A Question of Numbers!

Andrea here, and I'm excited to announce that today is Release Day for A Question of Numbers, the latest book in my Lady Arianna Regency mystery series. I've had such fun writing these characters and their adventures, so I thought I'd share a bit of backstory about why I love writing the mystery genre, as well as a bit about the inspiration behind this latest story.

I began my career as a published author (don't ask about the old manuscripts squirreled away in a desk drawer) writing traditional Regency romances for NAL. I loved the era—and that's stayed with me to this day—and after glomming a number of books in the genre (including Wenches Mary Jo, Pat and Jo Beverley) I buckled up my courage and took a try at it, and to my surprise and delight . . . I got a contract. When the publishing world changed, I moved to sexy Regencies, which were fun, but I came to realize that my heart really lay in writing mysteries.

Why? Traditional publishers at the time were demanding a LOT of "between the sheets" scenes (in fact, it got to the point where I was told how many were expected in the book.) Now, physical attraction is a wonderful chemistry, but I find exploring the cerebral intricacies of my characters give me a chance to "flesh out" an even richer and more nuanced stories within stories. A traditional mystery (hard-boiled crime has different tropes) begins with—well, a mystery! It's often a murder. The protagonists who take on the challenge of solving the murder then begin a journey to find the truth. This is where it gets fun. As an author you get to delve into what makes a character tick. What are their strengths, their fears, their weaknesses? In seeking the motivations beyond the crime, they need to understand their own actions. Trust is a huge element of solving a mystery—who do you trust and why? Secrets can unravel . . . often in unexpected ways.

Because of my romance background—I do love creating the chemistry of attraction, but as one of the plot points, not the only one. It adds yet another layer of tension as each character tries to deal with all the forces in play. That's why I choose to have a man and women as my main protagonists. I find that thread helps weave complex—and interesting—characters, which I hope helps make the book even more engaging for readers.

Lady Arianna and Lord Saybrook, the heroine and hero of my series, both have personal demons in their backstory, and how they come to grips with them on a personal level, is a subplot as they work on solving the main mystery in each story. (Shown above are two paintings by Regency artist Sir Thomas Lawrence that I think capture my vision of Arianna and Saybrook)

Now, on to the inspiration behind A Question of Numbers! Many of you know I'm a history nerd, so the chance to set a mystery in Brussels right before the Battle of Waterloo was a special allure. The timing worked very well for the series arc, and given that Arianna and Saybrook are often involved in helping the government resolve threats to Britain, it was too alluring to resist! Wellington, the Duchess of Richmond's Ball, the specter of Napoleon and his advancing army (the previous book had Arianna matching wits with Napoleon on Elba) and other little historical details, like Napoleon's real-life jeweled talisman that is said to have been recovered near the battlefield. (You can read about the talisman in one of my earlier blogs) Those things all provided inspiration for intrigue and mayhem. And then I threw in a mysterious lady from Saybrook's to ramp up the personal stakes.

Here's an excerpt:

