Review & Guest Post - - Farewell Blues - - Birthday Giveaway #16

Farewell Blues

by Maggie Robinson

Lady Adelaide Mysteries - Book 4

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Release Date: September 14, 2021

Reviewed by PJ

The Society Scandal of the Season...

Lady Adelaide Compton had prepared herself to say goodbye forever to Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter. It would be a welcome relief not to get mixed up in any more murders, even if it meant never working alongside the handsome detective again...wouldn't it?

But then Addie's prim and proper mother, Constance, the Dowager Marchioness of Broughton, is accused of murdering her secret lover, and there can't be enough gentlemen detectives on hand to find the truth. The dead Duke of Rufford appeared to lead a blameless life, but appearances can be deceiving. And unless Addie and Dev work together, Constance will hang—which is no one's idea of a happy ending.

PJ's Thoughts:

If you've been following my reviews, you know how very much I've enjoyed the first three books in this delightfully entertaining, cozy mystery series. Maggie Robinson brings Addie's journey to a close with this fourth, and final, book in the series and I admit, I've grown immensely fond of these characters (yes, even Rupert). However, as difficult as it may be to bid them adieu, surely Rupert has done enough to earn his wings by now and Addie should be able to joyfully live out her life without her late husband looking over her shoulder. But first, there's another murder mystery to solve and this time Addie's mother is at the heart of it. How ironic that Dev is the one Addie's mother turns to when all of London is convinced of her guilt. 

Farewell Blues is another page turner that, once I began reading, was impossible to put down. Humorous, suspenseful, witty, and poignant, this story was a wonderful farewell to one of my favorite recent series. The mystery is tightly plotted with a myriad of twists, turns, and possible suspects that kept me guessing (about both the murder and Dev and Addie's HEA) right up until the reveal. If you've been reading the series, you know there are also a couple secondary (potential) couples who have also been traveling a twisty path. Never fear, Robinson neatly ties up all three relationships in a manner that left me sighing happily. 

The mystery in each of the four books of this series stands alone so you don't have to read the books in order. However, to watch Addie's evolution play out in real time, as well as the progression of her relationship with Dev, and the ghostly Rupert, you may want to begin with book one: Nobody's Sweetheart Now. Whichever way you choose to read them, I predict you will have a rollicking good time! 

