Meet the Women of the WISE Enquiries Agency by Cathy Ace

Jun 26, 2015 | A Day In My Life

The Case of the Dotty DowagerDuring her journey on the number 19 bus from Finsbury Park to Sloane Square, Mavis MacDonald had a lengthy, silent chat with herself about how she enjoyed the company of her three colleagues, but that she was under no illusions about the fact that the WISE Enquiries Agency was facing a challenging time. She was well aware they needed A Serious Chat about their future, and, by the time she alighted at her bus stop, she’d decided that this would be the day for that discussion.

On this particular morning, the stairs from the street to the office were also proving to be a challenge, and Mavis felt all of her sixty-odd years as she tried to maintain a steady pace upward. She told herself she was thankful that Christine Wilson-Smythe’s father, the viscount, had been allowing them to use the office space for almost nothing, but the income just wasn’t, well. . .coming in. She then told herself that was understandable, because Annie Parker had been laid up for some time after being stabbed while in pursuit of a vicious kidnapper a few months back, and Carol Hill – the woman whose computer skills were quite amazing – was happily pregnant.

Mavis smiled as she recollected Carol’s delight when she’d told them all about the baby – Carol and her husband had been trying for so long, and it seemed that their doctor had been right after all; Carol had given up her stressful, high-powered job in the City to join the team and had fallen pregnant within the year. “Good for you, Carol,” thought Mavis as she approached the door to the office. Having two grown sons and now two grandsons herself, she knew how fulfilling family life could be, though she still mourned the loss of her poor, dear husband.

Before she opened the door, Mavis drew herself up to her full five feet and straightened her serviceable navy blue gabardine. It wouldn’t do for the girls – which was how she thought of them, even though Annie was in her fifties and given to the odd bout of unenviable perspiration – to see her looking anything less than her best. Her decades as an army nurse had taught her that appearance matters; to be taken seriously, first one has to take oneself seriously. She was pretty sure there must be an old Scottish saying along those lines, but she couldn’t recall it at that moment.

She hoped there’d be a pot of tea ready, and was pretty confident that both Carol and Annie would already be at their desks. As for Christine? It was difficult to berate her for her lack of punctuality because she was a delightful wee girl. Ah, to be beautiful, rich, titled and in your twenties. . .Mavis envied her, but she was such a bright, happy, and thoughtful person, she just couldn’t find it in herself to be cross with her. Annie Parker on the other hand – now she was a real handful. Like Pooh’s friend Tigger, that was Annie – always bounding about the place, and tripping over her own feet on many an occasion. But also a good woman, at heart. Sharp tongue on her though, and always running off with that cockney rhyming slang nonsense. Mavis tried to keep her under control, but she just wouldn’t be silenced sometimes. No discipline.

Carol was a delight. Pure and simple, a country girl originally, Mavis had warmed to her the day they’d met. Mavis had known a lot of Welsh men and women in the armed forces, and had always been aware of their often-intense intelligence and quick wits – plus their ability to sing or fight at the drop of a hat. Carol was like that, though much more likely to sing than fight, thought Mavis. But with a wee bairn on the way, she might be off and leaving them before they knew it. Then where would they be?

Sighing heavily, Mavis opened the door, ready to face the day. There was Carol, her head bent over her computer, twirling one of her short blonde curls with a finger, and Annie’s tall, angular frame was jerking about on her chair as she battled with the running shoes she wore for her tube journey every morning. No sign of Christine. Not a surprise; she was probably trying to park her Range Rover somewhere. Mavis hooked her practical, short-bobbed hair behind her ears, then unbelted her coat, placing it carefully on a hanger.

The day had begun. She wondered what it would hold for the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency.

