Andrea here, continuing the joint interview with Pat about our new books, Sapphire Nights and Murder at Half Moon Gate which both released yesterday! At first blush, they may seem very different—Pat’s is a contemporary with paranormal elements, while mine is Regency-set historical. But in reading each other’s manuscripts (Wenchly Beta reading is such fun!) we realized there were some really interesting core themes that tied the stories together. In the previous blog, we talked about our heroines. And today, we’re asking ourselves this question: We're both romance writers who have chosen to use mystery plots as a core element of our new books—why?
Andrea: In writing romance, the journey, no matter what twists and turn it takes, is always meant to arrive at the same destination—an HEA for the hero and heroine. That chemistry of how one falls in love lies at the heart of the story. It’s an endlessly interesting trope, and there’s lots of room to explore each person’s fears and conflicts as they work to overcome what’s keeping them apart. But the tensions focus on romantic relationship (and yes, these days that means focusing on sexual as well as cerebral attraction.) So the focus of the story is very personal—two people building a bond that makes them stronger than they would be on their own.
I’ve come to love writing mystery as I feel it gives me the opportunity to develop my characters with greater breadth and depth. Romance is always part of my mystery stories, but it’s not the driving force. In a mystery, the protagonists have to unravel a conundrum—usually a crime—and uncover whatever truth is hidden inside it—no matter how uncomfortable. That challenge allows me to ask my characters even more elemental questions concerning how they see their place in the world—questions about good and evil, right and wrong, the nuances of morality and where one decides to draw the line in the sand.
For me those added elements of introspection add texture and richness to a story. Now don’t get me wrong, I love romance novels, however, the nature of love is only part of our psyche, and I’m find it very exciting to explore outside the conventional tropes of love story, which usually ends in one book. Another allure of the mystery genre is that it’s typical to develop characters over a series. The opportunity to have Lord Wrexford and Charlotte Sloane, the hero and heroine in my new mystery series (you can read about it here) grow organically as they face different cerebral challenges and the accompanying tests of friendship is something I find very engaging. (And I’m delighted that I’ll have a chance to continue the journey, as I’ve just signed to do two more.)
Pat: As my Tales of Love and Romance show, I’ve always had a bit of mystery driving my contemporary plots. (Blue Clouds will be free until 3/31!)
Romance requires that the protagonists have outer goals and inner motivations in conflict with each other to drive the story, which works reasonably well in historical romance. It’s far easier to pull off the virgin and rake scenario, or the aristocrat and the spinster/teacher/bluestocking in the Regency than in a modern story. Because of historical limitations, sexual tension is easier to build in historical romance. We can create entire plots out of nothing more than manipulating two people into bed. In modern times? Not so much.
In today’s society, the virgin and rake can fall in bed on first meeting without consequence. Any ploy used to keep them apart can feel forced and artificial—the virgin’s much more likely to be eager to fall into bed with a guy who knows what he’s doing, right? And if she decides she’s not interested, who cares? What are the consequences? We need a driving force to keep pages turning, and the only one I see here is the “he loves me/he loves me not” plot—not one of my favorites. So I need to create an outside force to maintain interest and develop tension as the protagonists discover each other.
As in my Malcolm/Ives historical romances, the psychic element helps with that personal conflict—if one person believes in the paranormal and the other thinks it’s a hoax, we have immediate conflict. In standard mysteries, it’s more likely to be one character believing the other committed murder. I get to work both sides!
I’m fully aware that I’m not writing traditional mystery plots, and I’m definitely not writing romantic suspense, but bookstores don’t recognize any other categories for what I do. Could we call these problem-solving romances? Yes, we have a dead body and a villain, but the story is about the couple and how they work together to find a solution. Red herrings and bullets don’t happen much!
Are you a fan of mysteries? Do you you enjoy a mystery element woven into the plot of other genres? And lastly, do you have a favorite heroine in a romantic mystery? (I'm thinking of the Mary Stewart heroines in The Moonspinners and This Rough Magic, who I think helped shape my love for plucky women who were braver and more resourceful than they thought.) We're giving away one copy of Sapphire Nights and one copy of Murder at Half Moon Gate to two lucky readers chosen at random from those who leave a comment here between now and Friday!
Thanks for the updates, ladies! I’m addicted to your books and this genre! A appreciate your sharing your talents!
Thanks for the updates, ladies! I’m addicted to your books and this genre! A appreciate your sharing your talents!
Thanks for the updates, ladies! I’m addicted to your books and this genre! A appreciate your sharing your talents!
Thanks for the updates, ladies! I’m addicted to your books and this genre! A appreciate your sharing your talents!
Thanks for the updates, ladies! I’m addicted to your books and this genre! A appreciate your sharing your talents!
I am a major mystery fan, and I love the combination of mystery and romance. Partly I suppose this is because I enjoy a plot. (I know I’m being picky, but I get bored when there’s nothing actually happening in the story.)
I know Hercule Poirot’s little grey cells were always functioning, but have you noticed that the female characters in Agatha Christie books are always at least as intelligent as the male characters and are frequently smarter? Not just Miss Marple, but the ones involved in the mystery, including Hasting’s “Cinderella.”
I am a major mystery fan, and I love the combination of mystery and romance. Partly I suppose this is because I enjoy a plot. (I know I’m being picky, but I get bored when there’s nothing actually happening in the story.)
I know Hercule Poirot’s little grey cells were always functioning, but have you noticed that the female characters in Agatha Christie books are always at least as intelligent as the male characters and are frequently smarter? Not just Miss Marple, but the ones involved in the mystery, including Hasting’s “Cinderella.”
