Festival of the Gargoyles

By Robert Hallmann

It is the 18th Century and the muddy marshes of the Thames are a dangerous place where ghosts and monsters lurk in the mist, and children must beware.

Lizzie’s best friends are her animals and the boys at school tease her. But Lizzie is afraid of no one, not even the wicked smuggler Sam Smagge, who has evil plans for her. Lizzie befriends Stefan, the mute gypsy boy. But how can he help her if he cannot speak?

Soon it will be the night when the hideous stone gargoyles on the church roof come to life and descend to terrorise the villagers. Will Lizzie escape in time to rescue the people again?

This is gripping tale of friendship, adventure and a changing world.

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Smuggler Sam Smagge doesn’t like Lizzie because she is the tax inspector’s daughter and because she goes to school!”Schoolin’, what’s it all for? These is modern times, the 18th century an’ as long as you know enough numbers to count up a profit, you’ll get by.That an’ knowin’ how to crew a fast ship cock a pistol an’ be fast enough to outrun them government inspectors…may they die with their boots on! Besides girls with schoolin’ can be….dangerous.”

Moments later the sun came out again, just as they tacked into Cockleton harbour. Various ships lay at anchor, oyster boats were bobbing on the water close to shore and on land along the edge of the water boats stood in various stages of completion. People were waiting for them to unload the cargo. “This used to be a great port,” said Lizzie’s father. “And over there, that fine brick building, that’s where the famous Haddocks, the sea captains, were born. It’s an ale house now,” he sighed.

(Images copyright David  Hurrell)

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“Festival of the Gargoyles is a classic of Essex storytelling. This enchanting tale of a young girl growing up on the Essex marshes in the days of cut-throat smugglers and revenue men cries out to be filmed.” 

Southend Echo

“A charming book, full of cracking detail, well researched and containing a host of well-drawn characters not to mention a young heroine in Lizzie Masters – an 18th century Pippi Longstocking.”

S. Badman, professional storyteller

“The characters and scenes leap out of the pages through detailed description and beautiful sketched images that provide a new depth to the story.”

Leigh Times

“It’s a well-crafted story that will enthral younger readers and grown-ups alike. It is a real page turner!”

Southend Radio

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Buy a copy of Festival of the Gargoyles now for just £9.99*

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(*plus postage and packing for UK first class delivery)

Sole Searching
Tales of a Thames Fisherman

By Paul Gilson

The sea is not simply a place of work for Paul Gilson, a sixth-generation fisherman, it is his passion and it has taken him on an incredible life journey.

As a well-known voice for the Thames Estuary fishermen, political adviser, environmentalist, speaker, lifeboat man, Freeman of Southend and skipper of Endeavour, a Dunkirk “Little Ship”

Paul has spent a lifetime on the water, yet he still exudes an incredible enthusiasm.

Sole Searching, Tales of a Thames Fisherman, is a collection of short stories and poems based on his experiences at sea.

Buy now

The Tokyo Express

By Una Rose

It is March 2011 and the tsunami has struck. As Conor desperately searches for Mimi, his Japanese wife, he realises how his dark and disturbing behaviour drove her to abandon him in Ireland and return to Japan.

Over 60 years earlier, in war torn Tokyo, another international relationship is emerging from the rubble. Owen is falling in love with Mariko.

She is a passionate and political local woman, who takes him on an incredible journey. Then family and fate intervene leaving the couple destined to never be together. Will Conor make the same mistake?

An unforgettable story crossing continents and generations. But as Conor discovers, forgiveness is an incredible gift.

Read the prologue and first chapter now:

The Tokyo Express prologue & chapter one

Buy now only £9.99