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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 24/01/2026

It’s nearly 20 years since I last had the privilege of calling Stirling home, and I’m thrilled that from a week today I’ll be able to again! Emma and I are looking forward to new friendships and professional connections, and to contributing to the local and wider Scottish creative community.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 31/12/2025

2025 was the year of my debut novel, my youngest son graduated as a zoologist, I completed a Masters in History, and my incredible partner gained her PhD. Now it’s time to look forward to new challenges and adventures in 2026. Happy New Year! 🎉

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 13/10/2025

#Malta features a couple of times in Avarice of Empire, most importantly in chapters 31 & 32 after the HMS Serapis arrives at #Valletta in March 1873. This AI-colourised photograph from 1890 gives an impression of how the Grand Harbour would have looked. #historicalfiction #booksky

Grand Harbour, Valletta, Malta in 1890. AI-colourised photo.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 28/09/2025

Thrilled to find Avarice of Empire gracing the fiction section beside Mark Twain at Waterstones in Taunton! #historicalfiction #booksky #histfic

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 27/09/2025

Lavelle Road in #Bengaluru is named after Micky Lavelle - the soldier turned #Kolar gold miner from County Mayo - who makes his first appearance in Avarice of Empire in chapter seven when Charles Agnew and Morgan Farrell attend his garden party with Dr John Orr. #historicalfiction #history

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 25/09/2025

I’m enjoying immersing myself in the writing of my second book, and very glad I don’t have to type it on one of these. An #historicalfiction novella this time, “Where The River Meanders” is set in and around #Stirling, Scotland, during the early twentieth century.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 24/09/2025

Charles Agnew was #bornonthisday 189 years ago, 24th September 1836, in County #Antrim. Son of James and Catherine Agnew, and brother to William and Harriet. The family home until 1865 was Cairncastle Lodge on the #Carnfunnock Estate (now Carnfunnock Country Park) near #Larne. #history

AI-generated image of a birthday cake with the words happy birthday Charles Agnew.

AI-rendering of a Harry Payne painting of the 16th Lancers in review order.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 19/09/2025

Chapter eighteen of Avarice of Empire recounts the opening of the Suez Canal in November 1869 from the perspective of George West, the British Vice Consul in Suez, and how a ship of the British Navy jumped the queue to be the first vessel through the new waterway. #historicalfiction #history

AI-rendering of “La Tribune des Souverains” by Edouard Riou and Eugène Cicéri, illustrating the opening ceremony of the Suez Canal at Port Said in November 1869.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 17/09/2025

Heartfelt thanks to all the Avarice of Empire readers who’ve given the book 5-star reviews… #historicalfiction #histfic #booksky

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 16/09/2025

Launched in 1866, HMS Serapis was one of five Euphrates-class troopships used primarily to transport British troops and their families to and from India. In 1873 she played a prominent role in Charles Agnew’s story, as depicted in chapters 28-30 of Avarice of Empire. #history #historicalfiction

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 15/09/2025

Charles Agnew and the 16th Lancers reached Madras on the Golden Fleece 160 years ago this month and taken ashore by masula boats. These generated images give an impression of the scene that greeted them. Read the full story of the voyage in Avarice of Empire. #history #historicalfiction

Madras from the Madras Roads (AI generated based on 1754 painting)

Masula boats landing at Madras (AI generated based on 1885 photo)

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

The character of photographer Sophia Munro in Avarice of Empire was inspired, in part, by Lady Florence Caroline Dixie who was a Scottish feminist, writer, traveller and war correspondent. Read more about her here: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Fl... #history #feminism #nineteenthcentury

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 31/08/2025

From Ireland to India, and Newfoundland to Egypt and Malta, Avarice of Empire tells the story of many adventurous journeys, some overland by train or on horseback, others across oceans by steamship. Follow them in the paperback or Kindle edition: www.amazon.co.uk/Avarice-Empi... #historicalfiction

Map showing key story locations and steamship voyage routes that feature in Avarice of Empire by C.Q. Turnstone.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 25/08/2025

After months of radio silence, last Friday I submitted my MA #History about 19C telegraphy and Malta’s role in British imperial comms. Like earlier essays, it was inspired by themes explored in ‘Avarice of Empire’. A new creative writing project is already sparking my imagination.

