There was a big poster in the window... Barnaby Johnson will be signing copies of his new book, The Ringmaster and the Dragon, here on Friday.
Marylou made a mental note. She would go to the signing, but she wasn't going to read the book. Ever since her husband passed away, she hadn't been a big reader. Anyway, she hated fantasy, didn't like stories set in some kind of imaginary universe. She preferred novels rooted firmly in the real world.
The reason she was going was because it would give her a chance to study the author... Barnaby Johnson. Now there was a name from her past. Over 50 years ago, he had been her pen pal. Maybe...
Back then, her English teacher wanted her sixth formers to perfect the art of letter writing, so she had reached out to schools in other parts of the country to find pen pals for her students. Marylou down in Cornwall had been paired with Barnaby up in Cumbria.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Patchwork PROJECTS
Easy ideas to show off English paper-piecing techniques
Night train to BERLIN
Germany's exciting and varied capital is now reachable by train from the UK
French FANCY
Raymond Blanc's right-hand man, Benoit Blin's favourite bakes
Are you missing out on BENEFITS?
Here's how to find out what you are eligible for
TRAY bien
All-in-one tray bakes, packed with flavour
We took a grown-up GAP YEAR!
Who says taking time out is just for students?
'I'm obsessed with reality TV!'
THIS WEEK'S COLUMNIST Author and presenter Louise Minchin
What to eat and do for A HEALTHIER GUT
Fix those problems and boost your wellbeing
Picture palaces
In an age of cinema complexes, we celebrate five historic and beautiful picture houses that have stood the test of time
'My diet during Bake Off is cake and alcohol!'
Dame Prue Leith on the popular baking contest