Out now in ebook and paperback, the latest Cambridge fellows Mystery.
Lessons in Exposing a Deadly Alias.
When their colleague Dr Panesar is the victim of serious allegations, the Cambridge Fellows have to call on every resource to solve the problem. But in a case where nothing is as it appears and they can’t even identify who’s posing the threat, how can they clear an innocent man’s name?
The Deadliest Fall. Out now in ebook and paperback. Some truths can’t be left buried.
The second world war may be over, but for Leslie Cadmore the scars remain. His beloved dog died, there’s a rift between him and his lover Patrick, and his father inexplicably abandoned the family for life in a monastery. Fate’s been cruel.
A chance meeting with Patrick’s sister stirs old memories, and Leslie starts to dig into both his father’s motives and long-unanswered questions around the death of Fergus Jackson. The worst of a group of disreputable pre-war friends, Fergus was a manipulative rake who allegedly fell on his own knife in a training accident. An accident for which Patrick was apparently the only witness.
Leslie’s persuaded to meet Patrick again, and the pair easily fall back into their old dynamic. They uncover connection after surprising connection between their hedonistic old friends and not only Fergus’s murder, but Mr. Cadmore’s abrupt departure. As their investigation deepens, Leslie and Patrick’s bond deepens too. But no reconciliation can occur until Leslie knows for sure that his erstwhile lover wasn’t Fergus’s killer.
As Charlie Cochrane couldn’t be trusted to do any of her jobs of choice—like managing a rugby team—she writes. Her favourite genre is cosy mysteries, sometimes historical (sometimes hysterical) and usually with a mystery thrown into the mix. She’s a member of the Crime Writers Association, Mystery People, and International Thriller Writers Inc. Her short story “Unlucky for Some” was short-listed for the CWA’s 2023 Marjorie Allingham award.
Sign up for her newsletter or catch her at Facebook or twitter. If you want a taste of her style, try the free reads: you can find them all here.
Author picture thanks to the multi talented Temple Dragon.
Charlie Cochrane - Mysteries with a dash of slash and much more 
I can’t order books 1-8 in the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries series from Samhain any longer, but only 4 books #9 etc from Riptide. Any suggestions where to go for the 8 books? Thank you.
Joey
Hi Joey. The first eight books are being re-released later this year, but I don’t have the exact dates yet. I’ll let you know as soon as I do.
As promised – number 1 is now available https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076M3D2JY
Are your books out of print? I can’t find your Cambridge series.
Long story and complicated answer! The first 8 books were with the now defunct Samhain; you can get the first one in audio version. The others are contracted to another publisher and awaiting re-release. Books 8-12 are with Riptide and still available. http://www.riptidepublishing.com/titles/collections/cambridge-fellows There are various short stories on my free stories page of this website and I’ve just published a novella length story on Amazon.
If that makes no sense or you need more help, please let me know.
Thank you for replying. I think I get it. Either wait for the books to be re-released or search for the old copies in used bookshops.
Just had a thought – where do you live? And do you need print copies or e-books?
I am currently in the Middle East, though I have a US p.o.box for mail. I prefer print copies due to migraines.
On a related note, I wish so many authors wouldn’t make their titles an Amazon/Kindle exclusive. It makes things difficult for readers in other parts of the world.
I sympathise ref Amazon – I’m intending to put my few self published works on other places, too, but haven’t had time to explore them yet. I also sympathise ref print, as I only read print versions. I have spare copies of some of the first 8 books but not all, alas.
Do you have book.2 by any chance? I found book.1 but book.2 is going for ridiculous sums on Amazon.
I have one copy of book 2 left. If you mail me on Cochrane.charlie2@gmail.com we can talk logistics. BTW make sure the Book 1 copy is the Samhain version.
Having just finished Book 1 earlier today, I too am chomping at the bit for books 2 through 7! Maybe I will go buy the available ones from Riptide now in case they are unavailable later by some mischance. Love starting a new series… very impatient about waiting haha!!
I will keep you updated on progress through re-publishing them all. 🙂
Just bought Lessons In Trust from Amazon today – so thrilled that its been reissued – now all I need to really make my life complete is the reissue of All Lessons Learned – any idea when, Charlie?
Soon. I’ve just approved the cover art so it’s going into final stages of production. So glad you enjoy the books.
Thanks, Charlie – something to look forward to! Best wishes to you on all your other writing.
