News from Christine Tipper

A Thousand Thank Yous

1,000 copies of The Paige Harper Mysteries — and it’s all down to you

Dear reader,

I have been looking forward to writing this blog for a very long time. Why? Because The Paige Harper Mysteries have now sold 1,000 copies.

One thousand. I have typed that number, deleted it, and typed it again several times this morning just to make sure it looks real. It does. And I have you to thank for it.

So today’s blog is a little different. There’s a heartfelt thank you, a look back at how we got here and a peek at what’s coming next. Pop the kettle on, find a comfy spot, and settle in.

In August 2023 I published my first book, Exe River Murders. I will be honest with you: I was full of naïve optimism. In my head, I had written a book, so the readers would simply arrive. Lovely, glowing reviews would pour in. The sales figures would climb.

Reader, they did not.

The self-publishing road has been a real journey of discovery, and not always a smooth one. Sales were slow. Reviews were few and far between. There were plenty of days when it would have been easy to wonder whether anybody was out there at all.

But here is the thing I never lost: my love of writing. I kept going. I wrote the next book, and the next, and with each one I learnt a little more about my craft. Step by step I also learnt about things I never imagined I would need to know — book cover design, marketing, author profiles, and so much more. (If you had told me in 2023 that I would have strong opinions about cover fonts, I would not have believed you.)

There is still a great deal to learn, and I expect I will be learning for as long as I write. But today I want to pause and say something simple.

Every book you bought, every page you turned, every message you sent, and every review you took the time to write has meant more than I can say. You have been the reason I kept going on the quiet days, and you are the reason I am celebrating today. A writer can write without readers, but it is readers who make it all feel worthwhile.

While Paige and Sprite put their paws up (well, once the washing-up is done), the spotlight now swings to a brand new face. It’s the turn of Maya Montana to take centre stage.

The first book in my new series, Hidden Portrait, was published on 21st September 2026, and I am so excited to have Maya out in the world. A new series means a new sleuth, new secrets and a whole new set of characters to get to know. I would love for you to meet her.

If you’ve enjoyed Paige’s adventures, I very much hope you’ll give Maya the same warm welcome. And if you’ve already read Hidden Portrait, please do tell me what you think. I read every message and I love hearing from you.

One last time: thank you. A thousand times over. Whether you’ve been with me since Exe River Murders or you only discovered Paige and Sprite last week, you are part of this story, and I am so very grateful.

Let the adventures continue,

Christine