1870 sketch map of telegraph routes to India by Alfred Brasher

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 03/04/2025

#DoTheWriteThing and sign the @societyofauthors.bsky.social petition to protect authors’ livelihoods from the unlicensed use of their work in AI training: www.change.org/p/protect-au...

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 02/04/2025

In chapter 33 of Avarice of Empire, Alec Innes has an important task to perform in Canterbury and walks into town from the cavalry barracks. #historicalfiction #histfic #hfchitchat #histbookchat #booksky #canterbury

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Following the book signing there last week, Blackwell’s in Exeter now have Avarice of Empire in the ‘Great New Reads’ 3 for 2 promotion. It’s fantastic to see my book rubbing spines with work by authors for whom I have so much admiration. #historicalfiction #histfic #history #booksky #blackwells

Avarice of Empire among the great new reads at Blackwell’s bookshop in Exeter.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Reading from the prologue to Avarice of Empire, in which children from a local school visit Canterbury Cathedral and become intrigued by the memorial to Captain Charles Agnew of the 16th Lancers. #avariceofempire #cqturnstone #historicalfiction #history #hfchitchat #histfic #booksky

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

After paying my respects to Charles Agnew today, I had the chance to present a copy of Avarice of Empire to Ian Osterloh of the Canterbury Historical and Archaeological Society, and to spend some time discussing the research behind the story. #historicalfiction #history #histfic #booksky

Ian Osterloh and C.Q. Turnstone at Canterbury Cathedral

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 22/03/2025

Today is the 152nd anniversary of the death of Charles Agnew “by the hand of an assassin” in Egypt on 22nd March 1873, and I’ve been commemorating the day at Canterbury Cathedral where he’s memorialised in the south aisle. #history #hfchitchat #histbookchat #booksky

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Huge thanks to Blackwell’s Exeter for hosting the first ‘Avarice of Empire’ book signing event today and to everyone who came along to show their support and buy copies of the book! There was laughter, great chat, surprise appearances and even Champagne. #historicalfiction #blackwells #booksky

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 18/03/2025

Some of the wonderful friends and colleagues who came along to Blackwell’s University Bookshop in Exeter earlier today to support my first ‘Avarice of Empire’ book signing event. #historicalfiction #booksky #hfchitchat #histbookchat #blackwells

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

I’ve been looking forward to doing this for a very long time… signing copies of Avarice of Empire to send out to the many people who helped during the research process or offered feedback on the first full draft. #historicalfiction #hfchitchat #histbookchat #booksky

Stacks of copies of Avarice of Empire by C.Q. Turnstone

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

This 20 para coin, equivalent to a halfpenny, was minted in Egypt in 1860/1 and in use during the period depicted in Avarice of Empire. A special ‘happy publication’ gift from the wonderful @emmalucycole.bsky.social Fun to imagine one of the characters travelling through Egypt carrying it.

Nineteenth-century Egyptian 20 para coin in front of a copy of Avarice of Empire.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 12/03/2025

Unashamedly proud and excited to see Avarice of Empire on a shelf in a bookshop for the first time! Here it is, in splendid company, at Blackwell’s in Exeter where I’ll be doing a book signing next Tuesday. #histbookchat #hfchitchat #historicalfiction #blackwells

Avarice of Empire on display in the fiction section at Blackwell’s University Bookshop in Exeter.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 11/03/2025

⭐️ BOOK SIGNING ⭐️ Blackwell’s University Bookshop in Exeter will be hosting the very first ‘Avarice of Empire’ book signing with me next Tuesday, 18th March, from 11am to 1pm. Copies of the book will be available to buy on the day. #historicalfiction #histfic #histbookchat @exeter.ac.uk

Avarice of Empire book signing with C.Q. Turnstone at Blackwell’s University Bookshop in Exeter. 11am to 1pm Tuesday 18th March.

Blackwell’s University Bookshop storefront in the Great Hall building in Exeter.

