May I introduce: Lindsay Downs "The Masked Lady and The Murder"

 

The Masked Lady and The Murder

by Lindsay Downs

What a great day to welcome my very good friend Lindsay as a guest today. I've known Lindsay for a few years now and he's been such a great support through good and bad times, I'm really glad and can give back a little by introducing you all to his new book.

PS - He's also introduced me to a wonderful group of authors writing to a prompt each week and one of my (nowadays) favourite song - Rascal Flatts "Unstoppable"!


1 - You've changed from writing crime to historical romance. Tell us why?

I really haven’t changed from “writing crime” to historical romance. All I’ve done is move the time frame from the 21^st century to England in the 1800’s. My books would be considered regency suspense with romantic element. This way my readers get the best of both worlds. I came to writing regency more to prove to myself I could do it. As it turned out I love this particular genre over contemporary suspense. Don’t forget, except for modern day techno crime, it really hasn’t changed much over the years-murder, treason, kidnapping, smuggling to name a few.

2 - What kind of research have you done (or are you doing) to write historical stories?

Before starting my first regency I took a workshop on the subject  where I obtained the basic information and where to find more. I then spent a lot of time researching the period: clothes, titles, how people were address, food and the general social structure of regency England. As I’m writing a book, depending on the story, I will do additional research to bring reality into the book.

3 - Tell us about your current project.

My current main project is a new series, Markson Regency Mystery, which features Lord Robert and Lady Kristina Markson. It’s not that they go finding crimes as much as the problem is dumped in their laps.

The first book in the series, The Masked Lady and The Murder is used to introduce them to the readers.

 

Blurb:

When Lord Robert Markson, Viscount of Hampshire, is force to return to England to find out who murdered his father and older brother he’s in for a surprise.
It comes in the guise of Lady Kristina Rosewood, daughter to the Earl and Countess of Crossington. To many she’s quartz but to him a multifaceted diamond.
While recovering from an attempt on his life which thrust them closer together they work through emotions for each other while sorting through letters sent to his mother years ago. Slowly, they’re able to discover the one man who could have set the murders in motion. The only problem, he’s been dead for years so who could it be and more importantly why now.
Once all the evidence is compiled the answer is something neither could believe as the threat comes from within the late viscount’s house.

 

 Author:

What does it take to be a bestselling author? Determination, skill, talent, luck or taking a risk with a venture into a totally new genre. For me it was a little of some and a lot of the others.

In 2008 when I got two books published I thought it was due to skill; little did I know it was more luck than anything. Over the next three years I wrote, submitted, got rejected. I then did what I tell everyone who asks; I wrote some more. I didn’t give up.

More on a dare than anything I tried my hand at a regency, one of the most difficult genres because of the rules, which I might add I broke almost every one. Within two days of its release the book was on a best seller list and stayed there for two months.

Turns out it is all of the aforementioned.

After two failed marriages, one from divorce while with the other died unexpectedly I decided upon retirement to move. That opportunity came in September 2012 when I migrated to Texas.

For me, as a multipublished author, it was one of the best things I’ve done to date. Now, every day I can write, creating stories to take my readers to places they can only dream about.

I’m also a member of the Published Authors Network (PAN) by the Romance Writers of America (RWA).

 

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/lindsay.downs.7

Facebook Pages- https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lindsay-Downs-Author/325132754200597?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Regency-by-Lindsay-Downs/421654731286944

Twitter- @ldowns2966

LinkedIn- http://www.linkedin.com/home

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/3210224-lindsay

Lindsay Downs-Romance Author- http://lindsaydowns-romanceauthor.weebly.com/

 

Purchase Links:

http://www.amazon.com/Masked-Murder-Markson-Regency-Mystery-ebook/dp/B00I9S4FZG/ref=la_B007NQAIIS_1_15?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391729486&sr=1-15

 

Excerpt:

 As she contemplated an answer, he decided it was better to charge ahead. Stepping up, he set his right hand on the small of her back only to feel a tingle course up his arm before settling in his stomach. Unsure, but knowing he needed to continue on to enjoy the feel of her in his arms, he grasped her right hand and stepped them back as one.

“M' lord, maybe you didn’t hear me earlier," Kristina said, trying to escape his gentle but firm hold. "I can’t dance.”

“That, my dear lady, is because you’ve never partnered with me. Now relax and let the music fill your mind,” he answered back, whispering the words into her ear.

Robert shifted his head so he would be able to see her expression. She looked panicked at first, but after a few steps she wore a broad, relaxed grin.

“What’s happening to me? By now I’ve trod on the gentleman’s feet several time,” she said, breathing heavily.

What is it with this woman? He thought, gazing down upon her upturned face. All she’s done since we’ve met is confuse me. Now with her breast rubbing against me, I’m at a total loss.

“M’ lady, you’re dancing and causing me no harm,” he said, sweeping her gracefully into a turn lest they tumble down the steps that led to the lawn.

He watched as she scrunched her brow. He suspected trying to marshal her thoughts. Robert was beginning to wonder if she might be as confused as he.

“But why? That, I can’t understand.”

“Robert, Kristina if I might interrupt your dance, I believe I’ve an explanation,” Donna said, settling a hand on his arm.

He brought them to a stop, then bowed to both ladies and escorted them to a nearby stone bench. Once they were settled, he leaned against the banister and waited. “Well?” he finally asked when his sister wasn’t forthcoming.

“Believe it or not, it’s very simple. Kristina, when you’re with Robert, you’re relaxed. If you hadn’t noticed, when you speak to him your stammer is gone, and while dancing you’re comfortable in his arms.”

Robert saw she was going to say something to Donna and intervened. “No, look at me when you’re talking, even if it’s to my sister.” He looked to her. “I’m sorry, but that might be the only way.”

Looking surprised, she did as he asked, keeping her focus on him. “Lady Kersey, I don’t understand. No, wait. I’ve not stammered, so what you say must be true. And with the dancing it’s the same, m’ lady?”

“Yes. Now might I suggest we return to the ball as I’m sure my dear husband must have tired of the chit he’d chased after and is now searching me out.” Donna stood, then started for the doors they’d exited through a short while ago.