that his intended victims have been brutally slaughtered.
Suspected of the murders, Coke is forced into an uneasy alliance with the man who pursues him—the relentless thief-taker, Pitman. Clues lead both men to the theatre and to the players who entertain Charles II and his libertine courtiers. There, two actresses—the spirited Sarah Chalker and the beautiful young Lucy Absolute— help to uncover a plot by a fanatical cult planning to kill King Charles and replace him with King Jesus. Love grows between the captain and Sarah, only for both murderer and plague to come between them. And as Death moves remorselessly through the glittering court and the fetid alleys, from the raucous playhouse to the barbarous prisons, can a highwayman, an actress and a thief-taker unite to stop it?
(Click HERE to order from Amazon in the UK)
(Click HERE to order from Amazon in the Canada)
Quite the contrast, eh? Would love to get people’s opinions.
But for my US friends don’t despair. The latest JACK ABSOLUTE novel is out:
The Good Book Guide in the UK called Jack Absolute:
‘The finest series of historical novels since Patrick O’Brian’
“An absolute delight! Swashbuckling adventure, eighteenth century wit, hugely entertaining plots, and one of the most appealing military gentlemen ever to wear a sword.” – Diana Gabaldon, Author of ‘Outlander’ and the Lord John Grey series.
Here’s the link to Amazon.com:
http://tinyurl.com/m58ve57
Oh and in the UK and Canada, the paperback of ‘Shakespeare’s Rebel’ is now out!
Click HERE to buy in UK
A new video of Fight Night in Vancouver: Here’s me talking about my greatest ever theatrical exit!
https://cchumphreys.com/c-c-s-blog/
(Click here and look for ‘A Theatrical Tale’ )
A Novel launched at Bard on the Beach! Watch the video. Click FIGHT
And for my Jack Absolute Fans, hear me introduce the novels here:
https://cchumphreys.com/books/historical-fiction/the-jack-absolute-books/
This was amazing! A night of swords and words at one of Canada’s premier Shakespeare festivals!
Some of the world’s top swordsmen slashed it out, while Bard buffs discussed and explored the turbulent times that Shakespeare lived as he struggled to give birth to the greatest game changer in literature:
THE TRAGEDY OF HAMLET
Here’s my final thoughts on the night:
https://cchumphreys.com/c-c-s-blog/
Have a look at the new gallery: https://cchumphreys.com/slideshows/shakespeares-rebel-the-fight-night-gallery-2/
And here’s a terrific interview on CBC’s North by North-West.
http://tinyurl.com/mdq9dsp
Go to 12.52 minutes for Me, unless you want to hear the others.
Some Reviews:
“This is a spectacularly good historical novel. Lewd, debauched and pungent on the one hand, but genuinely romantic, honourable and deeply felt on the other.
– The opening of the first review for my new novel – on Goodreads. From Richard Lee – founder of the Historical Novels Society. Here’s the rest:
“ I think what will stay with me longest is the vivid portrayal of Elizabethan Southwark in ferment, and Shakespeare, and the context of some of his plays. But there’s spying, rebellion, and adventure, and it’s a real page-turner too. I’m ashamed to say this is the first C.C. Humphreys I have read. Now for some more.”
I’m considering: ‘Lewd, debauched and pungent’ for my tombstone!
Here’s another review, on Amazon.uk, from one of London’s best booksellers, Parmenion Books:
5.0 out of 5 stars Book of the Year 2013, 16 Mar 2013
By Parm (A bookshop near you) – See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)
This review is from: Shakespeare’s Rebel (Hardcover)
Review
When I get to the end of a book I’m always eager to sit and write the review, to express my opinion and feelings of the work I have just finished. I think this is probably the first time I have been intimidated by the process, worried that I didn’t have the right words or the eloquence to do justice to the book. Yes the book is simply that good.
I have read many stories where the authors love of the subject is clear in the telling of the story. But this time its more than that its a passion for the tale, for the time, for the people and for the subject. This passion leaps from every word, every utterance of every character the very bones and soul of the story.
The synopsis will tell you enough about the plot I’m certainly not going to spoil a single line of it for you. What my utmost desire is by writing this, is that you go and buy a copy. Because this story has it all; a love story, a family story, History, mystery and intrigue, passion, sex, plots, fighting, infighting, backstabbing…the list could go on and on. Its is the complete package.
A book this good comes along only rarely and deserves to hit the bestseller list.
