Interview with Mary Lawrence, Author of Death of an Alchemist

Mary Lawrence lives in Maine and worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years before publishing her debut mystery, The Alchemist’s Daughter (Kensington, 2015). Her articles have appeared in The Daily Beast, The Boston Book Review and Portland Monthly Magazine. Book 2 of the Bianca Goddard Mystery series, Death of an Alchemist, released in February, 2016. 

Visit her at www.marylawrencebooks.com www.facebook.com/marylawrence.author
twitter: @mel59lawrence https://www.pinterest.com/mel59lawrence https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/84420.Mary_Lawrence


When did you begin writing?

I began writing in my thirties when I was a single parent working as a cytotechnologist. My job involved sitting at a microscope for hours on end, looking at cells for precancerous changes. The only connection I had with my patients was the name on the requisition. I amused myself by making up stories about these people. It grew from there.

What is this book about?

 Death of an Alchemist is book 2 in the Bianca Goddard Mysteries, a new series set in the final years of King Henry VIII’s reign. The series features the estranged daughter of an infamous alchemist who makes medicines for the sick. Her medicines are a combination of herbal knowledge (learned from her mother) and alchemy (learned from her father). Death and murder are quite common in Tudor London. Bianca has a curious mind and seeks to understand disease as well as what motivates people to murder.

In Death of an Alchemist, the sweating sickness is spreading. Bianca is working on a cure and seeks help from an elderly alchemist. Ferris Stannum has just discovered the elixir of immortality. He seeks to confirm his recipe with a colleague in Cairo, but the next day, Bianca finds him dead and his journal is missing.

Bianca believes he died under suspicious circumstances and returns home to find her husband has taken ill. When the journal mysteriously turns up in her room of Medicinals and Physickes, she dares to hope it could contain the secret to his recovery. But possessing the journal comes with great peril. An attempt is made on her life as she works to save John’s, and soon Bianca is caught in a race against time to save her husband as well as herself.

What inspired you to write it?

I began writing Death of an Alchemist about the time when the U.S. was nervous about an Eboli outbreak. Hemorrhagic diseases have been around for centuries—think Dengue Fever and the Yellow Fever. But because we were not familiar with E boli, a lot of misinformation circulated and a kind of hysteria developed.

In centuries past, people relied on superstition and misinformation because there wasn’t any science to distinguish diseases or explain them. In Tudor England, the “Sweat” was a well-known and much feared disease that could take victims quickly--“Merry at dinner, dead before dawn.” I asked myself what it would have been like back then trying to understand a mix of different diseases?

Every story or series about alchemy worth its weight needs to address the “elixir of immortality”. Since Bianca stands to lose the most important person in her life and has the chance to cure him of death permanently, I had her wrestle with plenty of philosophical questions.

I was also struggling with my own grief at the time. I had lost my favorite cat and a close friend who had supported my writing for years before I ever got published. The book helped me work through my loss and thoughts about mortality.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

My favorite character is Meddybemps. He is a street vendor who sells trinkets, and amulets to ward off evil spirits, but he also sells Bianca’s medicinal salves, and balms. He’s a surrogate father for Bianca since she is estranged from her own. Meddy is randy, loves to think up off color patters to sell his wares and suffers from latent syphilis. His morals are always slightly skewed, but he adores Bianca. He is a lot of fun to write.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

Quite bumpy! I wrote for over 20 years before I was offered a book contract. I was good enough to get an agent after five years, but never sold anything. I was drawn to historical fiction, but finally after wrestling with an original manuscript for The Alchemist’s Daughter, I decided to take my favorite characters and drop them into a mystery. I had never tried writing one before. At that point I didn’t know if I would ever get published, but it had become so much a part of my life that I couldn’t give up.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

I would have gone to conferences and participated in pitch sessions years sooner. It takes a lot of guts to do them, but I’m convinced it is a quicker path to publication, though I still got my current agent the old fashioned way—through a query. I also think it is important to enter contests and get anonymous reader feedback. Some critics are brutal and may have their own agenda, but you have to be able to sift through and find the truth to make your work better.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

 My book is available in trade and ebook versions at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, BAM, Kobo, Target (online), and independent bookstores.

