Susanna Calkins Blog

A DEATH ALONG THE RIVER FLEET--my fourth book has a title!

2/19/2015

My fourth book has had several different titles, but none that really resonated with me or with my editor.

I've talked before about the image that prompted this novel initially--although, alas, that too has changed somewhat--and about the difficulties I've had with titles generally. But naming a book is a difficult thing--it has to be right!

The new title--A DEATH ALONG THE RIVER FLEET--feels right. (I mean, I also liked Murder at Fleet Ditch, but it was deemed a bit too harsh for my Lucy books, which I can totally see now).

Here is the working premise:

Crossing Holborn Bridge, where it crosses the River Fleet, Lucy Campion—printer’s apprentice--encounters a distraught young woman, barely able to speak and clad only in a blood-spattered nightdress. To the local townspeople, the woman is mad, afflicted with the devil’s tongue, but Lucy, feeling concerned for the woman’s well-being, takes her to a physician. When the woman is shockingly identified as the daughter of a nobleman, Lucy is asked to temporarily give up her bookselling duties to discreetly serve as the woman’s companion while in the physician’s care. As the woman recovers over the month of April 1667, she begins—with Lucy’s help—to reconstruct the terrible event that occurred near the bridge, as well as the disturbing events that preceded it. When the woman is attacked while in her care, Lucy becomes unwillingly privy to a plot with far-reaching social implications.

But, given that I don't like to disclose too much about my work-in-progress, this is all I will say!

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Sleuths in Time, Tracking Crime

2/13/2015

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I'm delighted to say that recently a group of us--eight authors who write historical mysteries--joined together to form a new collective: Sleuths in Time, Tracking Crime.

We write historical mysteries set in England, Scotland and the United States, ranging in time from the 1660s to the 1930s. Connect with us on Facebook and Pinterest (Sleuths in Time Authors) or follow us on Twitter! (@sleuthsintime).

We've got some great things planned, including some giveaways and a scavenger hunt at Malice Domestic. Stay tuned for details!

Tessa Arlen writes a mysteries series set in the early 1900s featuring amateur sleuth Lady Montfort and her housekeeper, Mrs. Jackson.

Her first book in the series DEATH OF A DISHONORABLE GENTLEMAN was released January 6, 2015. A Party For Winston, the second book in the series, is scheduled to hit the shelves January 2016. www.tessaarlen.com Check out her blog too, The Redoubtable Edwardian.

Susanna Calkins writes the Lucy Campion mysteries set in 17th century England. Her first novel, A Murder at Rosamund's Gate, was shortlisted for the Sue Feder Historical Award (Macavity) and her second, From the Charred Remains, was shortlisted for a Lovey and the Bruce Alexander Historical Mystery Award (Lefty). Her next book will be released April 14, 2015! Counting down the days!

Anna Lee Huber writes the Lady Darby series set in 1830’s Scotland, which features a gifted portrait artist with a macabre past, including instruction in anatomy.

A Study in Death, the fourth book in the series, will be published by Berkley in July 2015. Other titles that follow the detecting exploits of Lady Kiera Darby and inquiry agent Sebastian Gage are The Anatomist’s Wife (nominated for RITA Awards and a Daphne du Maurier in 2013), Mortal Arts (Sept. 2013), and A Grave Matter (July 2014). To learn more, check out my 2013 interview with Anna too!

D.E. Ireland, writes the Eliza Doolittle and Henry Higgins mystery series in which the celebrated professor of Wimpole Street and the former Cockney flower girl join forces to solve crime in Edwardian London. WOULDN'T IT BE DEADLY has been nominated for the Malice Domestic Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel of 2014.

MOVE YOUR BLOOMING CORPSE will be released on Sept. 22, 2015 and continues the adventures at Ascot racecourse. Check out my interview, where they explain how they manage to write together without killing each other!

Anna Loan-Wilsey writes the Hattie Davish Mystery series set in 1890's America featuring a traveling secretary who solves crimes in every historic town she visits.

The upcoming Hattie Davish book A Deceptive Homecoming will be released by Kensington in July 2015. Earlier books in the series are A Lack of Temperance (Sept. 2012), Anything But Civil (Sept. 2013), and A Sense of Entitlement (June 2014). www.annaloanwilsey.com

Christine Trent writes the LADY OF ASHES series about a Victorian undertaker solving crimes that Scotland Yard cannot.

