Saturday, 06 May 2023

 

Colleen Cambridge

Colleen Cambridge, the mystery pen name of Colleen Gleason, brings readers a new series this spring, beginning with Mastering the Art of French Murder. In it we meet Tabitha Knight, an American in postwar Paris who just happens to find herself neighbor to a talented Le Cordon Bleu student named... Julia Child. The two expats hit it off, bonding over their love of the City of Lights and all things delicious. But when a woman is found murdered in Julia's apartment building—stabbed with Julia's chef knife—Tabitha's journey of discovery becomes one to uncover a murderer and clear her new friend's name from the top of Inspector Merveille's suspect list.

Cambridge, a self-proclaimed foodie, is a woman of many interests. She's also the author of the historical Phyllida Bright series set in Agatha Christie's former home at Mallowan Hall; the author of several supernatural-tinged series, including Wicks Hollow, Stoker & Holmes, and New Vegas Chronicles (written as Colleen Gleason); and the thriller series Lincoln's White House Mysteries and Marina Alexander Adventures (written as C.M. Gleason). You can even find an earlier murder mystery set in Paris, Murder on the Champs-Élysées (2016), from her written as Alex Mandon.

Reading her latest culinary mystery is surely to leave you feeling hungry, so be sure to keep Cambridge's recipe for French Crepes Suzette as part of Mystery Scene's Recipes & Reading at the ready once you close those covers.


Robin Agnew for Mystery Scene: I love this time period, just post war. I would call it liminal, because it’s not wartime, but it’s not quite back to normal, either. What attracted you to this time and place?

Colleen Cambridge: Well, it was the time that Julia Child was in Paris, just learning to cook...so, the time chose me rather than me choosing the time. I already knew I was going to be doing a book with Julia Child in it when she was in Paris. It is a really interesting and beautiful time…Paris reawakening.

Have you always been a Julia Child fan?

I’m a foodie and a cook, and while I’ve always loved Julia Child because of those reasons, I didn’t know all that much about her when I started researching this book. But what I found out about her simply blew me away. She truly is a national treasure.

Mastering the Art of French Murder

Did you test out the cooking from Mastering the Art of French Murder, say, mayonnaise or cakes or roasted chicken? (I actually took notes when you wrote about the chicken. One way or another Julia still has plenty to teach all of us.)

I certainly did some of the cooking—I’ve made her omelettes and roasted a chicken. I haven’t attempted the Queen of Sheba Cake yet, but I definitely want to. I’ve made some of her fish dishes as well (I don’t eat meat), but most of what I’ve learned from her are general nuggets about what to buy and when, and how to prepare certain foods like mushrooms and scrambled eggs.

Were you “forced” to go to Paris for research? You really seem to have captured the feel of the city.

Sadly, no! I began working on this book when COVID was still a concern, and so I haven’t managed a trip there since I started this series. However, I’ve been to Paris twice before, so at least I had a taste of the city. I cannot wait to go back, and am looking at a possible trip this fall.

I loved Tabitha’s Grand-père and Oncle Rafe—so sweet and what a great family for her. How did you come up with her grandfather and uncle?

Honestly, I don’t know. They just dropped into my head. I knew I wanted Tabitha to be half-French because I didn’t want the language barrier, and because it gave her a reason to befriend Julia. And I needed a reason for her to be able to go to Paris and live there for an extended period of time. And then all at once, Grand-père and Oncle Rafe just simply were there. It was a serendipity.

I always respect the way you tell your stories, adhering to some of the classic rules of Golden Age detective novels: fair clues, red herrings, wrap up by the detective at the end, etc. Are those books an influence on your work?

Most definitely. I’ve been influenced by the Golden Age writers. They’re classics and a tradition for a reason. I think we see the denouement scenes all the time on the big and small screens, as well as in books, because they work—they clear up all the questions in a concise way. As Adrian Monk would say, “Here’s what happened…”

As for red herrings and clues, I definitely do my best to pepper them throughout the story, just as Dame Agatha did!

One of my favorite scenes in the book was when Tabitha describes the relighting of Paris and Eiffel Tower lights coming back on after a long, dark wartime. How did you research this bit of the book? It’s a small scene but so memorable.

I have several books that were written by Americans living in Paris right around that time—Julia Child’s My Life in France for one—and so I spent a lot of time reading and rereading those books to get a feel for the city. I honestly can’t remember which book I read it in, but I’ve got a memoir by Stanley Krakow and another one by Janet Flanner, and still other nonfiction books simply about that time. Lots of little details in those books just stuck in my head.


