Who is Maeve Conlon? That’s a question I’ve been asking myself all my life. Dutiful daughter–obedient to a fault, really–loyal friend, good mother (I think). True blue. Baker, mother, ex-wife.
A secret keeper.
We all have secrets. Some of us are just better than others at keeping them. Me? I will go to my grave with the secrets I have kept. If I didn’t have my secrets, I would likely be an empty husk, someone who would blow away in the wind. They are heavy but they are mine. I keep them close.
People look at someone like me, someone for whom flour and sugar and spice are always in the air around her, and think “she’s gentle. She’s kind.” I am gentle and kind but sometimes, dark thoughts enter and I push them down, to be held in check by the secrets.
Daughter.
Baker.
Mother.
Ex-wife.
All describe me to a tee. That’s what the outside observer sees. But there’s more. Always more to everyone, every person we meet. Think about what you keep close and how the face you put forth really doesn’t tell the whole story. What would we be surprised to learn about you, if you were completely honest?
Part of the fun is finding out.
GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by noon EST on December 13, and you will be entered to win a copy of Once Upon A Lie. One winner will be chosen at random. Unless specified, U.S. entries only.
Meet the author
Maggie Barbieri is the author of the Murder 101 series and the first in the Maeve Conlon series, ONCE UPON A LIE, published by Minotaur. Publisher’s Weekly says, “Barbieri skillfully avoids tipping her hand until the last possible moment, leaving readers both breathless and unnerved by the novel’s conclusion.”
Maggie lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, two children, needy dog and giant cat. Visit Maggie at her website, on Facebook or on Twitter.
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Sounds intriguing!
I have read the Murder 101 (in paperback) series and really like it. It’s thoughtful, and well-written, with interesting plots, complex characters and good stories. I’d like to get in on the ground floor of this series because I think I’d like it just as much.
Ya got me. I cannot wait to read Maggie’s new book. Thank you Dru! I am intrigued!
sounds like a book i would try…….
thank you for the giveaway!!!
I am am big mystery reader and a huge fan of Maggie Barbieri’s books.Her Murder 101 series was captivating. Once Upon A Lie is number one on my Christmas list!
Count me in…thanks!
Thanks, everyone! This was such a fun book to write, but in a different way from the Murder 101 series. I really appreciate all your kind words and hope you like it! Maggie
Sounds like a great read! Want!
I’ve really enjoyed the Murder 101 series and looking forward to this new book. Congratulations on the beginning of a new series!
Sounds great would love to read it
Thanks, Mollie and Jane!
I haven’t read any books in this series but I would love to. This sounds like a book I would really enjoy!
Thank you!
Talk about wanting to learn more, wow, this sounds great.
Talk about cryptic! Wonderful tease.
Thanks, Libby. 🙂 Maeve is a pretty complicated character so it was a challenge as to how to describe her in her own voice.
“Unless specified, U.S. entries only.” I’m Canadian but need to comment anyway. Dru, your review encouraged me to put ONCE UPON A LIE on my reading list. Maggie, this “Day in the Life” validates my choice. Character snippets like these are not as easy to write as one would think. I know because I’ve written them. Easy to fall into the trap of over familiarity or of writing all about routine. You’ve reached out and grabbed me!
This definitely sounds intriguing and coming from such an established author I’m sure it has that professional polish as well. Please enter my name for the chance to win a copy. Thanks, carlscott(at)prodigy(dot)net(dot)mx
Cynthia, thanks for you kind words…this character snippet was one that I tried not to “overthink” (basically, MY main character trait!) it so that Maeve could come through. Sounds like I achieved that; thanks for the validation. And thanks, Carl, Carol, Debbie and everyone else who has commented. I appreciate it!
Thanks for this fascinating feature. Captivating.
Okay, I have to know her secrets.
Thanks, Sharon. And Barbara, I think they will surprise you. 🙂
Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thanks, Mary. I hope you like it!
Missed the deadline, but this is definitely going on my TBR pile. Looks like a great read!
Thanks, Nancy!
I like to start at the beginning of a series, so count me in for the giveaway. Thanks.
This really sounds interesting. Thanks
This sounds like an interesting series
Sounds great. Thank you.
Ooooh, this looks awesome, Maggie! Can’t wait to read it. Love this: “someone who would blow away in the wind. They are heavy but they are mine. I keep them close.” Nice! Write On!
Maggie, this sounds great! Love your Murder 101 series BTW. Count me in for the giveaway and reading this EVEN if don’t win a copy. Congrats, Dru, on interview/review.
Congrats on the new series, Maggie! You are a rock star and I can’t wait to see this series take the world by storm!
What an interesting sounding book. Would really like to read it. Thank you for the blog posting and thank you to Dru for having this on her blog.
Cynthia
Thanks Maggie and Maeve for stopping by my blog.
Wow, what read so far had grab me, want to read more ( read excerpt on Amazon). Will be begging, my library to get the “Once Upon A Lie” ebook & murder 101 series. Would like to say, congrats on getting RT award on your book ” No Good Duke goes Unpunished”. Hats, off to Dry, for another hosting another great giveaway.
Teresa
Keep on reading, it keep the mind sharp
I would like to know more about Maeve’s secrets.
There was no better feeling than waking up today in the gloomy Northeast to find all of these comments. Thanks, everyone! I do hope you enjoy the book. Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season and new year!
contest is closed.