I am a major mystery fan, and I love the combination of mystery and romance. Partly I suppose this is because I enjoy a plot. (I know I’m being picky, but I get bored when there’s nothing actually happening in the story.)
I know Hercule Poirot’s little grey cells were always functioning, but have you noticed that the female characters in Agatha Christie books are always at least as intelligent as the male characters and are frequently smarter? Not just Miss Marple, but the ones involved in the mystery, including Hasting’s “Cinderella.”
I am a major mystery fan, and I love the combination of mystery and romance. Partly I suppose this is because I enjoy a plot. (I know I’m being picky, but I get bored when there’s nothing actually happening in the story.)
I know Hercule Poirot’s little grey cells were always functioning, but have you noticed that the female characters in Agatha Christie books are always at least as intelligent as the male characters and are frequently smarter? Not just Miss Marple, but the ones involved in the mystery, including Hasting’s “Cinderella.”
I am a major mystery fan, and I love the combination of mystery and romance. Partly I suppose this is because I enjoy a plot. (I know I’m being picky, but I get bored when there’s nothing actually happening in the story.)
I know Hercule Poirot’s little grey cells were always functioning, but have you noticed that the female characters in Agatha Christie books are always at least as intelligent as the male characters and are frequently smarter? Not just Miss Marple, but the ones involved in the mystery, including Hasting’s “Cinderella.”
The majority of my library is filled with mysteries, and I like a bit of mystery in any book that I read. My favorite mystery/romantic heroine is Lady Julia Grey from the series written by Deanna Raybourn. Thank you for the chance to win.
The majority of my library is filled with mysteries, and I like a bit of mystery in any book that I read. My favorite mystery/romantic heroine is Lady Julia Grey from the series written by Deanna Raybourn. Thank you for the chance to win.
The majority of my library is filled with mysteries, and I like a bit of mystery in any book that I read. My favorite mystery/romantic heroine is Lady Julia Grey from the series written by Deanna Raybourn. Thank you for the chance to win.
The majority of my library is filled with mysteries, and I like a bit of mystery in any book that I read. My favorite mystery/romantic heroine is Lady Julia Grey from the series written by Deanna Raybourn. Thank you for the chance to win.
The majority of my library is filled with mysteries, and I like a bit of mystery in any book that I read. My favorite mystery/romantic heroine is Lady Julia Grey from the series written by Deanna Raybourn. Thank you for the chance to win.
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, I tend to watch them on tv instead. However, I’m thoroughly enjoying Andrea’s new series. I love the characters and surprisingly I’m enjoying the mystery. It’s made me look at other romance/mystery books. I own Murder at Half Moon Gate. (Don’t you just LOVE the title)?
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, I tend to watch them on tv instead. However, I’m thoroughly enjoying Andrea’s new series. I love the characters and surprisingly I’m enjoying the mystery. It’s made me look at other romance/mystery books. I own Murder at Half Moon Gate. (Don’t you just LOVE the title)?
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, I tend to watch them on tv instead. However, I’m thoroughly enjoying Andrea’s new series. I love the characters and surprisingly I’m enjoying the mystery. It’s made me look at other romance/mystery books. I own Murder at Half Moon Gate. (Don’t you just LOVE the title)?
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, I tend to watch them on tv instead. However, I’m thoroughly enjoying Andrea’s new series. I love the characters and surprisingly I’m enjoying the mystery. It’s made me look at other romance/mystery books. I own Murder at Half Moon Gate. (Don’t you just LOVE the title)?
I don’t read a lot of mysteries, I tend to watch them on tv instead. However, I’m thoroughly enjoying Andrea’s new series. I love the characters and surprisingly I’m enjoying the mystery. It’s made me look at other romance/mystery books. I own Murder at Half Moon Gate. (Don’t you just LOVE the title)?
I’m a fan of mysteries in any genre. Epic fantasy fiction and science fiction have everything in it including mystery, crime, romance, magic.
Some of my favorite romantic heroines is Lady Julia and Veronica Speedwell, two of Deanna Raybourn’s characters. Lady Emily from Tasha Alexander’s series is another favorite.
I’m a fan of mysteries in any genre. Epic fantasy fiction and science fiction have everything in it including mystery, crime, romance, magic.
Some of my favorite romantic heroines is Lady Julia and Veronica Speedwell, two of Deanna Raybourn’s characters. Lady Emily from Tasha Alexander’s series is another favorite.
I’m a fan of mysteries in any genre. Epic fantasy fiction and science fiction have everything in it including mystery, crime, romance, magic.
Some of my favorite romantic heroines is Lady Julia and Veronica Speedwell, two of Deanna Raybourn’s characters. Lady Emily from Tasha Alexander’s series is another favorite.
I’m a fan of mysteries in any genre. Epic fantasy fiction and science fiction have everything in it including mystery, crime, romance, magic.
Some of my favorite romantic heroines is Lady Julia and Veronica Speedwell, two of Deanna Raybourn’s characters. Lady Emily from Tasha Alexander’s series is another favorite.
I’m a fan of mysteries in any genre. Epic fantasy fiction and science fiction have everything in it including mystery, crime, romance, magic.
Some of my favorite romantic heroines is Lady Julia and Veronica Speedwell, two of Deanna Raybourn’s characters. Lady Emily from Tasha Alexander’s series is another favorite.
Thanks so much, Donna! So gald you enjoy our books!
Thanks so much, Donna! So gald you enjoy our books!
Thanks so much, Donna! So gald you enjoy our books!
Thanks so much, Donna! So gald you enjoy our books!
Thanks so much, Donna! So gald you enjoy our books!
Lillian, I definitely think mystery does add some spice to any plot, and keeps the story moving. It’s also a catalyst for characters to develop.
