I’m so excited to announce that Lady Avely’s Guide to Truth and Magic is now launched into the world – the first Matronly Misadventure. It is a spin-off series from my Lady Diviner mysteries, featuring Elinor’s mother this time: Mrs Judith Avely.
When I decided to write a spin-off series, I thought it would be a fairly simple matter! After all, I already knew I really wanted to give Elinor’s mother her own story, and I knew she would have a handsome, scandalous duke in her past. And I knew she was a Truth Diviner, so who better to star in a cozy mystery series, than a lady amateur sleuth who can tell when someone is lying?
However, this book took me a lot longer than usual to write. I had to figure out the backstory and past of my main character who is in her forties, so there was a lot more to explore – Judith has a complicated history! She is a widow with two kids and an unrequited love! Plus I had to get to know a whole new cast of characters, including two new adorable vampiri, found family, and the charismatic Duke of Sargen (who, to be fair, simply wrote himself onto the page with typical confidence). And I had to wrangle with a plot that insisted on expanding into two books. (#sorrynotsorry – I love a good hook into a series, so that’s what you’re getting, dear readers!)
I had a ball writing Lady Avely, and I hope it is as much fun to read.
It’s up on Kindle Unlimited, and paperbacks are in the usual online retailers. Treat yourself to a cozy, gothic, Regency mystery with magic and romance. And bats. Let’s not forget the bats.
Enjoy!
P.S. Best enjoyed with a cup of hot chocolate…