What is up next for you?

In book 3, Death at St. Vedast, Bianca hobnobs with the well-to-do merchant class. A pall is cast over their friend’s nuptials when the body of a pregnant woman is found beneath the bell tower where Boisvert and his wealthy bride are to be wed. But when the bride suddenly drops dead at her reception, Boisvert is accused of killing her.

To prove their friend’s innocence, Bianca travels to a country village to learn about a series of deaths of similar nature. If Bianca can determine what killed the bride, she may find the person(s) responsible, before more victims succumb to an unpleasant death.

Is there anything you would like to add?

I take a different angle writing historical fiction. My interest is on the commoner in this series, not court intrigues and silk gowns. The Bianca Goddard Mysteries doesn’t take itself too seriously. My first desire is to craft an engaging mystery with interesting characters, then set the stories in a time period that has rarely been looked at through the eyes of the common man. The books are a quick, engaging read with a little creep.

Bargain E-Books: Foundlings by Richard Levesque

Derek Chandler had it all—the education, the promising future, the beautiful wife—but a tragic accident changed everything and his life now stands in ruins. Haunted by the ghosts of what might have been, Derek tries to lose himself in his new job, but what begins as a minor academic mystery soon unravels, leaving him with the burden of a second truncated life: that of long-vanished science fiction writer, Kichiro Nakamura.

Convinced that finding Kichiro is somehow the key to finding his own peace, Derek is drawn into a frantic search of modern and post-war Los Angeles as he tries to reconstruct the shattered kaleidoscope of American and Japanese cultures. And the key to everything just might be the beautiful—and very suspicious—tattoo artist, Yuki Kamikaze.

File Size: 1161 KB
Print Length: 346 pages
Page Numbers Source ISBN: 1506148522
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00S0DQ0LW


Purchase here for only 99 cents!

Book Review: Death of A Clown by Heather Haven

Death of A Clown is an intriguing historical noir mystery from the award-winning pen of Heather Haven.

When up and coming Jeri Deane finds a young clown strangled inside a lion's cage, the local sheriff threatens to shut the Big Top down. Jeri isn't about to let that happen. Her investigation uncovers deceit, treachery, and long-held secrets. Can Jeri find the killer before the lights go out on the big show permanently?

I was already a fan of Haven's work prior to reading Death of A Clown. This book not only drew me in from the first sentence, by the end it showed me that Haven can write historical novels as well as contemporary ones.

Haven is the daughter of a Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus trapeze artist/performer and elephant trainer. It is not hard to imagine how much influence this had on the writing of this novel. She created such vivid pictures, I felt like I was living inside the book as it unfolded.

A fascinating storyline, well-drawn characters, and a shocking ending make this a superb murder mystery. It's no wonder this novel won the 2014 Silver IPPY for Best Mystery/Thriller. Highly recommended.


Paperback: 296 pages
Publisher: The Wives of Bath Press (February 13, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0988408635
ISBN-13: 978-0988408630

I received a free digital copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I read this book for the following challenges:

W...W...W...Wednesdays

This meme was created by MizB at Should Be Reading. To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?
• What did you recently finish reading?
• What do you think you’ll read next?

What are you currently reading?

Up and coming circus performer, Jeri Deane, finds a young clown strangled inside a beloved lion's cage. The town sheriff's threat to close down the Big Top won't stop her from finding his killer. Beneath the spangles and sawdust of the canvas sky, Jeri uncovers deceit, treachery, and secrets more dangerous than any death-defying trick in the circus. Even she has much to hide. If the Big top survives the season, will she be able to face her own hidden past?

Heather Haven is the daughter of real-life Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus folk. Her mother was a trapeze artist/performer and father, an elephant trainer. Heather brings the daily existence of the Big Top to life during World War II, embellished by her own murderous imagination.

