Here’s a rough map of Embervale, plus an ongoing collection of photos from the real locations that have inspired scenes in the Devonshire Mysteries.
Comments welcome.
I hope you enjoy the photos.
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A map of Embervale
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The alleged well of St Sidwell in a cafe in Exeter
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An old building used as a cafe in Exeter, similar to A Study in Stone
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An old building used as a cafe in Exeter, similar to A Study in Stone
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The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, mentioned in A Study in Stone
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The old city walls of Exeter, mentioned in A Study in Stone
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The Royal Albert Memorial Museum in Exeter, mentioned in A Study in Stone
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The River Teign
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Ugbrooke House inspired Knightsbroof in A Study in Stone
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View across the Teign Valley
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A spoil heap in the Teign Valley, as in Valley of Lies
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Across the Teign Valley
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The reservoir for our village inspired Valley of Lies
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Jail Ale
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Dartmoor IPA
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A hotel in Newquay. Inspiration for Murder Between the Tides
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A hotel in Newquay. Inspiration for Murder Between the Tides
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A hotel in Newquay. Inspiration for Murder Between the Tides
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Coastal cliffs at Newquay. Inspiration for Murder Between the Tides
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Coast at
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Coastal cliffs at Newquay. Inspiration for Murder Between the Tides
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A typical allotment
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Legend ale
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The River Exe in Exeter, mentioned in Mystery in may
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Bluebells in Bearacleave Wood. Inspiration for Brandle Wood.
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Near our village, this little area of woodland was an inspiration for Brandle Woode
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Bearacleave Wood. Inspiration for Brandle Wood.
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Bearacleave Wood. Inspiration for Brandle Wood.
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Bearacleave Wood. Inspiration for Brandle Wood.
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Testing beer again! Tribute this time
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The rhododendrons in bloom
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The rhododendrons look stunning on this sunny bank
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Kennick is glorious in summer
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A typical Devon lane
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A typical Devon lane
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A typical Devon lane
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Shaptor Wood - inspiration for Brandle Wood
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Shaptor Wood - inspiration for Brandle Wood
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Shaptor Wood - inspiration for Brandle Wood
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Shaptor Wood - inspiration for Brandle Wood
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Exeter Cathedral looking fine in the sunshine
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The River Exe. This part of the river is mentioned in Mystery in May.
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Blackingstone Rock
I’ve read the emails from Alan to Dan about the incident in the snow at Blackingstone Rock. Is there a follow up book in the offing to follow Alan and Dan on their discovery of the full facts?
Thank you. If you have all the emails then I hope they the up the story. It was always intended to be a short adventure. There is a book containing all the emails and it’s free on my store at: https://payhip.com/b/9481J I hope that helps.
That’s definitely a low integrity holy well. I’d be embarrassed to drink a pint next to it.
Also: Any 19th century skeletons ever found in the spoil heaps?
I like the yews in the map. Old maps are quaint because they look like cartoons.
Thanks. As far as I know, no bodies have been found in the real spoil heaps around here. In my stories I’m unlikely to feature the spoil heaps again, but you never know.
Is there a mill in Embervale? Mills are good places for mysteries. I figured that since there are spoil heaps on the outskirts of the village then maybe their was a mining history, for coal, maybe.
That’s an interesting idea. There’s certainly a mining history in the area. At the back of each book you’ll always find notes and a link for further references.
Your pictures are very welcome. I don’t know how else I could enjoy the Devon countryside since Covid fears have made us wary of travel. But the real bonus is that your pictures help me enjoy the reading experience. As I read, I can imagine the landscape you refer to and that helps my appreciation of the text.
Question : What is an allotment. Do homeowners own those small plots of garden space or are they loaned to them by the town? We have community gardens and private gardens here, of course, in the “back yard” but we don’t use the word allotment. Is it a legal term?
Randolph
Thanks. The history of allotments goes back a long way, and they were enshrined in law in 1950 when food was in short supply. They are usually owned by local councils or parish councils and rented out at low cost. They are very popular these days as people get interested in where their food comes from.
Wonderful photos. I love your part of England and have visited many times. What a life! Living in an amazing spot and supporting yourself by doing what brings you joy. You are a fortunate man. I read cozies a lot with an occasional literary book thrown in. Also creepy psychological thrillers are fun. NEVER read dog books as they always have sad endings. Have recently been reading Barbara Pym which is sort of like watching grass growing but in a good way. Thanks for providing enjoyment for so many. BMK
That’s an intriguing mix of reading material. I like a good mixture myself. And thanks for your kind words.
Thanks for the wonderful pictures! Love them!
Margaret Park
Glad you are enjoying the pictures. More to follow.