Mary Winters, author of Murder in Masquerade, the latest novel in the Lady of Letters mysteries series, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.

Welcome, Mary.

Tell us about your novel. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

MURDER IN MASQUERADE is the second book in the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. The series is set in Victorian London in the year 1860. Amelia Amesbury is a widowed countess, secret agony aunt, and amateur sleuth. In this book, she must help the handsome marquis Simon Bainbridge untangle his sister from an unsuitable suitor. When the suitor ends up dead, they investigate.

Where did the idea for the mystery that is central to the story come from?

It came from my time in London and also research related to the Theatre Royal Drury Lane. I read about a ghost at the theatre, and it prompted the idea for a murder to take place there.

Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?

I’m fascinated by theatres and disguises and deception. I think the theatre is the perfect place for a murder.

How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?

I create my characters gradually, building upon them with every rewrite. By the time I submit my book to my editor, I know them and their motivations very well. I am closer to some characters than others because I spend more time writing them. For instance, Simon and Amelia have a romantic relationship, so I spend a good deal of time considering their conversations and reactions outside the plot of the mystery.

How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?

Mostly my imagination and research. I have books on fashion, jewelry, houses, and carriages as well as maps of the time period. I’ve also been to England and London and recall my time there when I write.

What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the novel?

I read lots of agony columns and etiquette books about the time period. I have a subscription to British newspapers that is indispensable to my research.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book?

I really enjoyed writing some of the scenes in Murder in Masquerade, especially the game of croquet. I hope they enjoy them, too!

Thank you for answering my questions, Mary, and good luck with Murder in Masquerade, the latest book in the Lady of Letters mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Mary Winters by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – B&N – BAM – Bookshop.org – Powell’s Books – Hudson Booksellers

About Mary Winters: Mary is the author of the Lady of Letters historical mystery series. She also writes cozy mysteries under the name Mary Angela. A longtime reader and fan of historical fiction, Mary set her latest work in Victorian England after being inspired by a trip to London. Since then, she’s been busily planning her next mystery—and another trip!