You can read more about Mavis and her friends in The Case of the Dotty Dowager, the first book in the NEW “WISE Enquiries Agency” mystery series, published by Severn House Publishers.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on July 3 for the chance to win a signed copy of The Case of the Dotty Dowager. The giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Born and raised in Swansea, South Wales, Cathy Ace is the author of the Cait Morgan Mysteries. Her new series is The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries – featuring four female professional investigators, one of whom is Welsh, one Irish, one Scottish and one English (hence the acronym). They tackle quirky British cases from their base at a Welsh stately home – the ancient seat of the Twyst family, the Dukes of Chellingworth, set in the rolling countryside of the Wye Valley in Powys, Wales. Cathy now lives in Beautiful British Columbia, where her ever-supportive husband and two chocolate Labradors make sure she’s able to work full-time as an author, and enjoy her other passion – gardening.

Visit Cathy at cathyace.com, on Facebook and on Twitter

144 Comments

  1. Rhonda
    Rhonda on June 26, 2015 at 1:03 am

    Love the title.

  2. cathyace
    cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:13 am

    Thanks, Rhonda…I hope the book delivers 🙂

  3. Elizabeth Duncan
    Elizabeth Duncan on June 26, 2015 at 1:23 am

    You can never have too many books set in beautiful Wales!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:22 am

      This is true, Elizabeth 😉

  4. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on June 26, 2015 at 1:45 am

    These characters sound great! I already want to know what’s going to happen. Thanks for the chance!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 2:12 am

      Thanks Barbara – so pleased you’re curious! 🙂

  5. Pamela Woodfield
    Pamela Woodfield on June 26, 2015 at 1:52 am

    I love, love, love Cozies set in Britain. This one sounds appealing. I like that it has different age characters who will solve together.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 2:15 am

      So pleased you like British cozies, Pamela. You’re right – the characters range in age from late-twenties to mid-sixties, and are a mix of single, widowed and married too. They bring their life experiences to their cases – and their cases will change their lives! Hope you enjoy meeting the women of the WISE Enquiries Agency 🙂

  6. Maureen
    Maureen on June 26, 2015 at 3:05 am

    Clever title 🙂 I love classic Brit-style mysteries with contemporary settings. It’s also a great idea to have a mixed age group as main characters. Navy gabardine is always a classic.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 3:27 am

      Thanks Maureen 🙂 Yep – you cannot beat navy gabardine…as Mavis, being a canny Scot, well knows. I hope you enjoy meeting the WISE Women!

  7. Cozynookbks
    Cozynookbks on June 26, 2015 at 5:49 am

    I would love to find out more about the 4 women of the Wise Enquiries Agency. They sound like a nice mix of interesting characters. And I always enjoy a good British crime book. Thx for the giveaway opportunity.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Thanks for your kind comments, Cozynookbks. I hope you get to meet them “face to face” one day soon. 🙂

  8. Lisa Brown
    Lisa Brown on June 26, 2015 at 6:37 am

    Looks great, thanks for the chance 🙂

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:23 am

      Thanks Lisa – good luck. 🙂

  9. Jane R
    Jane R on June 26, 2015 at 6:44 am

    What a combination of women. Sounds like fun! Will definitely add this title to my book list!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Thanks Jane R – getting onto anyone’s book list is a great step for an author 🙂

  10. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on June 26, 2015 at 6:57 am

    I’m a dyed in the wool Anglofile. I need another trip across the pond. This book sounds like a great way to do that.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Thanks Amy – and you’re right…armchair traveling at its best 🙂

  11. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on June 26, 2015 at 7:21 am

    After living in Britain and missing it so much , I love reading books set there. This sounds great, would love to read this

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:25 am

      Thanks Debbie – this one gets you into three parts of the UK, so good coverage from one spot 🙂

  12. Deb Forbes
    Deb Forbes on June 26, 2015 at 7:29 am

    I love British cozies. Guess my love of Agatha is why. This one sounds great

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Hi Deb – a lover of Agatha is clearly blessed with excellent taste – hope you get to visit Britain with this book 🙂

