K.E. Martin (Kathy Martin)

Biography:

K.E. Martin is the fiction name of respected non-fiction author and editor Kathy Martin. Her first novel, The Woodville Connection, was published by Pen & Sword Books in 2013.

The youngest of six sisters, Kathy grew up in the Sixties in a small Buckinghamshire village. She achieved her first publishing success as a teenager but it was many more years before her dream of writing full-time became a reality. Although it was always Kathy’s ambition to write historical fiction, she honed her skills along the way by writing for a variety of different publications. However, her first real success came in 1987 when she was a finalist in Cosmopolitan’s ‘New Journalist’ competition. Soon after this, her interest in antiques and collectables led her to a long career writing for and editing magazines relating to the collectables hobby. She also works occasionally as a valuer on Flog It, the BBC’s popular antiques show.

Kathy is passionate about history, literature and musical theatre and she retains a strong interest in antiques and collectables. A member of the Richard III Society and the Society of Authors, she lives in Berkshire with her husband, daughter and an elderly Golden Retriever called Tova.

Books - Fiction
Kathy’s first historical novel, The Woodville Connection, was published in September 2013 by Pen & Sword Books and she is currently writing the follow up.

Reviews of The Woodville Connection
“This well-written, exciting historical mystery keeps the reader guessing to the last as it romps along with breath-taking speed. The research is meticulous; details of food, furnishings and fashions bring medieval England to life, yet none of this interferes with the enjoyment of the plot. It’s one of those `unputdownable’ novels with constant twists and turns – and just when you think everything is sorted, a final twist in the tale lies in wait. I enjoyed this immensely and really look forward to another by the same author.” Sue Brewer

“The book is very exciting right from the beginning. The prologue especially got me hooked. I also liked the theme and the way the plot developed. The characters are all well defined. Another thing I noticed was the author’s ability to recreate a fifteenth century setting with the effective use of language.” Online

Book Club
“…a marvellous tale [of] skulduggery, and machinations. It is very well written, and the pace is fast. As you read you really want to know what is going to happen next. There are some terrific twists and turns in the story. I could not put it down.” Binbon

“I was captivated by this book right from the first page. I just couldn’t put it down. It ticked all the boxes for me as I love historical novels and murder/mysteries. I fell in love with the characters and can’t wait for the second book to come out.” Amazon Customer

“This was really great, an easy, medieval, murder, mystery read and always great to have Richard III in there somewhere! I sat and read this in front of the fire for hours and finished it earlier today. It is well written and pure escapism with a great twist at the end, which I hope will lead onto another book!” Sam K

“This is a great story, beautifully written, with much intrigue and drama. The historical detail is fascinating and I found it hard to put the book down.” Evie

Books – Non-fiction
Kathy Martin’s Who’s Who in Women’s Historical Fiction was published by Pen & Sword Books in 2012 to favourable reviews. A handy A to Z guide to some of the most interesting characters in female-penned historical fiction, The Lady called it ‘a brilliant idea, full of witty character sketches and acidic asides’ while The Historical Novel Society said it was ‘a must-have for the bookshelf lovers of historical fiction, this book is well–researched and packed full of information and facts’.

Her earlier works are Farnell Teddy Bears (2010), Merrythought Teddy Bears (2009) and A Collectible History of The Teddy Bear (2007) which has been translated into German and Dutch.

Website www.kemartin.co.uk

Twitter @KathyMartin001

Bibliography: (links to Amazon data base)
The Woodville Connection
Who’s Who in Women’s Historical Fiction
Farnell Teddy Bears
Merrythought Teddy Bears
A Collectible History of the Teddy Bear

Synopses of books:
The Woodville Connection
There are many stories with which I regale my greedy visitors but there is one I never shall tell. Although it pleases me to confide this tale to my good friends quill and parchment, I have instructed the stout, dumpling-cheeked widow who sees to the comfort of my house to feed my scribblings to the flames the moment I breathe my last. I do not doubt she will obey my order since I have bought her loyalty with gold and soft words and in any case, the woman is unlettered and has little interest in my ramblings. Thus I would have it. I am the last survivor of those who took part in the Plaincourt Manor affair and I have vowed to take that secret to my grave.”

Francis Cranley is a nobody – he is illegitimate and has no fortune of his own – but he does have certain advantages: he is capable, quick-witted, skilled in battle and his best friend is Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the younger brother of King Edward IV. The Duke and his wife have made their home at Middleham Castle in Yorkshire and Francis lives there with them. His official position is personal minstrel to the Duke and Duchess but unofficially he is Richard’s troubleshooter, investigating potentially tricky situations and solving problems for him.

The story begins when Will Fielding, an old soldier Richard knew as a boy, turns up at Middleham accused of a murder he swears he didn’t commit. Although Richard is sympathetic, he can’t risk helping Fielding openly because the man is wanted by the King’s justices. His solution is to send Fielding into hiding while Francis Cranley investigates the matter, thus embarking on a journey that puts his life in danger as he uncovers dark secrets and powerful enemies close to the throne.

Who’s Who in Women’s Historical Fiction

A fascinating guide to some of the best loved characters from female-penned historical fiction, this book is packed with information and facts and is very well illustrated. Starting with a series of lighthearted essays on subjects such as ‘Heroes and Villains’ and ‘The Importance of Being Married’,the book progresses to the handy A-Z section which uses symbols to help the reader identify historical settings, before finishing with a wealth of information about film and television portrayals of many of the featured characters. There are no plot spoilers but enough information is given to encourage people to read a particular book or indeed to allow them to knowledgeably about ones they haven’t actually read!

Pitch to Publishers & Festival Organisers:
Kathy Martin has appeared numerous times on television (BBC and QVC) and has taken part in several radio broadcasts including a guest spot on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. She has a warm, friendly manner and is comfortable speaking on a wide range of subjects including books, history, antiques and collectables and the history of the teddy bear. She has travelled widely, has had the honour of appearing as a VIP guest at many events and has met many well known and interesting people.

Kathy has extensive experience in magazine publishing, having worked as editor-in-chief, editor, features editor, sub-editor and contributor. She carved out her career in publishing by making a name for herself in one field and then gradually making inroads into the area she really wanted to succeed in. It has been a lengthy but worthwhile process and Kathy is enthusiastic about the possibility of sharing her experiences with others.

Awards & Prizes:
Cosmopolitan New Journalist Competition 1987 (runner-up)
Literary Festival Appearances:
Please Attach Author Images and Book Cover Graphics:
Website address: kemartin.co.uk
Twitter: @KathyMartin001
Contact email: kathymartin[@]btopenworld.com