Kathy Lynn
Emerson writes in several different genres
and under several different names,
including
Kate Emerson and Kaitlyn Dunnett.
As Kathy Lynn Emerson she is best known
for
historical mysteries, including the
Face Down Mystery Series
featuring sixteenth-century gentlewoman,
herbalist, and sleuth, Susanna, Lady Appleton,
the Diana Spaulding 1888
Quartet,
and her
Agatha-award-winning nonfiction,
How to Write Killer Historical Mysteries.
She has also
written children's books and romance novels
WHAT'S NEW?
"A Who's Who of Tudor Women"
Kathy Lynn Emerson's
mini-biographies of over 2200 women who
lived between 1485 and 1603
has now been updated and relocated to
***************************************************
NOW AVAILABLE AS A TRADE PAPERBACK AND AS AN EBOOK
a collection of short stories
set at various periods in history and in the
present
all written by
Kathy Lynn Emerson
These thirteen short stories range in setting from
medieval England to present day Maine.
Some have previously been published while others are
in print here for the first time.
Included are two Lady Appleton stories and the tale
in which Rosamond and Rob, from the Mistress Jaffrey
Mysteries, elope.
*******************************************************************************
THE MISTRESS JAFFREY MYSTERIES
set in England in the 1580s
Murder in the Queen's Wardrobe
available in hardcover, trade paperback, large print,
and ebook
first in a new series featuring Mistress
Rosamond Jaffrey, Elizabethan sleuth and spy
Murder in the Merchant's Hall
available in hardcover, trade paperback, large print
and ebook
Murder in the a Cornish Alehouse
available in hardcover, trade paperback, large print,
and ebook
Mistress Jaffrey is
Rosamond Appleton, illegitimate daughter of Lady Appleton's late, unlamented husband,
Sir Robert. Now she's all grown up, married, and ready to solve crimes on her
own. She was raised by Susanna Appleton, but she inherited some of the worst
traits of both her parents. At sixteen, she made an impulsive runaway marriage,
wedding her childhood playmate, Rob Jaffrey, once known as "Mole" and
the son of Lady Appleton's steward and housekeeper, Mark and Jennet Jaffrey.
Rosamond got what she wanted, control of her fortune, but now she's wed to Rob
for life. There is no divorce in Elizabeth Tudor's England.
In Murder in the Queen's Wardrobe, Rosamond
is shocked to learn her husband, from whom she has been estranged for some
time, may be in danger. To help keep him safe, she is willing to go undercover as
an intelligence gatherer for the Crown. Why not, when both her father and her
stepfather did their share of spying when they were young? But when another
agent is murdered, Rosamond must add crime-solving to her other
responsibilities. With action that moves from the English court of Queen
Elizabeth the First to the Russia of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, Mistress Jaffrey's
first outing is a unique combination of spy thriller and cozy historical
mystery.
Murder in the Merchant's Hall continues Rosamond and Rob's story and
adds a murder mystery involving Rosamond's old friend Godlina
Walkenden.
Murder in a Cornish Alehouse takes place in 1584, when Rosamond and Rob
travel to Cornwall following the death of her stepfather in suspicious
circumstances. There they once again encounter a treasonous plot, as well as a
murder or two, but this time there are pirates.
For the
real story behind the fictional one in Murder
in the Queen's Wardrobe, click here
For a
bibliography of sources used in writing all the books in the series, click here
Here's what the reviewers
have to say about Murder in the Queen's
Wardrobe:
Kirkus
Reviews calls this "a diverting series . . . with lots of twists
and turns and Tudor tidbits."
Publisher's
Weekly describes Rosamond as "high-spirited, educated, and
independent" and praises the way I draw on my "solid knowledge of the
period to evoke vividly daily life in late 16th-century
England."
Booklist praises
"first-rate storytelling, eye-opening details of the politics and customs
of the time, a taut and riveting plot, unexpected humor, and a charming and
admirable heroine."
Library Journal calls Rosamond "a
feisty, fiercely independent, and very likeable protagonist."
Historical
Novels Review says Rosamond is "brave yet vulnerable" and
"portrayed as a genuine woman of the era."
About Murder in the Merchant's Hall:
Booklist says
"This fine new addition to Emerson's popular historical series offers a genuinely
gripping mystery, an appealing protagonist, and an eye-opening look at London
life during the Renaissance."
Publisher's
Weekly says "evocative period detail and the warmth of
Rosamond's byplay with Rob make for a satisfying read."
Historical
Novels Review says "The mystery surrounding Hugo's death is
intricate, well-plotted, and full of twists."
About Murder in a Cornish Alehouse:
Booklist says
"This meticulously researched, cleverly plotted story has plenty of twists
and wonderfully colorful characters and will appeal to all historical-mystery
fans."
Publisher's
Weekly says readers will find "a lot to like."
Kirkus
says
Rosamond "has an almighty difficult puzzle to untangle" and also
finds the novel "enjoyable for its historical insights and detailed
descriptions of everyday life in Tudor England."
Kathy Lynn Emerson's other titles include
Mysteries, Nonfiction, Romances,
and Children's Books
Links to More Information
upcoming events (most of them as
Kaitlyn Dunnett)
Kathy
Lynn Emerson's bio page
Complete
list of Kathy Lynn Emerson's books and short stories
books
written as Kate Emerson
the
website of Kaitlyn Dunnett,
Kathy's "evil Twin"
Kathy's Genealogy Page
(links to the biography of her grandfather, family
histories, and stories that ended up in novels)
If you want
to keep up to date on Kathy/Kaitlyn's latest writing news, check out Kaitlyn
Dunnett's Facebook Page. You don't need to join
Facebook to see what's posted there, although you do if you want to comment or
leave a message.
contact: emerson@megalink.net