I'll also add that I don't know what Robinson has planned next but I do hope she will return to this cozy mystery genre at some point. She clearly has a gift for this type of writing. 

~~~~~~

Singing the Blues

by Maggie Robinson

 

Thanks so much to PJ and the Romance Dish for having me on this bittersweet occasion. Farewell Blues is the fourth and final Lady Adelaide Mystery, and I’m kind of sad about it. I’ve been with the same characters through four books, and I’ll really miss them. When I was writing four different historical romance series, the cast changed for each book/novella. As much as I loved all thirty-two (!) heroes and heroines, Addie, Dev and Rupert have worked their way indelibly into my heart.

People always ask, “Where do you get your ideas?” and I can honestly say I haven’t a clue. This is not so great for a mystery writer, LOL. I always wanted to write cozies (no suspenseful tension or gore for this scaredy cat), but wasn’t sure I could plot one. I usually never plotted anything, just sat down at the computer and…stuff happened.

That was fine for my romances, but mysteries need more structure. Like Hansel and Gretel, somebody needs to drop the clue breadcrumbs through the forest. Somebody has to be the baddie. Somebody else has to look like the baddie to trick you, gentle reader. Somebody else, poor thing, has to die.

Much to my surprise—and Addie’s—her husband Rupert turned up on the first page of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now, and Rupert was already dead. Yes, it seemed I was writing a ghost book, which I hadn’t planned to do at all. I’m not really a paranormal person, but Rupert didn’t care. He was there and I had to deal with it. Which, I think, I did, and had a lot of fun along the way redeeming him. And that was the dilemma. Rupert helped solve murders and saved lives, unbeknownst to handsome Scotland Yard detective Dev Hunter, and became pretty darned efficient. Why wasn’t he on his way to Heaven after all his good deeds? Rupert began to complain, and was justifiably tired of wearing the same pinstriped suit he was buried in through four books.

So the series had to wind up and give him his celestial wings and a fresh set of underwear. And being a reformed romance writer, I thought everyone else needed a happy ending too. So Addie and Dev, her sister Cee, and cheeky maid Beckett all get their HEAs. I hope you’ll agree!

In your opinion, how many books should the “perfect” series have? What’s your favorite long series?

Birthday Giveaway #16:

Today's giveaways are brought to you through the generosity of today's featured author, Maggie Robinson. Thank you, Maggie! Winners will be randomly chosen from comments posted before 11:00 PM, September 18. 

Three book giveaway! 

One commenter will get a signed trade paperback of Farewell Blues (U.S. only).

One commenter will receive a download of Farewell Blues.

One commenter has their choice to download any previous book in the series: Nobody’s Sweetheart Now (Book 1), Who’s Sorry Now? (Book 2), or Just Make Believe (Book 3). All can be read as stand-alones. 

For more info on the Lady Adelaide Mysteries, please visit my website: www.maggierobinson.net Happy reading!

Sneak Peek Excerpt - - Farewell Blues

Maggie Robinson's Lady Adelaide Mysteries has been an absolute delight. I've laughed, gasped, cheered, and sighed through each of the books in the series and even though I'm sad to wave farewell to these wonderful characters, Robinson sends them out on a high note with Farewell Blues. If you haven't discovered this madcap, 1920's mystery series yet, you're missing out on a fun ride. It has my enthusiastic recommendation. As characters and relationships evolve over the course of the series, I strongly recommend reading the books in order. They are:

Nobody's Sweetheart Now

Who's Sorry Now

Just Make Believe

Farewell Blues (review coming 9/16)

*Click on the titles to read the Dish's review of each book. 

Don't miss the giveaway at the end of the post! 

Farewell Blues

by Maggie Robinson

Lady Adelaide Mysteries - Book 4

Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press

Release Date: September 14, 2021

The Society Scandal of the Season...

Lady Adelaide Compton had prepared herself to say goodbye forever to Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter. It would be a welcome relief not to get mixed up in any more murders, even if it meant never working alongside the handsome detective again...wouldn't it?

But then Addie's prim and proper mother, Constance, the Dowager Marchioness of Broughton, is accused of murdering her secret lover, and there can't be enough gentlemen detectives on hand to find the truth. The dead Duke of Rufford appeared to lead a blameless life, but appearances can be deceiving. And unless Addie and Dev work together, Constance will hang—which is no one's idea of a happy ending.

Excerpt

Farewell Blues

Addie gets more than she bargained for when she goes sleuthing at the Savoy Hotel to speak to a suspect.

Damn damn damn. Addie hoped for help, but it seemed she had to do this on her own. Leaving Mr. Reeves-Smith to enjoy his tea, biscuits, and integrity, she stood in line before the registration desk in the crowded lobby like any ordinary person. A young man beckoned her forward, and she approached. 

Addie smiled brightly, crossing her fingers behind her back. “Good afternoon. Is Graf von Mayr in? We had, um, an appointment, but I’m afraid I mixed up the time.” 

The desk clerk picked up the house phone. “Allow me to check for you, madam. Who may I say is calling?” 

“Uh, Miss Beckett. Maeve Rose Beckett.” Cee was not the only sister who could pose as a maid. She would tell von Mayr who she really was at once if he came down to meet her. She stopped herself from tapping her gloved fingers on the veined marble counter as the clerk turned away from her. 

His conversation was remarkably brief. “You’re to go straight up, Miss Beckett.” 

“I beg your pardon?” 

“Graf von Mayr is expecting you.” 

“He is?” 

The clerk nodded. “As per usual. Do you remember the room number?” 

“I’m afraid it’s slipped m-my m-mind,” Addie stuttered. 

“Room 348. The lifts are that way.” 