I read the first chapter of this book when it first came out. Though I didn't have the time to continue reading it then, I knew I would always go back to it because it was so well written. I'm already several chapters in and am struggling to tear myself away at bedtime.

In Laura Ingalls Wilder: A Writer’s Life, Pamela Smith Hill delves into the complex and often fascinating relationships Wilder formed throughout her life that led to the writing of her classic Little House series. Using Wilder’s stories, personal correspondence, an unpublished autobiography, and experiences in South Dakota, Hill has produced a historical-literary biography of the famous and much-loved author. Following the course of Wilder’s life, and her real family’s journey west, Hill provides a context, both familial and literary, for Wilder’s writing career.

Laura Ingalls Wilder examines Wilder’s inspirations as a writer, particularly her tumultuous, but ultimately successful, professional and personal relationship with her daughter—the hidden editor—Rose Wilder Lane. Wilder produced her timeless classics with the help of, but not reliance upon, her daughter’s editorial insights. Over the course of more than thirty years, Lane and Wilder engaged in a dynamic working relationship, shifting between trust, distrust, and respect. Hill argues that they differed in their visions of the path Wilder’s career should follow, but eventually Lane’s editing brought out the best of her mother’s writing, and allowed her creativity, expression, and experiences to shine through.

I am reading this book for an online course on Laura Ingalls Wilder that I am participating in right now. The author is the instructor. We are reading this book and several of the Little House books. Not tough homework for me.

What did you recently finish reading?

Is this you?

You are unemployed and fed up with the dysfunctional job market.
You are underemployed and eager to use your skills to make more money in work of your choice.
You have been freelancing or consulting but you don’t have enough paying work.
You are working your buns off for bad clients and you’re underpaid to boot.

Diana Schneidman wrote Real Skills, Real Income: A Proven Marketing System to Land Well-Paid Freelance and Consulting Work in 30 Days or Less to help the unemployed, the underemployed, and current solopros who underearn to land more clients quickly. The book explains exactly what to do and say to start building your clientele in less than a month.

Put your real skills to work earning a real income from business clients (because businesses have the money to pay for services and they want your help).

Great book. If you're considering freelancing, this would be a fabulous resource.

Many girls in elementary and middle school fall in love with the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. What they don’t always realize is that Wilder’s books are autobiographical. This narrative biography describes more of the details of the young Laura’s real life as a young pioneer homesteading with her family on many adventurous journeys. This biography, complete with charming illustrations, points out the differences between the fictional series as well as the many similarities. It’s a fascinating story of a much-celebrated writer.

Love it.

What do you think you’ll read next?

Not definite, but should be this one.

Every parent wants the golden key to raising well-behaved, academically gifted, successful, happy children. Embedded in our collective psyche is the notion that discipline is the cornerstone to achieving these goals. This book lambasts this notion, offering a never-before-published perspective on why the entire premise of discipline is flawed. Dr Shefali Tsabary shows that the very idea of discipline is a major cause of generations of dysfunction.

Out of Control goes to the heart of the problems we have with our children, challenging society’s dependence of discipline, daring us to let go of our fear-based ideologies and replace them with an approach that draws parent and child together instead of alienating them. The key is ongoing meaningful connection between parent and child, free of head games such as threats, deprivation, punishment, timeouts—indeed, all forms of manipulation. Parents learn how to enter into deep communion with their children, understanding the reasons for a behavior and how to bring out the best in the child. Far from a laissez-faire anything goes approach, this is how a child learns responsibility and takes ownership of their life, equipped with character and resilience that flow naturally from within.

Interview and Giveaway with Rod Miller, Author of The Assassination of Governor Boggs

A VERSATILE WRITER, Rod Miller is author of two nonfiction books, Massacre at Bear River: First, Worst, Forgotten and John Muir: Magnificent Tramp; a Western novel, Gallows for a Gunman, and two collections of poetry, Things a Cowboy Sees and Other Poems and Newe Dreams: Poems by Rod Miller. He has also written many essays, magazine articles, book reviews, and anthologized short stories, and his poems have appeared in numerous maga- zines and anthologies.