Thanks, Bob.
Don’t just enjoy them – love them! You are such a clever and accomplished writer, Charlie, the world you conjure up for Jonty and Orlando and the various members of the Stewart clan is so well drawn and believable. And I like the little bits of silly stuff on the web pages too!
Thanks. I sometimes think the silly bits are some of my favourites.
Just bought ‘All Lessons Learned’!! That’s going to be my afternoon reading (snowing here, so nowhere better to go; no gardening to do) – I have a feeling I’m going to be a wet rag when I’ve finished it. Thanks so much, Charlie!
My pleasure (not for turning you into a wet rag, I hasten to add!)
Superb. Poignant, beautiful and, as Owen wrote, concerned with the Pity of War and how it affected the survivors. I take my cap off to you, Charlie, for all the hard work you must have put into researching the Great War, and for creating such a wonderful novel featuring two of my all-time favourite characters. (And I won’t attempt to charge your website for two boxes of Kleenex!)
I’m so pleased you liked it. I’m a huge fan of Owen (did you notice he’d sneaked into the story?) Fond regards, CC.
The photograph in Beattie’s room? I did wonder. I’m a fan too – my final dissertation for my degree was on imagery in Wilfred’s poetry. Thank you for your kind words, and all power to your pen!
Hi Charlie, sorry to keep buzzing around your website like an irritating gnat, but I wondered if ‘All Lessons Learned’ is going to be available in hard format? At the moment, Amazon are just advertising the Kindle edition, but I would like to hold it in my hands, so to speak.
Warmest regards, Bob
Yes. It’ll be in print. Just a time lag of a few weeks.
Thanks, Charlie.
My hard copy of ‘Lessons’ has just arrived – great! I’ve read it three times on Kindle, and cried every time – as my partner says (and Jonty no doubt would) What a big Jessie. Hahaha. Intrigued as to why you used ‘Victim’ as the pivotal point of the Epilogue? Although I probably shouldn’t ask you to give away writer’s secrets.
Also enjoyed ‘Geese’, very nice twist at the end. Warm regards, Bob
Glad the twist at the end of ‘Geese’ worked. Why did I choose ‘Victim’? Just because it’s such a powerful film with fantastic performances.
Thanks, Charlie, for once again assuaging my curiosity. It is a very powerful film. Like Adam, I would be very drawn to Sylvia Syms if I was that way inclined. Never fancied Dirk Bogarde tho! But each to his own. Kind regards, Bob
He is slightly epicene. 🙂
LOL! Lovely word.
I’ve almost finished reading A Syllabus of Love and I’m so in love with the way you write!
It’s beautiful, romantic and very well written ❤️
Thank you! Xx
Thank YOU, Elle. You have made my day.
O have enjoyed all of the Lessons in … stories, sadly however Wild Goose Chase will be the last of this series that I will be reading. The reason: over time I have become quite annoyed and disheartened by the derogatory manner in which the characters speak of their students. Every so often but certainly very rarely a teacher may refer to students as slow, dim, thick, etc. but definitely not every time they are mentioned over twenty years. Storage using the term was the final straw. If all the students are that brainless it does not say much for the calibre of the college, which in turn would not say much for the abilities of the instructors.
Being a brain in an academic discipline does not automatically make for a good teacher. These two are so enthralled with how great they are but seem greatly unable to impart this knowledge to their students who were after all academically qualified to gain admittance to the college. But then again perhaps St Brides is a very inferior educational institution.
As a teacher of over forty years experience I would tell these two that if after twenty years of teaching you have not had any outstanding students, the problem is with you not them. You are the true dunderheads to not have realised your inability to teach anyone. Get a new profession and stop ruining young lives.
Sorry to hear that, Gary. The ‘dunderheads’ thing is a running joke, rather like the rivalry with the college next door. It’s based on an exaggeration of the fact that – even when I was a Cambridge undergraduate – some students were admitted to the university on sporting ability, or because they knew somebody in a position of power, rather than on academic merit. Of course there have always been very able students, some of whom Jonty and Orlando taught. I’m sorry if this has offended you but I’d like to reassure you that no lives have been ruined.
Hi Charlie. I’m trying to work out the correct order to read the Cambridge Fellows Mysteries. Is the order you have them (+ short stories & missing scenes) correct because on Amazon they have some of the books listed in the wrong order. From Lessons for Suspicious Minds in your list, there are some differences on Amazon – I’m a bit confused which isn’t difficult)!
