Kathy Lynn Emerson Knihy

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 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.

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.

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.

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.