New crime novel with a menopausal twist

Many crime novels feature younger female protagonists. So The Menopause Exchange’s newsletter editor, Victoria Goldman, decided to give her latest crime novel an additional twist. 

Madeleine Batten, the main character of Little Secrets, is experiencing several menopausal symptoms while she’s attempting to solve a 20-year-old murder-mystery at The Panbrook Prison Hotel.

“I wanted Madeleine to be believable and seem very real,” Victoria Goldman told That's Books and Entertainment.

“She’s in her early 50s, and around three-quarters of women will be experiencing some menopausal symptoms at this time of life. 

"Madeleine is a hard-working hotel manager and an organised perfectionist, attempting to juggle a hectic workload and the needs of her soon-to-be-married daughter, as many women do when they’re in their 40s and 50s. 

"Added into the mix is the hotel’s 10th anniversary weekend, a true-crime controversy that’s divided the media for the past 20 years, and an array of hotel guests to please (and suspect of murder and mayhem). Little Secrets is ultimately a crime novel, so obviously nothing goes to plan…”

Little Secrets is a compelling, atmospheric locked-room mystery set in a former prison that's been converted into a luxury hotel. In 1999, a prison nurse at HMP Panbrook was accused of the murders of five prisoners. But was she innocent – or was she guilty? To discover the truth, we need to head back to the past… Little Secrets is ideal for fans of Sarah Pearse, Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware and Claire Douglas.

‘A rollercoaster ride you will not forget! Ingenious and intriguing from start to finish.’ – Janice Hallett, award-winning British author of several mystery novels including The Appeal.

Victoria Goldman has been editing The Menopause Exchange newsletter since its launch. She is an experienced health journalist and editor, including Freelance Health Editor for Bupa, and copyedits and proofreads fiction and non-fiction books for UK publishers and authors. 

She has a Biomedical Science BSc. and an MSc. in Science Communication, with specialist expertise in writing evidence-based health information for companies, charities, magazines and websites. She has written two other crime novels, The Redeemer and The Associate, which was the Editor’s Choice Winner of Best Indie Novel of 2023 in the Crime Fiction Lover Awards.

You can buy the book here https://amzn.to/3Ko9F3B

Learn about The Menopause Exchange here: http://www.menopause-exchange.co.uk. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter/X (@MenopauseExch).

We feel this book will be a fantastic Christmas gift for any mystery lover, male or female.

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New Book Reveals the Secrets to Brilliant Public Speaking and Media Communication

Award winning business publisher LID Publishing has announced the launch of How to Be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media, a first-of-its-kind practical guide to presentation and public speaking skills.

It’s the debut book by Benjamin Thiele-Long, a barrister and communications consultant with over two decades of experience as a trusted advisor to business leaders of some of the world’s largest companies.

Thiele-Long brings his unique experience to life, cutting straight to the point with practical and immediately applicable advice and examples on how to be an excellent communicator in keynotes, panels, pitches, and to the press.

“Those who can express their ideas with persuasion, conviction, and clarity stand out as compelling leaders and visionaries within their organizations and industries”Benjamin Thiele-Lon told That's Books and Entertainment.

“This book distils over 20 years’ experience to demonstrate that far from an innate talent, being brilliant at presenting, pitching, and speaking to the media are all learnable skills based on tried and tested principles that everyone can apply.”

With a career spanning time as a courtroom advocate, PR agency leader, and Chief Communications Officer, Benjamin Thiele-Long is a respected industry expert known for his uniquely no-nonsense, practical, and relatable approach to presentation and media training that instils the confidence to turn anyone into a compelling and persuasive speaker.

Advance praise for How to Be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media.

Miguel Patricio, Board Chair and former CEO of Kraft Heinz said: “This is an essential resource for every business leader, full of the indispensable advice and practical skills necessary to become an exceptional and influential communicator.”

Kathy Krenger, Award-winning international Chief Communications Officer and Brand Builder: “An outstanding book unlike any other, packed with clear and compelling advice and examples that get straight to the point, are easy to apply, and delivered in a personable and digestible way.”

R. Michael Mohan, Board Chair and former President and COO of Best Buy: “Addressing the right audience with the right message, at the right time, is critical for any business leader, and more important than ever. This book reinforces that with great examples and validates the importance of enabling a great communications team.”