“Thank you.” Obviously there was some mistake, but Addie was not going to argue. She dodged a bellhop with a pyramid of luggage, entered the lift, and told the operator the floor number. 

The doors opened. “Three four eight. Three four eight,” she muttered to herself, noting she had a fair walk on the floral carpet ahead of her. With each step, the butterflies fluttered in her stomach. She slowed her pace a bit, mustering calm. She wasn’t here to accuse von Mayr of killing his father-in-law, just to gather information. She hoped Mr. Hunter would come to Mount Street tonight and they could compare notes. 

If she survived the next fifteen minutes. 

She arrived at the correct door and raised a fist to knock. Before she could, it was opened by a tall, extremely handsome blond gentleman with a dashing dueling scar slashed across his right check. He was wearing…absolutely nothing. Addie took a step backward and closed her eyes. 

The desire to scream—or flee—was powerful. 

That simply wouldn’t do. 

He was still naked when she looked at him again, and frowning. “Du bist nicht, Rosie.” He pronounced the name with a soft c sound as opposed to a z. 

Addie noted that this Rosie was a “du” and not a “Sie” to him, familiar or beneath him in social standing. She struggled to keep her eyes on the scar, shining silver on his tanned cheek. “I believe there’s been a misunderstanding,” she croaked. All her mother’s deportment lessons had not prepared her for nude men in hotels. In fact, Lady Broughton would probably not approve of Addie going to a strange man’s room under any circumstances, even if it might exonerate her. 

“Ach, well.” He looked her up and down, and Addie felt as if she was the naked one. “Come through.” Come true. “You will do.” 

She certainly would not. But the graf pulled her in by an elbow and shut the door. “Is Rosie unwell?” 

His English was excellent except for his difficulty with “th,” so Addie presumed he would understand that whatever arrangement he had with Rosie, it definitely did not apply to her. 

She clutched her bag tightly to her bosom. “Forgive me. I’m afraid I’ve gained entry under false pretenses. If you’ll permit me to explain—” 

He moved to a fully stocked drinks table, and Addie noted that his bottom was as firm as the rest of him. It came as somewhat of a belated shock to her that she’d only ever seen one man completely undressed. There had been museum trips, of course, but that was not quite the same thing. No artwork hanging on a wall or standing on a plinth conveyed such smoothness of skin, the musculature beneath, the patches of golden fur. And none Addie ever encountered were blessed with von Mayr’s considerable male protuberance, which in her opinion would require two or more large fig leaves for a semblance of decency. Goodness, this detecting business certainly was expanding her horizons at a rapid clip. 

He poured himself a whisky and added a splash of soda. “Your colleague and I have agreed to terms. Do not think because I am a foreigner that you can take advantage. Shake me down, as it were. I went to Eton College.” 

Bully for him. “I am not what—um, who—you think I am.” Should Addie be offended to be taken for a woman of easy virtue? A—a—courtesan? Her charming Reboux hat cost the earth, and the Lord knew the buttercup-yellow dress was not cheap. But perhaps real money could be made in the oldest profession if one had the appropriate clientele. 

The drink stopped midway to his lips. “Gott in Himmel! You are not one of those bloody reporters, are you?” He put the glass down, snatched a decorative jacquard pillow from the sofa, and held it strategically in front of the von Mayr family jewels. 

Addie felt a brief stab of disappointment that her education was being curtailed. “Oh, no! Nothing like that. I had hoped Mr. Reeves-Smith—the Savoy’s manager, you know—might introduce us, but I was unsuccessful in persuading him. I’m so sorry I gave a false name to the clerk, but I thought if you knew who I really was, you might not agree to see me.” 

“Who the devil are you, woman?” His face paled. “Wait! Did my wife send you?” 

She saw a narrow avenue open. What had Mr. Hunter said? They had to redraw the map. She’d acted in a handful of school plays at Cheltenham Ladies’ College. Perhaps it was better not to tell him who she was. She was a terrible liar, but if she was playing a part… 

Addie tutted and shook her head sadly. “Poor dear Penny. I don’t know what I shall tell her about all this.” 

If possible, he grew paler. “Wait right there. Do not move,” the graf ordered. He nearly ran to the door that closed off the bedroom from the drawing room, slamming it behind him. 

He couldn’t mean that she should actually stand in place while he slipped into something less comfortable, and in truth, her knees were knocking a little at her brazen scheme. Addie dropped into a wing chair in front of a fireplace that was filled with fragrant flowers. The room was beautifully appointed; she’d expect nothing less at the Savoy. The soft furnishings were a soothing combination of cream, ecru, and ivory, which must be a challenge for the housekeeping staff to maintain. She certainly had regrets regarding the décor at Mount Street, which was altogether too fashionably white and caused Beckett to complain endlessly. 

Clad in a striped silk robe, the Austrian emerged from the bedchamber sooner than Addie expected. She had hoped he would come out in a suit, for it would be easier to be businesslike. The man was still barefoot, for heaven’s sake. 

He picked up his abandoned drink and swallowed it in one go. “Explain yourself.” 

“It’s you who needs to explain. I thought you were trying to reunite with Penny,” Addie said, conjuring up her old governess and giving him a stern look. 

“Are you from an inquiry agency? How much is she paying you?” 

“Certainly not! Please sit down, Graf von Mayr. Perhaps we can come to an arrangement.” 

He continued to loom over her. “Blackmail so you won’t tattle on me? What kind of friend are you? I have nothing to hide. Nothing. Rosie is my, uh, masseuse. Our afternoon appointments are all perfectly innocent. My war wound is a constant bother.” He rubbed a silk-covered shoulder for emphasis, but Addie wasn’t fooled. Rosie was no doubt skilled at rubbing everything.

