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Welcome
Pamela Vass
...is an award-winning writer whose research-led storytelling uncovers the lives and stories hidden in archives and footnotes across Cornwall and Devon 
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I'm delighted to say that the book launches for Cornwall to the Crystal Palace have been amazing. Great audiences and fantastic feedback, thank you.
Interesting, informative and engaging speaker.
Brilliant presentation. Speaker was an excellent storyteller Great presentation! Really good delivery, excellent research! Interesting and informative, well studied! Brought history to life The Morrab Library, Penzance It's all about the books ...
The Cornish Fishwife who Walked into History
In the summer of 1851, a 75-year old fish seller set out from the far west of Cornwall with little more than a basket, a bonnet and a fierce determination to reach London - on foot. Her name was Mary Kelynack. Celebrity followed. Newspapers clamoured to tell the story of her extraordinary walk. She sat for a sculptor, inspired a song and a polka ... and even greeted Queen Victoria. Another adventure, unknown until now, was to come, yet fame was fleeting. Back home in Cornwall, why did her story fade into folklore, and why was she laid in a pauper’s grave? Through meticulous research, contemporary newspaper reports, eyewitness accounts and vivid storytelling, this is the extraordinary story of the endurance, humour and stubborn pride of a woman who refused to be overlooked. 
"I applaud your industry, research & your writing style. Although the final outcome was well known the book moved along at a ‘thriller’ pace."
On August 4th, 1913, flames lit up the sky over a Devon mansion. The papers were filled with speculation that suffragettes were to blame. Truth or fiction? This fascinating story begins with the campaigning that swept the west country in the 1870's. From quiet villages to bustling market towns and cities, Devon women stood up for justice, challenged tradition, and changed the course of history. Clovelly - Suffragettes ambush the Prime Minister Plymouth - Arson in Devonport Newton Abbot - Braving mob rule Lands End to London - Women walk for the vote Exeter - First prison hunger strikers Lynton - Explosive events hit the headlines Sidmouth - the Anti's fight back Ilfracombe - an island of militancy 
"Fantastic book, one you can't put down once you've started. A very gripping story very well portrayed."
"What a read! You certainly are a mistress of intrigue. The book is not only a brilliant statement about injustice, professional expectations, fostering, adoption and the impossibly difficult task social workers can have, it is full of skilfully crafted, insightful, 'pearls of wisdom' to do with how we all tick as human beings and in relationships." "[Shadow Child] is fantastic. You have such a gift for touching people's emotions." "Shadow Child ... is a fantastic read; emotional, gripping and intriguing to the last page." 
"I've just finished Seeds of Doubt; WONDERFUL. I loved it, it has all the right ingredients - drama, tension, intrigue, love, secrets, danger and truth."
"To build a conspiracy thriller on an event as well known as the Lynmouth flood disaster, and to make it both plausible and exciting, is no mean feat. The dialogue is well written and convincing and the plot is unpredictable with enough twists to keep any thriller reader happy." "Thank you so much for a thought-provoking and thoroughly edge-of-the-seat read." "When I started reading this book, I was seduced by the magic of the prose. I was transported straight back to the early eighties and accompanied the heroine on the visits to Exmoor with enthusiasm. But then I got hooked into the story and the day trip became an all-nighter! Brilliantly written and researched. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys a story based on seeds of truth." "I met you about 9 yrs ago in Devon and bought your book Seeds of Doubt which I have read more than once. I am not a big reader but that book brought reading to life for me. Thank you." 
One of the original pioneers of the computer was born over 200 years ago in Great Torrington in the West of England. His name was Thomas Fowler.
This is a story of stunning resilience and ingenuity in the face of professional prejudice, betrayal and heart-breaking twists of fate. It is a story of an invention destined to re-write the history of computing. Winner of the Devon History Society W.G.Hoskins Prize 2016 "Computers might have changed history and our world almost a century sooner had the ideas of Fowler been understood and adopted by Babbage." Dr Ralph Merkle, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Molecular Manufacturing, California. "The author Pamela Vass has done extensive research in many disciplines for this book, and she makes it all very readable and understandable. And the story she has to tell is a fascinating one indeed ... Over and over again I marvel at the amount of research that must have gone into just a few paragraphs. I highly recommend this book." Amazon 5 star review. 
"A fascinating, candid and tremendously moving reflection of a life and times slowly receding into history."
In My Own Words evolved out of times shared in front of Johnny’s coal fire when his recollections were freely given and much enjoyed. Then one day he asked if I would write his story. It has been a pleasure and a privilege; one he would be happy to know is being shared by others. "Pamela, I have just read a book purchased from you some years ago while on holiday about John Devereux (In My Own Words). I found the book difficult to put down although quite harrowing at times especially when Irene passed away after her own personal battle with cancer. Thank you for taking the time to put into words John's life story, one which I found truly fascinating." 
This inspirational book offers a simple-to-follow course enabling anyone suffering from a chronic illness to make a difference to their lives right now.
"I felt I must tell you how helpful I am finding your book on CFS/ME. I've been so grateful for it, it's like my "bible!" I’m planning on taking it on holiday with me … makes me feel secure having all the advice with me. One thing I especially like is that the book is very user-friendly, the way it's laid out, summaries etc. The bold letters are also extremely useful and the type of spine makes it easy to turn over, keep your place. Thank you very much, Pamela." ONLY AVAILABLE ON KINDLE |
Talks Programme
I am available for talks and presentations, either in person in the south west or by Zoom UK wide. For more information please see the 'Talks' page on this site. 2026 May 19th Fowey Ladies Lunch Club Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack June 9th Modbury History Society The Power of Three: The Story of Thomas Fowler 17th Buckland Brewer History Zoom Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack 23rd Ladies Chatterbox Club, Saltash Act of God or Act of Man: The Lynmouth Floods of 1952 July 7th West Hill Women's Group Reason or Rebellion? The Suffragette Story in Devon 10th Penzance Litfest, Exchange Gallery, 2.30pm Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack 13th Book Signing and Sales Stithians Show 21st Down Thomas W.I. Reason or Rebellion? The Suffragette Story in Devon 25th Book Signing and Sales Mid Devon Show 30th Tavistock Ladies Luncheon Club Act of God or Act of Man: The Lynmouth Floods of 1952 August 20th Book Signing and Sales Chagford Show September 2nd Tavy District U3A Act of God or Act of Man: The Lynmouth Floods of 1952 15th Okehampton U3A The Power of Three: The Story of Thomas Fowler 17th West Dartmoor U3A Act of God or Act of Man: The Lynmouth Floods of 1952 20th Plymouth Soroptimists Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack 28th St Tudy History Society Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack October 3rd Book signing and sales at Looe Festival of Words Bookfair 11th Devon Family History Society Reason or Rebellion? The Suffragette Story in the South West November 10th Plymouth Probus Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack 24th Plympton U3A Reason or Rebellion? Women's fight for the Vote in Devon December 12th-13th Book Signing and Sales Mount Edgcumbe Christmas Fair 2027 April Lerryn History Society Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack May 19th Plymouth Soroptimists Reason or Rebellion? Women's Fight for the Vote in Devon 27th Altarnun Local History Society Act of God or Act of Man: The Lynmouth Floods of 1952 June 22nd Plymstock Over 60's Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack July 8th Wheal Betsy ladies Cornwall to the Crystal Palace. The Extraordinary Journey of Mary Kelynack 21st Honiton U3A The Power of Three: The Story of Thomas Fowler |