  13. Kathy Cook
    Kathy Cook on June 26, 2015 at 8:10 am

    Enjoyed the sample of this new series. I enjoy books and PBS series based in Britain. Would love to win a copy of this book.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Thanks Kathy – I love all those PBS series too, and I’m sure you’ll be able to picture the stately home in the book 🙂

  14. Peggy
    Peggy on June 26, 2015 at 8:12 am

    hank you for the chance to win a signed copy of The Case of the Dotty Dowager.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:27 am

      Thanks for entering Peggy 🙂

  15. Sheila Connolly
    Sheila Connolly on June 26, 2015 at 8:13 am

    I’ve been lucky enough to read this book and it is delightful–great characters, interesting setting, and a complex and intriguing plot with a twist I never saw coming. Well worth the read!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Thanks for dropping by, Sheila…I was so happy you liked the book, and will always be grateful for your kind words. A super recommendation from a super author 🙂

  16. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on June 26, 2015 at 8:17 am

    Sounds like quite a cast of characters! Can’t wait to meet them!!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Thanks Judy – they are that! 🙂

  17. Barbara daley
    Barbara daley on June 26, 2015 at 8:29 am

    This sounds like a great read. Already had it on my TBR list, not knowing the premise. I was going just by the great title. Thanks for the opportunity!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:28 am

      Thanks Barbara – so good to know the title hit it on the nail for you…:-)

  18. Gram
    Gram on June 26, 2015 at 9:15 am

    What a fun-sounding series. Count me in!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:29 am

      Hi Gram – I believe it’s as much fun as it sounds 😉

  19. JJT
    JJT on June 26, 2015 at 9:22 am

    There is nothing better than a good cozy!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:29 am

      Cozy is GOOD! 🙂

  20. Tamara Blackwell
    Tamara Blackwell on June 26, 2015 at 9:48 am

    Interesting plot and I love the characters. Thanks for entering me for a chance to win the book.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:29 am

      Thanks Tamara – good luck 🙂

  21. anne
    anne on June 26, 2015 at 10:01 am

    This cozy sounds intriguing and captivating. Thanks.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 10:31 am

      Thanks Anne – there’s an Annie in the book, but that’s as close as I get 🙂

  22. marylouh
    marylouh on June 26, 2015 at 11:01 am

    this sounds like a fun read. I’ll have to check out prior books.
    thanks for the chance to get this one.

    • marylouh
      marylouh on June 26, 2015 at 11:03 am

      guess I read that wrong – this must be the first book. Love that it’s set in another country. The lilt of the words is wonderful.
      thanks again

      • cathyace
        cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

        Hi marylouh – yes, this is the first in a new series, set in Wales. (My Cait morgan Mysteries are set in different places around the world.) 🙂

  23. Betty W
    Betty W on June 26, 2015 at 11:17 am

    Great title! This book sounds fascinating~ real page-turner! thank you for the chance to win a copy!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:08 pm

      Thanks Betty W – glad you like the sound of it! 🙂

  24. elainehroberson
    elainehroberson on June 26, 2015 at 11:22 am

    Sounds like a great book. Can’t wait to read it.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      Thanks elainehroberson – glad you like the sound of it 🙂

  25. Penny
    Penny on June 26, 2015 at 11:45 am

    This new series sounds incredible. Can’t say enough good about British based cozy novels. Thank you for the chance to win this great book.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      So pleased you like the sound of it, and that British cozies appeal to you – good luck 🙂

  26. Nancy B
    Nancy B on June 26, 2015 at 11:53 am

    Sounds real good.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:09 pm

      Glad you like the sound of it, Nancy B 🙂

  27. Robin L. Coxon
    Robin L. Coxon on June 26, 2015 at 11:59 am

    It’s always interesting to find a new series. Thank you for the review and introduction. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy. robeader53@yahoo.com

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:10 pm

      Thanks Robin – yes, Dru’s site is a great way fro readers to find out about new series 🙂