~~~~~~~~~~~

 

The entire first chapter of Farewell Blues can be found at Maggie Robinson's website: www.maggierobinson.net

While Farewell Blues won't be released until September 14, 2021, it is currently available for preorder at the following locations:

Amazon (Kindle)

Amazon (print)

Apple Books

BN (Nook)

BN (print)

Google Play

BAM

Indie Bound

Book Depository

Have you discovered Maggie Robinson's Lady Adelaide Mysteries yet?

One randomly chosen person who posts a comment before 11:00 PM, August 20 will receive a signed print advanced review copy of Just Make Believe. 

*U.S. only

*Must be 18

*Void where prohibited 

Today's Special - - Review of Who's Sorry Now, Guest Post, & Giveaway

Who's Sorry Now?
by Maggie Robinson
Lady Adelaide Mysteries - Book 2
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Release Date: June 1, 2019
Reviewed by PJ

London, England 1925

A Russian prince. A wealthy heir. An impoverished earl's daughter. Which one will make an untimely exit from the London social scene?

Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter finds himself in the middle of a series of upper-class deaths in London. Bright Young People are being extinguished in their favorite night spots, from a sleazy private jazz club to the Savoy ballroom. Dev knows just the person to help him navigate the treacherous society waters: Lady Adelaide Compton, a marquess' daughter and widow of a Great War hero. Unfortunately, he has put her in jeopardy once before, nearly leading him to turn in his warrant card.

But when her sister Cee is nearly one of the victims, Addie turns to Mr. Hunter, offering her help... and it soon becomes clear that the two of them working together again could lead to much more than merely solving crime.

My thoughts: 

The second book in Maggie Robinson's Lady Adelaide Mysteries series is another tightly-woven story that immerses readers in 1920's England in all its madcap, post-war glory. Robinson's characters are intriguing, complex, and so well developed that it's easy to be convinced that they must have actually lived at the time. She brings all of them to life on the page, primary and secondary characters alike. The individual characters of Adelaide and Dev continue to slowly evolve as does the budding possibility of a relationship between them and, of course, ghostly Rupert is along for the ride, providing both murder-solving assistance as well as impeccably-timed humor. 

Robinson's descriptions are so vivid that they transport readers into the smoke-filled, private jazz clubs of London as well as small villages in the English countryside. In fact, her settings are so realistically depicted that, if I didn't know better, I'd wonder if Robinson hadn't invested in a time machine in order to gain a little first-hand knowledge. 

The mystery itself is intricately woven, with twists and turns aplenty, keeping me reading late into the night and guessing right up until the reveal. I am so invested in these characters now and already eagerly anticipating the next Lady Adelaide mystery. I can't wait to find out what Maggie Robinson has in store for them, and us, next!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Guest Post

by Maggie Robinson

Thanks so much for having me here today, P.J! I’ve returned to talk about the latest 1920s-set cozy Lady Adelaide Mystery, Who’s Sorry Now? I love this 1922 quote from Zelda Fitzgerald: “The flapper…bobbed her hair, put on her choicest pair of earrings, and a great deal of audacity and rouge, and went into the battle.” Can’t you just see it? Young women all over the world were breaking free of society’s constraints, getting jobs, voting, dancing their nights away whenever possible. They wanted to put the hardships and struggles of the Great War behind them, if only for a little while and a big sip of champagne.

