Well, okay, “tour” might be pushing it a bit. And there aren’t any T-shirts. But “tour” is what I’m calling it…anyway I’m going to be back in Wales next week for the launch of “The Venetian Masquerade” on April 4th.

The official launch party is at the Taliesin “Create” space at Swansea University at 13.00, on Wednesday April 3rd. Following which, I’ll be talking to the MA Creative Writing students. I’m very proud of this…having made a right old mess of my A-levels, I found a very roundabout route to Swansea University, but at least I got there in the end.

I’m back in Swansea again on the evening of Friday 5th April (18.00), when I’m signing and giving a talk at Swansea Waterstones, one of the loveliest bookshops in the UK and, surely, home to the greatest Twitter account in the bookselling world. (Indeed, I often think my greatest piece of creative writing is the “Sonnet on the Replacement of a Faulty Door at Swansea Waterstones”…if there is sufficient demand I will perform it live on the night).

On the morning of that Friday, I’m being interviewed by the legend that is Roy Noble for his BBC Radio Wales show, which goes out next Sunday, April 7th, at 16.00.

Then, just before we head back to Venice, I’ll be heading over the border to England and signing stock at Waterstones in Epsom – note that this isn’t an official event, and I won’t be giving a talk or anything like that, but if you’re in the area at around 15.00 on Saturday 6th, do drop by and say hello.

And that’s it for now. But if you have a bookshop in South Wales be warned that I will probably drop by and offer to sign stock at some point. I’ve got further events lined up in Italy and Scotland for later this year, but more information on those nearer the time.

In the meantime, despite not officially being out yet, “The Venetian Masquerade” is hovering just outside the Waterstones Top 20 Crime Novels. Fingers crossed we can push it even higher next week. And my continued thanks to you all for all the good wishes received. I love you all!!