And yes, mysteries tend to give women their intellectual due!
Lillian, I definitely think mystery does add some spice to any plot, and keeps the story moving. It’s also a catalyst for characters to develop.
And yes, mysteries tend to give women their intellectual due!
Lillian, I definitely think mystery does add some spice to any plot, and keeps the story moving. It’s also a catalyst for characters to develop.
And yes, mysteries tend to give women their intellectual due!
Lillian, I definitely think mystery does add some spice to any plot, and keeps the story moving. It’s also a catalyst for characters to develop.
And yes, mysteries tend to give women their intellectual due!
Lillian, I definitely think mystery does add some spice to any plot, and keeps the story moving. It’s also a catalyst for characters to develop.
And yes, mysteries tend to give women their intellectual due!
Thanks so much, Teresa! I’ve been doing the reverse! I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and am now getting hooked on tv mysteries. Foyle’s War was the kicker. I am SO sad I’ve glommed through it. More Michael Kitchen!
Thanks so much, Teresa! I’ve been doing the reverse! I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and am now getting hooked on tv mysteries. Foyle’s War was the kicker. I am SO sad I’ve glommed through it. More Michael Kitchen!
Thanks so much, Teresa! I’ve been doing the reverse! I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and am now getting hooked on tv mysteries. Foyle’s War was the kicker. I am SO sad I’ve glommed through it. More Michael Kitchen!
Thanks so much, Teresa! I’ve been doing the reverse! I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and am now getting hooked on tv mysteries. Foyle’s War was the kicker. I am SO sad I’ve glommed through it. More Michael Kitchen!
Thanks so much, Teresa! I’ve been doing the reverse! I’ve always loved reading mysteries, and am now getting hooked on tv mysteries. Foyle’s War was the kicker. I am SO sad I’ve glommed through it. More Michael Kitchen!
Oh, both HUGE favorite heroines of mine as well, Patricia! Love Deanna and Tasha’s series.
Oh, both HUGE favorite heroines of mine as well, Patricia! Love Deanna and Tasha’s series.
Oh, both HUGE favorite heroines of mine as well, Patricia! Love Deanna and Tasha’s series.
Oh, both HUGE favorite heroines of mine as well, Patricia! Love Deanna and Tasha’s series.
Oh, both HUGE favorite heroines of mine as well, Patricia! Love Deanna and Tasha’s series.
I adore Deanna’s Lady Julia. I hope she’ll write more of that series as well as her new Veronca Speedwell series.!
I adore Deanna’s Lady Julia. I hope she’ll write more of that series as well as her new Veronca Speedwell series.!
I adore Deanna’s Lady Julia. I hope she’ll write more of that series as well as her new Veronca Speedwell series.!
I adore Deanna’s Lady Julia. I hope she’ll write more of that series as well as her new Veronca Speedwell series.!
I adore Deanna’s Lady Julia. I hope she’ll write more of that series as well as her new Veronca Speedwell series.!
I’m a fan of mystery, as well as romance, novels. I enjoyed reading the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers as period mysteries. Now I see they can be viewed as romances, as well. The romance between Lord Peter and Harriet Vane builds over several books.
I’m a fan of mystery, as well as romance, novels. I enjoyed reading the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers as period mysteries. Now I see they can be viewed as romances, as well. The romance between Lord Peter and Harriet Vane builds over several books.
I’m a fan of mystery, as well as romance, novels. I enjoyed reading the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers as period mysteries. Now I see they can be viewed as romances, as well. The romance between Lord Peter and Harriet Vane builds over several books.
I’m a fan of mystery, as well as romance, novels. I enjoyed reading the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers as period mysteries. Now I see they can be viewed as romances, as well. The romance between Lord Peter and Harriet Vane builds over several books.
I’m a fan of mystery, as well as romance, novels. I enjoyed reading the Lord Peter Wimsey stories by Dorothy L. Sayers as period mysteries. Now I see they can be viewed as romances, as well. The romance between Lord Peter and Harriet Vane builds over several books.
I think that’s the reason I always loved Agatha Christie’s books when I was a kid–the women got to be smart and do things. In the old Victoria Holt’s and whatever, they were often helpless and I hated that.
I think that’s the reason I always loved Agatha Christie’s books when I was a kid–the women got to be smart and do things. In the old Victoria Holt’s and whatever, they were often helpless and I hated that.
I think that’s the reason I always loved Agatha Christie’s books when I was a kid–the women got to be smart and do things. In the old Victoria Holt’s and whatever, they were often helpless and I hated that.
I think that’s the reason I always loved Agatha Christie’s books when I was a kid–the women got to be smart and do things. In the old Victoria Holt’s and whatever, they were often helpless and I hated that.
I think that’s the reason I always loved Agatha Christie’s books when I was a kid–the women got to be smart and do things. In the old Victoria Holt’s and whatever, they were often helpless and I hated that.
Ha, glad Andrea is leading you over to the dark side. 😉 Admittedly, you have to find the kind of mystery you enjoy, but if you already like historicals, then Andrea’s books are perfect.
Ha, glad Andrea is leading you over to the dark side. 😉 Admittedly, you have to find the kind of mystery you enjoy, but if you already like historicals, then Andrea’s books are perfect.
Ha, glad Andrea is leading you over to the dark side. 😉 Admittedly, you have to find the kind of mystery you enjoy, but if you already like historicals, then Andrea’s books are perfect.
Ha, glad Andrea is leading you over to the dark side. 😉 Admittedly, you have to find the kind of mystery you enjoy, but if you already like historicals, then Andrea’s books are perfect.