Full of details about funeral customs in the Victorian era, LADY OF ASHES was a 2014 Daphne du Maurier finalist, and the fourth book in the series, THE MOURNING BELLS, releases on March 31, 2015. Christine's long-suffering husband is very understanding of her need for cats (5), books on shelves (4,000+ and counting), and scrapbooking supplies (don't ask).

Alyssa Maxwell writes The Gilded Newport Mysteries, set in Newport, RI, in the 1890s and featuring Emma Cross, a female society reporter who is a distant cousin of the Vanderbilt family. Kensington will release the next book in the series Murder at Beechwood in May 2015.

Previous series’ titles are Murder at the Breakers (March 2014) and Murder at Marble House (Sept. 2014). She officially became a USA Today Bestseller the week of Sept. 4, 2014.

Ashley Weaver is a Louisiana librarian, unabashed bookworm, and the author of the Amory Ames Mysteries, set in 1930’s England.

The first book in the series, MURDER AT THE BRIGHTWELL, has been nominated for a 2015 Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The second book, DEATH WEARS A MASK, will be released on October 13, 2015.

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A funny thing about book titles...the Dark Side

1/30/2015

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Star Wars "The Charred Remains" version :-(

Every morning, when I check my email, I'm reminded of a funny (funny-weird, not funny-humorous) thing about book titles. Because I have a daily Google alert on my titles, I get a little summary about how they have used been used on the internet. For my first novel A Murder at Rosamund's Gate and for my third novel, The Masque of a Murderer, I get alerts that actually pertain to my book.

But for my second book, From the Charred Remains, I am treated to all sorts of terrible and strange news stories--usually house fires--of things or people being found after a fire (this gem to the right is one of the better things that's come this way).

Literally, this illustrates the dark side of book titles. There are terrible things that happen in the world--beyond what happened on the mythical Tatooine--and every day those come to my inbox because of how I titled my book.

I shouldn't be surprised--after all, the premise of my book is that a body has been found in a barrel outside the Cheshire Cheese after the Great Fire has devastated much of London.

So as I sort though new titles for my fourth book--the soon to be renamed Stranger on the Bridge--I find myself avoiding titles that reporters might use to describe particularly grisly stuff.

It's ironic really. The title of my first book didn't make it through marketing, but it was originally called Monster at the Gate. I thought the concept of monster fit well with my time period, but that title was deemed too harsh and supernatural. I can only imagine the kinds of Google hits I would have gotten, had I kept that title.

The original title of my third book, Whispers of a Dying Man, didn't make it past my own internal scrutiny. Bleagh. Glad I changed that one. The Masque of a Murderer is a much better title.

But From the Charred Remains sailed through easily. I still like the title, but I'm still a bit wary when I see what Google has sent me.

Now, I'm still pondering the title of my fourth book. Stranger on the Bridge just isn't resonating for me. So at New Year's, after describing the premise, I asked a bunch of my friends to all put single words (nouns and adjectives) into a hat. Then we all picked three or four slips of paper and formed titles. The best of this admittedly drunken endeavor was Across the Misty Divide. Probably won't go over either (sorry Steve!). Maybe the parlor game method of naming books is not the best method.

So hopefully something connects soon!!! I'll keep you posted!

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What private investigators do--a little advice (Guest Post)

1/29/2015

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I've written a little bit about 17th century sleuths, and 18th century thief-takers, and the rise of the 19th century detective, but I really know very little about what modern private investigators actually do. So when Daniel Clark, a private investigator based in the UK contacted me about writing a post on this topic, I thought I would learn something interesting. And I have!

In life, one may come across certain situations where the services of private investigators are required. Such situations include: finding a missing person, solving child custody, investigation or surveillance, matrimonial & infidelity investigations and conducting background investigations. Private detectives usually have to undergo a great deal of training. A private detective also lends a helping hand in solving private matters and anything which can potentially unearth criminal activities existing in your business. Now, one can find a number of private investigation agencies which employ several trained and skilled investigators to solve different cases.

When you hire a private investigator (such as one at Daniel's firm, privatdetektive) they should carry out their work in line with the laws of the land. At the time of hiring, make sure that they are specialized in the area which best suits your needs. It is important, too, to check their skills, expertise and experience, before finalizing anything with them. This will ensure you of approaching the best private investigator.