Highest recommendation!
Release dates:
UK: March 14th 2013
Order here in UK:
http://tiny.cc/4uebsw
Order here in Canada: http://tiny.cc/0qebsw
JACK ABSOLUTE RETURNS TO AMERICA!
Yes, he’s back. What the Good Book Guide in the UK called: ‘The finest series of historical novels since Patrick O’Brian’ is published in the USA on May 7th.
Meet the real Jack Absolute – not the comic captain from Sheridan’s play ‘The Rivals’. Meet the Redcoat. The Mohawk. The Lover. The Spy.
You can buy at your local bookstore or online at:
Barnes and Noble
Amazon.com
A Rather nice early blog review: ‘Imagine if Dan Brown were to write historical fiction starring Robert Downey, Jr. as Sherlock Holmes. Got that? Now throw in a heavy dose of Shakespeare and theatre humor and you have this novel. From the first page, it is a rush of a read. Jack is a great character – sexy, smarmy, and suave.’ Tara’s Book Blog
Full review: http://tarasbookblog.com/2013/05/16/jack-absolute-by-c-c-humphreys-a-review/
And like this one too:
“Humphreys attention to detail is unparalleled in today’s historical fiction novels. Down to the smallest of things, the author endeavors to be true to the time period and to the historical accuracy that is expected in good historical fiction. Jack becomes everything from an impersonated soldier to a spy during this novel that is for all intents and purposes a wonderful adventure story. Humphreys excels at both character development and advancing the plot. His story certainly doesn’t drag. Jack is a captivating character that readers won’t soon forget.” Deb’s Book Blog.
Full review at: http://tinyurl.com/khaaq67
Film Possibilities: I don’t usually allow myself to get too excited about film news. But this, in Hollywood’s Daily Variety, did make me at least crack a grin:
‘Game of Thrones producer joins French Executioner’:
http://variety.com/2013/film/news/mark-huffam-on-board-the-french-executioner-exclusive-1200330853/
And in the US!
Here’s the press release from my US publishers for my latest there:
New Novel Details Epic Clash of Civilizations
Author C.C. Humphreys Weaves Dramatic Tale of the Fall of Constantinople
You know how the siege of Constantinople ends. It’s written in the history books.
But what was the human toll? What are the stories of the people involved? How did they experience this epic battle that tore apart cultures, religions, and families?
That is what you will discover in author C.C. Humphreys’s new novel A Place Called Armageddon: Constantinople 1453 (ISBN 9781402272493; SEPTEMBER 2012; $25.99; Fiction; Hardcover).
The year is 1453. The city of Constantinople is at the center of a clash of civilizations. For the Greeks, it’s their home that has withstood attacks for centuries behind mighty walls. For the Turks, it’s the prize they have spent centuries trying to win.
Humphreys features a wide cast of characters from both sides of the rampart in A Place Called Armageddon. At the center are Gregoras and Theon. Twin brothers from Constantinople. One an exiled mercenary who has vowed never to return. The other a rising diplomatic star hiding a secret of betrayal. A woman who has captured one’s heart, but is married to the other as a trophy. Two brothers fighting for glory and redemption.
A Place Called Armageddon also imagines what the battle meant for two real-life historical figures—Emperor Constantine and Mehmet, sultan of the Turks. Both men fighting for their people and for God. Both sides tasting victory and defeat before the final showdown. Among those fighting is engineer John Grant, a Scotsman brought to Constantinople to recover the formula for Greek Fire, and Achmed, a Turkish farmer lured into service by the promise of the spoils of war. Lurking in the shadows is Leilah, a sorceress who plays a dangerous game with both sides.
From sword fights with pirates to explosions in tunnels and towers, secret rendezvous in the enemy camp, and the religious and moral dilemmas of war, Humphreys once again uses his dramatic flair and meticulous research to weave fiction into fact.
Click on the book’s cover to the right, or its title above to go the page for synopsis, reviews … and even a short film!
Here’s a great review from Publisher’s Weekly:
http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4022-7249-3
And in other news…
THE BIG ONE! I AM MOVING PUBLISHERS!
Click HERE to see the announcement in The Bookseller.
Argh! I know. It was one of those misprints/poor edits that I just kept failing to see. I know the queens perfectly well! Hope it didn’t put you off?
