This just appeared on the Mandrill Press blog. Rather than link to it, I decided just to steal the whole thing. I’m preening.

Earlier this year, John Lynch was delighted when he learned that A Just and Upright Man had been shortlisted for the Historical Novel Association’s 2015 Indie Award. He didn’t win, but then he hadn’t expected to – he knew how ferocious the competition was. He had entered the book for another award, the Wishing Shelf Award and there he won a Bronze Medal. Today we received the feedback the promise of which was really his reason for entering in the first place. Since reading it, he’s been walking around with his chest puffed out and a smile from ear to ear. I’ll let him take over:

 The book was read by 26 judges. This is what they had to say:

Overall rating: 5 stars out of 5

Cover quality: 10/10

Contents quality: 10/10

26 of the 26 readers said they would read another book by me.

24 thought the cover was good or excellent.

There were some rather nice comments from individual readers:

‘A thoroughly enjoyable historical mystery with a drop of romance. Lots of twists and turns, a powerful opening and a satisfying ending.’ Male reader, aged 50
‘Well researched mystery. I loved the setting: England during the 1700s at the time of Enclosures. Fascinating. A strong mystery and a number of lustful, fully-rounded characters.’ Female reader, aged 34
‘I did enjoy this historical novel. There were many aspects I particularly enjoyed: the way Blakiston is so respectful of Kate, the author’s understanding of the Enclosure Acts and the way he winds it so well into the story. Fab cover too!’ Male reader, aged 44
‘The best book in the awards.’ Female reader, aged 71

The book already has a review that compares it with Winston Graham’s Poldark and another (this one from Romance Reviews Magazine) that says: This novel is on a par with Thomas Hardy’s meaty offerings of country life and the hardships of the less well off: those beholden to the super-rich of their day and while I know that everyone (including me) hates a show off, if I don’t sing my praises then who will?

Now, as it happens, when this feedback arrived we had just finished posting an offer of A Just and Upright Man as part of a Buy Two, Get One Free deal that gives three of John’s books at a 40% discount on the normal total retail price, with free post and packing wherever in the world the reader happens to be. So, if you want to read the book these twenty-six readers are so complementary about, you’ll find the offer here

But don’t delay — it closes on Sunday evening.