by Barb, out of book jail at last!
Here’s the cover for the second Jane Darrowfield Mystery due out October 27th. To celebrate the cover reveal, I’m giving away a copy of the first book in the series, Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody, to one lucky commenter on the blog.
The title of the new book is Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door.
Here’s the blurb.
Jane Darrowfield is using her retirement years to work as a professional busybody, with most of her business coming from her West Cambridge, Massachusetts, community. This time her client is right next door…
Megan, who’s purchased the house next to Jane’s, needs some help from her snooping neighbor. Megan’s been having blackouts, hearing voices—and feeling like someone’s following her. Are these symptoms of an illness—or signs that she’s in danger?
Considering the extensive security system in Megan’s house, it seems like she should be safe—yet she soon vanishes into thin air. Some think she’s run away, but would this ambitious young lawyer on the partner track really miss a meeting with an important client? And where’s Megan’s cat?
The mystery is about to deepen when the cat is finally located in a hidden panic room—and as Jane and the police look into Megan’s friends, family, and past, it may be time to sound the alarm…
***
My editor warned me that the title was a long one. At the time, he was worried about the design of the cover and fitting all those words on it. In one way, Darrowfield is a terrific surname for Jane, because apparently it isn’t really a name. Which makes it highly Googleable if someone is looking for the books. On the other hand, it is l-o-o-n-n-ng.
I really wanted the title and I prevailed. I didn’t think about how, by the end of this fall, I would be so tired of typing it and so tired of trying to remember if madwoman was one word and next door was two, or if it was the other way around.
Like Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody, JDMND (see how I did that) is a Barnes and Noble exclusive for one year. That means it is only in print, not electronic, and only available at barnesandnoble.com or if you go to an actual Barnes & Noble (assuming that is even possible in the end of October, 2020.)
P.S. On Thursday evening, Edith and I will be reading at a Noir at the Bar New England online event. Here’s the link for more information and to register if you wish. We’d love to see you there!
Readers: What do you think of the cover, title and blurb for Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door? Too long? Cozy/not cozy? Can’t wait/can wait? Don’t worry, you won’t hurt my feelings. It’s done and dusted. And one lucky commenter will receive a mass market paperback of Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody.
Buy links
Jane Darrowfield and the Madwoman Next Door
Jane Darrowfield, Professional Busybody