Kathy Lynn
Emerson writes in several different genres
and under several different names,
including
Kate Emerson and Kaitlyn Dunnett.
As Kathy Lynn Emerson she is best known
for
historical mysteries, including the
Face Down Mystery Series
featuring sixteenth-century gentlewoman,
herbalist, and sleuth, Susanna, Lady Appleton,
the Diana Spaulding 1888
Quartet,
and her
Agatha-award-winning nonfiction,
How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries.
She has also
written children's books and romance novels
WHAT'S NEW?
from Wildside
Press
a collection of short stories
by
Kathy Lynn Emerson
trade paperback edition: $14.99
also available as an ebook
These thirteen short stories range in setting from
medieval England to present day Maine.
Some have previously been published while others are
in print here for the first time.
Included are two Lady Appleton stories and the tale in
which Rosamond and Rob elope.
THE MISTRESS JAFFREY MYSTERIES
set in England in the 1580s
Murder in the Queen's Wardrobe
available in hardcover, trade paperback, large print,
and for Kindle and Nook
first in a new series featuring Mistress
Rosamond Jaffrey, Elizabethan sleuth and spy
Murder in the Merchant's Hall
available in hardcover, trade paperback, large print
and for Kindle and Nook
Murder in the a Cornish Alehouse
available in hardcover and ebook;
other formats to come
Mistress Jaffrey is
Rosamond Appleton, illegitimate daughter of Lady Appleton's late, unlamented
husband, Sir Robert. Now she's all grown up, married, and ready to solve crimes
on her own. She was raised by Susanna Appleton, but she inherited some of the
worst traits of both her parents. At sixteen, she made an impulsive runaway
marriage, wedding her childhood playmate, Rob Jaffrey, once known as
"Mole" and the son of Lady Appleton's steward and housekeeper, Mark
and Jennet Jaffrey. Rosamond got what she wanted, control of her fortune, but
now she's wed to Rob for life. There is no divorce in Elizabeth Tudor's
England.
In Murder in the Queen's Wardrobe, Rosamond
is shocked to learn her husband, from whom she has been estranged for some
time, may be in danger. To help keep him safe, she is willing to go undercover
as an intelligence gatherer for the Crown. Why not, when both her father and
her stepfather did their share of spying when they were young? But when another
agent is murdered, Rosamond must add crime-solving to her other
responsibilities. With action that moves from the English court of Queen
Elizabeth the First to the Russia of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, Mistress Jaffrey's
first outing is a unique combination of spy thriller and cozy historical
mystery.
Murder in the Merchant's Hall continues Rosamond and Rob's story and
adds a murder mystery involving Rosamond's old friend Godlina
Walkenden.
Murder in a Cornish Alehouse takes place in 1584, when Rosamond and Rob
travel to Cornwall following the death of her stepfather in suspicious
circumstances. There they once again encounter a treasonous plot, as well as a
murder or two, but this time there are pirates.
For the real story behind the
fictional one in Murder in the Queen's
Wardrobe, click here
For a bibliography of sources
used in writing all the books in the series, click here
Here's what the reviewers have to say about Murder in the Queen's Wardrobe:
Kirkus Reviews calls this "a diverting series
. . . with lots of twists and turns and Tudor tidbits."
Publisher's
Weekly describes Rosamond as "high-spirited, educated, and
independent" and praises the way I draw on my "solid knowledge of the
period to evoke vividly daily life in late 16th-century
England."
Booklist praises
"first-rate storytelling, eye-opening details of the politics and customs
of the time, a taut and riveting plot, unexpected humor, and a charming and
admirable heroine."
Library
Journal calls Rosamond "a feisty, fiercely independent, and
very likeable protagonist."
Historical
Novels Review says Rosamond is "brave yet vulnerable" and
"portrayed as a genuine woman of the era."
About Murder
in the Merchant's Hall:
Booklist says
"This fine new addition to Emerson's popular historical series offers a
genuinely gripping mystery, an appealing protagonist, and an eye-opening look at
London life during the Renaissance."
Publisher's
Weekly says "evocative period detail and the warmth of
Rosamond's byplay with Rob make for a satisfying read."
Historical
Novels Review says "The mystery surrounding Hugo's death is
intricate, well-plotted, and full of twists."
About Murder
in a Cornish Alehouse:
Booklist says
"This meticulously researched, cleverly plotted story has plenty of twists
and wonderfully colorful characters and will appeal to all historical-mystery
fans."
Publisher's
Weekly says readers will find "a lot to like."
Kirkus says Rosamond "has an almighty difficult puzzle to
untangle" and also finds the novel "enjoyable for its historical
insights and detailed descriptions of everyday life in Tudor England."
Kathy Lynn Emerson's other titles include
Mysteries, Nonfiction, Romances, and Children's Books
For More Information
Kathy Lynn Emerson's bio
page
Complete
list of Kathy Lynn Emerson's books and short stories
books
written as Kate Emerson
for
the website of Kaitlyn Dunnett, Kathy's "evil Twin"
for
Kathy's Genealogy Page
(links to the biography of her grandfather, family
histories, and stories that ended up in novels)
If you want
to keep up to date on Kathy/Kaitlyn's latest writing news, check out Kaitlyn
Dunnett's Facebook Page. You don't need to join
Facebook to see what's posted there, although you do if you want to comment or
leave a message.
contact: emerson@megalink.net