Another new book from David Hiscox: American Peckers

American Peckers is an unusual, genre-bending philosophical mystery set in the afterlife, where the boundaries between truth and legacy blur.

When a mortal visitor is mysteriously wronged in paradise, the celestial order is shaken. Enter Confucius, the ancient sage and moral compass of paradise, who turns celestial sleuth and takes it upon himself to unravel the truth behind the crime.

His investigation leads him through a surreal landscape populated by the spirits of American political leaders, each offering cryptic clues, evasive answers, or unsettling confessions.

He doesn’t rely on testimony alone; he consults the I-Ching, the ancient Chinese Book of Changes, using its cryptic wisdom to divine the sincerity behind each answer and to illuminate the hidden patterns of deceit.

As the investigation deepens, American Peckers becomes more than a complicated detective story. It’s a mild, satirical commentary on integrity, power, and the moral contradictions that haunt the political sphere.

With foreign eyes and a touch of metaphysical flair, the novel challenges readers to consider not just who committed the crime, but what it means to be truly honourable, questioning the nature of integrity, legacy, and moral accountability in the political sphere.

Blending metaphysical intrigue with historical turning points, American Peckers is not just a whodunit, it’s a provocative exploration of how power corrupts, how history remembers, and how truth can be both divine and elusive.

This book is available on Amazon

A new book from David Hiscox: A Journey to the East: On the Hippy Trail.

In the early 1970s, with a backpack and a thirst for discovery, the author boards a bus in London bound for Kathmandu, tracing the legendary Hippy Trail through Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. This evocative travel memoir chronicles not just the physical journey across continents, but a deeper exploration into the cultures, politics, and histories of the places encountered along the way.

From the bazaars of Istanbul to the deserts of Iran, through the chaos of Kabul and the serenity of Himalayan foothills, each stop reveals a world on the cusp of change—some teetering between tradition and modernity, others shaped by revolution and unrest. Alongside fellow travelers chasing freedom, enlightenment, or simply escape, the author reflects on the ideals of a generation and the realities they met on the road.

Rich with sensory detail, historical insight, and personal reflection, this is a compelling portrait of a transformative era—when borders were porous, curiosity was currency, and the road itself was the destination.

You can find this book on Amazon.

To complete a year of ‘Picked’ pieces, a poem from Irene Lock – The House on Llanwynno Mountain.

We do hope you’ve enjoyed the variety of items we have produced here. If you have any comments, we’d love to hear them. Contact me here or via our Group Page.

Happy New Year from all in Writers Enjoying Words. A little tale to start your year off with a smile – Dressing Up by Dorothy Alkhafaji

Another new book from David Hiscox, also set in Compton Mullberry.

Treacle is the charming tale of a determined female weasel who has embarked on a journey to find a new home. Forced to leave her previous dwelling due to unforeseen circumstances, Treacle’s quest for shelter leads her to a beautiful and serene churchyard cemetery of the seemingly idyllic rural community of Compton Mullberry, nestled in the heart of Somerset,

The cemetery, with its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere, offers Treacle the perfect refuge. Among the many interesting monuments, one particularly striking figure catches her eye, a large pink crying angel that stands watch over the graves, its presence both poignant and comforting. Intrigued by her surroundings, Treacle begins to explore the cemetery, discovering not only the stories of those who are buried there but also the lives of the visitors who come to pay their respects.

Through her gentle and inquisitive nature, Treacle learns about the rich history and enduring legacies of the people of Compton Mullberry. Each gravestone and monument holds a tale, from the touching love story of a couple who weathered the storms of life together to the bravery of a local hero whose actions saved many during a time of crisis. The monuments reflect the complex range of connections that thread through the community.

As Treacle settles into her new home, she forms a unique bond with the living and the departed. She observes from a distance the visitors who come to reflect on their memories and experiences, Her unwavering curiosity introduces her to unexpected encounters.

“Treacle” is an unusual yet heart-warming tale of discovery, connection, and the enduring power of nature. It beautifully captures the essence of life in a small rural village, where every life, no matter how seemingly insignificant, is treasured and remembered. Through Treacle’s eyes, readers are invited to reflect on the importance of remembering the past, cherishing the present, and finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

Treacle is available from Amazon.

A new book by David Hiscox from Writers Enjoying Words. This was originally inspired by one of our writing prompts – What’s that smell?, and it grew from there. The writing group at the time all have their names used for a character – though Dave assured us that the characters are not based on us 🙂

Sheila, now in her twilight years, resides in a retirement complex in Limehouse, London. Her days are filled with quiet reflection, the hum of distant memories stirring within her. These memories transport her back to a pivotal chapter of her life—during World War II, when she was evacuated to the quaint, rural community of Compton Mullberry in Somersetshire.

“Compton Mullberry” is a poignant and evocative exploration of Sheila’s memories, fragmented and flawed as they may be. The narrative weaves through the confusion of her recollections, painting a vivid yet sometimes unclear picture of the past.

In the tranquil countryside, timid young Sheila found comfort and friendship among the local children, and she forged bonds with several adults who played crucial roles in maintaining the community’s spirit during the hardships of war.

As Sheila reminisces, the reader is introduced to a cast of characters who were instrumental in shaping her wartime experience and later life.

Through Sheila’s eyes, we witness the small triumphs and heartaches of Compton Mullberry’s residents as they navigate the uncertainties of wartime Britain. The narrative shifts seamlessly between past and present, reflecting the inconsistencies and gaps in Sheila’s memory. At times, events blur together or fade into vagueness, underscoring the imperfection of human recollection.

Despite the imperfections in her memory, the essence of Compton Mullberry and its people remains strong in Sheila’s heart. The book captures the enduring impact of those years on her life, the friendships forged, and the resilience of a community bound by mutual support and hope.

As the story unfolds, readers are invited to piece together the fragments of Sheila’s past, understanding that while memories may be flawed, the emotions and connections they evoke are timeless and profound.

“Compton Mullberry” is an unusual approach to a familiar story, of love, life and consequences that have endured and developed throughout one woman’s life.

Compton Mullberry is available from Amazon.

A quieter reflection this month. In memoriam by Julie Waller

A monologue to enjoy this time. What would you think if you met her?

Mrs Duffy by Patricia Stowell

Dorothy Al-Khafaji celebrated the launch of her latest book Moving On – Sometimes Love is not Enough in The Wellfield Bookshop, Cardiff with U3A members, family and other friends. Moving On is available on Amazon for Kindle or in paperback

The lastest novel from Dorothy Al-Khafaji, published 16 February 2024.

Ageing Maggie Johnson relives past events, some happy, others funny or sad, in her dreams.

As a teenager in the fifties, Maggie dreams of a fulfilling career, but it isn’t always easy with a demanding husband and two growing sons to care for.

For a time, she puts her dreams to one side to help husband Michael achieve his own ambitions, but his recurring infidelity forces her to recognise that sometimes love is not enough.

Their divorce frees her to make her own choices and she finds it’s not too late to pursue some of her teenage dreams. In doing so she finds a different kind of love with a faithful partner who always encourages and supports her, wherever those dreams may take her.

Moving On is available on Amazon for Kindle or in paperback