Ha, glad Andrea is leading you over to the dark side. 😉 Admittedly, you have to find the kind of mystery you enjoy, but if you already like historicals, then Andrea’s books are perfect.
Grace, I love that series, too. Harriet is such a strong women, and a perfect match for Lord Peter.
Grace, I love that series, too. Harriet is such a strong women, and a perfect match for Lord Peter.
Grace, I love that series, too. Harriet is such a strong women, and a perfect match for Lord Peter.
Grace, I love that series, too. Harriet is such a strong women, and a perfect match for Lord Peter.
Grace, I love that series, too. Harriet is such a strong women, and a perfect match for Lord Peter.
Yes, exactly! We gulped Sayers down just to see how the romance worked out! A lot of mysteries do this, although some of the modern ones prefer to dump the heroes when they outlive their usefulness. I’m too much of a romantic for that.
Yes, exactly! We gulped Sayers down just to see how the romance worked out! A lot of mysteries do this, although some of the modern ones prefer to dump the heroes when they outlive their usefulness. I’m too much of a romantic for that.
Yes, exactly! We gulped Sayers down just to see how the romance worked out! A lot of mysteries do this, although some of the modern ones prefer to dump the heroes when they outlive their usefulness. I’m too much of a romantic for that.
Yes, exactly! We gulped Sayers down just to see how the romance worked out! A lot of mysteries do this, although some of the modern ones prefer to dump the heroes when they outlive their usefulness. I’m too much of a romantic for that.
Yes, exactly! We gulped Sayers down just to see how the romance worked out! A lot of mysteries do this, although some of the modern ones prefer to dump the heroes when they outlive their usefulness. I’m too much of a romantic for that.
I’ve been reading mysteries almost as long as I’ve been reading romance. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Recently I have been rereading a lot of old favorites now available in digital format–Dorothy Simpson’s Luke Thanet series and Leslie Ford’s Grace-Latham-Colonel Primrose books, for example. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series is my all-time favorite mystery series. I watched that character develop over the twenty-book, twenty-three-year history of the series and feel as if she and her husband Dwight and her large extended family are people I know well. I’m also a big fan of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson-Russ van Alstyne books. It is the relationship more than the mystery that keeps me hooked. I also love historical mysteries–C. S. Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and, of course, Andrea Penrose, to name a few. I read a number of humorous mysteries too. Favorites include Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Raeburn, and Anne George’s Southern Sisters–Patricia Anne “Mouse” Hollowell and Mary Alice “Sister” Crane. And I haven’t mentioned dozens of other mysteries that overflow my keeper shelves. 🙂
I’ve been reading mysteries almost as long as I’ve been reading romance. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Recently I have been rereading a lot of old favorites now available in digital format–Dorothy Simpson’s Luke Thanet series and Leslie Ford’s Grace-Latham-Colonel Primrose books, for example. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series is my all-time favorite mystery series. I watched that character develop over the twenty-book, twenty-three-year history of the series and feel as if she and her husband Dwight and her large extended family are people I know well. I’m also a big fan of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson-Russ van Alstyne books. It is the relationship more than the mystery that keeps me hooked. I also love historical mysteries–C. S. Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and, of course, Andrea Penrose, to name a few. I read a number of humorous mysteries too. Favorites include Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Raeburn, and Anne George’s Southern Sisters–Patricia Anne “Mouse” Hollowell and Mary Alice “Sister” Crane. And I haven’t mentioned dozens of other mysteries that overflow my keeper shelves. 🙂
I’ve been reading mysteries almost as long as I’ve been reading romance. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Recently I have been rereading a lot of old favorites now available in digital format–Dorothy Simpson’s Luke Thanet series and Leslie Ford’s Grace-Latham-Colonel Primrose books, for example. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series is my all-time favorite mystery series. I watched that character develop over the twenty-book, twenty-three-year history of the series and feel as if she and her husband Dwight and her large extended family are people I know well. I’m also a big fan of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson-Russ van Alstyne books. It is the relationship more than the mystery that keeps me hooked. I also love historical mysteries–C. S. Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and, of course, Andrea Penrose, to name a few. I read a number of humorous mysteries too. Favorites include Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Raeburn, and Anne George’s Southern Sisters–Patricia Anne “Mouse” Hollowell and Mary Alice “Sister” Crane. And I haven’t mentioned dozens of other mysteries that overflow my keeper shelves. 🙂
I’ve been reading mysteries almost as long as I’ve been reading romance. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Recently I have been rereading a lot of old favorites now available in digital format–Dorothy Simpson’s Luke Thanet series and Leslie Ford’s Grace-Latham-Colonel Primrose books, for example. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series is my all-time favorite mystery series. I watched that character develop over the twenty-book, twenty-three-year history of the series and feel as if she and her husband Dwight and her large extended family are people I know well. I’m also a big fan of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson-Russ van Alstyne books. It is the relationship more than the mystery that keeps me hooked. I also love historical mysteries–C. S. Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and, of course, Andrea Penrose, to name a few. I read a number of humorous mysteries too. Favorites include Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Raeburn, and Anne George’s Southern Sisters–Patricia Anne “Mouse” Hollowell and Mary Alice “Sister” Crane. And I haven’t mentioned dozens of other mysteries that overflow my keeper shelves. 🙂
I’ve been reading mysteries almost as long as I’ve been reading romance. I grew up reading Agatha Christie and Rex Stout. Recently I have been rereading a lot of old favorites now available in digital format–Dorothy Simpson’s Luke Thanet series and Leslie Ford’s Grace-Latham-Colonel Primrose books, for example. Margaret Maron’s Deborah Knott series is my all-time favorite mystery series. I watched that character develop over the twenty-book, twenty-three-year history of the series and feel as if she and her husband Dwight and her large extended family are people I know well. I’m also a big fan of Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Clare Fergusson-Russ van Alstyne books. It is the relationship more than the mystery that keeps me hooked. I also love historical mysteries–C. S. Harris, Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and, of course, Andrea Penrose, to name a few. I read a number of humorous mysteries too. Favorites include Nancy Atherton’s Aunt Dimity, Carolyn Hart’s Bailey Ruth Raeburn, and Anne George’s Southern Sisters–Patricia Anne “Mouse” Hollowell and Mary Alice “Sister” Crane. And I haven’t mentioned dozens of other mysteries that overflow my keeper shelves. 🙂
I’m another who enjoys books that combine both romance and mystery. A fairly new favorite heroine for me is Kathleen Doyle from Anne Cleeland’s New Scotland Yard series; an old favorite would be Eve Dallas from JD Robb’s futuristic … in Death series.