In Who’s Sorry Now, widowed Lady Adelaide isn’t quite a flapper, but her younger sister Cee aspires to be, and they both get mixed up with Bright Young People and poison. In the twenties, private clubs sprang up all over London to avoid the rigid licensing laws, so that you could drink and party all night without fear of arrest (but with fear of a hangover, LOL). Crazy antics were all the rage—midnight scavenger hunts, themed costume parties, stealing a policeman’s helmet, etc., which look so innocent now but were considered scandalous then.

Addie is too grown-up to participate in such hijinks, but of a perfect age to team up with dishy Anglo-Indian Detective Inspector Devenand Hunter of Scotland Yard to figure out who’s poisoning upper crust kids. They have extra help from Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, Addie’s late and unlamented husband, who must perform some good deeds before he’s allowed into Heaven. He has a lot of sins for atone for, yet he’s my favorite character—a 20^th century rake, a cad, an inveterate ladies’ man who was also brave, reckless, and daring during the war. He is so much fun to write, and his witty arguments with Addie may drive her crazy but bring a smile to my face. I love it when readers say they wanted to dislike him but couldn’t. See, he’s charming even in death!

I also love it when people root for Dev and Addie to get together, even if their social backgrounds are so far apart. As a romance writer, I know anything is possible. But I grew up watching soap operas with my grandmother, and once the star-crossed lovers finally got together (usually after years of being married to other people, having babies kidnapped, surviving life-threatening illnesses, or some other far-fetched plot device—Marlena possessed, anyone?), they became boring. I don’t want to have that happen to Dev and Addie!

Here’s a brief snippet: “Dev had been nearly speechless last night when Lady Adelaide offered to help in the investigation.

Over his dead body. He wasn’t taking any more chances. If they hadn’t been interrupted by that nurse, he would have given her a piece of his mind, what was left of it. He’d nearly bitten his tongue clean through.

“All right, show her in. But in five minutes, come in to tell me the Commissioner is on the line.”

“Right-o.”

Dev didn’t ask Bob to lie for him often, but in this instance, it was self-preservation. He didn’t trust himself. All Lady Adelaide had to do was bat her eyelashes behind her tortoise shell spectacles, and Dev was very much afraid she’d lure them both into peril.

She was looking more rested this morning, in a powder blue lightweight wool suit trimmed in blonde mink. A matching hat was perched upon her golden head. The calendar might say it was spring, but it felt more like winter. Today was damp and cold, a miserable day to match his mood.

Dev swore softly to himself. This could not possibly go well unless he threw a rug over her to stop him from being blinded by her beauty.”

Do you like a little mystery with your romance, or a little romance with your mystery? The Scotland Yard detective wants to know! 

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment before 11:00 PM, June 19 will receive a signed hardcover copy of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now, the first book in the series, or any trade paperback from my backlist. 

Maggie Robinson is a former teacher, library clerk, and mother of four who woke up in the middle of the night absolutely compelled to create the perfect man and use as many adjectives and adverbs as possible doing so. A transplanted New Yorker, she lives with her not-quite-perfect husband in Maine, where the cold winters are ideal for staying indoors and writing.

Today's Special - - Maggie Robinson & Nobody's Sweetheart Now

Nobody's Sweetheart Now
By Maggie Robinson
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Release Date: November 13, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

A delightful English cozy series begins in August 1924. Lady Adelaide Compton has recently (and satisfactorily) interred her husband, Major Rupert Charles Cressleigh Compton, hero of the Somme, in the family vault in the village churchyard.

Rupert died by smashing his Hispano-Suiza on a Cotswold country road while carrying a French mademoiselle in the passenger seat. With the house now Addie's, needed improvements in hand, and a weekend house party underway, how inconvenient of Rupert to turn up! Not in the flesh, but in - actually, as a - spirit. Rupert has to perform a few good deeds before becoming welcomed to heaven - or, more likely, thinks Addie, to hell.

Before Addie can convince herself she's not completely lost her mind, a murder disrupts her careful seating arrangement. Which of her twelve houseguests is a killer? Her mother, the formidable Dowager Marchioness of Broughton? Her sister Cecilia, the born-again vegetarian? Her childhood friend and potential lover, Lord Lucas Waring? Rupert has a solid alibi as a ghost and an urge to detect.

