It is cover reveal day for The Disappearance of Michael Romanov. I am so excited to have finally reached this stage after the manuscript sat on the shelf for several months while I recovered from an illness that depleted my energy levels, both physical and mental- no, not covid. I’m still not entirely recovered, but well on the way. Now, let me see if I can remember how to do this.
What happened to Michael Romanov, the little-known brother of Tsar Nicholas II? And how did his wife survive the revolution? Find out on May 1st. publication day!
Set in medieval London, the Colour of Bone is the 11th Sebastian Foxley murder mystery by the prolific Toni Mount. Seb, as he is known, is an illuminator by trade but also wears other hats when the occasion calls for it. As an artist, he makes the acquaintance of Robert Stillington, Bishop of Bath and Welles. As a sleuth, he enters the orbit of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, the king’s brother. He is also an unpaid and often reluctant assistant to the city Bailiff, Thaddeus Turner, which is how he gets to investigate enough murders to fill 11 books.
Seb moves from the grimy, dangerous streets of London to the grand and equally dangerous mansion of the Duke of Gloucester in order to solve three murders. At the same time, an arsonist is burning down buildings, including one owned by Seb. The sleuthing only takes up a portion of the story. The author fills in the rest with an array of friends, employees and family members – a rich panoply to provide Ms Mount with subplots for many more books. One interesting subplot here deals with what happens when a husband, presumed dead, returns to claim his wife, who has married again. Anyone writing a book or is simply interested in the everyday life of 15th century London should keep a notebook handy while reading this book. It is full of interesting details about London, its people, streets, laws and so much more.
Another delightful aspect of this book is its cover. The author’s cover creator has created a figure of what Seb Foxley might look like, which was on the front of the book I was given to review. Elsewhere, the book has a different image, which I love.
An excellent read.
*****
My latest non-fiction book “How to Survive in Medieval England” is the go-to guide for the would be time traveller and there is another one like this on the way – whilst my first non-fiction book “Everyday Life in Medieval London” has become a No1 Best seller under five Amazon categories.
I study, write and teach British history. My non-fiction books look at the ordinary lives of medieval people, leading me to write my successful series of murder mysteries. They are set in the stinking streets of medieval London and feature the talented yet humble artist, Sebastian Foxley. My Victorian melodrama is “The Death Collector”.
My fascinating non-fiction book “A Year in the Life of Medieval England” looks at real events that occurred on everyday of a medieval year and my first biography is about the life and times of Isaac Newton.
DIGGING INTO THE PAST 