Ten reasons to read “The Crooked Medium”
An article in Ten Brief Posts (please share)
Murders! Mrs Ashton is asked to investigate, in spiritual terms, whether Lady Violet’s mother committed suicide. Mrs Ashton – who fakes speaking to the dead – soon realises there are other untoward deaths to explain.
“This is true historical fiction, where the Victorian setting is more than just set-dressing; it permeates the very fabric of the story and the wry, understated character voice.” Eris Young.
A spooky tale where little is as it seems. Forgery, false accusations, secret identities. Are old crimes coming home to roost? To solve a baffling murder, Mrs Ashton must look both sides of the grave.
Lady Violet’s husband, Sir Charles – an MP – friend of the Home Secretary, a rising star. Vigorous, progressive, a handsome, wealthy brute, with a vicious temper. Lady Violet is terrified, though he has never yet struck her. He loathes mediums.
The notorious Mrs Ashton – grandstanding medium, a fraud, a thief and a loss to the stage. Hated by the press, extravagant and flamboyant, preachy and selfish, a social climber. She gives to the poor but won’t pay her bills.
Mrs Ashton is entranced by grieving Lady Violet’s plight, her beauty, and to be honest, her independent income. Thwarting Sir Charles becomes an obsession.
An older, sapphic couple making their way in a man’s world. Mrs Ashton’s true love is Braddie, a blunt Northerner posing as her servant – sceptical, aging, and keen they retire to the country. “You’re dragging us all into danger, mark my words!”
Older detectives need a young runner. Slum-lass Maisie, not yet fourteen; a quarter Indian, a drunken docker father, and two younger siblings to feed. She writes her own future, a lady detective like the great Kate Warne in America.
And tough, incorruptible Chief Inspector Bullfinch, a trusted senior detective called in on a sensitive mission. Bullfinch holds a massive grudge. Mrs Ashton once humiliated him over some stolen emeralds…
Like my previous novels, The Crooked Medium’s Guide to Murder is enchanting readers. “…a high-spirited and thoroughly enjoyable novel that effortlessly draws one into its charmingly crooked world.” Oliver Dowson.
All the buying links
BUY HERE