Born and raised in a small town in Utah among horses and cattle, and a veteran of the rodeo arena, he comes by his love of the West and its history, culture, and people honestly. He is a member of Western Writers of America.

Visit Rod online at http://www.writerrodmiller.com/ or The Assassination of Governor Boggs website at http://assassinationofgovernorboggs.com/.

Where did you grow up?

Along Highway 6 in central Utah you’ll find a small town called Goshen—if you look for it, that is, it isn’t really on the way to anyplace. When I grew up, about 500 others lived there. We had an elementary and junior high school, a motel, a café, a beer joint, two gas stations, and two small grocery stores. Now there are about a thousand people there, and everything else is gone but the elementary school and one gas station with a small convenience store. We always had horses, cattle, pigs, chickens, cows to milk, and the like, and spent the summers putting up hay.

It was one of those old-fashioned places where, as a boy, you could leave home in the morning and come home in the evening and your mother would never worry about where you were or what you were up to. We would ride or hike or just wander.

When did you begin writing?

For more than 30 years I have been an advertising copywriter. About 15 years ago, I decided, out of curiosity to see if I could write a poem. Later, I wondered about short stories, later still, books and novels. I have no education or formal training in creative writing—if I know anything about it, I’ve learned it from reading good books.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Pretty much whenever I can make the time. Having written on deadlines for all these years, I do not know the meaning of “writer’s block” or any such thing. If something has to be written, I write it. There are times when I don’t write, but it’s because I’m lazy or just don’t want to—but never because I “just can’t.” Since I write what I write (outside of business) mostly for enjoyment, I seldom force myself because I don’t want to take the fun out of it.

What is this book about?

The Assassination of Governor Boggs is a cold-case investigation into the 1842 attempted murder of Lilburn Boggs, former governor of Missouri. Given up for dead, and reported so in the newspapers, he survived. The crime was never solved. Twenty-five years later, following the Governor’s death, his family hires a Pinkerton agent to determine who fired the shot. We follow the investigator as he tracks down clues across the Old West on a trail that leads to Salt Lake City and Mormon gunfighter Porter Rockwell.

As a historical novel, the book is based on real people and events; it also a detective story, an Old West frontier novel, and something of a mystery.

What inspired you to write it?

The actual events behind the novel are fascinating—interesting people, the Mormon conflicts in Missouri, an unsolved crime—and seemed good fodder for a compelling book. It’s an intriguing story that hasn’t been told before, at least not in any detail. Plus, I have long been fascinated by Porter Rockwell and saw this as an opportunity to write about him in a way others hadn’t.

Who is your favorite character from the book?

Definitely Porter Rockwell. He represents so much of what made the American West a unique and iconic part of our history. He was a renowned frontiersman, scout, tracker, freighter, cowboy, horseman, gunfighter, lawman, outlaw, rancher, and just about any other Old West “type” you can come up with.

That said, through the research for the book I developed great respect for Lilburn Boggs. He is an infamous figure in Mormon history owing to his issuing the Extermination Order evicting the Mormons from Missouri under threat of death. But there is much more to the man that that. He, too, was an important figure in the settlement of the West, a highly regarded leader, and a respected frontiersman.

Of course I like Calvin Pogue, the troubled Pinkerton agent of my own invention. He is fearless and tenacious, yet demonstrates a softer side.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

I do not have an agent. It seemed to me early on that finding representation with a good agent was just as difficult as finding a publisher, so I chose to approach publishers directly. Since my output is so varied—novels, short fiction, poetry, nonfiction, magazine articles, essays—mine is not exactly the sort of career that would interest an agent. Most agents (and publishers, for that matter) are looking for some sort of consistency on which to build a career. Me, I’m more interested in writing what interests me at the time, rather than repeating, in a sense, what I’ve already done. Which is why, I suppose, each of my six books is from a different publisher and appeals to a different audience.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

In some ways, too smooth. Early on, getting poems published encouraged me and led me to try short fiction and later books. There are so many horror stories about getting published, but I haven’t experienced them to any great degree. I guess I didn’t know any better, so I just went after it.

