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"The Tattered Blue Line" - author copies arrive down under!

5/5/2022

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It's always such a wonderful feeling to pick up the hard copy of a book or anthology you've got a story in.
Well, today this box of beauties arrived down under - my author copies.

It's The Tattered Blue Line anthology, edited and published by Frank Zafiro.  Frank is an outstanding crime fiction author himself and an ex-cop, and he has edited this excellent collection of crime fiction short stories with the theme of the issues surrounding contemporary policing in western liberal democracies.

I was utterly thrilled to be invited to submit a story.  I was then humbled and honoured to have my story ("Clean, Green, and Obscene") accepted for inclusion in this line up of great crime writers, all of whom have coalface experience in law enforcement environments.

My colleagues here, from the USA, Canada, and Europe, are Frank Zafiro, Colin Conway, Jim Doherty, P.S. Harman, J.J. Hensley, Mark Bergin, Quintin Peterson, Scott Kikkawa, James L'Etoile, Elizabeth Nguyen, Pearson O'Meara, Stacy Woodson, and Erik Djerneas.

Grab yourself a copy and enjoy these gems - explore the humanity the authors bring to the page.
It's on Amazon: 
https://www.amazon.com/Tattered-Blue-Line-Contemporary-Policing/dp/B09XZJS4VH/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3KA3TCJG5BLAN&keywords=the+tattered+blue+line&qid=1651753296&sprefix=the+tattered%2Caps%2C329&sr=8-1

Cheers,
ABP



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Anzac Day 2022 - Lest We Forget.

25/4/2022

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On this day, Anzac Day, when we as Australians and New Zealanders commemorate our veterans, it is as always fitting to remember that their sacrifice, in blood and suffering, is what we owe our freedom to.
The freedom that so many take for granted and do not appreciate, but the freedom that enables us to live our lives, enjoy our rights, and bathe in freedom of speech and ideas.  The same freedom that many would take from us.
My own tribute is to dedicate a blog, as I did last year and before, to both my grandfathers, who fought for the Australian Army in the World Wars, defending those freedoms.

My paternal grandfather was Gordon Reginald Patterson and he went to the Western Front in 1917.  He turned 18 six days before he enlisted.  Private Patterson then joined the Australian Army  Infantry in the trenches in northern France and Belgium for all the horrors that entailed.  He came back to Australia in 1919.  He died when my father was only 6 years old.  His photo is below, and I can see my father in his face.

My maternal grandfather was George Harwood Smith and he went to the second World War in 1941, as a 39 year old.  He served with the Australian Army Motor Transport in Indonesia.  When the Allied forces in Java surrendered to the Japanese in 1942, Private Smith went into the infamous Japanese POW camp at Changi in Singapore, where he remained a prisoner until the end of the war.  Alas, I don't have any photos of Grandfather Smith in uniform.

I can't begin to even imagine the horrors both my grandfathers endured.  But I can be forever grateful for what we now enjoy, thanks to the sacrifice of them and millions of other Allied service personnel.

Rest in peace, my grandfathers, and lest we forget.

Cheers,
​ABP

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Contemporary policing captured in short stories - "The Tattered Blue Line"

19/4/2022

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Frank Zafiro, an outstanding crime fiction author himself and an ex-cop, has edited this excellent collection of crime fiction short stories with the theme of the issues surrounding contemporary policing in western liberal democracies.
It's a vitally important theme for our societies, and one which seldom hears any voices other than the vocal one-eyed mob screaming outrage.  Our modern times need far more nuanced and balanced discussion than typically exists.
I was utterly thrilled to be invited to submit a story.  I was then  both humbled and honoured to have my story ("Clean, Green, and Obscene") accepted for inclusion in this line up of great crime writers, all of whom have coalface experience in law enforcement environments.
My colleagues here, from the USA, Canada, and Europe, are Colin Conway, Jim Doherty, P.S. Harman, J.J. Hensley, Mark Bergin, Quintin Peterson, Scott Kikkawa, James L'Etoile, Elizabeth Nguyen, Pearson O'Meara, Stacy Woodson, and Erik Djerneas.
Grab yourself a copy and enjoy these gems - explore the humanity the authors bring to the page.
Cheers,
ABP


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"The Tattered Blue Line" - my new short story in this great anthology.

31/3/2022

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Frank Zafiro is a crime author and former police officer, like me.  We're just on opposite sides of the Pacific Ocean and in opposite hemispheres.   I've read some of Frank's work and absolutely love it - gripping crime fiction oozing the realism that comes from the pen of an ex-cop.
So I was thrilled to be invited to submit a story to Frank's new anthology of contemporary policing stories - an anthology with the theme of listening to different points of view on the controversies of modern policing (in liberal democracies), and all written by authors with law enforcement experience.
I was even more thrilled that my story, "Clean, Green, and Obscene", was accepted for the collection.
And I'm so proud and humbled to be lining up with the authors in this anthology.
It's out in 2 weeks - do take a look!
Cheers,
ABP


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Podcast - I'm with Frank Zafiro on his crime writing podcast

9/3/2022

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I'm thrilled to be appearing today on Frank Zafiro's excellent podcast, Wrong Place, Write Crime.
Tune in to listen to Frank and I chatting all things crime author as ex-cops.
wrongplacewritecrime.com
Cheers,
ABP


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"To Serve, Protect, and Write" - the paperbacks have arrived!

