It’s that truly awful time of year again: I have to write the back cover blurb for my new Sam Plank novel. Heaven only knows why I can write thousands and thousands of words in the actual book but can’t put together two good paragraphs for the back cover, but there it is. Anyway, I’ve had a go for “Plank 4”, and would REALLY appreciate any reactions/suggestions/thoughts. Here it is:
An elderly French artist is found dead in his rooms in London. Clutched in his hand is the thing he died to save: a beautiful miniature portrait of a little girl. Intrigued, Constable Sam Plank delves into the world of art dealing and finds himself navigating the fragile post-war relationship between England and France. And then someone starts attacking customs officers in London Docks – supposedly the most secure place in the country.
In the chilly spring of 1827, Plank and his junior constable William Wilson meet charming Frenchmen in London and shadow daring blockademen in Kent to uncover smuggling and even more dangerous plans, while Sam’s wife Martha has to put aside her own matchmaking hopes when Wilson falls in love.
Susan Grossey 
Dear Susan
That blurb works for me and I especially like the first paragraph. I’d perhaps make one slight tweak to the last sentence of paragraph two, to make things slightly clearer to potential new readers …… “while Sam’s wife Martha has to put her own matchmaking hopes for Wilson on hold when he unexpectedly falls in love”.
I’ve taken a slight guess by including “unexpectedly” but I’m guessing that will have been the case.
Best wishes
Graham
Many thanks, Graham. I have just reworked the blurb and submitted it to the cover designer, so all done and dusted. Here’s how it ended up:
“An elderly French artist is found dead in his rooms in London clutching a miniature portrait of a little girl. Intrigued, Constable Sam Plank delves into the world of art dealing and finds himself navigating the fragile post-war relationship between England and France. What is the link between this and the recent attacks on customs officers in London Docks? And will a beautiful mademoiselle put paid to Martha Plank’s matchmaking?
“In this fourth novel in the Sam Plank series, set in the chilly spring of 1827, Plank and his junior constable William Wilson meet Frenchmen in London and daring blockademen in Kent to uncover smuggling and even more dangerous ambitions.”
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