Research and development for the new novel

I recently visited Malta and the surrounding islands. I couldn't help taking some inspiration from the beautiful scenery. This is the Blue Lagoon at Comino. Although the start of my new novel is set in Spain this is exactly the kind of place I will use to introduce the lead character Septimus Kane. He will be taking a break on Jimmy Bowler's yacht; a Sealine T60 named Chancer.

This is Seaton Deleval hall. I'm using the outside as my inspiration for Harker Hall.

This is the Byker Wall - Byker is part of Newcastle Upon Tyne. This part of the wall has fantastic views down the valley to Newcastle quayside. Built in the late 70's the wall is owned by Newcastle city council and provides affordable housing. You'd pay an absolute fortune for a private high rise with the kind of view you can get from here. My main character Sep Kane grew up here.

This photo is the quayside at Newcastle. I can still remember it littered with deserted old warehouses but it's changed a bit since I was a kid. Amazing what a couple of ideas and a few million pound can do. The bars and clubs along the front will form an integral part of the geographic makeup of the new novel.