Hello Mr . Humphreys, I read Vlad, the last confession, it was amazing….I loved every word of it….and I finished the whole novel in two days, I live in Jordan, Amman, and it is hard for me to find your every novel, I was lucky to get hold of Vlad the novel, but I will do my best to find every novel that you wrote, good luck with your next novel, and keep up the great work that you do, sincerely, Yasmine A. Abuzaglan
You are the first reader in Jordan as far as I know. How did you get the book? You may want to try A Place Called Armageddon next. Some same characters but different too. So please you liked it!
I was really happy when you answered my email, I ordered the book online from a website called Jamalon.com, Armageddon is in my reading list, I can’t wait to find it…wish me luck
Hello again, I have failed to find the rest of your novels, It is hard to find a book in a country where 7% or less of its population as readers, anyway, It was nice to read the reviews about ” a place called Armageddon”, it made me eager to find it more quickly.
Best wishes to you
Hope you get it soon. Will Amazon send it, or a local bookstore order it? And why are you wicked?
Are you Cecil who went to Guildhall School of Music in 1978?
I have just finished listening to Plague and left a review on itunes. Thoroughly enjoyed the audiobook and hope that there are more stories to come with the same characters. You decided to read this yourself and you did so well that I wonder why you used other people on your previous audiobooks?
Ian, thanks so much for this. I did do my first three books for Isis and last year did Shakespeare’s Rebel with Oakhill. The other two on audio I let slip away – too busy or something. I was especially upset about Vlad – poorly done – and vowed never to let anyone else read my stuff again.
I can’t find the review on iTunes. Maybe its only in the UK? Let me know how I can track it down – might help persuade my publisher to let me read more!
All the best,
Chris
Chris, it was probably only reviewed and posted on the UK site. I have no idea how you get a copy of the review but I post a lot of reviews under the name readuntilimdead. The voice is so important as Conn Iggulden got a dreadful review from myself and two others for his audio version of his excellent book Emperor The Blood of Gods (The worst review I have ever given). After his agent replied to my criticism on his website they have changed the actor used. I will have to search for your other books as only 3 are available here on itunes. This is the review that I gave your book – 5 Stars!
“I thoroughly enjoyed this and it was well read. It is not so much about the plague but more about a plot to kill a member of the royal family and other side plots. I hope for another book with the same characters”. Actually, royal family is not quite correct but you know what I mean! Show this to your publisher and get them to listen to Iggulden’s audiobook and you will see why it scored so badly here in the UK.
Good luck
Ian
an ipressive line up of books-will now search out your books !
C C.HAVE YOU ANY BOOKS IN AUDIO BOOKS?
Just beginning “Plague” outstanding and something we Americans have little knowledge of. I am hooked!
Hi.Just finished listening to your novel Plague.Had it from the Calibre Audio Library.What can I say except it was brilliant,it had me hooked from the start.I couldn’t wait to switch on to listen to some more each day.Well done.
Thanks so much. I loved reading my own book. So glad you enjoyed it.
Good day
Can you inform me when the other books in the Absolute series will be out in audio, as the blooding of Jack was a brilliant book, and have issues reading so need audiobook
Thanks
Sorry, Robert, You could contact my publisher Isis (Oxford). They have Jack Absolute but only on cassette it’s so old. Still hoping to do Honour.
Im nearing the end of Jack Absolute and have to say I’m really enjoying the series. My time in the Marine corps helps me to appreciate certain nuances you’ve added.
I started this series after reading the French executioner and blood ties.
So I’m wondering if there is a way to get an autographed copy of the Absolute series?
Thank you for the outstanding reading material
~Semper Fi~
Chad
So glad you like them, Chad. I certainly enjoyed writing them. To get signed copies? It’s expensive to send them to Canada and for me to return them. Depends how keen you are!
Dear Chris,
I really enjoyed reading for you with Dave today – and I’m so sorry the dates clash on Thurs 28th.
I hope we can keep in touch. I’m at http://www.rosadler.com
All the best, Ros 07771 714 762
Dear Mr Humphreys
While enjoying your books, I wondered if you will ever get back to Jack Absolute and a Sequel to the Saratoga book. It has been a few years now since the last one. I always wanted Jack to meet Molly Brant , she was quite a real life character and the sister of Joseph Brant, who fought the Americans herself.
Btw you may find this Dissertation on 3 of the main Loyalist Regiments very interesting to read. It’s on the Queens Rangers (arguably the best Regiment on either side in the war) , Tarleton’s, British Legion and Butlers Rangers.