I’m another who enjoys books that combine both romance and mystery. A fairly new favorite heroine for me is Kathleen Doyle from Anne Cleeland’s New Scotland Yard series; an old favorite would be Eve Dallas from JD Robb’s futuristic … in Death series.
I’m another who enjoys books that combine both romance and mystery. A fairly new favorite heroine for me is Kathleen Doyle from Anne Cleeland’s New Scotland Yard series; an old favorite would be Eve Dallas from JD Robb’s futuristic … in Death series.
I’m another who enjoys books that combine both romance and mystery. A fairly new favorite heroine for me is Kathleen Doyle from Anne Cleeland’s New Scotland Yard series; an old favorite would be Eve Dallas from JD Robb’s futuristic … in Death series.
I’m another who enjoys books that combine both romance and mystery. A fairly new favorite heroine for me is Kathleen Doyle from Anne Cleeland’s New Scotland Yard series; an old favorite would be Eve Dallas from JD Robb’s futuristic … in Death series.
Thanks, for this wonderful list, Janga. I can’t believe I’m not familiar with your all-time favorite—must rush out and the Deborah Knott series!
And thank you for the lovely mention! So glad you are enjoying Wrexford and Sloane.
Thanks, for this wonderful list, Janga. I can’t believe I’m not familiar with your all-time favorite—must rush out and the Deborah Knott series!
And thank you for the lovely mention! So glad you are enjoying Wrexford and Sloane.
Thanks, for this wonderful list, Janga. I can’t believe I’m not familiar with your all-time favorite—must rush out and the Deborah Knott series!
And thank you for the lovely mention! So glad you are enjoying Wrexford and Sloane.
Thanks, for this wonderful list, Janga. I can’t believe I’m not familiar with your all-time favorite—must rush out and the Deborah Knott series!
And thank you for the lovely mention! So glad you are enjoying Wrexford and Sloane.
Thanks, for this wonderful list, Janga. I can’t believe I’m not familiar with your all-time favorite—must rush out and the Deborah Knott series!
And thank you for the lovely mention! So glad you are enjoying Wrexford and Sloane.
I’m not usually a big fan of futuristics, Kareni, but I really like of Robb’s Eve Dallas. A very interesting series.
I’m not usually a big fan of futuristics, Kareni, but I really like of Robb’s Eve Dallas. A very interesting series.
I’m not usually a big fan of futuristics, Kareni, but I really like of Robb’s Eve Dallas. A very interesting series.
I’m not usually a big fan of futuristics, Kareni, but I really like of Robb’s Eve Dallas. A very interesting series.
I’m not usually a big fan of futuristics, Kareni, but I really like of Robb’s Eve Dallas. A very interesting series.
I ADORE mysteries. ADORE them. Like many, I become hooked on reading via Nancy Drew. I then moved to Conan Doyle, Christe, and Sayers. I’m still quite a fan of Golden Age mysteries. I’ve recently discovered the Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries and those written by Craig Rice. (This is one of the reasons I love e-books — a lot of these older mysteries are now available.) I think most of my other favorites have also been mentioned here, but I will add Clara Benson to the list.
I ADORE mysteries. ADORE them. Like many, I become hooked on reading via Nancy Drew. I then moved to Conan Doyle, Christe, and Sayers. I’m still quite a fan of Golden Age mysteries. I’ve recently discovered the Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries and those written by Craig Rice. (This is one of the reasons I love e-books — a lot of these older mysteries are now available.) I think most of my other favorites have also been mentioned here, but I will add Clara Benson to the list.
I ADORE mysteries. ADORE them. Like many, I become hooked on reading via Nancy Drew. I then moved to Conan Doyle, Christe, and Sayers. I’m still quite a fan of Golden Age mysteries. I’ve recently discovered the Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries and those written by Craig Rice. (This is one of the reasons I love e-books — a lot of these older mysteries are now available.) I think most of my other favorites have also been mentioned here, but I will add Clara Benson to the list.
I ADORE mysteries. ADORE them. Like many, I become hooked on reading via Nancy Drew. I then moved to Conan Doyle, Christe, and Sayers. I’m still quite a fan of Golden Age mysteries. I’ve recently discovered the Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries and those written by Craig Rice. (This is one of the reasons I love e-books — a lot of these older mysteries are now available.) I think most of my other favorites have also been mentioned here, but I will add Clara Benson to the list.
I ADORE mysteries. ADORE them. Like many, I become hooked on reading via Nancy Drew. I then moved to Conan Doyle, Christe, and Sayers. I’m still quite a fan of Golden Age mysteries. I’ve recently discovered the Mr. and Mrs. North mysteries and those written by Craig Rice. (This is one of the reasons I love e-books — a lot of these older mysteries are now available.) I think most of my other favorites have also been mentioned here, but I will add Clara Benson to the list.
