I love to write, I love a good mystery and I love to travel. Other places and other times enchant me and echoes of the past run through my novels. The Agents of Room Z series of thrillers is set against the rise of fascism in the 1930s, commencing with Blackshirt Masquerade, followed by Blackshirt Conspiracy, then Blackshirt Rebellion completing the trilogy.
My first five novels were a series of archaeological thrillers featuring the offbeat lecturer Jeffrey Flint, published by Severn House under the pen name Jason Foss. Inspiration came from my early career as an archaeologist, and these are now republished as e-books by Endeavour Press.
A textbook I bought from a second hand bookshop and read in a single afternoon inspired me to become an archaeologist. Six years later I gained a PhD at the London Institute of Archaeology, specializing in Roman pottery and conducting research on Roman pottery industries in the marshlands of North Kent.
The next twist of fate took me to Guernsey to work with Dr Margaret Rule on the Gallo-Roman ship dubbed ‘Asterix’. It was then back north, to York, for five years working on pottery from the Roman fortress. After the publication of Shadow in the Corn I returned to the Channel Islands to write and to work on the Alderney Elizabethan shipwreck project.
My career then took curious turns, including a stint in offshore finance, principally in risk and compliance. The prevention of money laundering and fraud provided ample inspiration for mystery writing. Ultimately I became the Director of Guernsey Museums & Galleries, leading excavations at the Roman fort of the Nunnery, and the adjacent settlement on Longis Common on the island of Alderney. Stories from the islands inspired my first historical novel Glint of Light on Broken Glass and during the pandemic lockdown I wrote A Brush With Life, a biography of artist Peter le Vasseur.
Now based back in my native Yorkshire I’m currently working on a monograph about the Alderney Roman fort and a new mystery series (which for the moment will remain a mystery).
I’m an active member of the Crime Writers’ Association.
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Tales of Mystery and Excavation
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Hi Jason
I discussed you kind offer to come to York and give an introductory talk about the Alderney boat and the island.
Would you be willing to do a talk to either Cafe Scientific or give a lecture to the Yorkshire Phil. Soc? I am an the YPS council and will suggest your name.
Julie and I would be delighted to offer you hospitality including overnight accommodation if that would help. The YPS always provided meals and travel expenses for lecturers.
We are currently offering all events over Zoom, with sone live talks in the Tempest Anderson Hall.
The YPS council meets later in the month and I should be able to get back to you soon with a couple of suggested dates.
Best wishes
Bone
Mr. Monaghan: I am just finishing reading “Darkness Rising.” and I have purchased the other books in the Jeffrey Flint series. If the rest of them are as good as the first one, I will be so delighted. I love this book. You write so very well and I have enjoyed every page and every character. I don’t want it to end, but I can’t wait to start the second book. Mike Cook, Las Cruces, New Mexico USA.
Mike
Many thanks for your kind comments. The next in the series – Byron’s Shadow – was my Mum’s favourite
Cheers
Jason
http://www.monaghanfoss.com