  28. Mary Jane H
    Mary Jane H on June 26, 2015 at 12:21 pm

    Sounds like a real interesting whodunit! I’m definitely putting this series on my TBR list.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      Thanks for putting it on your TBR pile, Mary Jane H – that’s a great place for an author to see their work 🙂

  29. cjreynolds52
    cjreynolds52 on June 26, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Love the sound of the book.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:11 pm

      Glad you like the sound of it cjreynolds52 🙂

  30. Doward Wilson
    Doward Wilson on June 26, 2015 at 12:47 pm

    I really like how this new series is starting off. I am just now starting to read her other series and can’t wait to get the books thru my library.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:12 pm

      Thanks for commenting here, Doward – hope you enjoy the Cait Morgan Mysteries, and then the WISE Enquiries Agency ones….which are a bit different in that these ladies don’t sleuth – they enquire!! 😉

  31. JoAn V.
    JoAn V. on June 26, 2015 at 12:59 pm

    I always enjoy a cozy mystery that is set in another country because I know that I will learn about a new culture or update my knowledge about an old favorite (England and Wales). Thanks for the giveaway! jmvarner50@hotmail.com

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks JoAn V – here’s hoping you get to enjoy a visit to Wales very soon 😉

  32. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on June 26, 2015 at 1:43 pm

    What a marvelous opening. I want to get to know these people better.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 1:47 pm

      Thanks Libby – it’s such fun to have the chance to write these special little pieces for Dru Ann’s blog. Each time I enjoy thinking “What happened before this book started….” So pleased you like it 🙂

  33. Teri Fish
    Teri Fish on June 26, 2015 at 2:09 pm

    Looks like a great read.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 2:15 pm

      Thanks Teri – fingers crossed for you 🙂

  34. Helen Haught Fanick
    Helen Haught Fanick on June 26, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    I enjoy books set in the UK! Thanks!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Should be right up your street then, Helen Haught Fanick! Hope you enjoy it 🙂

  35. Marion Crook
    Marion Crook on June 26, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    Love Cathy Ace’s “older” protagonists. They are witty and intelligent. So si the writer.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 3:46 pm

      Thanks Marion – you’re very kind 😉

  36. sharon
    sharon on June 26, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    This mystery interests me greatly since I am Canadian, love B.C. and enjoyed learning about your books and your life. Best wishes.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Thanks Sharon – wishing you a happy Canada Day for next week (July 1st is also the launch date for this book!) 🙂

  37. holdenj
    holdenj on June 26, 2015 at 5:21 pm

    These sound like great characters and a fun new series! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 6:38 pm

      Glad you like the sound of them, holdenj. 🙂

  38. Wanda downs
    Wanda downs on June 26, 2015 at 5:55 pm

    I would love to win and read this

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks Wanda – fingers crossed 😉

  39. sallycootie
    sallycootie on June 26, 2015 at 6:04 pm

    Sounds like this will be an interesting series with a little bit different cast of characters.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 6:39 pm

      Thanks sallycootie – I’ve done my best to make them as real as possible 🙂

  40. Darlene Peterson
    Darlene Peterson on June 26, 2015 at 6:49 pm

    Loved the write up. Sounds like something I’d like to read. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 6:53 pm

      Thanks Darlene – glad you like the sound of it 🙂

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Thanks rblerner2013 – glad you like the title 🙂

  42. latteme
    latteme on June 26, 2015 at 7:01 pm

    A Must Read for Me Cathy&Dru…. Great Backstory

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks latteme – the chance to write these little intro’s is great fun 🙂

  43. latteme
    latteme on June 26, 2015 at 7:04 pm

    A Must Read For Me.., Great Backstory Cathy…

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 7:08 pm

      Thanks 🙂

  44. Laura
    Laura on June 26, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    Putting this on my TBR list.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks, Laura – great place for an author to see their work…love TBR lists 🙂

  45. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on June 26, 2015 at 7:41 pm

