Welcome to Book News — my Friday book slot. If any of you would like me to give your books a plug, please get in touch with your blurb, author bio, a photograph of the book, links and anything else you’d like to add.
Here’s the address to send it to: estherchilton@gmail.com
This week, I’d like to welcome Philip Cumberland with his first crime novel, Killing Time.
Here’s the blurb:
In Killing Time in Cambridge we meet for the first time, Detective Chief Inspector Cyril Lane. known to everyone as Arnold. During his career, Arnold has had experiences he would rather not have had, seen things he wished he hadn’t seen and encountered things he cannot explain. But Arnold’s experiences in Killing Time in Cambridge are truly unlike any other. Among these are time travel and the arrival of an exceptional assistant. The story is set in the historic city of Cambridge and in the surrounding Fens.
Philip has also written a book of short stories, Strange Times and other stories, including some written by a very distant relative George Holmes (a pen name he uses).
Here’s the blurb:
Already an established author, Philip Cumberland has served up a delicious treat with this, his first collection of some of his wonderful and entertaining short stories.
Whether you want laugh out loud or thought-provoking, there will be something here for you. A pick and mix of tales packed full of delightful characters showcasing Phil’s outstanding talent as a storyteller.
However, Phil is not alone.
He has been joined in this fabulous venture by a certain “George Holmes”. A man who looks and sounds an awful lot like Philip himself, but with a more somewhat irreverent disposition.
His presence can be seen in the slightly “cheekier” stories, having led Phil a little astray.
This assortment of yarns is a must-have for anyone who enjoys a joyous collection of captivating and absorbing tales, told by an author with an extraordinary imagination.
The only question you will be left asking yourself is “Why didn’t he do this sooner?”
We can only hope that Philip has many more ideas to craft into wonderful stories for the next collection.
“We knew you could do it,” his friends.
“Did you have to drag me into this?” George Holmes.
“Don’t forget to take the bins out,” his wife.
If you’d like to buy Philip’s books, you can find them here:
Killing Time in Cambridge: Amazon.co.uk: Cumberland, Philip: 9781916481770: Books
Here’s a little bit about Philip:
Philip is possibly the oldest paperboy in Whittlesey and the Fens. In many ways that sums him up: he hasn’t moved on much in many ways since his teens.
Born in 1951 in Paxton, he grew up in Huntingdon, spending his working life involved in the motor trade and engineering, the last thirty years of his working life running a small business.
For years, Philip has been fascinated with improving his art of writing but like many people didn’t pursue his dream until later in life. A vivid imagination and the ability to inject humour into his writing are indicative of his youthful mind..
When he puts his pen down, Philip enjoys the Fens, music, reading, walking, cycling and being a general nuisance, according to his wife.
Esther Chilton 
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