This is a fascinating series that began with THE ANATOMIST’S WIFE in November of 2012. Here’s a brief synopsis of MORTAL ARTS:
Scotland, 1830.
Lady Kiera Darby is no stranger to intrigue-in fact, it seems to follow wherever she goes. After her foray into murder investigation, Kiera must journey to Edinburgh with her family so that her pregnant sister can be close to proper medical care. But the city is full of many things Kiera isn't quite ready to face: the society ladies keen on judging her, her fellow investigator-and romantic entanglement-Sebastian Gage, and ultimately, another deadly mystery.
Kiera's old friend Michael Dalmay is about to be married, but the arrival of his older brother-and Kiera's childhood art tutor-William, has thrown everything into chaos. For ten years Will has been missing, committed to an insane asylum by his own father. Kiera is sympathetic to her mentor's plight, especially when rumors swirl about a local girl gone missing. Now Kiera must once again employ her knowledge of the macabre and join forces with Gage in order to prove the innocence of a beloved family friend-and save the marriage of another…
It’s a pleasure to have Anna here today to tell us about her five favorite crime-solving couples.
I am a huge fan of mystery and intrigue with a dash of romance, be it in the books I read or the TV series and movies I watch. Over the years there have been some fascinating, and funny pairings that have captivated us with their talent and intelligence, and their chemistry. Here is a list of my top 5 favorite current crime-solving couples. There are just too many bantering duos to list them all, so I’ve limited myself to current pairs.
1) Dr. Temperance Brennan & Special Agent Seeley Booth from the TV series Bones – I love this pairing and their opposites attract chemistry. The show’s writers have done a phenomenal job of developing their characters and having them learn and grow throughout the series, particularly from each other. They each bring important skills to their crime-solving efforts. I also cannot tell you how many times I’ve laughed out loud at Brennan’s awkward and unwitting humor. The TV series is based off the series of books by Kathy Reichs—also excellent.
2) Malcolm Rannoch/Charles Fraser & Suzanne Rannoch/Melanie Fraser from Teresa Grant/Tracy Grant’s Rannoch/Fraser Series – I know the slashes are somewhat confusing, but
Grant’s original novels were written using the Fraser surname, and when she switched publishers to write the prequel novels, she changed the names to Rannoch. Her novels are lush and gorgeous, and provide plenty of intrigue. The relationship between her husband and wife duo is also extremely rich and fraught with pitfalls of its own, as Malcolm is an agent for the British government during the Napoleonic Wars, and Suzanne is secretly working for the French.3) Reverend Clare Fergusson & Russ Van Alstyne from Julia Spencer-Fleming’s Series of the same name – From Book 1, In the Bleak Midwinter, Spencer-Fleming sucks you in and won’t let you go. The mysteries are riveting, as is the details of life in Adirondack mountain town of Millers Kill. You can’t help but root for this duo, even though in the beginning you have no idea how they’ll ever be able to be together.
4) Richard Castle & Detective Kate Beckett from the TV series Castle – I didn’t start watching this until about a year ago, and it took me a while to get into it, mostly because of Beckett’s standoffish personality, but now I adore it. It’s smart, funny and witty. And I adore the relationship between Castle and his daughter just as much as that between him and Beckett.
5) Lady Julia Grey & Nicholas Brisbane from Deanna Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey Series – Raybourn’s books top my list of favorites, and a large part of the reason for that is Lady Julia and Brisbane. It’s just as enjoyable to watch them solve the mysteries as it is to see them try to resist one another. They’re a great pairing.
Who are your favorite crime-solving couples, past or present?
Anna, thanks for joining us today and giving us a look at your favorite couples. You’ve included three of my favorites here (1, 3 and 4). I’d also have to say Nick and Nora Charles (created by Dashiell Hammett)was one of the first crime-solving couples I enjoyed.
Now a bit about Anna:
Anna Lee Huber is the award-winning author of the Lady Darby historical mystery series. Her debut, THE ANATOMIST’S WIFE, has won and been nominated for numerous awards, including two 2013 RITA® Awards and a 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award. Her second novel, MORTAL ARTS, released September 3rd.
She was born and raised in a small town in Ohio, and graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN with a degree in music and a minor in psychology. She currently lives in Indiana, and enjoys reading, singing, traveling and spending time with her family.
For more on Anna and her writing, visit her at www.annaleehuber.com
Thanks for joining us today. I’m with Anna, who are your favorite crime-solving couples, past or present?
Anna, You hit one of my favorites, Bones and Booth! I love the way the writers have let them develop and explore who they are and then let them gradually develop their romance. Yes, I have laughed more than once over Temperance's comments and observations said with such earnestness but funny as hell.
ReplyDeleteThis story sounds like fun. I'll have to check it out.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
Anna, thanks again for joining us today. You've given us something to think about with crime-solving couples. Wishing you much success.
ReplyDeleteGreat list. The TV is loaded with shows of crime with romance between the crime solvers. I rarely miss Castle.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your book. Sounds like a great read.