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My name is John Paxton Sheriff. I write mystery novels, books on writing technique, and short Western novels. The mystery novels are series books, and they're light-hearted rather than morbid. There are plenty of murders, but no grisly details. I try to make the dialogue snappy, and amusing. The first series features amateur PI Jack Scott, Sian Laidlaw and Calum Wick. The second has PI Penny Lane, her husband, Josh, and a colleague (partner in crime?) Sharkey.
This site was started a long time ago. Sadly, it's been neglected. My fault entirely, of course, but I hope I can put that right. I know a lot of you read my books, and I would like to think that news of what's coming up and what my series characters are facing next will interest you - though I won't be giving away too many secrets!
29 April 2010
The second Penny Lane novel, LOCKED IN DEATH, was recently taken by large print publishers, Ulverscroft – which will please those of you who like to rest your eyes with the larger font. Publication date is not yet known.
9 May 2010
There was a lot of interest in my TUITION page after I'd removed it! So, as of today it's back again, with the invitation to get in touch with me if you are keen to learn more about the writing game.
My last Western to be published was THE SECOND COFFEYVILLE BANK RAID, under the pseudonym Matt Laidlaw. That came out in March this year. The next, THE HUNTING OF LOPE GAMBOA under the name Jack Sheriff, will be published this month. Two more for future publication are CROSSING THE BRAVO FOR PUEBLITO, by Jim Lawless, and OUTLAW CANYON, once again by Jack Sheriff. Needless to say, I'm working on the next!