Enter Inspector Devenand Hunter from the Yard, an Anglo-Indian who is not going to let some barmy society beauty witnessed talking to herself derail his investigation. Something very peculiar is afoot at Compton Court and he's going to get to the bottom of it - or go as mad as its mistress trying.

My thoughts:

This book is so much fun, which seems a weirdly odd thing to say about a murder mystery. Nevertheless, it's true. For her first foray into English cozy mysteries, Maggie Robinson has hit it out of the park - or whatever the English equivalent would be - with this expertly crafted whodunit. From beginning to end, it's an absolute delight.

With impeccable timing, and wit, Robinson guides somewhat naive Addie as she explores her newly acquired independence, so rudely interrupted by her dead husband's ghostly presence, as dead bodies keep turning up during her house party. The story flows beautifully with perfectly placed twists and turns to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer or killers. There are several plausible suspects and Robinson drops clue crumbs here and there, keeping me - and everyone at her house party - wondering. All of the characters, primary and secondary, are well developed and contribute to the progression of the story in some way. Dev, the Scotland Yard Inspector, in particular, is one I hope we'll be seeing more of in future books. He and Addie have chemistry stirring between them that I'd love to see explored. Rupert, less than exemplary in life, shows great promise in death. The scenes between him and Addie are rife with humor and also a bit poignant. I don't know if he'll continue to be present in future books but I hope so. 

If you're in the mood for a roaring-twenties cozy mystery set in the bucolic English countryside with sparkling wit and banter, a well-crafted mystery, a likable protagonist, a charming, but meddlesome, ghost, a handsome inspector, and a house filled with potential murderers (could it be the school chum in the library with a candlestick?), then Maggie Robinson's Nobody's Sweetheart Now is just the book for you. It has my enthusiastic recommendation.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome back, Maggie! I’m so excited to celebrate the release of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now, the first book in your English cozy mystery series. What a fun story! Please tell our readers what they can expect from this new series.

Well, I’m trying to conquer a new decade and a new genre, the 1920s classic mystery…with a touch of the paranormal. The book comes out next week, on November 13. I’ve written historical romances set in the Regency, Victorian and Edwardian eras, but I challenged myself to try something a little different. I’ve had more fun than should be legal. My heroine, Lady Adelaide Compton, is a widowed marquess’ daughter. She thought she was rid of her unfaithful husband Rupert, but finds out to her shock he hasn’t quite left this astral plane. He has to make up for his many sins before he can go in a heavenly direction, and discovers his talent for detection. A real detective inspector from Scotland Yard, Devenand Hunter, has no idea he’s being assisted by a ghost!

How many books are planned for the series?

The second, Who’s Sorry Now?, comes out next May, and I’m halfway done with the third, tentatively titled Make Believe. The book titles come from popular songs—it was a fabulous decade for timeless music, and there are a lot of songs! I’d like to write them to infinity…but all those bodies building up might give me pause, LOL. I never realized how enjoyable it is to kill characters rather than make them kiss.

Nobody’s Sweetheart Now is set in 1924 England, a time and place that I find fascinating. What is it about this era that inspired you to set your series there?

When I was in high school, I dressed as a flapper for a youth fellowship musical, and Charlestoned the night away—the seed was planted! The twenties were years of wild extremes, which provide lots of plot bunnies. I chose England, specifically the Cotswolds and London, since I’ve been a frequent visitor. I’m trying to follow in the footsteps of those Golden Age of Mystery authors, who were my first reading loves.
The aftermath of the Great War was particularly poignant; a whole generation of young men never returned. My antihero Rupert was a flying ace who became bored by peace time, and is even more bored by death!

I love the vintage autos and fashion described in this book. Please tell us about the car you’d be driving and clothes you’d be wearing if you could time-travel to the 1924 English countryside for a day. With money being no object, of course.

I just so happen to have a Pinterest board which brings me great pleasure and inspiration. Here’s the link: https://www.pinterest.com/maginme/lady-adelaide-series/ so you all can drool too! If my arms were not so flabby, I’d be wearing a sleeveless, sequined flower-embroidered teal silk crepe dress with as many diamonds and aquamarines as I could slap on. I would be chauffeured in a Bentley Landaulet, of course.

