News

Three months ago, I shared the thrilling news that Premeditated Myrtle had been nominated for an Edgar Award by Mystery Writers of America (along with some fun Edgar Allan Poe miscellanea). It’s been a bit of a wait, but last week we learned that not only was it nominated—IT WON!!! My friend Erin made this… Read more »

Huzzah! I am not even going to try to contain my excitement. This is a BIG, BIG week! This Wednesday, 4/28, Myrtle’s great friends at MG Book Village will be hosting a cover reveal for Cold-Blooded Myrtle, the third volume in the Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries! Save this spot: MG Book Village If you’re not feeling… Read more »

In Cold-Blooded Myrtle (October 5), some of the main action takes place at the local village shop. Shopping was hardly a new concept in the 19th century, but the Victorians took it to levels never before seen, turning a necessity into an enthusiastic pastime. Let’s take a look at the origins of modern shopping. The industrial… Read more »

Myrtle fans know that a spectacular Victorian garden forms the backdrop for Premeditated Myrtle.  Here in Kansas City, it’s a glorious April day, perfect for thinking, writing, and posting about gardens! And, I suppose, actual gardening, if you like that sort of thing… Arthur Langley Vernon, Elegant Ladies Tending to the Garden, 1873 Wealthy English people… Read more »

Is Easter Monday a holiday for you? I’m daydreaming of days off right now. Myrtle Hardcastle Mysteries Book 4 is due May 1, and here I am, chained to my laptop, while outside spring has sprung—glorious weather, flowers starting to bloom, allergens astir in the April breeze… I sure wish I could play hooky from… Read more »

I am so excited to share the news that Malice Domestic has honored Premeditated Myrtle with an Agatha Award nomination! The Agathas are named, naturally, for the undisputed queen of mysteries herself, Dame Agatha Christie. Christie’s life was as fascinating as her writing, and in some ways, she was as much of a mystery. Agatha… Read more »

#MyrtleMondays is back after a brief hiatus while my computer was in the shop and I had very limited internet access (I’ve stopped hyperventilating now). I’m popping in a day early to let you know about an exciting event happening THIS AFTERNOON! The Virginia Festival of the Book is a free, all-virtual book festival currently… Read more »

In Cold-Blooded Myrtle (coming October 6), you’ll meet some brand-new characters, including a field hockey player and some mountaineers. Contrary to the common image of 19th century girls sitting demurely in parlors with their needlework, plenty of girls were also active in all kinds of sports. Enjoy this collection of images celebrating the sporting life… Read more »

I’m very excited to share the news that Premeditated Myrtle’sGerman publisher, Von Dem Knesebeck, has also picked up How to Get Away with Myrtle! To celebrate, today I’m sharing some magnificent images of 19th century German travel. Enjoy!In How to Get Away with Myrtle, Myrtle and Miss Judson (and Peony, of course) take a holiday to a… Read more »

Last week we talked about some of the first professional policewomen in England. This week, in honor of Black History Month, we’ll have a look at 19th century Black law enforcement officers. They’ve been protecting their fellow Britons since the very earliest days of English policing.Parish and census records from 19th century England don’t typically… Read more »