Blog Tour: THE MYSTERY OF LOVE'S MANOR by D.W. Thompson

 

THE MYSTERY OF LOVE'S MANOR

D.W. Thompson

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GENRE:  Cozy Mystery

 

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BLURB:

 

Emma Love never thought she'd return to her hometown after years away from her estranged family. But when her sister-in-law is kidnapped, Emma puts her life on hold to help an old flame, Deputy Sam Mattingley, solve the case and bring Gwen home. With a degree in Criminal Justice and part-time experience working at a detective agency, Emma's skills are tested. As the layers of secrecy are peeled back, Emma realizes the mystery shrouding Love's Manor and her brother's marriage is more intricate than anyone could have fathomed. Can she navigate the convoluted trail of clues and locate Gwen before it's too late? And what of her long-suppressed feelings for Sam Mattingley…are they merely a product of nostalgia…or something more?

 

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Excerpt Three:

 

While we waited for our food, Sam started the same game we enjoyed together years ago.

 

“What about the lady with the blue windbreaker, Emma?”

 

“Hmm, let’s see. She’s a practical woman judging by the windbreaker over the dress clothes she has on under it. It is a brisk day today. I think she is having marital problems or thinks her husband is cheating. She keeps twisting her wedding band around her finger. She may be plotting an indiscretion of her own by the way she keeps looking nervously over her shoulder at the entrance. She’s expecting someone she probably shouldn’t be seen with. That’s why she picked the shadowed booth in the corner.”

 

“Not to mention the sunglasses worn inside?”

 

“Exactly. How about that guy across from us with the pin-striped suit?” I whispered.

 

“Despite the cheater’s ring around his finger, I don’t think he’s cheating, but the lady with him isn’t his wife. I’d say a first or second date after his divorce, perhaps. Wearing a suit, even a threadbare one, in a very casual restaurant, he’s trying to impress her, and she’s laughing too heartily at his jokes. She’s nervous as well. I’d bet she’s been on too many crappy dates since her divorce. They’re both trying too hard.”

 

We both laughed when a man entered with dark glasses, ducked his head, and made his way to the first lady’s booth.

 

It was a good lunch. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as sharing a meal with a good friend.

 

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 What was your writing process like when writing this book?

When I’ve written my historical fiction novels, I’ve been more of a plotter. I have the facts, pertinent dates, and the established events I want to write about (or manipulate for my evil purposes). There’s still leeway (you know—the fiction part), but a general timeline is set, and often, known entities are in play.

“The Mystery at Love’s Manor” did not fall into this category and was new territory for me—the mystery genre. Although I had a general feel for the story’s direction and the important scenes I wanted to convey, I was more of a “pantser” with this story than any I’ve written before.

My main character, Emma Stone, was determined to thwart my understanding of her. (And she didn’t mind waking me in the middle of the night to insist she would not have said something or acted in a particular way. I spend much time with the characters in all my books, though. A story isn’t relatable if the characters are not. I think Emma is a character a reader will get behind and cheer for.

I do much of my writing perched behind floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking an Old Order Mennonite farm. Horse-drawn plows and old-school buggies provide a unique background and a peaceful space to conjure my tales. Most of my stories (including this one) are set in mythical towns in Southern Maryland, a place I know and love.

When I’m most pleased by my efforts as a storyteller, I find myself surprised at certain events and by my characters doing the unexpected. This seemed especially important to me while creating a mystery. I hope the reader finds it worthwhile and is enthralled by the characters as I am.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

 

D.W. Thompson is the mystery genre pen name for award-winning author David W. Thompson. As a multi-genre author, he's been awarded membership in the Horror Writer's Association, The Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association and the Mystery Writers of America. David lives in picturesque Southern Maryland with nearby family and dear old friends.

 

When he isn't writing, Dave enjoys time with his family, kayaking (flat water, please), fishing, hiking, archery, gardening, winemaking, and pursuing his other "creative passion"- woodcarving.

 

He'd love to hear your thoughts on his tales that he describes as occasionally twisted, but always honest and original!

 

 

https://www.david-w-thompson.com

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15425511.David_W_Thompson

https://www.instagram.com/dwthompson1/

https://www.facebook.com/davidw.thompson.1238/

 

https://www.amazon.com/stores/D.-W.-Thompson/author/B0DHY6G5FM

 

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GIVEAWAY 

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