A bit of moonlight dribbled through the leaves, illuminating the man’s pale-as-death face. The fine-boned features had a certain feminine delicacy to them—a fact he tried to disguise with a luxuriant blond mustache, upturned at the ends with a twist of wax.
    She instantly recognized the distinctive curl.
    “Count Grunwald—”
    He sucked in a breath, but the next sound died on his tongue.
    Arianna felt for a pulse. Finding none, she gave a short whistle, the signal agreed upon with Saybrook. In a few moments he was there, his dark coat melding in with the leafy shadows. He, too, smelled the blood, for he let out a low oath.
    “Is he still alive?”
    “I’m not sure. He’s been stabbed in the chest.”
    “I’ll get a light. Try not to disturb the scene.” The earl returned quickly with one of the lanterns.
     “He’s gone,” she said, watching the lamplight play over his sightless eyes. Grunwald had, she recalled, been very fond of Shakespeare’s play, especially A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Funny what little details one remembered about a person.    
     Lord, what fools these mortals be.
    “It’s a wonder he didn’t die instantly,” observed Saybrook. “The blade must have just missed his heart.” Unfastening the buttons of the dead man’s coat, he began a thorough search of his clothing for any sign of documents. “Do you recognize the fellow?”
    “Yes, it’s Count Grunwald,” she answered. “I did spend some very pleasant hours with him in Vienna while you were in meetings. He was fond of all things British. We had some interesting discussions on Shakespeare’s plays, but why he would choose to trust me . . .” She found it puzzling. “It makes no sense.”
    “We both know the patterns of intrigue never do when the first few strands spin around you and draw you into the web.”
    Arianna felt a chill slide down her spine.
    “Nothing,” muttered the earl, after finishing with the outer pockets. He slid his fingers into the right boot, but sounds from the terrace caused him to abandon his probing and blow out the lantern.
    “We can’t linger here.” He rose and offered Arianna a hand up. “I must alert Charles. He needs to send word to Horse Guards and then make sure that no one enters the garden until the powers-that-be decide on how to handle the situation.”
    She was under no illusion as to whom he was referring.
    “And I must get a message to Henning.” Their friend, a former military surgeon, was very skilled in dissecting the secrets of violent death. “I’d like him to examine the body as soon as possible. As for you . . .” He eyed her evening gown. “You’ve bloodstains on your skirts. Wait here—when I return, we’ll leave through the back gate.”
    As he slipped away, Arianna watched the shadows tangle with shadows, their dipping, darting shapes moving too quickly for the eye to discern. And all at once, the soft swish of the leaves took on a more menacing rustle.
    And to think that Saybrook and I had imagined a summer of quiet contemplation.
    “Damnation,” she whispered. “It seems there will be no peace in our lives while Napoleon’s arse is perched on a throne.”

So, that's a small glimpse at how the book came to life! You can read more about it on my website, and under the "Diversions" section are a number of illustrated blogs related to all my books. Happy Reading!

So, do you enjoy the mystery genre? What's your favorite genre? And do you like when an author weaves a story around a real historical event? Please share! I'll be giving away an e-book of A Question of Numbers to one reader, chosen at random from those who leave a comment here between now and Wednesday!

 

Comments

[Kathy K]

Yes, I do love to read mystery combined with history. Of course, research is key to try and avoid "clunkers" that destroy the mood or twist the plot into something unlikely and unrecognizable. I also agree with you about romance. I love romance but "blow by blow" descriptions are sometimes not romantic.

[Andrea Penrose]

I really agree with you—for me, sexual tension is far more interesting and "sexy" than a really graphic description. which all too often sound like a manual for putting together an unassembled piece of machinery!

[Amy J]

I've been quite enjoying your Regency mysteries, and recently started one of the Finch books after a mention here. Other than that, my 'gateway drug' was a friend loaning me a number of cozy mysteries in the cat/bookstore/library realm.

[Quantum]

I really enjoy a good mystery and my wife and I both enjoy audio's and videos of the many classics especially Lord Peter Wimsey, Miss Marple, Hercule Poirot and inspector Morse. I also have a taste for the more modern mysteries which often merge with the thriller genre, with authors like Lynda LaPlante and Val McDermid.

As to real world mysteries, science abounds with those! For all of my life from school days onward I have been fascinated with the mystery of life. How does living matter differ from the inanimate. How can life overcome the disorganizing forces of thermodynamics (entropy increase). Is there a need for new physics to explain it? In his latest popular book 'The Demon in the Machine' Paul Davies, the eminent theoretical physicist, explains that he has also had a life long fascination with this topic. He believes that new physics is required to explain the continuous information flow that identifies living matter..... the plot thickens!