Yours sincerely
Geraint! I know you’ve been in touch before and so wish I could oblige you and a number of others including myself who’d love to see Jack back. One day I hope. But caught in publishing cycle with other stuff right now.i have the story and everything. Not sure about Molly. Fascinating character, true.
Jack BACK!
Bring Jack BACK!!!
I’m trying to figure it out!
Met you in the hotel bar at a Historical Novel Society meeting [perhaps San Diego] a few years ago. Coming to see you with my 88 year old father at the Walter Stewart Library next Tuesday.
Cheers,
Tom Taylor
Author of Brock’s Agent
“… this ripping yarn …” The Globe and Mail
Great! See you there!
Apologies.. I meant A place called Armageddon.. 🙂
~R
Plague’s good too! But you’ll like the crossover in Armageddon.
Getting Plague next!
I took a hiatus into Dean Koontz’ world for a bit Odd Thomas is fun!
Loved A Place Called Armageddon!
Bravo! Well done!!! It felt so genuine and again truly brought me into each character’s experience. Very beautifully executed!
Cheers to you 🙂 keep up the great work!!!
Must try Koontz!
Hello again!
Plague was brilliant! I chewed it right up and am going onto Fire next.
Thanks again for sharing your literary passion with the world!
I can only imagine how both wonderful and difficult it must have been to explore such horrible human strife in your Motherland.
For standing so close to the great Plague, and bringing us with you..
Dean Koontz is a completely different type of talent but definately worthy of his craft! 🙂
~Rebekah
So pleased, Rebekah. I think you’ll enjoy Fire too. Not if you love Coke, Pitman and Sarah too much. How I make them suffer!
To add to ‘if he was here now..’
I mean how creative he was in his methods, applied to today’s world. Not so much the impaling skills.. But hey..use what works! 😉
Hahaha! Ahhh the plot thickens! I do love the characters but also love the realism you bring!
I could not find Fire for my kobo ereader so instead went on a fantasy adventure with your characters, in The Hunt of the Unicorn.
A truly magnificent story! Loved the ending, prophesy fullfilled although I don’t know if Leo is actually dead, the tyranny seemed to be conquered. Thank you again for your skills and depth of character I will try to find Fire elsewhere..
My reply thread is a bit jumbled here I couldn’t find a spot to reply directly from your last comment.. Take good care and I look forward to more!
~Rebekah
Fire is published July 12 so you should get it for kobo then. Glad you like Unicorn. Sequel: Hunt if the Dragon is out in October in Canada. Where are you again?
Delighted. He still lingers with me too.
You portrayed the human aspect which deepens the understanding of horrific times.
Even in guesswork, I imagine you were possibly close, to being fairly accurate.
Kudos! I enjoy the haunting of such a man.. I hope you do too! 🙂
I bet if we had a weapon like him now to aim in certain wars, it would do the world some good. A golden chalice for all to dip on the well in every town in every country!!!
Hahaha! I can dream.
Rebekah, so pleased you appreciated the nuances of such a man. He haunts me too!
I mean how creative he was in his methods applied to now. Not so much the impaling skills.. But hey..use what works! 😉
Hello again, Mr Humphries!
To answer previous comment, I look forward to Hunt of the Dragon and will absolutely look for Fire again!
I am in Edmonton, although B.C born and raised.
It’s great how you take the time between all your duties in life to answer all these comments.. 🙂
Although on my phone app it seems I can’t keep a straight thread..lol!
~Rebekah
Fire is out tomorrow! All best.
P.s I believe I may have spelled your name wrong in last comment. I can’t find it now to check.
Please accept my apologies if I did.
People spell my name wrong often, and I know how annoying that is.. So sorry! 🙂
Don’t worry! Happens all the time!
🙂 Thanks for your kindness! Yay Fire is available tomorrow!! Excellent! And I hope you are able to delete my first comment on Vlad where I accidently gave away parts of the ending!!! So not used to public forums! 🙂 thanks! Take care!
You do not make it easy….
I am trying to read your Jack Absolute novels in order. I want an e reader version for my iPad. I have tried iBooks and Kobo but they do not seem to carry them. Any suggestions?
Tx
Ron Bgg
Trying Ron. I am getting the rights back. Soon I hope!
Chris, thank you for a wonderful summer read, Plague, Fire, Vlad, Constantinople. Now the search continues for more and I regret not easy to find you great reads. Keep up the fine work. W.
