News and Reviews
Newsletter
OCTOBER - 2026
Hello again
Hard to believe we're into the fourth quarter of 2026 already. Although the calendar doesn't lie so it must be true. And the evidence is clearly there. I hope you'll forgive the annual mini-series of photographs depicting the transition of the seasons as observed from my office (a.k.a. the spare bedroom) window.
Getting started. We're usually away on holiday at this stage.
And we very rarely see it at its most stunning best. It gets to this stage very quickly, and then, more quickly, moves on ...
This Is the sight that usually greets us on our return from holiday. It is a truly brilliant tree but is always the last in leaf and the first to shed. You can see above, the other trees don't give in so easily. The above sequence took place over just two weeks.
Aside from watching the tree, I had a really busy, and enjoyable, September. Three of my four book signings were at Costa cafes in Tesco stores. The first - my nearest-to-home fixture - was at the superstore in Prestwich on Saturday the 5th. And, although it was great to see so many familiar and friendly faces, as a sales outlet it's a case of diminishing returns. Nearly everyone I met had either bought a copy of The Moorstone or had informed me they didn't want one! Even so, I must have met at least twenty-five new people, because that's how many books I sold.
And so, to fresher fields further north, I headed back to the places close to where the story of The Moorstone begins, with my second visits to Haslingden and Rawtenstall, The slight worry there is that all the people I meet know more about the places I'm writing about than I do! But I had two really enjoyable days up there and a big thank you to all the Costa managers in all the Tesco stores.
In between, I had a great day in the beautiful town of Beverley, close to where I was born and lived until my early twenties. It's a gorgeous place with a Minster to rival York and a great shopping centre and market. On the morning of Wednesday the 8th, I met with the 'Kills & Thrills Book Club' in Beverley Library. They had reviewed my first novel, Catalyst, and I was there to receive their feedback. All I ever hear about my books is feedback from people who like them; but I am neither naive nor conceited enough to believe they represent my wider readership, because it's only the people that like them who take the time to let me know what they think. So it was good to hear the diverse comments from the group of fourteen in a formal, structured session. I am pleased to say that I came out ahead, but not without some stern words from a few of the attendees. But they were a great bunch of people and treated me very gently!
In the afternoon of the same day, I did a book signing at the glorious little Beverley Bookshop. What a treat to spend a few hours there and I owe Lucy, the manager, a big thank you for letting me loose among her customers and providing me throughout with coffee and chocolate biscuits, especially as I didn't have time for any lunch between the two events.
October is not looking as busy yet on paper, although there are a few events to add to the current list. On Saturday 3rd, I spent the day up north again at the Costa cafe on the Retail Park in Rawtenstall, and it turned out to be the most successful day, sales-wise, for some time. And with £2 from each sale donated to the Costa Foundation, which supports a range of children's charities, that came to a total of £100. I'll leave you to work out the number of books sold!
Next up, I'll be guesting on 'Lunch with the Hat Man' on Roche Valley Radio between 12.00 and 2.00 pm tomorrow, Thursday 8th at the invitation of Alan Duckworth (the Hat Man himself) A big thank you to Alan; we'll be talking about my books in between his playing some great music. If you have the time and inclination, you can listen by clicking on the link below.
On Tuesday 13th I'm giving a talk to a book club at the library in Oswaldtwistle. I love going there partly because I think it's a great name for a town, and also because it's surrounded by such lovely countryside.
And that's everything that's in the diary for this month so far.
However, I must mention that I am already helping people with their Christmas shopping - and have been for some weeks now. So if you're thinking about that as well, a reminder that The Moorstone story is set around Christmas and New Year, and although I would hesitate to put it up against Mr Dickens' A Christmas Carol, it does have a real seasonal feel. You can get a copy through Amazon, Waterstones and other retail outlets, and also through my website www.michaelknaggs.co.uk
for a signed copy with a dedication. No P&P to pay.
And Christmas is definitely on the way. This guy has already made an appearance in the excellent Hidden Gem cafe in Heaton Park, Prestwich, where I'll be doing a book signing in December.
Stay safe and well
With best regards
Michael
Recent NEWS AND Reviews
Article which appeared in the Manchester Evening News, Hull Daily Mail, and East Riding News.
‘I really enjoyed reading this debut novel from Mike. I was captured immediately & found the book to have a thought-provoking theme. It kept me interested throughout, so much so that I spent a whole day around the pool on holiday with my head immersed in the book! (Only surfacing for a cool beer.) Now I am looking forward to a sequel...or there will be a riot!’ - Amazon Reviewer
'I've just finished your first book, Catalyst, and can't wait to get hold of the next book. Very difficult to put down. I'm an avid reader of murder mystery novels but found this one so different. The balance of story, dialogue and description is brilliant. Well done you for a super novel!' - Sheelagh Taaffe
