David Neilson

Having retired from teaching in further education in Glasgow, I live on the Rhine growing runner beans, courgettes and kohlrabi.

'The Prussian Dispatch' will appear in December 2015. It's the first in a series featuring Sophie Rathenau, who makes a living in 1770s Vienna through her discreet enquiries. Here's what readers have said so far:

"A vivid historical world full of living characters"

"Excellent character... Sophie feels very real to me"

"Seems to have all the elements of a great and successful book: a powerful heroine, political intrigue, and a riveting plot"

"Character and voice are what make this book distinctive..."

"Hard-bitten Jane Eyre"

"The setting is vivid. The characterization excellent. And of course the dialogue fantastic..."

"Sophie is awesome"