About 45 years ago, my husband and I married and merged libraries. Of course, we’ve continued buying books over the 45 years. Our genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mysteries, and Romance. (The romance is mostly mine, but we both read all three genres).
And I love Science Fiction /Mystery books and Romance/Mystery books. Yes I started with Nancy Drew (and also the Campfire Girls). Mother was reading Sayesrs at the same time so I began reading Sayers, Christie, Allingham (and some other) along with Nancy Drew. I’ve never stopped.
My favorite authors have been mentioned above, so I won’t repeat the list.
Keep your wonderful books coming, Ladies. I’m ready to buy and read them!
About 45 years ago, my husband and I married and merged libraries. Of course, we’ve continued buying books over the 45 years. Our genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mysteries, and Romance. (The romance is mostly mine, but we both read all three genres).
And I love Science Fiction /Mystery books and Romance/Mystery books. Yes I started with Nancy Drew (and also the Campfire Girls). Mother was reading Sayesrs at the same time so I began reading Sayers, Christie, Allingham (and some other) along with Nancy Drew. I’ve never stopped.
My favorite authors have been mentioned above, so I won’t repeat the list.
Keep your wonderful books coming, Ladies. I’m ready to buy and read them!
About 45 years ago, my husband and I married and merged libraries. Of course, we’ve continued buying books over the 45 years. Our genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mysteries, and Romance. (The romance is mostly mine, but we both read all three genres).
And I love Science Fiction /Mystery books and Romance/Mystery books. Yes I started with Nancy Drew (and also the Campfire Girls). Mother was reading Sayesrs at the same time so I began reading Sayers, Christie, Allingham (and some other) along with Nancy Drew. I’ve never stopped.
My favorite authors have been mentioned above, so I won’t repeat the list.
Keep your wonderful books coming, Ladies. I’m ready to buy and read them!
About 45 years ago, my husband and I married and merged libraries. Of course, we’ve continued buying books over the 45 years. Our genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mysteries, and Romance. (The romance is mostly mine, but we both read all three genres).
And I love Science Fiction /Mystery books and Romance/Mystery books. Yes I started with Nancy Drew (and also the Campfire Girls). Mother was reading Sayesrs at the same time so I began reading Sayers, Christie, Allingham (and some other) along with Nancy Drew. I’ve never stopped.
My favorite authors have been mentioned above, so I won’t repeat the list.
Keep your wonderful books coming, Ladies. I’m ready to buy and read them!
About 45 years ago, my husband and I married and merged libraries. Of course, we’ve continued buying books over the 45 years. Our genres: Science Fiction/Fantasy, Mysteries, and Romance. (The romance is mostly mine, but we both read all three genres).
And I love Science Fiction /Mystery books and Romance/Mystery books. Yes I started with Nancy Drew (and also the Campfire Girls). Mother was reading Sayesrs at the same time so I began reading Sayers, Christie, Allingham (and some other) along with Nancy Drew. I’ve never stopped.
My favorite authors have been mentioned above, so I won’t repeat the list.
Keep your wonderful books coming, Ladies. I’m ready to buy and read them!
Wow, what a fabulous list! I’m just now getting into the Aunt Dimity series. I love these books!
Wow, what a fabulous list! I’m just now getting into the Aunt Dimity series. I love these books!
Wow, what a fabulous list! I’m just now getting into the Aunt Dimity series. I love these books!
Wow, what a fabulous list! I’m just now getting into the Aunt Dimity series. I love these books!
Wow, what a fabulous list! I’m just now getting into the Aunt Dimity series. I love these books!
thanks for the recommendation! I’m off to take a look at Cleeland. I’ve already read Robb!
thanks for the recommendation! I’m off to take a look at Cleeland. I’ve already read Robb!
thanks for the recommendation! I’m off to take a look at Cleeland. I’ve already read Robb!
thanks for the recommendation! I’m off to take a look at Cleeland. I’ve already read Robb!
thanks for the recommendation! I’m off to take a look at Cleeland. I’ve already read Robb!
Thank you, Sue! I started with Nancy Drew, too the gate way drug to mysteries!
Thank you, Sue! I started with Nancy Drew, too the gate way drug to mysteries!
Thank you, Sue! I started with Nancy Drew, too the gate way drug to mysteries!
Thank you, Sue! I started with Nancy Drew, too the gate way drug to mysteries!
Thank you, Sue! I started with Nancy Drew, too the gate way drug to mysteries!
It’s certainly an interesting series as the hero is a stalker.
It’s certainly an interesting series as the hero is a stalker.
It’s certainly an interesting series as the hero is a stalker.
It’s certainly an interesting series as the hero is a stalker.
It’s certainly an interesting series as the hero is a stalker.
I like having a slow growing romance with my mysteries.
I enjoy your Lady Arianna Series and hope their will be more.
I also like Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber, Lady Julia by Deanna Raybourn , Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley and Lady Jane mysteries by Annis Bell
I like having a slow growing romance with my mysteries.
I enjoy your Lady Arianna Series and hope their will be more.
I also like Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber, Lady Julia by Deanna Raybourn , Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley and Lady Jane mysteries by Annis Bell
I like having a slow growing romance with my mysteries.
I enjoy your Lady Arianna Series and hope their will be more.
I also like Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber, Lady Julia by Deanna Raybourn , Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley and Lady Jane mysteries by Annis Bell
I like having a slow growing romance with my mysteries.
I enjoy your Lady Arianna Series and hope their will be more.
I also like Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber, Lady Julia by Deanna Raybourn , Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley and Lady Jane mysteries by Annis Bell
I like having a slow growing romance with my mysteries.
