Kathy Lynn Emerson Books

Blanche Wainfleet, known as the Finder of Lost Things, has always excelled at solving puzzles. In the winter of 1590-1, the twenty-eight-year-old wife of a London merchant faces a grave mystery. In late Elizabethan England, a time fraught with treason and religious strife, priest-catchers target Catholic households, leading to dire consequences for those who do not conform to Anglican services. When her youngest sister, Alison, falls in love with a Catholic gentleman and converts, she becomes Lady Otley's companion at Otley Manor. Alison is later arrested for attending mass and dies under suspicious circumstances in Colchester Castle, with rumors suggesting she was bewitched. Determined to uncover the truth about Alison's death, Blanche devises a plan to be imprisoned with Lady Otley and her household in Colchester's dungeon. Concealing her identity and connection to Alison, she pretends to seek conversion to Catholicism. Just as she begins to find answers, a royal pardon releases all female prisoners. Blanche accepts Lady Otley's invitation to join her household for further instruction in the faith. However, as she makes progress, a second murder threatens her life, putting her at risk from powerful figures on both sides of the religious conflict.

Set against the backdrop of mid-seventeenth century Colonial Rhode Island, this narrative follows Mahershallahashbaz, the daughter of Samuel Gorton, a contentious figure in early American history. As Gorton faces imprisonment for heresy after an attack on his colony, the story explores the uncertainty and challenges his family endured in his absence. Through Mahershallahashbaz's perspective, readers experience the struggles of a young girl navigating a tumultuous period marked by religious and political strife.

Set against the backdrop of 1554, the story follows Cordell, who flees to the Continent with her father, Sir Henry Ingram, after Mary Tudor's rise to power. Following his suspicious death in Strasbourg, Cordell suspects foul play linked to his secretive intelligence work. Determined to uncover the truth and avenge her father, she navigates a treacherous path, grappling with mistrust and danger as she returns to an England that has changed drastically. Her quest for justice becomes a fight for survival in a world where loyalties are uncertain.

Set in 1563, this historical mystery follows Susanna, Lady Appleton, as she investigates the murders of Southwark prostitutes, known as "Winchester Geese." With her husband, Sir Robert, implicated as a suspect, Susanna leverages her knowledge of poisonous herbs to uncover the truth and prove his innocence. However, as she delves deeper, she discovers unsettling secrets that suggest her husband may be involved in a more sinister crime than murder. The narrative intertwines personal stakes with the darker elements of society.

Set in the sixteenth century, Susanna, Lady Appleton, faces a dire predicament when her husband, Sir Robert, is poisoned, leading to her arrest for his murder. As an expert in poisonous herbs, she embarks on a quest to uncover the true killer, delving into the past of Robert's former mistresses who may have motives. This newly edited trade paperback edition revives a captivating blend of mystery and historical intrigue in the Face Down series.

After making her sleuthing debut in "Face Down in the Marrowbone Pie", herbalist Susanna is back--ordered by Queen Elizabeth to complete a new book on botanical decorations. She realizes there is more to the royal request when a house guest is found murdered--face down upon the very book she authored. Martin's Press.

Reporter Diana Spaulding leaves for Denver after hearing that her mother has been accused of murdering her gold-baron father in this wry historical novel. Upon arriving in the Mile-High City, Spaulding must brave opium dens, snooty Denver society, and a crafty murderer to save her mother—all against a backdrop of brothels, immigrant railroad workers, and nouveau-riche gold miners that are almost as engaging as the plot itself. Late-19th-century Denver is explored with precise historical detail as Spaulding uncovers the plot that threatens her mother's life.

Left alone to handle the uproar following the poisoning murder of the steward, Lady Susanna Appleton, an expert herbalist, seeks to identify what killed the steward while unmasking the killer.

Sir Anthony Shelby lies poisoned in a Strasbourg tavern and his daughter Cordell vows vengeance. Cordell must return home to England, but to do so, she is forced to take safe passage as the bride of the arrogantly handsome courtier Roger Allington. It is to be a marriage in name only.Although Roger was her father's friend, Cordell fears he is a traitor to the Crown. And Roger, honor-bound to protect Sir Anthony's daughter, has no liking for her reckless ways. Yet his heart tells him he must pursue this mettlesome beauty - through a maze of plots and into the shadow of the Tower - to win her love and ignite their smoldering passion.