Will Addie be helping to solve cases on both sides of the pond?

In the second book, she’s just returned from America, where no one she knew was knocked off during her visit. I think I’ll keep killing off British people so Dev and Scotland Yard can get involved.

What was your favorite scene to write in this book?

For a while, poor Addie thinks she’s losing her mind every time Rupert turns up. Here’s the first page of Chapter 14:

“What are you doing snooping around?” Addie hissed into the bushes.

“Not snooping. Until fairly recently, I was the lord of this manor. Let’s just say I was surveying the property. And checking up on your welfare, too. You were unchaperoned. I don’t trust that foreign fellow.” Rupert stepped out from behind the hedge and brushed his suit off. For something that he’d worn now for six months under unusual conditions, it was holding up well.

“For heaven’s sake—not that you’d know anything about that—Mr. Hunter is not foreign! He was born in Chelsea.”

“Details. Nevertheless, that Sergeant Bob Whosis should have been there looking like an earnest bulldog, scribbling away. Or your maid Beckett, if you could convince her to get her nose out of Movie Weekly long enough. ”

“You pressed your nose against the glass, crossed your eyes and waggled your tongue at me while I was talking to him!”

“See? I don’t understand how you could call that snooping. Snooping requires stealth. Tip-toeing. Near invisibility. There I was, plain as day.”

Rupert always had an answer to everything. Addie wanted to slap him, but reminded herself he wasn’t really there.

Or was he? Could it be possible that she was really, truly being haunted by the ghost of her husband?

Fast five:

Hot tea or hot chocolate?
Hot tea. With too much sugar and a slice of lemon.

Dresses or jeans?
Yoga pants, though I don’t do yoga!

Christmas decorations before or after Thanksgiving?

While the kids and grandkids are home, we drag the tree and decorations up on Thanksgiving Day evening, then spend Friday puttering around. The tree is pre-lit, so there are no tangled strings of lights or cursing involved. The grandkids hang all their favorites in a bunch on basically one branch, and then when they’re gone, I redistribute them more evenly. I am a bad grandmother.

Ghosts: Yes or No?

Rupert seems pretty real to me now, LOL. I can’t rule them out.

Thanks, Maggie! Do you have anything you'd like to ask my readers today?

I’m going to turn your last question around—has anybody had a ghostly encounter or odd feeling in an old house or a woo-woo Ouija board experience? 

I’ll give away a signed hardcover book of Nobody’s Sweetheart Now to a random commenter even if you say no!

Winner - - Maggie Robinson

The randomly chosen winner of a print or ebook copy of

Schooling the Viscount by Maggie Robinson is:

MsAwesome

Please send your full name and mailing address 

(for a print copy) or email address (for ebook copy) to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special - - Maggie Robinson

I'm delighted to welcome Maggie Robinson back to The Romance Dish. Maggie's new book, Redeeming Lord Ryder is the third book in her Cotswold Confidential historical romance series. It's another appealing blend of likable characters, humor, and heart-tugging emotion that Janga and I both thoroughly enjoyed. For more information about Redeeming Lord Ryder, be sure to read Janga's 5-star review.






PJ: Welcome back, Maggie! It’s always a pleasure to have you visit us. I’ve had such fun reading your Cotswold Confidential stories, eagerly anticipating each new release. Will you please tell our readers what they can expect from the newest book, Redeeming Lord Ryder?

Thank you so much for having me back! Redeeming Lord Ryder was a little challenging for me—there are lots of emotional challenges for my characters too. My heroine Nicola Mayfield has a form of selective muteness. She’s been injured in a horrific train accident and comes to Puddling-on-the-Wold, a sort of secret spa, to recover. The hero Jack Ryder is there too, to try to get over his guilt and depression for being responsible for a horrific train accident. You see where this is going, don’t you? Despite the serious nature of the obstacles, the book has humor and heart, and there is still banter, even though Nicola is writing and finger spelling instead of speaking. It was a joy to give Jack and Nicola their happy ending.



Janga: Did you get hungry writing this book? (I kept wanting to snack as I read it.)