    Thank you Cathy for writing great stuff. This series looks fascinating.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 8:19 pm

      Thanks Kaye – I really appreciate your support. 🙂

  46. Cynthia E. Blain
    Cynthia E. Blain on June 26, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    This series reminds me a bit of the Alexander McCall Smith books The #1 Ladies Detective Agency. Looking forward to reading it.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks Cynthia….one reviewer said those who like Alexander McCall Smith and MC Beaton will likely enjoy this! WOOT! 🙂

  47. Daniele K
    Daniele K on June 26, 2015 at 7:49 pm

    This sounds like a fun read.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 8:20 pm

      Thanks Daniele – glad you like the sound of it 🙂

  48. Debby Kimmel
    Debby Kimmel on June 26, 2015 at 8:04 pm

    Loved what I read so far and really want to read the rest 😉 Thanks for the chance to win !!!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 26, 2015 at 8:21 pm

      Thanks Debby – here’s hoping you get the chance! 🙂

  49. Wanda downs
    Wanda downs on June 26, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    Oh i would love to win this book

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 12:03 am

      Thanks Wanda – fingers crossed! 🙂

  50. Liz Straw
    Liz Straw on June 26, 2015 at 8:50 pm

    I love Cathy Ace’s books!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 12:03 am

      Thanks for all your support, Liz – I really appreciate it. Good luck! 🙂

  51. Lisa Cobb Sabatini
    Lisa Cobb Sabatini on June 26, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Get a pot of tea ready! This book sounds like fun! I wonder if the, “girls” are exactly as Mavis thinks of them.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 12:04 am

      Oh Lisa – you’ll have to read the book to find out 😉 A cuppa sounds like a good idea.

  52. Judy
    Judy on June 26, 2015 at 9:20 pm

    The book sounds fantastic.
    I know the route from Finsbury park to Sloane square well
    As I did live near Finsbury park before we emigrated to Canada in the Sixties.
    I am looking forward to reading it
    Judy in Chatham, ontario

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 10:06 am

      Isn’t it a small world, Judy! I bet you sat on the number 19 bus quite a bit then! me too 🙂 Hope it brings back a few happy memories

  53. Gail Arnold
    Gail Arnold on June 26, 2015 at 10:11 pm

    This sounds great – set in my favorite place and with women of all ages. I’ll be sure to read even if I don’t win!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 12:05 am

      Thank you so much Gail – I appreciate it 🙂 Happy reading.

  54. Ruth Nixon
    Ruth Nixon on June 26, 2015 at 10:58 pm

    Great eye catching cover. Clever name, bet the are as clever solving case.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 12:05 am

      Thanks Ruth – they are pretty good 😉

  55. Cheryl Corbitt
    Cheryl Corbitt on June 27, 2015 at 12:05 am

    This certainly sounds like an intriguing new series!! Hope I get lucky and win a copy!!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 3:25 am

      Thanks Cheryl – glad you’re intrigued 🙂

  56. Karlene B.
    Karlene B. on June 27, 2015 at 12:13 am

    Looking forward to reading this book! (I hope I win it.)

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 10:03 am

      YAY! Glad you’re looking forward to it Karlene – thanks! 🙂

  57. Marilyn Watson
    Marilyn Watson on June 27, 2015 at 3:21 am

    First of all I love older characters and then if it has an English sound to it and tea…I can’t resist. Sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 3:26 am

      Thanks Marilyn – I am delighted you like the older characters….so do I 😉 Tea, too.

  58. cyn209
    cyn209 on June 27, 2015 at 7:45 am

    would love to get started on this series!!!
    thank you for the giveaway……..

