Author Tessa Arlen - More spellbinding than Downton Abbey (WU-247)

Downton Abbey fans worried about post-series withdrawal - worry not! You can re-immerse yourself in Edwardian England in Tessa Arlen’s historical novels ... with a murder mystery added for good measure.

Eagle Harbor Book Company (our outstanding independent bookstore on Winslow Way) will celebrate the release of Tessa’s new second book with a launch party on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 pm. In addition to “light eats” and some fizzie beverages, Tessa will delve into stories of her books that benefit from her own English origins. And we can expect more to come, since her publisher and readers have clamored for a series.

Tessa Arlen’s first book, "Death of a Dishonorable Gentleman", set in the English countryside and an aristocratic family home during the early 20th century, has all the beautiful detail of English gardens and scenic vistas, plus the culinary details of dinner parties. But lest we be lulled into the bucolic life of the rich and famous in Edwardian England, murder during a gala event keeps our brains abuzz with the whodunit.

Tessa’s second book "Death Sits Down to Dinner" takes us to London where the same aristocratic family owns a town home with similar upstairs/downstairs intrigue. But in this even more exciting novel, the murder occurs at a dinner party celebrating Winston Churchill’s 39th birthday. Tessa includes extensive historical research, and five actual historical figures who add interest and further intrigue to the murder mystery, with a surprise ending.

You'll find this 14-minute podcast conversation with Tessa a delight. And it foreshadows a fun and engaging author event at Eagle Harbor Books on March 31, when Tessa will share a surprise announcement. Visit Tessa’s website.

Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.