So today is the day to spotlight one of the indies that almost daily puts a little grin on my face, he’s always dropping in unexpectedly to share his words of wisdom on Twitter, and it’s become one of my favourite things. If you haven’t guessed, today’s #IndieOfChristmas is Laurence Westwood. You knew that, right? 
Laurence, after what he says to have been a ‘probably ill-advised’ degree in Theoretical Physics, commenced upon a varied career in law enforcement and information security consultancy. He regularly lectures at the University of Warwick on computer law and IP enforcement. Laurence has had a long-standing fascination with the political, military, social and legal history of China. He lives just outside of Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Laurence writes under a genre label of crime fiction and historical mystery.
The two books that I am spotlighting today are: The Balance of Heaven and Earth and The Willow Woman, both of which are available now in both paperback and e-book format.
The Balance of Heaven and Earth was published on the 4th of October 2018.
I have been unable to write a judgement that does not seem to offend my conscience, or indeed Heaven, in some manner. Because I do not wish to influence your thinking unduly, I have destroyed all my personal papers and notes in regard to this dispute, preferring you to start afresh. Forgive me for this. All I ask is that you consider and examine Jade Moon most carefully before coming to a decision. I find her fascinating and unsettling in equal measure, and fear the consequences of a wrongful judgement. I will say no more.
My sincerest best wishes to you and your family,
Magistrate Qian
Fifth District, Chengdu Prefecture
1st day of the 2nd Moon, 1085
So ends the letter of welcome (and of warning) to Magistrate Zhu, newly arrived in the remote border town of Tranquil Mountain. He has travelled far from his extensive family estates on the outskirts of Kaifeng – the glorious Song Dynasty capital – hoping to find atonement for past mistakes.
Yet he quickly discovers that Tranquil Mountain is anything but tranquil. The town is beset with simmering tensions since the death of his predecessor. Before Magistrate Zhu even has time to accustom himself to his inexperienced and wayward constabulary and the lowliness of his new surroundings, there is a mysterious murder, rumours of ghosts and blood-thirsty bandits out on the streets, and a disturbing kidnapping to solve – as well as the tragic and tangled legal circumstances of the local heroine Jade Moon to unravel.
For the balance of Heaven and Earth to be maintained, and to prevent catastrophe coming to Tranquil Mountain, Magistrate Zhu is well aware that not a single injustice can be allowed to stand. As he struggles to reach the correct judgements, he realises he has no choice but to offer up his career and perhaps even his own life for the greater good. And, in so doing, he discovers that as Jade Moon’s fate rests in his hands, so his fate ultimately rests in hers.
The second book i’m including in this post is The Willow Woman that was published on the 7th of January of this year. This book is a Philip Ye Novel.
Chengdu: a teeming, modern metropolis.
Yet China’s painful turbulent history still leaves its mark on the minds of all who live there.
Philip Ye, half English, half Chinese, is a homicide detective with the Chengdu Public Security Bureau who suffers his own anguish from a life blighted by tragedy and the unsettling appearance of ghosts that often intrude in on his investigations.
On a misty grey morning one such apparition leads him to a busy street corner during the rush hour where he bears witness to a shocking event. Against his better judgment, Phillip is drawn into the search for a missing, vulnerable boy. His investigation brings him into contact with Xu Ya, a brilliant and beautiful public prosecutor. She is new to Chengdu, determined not only to make her mark but to also leave behind her own personal heartbreak. They have crossed paths before. He has no memory of her, but she remembers him very well indeed….
Soon enough Philip Ye has a vicious murder on his hands, and then another – the boy’s disappearance seemingly sparking a chain of violent events. With the help of Xu Ya – dedicated to upholding făzhì, the Rule of Law, in China ‒ and her indefatigable and worldly-wise assistant Fatty Deng, Phillip Ye is quickly on the trail of a mysterious figure known as The Willow Woman. But, unbeknownst to them all, there are secretive and subversive forces at work within the dark heart of the city and tremendous danger awaits…
Don’t you tell me that neither of Laurence’s books have you hovering over the purchasing button? Go on, you know that you want to! Also, i’m not sure if you know but somehow (Ii don’t know how because i’m a teeny bit of a technophobe) you can actually send e-books as gifts to someone else’s kindle! So if you know someone who would love these books send it to them or you can even buy the paperbacks! Book gifts in all their formats are the best gifts, especially when they are indies!
As I’ve already said, Laurence is really active on Twitter, so if you love an engaging author, you can follow him @LWestwoodAuthor. You can also check out his website here!
Remember to keep the indie love going this month by retweeting using #IndiesOfChristmas and sharing your reviews, thoughts etc. about an indie read you’ve loved! If you’ve read an indie book and loved it please remember to write a review on Amazon, this is so important to both independent authors AND independent publishers!
The Reading Closet 