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 10:04 am

      New series are always fun….good luck cyn29 🙂

  59. Denise B.
    Denise B. on June 27, 2015 at 8:24 am

    Sounds like a great story. I love the book cover. English mysteries are my favorite. 😉

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 28, 2015 at 10:23 am

      YAY! Glad you like the Brits Denise 🙂

  60. cathyace
    cathyace on June 27, 2015 at 10:04 am

    Thanks Denise – I love the cover too….Happy Reading 🙂

  61. Linda
    Linda on June 27, 2015 at 10:46 am

    Looking forward to this series!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 28, 2015 at 10:24 am

      That’s great news, Kinda, enjoy! 🙂

  62. Dina Mellas
    Dina Mellas on June 27, 2015 at 5:24 pm

    Cathy…you had me at “alighted”. Great intro, characters, and to top it off…set in Wales. Thanks for the generous opportunity to win a copy.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 28, 2015 at 10:24 am

      Hi Dina – glad you like the choice of vocabulary…back to my roots 🙂

  63. Karen Terry
    Karen Terry on June 27, 2015 at 5:27 pm

    I like to read about women detectives.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 28, 2015 at 10:25 am

      That’s good news Karen – I hope you enjoy all FOUR of these 🙂

  64. Dina Mellas
    Dina Mellas on June 27, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Cathy…you had me at “alight.” Great intro, character set-up…and to top it off, set it Wales. Looking forward to reading this. Thanks for the generous opportunity to win a copy.

    Best, Dina

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 28, 2015 at 10:26 am

      Tanks Dina – best to you too 🙂

  65. Stacie Amelotte
    Stacie Amelotte on June 28, 2015 at 6:55 pm

    Another new to me author. My tbr list is growing! Love cozies set in the UK.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 29, 2015 at 12:42 am

      Thanks for adding this to your TBR list, Stacie 🙂

  66. jagjhd
    jagjhd on June 28, 2015 at 9:32 pm

    Put dowager in the picture or title and I am in.
    Judy D.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 29, 2015 at 12:43 am

      Hey jagjhd – that’s great news….she’s in the title, but you’ll have to picture her for yourself 😉

  67. randolph2468
    randolph2468 on June 29, 2015 at 12:20 am

    Sounds like a delightful read! Thanks for the opportunity!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 29, 2015 at 12:43 am

      Thanks to you for commenting, randolph2468 Glad you like the sound of it 🙂

  68. rochf
    rochf on June 29, 2015 at 2:06 pm

    I love all things English–this sounds like a great series

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 29, 2015 at 3:00 pm

      Thanks rochf – glad you like the sound of it 🙂

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 29, 2015 at 7:35 pm

      Thanks suekey12 – the first in a series is always challenge….how much backstory vs how much THIS case….I hope I got the balance right! 🙂

  70. Laura
    Laura on June 30, 2015 at 8:22 am

    Wow- I am behind on my discovering new series! Thanks for the heads up!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 30, 2015 at 10:44 am

      Glad we got word to you, Laura – thanks for dropping by 🙂

  71. Prentiss Garner
    Prentiss Garner on June 30, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    This sounds so good.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on June 30, 2015 at 8:53 pm

      Thanks, Prentiss – glad you like the sound of it 🙂

  72. Veronica
    Veronica on July 1, 2015 at 8:26 am

    I love reading and hope I win! I am a dotty dowager too!

    • cathyace
      cathyace on July 1, 2015 at 11:50 am

      I am totally on the side of all dotty dowagers, Veronica. I wonder if you’ll see anything of yourself in Althea Twyst 😉

  73. Dru
    Dru on July 3, 2015 at 4:35 am

    Thanks Cathy for commenting and interacting with my readers.
    Contest is closed.

    • cathyace
      cathyace on July 3, 2015 at 12:14 pm

      Thanks for having me, and the four women of the WISE Enquiries Agency, along, Dru Ann – and thanks to everyone who left a comment. Even if you don’t win the free copy of the book, I hope you consider reading it….your own copy, or via your local library (if you’re lucky enough to have one!). If you choose to follow my Facebook page you’ll get a glimpse of the cover of the second book in the series too: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cathy-Ace-Author/318388861616661?ref=hl