My Publicist recently asked, “What inspired you to write a story set in Painswick, England, and how did you research this English village?” So I thought I would share my answers with you here as well.
My husband and I first visited Painswick (a Cotswolds village in Gloucestershire) a few years ago and were both charmed by the village and especially by its beautiful church (St. Mary’s) and churchyard. We made plans to return for a longer stay, which we did last summer. While there, we met members of Painswick’s Local History Society, who provided me with many editions of their excellent publication, the Painswick Chronicle, which aided me a great deal as I wrote the novel. They also kindly answered follow-up questions by email and reviewed the manuscript for me. I am grateful!
Thanks to their help, I have recently turned in a revised draft of a new romantic mystery called Whispers at Painswick Court, which is going through the editorial process now. It is scheduled to come out in December of this year, but is available for preorder now. I can’t wait for you to read it!
Are you drawn to smaller English towns and villages as I am? Or are you more drawn to cities like Bath and London? Do tell!
In the meantime, here is a brief description of the new novel:
Anne Loveday, a surgeon’s daughter, is determined to live a single, useful life. To escape her matchmaking stepmother, she accepts an invitation from an old friend to return to Painswick, the place she and her sister spent many happy summers until that last, fateful year. Soon after arriving, Anne is asked to serve as sick-room nurse to Lady Celia, who forbade her nephew to marry Anne’s sister years before. Pushing aside resentments, Anne moves into Painswick Court, which is rumored to be haunted. Also in residence are Lady Celia’s spinster daughter, her handsome adult nephews, and a secretive new lady’s maid. Two local doctors visit regularly as well, one of whom admires Anne while concealing secrets of his own. As an escalating series of mishaps befalls her patient, Anne realizes someone is trying to kill the woman. But who? When Anne finds herself a suspect and her determination to avoid romance challenged, can she discover the real killer—and protect her heart—before it’s too late?
I hope you will enjoy it! Thanks for stopping by today!
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Nice post 🙏🎸
I love all of England. Period.
Your upcoming book sounds great.
So exciting to have another book on the way! I loved Bath and London, but give me the small villages and countryside of England any day. I truly hope to be able to go back someday!
This book sounds very exciting. Great introduction with mysterious suspense! Looking forward to it.
Have only had the chance to spend one day in London. From pictures and videos, I would love to visit small villages. I enjoy watching Midsomer Murders.
I love the sound of that plotline! It’s like a murder mystery before the murder occurs. 🙂
Look forward to reading your new novel! There’s also “A Sea View Christmas” novella releasing this fall.
I’ve traveled through the Cotswolds on day trips from London–really beautiful countryside!
Ooh, excited to read this new book of yours! Congratulations!
To answer your question, I am drawn to the smaller town life as it relates more to what I know. Stories that take place in London are interesting, too, but I navigate to quieter or country life.
Sounds like a wonderful read! I will look forward to reading this!
Can’t wait! I’m already interested after reading just that little bit!