In rural Maine during the summer of 1986, 12-year-old Kim Hanlon finds herself reluctantly immersed in bagpipe music while her father attends classes. When a set of antique bagpipes goes missing, suspicion falls on her new friend Woody. Unwilling to accept his guilt, Kim embarks on a quest to uncover the true thief, showcasing her determination and resourcefulness. This engaging mystery unfolds against the backdrop of a quirky estate and a family camping trip, appealing to young readers with its themes of friendship and justice.

The narrative explores Julia's journey of recovery and personal growth as she navigates her evolving family dynamics and forms an unexpected friendship with her cousin Grace, whom she initially perceives as "beastly." Julia's self-reflection leads to a realization of her past snobbery and self-centeredness, marking her maturation. Set against a vividly portrayed 19th-century backdrop, the story is characterized by a light, seamless writing style that effectively captures the nuances of Julia's transformation.

This compilation features 115 essays by Kathy Lynn Emerson, exploring a wide range of topics from writing challenges to personal anecdotes about her cat and family quirks. Emerson, known for her cozy and historical mysteries, shares insights into her creative process and the unique eccentricities of her life in rural Western Maine. The collection reflects her diverse experiences as a prolific author and offers a glimpse into her writing journey and the inspirations drawn from her surroundings.

Set in the early 1920s in the Catskill Mountains, the story follows twelve-year-old Katie Brant, who has always been indulged by her family after losing her mother at birth. As the summer tourist season begins and her family accommodates boarders, Katie's life takes unexpected turns. Forced to confront her behavior and its impact on those around her, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, learning that her choices have significant consequences for her relationships with friends and family.

Set in the Elizabethan era, the story follows Susanna, Lady Appleton, a widowed gentlewoman and herbalist, as she navigates the dangerous waters of witchcraft accusations. When an old acquaintance is accused of being a witch, Susanna feels compelled to assist, putting herself at risk of similar charges. This edition of the mystery series has been newly edited by the author, reviving a long-out-of-print tale that intertwines themes of friendship, loyalty, and the perilous nature of societal judgment.

The narrative centers on Kristy, a sweet and innocent young woman whose character evokes admiration and affection from those around her. The story hints at her potential future, suggesting that her qualities will one day attract a fortunate partner, emphasizing themes of love, personal growth, and the expectations placed on women. Through Kristy's journey, readers explore the nuances of relationships and the impact of innocence on one's path to adulthood.

The book provides an in-depth exploration of daily life in Renaissance England, featuring a wide range of topics such as clothing, food, architecture, and family dynamics. It delves into various aspects of society, including government structures, crime, and the roles of different social classes. Additionally, it covers education, entertainment, and the influence of superstition and magic. This revised edition enhances the original 1996 publication, making it a valuable resource for writers seeking authentic historical context for their narratives.

The stories feature Valentine Veilleux, a professional photographer and amateur sleuth who travels in a custom RV with her three-legged cat, Lucky. While creating fundraising calendars, she encounters various groups, often uncovering dark secrets. When murder strikes, Val's outsider perspective and her photographic skills help her piece together clues that elude the police. This collection showcases her unique approach to solving mysteries, blending her artistic talents with her knack for sleuthing in a captivating narrative.

Kerry and her brother Lyle face an unwelcome six-month stay in rural western Maine, where they must adjust to a new school mid-year. Their mother has rented a peculiar house with a locked tower, which adds to the eerie atmosphere filled with strange noises and a suspicious landlord. Set against the backdrop of 1982, the story explores themes of adaptation and the supernatural, as the siblings navigate their unsettling new environment.

"Emerson makes her come alive without contriving events or dialogue." The Book Report Aimed at young readers, Nellie Bly is the story of the groundbreaking investigative reporter who was born Elizabeth Cochran. As Nellie, she became famous for writing newspaper articles about controversial subjects at a time in history when journalism was not considered a proper career for women. She wrote about the deplorable conditions in factories and prisons, went undercover to expose businesses that exploited newly arrived single women and homeless children, and once spent ten days in an insane asylum to expose abuses there. Then, in 1890, she became the most famous person in the world by circling the globe in 72 days. Traveling by train, ship, mule cart, and sampan, she beat the fictional record set in Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. In addition to detailing Nellie Bly's professional achievements, this biography also tells the story of her later marriage to a millionaire, her attempt at running a business, and her experiences in Europe during World War I.