LOL. I’m always hungry. The crumbs on my keyboard could keep me alive for days. One of the conditions of a stay in the Puddling rehabilitation resort is “everything in moderation.” For most of its Guests, they’ve overindulged in all sorts of things, so the diet on offer is bland and “nutritious” until they mend their wicked ways. Consequently, poor Jack, who hasn’t been exactly forthcoming on why he’s checked himself in, is nearly starved to death, while Nicola is cosseted and built up. Once Jack discovers her pantry, the course of true love is paved with peaches.


PJ: Speaking of eating, do you have a favorite holiday treat you enjoy making…or eating?  

I used to be a big “from-scratch” cook. I made jam and syrup and pickles with my four kids, but since my husband started watching the Food Network, he’s taken over in the kitchen and I am grateful for it. I still do holidays though. I can recommend my Idiot Dip, which my kids look forward to when they come home. One block of cheap yellow cheese (paper removed please), one can of chili with beans. Layer in microwave-proof dish and heat up for about 9 minutes. Stir. Serve with Cool Ranch Doritos. I’m sure it’s very bad for you, which makes it delicious. You can add another can of chili or some salsa if you want, but why gild the lily?

Janga: Did you edit anything out of this book that you found difficult to cut?

You know, most of the time I’ve been so lucky—I’ve never had to cut chapters or long scenes or do a major re-write, except for three books, Margaret Rowe’s Tempting Eden (had to make it more erotic!!!), Mistress by Midnight (had to kill the flashbacks, sniff), and The Unsuitable Secretary (where I had kitchen-sinked it and had to kill the whole second half of the book!). My Kensington editor has been wonderful and I don’t cringe when I get the revision notes.

PJ: Christmas is only a few weeks away. Does your family have any special holiday traditions?

We try to celebrate on Boxing Day, so the married kids and grandchildren have plenty of time to spend with their in-laws on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Whatever day gets picked, everyone stays in matching pajamas (showers are optional), champagne is popped at breakfast, and “cocktail party” food is rolled out of the kitchen at regular intervals (hello, Idiot Dip). The grandchildren play Wii and Xbox, lots of Legos are stepped on, and some sledding down our hill might be involved.

Janga: Are you planning more Cotswold Confidential books?

I have half of book 4 written, but I’ve been lured away by a super-secret-project. Fingers crossed. It’s a departure for me that I’m very excited about, but I don’t want to jinx it.








Rapid Fire Q&A:
Homebody or World traveler?

Both. When I’m home, I’m barefoot in a bathing suit and relaxed. I love to garden in the summer and sit on the dock in the sun (we live on a lake). But my husband and I travel several times a year. We’re going on a cruise in January and then spending some time in New Orleans. Let the good times roll.

Real or Artificial Christmas Tree?

Several years ago, we bought a pre-lit artificial tree that I’ve actually fallen in love with. No more cursing, tangled strings of lights, or pouring tree water on the wood floor instead of in the tree stand. I put fresh pine boughs on the mantel and in vases to keep that nature vibe.

Favorite holiday song?

Silent Night

Snowy cold or tropical beach?

Oh, we live in Maine. I’ve had enough of snowy cold. We usually try to get away for a little bit to warmer climes somewhere between January and April. I’ve loved renting cottages in England in early spring (which is much earlier than here) and exploring the countryside.

Eggnog: yes or no?

Yes, with or without alcohol. And fruitcake too! I’m very old-fashioned. ;)

Book you’re currently reading?

I’ve downloaded the Ruth Galloway Norfolk coast-set contemporary mystery series by Elly Griffiths, and am now on Book 3, The House at Sea’s End. Ruth is a forensic archaeologist who keeps getting mixed up in murders, and is a very untraditional heroine.

PJ: Where can readers find you online?

Website: www.maggierobinson.net
Facebook: (personal, where I post pictures of my adorable grandchildren!) https://www.facebook.com/maggie.robinson.165
Facebook: author page https://www.facebook.com/MaggieRobinsonBooks/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MaggieLRobinson

PJ: Would you like to add anything else?

Please sign up for my occasional newsletter! http://maggierobinson.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=ce659a0c7e53bf8ef7cd81df1&id=991d2d8103 I’m kicking off January with a great contest. 

And today I’ll give away a download or print copy of the first book in the Cotswold Confidential series, Schooling the Viscount (an Amazon best romance of the month), or any book from my backlist. 

Where would you like to go to “get away from it all?” All I can say is that there’d better be good food, LOL.