Ask Rhys Bowen, Deborah Crombie, and Charles Todd! discussion

Welcome to the group! The authors will be answering questions throughout the day on Wednesday, February 19th in this thread only. In the meantime if you have a question for them or just want to introduce yourself feel free to do so in this thread.

I love the Molly Murphy series, Ms. Bowen, but will you ever be writing any more Evan Evans books?

Here's my question, guess it's mostly for Rhys Bowen but the other authors can answer too.
Rhys, I'm very into your Royal Spyness series, I know you have 2 other series, how do they compare to the Royal series? Is one of them your favorite? Also, how would you compare your series to the other authors? Do you feel your books relate better to Deborah Crombie or to Charles Todd, or neither the only common thing is England?

My question, mostly for Ms. Crombie: you do a really good job in dialog using the language of contemporary England. I lived there a while and admire your proficiency at this. Do you take notes or use any special resources to help with this, or is it just experience and good memory on your part?

I have read all of the Deborah Crombie's books and like them very much. It is very rare for a mystery book series to be centered on a (mostly) happy family. The only other one in the books I have been reading is Helene Tursten's Swedish series with Detective Inspector Irene Huss.

I have a question and a suggestion for Deborah. Are you ever planning to get back to the unsolved murder of Duncan Kinkaid's first wife?

My suggestion is to involve members of the US Air Force in the plot of a mystery. The US Air Force has been in England since WWII and I am sure there are many potential stories involving the interaction of USAF members and the English people. You could even do some of your research without leaving the US.

For Rhys Bowen, Why did you stop writing the Constable Evans series?

I have read all but the last one. I am new to this genre and find that I really enjoy getting to know the characters. Can you recommend similar series, i.e., set in Britain with a minimum of violence, gore, etc.?

I especially appreciate the glossary in the front of the books.

This is for Charles Todd. I really enjoy your Bess Crawford series. I am a nurse so I can relate to and appreciate the medical aspects of her stories. My questions are how do you and your mother write together? Does one do the historical research and the other write the novel?

For Charles Todd: I have enjoyed the Ian Rutledge series from the very start, mostly because the character is so different from most mystery books. How did you determine that you would write about a veteran suffering such emotional scars? And what did you do to make the character so believable? And, as you are now on the 16th book (I've not gotten that far in the series), how are you changing his character — or are you — to reflect the passage of time/healing of Rutledge?

For Charles Todd: I've very much enjoyed the Bess Crawford series and have read them all. I've read a few of the Ian Rutledge books as well. I like that you enough detail to have a visual picture of the scene, but not so much that the reader is bored. Is it difficult to gauge how much detail to include? Also, as Cheryl asked, I do wonder how the two of you collaborate on the novels.

For Charles Todd, I thoroughly enjoy your Bess Crawford series. I love the timeline it is set in, will there be more in this series?

For Charles Todd: Do you visit all the locales where Inspector Rutledge's cases are located? Where he ever visit France and face his demons there?

For Charles Todd: I have read and enjoyed all your Inspector Ian Rutledge books. I just finished your latest, “Hunting Shadows” and it seems to me that the voice of Hamish is heard less than in earlier books. Is Rutledge now slowly getting over his shell shock from the war? Also, you never say what make of car Rutledge drives. In some books you have him driving back and forth all over England and Scotland with never a mechanical problem. That’s exceptional for an automobile of that era. Is it a Rolls-Royce?

For Rhys Bowen: One of the things I like about the Constable Evans series is the minimal description of characters' physical appearances. Those things usually bore me to tears. Who cares what color a character's hair is? I am wondering if it a conscious choice to not make a big fuss over what the villagers look like? Or is it something that you just don't care about?

For Charles Todd: I have read all of the Ian Rutledge books and am currently reading Hunting Shadows. I also write fiction myself, and I think that A Test of Wills serves as an excellent example of tight, expert plotting. My questions are: Given whatever research you have done about the PTSD that afflicted soldiers after WWI, is it realistic to reduce the voice of Haimish? It seems now to have become more of a distraction now than an effective plot device. Also, to me the Bess Crawford series does not seem to be written with the same sophisticated adult voice as the Rutledge books. Is it meant to be more of a YR series? Do you allocate authorship and research responsibilities the same way for both series?

