Three Upcoming Book Events
Everything you need to know about my upcoming appearances at the Elk Grove Writers Conference, the Great Valley Bookfest, and the Avid Reader Bookstore. Join me for these celebrations of books!
Special Treatments of the Dead
I noticed two unrelated articles in the recent Archaeology Magazine. Their juxtaposition got me thinking about treatments of the dead. We humans are really good at over-the-top respect on the one hand, and fear on the other. Have a look.
The Carnivale of Curiosities, Book Review
With atmospherically rich effect, Amiee Gibbs’s The Carnivale of Curiosities combines gothic Victorian historical with dark fantasy. She intertwines themes of constructed family, freaks, and the reality of magic. I hope you enjoy my review.
Horses of Fire: A Novel of Troy, Book Review
Like many of the recent Troy books, this latest, Horses of Fire, focuses on women. It consciously departs from Homeric tradition and historical accuracy in ways that may please readers or irritate them. Have a look at my review.
The Orchid Hour, Interview with Nancy Bilyeau
Join me for an interview with historical novelist Nancy Bilyeau and her latest, The Orchid Hour, set in 1923 NY during Prohibition. Our conversation even came with a cocktail.
Survivors of Vesuvius Explosion, AD 79
The venerable site of Pompeii and environs keeps on surprising us. Sometimes only after a lot of creative hard work. Now we’re learning about the survivors. How’s that for a positive twist on the infamous disaster?
Review of Elisha Daemon, by E.C. Ambrose
If you’d enjoy a novel combining medieval magic and medicine, my review of E.C. Ambrose’s Elisha Daemon is for you. Read on.
The History of Writing, Independence & Resistance
The history of writing reveals some of the most profound ideas and values we humans ponder. The Hittite world that inspires my fiction used the cuneiform writing system–as did every other Near Eastern empire in the Bronze Age. Until a great shift into a variety of scripts came about. The question is why.
Cover Reveal for Becoming Madame Secretary
Join me in celebrating the cover reveal for Stephanie Dray’s upcoming novel, Becoming Madame Secretary. Whether she’s bringing to life Cleopatra’s daughter or Jefferson’s, she’s an outstanding writer of historical fiction. Take a peek at what she’s done with Frances Perkins.
Review of The Cliff’s Edge by Charles Todd
Thirteen may be an unlucky number, but not with the thirteenth book in the Bess Crawford series. I’ve consistently enjoyed this mystery series. Set in 1919 postwar England, The Cliff’s Edge skillfully interweaves several intriguing elements: the long shadow of WWI, English village life just after the war, old hatreds, and a twisty plot. I hope you enjoy my review.