I don’t have a stack of unpublished novels or stories—pretty much everything I’ve written (outside of some poems) has been published. Certainly there have been rejections, but eventually I’ve managed to place all my work with legitimate publishers, large and small. Almost all my magazine articles have come to me by assignment, as have several other opportunities to write and publish material.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Visit http://www.assassinationofgovernorboggs.com/ and you’ll find links to online booksellers. Likewise, at my web site, http://www.writerrodmiller.com/. It’s available from online booksellers, and it’s on the shelves in many bookstores or can be ordered by them from all the major distributors and wholesalers.

What is up next for you?

Right now I am in the middle of a somewhat untraditional traditional Western novel. I have also completed most of the research and some of the writing for a book of popular history. And there are a couple of magazine articles in the works. I am also reading a book to review for a history magazine. And, a poem or essay is likely to crop up any time.

Is there anything you would like to add?

Thanks for inviting me to talk to your readers. I hope you all enjoy The Assassination of Governor Boggs.

Doesn't Rod's book sound fascinating? Read below for details on how you can enter to win a FREE copy.

1) You must be a follower of The Book Connection in order to win.

2) Leave a comment including your email address (you can't win if we don't have your email address).

3) BONUS: Follow me on Facebook +1.

4) BONUS: Follow me on Twitter +1.

5) BONUS: Blog about this contest. Leave link here +3.

6) Winner must be 18 years of age or older and reside in the United States.

7) Each entry must be a separate comment.

Deadline to enter is 11:59 PM Eastern on Sunday, November 13, 2011. Only those following the rules of this contest are eligible to win. Book will be shipped to the winner via the author or his representative. The Book Connection is not responsible for lost or damaged goods.

Interview with Alberto Rios Arias, Author of A Death for Beauty or An Immortal

Joining us today is Alberto Rios Arias, author of A Death For Beauty or An Immortal.

Born in Jersey City and raised in Hoboken, New Jersey, Alberto filled his leisure time writing and illustrating short stories and took an interest in creative writing after reading J.D. Salinger’s, Catcher in the Rye in high school.

After a three-year stint in the Army, he pursued another obsession and enrolled in the popular School of Visual Arts in Manhattan under the G.I. Bill. Although he majored in Fine Arts, his creative writing class inspired him to continue writing.

His efforts eventually paid off and he found work as an advertising copywriter. His advertorials appeared weekly in The New York Post and The Daily News. Meanwhile he continued to hone his writing skills and upon early retirement, he decided to pursue creative writing in earnest, recently finishing two feature screenplays and his first novel

Welcome to The Book Connection, Alberto. We're thrilled to have you. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I’m a big fan of classic novels plus I enjoy reading popular screenplays.

Where did you grow up?

I’m from Hoboken, New Jersey.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Moving nearby the Atlantic Ocean.

When did you begin writing?

During my high school years.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

Mostly during the day when my energy is at its highest.

What is this book about?

Thematically the book is about the uncertainties of life and the fear of death as seen through the eyes of a troubled young woman during the civil war.

What inspired you to write it?

 I’ve always been fascinated with the Civil War era and in particular the battles among soldiers and Indian tribes.

Who is your favorite author?

Tough question because it’s hard to choose, but I’d have to say Cormac McCarthy.

Do you have an agent or are you looking for one?

It doesn’t hurt to have a good agent, but I’ve yet to really shop for one.

Was the road to publication smooth sailing or a bumpy ride?

So far it’s been trial and error but enjoying the ride.

If you knew then, what you know now, is there anything you would have done differently?