2/3/2022

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OH YES!  It's that awesome feeling of opening the first box of a new book you've created.  I'm just the editor (albeit contributing) for this volume, but it's still a very proud day here in Sydney!

I arranged a limited print run here in Australia, as there is no substitute for the original paperback of a book.  But given most of the interest will be elsewhere around the world, POD is the best option for most people.

Over half the print run copies will be heading out in parcels next week to the 14 other authors in this fine volume.  But if you'd like to purchase one of the original paperbacks (there are about 100 available), just drop me a line.

Cheers,
ABP











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"To Serve, Protect, and Write" - Cops Writing Crime Fiction - paperback now available.

12/2/2022

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The anthology from Cops Writing Crime has now arrived in paperback (print-on-demand).

​Ebook and POD on Amazon:

www.amazon.com/dp/B09RQJL1PT/ref=sr_1_3?crid=27A7ULEFSAOO0&keywords=to+serve+protect+and+write&qid=1643868766&sprefix=to+serve+protect+and+write%2Caps%2C268&sr=8-3

Also seen on Barnes & Noble and Book Depository.

Other platforms to follow.

So, 15 crime stories from members of The Squad of Cops Writing Crime - 9 from the USA, 4 from the UK, 1 from Canada, and 1 from Australia:
Christopher Allen   (USA)
Thonie Hevron   (USA)
Michael O'Keefe   (USA)
Barry Lees   (UK)
P.J. Bodnar   (USA)
Desmond P. Ryan   (Canada)
Pearson O'Meara   (USA)
Ryan Sayles   (USA)
Keith Wright   (UK)
T.K. Thorne   (USA)
James Ellson    (UK)
Mark Atley   (USA)
Lisa Cutts   (UK)
A.B. Patterson   (Australia)
Frank Zafiro   (USA)

This is a unique volume, and oozes police realism.

I hope you enjoy.

Cheers,
ABP
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Cover reveal latest - "To Serve, Protect, and Write"

31/10/2021

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The latest front cover for "To Serve, Protect, and Write: Cops Writing Crime Fiction" is here!

Another stunning piece of design work by the super-talented J.T. Lindroos (oivas.com).

Stay tuned for more news - the book is only weeks away.

Cheers,
ABP

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Cops Writing Crime - anthology cover reveal!

24/10/2021

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The front cover for "To Serve, Protect, and Write: Cops Writing Crime Fiction" is here!

Another stunning piece of design work by the super-talented J.T. Lindroos (oivas.com).

Stay tuned for more news - the book is only weeks away.

Cheers,
ABP


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The Cops Writing Crime anthology approaches!

23/10/2021

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"To Serve, Protect, and Write: Cops Writing Crime Fiction"
 (Volume 1)
It's been a long project for various reasons, but the moment of launch is approaching.  The anthology manuscript is undergoing final touches before heading for printing and ebook conversion.
The collection has 15 crime stories from members of the Cops Writing Crime squad, and here's the table of contents in order:
 
“All Good Things Must Begin”       Christopher Allen   (USA)
 “Johnny Walker”       Thonie Hevron   (USA)
 “I Remember Who I Am”       Michael O’Keefe   (USA)
 “Dublin to Liverpool”       Barry Lees   (UK)
 “His First”       P.J. Bodnar   (USA)
 “Cold Comfort”       Desmond P. Ryan   (Canada)
 “The LadySmith”       Pearson O’Meara   (USA)
 “Riot in the Mental Institution”       Ryan Sayles   (USA)
 “The Snug”       Keith Wright   (UK)
 “The Old Lady”       T.K. Thorne   (USA)
 “The Translator”       James Ellson   (UK)
 “The Carpenter’s Son”       Mark Atley   (USA)
 “Waiting”       Lisa Cutts   (UK)
 “Rights and Wrongs”       A.B. Patterson   (Australia)
 “The Last Cop”       Frank Zafiro   (USA)
 
So, 15 crime writers who have worked those mean streets in real life, across 15 law enforcement agencies in 4 different countries.

Tomorrow, I'll being giving a preview of the stunning cover image from the brilliant design talent of J.T. Lindroos.

Cheers,
ABP

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BIG NEWS - Harry Kenmare, PI goes audio!

26/8/2021

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The BIG news this week is that my audiobook project for Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service has finally gone live.  
The project has been on for a few months and it's been a great learning experience, and a blast to hear Harry as an audiobook.