For Charles Todd... I love the dynamic of Rutledge's relationship with Meredith Channing. Do you plan on bringing her back to England in the future?

Deborah Crombie, I just love everyone of your books and anxiously await for each new book! As soon as I finish the book, I am ready for the next.

As Carol states you do a remarkable job using the language of modern day British people. When I first began to read your novels I thought you were British!

I look forward to see what is developing with Duncan & Gemma's family and all the interesting detective stories! I love it that you have maps in your books, somehow it makes me feel more connected.

Learning about what is going on in modern day Britain is another reason why I read your books. I have not visited England since 1978, but also stayed in London for one month when I was 18 yrs and then for 1 week in 1978. We had some much fun there! Just loved it there!

Keep up the great work!! :-)

I have read some of your Royal Spyness series. Love the humour in them and the characters. How do you feel about your books being published as audio books? I like hearing your books. I can take them on my iPod everywhere I go.

For Charles Todd (mere et fils): Your descriptions of the after-effects of WWI on both Rutledge and his fellow soldiers, as well as the British population are riveting. Would you describe your research for this. Additionally, the war wounds of that other era certainly resonate with today's military actions. This is a terrific series (and I also enjoy the Bess Crawford books). Thank you!

My question is for all the authors--all of whom I read and enjoy immensely. After that first book--Duncan and Gemma, Ian Rutledge, Molly Murphy, did you already have a plot for the next book? By the time a book is published, I know most of you are well into your next manuscript. In other words, how and when do you know what's coming next? Thanks!

For Charles Todd. I am an ardent fan of Rutledge and love the way you keep him moving forward professionally while showing his vulnerable personal life. Are their an plans for a book which goes back before the war....or even during the war itself.
Thank you both!

My question is for all the authors. I am currently an amateur writer. Do you have any tips for a college student who loves to write creatively?
Thank you!

Ms. Bowen, I LOVE the mix of mystery, humor and historical setting in your Royal Spyness series. It's a perfect blend. The day you decide to "retire" Georgie will be one sad day indeed. I was wondering where your inspiration for her comes from. She seems to struggle between practicality and longing for a life she remembers. Thank you, and please keep them coming!

For Charles Todd: I've read the first Insp. Rutledge as well as the first Bess Crawford and I noticed that both books dealt heavily with the psychological traumas, what we'd probably today identify as PTSD. Is that a theme through all the books? If so, I'd be interested in what prompted you to focus on that aspect from the War.

For Charles Todd: I am a longtime favorite and have enjoyed both series of books.. Ian Rutledge and Bess Crawford! Rutledge has an adversarial and poor relationship with his boss.. this seems to be a theme of many authors.. might there ever be a time when he has a new boss or a better relationship that might reduce some of the tension from his job? Could a more supportive work environment take him off in a different direction with new adventures? I truly look forward to every new chapter! thanks!

For Rhys Bowen: While recovering from a broken ankle, I discovered Molly Murphy and read one book after another. I enjoyed the historical New York, and especially your book about the honeymoon in Newport since I live in Rhode Island and know Newport well. What brought you to do a series about that era of New York and Newport in particular?

I would to ask Mr. Todd how much research and what archives he uses in his World War I related mystery series?

For Ms. Bowen - I absolutely love your Molly Murphy series. Born and raised in the Lower East Side of New York City, I truly appreciate your writing on that area (Mulberry and Bowery Streets). Did you research the area with a visit? If yes, what was your first impression of the Lower East Side?

I will start by saying I love this group of authors they are among my favourite. For Charles Todd and Rhys Bowen how do you manage researching, travelling, writing, promoting 2 books/year and are able to still write quality books while still meeting deadlines? For Deborah Crombie I love the fact that Duncan and Gemma are a couple/family, what prompted you to put them together in a relationship relatively early in the series?

For Charles Todd (first praise then question): I met Ian Rutledge in Legacy Of The Dead and found it very easy to jump into the series at book #4. Unlike many series, I had no sense I was a Johnny-come-lately.

Question. Is Hamish more a manifestation of PTSD's arbitrary influence or primarily a literary device so Ian has someone to think aloud to, ala Watson to Rutledge's Holmes? Is his character the result of two people (with different temperaments) writing one book?

Ohhh....or is Hamish a ghost?

