Christmas Is Coming and a Birmingham Event

Gifts a go-go for Murder, She Wrote fans and a fab meet-up in Brum

Nov 19, 2023

My friend Columbophile does an annual round-up of gifts to buy for the Columbo fan in your life, and I love it so much I thought I’d do one for all of you Fangelas! But before that, there’s a fabulous Murder, She Wrote event coming up.

Murder, She Cooked in Birmingham

If you are in the Birmingham area come and join me in the Staying Cool penthouse suite in the Rotunda for a fun event with sensational views of the city.

I’ll be chatting about my love of Murder, She Wrote and the idea behind the Murder, She Cooked book. There will be a quiz with PRIZES, and you’ll all take away a signed copy of the book. Tickets are available here - proceeds to the Brain Tumour Research charity.

We’ll be sharing slices of Angela Lansbury’s very own date and walnut cake and copious amounts of tea. It would be Jessica’s kind of get-together!

Christmas is Coming!

Have you started buying your prezzies yet?

Naturally, as a self-published author, I would love you to ponder who might like one of these. All are available worldwide via Amazon - here’s a link to my author page - switch to your own country for correct pricing.

If you have friends or family who love Murder, She Wrote, I can think of no nicer gift than getting them tickets to a Solve-Along-A-Murder-She-Wrote bonanza

check the brilliant Tim Benzie’s website for forthcoming shows.

My e-chum Thom Kofeod has many wonderful Murder, She Wrote products, including stickers, tote bags and original artworks.

I also love the Fascist Panties Angela Lansbury products - they have all sorts!

These pencils available via Fan Grrrl are genius!

Last but not least, From the Shed on Etsy does some lovely stuff, including mugs, tote bags and mousemats featuring a selection of Jessica’s best outfits.

These are all UK-based artists, so let me know if you have favourite vendors of Murder, She Wrote goodies elsewhere in the world in the comments, and I’ll include them in my round-up next year!

The thing I really want Santa to bring me is this…

MAGNUM, SHE WROTE! Is anyone out there an expert on baseball hat embroidery?! Surely these would fly off the shelves…

Test Cooking Update

Test cooks worldwide have been sending feedback and photos. I am so grateful!

A quick shoutout for four volunteers who haven’t had their recipes yet - Pywacket, Sonya, Jen and Amy - please get in touch via my contact form so I have your email address.

Here’s a tiny peek into some of the things that are in store for book two.

Margie in Atlanta, Georgia, tested William Gallo’s Vodka Pasta

Sherrie in Nova Scotia cooked up Dina Merrill’s Tarragon Chicken.

Harry in Cleethorpes, UK, sent pix of Mark Rolston’s Red-Eye Eggs Benedict

and Christopher Neame’s Kleftico.

Gill in Finland tried out the Jane Withers’ Chocolate Party Cake.

Evelyn Keyes’ Cuban Pears

and Pat Hingle’s Pumpkin Bread were enjoyed by Charlotte, Frazer, Lucy and Graham in Kent who have a Murder, She Wrote Club! They are watching all the episodes of the show and cooking some of the dishes in Volume 1 of the book. How fabulous!

Pat’s Pumpkin Bread was also a hit with Jill and her fiancé Doug in Michigan.

Days of Our Lives fan Reina in California popped a poached egg on top of Leann Hunley’s Asparagus Vinaigrette

Shelley and her hubby in Louisville, Kentucky enjoyed the flavour combination of John Kapelos’ Spanikorizo Surprise.

Fiona May Shriver in New England tested Allan Miller’s Haddock Pot Pie and wrote, “My husband enjoyed it and would not mind having it again. My six-year-old was ambivalent about the recipe, but enjoyed the idea that we were helping someone make a cookbook.” Aww, that’s sweet!

Sally Hale said the following about Gerald O'Loughlin's Easy Texas Hash, “It was amazing!” which is the kinda feedback I like!

She admitted that she and her hubby scoffed the lot but added this explainer, “Served 2 hungry people (how embarrassing). Although one is a blacksmith who could eat a horse at every meal.” Hahahaha!

VT in Canada sent feedback for two recipes and made me laugh out loud too, the best thing about writing my books is getting recipe feedback for sure! VT made Wings Hauser’s Greek Salad

and Susan Blakely’s Tahini Dressing.

Anya in San Francisco made Brett Porter’s Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas and the whole family enjoyed them.

Anya also made Musetta Vander’s South African Yoghurt and Chicken Potjie and made me laugh (as test cooks often do) by writing this in her feedback, “I love that the recipe calls for 6 large potatoes and suggests serving it over mashed potatoes :-)” Brilliant!

Finally, Jeannine in Worcester, MA rustled up a batch of Ron Masak’s Albondigas Soup

Jeannine wrote, “I could picture Sherrif Metzger popping in for a quick lunch like this at Dixon’s diner – just before getting interrupted to hear about the latest murder.”