Just finished readin Plague and found the story interesting. A couple of things bothered me: Charles II’s wife was Catherine of Braganza not Maria Henrietta (his mother) and the overshoes are patterns, not plattens.
Alack! I spotted it when it was in print. I know perfectly well who Charles’ wife was. It was one of those mind warp things, couldn’t see it. Glad you enjoyed the rest though.
Just finished Plague & Fire and loved them both. I live in Markham, Ontario, but have been to London many times. Your descriptions of that wonderful city in the 17th century are so vivid I could almost smell it! Looking forward to reading more of your work.
Thanks, John. Thrilled you like ’em.
I always thought that people who write to famous people must be a bit weird, and here I am doing it! In my defence, I just turned 64.
Anyways, g’day from Sydney – I just finished Jack Absolute – I got into Capt. Jack when I bought a Blooding Of at a remainder sale for 5 bucks (sorry) and liked it so much that I bought the rest of your books on line – I’m half way through the Executioner – excellent – very Ken Follettish (Pillars etc.) – anyway, I seriously hope you’re nearing the end of the 4th Absolute book – Jack cannot escape the firing squad at the last second only to be killed off by lethargy! So get to it!
A question – have they made the Absolute movie yet? If not, and it’s because you haven’t sold the rights to your books yet, I seriously think you need a new agent – your books would make great movies, and I suspect you agree!
Merry Christmas.
Thanks, Peter.This is the sort of email I love to get. I hear you on Jack. Aching to get back to him and have that sequel a quarter written. But publishers have their own agenda and have pushed me progressively away. Hang tight. He will return. All best.
Thanks for replying – I eagerly await vol. IV – actually you know you could become like Patrick O’Brian – Jack Absolute could star in a thousand volumes just like Jack Aubrey! Anyway, my question – what about the Absolute movie???
I know! Your voice to Hollywood’s ear! Thanks again. And your voice to Hollywood’s ear. Let’s hope!
We would like to send you a card of thanks but can’t find an address. Can you email me one? Thanks Joanne from Britannia Elementary
Thanks Joanne. But don’t worry – you gave me a lovely one on the day.
Hola Chris. Soy Pablo de Argentina (34 años). Leo muchas novelas. Pero hacía mucho que no leía nada tan bueno como “Vlad”. Te felicito. fue un placer haberla leído. Es la primera vez que escribo a un autor. Espero que te llegue este mensaje. Te felicito de verdad!!!
Hola Pablo. Encantado. Lociento, mi espanol no es muy bueno. Pero gracias para todos. Vlad es un novela muy importante para me. Hasta luego!
I read “Plague” last year and liked it a lot. Right now I´m enjoying “Fire” and I wonder whether there will be more books in the series about the two nice gentlemen Pitman & Coke. If so, when will the next one be published?
Greetings from Germany!
I wish, Barbara! Have another one ready to write but my publishers wanted something different. So glad you like my boys!
Just a quick note to let you know how much I enjoyed reading Plague. I have an office in a small Mexican town next to a bookstore and read an average of four books a week . I finished the book in one day and am enjoying your next book Fire which I started this morning. Continued success and keep up the great writing ! Oh and give Dichon a pat on the head for me. Regards
That’s great, Alexander. Love to know my books are being enjoyed all over the world. Let me hear how Fire goes for you. Dickon says hi.
Greetings Mr. Humphrey
I’ve read two of your books; Vlad The Last Confession and A Place Called Armageddon. Both were great reads. Vlad especially was great due to the short chapters and the terrific ending.
Where should I go now. The Jack Absolute Series or The French Executioner?
Take care
JD
So glad you enjoyed them, JD.
Depends what you fancy next. They are all fun books. Executioner is a wild adventure, a bit tongue in cheek. Jack is more straightforward historical. Start with The Blooding. Happy reading!
Hello Chris,
I just finished reading Plague and had to search for your site so I could tell you how much I enjoyed it! I love historical novels and have read many but this is the first time I have actually wanted to touch base with the author! I even laughed out loud at a few humorous bits – namely the naked coach driver and the placement of Pitman and Coke in the ‘pile’ – too funny!
In short, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your story and how wonderful a writer you are. Keep on writing! I have already picked out some of your other books at my local library and can’t wait to start the next one. Thanks again😊
Oh, Sharyl, thanks so much. It makes my day to get letters like this. I write so people will have a good, fun time. I do when writing it and I am so glad that translates.
