Hot news: I have a book deal for my new Irish-Indian cosy crime crossover series. The first book is set in the labyrinthine heart of Old Delhi, a district called Chandni Chowk. That name translates in English to Moonlit Square – hence the name of my new book: Murder in Moonlit Square.
It’s been described as “Richard Osman meets The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.”
Bestselling author crime author Vaseem Khan says it “takes us to the colour and crowds of modern Delhi in pursuit of a killer. A charming start to a vibrant new mystery series.”
And thriller writer Awais Khan (no relation to Vaseem), the author of No Honour and Someone Like Her, says it’s “rich, layered and multi-faceted, Murder in Moonlit Square has everything you could hope for in cosy crime: unforgettable characters, a compelling mystery and a wicked sense of humour.”
It features an unlikely crime-fighting duo. On the Irish side, we have Sister Agatha, a semi-retired nun, too feisty to stay in Ireland, who has spent her teaching career in schools and colleges across India. But she has secrets and some bad habits. She wasn’t always a nun. On the Indian side, we have Avtar Mehta, owner of the historic Delhi Haveli Hotel, from a family of refugees become adept at navigating the sometimes harsh streets of the big city.
When they bump into each other unexpectedly in the lead up to Christmas in Chandni Chowk, they’re plunged into a twisted tale of a missing pilgrim, murder, spies and terror. With their lives and liberty at stake, they have to somehow keep one step ahead of the police, the secret service and a hidden killer – without losing their sense of humour.
Murder in Moonlit Square by Paul Waters comes out in Sept/Oct 2025. But you can pre-order your copy via this link. And please sign up to my author newsletter so I can keep you updated on the publication and what is coming next.
Blackwatertown
“A fascinating story with intricate twists and turns… extremely intriguing.” – Frederick Forsyth, author of The Day of the Jackal & The Fox
When maverick police sergeant Jolly Macken is banished to a sleepy 1950s Irish border village, he vows to find the killer of his brother – even if the murderer is in the police.
But a lot can happen in a week. Over seven days Macken falls in love, uncovers dark family secrets, accidentally starts a war, and is hailed a hero and branded a traitor.
When Blackwatertown explodes into violence, who can he trust?
And is betrayal the only way to survive?
Blackwatertown is out now in paperback and ebook published by Unbound, and in audiobook published by WF Howes Clipper imprint.
