Veronica's Writer's Diary: Celebrating My New Cozy Mystery Release, FAMILY SKELETONS: THE SECRETS OF CASTLEWOOD MANOR!
- Veronica Cline Barton
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
"Families: to the ties that bind, and the secrets that keep them reeling!"
Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams, Sleuth Extraordinaire and now Best-Selling Author
What a Happy February it is! Lady Gemma and I are celebrating our latest tale of mystery, mayhem, and murder most foul with the release of FAMILY SKELETONS: THE SECRETS OF CASTLEWOOD MANOR!
We've both come a long way since 2018 when Gemma left the shores of Malibu to head to Cherrywood Hall to try and win the coveted set location contest for Castlewood Manor.
Nine books later in Book 10 of My American Almost-Royal Cousin Cozy Mysteries, Lady Gemma takes on her latest roll as a best-selling author for her book, Genteel Secrets. The posh family tell-all collection features Gemma's own scandalous tale of her illegitimate auntie, Charlotte--as well as six other tales that will curl the well-coiffed hairdos of the rich and famous all around the globe. Things go swimmingly at first, but as all cozy mystery aficionados know, things are about to change... Dun-Dun-Dun...
As with all book projects, it takes a team of experts to get the manuscript and cover ready for publication. I'd like to give a special shoutout to Danielle Gregorio and Eeva Lancaster for the stunning book cover design for Family Skeletons--I love it, and I hope you do too. Elegant and eerie, a perfect combo for a cozy mystery tale with regal glam!
I also want to thank Eeva and her team at The Book Khalessi for their tremendous efforts in supporting the editing of the manuscript, seller page design and prep, and promo banners and services to market Family Skeletons. They are a great resource for authors--I highly recommend them! You can find out more about their fine services here:
So, as February begins, blowing out the last of the winter chills, what better way to snuggle in than to curl up by the fire, with a lovely libation, and read! Wishing you and yours a fantastic February, filled with warmth and comfort.
It's Wednesday, time for Dear Diary:
Introducing FAMILY SKELETONS: THE SECRETS OF CASTLEWOOD MANOR
★★★★★ “A murder mystery with rollicking twists and turns!”
From the desk of multi-award-winning author Veronica Cline Barton comes a gripping new mystery where the line between high-society glamour and cold-blooded homicide is razor-thin. Known for weaving intricate puzzles and sophisticated suspense, Barton returns with a tale that proves the most dangerous weapons aren’t always kept in a drawer... sometimes, they are printed on the page.
What happens when your best-selling book becomes a blueprint for murder?
Lady Gemma Lancaster Williams is about to find out as she begins a publicity tour to promote her new collection of genteel secrets from the families of the rich and famous.
Her publisher and agent have the next project in mind, but as the tour and her eclectic mix of stories from her swanky raconteurs begins to unravel, destiny has other plans. A killer with a macabre flair is in their midst.
Will Lady Gemma uncover who is behind the murderous scheme before the final page is turned?
Perhaps some secrets are best left buried…
START READING NOW!
V's Reads
Holiday conundrums and eerie happenings this month from the writers of X...
5 ⭐ A family emergency brings Ann Cramer back to her childhood home of Dillford. Her mother's had a stroke and the family bakery has been long neglected. Decisions must be made--will she find the strength and clarity to make them?
Relations with her troubled sister are strained. A former loves re-enters Ann's life, complicating matters of the heart. And a development scheme threatens the small-town sanctity of Dillford. Memories of the past and the realities of the present make this Christmas one to remember.
Author McNiven weaves a poignant tale of a family under change and the happenings that will impact the destinies of many. A heartwarming, poignant family tale set in a small-town exuding warmth and hope. An inspiring holiday read!
5 ⭐ Ghosts inhabit the halls of Trelawney House and the surrounding moor, refusing to cross over to the other side. The villagers know the house is haunted and do anything to avoid setting foot on the grounds.
For Abby Fisher, her hopes of being governess in a fine home are dashed as she pulls up to the decrepit house. Her small charge, a boy named Edward, lives all alone there, abandoned by a series of help who can't bear the haunted halls. Abby is torn--she can't leave the boy alone again. As she uncovers the secrets the house has hidden, she soon discovers a ghostly web of deception, greed, violence, and tainted love.
Author Bradshaw has penned a macabre, chilling tale that is sure to curl your toes. Will Abby and Edward escape from Trelawney House, or will they too face the curse of death that has trapped so many souls? A family's kindness may be their only hope, but will the ghosts permit it? This tale is the 4th book in The Ghosts from the Bazaar collection---a series I have enjoyed reading immensely. A huge treat for fans of the paranormal, highly recommended!
Bring out the Valentines!
With February's arrival, we're decorating in red twinkle lights and chocolates, LOL! The Mackenzie Childs inspired wreath by Elegant Designs by Lulu is now proudly adorning the front entrance of Cherrywood Hall West! We like to make the house sparkle for the season at hand. It brightens up the winter days and gives the rooms a pop of twinkle. And of course, I'm digging out recipes for all things chocolate this month. What's your favorite sweet treat to indulge those Valentine cravings?
Welcome to my world. Wishing you and yours an awesome February of abundance and love.
Crowns and Kisses,
Veronica
P.S. Have a fabulous Valentine's Day on the 14th! Remember, EAT THE CHOCOLATE! Gemma and Rikkhe approve. 💖👑🍫