You’ll have to let me know how you get on with Coke and Pitman’s further adventures in ‘Fire’.
All the best,
Chris
Mr. Humphreys: Thoroughly enjoyed the Jack Absolute series and the French Executioner. I’ve taking up Olympic fencing in part to experience some of the emotions you’ve captured in the various fight scenes. It’s much harder then I thought. Looking forward to your next book.
Sean
Hello Sean! So delighted I helped inspire a love of the blade. Fencing is a great sport. You may want to read Shakespeare’s Rebel next – its about William’s fight arranger in 1600.
All best
Chris
Wendy writing from Kendall & Cooper Talk Mysteries. Julie and I are very excited to record an episode in the timeframe you suggest. Your suggestion for the content sounds just great. Our best availability is any Tuesday or Thursday and flexible for any time, but if you have a preference for a date that is a different day of the week we can certainly accomodate that. Let us know the date you prefer. We upload the recording to the different distributions and email you the links same day as the recording, but you may want to record before the June 5th date so let us know what works best for youi May or June. Thanks so much, this will be a fun episode
Dear Sir,
I am fan of yours for few years now. Your first book I read was Vlad’s last confession and I LOVED IT! I did some research lately and I can’t find anything viable about Dragon’s Claw sword that belonged to Dracula’s father, Vlad II, and was made in Toledo. Translation I read is in Serbian so I only speculate you called it Dragon’s Claw in English. Please, tell me if this is completely your fiction or it is half fiction / half based on some legend or that piece actually existed / exists?
I would like to ask you so many questions but don’t want to use too much of your time. We can also stay in touch by e-mail if you like and I will have some interesting stuff to share with you.
Thanks and warm regards,
Mr. Z.
Good to hear from you, Mr. Z, and truly appreciate the comments. Tell me, did Vlad read well in Serbian? My publishers there seemed very good.
The Dragon’s Claw? My invention. Though he would have had something great!
All best
Chris
Thank you for fast reply, Sir.
In my opinion, your book Vlad read extremely well! Your publisher did nice job with translation and I couldn’t notice anything weird in the form of sentences and narrative pace. It is not always the case with some other authors, tho. I mainly read fantasy, supernatural fiction, historical fiction and some classics and I often notice flaws in translation of fantasy genre. Your books I recommend with pleasure to everyone.
Main reason I was asking about Dragon’s Claw is that I almost used that in my current work. I hate adopting other peoples ideas so I investigated and found nothing on the matter, so I had to ask you here. Now I know to stay away from that name since it is not historical fact but actually yours, if I may say, brilliant invention.
Now we come to that part where I tell you that I am also writer and hopefully part where you do not run away screaming – Not another one ! … Do not be alarmed. I will not send you hundreds of pages for reading and evaluation 🙂 I am writing fantasy series. Two books are published in Serbia, while first one is translated to English as we speak. I am working on third book and in some parts it is about characters from your books. I wanted to talk to you privately if that is possible in any way because I have few questions that might be spoilers for your future readers.
I guess you have my e-mail in the database so you can send me yours if you like. I also do not mind calling you over the phone if that is ok for you.
Again, thanks for your kind reply and I promise I will honestly try not to take too much of your time.
Warm regards,
Z.
1:30am and I’ve just finished Plague. Worth staying up! Mind you, the pace makes it difficult to find a place to stop. More of the same for tomorrow. I purchased Fire at the same time ; )
So delighted to hear I’ve kept you up, Jodi. Hope Fire does the same. Let me know.
Hi! Got an earlier start on Fire. Well done weaving the theme and meanings of fire throughout the book. I’m burnt out from all the excitement, and have burnt through my reading material.
Cheers!
Jodi
Hello Mr. Humphreys,
My girlfriend is a really big fan, and her birthday is coming up. I was wondering if I could possibly buy a autographed picture from you. It would really mean alot to her. Thank you so much for your time and wonderful books.
I’d happily send an autographed photo. Let me know where, name to make it to, all that. No cost to a fan.
Thank you so much! Her name is Paula. She will be absolutely thrilled! My address is 2386 River Run Trce Columbus, Ohio 43235. My email address is Kalebpeck@gmail.com if you should need anything. Thank you again!
I’m away a week, will get into it when I’m back. Cheers Chris
Okay I have now looked you up. I should have salaamed last night!
I will now read Plague .
Lovely to meet you.