Always upbeat, optimistic and spirited.

I am a retired woman who has had many interesting experiences in life, some positive but have experienced some setbacks. I have never let these get me down but have worked out ways to overcome any heartaches and difficulties.

About Me

Vivien Carmichael, born to Scottish parents, spent her formative years in Brighton. She attended Varndean Grammar School for Girls before pursuing a Teachers Training Course. Following a year in Paris, she returned to London where she met her husband, with whom she shares two sons, Nick and James.

Driven by her passion for learning, Vivien later embarked on a journey as a mature student at Brighton University, where she earned a BA (Hons) degree in Library and Information Studies. Her professional path led her to work in various special libraries in London. Vivien’s literary pursuits showcase her versatility and creativity. She has authored two novels spanning across age groups, captivating readers from 8 to 80 years old: “The Skimming Stone” and “The Grail of the Unicorn Planet.” Her latest work, “The Scent of Sin,” delves into the realm of murder mysteries, set amidst the evocative backdrop of an old perfume factory in Hove. With a knack for weaving compelling narratives and a rich imagination, Vivien Carmichael continues to enchant readers with her diverse literary offerings.

The inspiration for “The Anstruther Lass” stemmed from a fascinating visit to Scotland, where Vivien had the opportunity to explore the picturesque town of Anstruther. During her time there, her uncle shared intriguing insights about the town’s history, particularly its connection to the Jute trade and the Dutch influence on its architecture. As they strolled along the quayside, her uncle pointed out the distinctive Dutch-inspired architecture of the houses, a testament to the profound impact of the Jute trade brought by the Dutch to Scotland. This revelation sparked her imagination, igniting the idea for a compelling story. Intrigued by the intersection of history, romance, and mystery, she delved into research, uncovering fascinating details about the era and the intricate web of relationships that characterized life in the Dundee Jute Mills.

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Explore My Books

The Anstruther Lass

The Anstruther Lass is a historical romance set in the Dundee Jute Mills in 1865. Lana, a young widow from Anstruther, works at a mill and falls in love with a Dutch sailor Stefan, the son of a rich jute trader and shipping magnate. Problems arise when the mill manager, Campbell, also falls in love with Lana and pays local Anstruther smugglers to kill his rival. Meanwhile, a serial killer is targeting sailors in Dundee.

A Scent of Sin

A Scent of Sin is a murder mystery with a paranormal twist which starts in a Perfume Factory in Hove, several decades ago and continues in the present time. Lynne, a lawyer buys an Art Deco statue and when she touches it is transported back to 1956 where she meets Patsy a laboratory assistant and they witness the murder of Patsy's fiancé when he is mown down by a car.

The Unicorn Planet

Meet up again with all the characters in the first book “The Skimming Stone”, the children Archie and Ally, Signet the good wizard and Vastator a malevolent entity. In the first book Vastator causes mayhem when he believes that the magical stone given to Archie by Signet is the philosopher’s stone that will give him eternal life.

The Skimming Stone

Follow two children as they accidentally tumble into a web of intrigue, mystery and magic. Archie and Ally Dixon and their cat Charlie,are recruited by Signet, a good wizard who has time-travel powers and sends them back in time to the Second World War. With the aid of the magical skimming stone, Archie and Ally have to solve a mystery and put things right.

The Grail Of The Unicorn Planet

In the sequel to the Skimming Stone, the immortal wizard Signet is showing the children the underground temple he guards and the connecting passage to the old Victorian sewers of Brighton, when a unicorn named Aloric materialises and asks for Signet's help. Archie, Ally, and their friend, Zonah, are sucked into a whirlpool of intrigue, magic, space travel and danger in the amazing story The Grail of the Unicorn An Archie Dixon novel.

Love, Survival, and Deception in 1865 Dundee

he story follows Lana, a resilient young widow working in the jute mills. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she falls in love with Stefan, a Dutch sailor and the son of a wealthy jute trader. However, their love story faces unexpected challenges, including jealousy, betrayal, and dark secrets, as the mill manager, Campbell, becomes infatuated with Lana and resorts to dangerous measures.

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