I enjoy your Lady Arianna Series and hope their will be more.
I also like Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber, Lady Julia by Deanna Raybourn , Kat Holloway by Jennifer Ashley and Lady Jane mysteries by Annis Bell
Thanks so much, Sue!
I remember how “in alt” I was when I discovered Sayers. You started with a stellar list! Keep those shelves filling!
Thanks so much, Sue!
I remember how “in alt” I was when I discovered Sayers. You started with a stellar list! Keep those shelves filling!
Thanks so much, Sue!
I remember how “in alt” I was when I discovered Sayers. You started with a stellar list! Keep those shelves filling!
Thanks so much, Sue!
I remember how “in alt” I was when I discovered Sayers. You started with a stellar list! Keep those shelves filling!
Thanks so much, Sue!
I remember how “in alt” I was when I discovered Sayers. You started with a stellar list! Keep those shelves filling!
All great series, Janice!
And thanks so much for the king words on the Lady Arianna series. As it happens, you will be seeing a new full-length book published very shortly! I’ll be announcing news about it here in the near future.
All great series, Janice!
And thanks so much for the king words on the Lady Arianna series. As it happens, you will be seeing a new full-length book published very shortly! I’ll be announcing news about it here in the near future.
All great series, Janice!
And thanks so much for the king words on the Lady Arianna series. As it happens, you will be seeing a new full-length book published very shortly! I’ll be announcing news about it here in the near future.
All great series, Janice!
And thanks so much for the king words on the Lady Arianna series. As it happens, you will be seeing a new full-length book published very shortly! I’ll be announcing news about it here in the near future.
All great series, Janice!
And thanks so much for the king words on the Lady Arianna series. As it happens, you will be seeing a new full-length book published very shortly! I’ll be announcing news about it here in the near future.
Ah— a fellow mystery lover! Yes, e-books have been wonderful in allowing vintage titles to find new readers. There are SO good classic series that were hard to find until recently.
Ah— a fellow mystery lover! Yes, e-books have been wonderful in allowing vintage titles to find new readers. There are SO good classic series that were hard to find until recently.
Ah— a fellow mystery lover! Yes, e-books have been wonderful in allowing vintage titles to find new readers. There are SO good classic series that were hard to find until recently.
Ah— a fellow mystery lover! Yes, e-books have been wonderful in allowing vintage titles to find new readers. There are SO good classic series that were hard to find until recently.
Ah— a fellow mystery lover! Yes, e-books have been wonderful in allowing vintage titles to find new readers. There are SO good classic series that were hard to find until recently.
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I basically read 2 genres – mystery and romance with a little history, biography and non-fiction.
I like to solve puzzles and for me mysteries are puzzles to be solved. I enjoy romantic mysteries because they do illustrate another way that two people can form a bond while trying to find answers to the mystery. I realize that not everyone would agree with me, but sharing a task like finding answers and laughing together are two paths to becoming closer. It can be a way to a developing attraction between a man and woman who admire intelligence in one another and laughing as they discover that.
As for a favorite heroine in romantic mysteries. WOW, yes, it can go back to Mary Stewart with many more from writers I admire. But, I believe my favorites would be some of the heroines from Amanda Quick. She writes women who are foolish and intelligent and funny and brave and generally just really fun women to know.
I basically read 2 genres – mystery and romance with a little history, biography and non-fiction.
I like to solve puzzles and for me mysteries are puzzles to be solved. I enjoy romantic mysteries because they do illustrate another way that two people can form a bond while trying to find answers to the mystery. I realize that not everyone would agree with me, but sharing a task like finding answers and laughing together are two paths to becoming closer. It can be a way to a developing attraction between a man and woman who admire intelligence in one another and laughing as they discover that.
As for a favorite heroine in romantic mysteries. WOW, yes, it can go back to Mary Stewart with many more from writers I admire. But, I believe my favorites would be some of the heroines from Amanda Quick. She writes women who are foolish and intelligent and funny and brave and generally just really fun women to know.
I basically read 2 genres – mystery and romance with a little history, biography and non-fiction.
I like to solve puzzles and for me mysteries are puzzles to be solved. I enjoy romantic mysteries because they do illustrate another way that two people can form a bond while trying to find answers to the mystery. I realize that not everyone would agree with me, but sharing a task like finding answers and laughing together are two paths to becoming closer. It can be a way to a developing attraction between a man and woman who admire intelligence in one another and laughing as they discover that.
As for a favorite heroine in romantic mysteries. WOW, yes, it can go back to Mary Stewart with many more from writers I admire. But, I believe my favorites would be some of the heroines from Amanda Quick. She writes women who are foolish and intelligent and funny and brave and generally just really fun women to know.
I basically read 2 genres – mystery and romance with a little history, biography and non-fiction.
I like to solve puzzles and for me mysteries are puzzles to be solved. I enjoy romantic mysteries because they do illustrate another way that two people can form a bond while trying to find answers to the mystery. I realize that not everyone would agree with me, but sharing a task like finding answers and laughing together are two paths to becoming closer. It can be a way to a developing attraction between a man and woman who admire intelligence in one another and laughing as they discover that.
As for a favorite heroine in romantic mysteries. WOW, yes, it can go back to Mary Stewart with many more from writers I admire. But, I believe my favorites would be some of the heroines from Amanda Quick. She writes women who are foolish and intelligent and funny and brave and generally just really fun women to know.
I basically read 2 genres – mystery and romance with a little history, biography and non-fiction.
I like to solve puzzles and for me mysteries are puzzles to be solved. I enjoy romantic mysteries because they do illustrate another way that two people can form a bond while trying to find answers to the mystery. I realize that not everyone would agree with me, but sharing a task like finding answers and laughing together are two paths to becoming closer. It can be a way to a developing attraction between a man and woman who admire intelligence in one another and laughing as they discover that.