Great to see that Lady Arianna has reached book 4. I really enjoyed the mystery in book 1 and thought that disguising poison with chocolate was a splendid idea LOL. Been a bit distracted lately but will get re-acquainted with Lady Arianna and Lord Saybrook soon.

Do publishers really research reader's interests to the extent of identifying the number of bedroom scenes required to sell a book!?
I must admit that as a red blooded male, I do enjoy the occasional physical entanglement but in general the meeting of minds holds my attention for much longer. I have never been approached by publishers for my views on such matters.

Thanks for another fascinating post Andrea 😊

[Misti]

I do enjoy mysteries of all kinds, but my very favorite are historical mystery with a little bit of romance. I love to have a little bit of romance in there but I really don't want it to take over the mystery plot. My favorites manage to get the balance just right.
I also love it when a historical event in a book gets me interested in that part of history. It's fun to go dig up a little more about it on my own. Of course, sometimes an author makes things up so well that I'm disappointed it isn't real. :)

[Mary T]

Most of what I read is romance, and I favor historical over contemporary. But I also read a lot of biographies and mysteries. When it comes to mysteries, or romance, I find real historical events often peak my interest and make me want to know more.

[Brenda Margriet]

This sounds like something I want to read for sure! :) And not only because the portrait of "Arianna" is the cover of my beloved and falling apart edition of Pride and Prejudice.

[Andrea Penrose]

I'm a big fan of Charles Finch's books. I think he does wonderful, engaging characters along with very interesting plots. IAnd I really like Miranda james's cat/lirary cozies!

[Andrea Penrose]

I always love your very thoughtful musings, Quantum. Yes, the mystery of life is really the ultimate search for Truth, isn't it—the Turth of simply "being." I think one of the reasons I've come to appreciate science late in life is I see how so much of science is asking fundamental questions and having the dedication to follow a a difficult quest for answers.

This new Lady Arianna has a fun mathmtaical subplot. I'm particularly interested to hear what you think of it! (Though it won't be out in audio for some time)

I've never read Val McDermid or Lynda LaPlante. Have added them to my TRB pile!

As to your question as to whether the publishers do actual research on bedroom scenes—I don't think so. There just a happened to be be an editorial director at the time who had decided that all the books had to have Alpha male heroes . . .and Alpha males had to have at least three bedroom scenes. Preferably more. (I will refrain from further comment.)

[Andrea Penrose]

I agree, Misti. I love it when a historical mystery or fiction book gets me interested enough in a plot point based on actual history that I want to read more about it.

[Andrea Penrose]

Oh, I hadn't known it was used for one of the many P&P covers over the years. I just love the woman's face. She looks so thoughtful and radiates a wonderful sense of self and inner strength . . .in a very quiet sort of way.

[Andrea Penrose]

Glad to hear you enjoy real history, Brenda!

[Lucy]

That might explain certain formulaic trends that were--I will just say, becoming extremely tiresome. It's too bad that said editorial director had such a limited vision for romance novels, and for the heroes who inhabit them.

All that aside, you have a delightful cover for this new book. Congratulations! :)

[Kareni]

My favorite genre is romance. I am happy to read mysteries and other genres and if there is some romance mixed in, all the better. I'm currently rereading Anne Cleeland's New Scotland Yard mysteries which are contemporary mysteries with romance and reading Ben Aaronovitch's Rivers of London series which mix mystery and urban fantasy. I've read many JD Robb books which are futuristic mystery romances.

I enjoyed Ashley Gardner's Captain Lacey Regency Mysteries (the first of which is free on Amazon and other sites). KJ Charles has also written some enjoyable male/male historical mystery romances (some with a paranormal element).

Congratulations, Andrea, on the release of A Question of Numbers!

[Sue McCormick]

I am eagerly awaiting my first reading of this new Lady Arianna. Since the three genre I read most often are Science Fiction and Fantasy, Romances of all subtypes, and Mysteries a well-written Mystery with Romantic plot is always a hit with me.