How experience proves helpful in investigation

Every activity carried out in the investigation process is based upon the experience and knowledge of the investigator. For instance, the type of camera filter that should be used and the proper techniques to avail information from relevant sources. The training and experience of private investigator give them sufficient time required to figure out which tools and methods work best for different types of cases. There may arise certain circumstances that arise while the investigator is trying to gather information, that requires the investigator to react quickly.

Benefits you get from hiring professional private detectives:

1.    Advanced techniques – These professionals make use of their specialist information and technological expertise to solve the case. For instance, they can look through financial transactions to expose a business partner who is involved in unethical activities in a business.

2.    Focus on your work – A team of professional investigators work on a case, giving their full attention. Hiring a trained and expert private detective will save you time, energy and efforts. You can focus on your other important activities, leaving the investigative work to them.

3.    Get answers quickly – When you choose to hire professional investigators, you don’t have to wait around for any sort of evidence to crop up. They know how to effectively examine claims and create a well-planned and expedited strategy to uncover the truth. With experience in dealing with the court system, investigators are well aware about the type of evidence required to win your case.

4.    Less risk involved – If you are seeking information on individuals, then you need to consider and keep in mind about investigative actions that should be taken within the limits of the law. Private investigators are aware of what action can be taken from remaining within legal limits. They are trained in a better way in conducting an investigation to provide valuable information to the clients.

Thus, it can be said that hiring professional private investigators offers true value for invested money.

Author Bio

Daniel Clark owns a leading privatdetektiv agency which aims at providing personal, corporate or financial investigation services. He provides quality investigation services in the UK and makes use of advanced equipment to solve different cases of clients.

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Exciting news!

1/27/2015

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Just a quick note to say that I'm very honored that my second novel, From the Charred Remains, was recently nominated for the Bruce Alexander Memorial Historical Mystery Award. This is a fan award bestowed at the annual Left Coast Crime Convention.

The other finalists in this category are Rhys Bowen, Queen of Hearts (Berkley Prime Crime), Catriona McPherson, A Deadly Measure of Brimstone (Minotaur Books), Kelli Stanley, City of Ghosts (Minotaur Books) and Jeri Westerson, Cup of Blood (Old London Press).

Some other author friends who've stopped by my blog were nominated nominated for the Rosebud, the best first mystery novel set anywhere in the world: Lisa Alber, Kilmoon (Muskrat Press), Lori Rader-Day, The Black Hour, and Holly West, Mistress of Fortune (Carina Press e-book). (I'm really hoping I can vote Chicago-style on this one...early and often!)

We'll find out in March! Fingers crossed!

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Creating Lucy's Map of London

1/11/2015

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Maps that inspired Lucy's London

As I work on my fourth Lucy book, I knew I had to figure out a better way to keep in mind where all the events of the first three books occurred.

For real historical locations--London Bridge, the Cheshire Cheese, St. Martin-in-the-Fields, the Fire Courts, Newgate--I have a few maps on hand.

These include the interactive map of early modern London ("The Agas Map") from 1633 and Walter George Bell's 1920 map of the Great Fire of 1666.

But of course it is Lucy's world that is harder to keep straight. Where does Master Hargrave live? Where is Aubrey's printing shop? Where was Mr. Whitby pushed in front of the horse? How long will it take Lucy to walk from Duncan's jail on Fleet Street to the nonconformist burial ground in Bunhill Fields? And when Lucy walks towards Smithfield, will she remember where a murder occurred in an earlier book?

This weekend it occurred to me to create my own master map--Lucy's London--for me to remember where every event occurred in Lucy's life. Using photocopies of the Agas Map (1633) and using Bell as a reference, I was able to develop my own map on which I could color in the area destroyed by the Great Fire and write in all my events for reference. The final result, shown here on my dining room table, is about 5' x 2.5'.

My master "Lucy's London" map drawn from MoEML Agas Map and W.G. Bell.

If I wanted I could even color in all the houses! Draw journey lines to illustrate the different treks the characters take throughout all four books, noting their points of intersection! Use a palate of colors to demarcate a range of events--murders, accidental deaths, accidents, important scenes!

Or, not.

I do, after all, have a book to write. But working on this map gave me an enormous appreciation for the intricate nature of the maps that Agas and Bell created, and deepened my understanding just that much more of the fascinating world of early modern London.

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And now the cover! The Masque of a Murderer!

12/18/2014

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Coming April 2015, to a bookseller near you!!! More to come....

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One step closer...the copy edits are in!

12/16/2014

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This never gets old...so exciting to get the copy edits for my third Lucy Campion mystery--The Masque of a Murderer!

