A collection of work by 36 contemporary poets exploring the darker side of the female imagination. Here are poems that disturb and disconcert but also gleam with humour and delight in subversion.

You will find plenty of familiar names, but also less well-known poets whose work deserves to be read more widely. There’s something good on every page – be prepared to hide behind the sofa and keep the light on at night but also to be made to think, and to laugh out loud – there will be something in this book that will hit the spot for everyone who enjoys the power of poetry.

A Twist of Malice

A Twist of Malice is a tonic, a real pick-me-up, in all senses. I laughed, cried, giggled, chortled.  A book for all seasons, for all reasons. Dip in and out or read in huge gulps. So many poems I wish I had written myself.  Lyn Moir

Artifice and wit deliver moments so sharp they catch your breath:  ‘Time Out’ and ‘Down to the Wood’ reach bone marro.   Hilary Elfick


To be able to truly revel in mischief, malice and misery with no guilt attached is a rare and wonderful thing. A Twist of Malice recognizes this fully, meets it head on and, while it shouts from rooftops, can laugh. And cry, and sometimes whisper. These poets lay rightful claim to their intellects, aesthetics and senses of humour; in short, to the art in their lives.   Jacqueline Gabbitas

Available now from Grey Hen @ £8.00 plus £1.25 p&p

A pamphlet from West Yorkshire poets Joy Howard, Hilary J Murray and Gina Shaw. The poets are all members of Second Light, a national network of older women poets. They have been meeting together since May 2006 to share everything to do with writing and performing poetry. The pamphlet was conceived as a compilation of some of the poems that feature in their readings.

Second Bite

Off-beat but serious and moving' 'Funny, feisty'

'Catches hold of a new way of voicing feelings'

'In tune with the wry wit of contemporary poetry and with feminism'

Dilys Wood, ARTEMISpoetry

Available now from Grey Hen @ £3 plus 75p p&p

Butter Side Down by Joy Howard

Spit-Roast by Hilary J Murray

Stilettos by Gina Shaw