As for a favorite heroine in romantic mysteries. WOW, yes, it can go back to Mary Stewart with many more from writers I admire. But, I believe my favorites would be some of the heroines from Amanda Quick. She writes women who are foolish and intelligent and funny and brave and generally just really fun women to know.
I love the Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense stories! They’re addictive. I think it’s lovely that so many romance readers also enjoy mysteries!
I love the Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense stories! They’re addictive. I think it’s lovely that so many romance readers also enjoy mysteries!
I love the Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense stories! They’re addictive. I think it’s lovely that so many romance readers also enjoy mysteries!
I love the Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense stories! They’re addictive. I think it’s lovely that so many romance readers also enjoy mysteries!
I love the Amanda Quick/Jayne Ann Krentz romantic suspense stories! They’re addictive. I think it’s lovely that so many romance readers also enjoy mysteries!
My favorite books are contemporary suspense and historical mysteries. I enjoy stories with both complex plots and characters. My special favorites are series where the main characters evolve over time, and characters and new information from past mysteries pop up in subsequent books to add to both the original story and the newest one.
I’ve read both Murder on Black Swan Lane and Blue Clouds and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t wait to read your two new ones.
Thanks for writing them!
My favorite books are contemporary suspense and historical mysteries. I enjoy stories with both complex plots and characters. My special favorites are series where the main characters evolve over time, and characters and new information from past mysteries pop up in subsequent books to add to both the original story and the newest one.
I’ve read both Murder on Black Swan Lane and Blue Clouds and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t wait to read your two new ones.
Thanks for writing them!
My favorite books are contemporary suspense and historical mysteries. I enjoy stories with both complex plots and characters. My special favorites are series where the main characters evolve over time, and characters and new information from past mysteries pop up in subsequent books to add to both the original story and the newest one.
I’ve read both Murder on Black Swan Lane and Blue Clouds and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t wait to read your two new ones.
Thanks for writing them!
My favorite books are contemporary suspense and historical mysteries. I enjoy stories with both complex plots and characters. My special favorites are series where the main characters evolve over time, and characters and new information from past mysteries pop up in subsequent books to add to both the original story and the newest one.
I’ve read both Murder on Black Swan Lane and Blue Clouds and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t wait to read your two new ones.
Thanks for writing them!
My favorite books are contemporary suspense and historical mysteries. I enjoy stories with both complex plots and characters. My special favorites are series where the main characters evolve over time, and characters and new information from past mysteries pop up in subsequent books to add to both the original story and the newest one.
I’ve read both Murder on Black Swan Lane and Blue Clouds and enjoyed them immensely. Can’t wait to read your two new ones.
Thanks for writing them!
Thank you! It’s so lovely to find readers who enjoy what we do.
Thank you! It’s so lovely to find readers who enjoy what we do.
Thank you! It’s so lovely to find readers who enjoy what we do.
Thank you! It’s so lovely to find readers who enjoy what we do.
Thank you! It’s so lovely to find readers who enjoy what we do.
Totally loved listening to Anne George’s Southern Sister’s books on CD. It was read with a southern accent and those two ladies were very southern. Not hicky, trashy, stereotypes, just southern ladies. They weren’t prissy either….
The way they interacted and fussed at each other was hysterical. The mysteries were also fun too.
I dip into mysteries off and on…But I do like romantic suspense the way JAK does it in all her various names.
Totally loved listening to Anne George’s Southern Sister’s books on CD. It was read with a southern accent and those two ladies were very southern. Not hicky, trashy, stereotypes, just southern ladies. They weren’t prissy either….
The way they interacted and fussed at each other was hysterical. The mysteries were also fun too.
I dip into mysteries off and on…But I do like romantic suspense the way JAK does it in all her various names.
Totally loved listening to Anne George’s Southern Sister’s books on CD. It was read with a southern accent and those two ladies were very southern. Not hicky, trashy, stereotypes, just southern ladies. They weren’t prissy either….
The way they interacted and fussed at each other was hysterical. The mysteries were also fun too.
I dip into mysteries off and on…But I do like romantic suspense the way JAK does it in all her various names.
Totally loved listening to Anne George’s Southern Sister’s books on CD. It was read with a southern accent and those two ladies were very southern. Not hicky, trashy, stereotypes, just southern ladies. They weren’t prissy either….
The way they interacted and fussed at each other was hysterical. The mysteries were also fun too.
I dip into mysteries off and on…But I do like romantic suspense the way JAK does it in all her various names.
Totally loved listening to Anne George’s Southern Sister’s books on CD. It was read with a southern accent and those two ladies were very southern. Not hicky, trashy, stereotypes, just southern ladies. They weren’t prissy either….
The way they interacted and fussed at each other was hysterical. The mysteries were also fun too.
I dip into mysteries off and on…But I do like romantic suspense the way JAK does it in all her various names.
I enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr titles, more mystery than actual romance, and the Lady Emily mysteries, as far as historical mysteries go, with romantic elements.
I enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr titles, more mystery than actual romance, and the Lady Emily mysteries, as far as historical mysteries go, with romantic elements.
I enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr titles, more mystery than actual romance, and the Lady Emily mysteries, as far as historical mysteries go, with romantic elements.
I enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr titles, more mystery than actual romance, and the Lady Emily mysteries, as far as historical mysteries go, with romantic elements.
I enjoy the Sebastian St. Cyr titles, more mystery than actual romance, and the Lady Emily mysteries, as far as historical mysteries go, with romantic elements.