J.M. Simpson was born in Essex but was raised primarily in the West Country – never far from a rugged coastline, a sandy beach, or harbour. With a degree and PhD, much of Jo’s working career has been spent undertaking research in a variety of subjects; most notably in construction and development where her expertise lies.

Staying in the Welsh town of Tenby some years ago and watching the local lifeboat launch one stormy winter night, gave Jo the beginnings of an idea for a book. She was fascinated with the idea of the crew risking everything they know and love to plunge into a stormy sea to rescue a stranger. She wondered who these people were and what their lives were like. So, the Castleby series was born.

Jo’s Castleby series; Sea State, Sea Change, Sea Shaken, Sea Haven and Sea Rift are suspense thrillers set against the backdrop of the lifeboat crew in a coastal town.  There is also a seasonal special, Christmas in Castleby. Jo is writing a new thriller/ procedural series set in Scotland, which also has a strong community feel, featuring a Mountain Rescue team and the Scandinavian DI Scott Hansen. Further news on the Whistler’s Peak series is forthcoming.