Rhys Bowen: do you have a favorite series? Whose world--Evan's, Georgina's, or Molly's--do you feel most at home in?

For all: what made you decide to write books set in the United Kingdom when you live in a different setting? How often do you need to travel to the UK to write so knowledgeably about that country?

This is for Charles Todd. I so enjoy the Inspector Rutledge series. Do you foresee any being made into movie format?

For Rhys Bowen: I thought the most powerful scene in the Evan Evans books was went he was trapped underground in the abandoned mine. The second most powerful to me was when he was buried alive in another book.

This makes me wonder if you used his claustrophobia simply as a plot device to humanize your hero, or if you have claustrophobia yourself and that made your writing it about more persuasive.

Amy's question about a movie is excellent.. an idea I hadn't thought of.. what star would you picture as Rutledge? thanks!

The first name that comes to mind is Hugh Bonneville. Second, Hugh Jackman. Any other suggestions.

First, The Twelve Clues of Christmas was absolutely one of the best mysteries I've ever read. Along with the familiar great characters, the mystery itself and the clues were stellar.

Now, on to my question. When will Evan Evans return?

i don't really have questions to the two authors here whose books i read and very much enjoy: deborah crombie and charles todd. i always look forward to the history of the period contained in charles todd's books, and how comfortable the two main characters are in their period. in deborah crombie's stories, i especially enjoy the relationships of the well-developed family characters, along with the evolutions as well as locales of the mysteries. i hope both authors continue to put out these books for such pleasure they bring.

For Deborah Crombie: I love your Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James mysteries. Will they ever be made into a TV series?

For all: Do you find it difficult to start writing a novel or chapter? How are you able to decide the right wording? Was there ever a particular book or chapter that gave you a hard time and you didn't want to write it?

For Deborah Crombie: I love all your books. Your characters are so genuine and have current and real life issues. I especially like how you take a different location for each of your books and educate us about the environs and issues in that area. How do you decide what the location will be for your next book and what topic/issue you will explore.i especially loved your exploration of life on narrow boats and adoption with cultural differences.

For Rhys Bowen: I am a huge fan of your Royal Spyness and Molly Murphy series, I can't wait for the next books in the series to come out. I love your main characters as well as supporting characters like Sid and Gus and Belinda and Georgie's grandfather.

Are there any plans for a tv show or movie from either of these series? Who would you envision playing Molly and Daniel? Georgie and Darcy?

I love both the Inspector Rutledge series, and the Bess Crawford series. I put new release dates on my phone calendar so I'll have something to look forward to. I have 2 questions. The first is about hunting shadows, without giving too much away for those who didn't read the book yet, why on earth didn't Rutledge call the Yard at the end instead of racing after the man? My second question is that I noticed that Rutledge and Bess have a common friend. Will they ever meet? Maybe solve a crime together? Maybe more?

This is for all the authors. I admire your work, ladies. Thank you for giving us your time today. I currently write historical mysteries set in the United States. However, I've thought of sending my main character abroad. For my books, I usually do at least one site visit. My question is: Do you do extensive on-site visits or do you rely mostly on print/digital research material available to you here in the US? If you do on-site visits, how often and what would say was the most important aspect of that visit, location, culture, etc.?

Charles Todd, Mother and Son, when and how did Mother get involved with writing under the same name as her son?

in rely to somebody who reads Evan Evans, I really enjoy reading about a person's looks, especially dick Francis' . I am an artist so maybe that is why. I also truly enjoy Rhys Bowen's plots. I like books taking place in another country because of the introduction to another culture. She likes Wales, so do I.

Love all 3 authors. Ms. Bowen, I introduced a friend to your Royal Spyness series and she passed it along to her octogenarian father in Greece who adores the books! Thanks to all 3 authors for providing many happy hours of entertaining reading!

this is for Amy.. whom do I think could play Rutledge.. one of the Fiennes brothers, but they may be too old.. someone like Josh Holloway.. (star of Intelligence on CBS).. it would be a perfect role for Johnny Depp.. but he's the wrong age..

For Ellen, Hugh Bonneville is probably too old, also. He could have play the troubled Inspector several years ago.

I agree with Amy. What about Matthew Macfadyen as Rutledge???

Ellen, Deborah, what about Iain Glenn?