Suffice to say, this week has been AWESOME.
My book was published this Tuesday, a deliciously hectic day trying to keep up with social media – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. It turned out to be one of my most enjoyable publication days ever (am I finally learning to chill and embrace uncertainty??) and culminated in a Zoom launch for Silenced and The Dark Side of Christmas – Hobeck Books’ seasonal anthology (royalties going to the Scottish charity Streetreads, which helps homeless people to start getting their lives back together through the power of reading). I didn’t know how this would go and was quite worried when I couldn’t get into event (I blame two user names on Eventbrite) five minutes after it had started – was panicking, thinking I was going to miss my own party…
But it all went OK in the end. I read out a short chapter, videos were played and questions were asked. I even sipped from a glass of Prosecco while messaging friends who’d joined the event from Scotland and Sydney.
The blog tour started on Monday with the two of the most amazing reviews I’ve ever clapped eyes on, and continued in much the same vein. You’ll have to imagine a string of appropriate gobsmacked emojis, given this is posted from my computer. Seriously, I deeply appreciate the time and effort that quite a few bloggers have directed towards reading and reviewing my tome of a book (it is 500+ pages). Book bloggers are the best!!
I’ve listed all the reviews (I hope) from week one of the tour – trad blogs, Instagram and Twitter – on Silenced along with author Liz Mistry’s review in The Crime Warp but here are a few:
Linda Hill, Linda’s Book Bag
“Silenced is a fantastic book. It’s exciting, enthralling, completely believable and an absolute triumph.”
Michelle Ryles, The Book Magnet
“I love Jennie Ensor’s books so I already knew that Silenced was going to be good, but I didn’t expect it to completely blow my socks off. The writing is sublime, the plot is breathtaking and it’s a book I will never forget.”
Susan Hampson, Books From Dusk Till Dawn
“A stunning story by this author, her best yet, in my opinion, and highly recommended, but do be warned you feel like you are there, and it will stay with you.”
Liz Mistry, The Crime Warp https://www.lizmistry.com/book-review-silenced-by-jennie-ensor
“Silenced offers hard-hitting insight into the world of gangs and the fear they perpetuate in their communities – A complete triumph – well written, fast paced, empathetic and heart-breaking. I loved it!”
Lynda Checkley, Lynda’s Book Reviews https://www.instagram.com/p/CXNX4YgI3iE/
The climax to the story is frightening and clever in many ways and leaves one with a sense of the impossible in dealing with such culture. A brilliant read and I hope this isn’t the last we see of Callum ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
(Please note: Cathy Ryan, Between The Lines, is now at the end of the tour.)
Then on Thursday I had the pleasure (in between anxiety attacks) of chatting on Zoom with Donna Morfett for her fast-becoming-an-institution Facebook author interviews. As I was somewhat nervous, I rambled on rather and hesitated even more than usual.
Maybe I’ll stick to writing 🙂
Silenced is £2.99 for the ebook (http://viewbook.at/silenced and £9.29 for the paperback on Bookshop.org/£9.99 on Waterstones.com. Or order at any bookshop (stocked at Highgate Books in London, N6 – they have several copies and one in the window with a local author sticker! – and some Waterstones branches).
Jennie Ensor's Author Website 