The Gozo Central Public Library is to host an author talk with historical crime fiction author, Lynne Marie Taylor.

Readers and history lovers are invited to learn about the craft of writing and researching a new crime fiction series set in Victorian-era Malta.

Death in Valletta, written by Lynne Marie Taylor is a murder mystery set in Malta of the 1880. Admiral Collingwood has died, after an unlikely fall from the roof of his villa. His widow insists it is not an accident, and Detective Inspector Sam McQueen is sent from the grey, damp streets of Edinburgh to investigate.

Published in April 2024 by Bloodhound Books, the best-selling crime writer Vaseem Khan, Chair of the Crime Writers’ Association, gave the book a 5-star review, calling it “A well written and absorbing historical mystery.”

At this free library event, the author will talk about the historical research and influences that have shaped her work, including her fascination with Victorian detectives. Themes of colonial rule, Malta’s status as a military base, poverty and corruption are explored as a backdrop to the murder mystery, as well as Maltese culture seen through the eyes of a Scot brought up in the Presbyterian Church.

Lynne Marie Taylor studied English at the University of York. She also has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. She has worked in publishing and book supply, as well as spending 20 years working with libraries to encourage children’s reading.

The author was born in Mtarfa just before independence, when her father was stationed in Malta with the RAF. She has lived in NW London, Cologne, Bristol and Worcester. She now lives in Corsham, Wiltshire, UK with her husband and their Springer Spaniel, Sam.

This author’s book was also the featured title of the Gozo Book Club in January 2025.

The talk is taking place at the Gozo Central Public Library, St. Francis Square, Victoria, Gozo, on Wednesday, the 26th of March, from 10.30am – 11.30am.

For more details about the event, please click here.

Book your place- seat reservations are encouraged by sending an email to eventsgozo.library@gov.mt

Photo – credit: Lynne Marie Taylor

Permalink: Death in Valletta – Gozo talk by historical crime fiction author, Lynne Marie Taylor