Author Archives: Barbara Howe

Censorship is a Loser’s Game

Posted on 1 October 2023 by Barbara Howe

When the American Library Association’s annual Banned Book Week rolls around, it’s hard to feel optimistic, isn’t it? Especially this year, with the number of reported book challenges doubling and state governments actively involved in censorship. But here’s the thing: … Continue reading →

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Tides of Magic, Tides of Change

Posted on 21 September 2023 by Barbara Howe

Tides of Magic and Tides of Change are the first two books in a series of fantasy novellas by New Zealand author Andi R. Christopher. Both are charming, feel good stories; a pleasant antidote when the tidal wave of bad … Continue reading →

Posted in Fantasy, Kiwi author, New Zealand, Uncategorized | Leave a comment

Bastardisation, ha!

Posted on 9 July 2023 by Barbara Howe

The news recently included an item from the South Island about the mayor of Invercargill, Nobby Clark, spouting a lot of nonsense. The bit that caught my eye in particular was his complaint about “the bastardisation of the English language,” … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand, Politics | 2 Comments

Life Changes

Posted on 27 May 2023 by Barbara Howe

I have retired from my day job. Shortly after my last day, we flew to the United States for our grandson’s second birthday. We’re back home now in New Zealand, slowly recovering from jet lag and the effects of weeks … Continue reading →

Posted in A Writer's Life | Leave a comment

The Reluctant Widow

Posted on 22 April 2023 by Barbara Howe

The time and place: early 19th century England, during the Napoleonic Wars. Miss Elinor Rochdale, on her way to take up a post of governess, alights from a stagecoach in the village of Billingshurst. She is expecting to be met—by … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Fiction, Romantic suspense | Leave a comment

The Queen’s Man

Posted on 10 March 2023 by Barbara Howe

December 1192. Twenty-year-old Justin de Quincy, unacknowledged bastard son of a bishop, is on the road to London in search of gainful employment when he interrupts a violent robbery in progress. The robbers flee, scared off by the approach of … Continue reading →

Posted in Historical Mysteries | Leave a comment

When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain

Posted on 17 February 2023 by Barbara Howe

I was as captivated by When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain, the second novella in the Singing Hills Cycle by American writer Nghi Vo, as I was by the first book, The Empress of Salt and Fortune. Like that … Continue reading →

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Never Pick Up Hitchhikers

Posted on 27 January 2023 by Barbara Howe

On his way to the British town of New Braybourne, where he is supposed to be studying art, twenty-year-old William (Willie) Banks hitchhikes to save money, instead of taking the train. (This story is set in the 1970s, when hitchhiking … Continue reading →

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Quiet in Her Bones

Posted on 13 January 2023 by Barbara Howe

 Ten years ago, Nina Parvati Rai vanished without a trace, taking with her a quarter of a million dollars in cash. Her disappearance was assumed to be an act of defiance: a bored socialite’s revenge on her wealthy, controlling husband. … Continue reading →

Posted in Kiwi author, Mysteries, New Zealand | Leave a comment

2023 Preview

Posted on 30 December 2022 by Barbara Howe

I love mysteries, fantasies, and science fiction, so what could be better than a good murder mystery in a fantasy or science fiction setting? There are a number of those in my TBR pile, so it’s not surprising they figure … Continue reading →

Posted in A Writer's Life, Speculative fiction | Leave a comment