posting was due to the exciting news that my middle grade mystery, Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls, will be published in June by MX Publishing. I was busy with formatting and editing issues to get it ready. (MX Publishing specializes in Sherlock related books, so Sherlock fans can go HERE to see a wonderful selection.) You can also read more about my book next door on my Victorian Scribbles blog HERE:Not surprisingly, I have been reading a lot of mysteries both for young people and for adults. I recently joined Capitol Crimes, the local chapter of Sisters-in-Crime, since I'm currently working on a cosy mystery for adults. I was invited there by a friend, and it's her book I want to talk about today: Flint House, by Kathleen L. Asay, published by Bridle Path Press.
Flint House is a mystery, in fact a bundle of mysteries revolving
Liz Cane, a cynical journalist with The Sacramentan, goes for an interview with Maisie Flint, the unpleasant owner of Flint House, a Victorian landmark in town. At one point, Maisie interrupts the interview to check on something upstairs. A few minutes later she tumbles down the stairs and dies.
Did she trip? Or was she pushed?
The tenants of Flint House are life's strays, hiding out from life in this rickety, shabby old Victorian. One mysterious tenant is called The Princess. No one knows her real name, but all the tenants seem to adore her, whereas none of them were especially fond of Maisie. The tenants also face eviction once Maisie's distant relative shows up to claim the house. The Princess claims to have a solution that will save Flint House. Then she is found in an alley, beaten nearly to death.
A random attack by a stranger? Or was she attacked by someone who knew her?
Despite herself, Liz gets drawn into their lives. She finds herself pursuing the story, partly as hard-bitten reporter, and partly because she cares about this motley collection of people who have become a family to each other. She's also obsessed with solving the mystery of The Princess's real identity.
I know it's almost a cliche these days to say "I couldn't put the book down," but I couldn't. It was an engrossing read, and the characters are memorable. Despite the events I've mentioned, it's also a heartwarming read. I highly recommend it.
And no spoilers here. You will have to read the book to answer the questions raised above.
You can buy the book HERE: and HERE:
You contact the author at her website HERE:
Mitty, I don't read mysteries often, but this sounds fascinating, especially since it is based in Sacramento. Thanks for the recommendation. It's going on my to-read short list!
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Hi, Nancy, thanks for stopping by. It's a pleasurable read. The characters are so full of life. It's a book I would re-read for the pleasure of keeping company with interesting characters.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! I love the cover. It makes a reader want to open that book!
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth! SO exciting to hear that Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls will be published! Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteVery much looking forward to reading Imogene and the Case of the Missing Pearls. As evidenced by his dependence upon the Baker Street Irregulars, Holmes was not known for underestimating or failing to encourage the observational powers of children.
ReplyDeleteCatherine, I love the Imogene cover, and I like the Flint House cover too. Which cover were you refering too?
ReplyDeleteHi, Keith, thanks. It's exciting, for sure.
Hi, Geo. Very good observation. Doyle created such an interesting character in Holmes. So removed from emotional contact, but able to appreciate the smartness in children.
ReplyDeleteI do love a good mystery and this one sounds really, really good. I hope I can find time to read it soon. Thanks for telling me about it. Congrats on your deal for Imogene. I can't wait to hold it in my hands.
ReplyDeleteRosi, this is also what one might call "a gentle mystery", despite the mysterious death and the mysterious beating. I think you would enjoy it.
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!!! No wonder you've been busy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya. Yes, nice to catch my breath for a few days. Er . . . minutes. :-)
ReplyDeleteElizabeth--congratulations on your upcoming book publication, and what a charming book cover! Imogene is speaking to me, I will be ordering your book :-) I also like the description of Flint House and wish Kathleen great success with her book, too.
ReplyDeleteHi, Kenda, Thanks for the good wishes for both myself and Kathleen. And thanks for your support. I think you will enjoy Imogene. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteHoy Moley! Congratulations, Elizabeth. This couldn't have happened to a nicer lady. ^_^
ReplyDeleteThanks, Victoria! It surely couldn't happen to a happier lady! :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Elizabeth. Very, very happy for you. I know how hard you worked on the book. The cover is lovely. Good luck with the book.
ReplyDeleteHi, Rachna. Yes, we have both worked so hard and commiserated with each other, waiting for the good times. Nice to see our dreams coming true, yes?
ReplyDeleteI am so happy for you. Love the cover.
ReplyDeleteHi Elizabeth! Lovely to see you back and wow, what a gorgeous cover and interesting-sounding book. A long haul I'm sure, but I'm so happy for you. Dream on, I say. I'm a believer!
ReplyDeleteDenise :-)
Flint House sounds like a great read and many congrats on your release, Elizabeth. The cover is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cathy. I like the cover, too. Bob Gibson of Staunch Design - http://www.staunch.com/ - did a great job.
ReplyDeleteDenise, nice to see you here. Yes, I'm a believer, too. At long last. Glad you like the cover and concept.
Hi, Sandra, thanks stopping by, and thanks for the support.
Intriguing! And I hope you enjoy your cozy mystery group.
ReplyDeleteHi, Donna, yes, they are a great group. Very supportive.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the upcoming publication of your book! I've been growing my interest in mysteries and it sounds like just the kind I like. Can't wait to read it! And Kathleen's sounds excellent, too. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Janet. Glad you like the sounds of both books. My own will be available June 15th. Watch for it.
ReplyDeleteAre you mainly reading mysteries? Or are you interested in writing them, too? Keep me posted.
Congratulations on your publishing news and what a great cover!
ReplyDeleteFlint House sounds really great - I love the idea of a motley group of people together for a mystery. :)
Hi, Kimberly, I'm glad you like the cover. It's just how I envisioned "Imogene". Yes, Flint House was a great read. The characters really grow on you.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on selling your book! Cute cover, too. I love Sherlock stories :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, for stopping by, Alexia. I'm glad you like the cover, I was very pleased with it. And, yes, I'm a Sherlock fan from way back. My hubby, too.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the upcoming release! Excellent news.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nick! I'm still kinda floating.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the publication of your book.
ReplyDeleteFlint House sounds like a good read to me as it deals with lives intersecting. Intriguing... Thank you for sharing it.
Hi, Julia, yes, I like book themes that involve with intersedcting lives. That was one appeal of Flint House, and it was the appeal of As She Left It as well. Both give you interesting puzzles to solve, along with memorable characters.
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