The Great Hall building on the University of Exeter’s Streatham campus.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 23/02/2025

Enjoyed a fabulous lunch with @emmalucycole.bsky.social and fellow Brindle Books author @sophiamoseley.bsky.social today at The Lyme Bay Cafe overlooking the crashing sea at #LymeRegis. #fiction #historicalfiction

Sophia Moseley with One for Sorrow and C.Q. Turnstone with an author’s proof copy of Avarice of Empire.

C.Q. Turnstone, EmmaLucy Cole and Sophia Moseley at The Lyme Bay Cafe in Lyme Regis.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 20/02/2025

Two weeks to go! Avarice of Empire will be released on Thursday 6th March. (Kindle edition available to preorder now.) #historicalfiction

Avarice of Empire front cover on Kindle and in paperback.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 07/02/2025

My author’s proof copy of Avarice of Empire arrived today. After nearly 10 years in the making, it’s quite a moment to finally have the finished book in my hands (and it looks fantastic!) #historicalfiction

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 03/02/2025

Very grateful to @emmalucycole.bsky.social for the gift of Shuggie Bain by Douglas Stuart. Long overdue discovering why it’s acclaimed so highly. #literaryfiction #shuggiebain #bookerprize

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 02/02/2025

Very pleased to see that the March release of Avarice of Empire has been highlighted in the latest edition of the superb @histnovsoc.bsky.social magazine. My thanks to Sarah Johnson for including me. #historicalfiction #historicalnovelsociety

Historical Novel Society magazine Feb 25 edition front cover

Historical Novel Society magazine Feb 25 edition page three

It is 1865 and Charles Agnew wants a life of daring adventure; Avarice of Empire by C.Q. Turnstone (Brindle Books, March) is his untold true story.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

With six weeks to go until the publication of Avarice of Empire, today I’m thrilled to be able to reveal the book’s stunning front cover design. I hope you’ll agree that Dean Harmer and his talented creative team have produced a really incredible piece of work. #historicalfiction #histbookchat

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Starting the New Year with exciting news! The cover for AVARICE OF EMPIRE will be revealed on 23rd Jan. I can't wait to share what a stunning job the designers have done. Subscribers to my free email newsletter will get an advance look on 9th Jan: threeswrite.com/newsletter/ #historicalfiction

Avarice of Empire cover reveal coming 23rd January.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 24/09/2024

Born #OTD 24th Sep 1836, Charles Agnew had a reputation for being a ‘spirited’ practical joker. In March 1866, when the 16th Lancers had been in Bangalore for 6 months, Charles caused a scandal by painting the statue of Sir Mark Cubbon before its inauguration ceremony on the Parade Ground.

Inauguration of the Sir Mark Cubbon statue on the Parade Ground in Bangalore on 16th March 1866. Engraving published in the Illustrated London News 5th May 1866, from a photograph by Orr and Barton.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 19/09/2024

First day of Masters student life @uniofexeter.bsky.social and looking forward to meeting the rest of the #History cohort.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 07/09/2024

Belated congratulations to William Dalrymple on Thursday’s publication of THE GOLDEN ROAD: How Ancient India Transformed The World (Bloomsbury, 2024) My pre-ordered copy was a couple of days late in arriving, but very much worth the wait. #history #india #indianhistory #williamdalrymple

The Golden Road by William Dalrymple (Bloomsbury, 2024)

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 07/09/2024

Arrived at Dartington Hall in Devon for the #HistoricalNovelSociety UK conference (and I seem to be sitting next to David Gilman). Looking forward to Bernard Cornwell’s keynote and a weekend of all things #historicalfiction

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 24/08/2024

Looking forward to reading the latest issue of History Today, particularly the piece by David Matthew Leeson: “Lacking the glamour of their #Victorian predecessors, the #colonial wars of the #Edwardian period were ignored by the public. They have since been ignored by historians.” #c20 #history

History Today magazine. September 2024 cover.

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C.Q. Turnstone | Historian | Historical Fiction Author @threeswrite.bsky.social · 23/08/2024

Latest edition of the #HistoricalNovelSociety journal just landed. Two weeks to go until the UK #historicalfiction conference at Dartington Hall in Devon.

Historical Novels Review (cover): journal of the Historical Novel Society

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