Barney Thompson, Editor and writer at the United Nations, former journalist and editor at The Financial Times: “Smart, snappy, insightful, informed by a wealth of personal experience (triumphs and disasters), unflinchingly honest, wise, practical – a superb guide to communicating with a wide range of audiences, from colleagues to the media to the general public. Indispensable both for those facing the cameras and for those preparing them.”

Apart from C-suite leaders and anyone who wants to turbocharge their career by improving their communication skills, How to be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media is also aimed at communications advisors, who can use it as a resource when briefing their clients on any public appearances.

It's not about theoretical jargon; it's about real-world techniques, exercises and examples that empower you to craft compelling content, deliver impactful presentations, and navigate pitches and panels, all with a unique blend of communications expertise and a healthy dose of humour.

The book's concise, snappy sections make it easy to quickly find the needed advice need, while real-world examples and exercises bring the principles to life. The book equips the reader with the fundamental building blocks and practical tools to become an utterly brilliant communicator.

How to be Utterly Brilliant at Public Speaking, Presenting and Talking to the Media is published on 30th October 2025 by LID Publishing, available as paperback and e-book. 

https://lidpublishing.com

You can pre-order it here at £9.99 https://amzn.to/4hbOX2V

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Step Through Story and Legend at Butser BookFest 2025

A Weekend of Fantasy, History and Creativity at Butser Ancient Farm, Hampshire - 18th & 19th October 2025.

Step into a world where myth meets history and stories come alive among reconstructed ancient buildings! 

On the 18th and 19th of October, the much-loved Butser BookFest returns for another vibrant weekend at Butser Ancient Farm celebrating literature, history, folklore and fantasy - all set within the extraordinary landscape of the South Downs and an open-air experimental archaeology site.

This year’s festival invites readers, bestselling authors, families and dreamers to immerse themselves in storytelling, poetry, and performance inspired by nature and myth. Wander between Roman villas, roundhouses and Saxon meadhalls as you hear from bestselling authors, take part in creative workshops or be transported to the ancient past through the rhythm of live music, the warmth of the hearth and a shared love of words and imagination.

Highlights of Butser BookFest 2025 are set to include:

Inspiring author talks and book signings: Hear from bestselling writers including Conn Iggulden, Samantha Shannon, Elodie Harper, Amy Jeffs and Lucy Holland as they discuss weaving history, myth, and magic into unforgettable tales. Afterwards, meet your favourite authors at their roundhouse bookshop hosted by Waterstones.

Live storytelling, poetry, and performance: Be transported by Saxon skald Eorðen as poetry and lyre music echo through ancient halls and enjoy atmospheric readings by poets and performers inspired by nature and folklore.

Creative workshops and hands-on activities: Join immersive writing and storytelling workshops, craft your own lino-print bookmark, browse visiting traders, try your hand at archery or explore the Forgotten Fleece Tales exhibition.

Children's sessions and workshops: There’s something for the whole family to enjoy with a huge range of activities at the festival, including an engaging children’s writing workshop led by award-winning author Angela McAllister and a hands-on session with poetry and drawing hosted by bestselling children's writer Smriti Halls. Families can take part in storytelling sessions and outdoor activities that spark imagination and creativity for all ages.

Festival founder and organiser Sofie Kitts told That's Book and Entertainment: "Nothing brings historically inspired fantasy and fiction, folklore and nature writing to life quite like celebrating it a setting such as ours, surrounded by the rolling South Downs and thatched roofs of Saxon meadhalls and ancient roundhouses. 

"We're really so fortunate to regularly connect with so many booklovers, artists and writers, and we’re thrilled to bring them together in a venue like no other literary festival takes place with such a diverse and fascinating programme of workshops, talks and more."

Butser Book Festival is more than just a celebration of books - it's an opportunity to experience the magic of stories ancient and new in an inspiring setting, making it the perfect weekend for families, bookworms, craft-lovers and writers alike.

Book your tickets now! Don’t miss out on this extraordinary festival at Butser Ancient Farm. Purchase tickets, book in-depth workshops, and explore the full programme here: https://www.butserancientfarm.co.uk/butser-literary-book-festival. Advance booking is strongly advised as spaces for workshops are limited.

If you have bookworms to buy for we suggest you visit the Butser BookFest to pick up some fantastic Christmas gifts.