I am hoping to reveal the cover soon. I've seen an early version and I love it! Can't wait!

(To be released on April 14, 2015, but available now for pre-order at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and a bookseller near you!)

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Keeping women silent and obedient--the Scold's Bridle

12/10/2014

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The scolding wife Date: 1670-1696 Tract Supplement / A2:4[78]

I won't say HOW exactly, but a scold's bridle features prominently in my third novel, Masque of a Murderer. (Well, okay, maybe one is found on the corpse of a young woman. Or not.) But the bridle does play an important role, and I thought I would give a little more background.

Since at least the Middle Ages, women had been expected to heed Paul's admonition to be "chaste, silent and obedient," an expectation that became even more pronounced for women in early modern Europe. Women were branded "scolds" if they harangued their husbands or neighbors, or as we may say today, spoke their minds.

"The Scolding Wife," shown here, is one of many tales of a merry young man who made the mistake of marrying a rich widow who very quickly made his life miserable.

Indeed, the couple couldn't even sit down to eat without her scolding him:

"They was not all at supper set, or at the board sat down,
E’er she began to brawl and scold,
and call’d him a peaking clown.
That nothing he could do that was pleasing in her light;
But still she scolded day and night,
Which made this merry man’s heart full of woe."

Such accounts explain how the men's good will and cheer are sapped by the woman's speech. It should be noted, however, that the tale is to be 'set to a pleasant tune.' The ballad is meant to be lighthearted--an everyday tale of a man who cannot control his wife. As such, it is as much a comment about his nature as it is about hers. Nevertheless, there is a gendered warning here about the respective roles that men and women should play in a marriage.

My favorite of these little discourses is one by Anonymous (1684): "The tongue combatants, or A sharp dispute between a comical courageous country grasier, and a London bull-feather'd butchers twitling, twatling, turbulent, thundering, tempestuous, terrifying, taunting, troublesome, talkative tongu'd wife."

Hmmmm.....

Sometimes, however, the warning against women's scolding was more explicit--and more terrifying.

Devices known as scold's bridles, or scold's masks, first emerged in the Middle Ages, and continued to be used (in England at least) throughout the early modern era.

The scold's mask was a painful contraption of iron and leather that fit over a woman's face that effectively prohibited her from speaking. Sometimes, the woman might be paraded about, as a humiliating reminder to keep her opinions to herself, and as a lesson to other women who might be inclined to do the same.

So how does this play out in my novel? Find out in April 2015, when Masque of a Murderer is released!

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Evolution of a Book Cover--A Guest Post by Sam Thomas

11/30/2014

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I am excited that Sam Thomas, author of The Midwife Mysteries, was able to join me on my blog today! To celebrate the fact that The Midwife's Tale is now available as an E-Book for just $2.99, Sam shares the story behind his cover! (Head over to Amazon or Barnes & Noble to pick up your copy!)

One question that a lot of readers have asked is how The Midwife’s Tale wound up with its cover, and whether I had any say in its creation. It’s a pretty great question with an interesting answer.

When I envisioned the cover of The Midwife’s Tale, I wanted it to look like a seventeenth-century book, largely in keeping with my original title, Bloody News from York. The image I had in mind was something like this book from 1635:

I thought that this cover would both capture my setting and the central tension of the book, whether a woman would be burned at the stake.

Unfortunately, kept this idea to myself for a bit too long, and before I said anything to my editor, he sent this cover:

I was floored. I loved the darkness, the color scheme, the way the light played across the figure’s back… nearly everything about it.

The one concern my agent had was that it seemed a bit too still. I had written a murder story, after all, and he thought it could use a bit more danger. We suggested putting a knife in her hand, and perhaps replacing the stalks of grain on the table with a mortar and pestle.

This is where Minotaur came through for me the first time. By all rights, they could have said, “Nope, this is it.” But they didn’t. They came back with a modified cover:

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<< Previous

A DEATH ALONG THE RIVER FLEET--my fourth book has a title!

Sleuths in Time, Tracking Crime

A funny thing about book titles...the Dark Side

What private investigators do--a little advice (Guest Post)

Exciting news!

Creating Lucy's Map of London

And now the cover! The Masque of a Murderer!

Coming April 2015, to a bookseller near you!!! More to come....

One step closer...the copy edits are in!

Keeping women silent and obedient--the Scold's Bridle

Evolution of a Book Cover--A Guest Post by Sam Thomas

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