Probably not for this particular book. As an independent, I like the freedom and control, especially in today’s digital marketplace.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

Right now it’s available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble in paperback and digital format.

Do you have a website and/or blog where readers can find out more?

Readers can learn more about this story at: http://www.adeathforbeauty.com/

Do you have a video trailer to promote your book? If yes, where can readers find it?

I think I got a little carried away so readers will find about 10 different trailers for this book on my homepage. (Yes, I love making trailers.)

What is the best investment you have made in promoting your book?

Just getting started so not sure yet, but PUYB is a good bet.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Dive in head first, but be diligent with the craft because there’s always a lot to learn about writing and publishing and it’s all about story concept and story structure. Nothing but great stories populated with fascinating characters will do, but that’s just the beginning. Fact is, everything has to be just right so it’s never easy to get to that point, but it’s fun getting there.

What is up next for you?

I’ve got a lot of writing to finish (short stories and another novel) and even more to start so it’s a lifetime deal and I’m looking forward to it all.


Thanks for spending time with us today, Alberto. We wish you much success.

Book Review: The Tudor Secret by C.W. Gortner

Be swept into a world of half-truths, lies, and murder in The Tudor Secret, by acclaimed historical novelist, C.W. Gortner.

It is the summer of 1553. The foundling, Brendan Prescott, who was raised by the powerful Dudley family, is summoned to court to be the squire to Robert Dudley. The Dudleys had never shown him any kindness in the past, so he approaches his new role with a heavy dose of trepidation.

A chance meeting with Princess Elizabeth finds Brendan drawn into the middle of the danger and intrigue that surrounds her world. Her brother, King Edward VI, is dying, and Elizabeth is determined to see him, despite those who wish to capture her and her half-sister, Princess Mary, to prevent them from ever taking the throne.

Brendan is promised the key to unlocking the secrets to his mysterious past; but with the help of an orphaned stable-boy and a lady-in-waiting, his primary goal is to protect Princess Elizabeth, at any and all cost.

I've read Gortner's The Last Queen and The Confessions of Catherine de Medici. I helped the author promote the latter of the two. Since the first book, I have been a huge fan of his work, so I was thrilled when he contacted me and requested my help in promoting his latest release.

While Gortner's previous novels have focused on strong women who defied convention, the spotlight of The Tudor Secret, is a fictional male character with a mysterious past who becomes an important player in protecting Princess Elizabeth and her half-sister Princess Mary. Though Elizabeth is a dominant figure throughout the story, for the first time, Gortner places his bet upon his a character of his own imagination to carry the day. And carry the day, he did.

Brendan is a sympathetic character from the start. A foundling, he was raised by the powerful Dudleys. It is odd that he would be brought to court by those who seemed to despise him. Brendan soon becomes entangled in a plot that involves the Dudleys, the dying King Edward VI, Elizabeth, and her protector, William Cecil. He is instantly taken by the Princess, and pledges his life to her service.

Along the way, Brendan meets Peregrine, an orphaned stable boy who brings back memories of his youth. Peregrine became one of my favorite characters. I'm hoping we see more of him as this series progresses.

Gortner has always had an eloquent style, but here he loosens the reins a bit and provides the reader with a lighter, and superbly told story of intrigue and suspense. When you believe you've uncovered the secrets, a new twist is introduced, which begs you to continue reading, no matter the hour.

I truly enjoyed The Tudor Secret and am eager for the release of the next book. Lovers of historical fiction, the Tudor era, and stories filled with action and suspense, will want to pick up a copy of this one.

Title:  The Tudor Secret (The Elizabeth I Spymaster Chronicles)
Author:  C.W. Gortner
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
ISBN-10: 0312658508
ISBN-13: 978-0312658502
SRP:  $14.99 (paperback)

Also available in a hardcover, audio, and a Kindle edition.

The author paid me to promote The Tudor Secret through a virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book! I received no monetary compensation to provide this review.