Hello again. I'm finally back from the writing, having just completed my ninth book, THE LAST TEN SECONDS. It's another fast-paced thriller with plenty of twists and turns, and featuring Tina Boyd as the main protagonist, as well as a new character: undercover cop, Sean Egan- a man with a very mysterious past. I'm really pleased with it, and think it's one of my best so far (but I guess I would say that, wouldn't I?), and I'm hoping you'll feel the same. It's released in hardback on January 21st 2010, so not long to wait, and I'll be touring to promote it in the two weeks afterwards. Keep an eye out on the site for dates.

I'll also be giving away three signed copies to the first readers out of the hat who answer the following question: In TARGET, what's the first name of the abducted girl, Jenny Byfleet's father. Email me your answers through the site, putting the word COMPETITION in the subject box. Closing date for entries is January 31st, and I'll be announcing the winners on the site and sending out the prizes to them in the following week. So, good luck with that.

In the meantime, book number 8, TARGET, was released in paperback on November 6th, and reached number 2 in the UK adult fiction paperback charts, just behind (well, a little bit behind!) John Grisham's latest. That's the highest position I've ever reached, so I'm extremely happy with that. It's still selling really well, and keeping in the top twenty. Maybe next year, we might even make the top spot. Who knows? You can only dream… I don't tend to have much of a break between books. I always want one, but quickly find myself at a bit of a loose end. I've just had a week's break scuba diving (a big hobby of mine), so now I'm thinking about book number 10. I've been wanting to write a new Dennis Milne book for a long time now, and I'm considering either doing the prequel to THE BUSINESS OF DYING, or a thriller sequel to A GOOD DAY TO DIE. However, I've also got a couple of other ideas for standalone thrillers floating about in my head, so the final decision has yet to be made, although I'm hoping to make a start on whatever one I choose to do early in the New Year.

Another quick thing before I go. A number of you have written to me asking what order my books have been written in. The answer is on the top of the home page. The most recent paperback, TARGET, is on the left, and then they go chronologically backwards until you reach THE BUSINESS OF DYING on the far right of the page, which was my first novel. I hope that clears it up.

Anyway, that's about all for now. I hope you all have a fantastic Christmas, and a prosperous New Year, and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on the tour for THE LAST TEN SECONDS. All the very best Simon