Hi Pat. The list I have on the website is chronologically correct. The issue on amazon is that I didn’t write the books in order. Mea culpa. So All Lessons Learned (1919) is book 8, whereas Lessons for Idle Tongues (1910) is book 11. Does that make any sense? Do shout if it doesn’t. Cheers
Yes, that makes sense. So I think it’s best to go by your website because I would rather read them in the correct order chronologically! Many thanks for your reply!
I just received my copy of “Lessons in Cracking the Deadly Code”. However, I am unable to either remove the DRM from the AZW file or convert it to mobi or epub, both of which are used by my reader. None of the standard software will work on the file because its in KFX format. I understand Amazon’s use of the format to help prevent piracy, but it doesn’t help those of us who don’t use a Kindle reader. Would you happen to have a copy of the book in either epub or mobi format that you might send me? I will be glad to send a copy of the purchase receipt if required. Thanks.
Of course. Mail me at Cochrane.charlie2@gmail.com and I’ll be able to oblige.
Oh Charlie, thank you so much for a wonderful Christmas present – my favourite boys back at St Brides and cracking a code! All the very best to you and yours for Christmas and the new year. xxx B
Thanks all round, Bob. And the very best wishes back at you and yours. xx
Hello Charlie, Just a note to let you know I’ve discovered your Lindenshaw Mystery Series. I fell in love with the characters and love the English mystery setting. I’m excited to see book four will be out soon.
Wanted you to know you have a new fan and looking forward to more mysteries.
Thanks, Bobbie
You’ve made my morning, Bobbie – thank you!
Another fantastic outing for Robin, Adam, and Campbell – thanks
I wish more authors could pen engaging stories with LGBTQ characters, without needing graphic sex to keep the read happy or move the story forward.
Thank you so much. (And speaking of my preferences as a reader I couldn’t agree more!)
Morning, Charlie, I’ve just received a notification from Amazon about a new Cambridge Fellows mystery! Can hardly wait! I’ve just self-published and that has heightened my respect for professional authors so much, your facility with words, the plotting and characterisation that fill your wonderful books. Keep up the good work! (And I hope that you and yours have survived all the weather has thrown at us, and now this virus…)
Warmest regards, Bob
Hi Bob. Thanks for your kind words. We have survived the weather and intend to survive the virus – we were supposed to be in Rome now, but are going to Ramsgate instead. Self published – well done you. What sort of book?
Well – Ramsgate may be livelier at this time than the eternal city! Glad to know you’re all fit and well and I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for asking about my book, too, that’s very kind of you.
It’s a novel I started when I was looking after my dad as he had severe dementia and needed 24/7 care; and after he died I just left it unfinished on the computer and recently I decided to try and finish it and dedicate it to him; probably unreadable but I felt a lot of satisfaction when I typed ‘The End’. Maybe a feeling you recognise!
xx Bob
A feeling I do recognise. That book must mean a lot to you. (And isn’t dementia a cruel thing – my mum and grandma both suffered. Just awful.)
Thanks, Charlie, it does destroy so many people and it is so cruel, so yes, the book means a lot. xx
Morning Charlie, from a rather damp SW Scotland. I hope that you and yours are keeping safe and well. Were you able to take your holiday? I was delighted to wake up and find that ‘Poisonous Trail’ had been downloaded on to my Kindle overnight; this is a spark of brightness I know that I will enjoy amidst the darkness that is all around us at the moment. Thanks Charlie, for continuing to provide those two Cambridge lads who never fail to delight. All the very best, Bob
Hi Bob. We did manage a couple of days in Ramsgate before bailing and coming home just before the restrictions really started to kick in. I’m so pleased you’re looking forward to the book – I hope it doesn’t disappoint.
SW Scotland? Not perchance near Newton Stewart? Had a lovely holiday near there many years ago – from which we acquired one of those family saying type things. “Two soups for the Lairds!”
LOL! Dumfries – not too far away from N S – lovely part of the world.