And I agree with all the others. Once in a while a steamy scene works, but as a required trope it gets boring and unrealistic.

[Beverly Abney]

Are these Penrose titles ever going to be in print? I have the last one in my Nook, but I still like print better. I love the characters and their relationship with each other.

[Andrea Penrose]

So glad you are enjoying the stories, Beverly.

Sigh on the print books! You're not the only one asking . . .Alas, I do all the production myself, and as I'm a slow writer, I cringe at trying to figure out how to format paper books.

But I promise I will try to make that happen soon!(I prefer paper, too!)

[Annette N]

My reading is divided pretty equally between mysteries and romance, both historical and contemporary.

You have provided me with a bit of information. I wondered why some books by authors who were my favorites became sex scene - wee bit of plot - sex scene and on and on.

I agree with you, a couple who investigate provide more opportunity to involve characters and situations from both lives. Since I enjoy puzzles, mysteries provide me with challenges.

[Teresa Broderick]

I never really read Regency mysteries as I prefer historical romance. The only ones I've read are your own Wrexford and Sloane and I LOVE them. I'm really looking forward to the new one.
I can't stand romances with too much sex. I'm not a prude but I don't need to read those that have steamy scenes in them. To be honest, they spoil the story for me and interrupt the flow of the story.

[Jeanne Behnke]

I love mysteries & historicals. The Regency era has long been a favorite of mine, but no matter the time period, I've always loved the "romantic suspense" that goes on. Because of the blogging here I'm re-reading some of my Mary Stewarts and falling in love with her all over again. As for sex scenes - I can live without the graphics for the most part. I think Saybrook looks pretty dishy from your picture!

[Karin]

Yes, I love the mystery genre! I've gone through various phases, reading hard boiled detective books(Robert Parker, John McDonald), and British Golden Age mysteries which to me are set(and usually written) between World War I and the mid-20th century. I especially loved the ones with a romantic thread in the plot, like M.M. Kaye and Patricia Wentworth. I read every single one of Ellis Peters medieval mysteries over the years.
Then I got sidetracked into historical romance, and for many years I barely picked up a mystery. Now I have rediscovered my love for the genre, with books set in the Regency and Victorian eras. It's easy when so many of the romance authors I read are now writing mysteries. Besides Andrea's books, I love Ashley Gardner/Jennifer Ashley, Tracy Grant, C.S. Harris and Sheri Cobb South.
After romance, mystery and sci-fi, the genre I read the most of is non-fiction travelogue/memoir. Stuff like "The Road From Coorain", "As I Stepped Out One Midsummer Morning" and "Paris To The Moon".

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, Annette, publishers do sometimes place demands that affect an author's writing. It's why a number of authors have chosen to go indie or hybrid, as they get more freedom to explore, and aren't constrained by what a major publisher deems is "saleable".)

I do like having a plot that really involves the characters and challenges them. Mystery is a great genre for doing that.

[Andrea Penrose]

Thanks SO much, Teresa! The new one will be out in September!

I agree with you on the "too much"! I'm not a prude either—it just becomes rather boring to read graphic scenes, IMO. In general, sexual tension is far more sexy to me than describing the actual act.

You should try more cozy mysteries, which have relationships. I think you'd really like Charles Finch and Tasha Alexander.

[Andrea Penrose]

Yes, that picture is pretty dishy, isn't it?

So glad we got you re-reading Mary Stewart, who all of us Wenches adore. I think it was her books that hooked me on mystery/romance. Her heroines were plucky, resourceful, strong and brave in an era that didn't usually show women as such, and that really resonated with me.

[Andrea Penrose]

Love your reading arcs, Karin. (And feel honored to be mentioned along with the other wonderful Regency/Victorian mystery writers you highlighted, who are all favorites of mine too! (I'd also add Deanna Raybourn and Tasha Alexander.)

I love memoir/travelogue, so will check out the titles you mentioned!