The narration was done by Declan Nicholls and he has done a great job of being the voice of Harry - hope he's not too scarred by walking in Harry's shoes, so to speak!  Thank you, Declan.
Declan is a voice professional and can be found at: 
https://www.declanvoiceover.com

​And the whole project was made possible by the facilitation of Publicious, my regular publishing facilitator. As always, Andy McDermott and his team have been excellent to work with.  Thank you, Andy and Publicious.
Publicious can be found at:
https://www.publicious.com.au
 
The audio book will become available on multiple platforms over the next few weeks.  But if you like Audible, it's here today:
 
https://www.audible.com.au/search?keywords=harry+kenmare&ref=a_newreleas_t1_header_search
 
Along with the 4 medals in the Golbal Ebook Awards last week, August has been a big month for Harry Kenmare, PI!

Cheers,
ABP
 
​
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WINS! Global Ebook Awards - 4 medals for "Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service"

17/8/2021

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Absolutely thrilled to pick up 4 medals in the Global Ebook Awards 2021!!!

Yes, Harry Kenmare, PI - At Your Service was entered into the Global Ebook Awards earlier this year, and yesterday it picked up not just 1, but 4 medals.  I am SO thrilled.

And a massive shout-out to J.T. Lindroos, the cover designer, and Ran Scott, the interior art designer, since 2 of the awards are down to their superb work.  You can find J.T. on Twitter @jtlindroos and at www.oivas.com.  Ran Scott can be found on Twitter at @GargoyleGraphic.

So, here are the awards by category:

Mystery Fiction - Silver Medal

Short Stories/Essays Fiction - Silver Medal

Best Ebook Cover - Bronze Medal

Best Illustration in Adult Fiction - Silver Medal

Feel free to grab a copy!  And remember, it's "dark, debauched, and disturbing" crime fiction.  There's a reason at the book launch that I was called the "bad boy of Australian crime fiction".
Try it, if you dare!


Cheers,
ABP

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GL4F9PG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=harry+kenmare&qid=1598349746&s=books&sr=1-1



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PI Harry Kenmare heads for the American Library in Paris!

6/3/2021

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Following in his footsteps to Kenmare Library in Ireland, Harry is expanding his international outreach program and has now headed for Paris: specifically the American Library in Paris, the largest English-language library in Europe.
Harry's creator wishes he was heading for Paris, too, believe me, but it'll be a while before we're allowed to travel again.
As Paris and France are special to me, I thought I'd let local English-speaking readers in Paris get a load of the dark and debauched world of PI Harry Kenmare.
Postal tracking says the box (pictured) with its donated three copies of each book has now arrived in French customs.
​Next stop the library.
Cheers,
ABP


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New book - "And now for something completely different..."

4/3/2021

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My headline, of course, is courtesy of the immortal Monty Python (I'll love them until I die!).
​But for me as a hard-boiled crime fiction author, this is the epitome of "something completely different".
It's also something so very personal.
Little-known fact about me as a person/author: as a young child (age 7) I was sent to an English boarding school.
The experience has left me scarred for life.  
And I'm obviously not alone.
​Over 10 years ago, I connected with a group in the UK, Boarding Concern, who provided a support network for boarding school survivors.  Aside from slaying a few personal demons, I ended up with the honour and privilege of being able to be instrumental in putting together a book of accounts, of a very personal nature, from a wide range of men who had gone through the trauma of English boarding schools.
It is indescribably wonderful to this year, 2021, see Routledge publish the end result of a project that ran for about 8 years: from the initial canvassing of survivors to the final testament.  It was a long road, believe me.
​I'm so proud to be a co-editor of, and also a contributing author to, this immensely important collection of personal stories.
​Special thanks to my two co-editors, Margaret and Allison, who did so much to steer this project to glorious completion.  My main work was in the earlier stages, and in the last couple of years Margaret and Allison have tirelessly driven the project home.
My great hope is that, through this project, we have furthered the cause of combatting the insidious and inhumane business of boarding schools.
To all the men who contributed to this book, my thoughts and solidarity forever.  I feel your pain, as I know you feel mine.  
Cheers,
ABP

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My short story in a Pink Floyd crime anthology!

19/2/2021

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I'm incredibly thrilled to have a short story of mine, "Childhood's End", appearing in this wonderful anthology, alongside so many talented authors.

I saw this project concept last year, and being a lifelong fan of Pink Floyd, as well as a crime author, thought I had to give it a shot.  All the stories in this collection carry the title of a Pink Floyd song, and no surprises for those who know my work that "Childhood's End" worked really well for me.  It's not one of Floyd's better known numbers, that's for sure, but check out my story to see my take on it.  And aside from my small contribution, the crime writing talent on display here is awesome.

As if that's not enough incentive, a large part of the sale process go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in the US, a truly worthwhile cause.  The editor of the project, T. Fox Dunham, is a cancer survivor, hence the charity connection.

Folks, DO IT - grab this anthology both for a great read and a great cause.

Cheers,
ABP


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