Mystery series
by Elizabeth ~ March 13th, 2009. Filed under: General.In response to Kim: You’re currently reading two different mysteries set in Victorian England? So am I, and enjoying them both immensely.
One series is by a long time favorite, Anne Perry, the other is by a new author, Deanna Raybourn. Yes, their books are light on romance, but rich in historical detail, and fabulous on characterization.
This is the kind of series I want to pitch for my next contract, a series that carries a love story forward for several books. It’s been done many times. Think of Dorothy Sayers, Elizabeth George and J.D. Robb. I like mystery but, for me, it’s the romance and the suspense that keep me turning the pages. Once I get to the end of the series I’m working on, I may have a clearer idea of where I’d go with this.
Any suggestions?
March 13th, 2009 at 5:11 pm
One of the historical mystery series that I’m currently reading is also Deanna Raybourn’s trilogy. I’m almost finished with Book Two in the series, Silence in the Sanctuary, and thoroughly enjoying it. Like you, I like the atmosphere in the books and the budding relationship between Brisbane and Julia. The author is also doing a terrific job of balancing the mystery, romance, number of characters in each book and the interactions between the March family. So far I’ve guessed the killer in each book, but that’s not because it’s obvious, but rather that the author gives very subtle clues.
The other series that I am reading is the “Sebastian St. Cyr mystery series” by C.S. Harris. This series is set in Regency England and were quite good until the last book. In Book 4, the the author suddenly separated the hero and heroine and now readers don’t know if they will find their way back to each other or develop other love interests. I don’t like when an author lets readers believe for 3 books that two characters will wind up together, then changes her mind. So I hope that in your new mystery series, even if the h/h don’t get together in the first book, that they eventually will. I like reading an unfolding series as long as I know there will be a happily ever after.
March 22nd, 2009 at 5:06 am
Hi Elizabeth! I love historical mystery series, and even though I’ve only read a few, I love finding out about more of them. Its just one of very few genres I read outside of romance (the other being Urban Fantasy and too a little of Fantasy Saga). I love Anne Perry’s! I have the first one now of Deanna Raybourn, so I’m looking forward to reading more. I was able to read a booklet on hers and had to go and order it right away.
I also love to read Victoria Thompson’s Gaslight Mysteries.
It has a hero who has a deaf child and the heroine is a midwife. (I’m deaf so I do relate to this book) and set in the turn of the century NYC (I think that’s what it says, I’m not good with historical terms) , and just wow, they are wonderful! This author has previously written historical romances some years ago. Another, which is some dark, but Historical Regency not to miss, is Ashley Gardner, set in London. Oh and too Shirley Tallman’s Sarah Woolson Mysteries! Love these! I believe 4 books or 3 in this series so far!
Kim, C. H. Harris is author Penelope Williamson. She wrote a few historical romances before that were just wonderful. One being OUTSIDER. Her sister is author Candice Protor, more books not to miss. I have those on my wishlist to get of C. H. Harris. This blog is already addicting to adding more to my wishlit!
Great to chat with you here Elizabeth! I just emailed you about your books and glad to find your blog too. Cathie
March 22nd, 2009 at 5:09 am
Kim, did you too let the author know (C. H. Harris) of your feeling about the characters. I remember reading a Urban Fantasy recently where at the end the hero and heroine parted and I was relieved that they were back together for the next book, so hopefully its the authors way of having you come back for more in the series to see what happens. I’d like to know too because I have read one historical romance book that the ending was a HEA (Happily Ever After) and when I picked up the next book, I noticed that the Hero of the book was the same as the previous book but a new heroine and it started with the heroine having died. I was totally unable to read the book. I understand those things happen in life but this was to be a HEA romance book, so it just wasn’t for me when that happens.
March 22nd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Caffey - CS Harris is Candice Proctor, not her sister, Penelope W. I did ask the author if she would be getting the h/h back together at some point. She responded that although they would get a HEA, she won’t guarantee that it is with each other. That’s disheartening after reading three books in which they were together. Since these are mysteries with a sub-plot of romance, the author must not be worried that romance fans may not like the new direction. I’m now reading Deanna Raybourn’s Silent on the Moor and hopefully this h/h will get a HEA.