Kent-based author Julie Wassmer is celebrating this week's release of the latest book in her Whitstable Pearl series.

Murder at Mount Ephraim is the ninth book in the series and is set on the Mount Ephraim estate in Hernhill, near Faversham.

The latest novel from Julie, who lives in Whitstable, follows detective Pearl Nolan as she visits the 800-acre estate for a wedding of an old friend. However, the celebrations are interrupted when murder strikes and Pearl sets her sights on solving the crime.

To make sure the new release goes off with a bang, there will be a launch party taking place at Whitstable’s RNLI Lifeboat station on Thursday, August 25 at 6.30pm.

The event will include a talk from Julie about her books, as well as all the secrets from the Whitstable Pearl TV series starring Kerry Godliman and Howard Charles.

“The books are now an Acorn TV series, Whitstable Pearl, and in one episode, Mount Ephraim was actually used as a location,” explains Julie. “I suddenly realised what a perfect setting the historic manor house and its 10 acres of beautiful gardens would make for a classic murder mystery novel.

“During the pandemic, I managed to spend time there exploring the grounds and soaking up the atmosphere – and the result is Murder at Mount Ephraim.”

Tickets for the book launch cost £5 and proceeds will be donated to the Whitstable RNLI.

You can purchase tickets from Harbour Books at 21 Harbour Street in Whitstable, or the RNLI Lifeboat Shop.

Following on from the Murder at Mount Ephraim launch, Julie will be at Waterstones in Rose Lane, Canterbury to continue the celebrations with a recording of the Bestseller Experiment.

The long-running podcast, hosted by author and screenwriter Mark Stay, is marking its 400th episode with a special live recording featuring a panel of writers, including Julie.

Joining Julie on the panel will be Rowan Coleman, Pernille Hughes and Nadine Matheson.

Guests will be able to listen to the podcast in person, followed by wine, cake and a chance to meet the authors and get their books signed.

The podcast recording in Waterstones takes place on Wednesday, August 31 at 6.30pm. Tickets cost £5, students go free.

Book tickets online here.

If you want to get to the very heart of the new book, the gardens at Mount Ephraim can be explored by the public until the end of September on Wednesdays to Sundays, from 11am to 5pm. They are also open on this coming Bank Holiday Monday.

Murder at Mount Ephraim is out on Thursday, August 25. Purchase your copy online here.