Colleen Cambridge's French Crepes Suzette

Get Cambridge's French Crepes Suzette Recipes and Reading here.


Can you talk about creating Tabitha's character a bit? She’s in a liminal space herself, figuring out her life going forward. Do you have a long character arc in mind for her?

I do have a basic idea where Tabitha is going with her life and her character arc. She’s certainly not ready to follow the “normal” woman’s path in 1950…. And the fun thing is, neither was Julia Child. One of the reasons Julia began taking cooking lessons was because she didn’t want to "just" be the wife of a diplomat (not that she didn’t enjoy elements of that). She and Tabitha are friends partly because they have this in common—and they talk about it a little more in A Murder Most French, the follow-up coming May 2024.

Tabitha is a wonderful (in my mind anyway) mixture of tomboy, engineer, and fashion-conscious young lady. And I love the fact that she carries both a Swiss Army knife and a tube of lipstick. The fact that she grew up (as I did) devouring mystery novels makes her the perfect person to get involved in these investigations—even if Inspecteur Merveille doesn’t agree.

What’s your favorite thing about sitting down to write every day? Least favorite?

I’m a voracious reader, always have been, and writing for me is like reading the very best book ever because I don’t plot things out ahead of time, so I’m almost reading the book as I’m writing it. And since I’m writing it, it’s got all of the things I enjoy in a book (no matter which book I’m writing). So I’m basically channeling the book as if I were a reader. That’s simplifying things, but you get the idea.

What I don’t like is when I’m stuck. And it happens, even though I’ve written over 40 full-length novels. When I’m stuck, it feels like a slog, and the scenes moooove everrrrr soooo slooooooooowly. But eventually I come out of it and off I go.

I also love learning about so many different and interesting things that go with my research—which is a reason I adore writing historical mysteries. The research is always such a pleasure, and often filled with interesting and delightful nuggets.

And what’s next for you, another American in Paris book?

Yes! But first, the third Phyllida Bright Mystery, Murder by Invitation Only, will be released at the end of August. Phyllida Bright is Agatha Christie’s housekeeper who keeps encountering dead bodies in 1930s Devon, and Murder by Invitation Only is a little bit of an homage to Christie’s A Murder Is Announced.

The second in Tabitha's series, An American in Paris Mystery, A Murder Most French, will be out a year from now—May 2024.


Colleen Gleason (aka Colleen Cambridge, C.M. Gleason, and Alex Mandon) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author working in multiple genres from romance to steampunk, supernatural to traditional mystery. Whatever the genre, her stories feature strong heroines experiencing fast-paced adventures, danger, mystery, and of course, romance. But at the core of each story is the belief that every woman deserves a partner who accepts her for her strengths as well as her weaknesses—and vice versa. Cambridge lives in the Midwest United States with her family and two dogs, and is always working on her next book.


Robin AgnewRobin Agnew is a longtime Mystery Scene contributor and was the owner of Aunt Agatha's bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for 26 years. No longer a brick and mortar store, Aunt Agatha has an extensive used book collection is available at abebooks.com and the site auntagathas.com is home to more of Robin's writing.

Colleen Cambridge et le meurte
Robin Agnew
colleen-cambridge-et-le-meurte
Wednesday, 03 May 2023

For fans of YA adventure, Tyndale House has five book recommendations for readers, including a brand new series from D. J. Williams, debuting with Hunt for Eden's Star. www.tyndale.com

DJ Williams Hunt for Eden's StarHunt for Eden’s Star
(Beacon Hill Series, Book 1)
by D. J. Williams

From Hollywood producer and author D. J. Williams comes a globally inspired YA debut filled with compelling characters and adventure. Jack, a coming-of-age teen is thrown into a world of ancient secrets when he discovers a supernatural artifact that protects a weapon of mass destruction. With the help of a diverse group of friends, he embarks on a global adventure, seeking the truth about his sister’s death and uncovering two clandestine, supernatural societies waging an epic, hidden war that threatens the future of civilization along the way. As Jack races to collect ancient artifacts critical to the survival of the world, readers are transported to locales across Asia, from the lush jungles of the Philippines to the high-energy streets of Hong Kong. Themes of addiction, revenge, faith, and friendship emerge as Jack battles literal and psychological demons—and even his own friends and family—on his quest to thwart the forces of evil.