Lovely indeed. Such beautiful sunsets. And now, I have to ask, do you remember a radio show called ‘Hello Cheeky’? They had a spoof love song about November in Dumfries. ‘The chaps on your knees as the pipes start to freeze…’
Happy Easter, Charlie, to you and yours. I finished your book last night and it does NOT disappoint; it’s a joy to read. I love the way that you’ve paced the narrative over successive days; and that the plot unfurls by way of the protagonists testimonies, giving their respective viewpoints on what has happened, so that the reader is learning the facts – and the lies – and the suppositions, at the same time as Orlando, Dr Penasar and of course Jonty. I also found the indignities that Jonty suffers from being bedridden truthful but funny. Thanks for providing such a pleasurable read in these darkest of days, and giving me a laugh with the info about ‘Hello Cheeky’; I don’t think I ever listened to that but I wonder if I can find it on the internet somewhere. I shall try. Warmest regards, Bob
Hi Bob – wishing you a happy Easter, too. If you manage to find Hello Cheeky online can you let me know as I’ve searched to no avail.
Now, I shall share a secret with you. “the reader is learning the facts – and the lies – and the suppositions, at the same time as Orlando, Dr Penasar and of course Jonty” In this case, so is the author. I never know whodunnit until I’m three quarters of the way through writing the story.
Cheers
Hi Charlie – just been reading the tributes to Tim Brooke-Taylor. I thought I’d left a message here thanking you for sharing your secret but I can’t have done it right! Not for the first time being something of a technophobe; but I do find what you wrote fascinating. When I was composing my novel, I had the ending first; then had to write everything else to join it up; so it is very interesting to read how a ‘proper’ novelist works. Thank you again and best wishes.
You had left a message Bob – for some reason the site decided you were spam and I’ve had to approve it just now. *smites wordpress*
Don’t do yourself down – there are two distinct camps of novelists, the plotters and the pantsers and I’m firmly in the latter camp. Both are ‘right’. And another confession – sometimes I’m so stuck on whodunnit I have to get my eldest daughter to crack the case for me. Such larks!
Gosh, Charlie, thanks very much for sharing that secret…I’m really gobsmacked that you are also sifting the evidence and weighing up who dunnit along with your readers! Wow.
On a sad note, trying to find episodes of Hello Cheeky on line, its just been announced that Tim Brook-Taylor has died of coronavirus – always a big hero of mine from I’m sorry I’ll read that again, through The Goodies and onwards – he was such a silly wit. He’ll be missed.
Bob
Yes, such a sad day yesterday. TBT, Stirling Moss and The Cat. 😦
Thank you for making me laugh, despite the sad news.
Hi again Charlie – just found this archive which I hope your website won’t think is spam: http://www.radioechoes.com/?page=series&genre=OTR-Comedy&series=Hello%20Cheeky
Enjoy!
Oh, you genius boy. Thank you so much.
Good afternoon, Charlie, from a rather grey and chilly Dumfries. I just wanted to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed your latest Robin and Adam caper – ‘A Carriage of Misjustice’; so many lovely red-herrings and great characterisation; you are a wonder – and I did wonder which member of your household decided on the identity of the killer. Hahaha – I don’t expect you to tell me. Hope you and yours are keeping safe, well and sane – and thank you again for another great read.
Best wishes, Bob
I refuse to answer on the grounds it might incriminate one of us. I can confess that my youngest daughter came up with the title when she misspoke. Glad you enjoyed it, me dear.
Hi Charlie, just discovered and preordered the latest Jonty & Orlando novella; another Christmas treat! Hope you and yours have been keeping safe and well over the last months and a very Happy Christmas to you all from SW Scotland.
Hi Bob! We’re all fine – more alcohol on ours hands than in out tums. Wishing you and yours all the very best for the season. Lang may yer lum reek.
Did “Lessons in Playing a Murderous Tune” used to be called something else or is it new? I am going through my list of “to be read” books to update it with current prices and I came across that title on Amazon. I am one of the people who can’t read print books due to having to stay away from book binding glue because there’s always a small possibility of latex being in some of them, even now. I said that because I saw so many of your readers only reading print books, just FYI. 🙂 I tried following your list chronology and I got a bit lost in it, unfortunately. Is there anywhere that lists the novellas where they fit in with the 12 full novels? Thank you! 🙂
Hi
Murderous Tune is new – one of half a dozen novellas that were written after the full novels and which are mainly set in the years 1909-1912. The full list is here https://charliecochrane.wordpress.com/cambridge-fellows-mysteries/ (it also includes some free stories that I’ve written to accompany the series.) Please shout if you need any further help.
CC