So first off, I must admit at once that Andrew, not I, came up with this title. We’re cozied up in Sheffield, both finishing up revisions on our latest books, and as my mind is more focused on titling the actual book than a blog post, he–perfect English gentleman that he is–took on the task for me.

Wonderful man.

We came to England straight from Murder and Mayhem in Muskego, one of the best (and most intimate) mystery conferences there is. It was a fabulous weekend. There’s not much better than getting to hang out with Jon and Ruth Jordan of the wonderful Crimespree Magazine. We saw lots of old friends, discussed books, and had the best conversation I’ve ever had about Ian McEwan’s Atonement. No details will be forthcoming.

Did I mention the food was fabulous as well? Ruth can hostess like nobody’s business, and I’m feeling a keen desire for more of her pulled pork right now. Instead, however, I’m happily contenting myself with Cornish Pasties, one of the best food inventions ever.

The weather has been spectacularly dramatic since we arrived in England–and I love me some weather drama. We’ve had bright sun and brilliant skies that are instantly swept away by dark clouds and high winds, with rain sweeping over the countryside. It’s a perfect time to do a Heathcliff impression, and earlier this afternoon, as we stood looking out the window, we turned to each other simultaneously and said, “We ought to be on the moors.”

And we would have gone RIGHT THAT MOMENT.

If only the revisions were finished….

I’d have to say that this novel, Book The Sixth as I’m calling it at the moment, has been the most fun of all my books to write. Better still, as I’m approaching the end of the end, I’ve got a crystal clear idea of what’s in store for Emily next. When you write a series, it eventually gets cumbersome to keep including every recurring character in book after book. I’ve brought two of my favorites back in Book The Sixth (which, yes, if you’ve been paying attention was going to be called A MIXTURE OF MADNESS, but we’re on the hunt for something better…), and flirted with the idea of including a third–Jeremy Sheffield (ha! named when I had no idea I was going to spend half my time in the dear city), Duke of Bainbridge. Jeremy, however, did not make the cut. Instead, I decided the next installment (shall we just go right ahead and call it Book The Seventh?) is going to be largely his.

Which means that it will be dangerously fun to write.

And set in London, because it’s been far too long since I’ve written a book set in England.

Maybe, if I’m lucky, I’ll even come up with a reason to stalk across the moors on a blustery day. Anything, you know, for research…

xo
Tasha