 

Matt Mikalatos The Crescent StoneThe Crescent Stone
(The Sunlit Lands Series, Book 1)
by Matt Mikalatos

Kirkus Reviews calls Matt Mikalatos' series a must-read for "Narnia fans who enjoy heavy snark" Meet Madeline Oliver, a girl living with a fatal lung disease. When a mysterious stranger named Hanali appears to Madeline and offers to heal her in exchange for one year of service to his people, Madeline's adventure begins. Her journey leads her to cross paths with Jason Wu, a boy who hides a guilty secret behind his jokester facade. Together, the two are swept into a strange land where they don’t know the rules and where their decisions carry consequences that reach further than they could ever guess. Fans of this series should also be on the lookout for the series bundle coming this summer.

 

Bryan Davis Raising DragonsRaising Dragons
(Dragons in Our Midst Series, Book 1)
by Brian Davis

Outcasts Billy and Bonnie find themselves drawn together by their shared dragon heritage: he breathes fire; she has wings. Their newly formed friendship is quickly tested, however, when they are forced to fight a malevolent slayer who wields a powerful, medieval weapon and is intent on exterminating their dragon kind forever. Soon they their lives turned upside down as they are thrust into a war to preserve an ancient secret legacy in Raising Dragons, a hair-raising, modern-day Arthurian adventure from author Bryan Davis that offers a glimpse into another world filled with knights, dragons, and fair maidens fighting to destroy evil.

 

Jess Corban A Gentle TyrannyA Gentle Tyranny
(Nedé Rising Series, Book 1)
by Jess Corban

What if women unraveled the evils of patriarchy? With men safely “gentled” in a worldwide Liberation, the matriarchy of Nedé has risen from the ashes. Seventeen-year-old Reina Pierce has never given a thought to the Brutes of old. Itching to escape her mother’s finca and keeping her training for the Alexia and her forbidden friendship a secret, her greatest worry is which Destiny she’ll choose on her next birthday. But when she’s selected as a candidate for the Succession instead, competing to become Nedé’s ninth Matriarch, she discovers their Eden has come at a cost she’s not sure she’s willing to pay. Jess Corban’s first novel of the Nedé Rising duology presents a new twist to the dystopian genre, delivering heart-pounding action, thought-provoking revelations, and a setting as lush as the jungles of Central America.

 

Jonathan Starrett The ArchitectThe Architect
(The Architect Series, Book 1)
by Jonathan Starrett

There’s a golden rule in Phantom City: “No one about when the Zeppelin is out.” But one night, 12-year-old Charlie Crane comes face-to-face with the Zeppelin, and instead of finding trouble, she is awakened. Determined to find the truth in a city plagued with lies, Charlie, along with a quirky band of unlikely heroes, works to free the people of Phantom City from the clutches of a shadowy villain. Helped by a mysterious Architect who only communicates over radio and telephone, Charlie wrestles with two big questions: Can she trust a guide she can’t see? And is the truth actually worth the trouble? Filled with sinister schemes, bumbling superheroes, unexpected friendships, and plenty of humor and plot twists, Jonathan Starrett's The Architect keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

Kick Off Adventure With 5 YA Series
Sponsored Post
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Tuesday, 02 May 2023

Elly Griffiths is wrapping up her now iconic and beloved Ruth Galloway series with The Last Remains. The series, which began in 2009 with The Crossing Places, features forensic archaeologist Dr. Ruth Galloway, her detecting partner (and sometimes lover) DCI Harry Nelson, and their evolving relationship over 15 books, many years, and several cases.

When we first meet Ruth in the small town of North Norfolk, she's a fan of Bruce Springsteen music and the owner of two cats, living otherwise alone at the edge of Norfolk's Salt Marshes. Over the course of Griffith's series, Ruth's world has grown to encompass a life of changes and a circle of characters, including Ruth's daughter Kate, her Druid friend Cathbad, and best friend Shona, that readers have eagerly followed.

The Last Remains is a worthy wrap-up, as the author finally settles the future of Ruth and Nelson. It’s heavy on Cathbad and we also see Kate becoming a young woman. Griffiths includes references to her other series books throughout, so keep a close eye as you read—and have a box of tissues handy. Ruth is a character that's very difficult to say farewell to.

The Crossing Places by Elly GriffithsRobin Agnew for Mystery Scene: I am so sad you are wrapping up your Ruth Galloway books, but I think the arc she has lived in now 15 books is brought to a wonderful conclusion. Can you first talk about creating Ruth? To me, she’s one of the great characters in all of mystery fiction. I used to qualify that as “contemporary” mystery fiction, but I think she’s simply an all-time classic.

