August 6th 2024.
I have always been drawn to historical novels. There's something about them that transports me to another time and place, immersing me in a world that is both familiar and foreign. It's no surprise that my first book memory is of reading an Enid Blyton novel. She was all the rage back then, and I distinctly remember devouring each and every one of her books. The Mystery Books were my favorite, with their thrilling tales of Roger, Diana, Snubby, Barney, and their trusty canine and primate companions. Growing up in a working-class family in south London, I never once felt disconnected from the adventures of these middle-class kids living in the countryside. For me, it was all about the excitement and the unknown.
When it comes to recommending books, I always have a long list at the ready. For those in need of a good laugh, I suggest Compton Mackenzie's Highland novels for Scottish humor and PG Wodehouse's Blandings Castle series for English wit. As for crime fiction, Stuart Turton's The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle takes the cake with its intricate and clever plot. And for a touch of romance, you can't go wrong with Daphne du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek or Stella Gibbons' Cold Comfort Farm, a satirical take on rural life. But my love for books goes beyond genres, as evidenced by my adoration for Jon McGregor's Reservoir 13, a hauntingly beautiful tale about a missing child and its impact on a small village community. And let's not forget about non-fiction - Liza Campbell's Title Deeds is a must-read for its humorous and thought-provoking account of growing up in Cawdor Castle.
It's no surprise that I have a soft spot for books set in the countryside, given my upbringing in rural areas. In fact, the three best books I've read in the past year all have a strong rural element to them. Janice Hallett's The Appeal, a crime novel set in a small village's amateur drama club, had me hooked from the very first email and text message. Denis Thériault's The Peculiar Life of a Lonely Postman is a charming and quirky story about a shy postman in Montreal with a secret. And Olga Wojtas' Miss Blaine's Prefect and the Gondola of Doom is a delightful time-travel adventure that never fails to put a smile on my face.
Of course, not every book is a winner. The most recent one I couldn't finish was Jenni Fagan's Luckenbooth. While the premise of a curse on an Edinburgh tenement sounded promising, the various characters and their troubles felt underdeveloped and disconnected.
As an author myself, it's no surprise that I draw inspiration from other writers. Growing up, I was enamored with Georgette Heyer's romantic historical novels. But as I delved deeper into the world of literature, I found myself gravitating towards crime fiction. This led me to write The Scottish Ladies' Detective Agency series, featuring two women running their own agency in Edwardian Edinburgh. And of course, my biggest inspiration in the world of crime fiction is none other than the queen of mystery herself, Agatha Christie, along with the other writers of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction.
When it comes to my favorite place to read, I have to admit I am a bit of a nomad. As long as it's warm and cozy, I am content. Whether it's in my garden on a hot day, in the kitchen while cooking dinner, in the living room by the fireplace, or snuggled up in bed with the electric blanket, I am always happy to get lost in a good book.
My name is Lydia Travers, and I was born in London. But over the years, I have gradually made my way north, eventually settling in a quaint village on the edge of the Scottish Highlands with my husband. I have been a mother, a dog breeder, and a chicken keeper, but writing has always been my true passion. With a PhD in criminology and a background in law, I have always been drawn to the world of crime, both in fiction and in real life. But these days, I spend my time managing self-catering holiday accommodation, singing in a local choir, and taking daily walks with our beloved family dog. And now, I am thrilled to share that my latest book, Death in the Scottish Castle, is now available for purchase. Happy reading!
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