Title: A TINCTURE OF MURDER, A Lord Danvers Victorian True-Crime Mystery
Publisher: Greenbrier Books
Cover blurb: William Dove, the notorious “Leeds Poisoner” is on trial for murdering his wife, so he can’t be poisoning the fallen women at the Magdalen Asylum run by Danvers’ young priest brother. But who is? Is another madman stalking the streets of York? And what is causing the foul stench at the orphans’ school?
Lady Antonia is at her most superb in this intricate tale that weaves fact and fiction to keep readers on the edge of their seats.
1) How did this story come to you?
All of my Lord Danvers stories have an historical crime with a fictional one woven around it, so I must start with the true crime. I found my Tincture of Murder story when my research turned up the case of the poisoner William Dove in mid-Victorian York— one of my all-time favorite cities. And then I got a bonus when I found another true crime that is truly more bizarre than anything Charles Dickens wrote.
My additional inspiration was the opportunity to tell the story of the work of the Victorian slum priests who defied the strictures of society to build beautiful churches in the midst of the worst slums in order to bring beauty and a concept of heaven into poor people’s lives. And then, (gasp!) they dared to start asylums to care for fallen women and starving orphans. One of the major reasons I write history is because I believe the work of people like this shouldn’t be forgotten.
2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
This was one of those delightful, all-too-rare times in my career when my publisher came to me for a book. When the first three titles in the Lord Danvers series: A Most Inconvenient Death, Grave Matters and To Dust You Shall Return proved to be popular with readers Ron Benrey at Greenbrier Books asked me for another in the series. I was only too happy to comply!
3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
Because I am known for my love of English history and giving tea parties, people are surprised to learn that I was a terrible tomboy. As an only child I was my father’s son and grew up riding horses, hunting and fishing with Daddy. When I wasn’t doing girlie things with my mother, that is. I can hope that people might be surprised to learn that I’m compulsive about time and am always worried I’m not accomplishing enough fast enough— but I have a suspicion my friends might rather suspect that already.
4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I am currently writing A Jane Austen Encounter, Book 3 in my Elizabeth and Richard Romantic Suspense Series. Elizabeth and Richard are on sabbatical in England visiting all the places Jane Austen lived. It’s an idyllic adventure— until the dead bodies start turning up.
Next thing out will be An Unholy Communion, Book 3 in my Monastery Murders. It will be released March 22 as part of Lion Hudson’s all-new Lion Fiction Line. I’m really excited to be part of this new venture.
5) Parting comments?
Thank you so much for this opportunity to share with your readers, K Dawn. I am so grateful to be working in such a wonderful field with such great people. Every day I tell the Lord “Thank you for letting me do what I’m doing!”
6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
To read more about all of my books and see pictures from my garden and research trips go to: http://www.donnafletchercrow.com/
I would love to have you follow me on Facebook at: http://ning.it/OHi0MY