Elly Griffiths: Thank you! That’s a great compliment. Well, Ruth just appeared one day. I always feel a bit embarrassed saying that, but it’s true. I was walking across Titchwell Marsh in Norfolk with my husband, an archaeologist, and he made a remark about marshland being sacred to prehistorical people. Because it’s neither land nor sea, they saw it as a bridge to the afterlife—neither land nor sea, neither life nor death. At that moment, I saw Dr Ruth Galloway walking towards me out of the mist.

What made you decide, now is the time to wrap it up? I actually applaud your decision because I can think of a great number of series that keep going well past their expiration date.

I really felt it was time to end the will they/won’t they storyline with Ruth and Nelson. Book 14, The Locked Room, had brought things to a head. The Locked Room was set during the UK lockdown of 2020 and, like so many people, Ruth and Nelson had time to assess their priorities. I knew that I had to answer the question in The Last Remains.

I loved all the references in The Last Remains to the other books in the series. Did you have to refresh your memory to include some of the details?

Yes! I had a notebook where I ticked off each book in turn. I often have to go back and refresh my memory. The strange thing is, sometimes I find seeds for the following books that I didn’t know I had planted.

You’ve really put Cathbad through the wringer in the last few books. He often is the character you seem to put in danger, health or otherwise (I’m also thinking of A Dying Fall). Can you talk about creating him, and why you enjoy putting him in danger?

When I first researched Seahenge (the Bronze Age wooden henge found on a Norfolk beach) I read that "local druids" had protested when the timbers were taken away. I knew that a druid had to be a character in The Crossing Places. I didn’t expect Cathbad to become such a main character though. I have a couple of friends who have taken a more mystical path and their experiences have definitely shaped Cathbad. I don’t exactly enjoy putting him in danger but, because Cathbad believes so strongly in an afterlife, it’s interesting to bring him to the threshold of it. Cathbad was meant to die in A Dying Fall but I just couldn’t do it!

Do you have a favorite character, other than Ruth, Cathbad, or Nelson?

I have a soft spot for Tanya, despite the fact that she can’t understand why people read books. My favorite minor character is Father Hennessey.

I’ve loved watching Kate grow up. You’ve kept the messiness of motherhood—and life—very realistic. Can you talk about writing Kate?

Through a stroke of luck, my niece had a baby at exactly the same time that Kate was born. My great-niece Gabriella has been a very helpful checkpoint. And now she’s old enough to read the books!

Will you miss Ruth and archeology?

I started to miss Ruth as soon as The Last Remains was finished. I won’t miss archaeology because I have an idea for a new series that includes history and archaeology.

I’m really enjoying your Harbinder Kaur books, another great character creation. It must be fun to change things up with each book. Do you have a favorite in that series so far, and what’s next for Harbinder?

I’m so glad you like Harbinder! She’s a rewarding character to write; I like the fact that all "her" books are so different. The Stranger Diaries was gothic, The Postscript Murders cozy and Bleeding Heart Yard a psychological thriller. For that reason, I couldn’t pick a favorite. I’m just starting a new book, The Last Word, featuring characters from The Postscript Murders.

You’re also busy writing your young adult series and your Brighton series. How do you keep all the different books separate in your head? All share clever plotting and great characters.

Thank you! I can only write one book at a time and, when I’m writing, I’m in that world. Not to say that I don’t make mistakes. Ruth once appeared in a Brighton Mystery…

What has surprised you writing about Ruth?

I’ve been surprised—and delighted—by how much people have liked her. I wasn’t sure how readers would relate to an unglamorous character who prefers books and cats to people. Turns out she struck a chord!

And finally, this is just a comment: Your books are a multigenerational family read for our family—my mother, sister, and daughter all love the books. I’m sure that’s not intentional, but thank you.

That’s so lovely to hear! I used to love sharing books with my mum and now I share them with my son and daughter. It’s a lovely thing to do.


Elly Griffiths is the author of the Ruth Galloway and Brighton mystery series, as well as the standalone novels The Stranger Diaries, winner of the Edgar Award for Best Novel, The Postscript Murders, and Bleeding Heart Yard. She is the recipient of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award and the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She lives in Brighton, England.


Robin AgnewRobin Agnew is a longtime Mystery Scene contributor and was the owner of Aunt Agatha's bookstore in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for 26 years. No longer a brick and mortar store, Aunt Agatha has an extensive used book collection is available at abebooks.com and the site auntagathas.com is home to more of Robin's writing.

Elly Griffiths and Saying Farewell to Ruth Galloway
Robin Agnew
elly-griffiths-and-saying-farewell-to-ruth-galloway