RHYS BOWEN: My new baby book, THE CASTLE IN THE GLEN, is now two days old. I’ve had some lovely feedback already including a review that says “Rhys Bowen knocks it out of the park again.” Not bad, huh?
This story centers around a castle on a lake shore on the island of Skye off the West Coast of Scotland. A young writer is sent there when she agrees to complete the final novel of a very famous writer, now suffering from dementia. But is the fictitious murder really fiction? The more she digs into the story, the more she finds real clues and a family who might do anything to keep her from finding out more.
Atmospheric. Suspenseful. Romantic. These are three adjectives that have described the book by those who have read it.
So the story is about a family who has lived in a grim castle on a remote shore for many generations. This made me think: who would want to live in a place like this? Would the dark, oppressive atmosphere of such a building not shape your outlook on life?
It's based on a real castle, or actually several real castles that families in Scotland still live in: They are grim and cold and dark and gloomy. this makes me wonder who would want to live there?
On social media I sometimes see some pictures of various houses and am asked which one I would choose (and thus reveal my true personality). A cottage, a mansion, a lakeshore cabin, a mountain retreat, or a modern home on the sea shore. I find it hard to decide: I love being at the coast, watching the waves and smelling the salt air, but I also sense that coastside living is dangerous with climate change (ever practical as usual). I love the mountains but would I want to find myself snowed in? Avalanches? Lakeside cabin? Again beautiful setting but remote… what about bears and if I needed to get to a hospital emergency room? You see, my true personality is being revealed. Practical. Sensible. So I’d probably choose the cottage because the mansion would be too much to clean and heat. And the cottage would be in an English village which would suit me just fine.
To tell the truth I woud happiy live in my sister-in-law's manor house in Cornwall. Or in any cottage in Cornwall for that matter!
What about you, Reds. Which would you choose? And would you ever live in a real castle like the one on the island of Skye?
DEBORAH CROMBIE: Absolutely no on the castle, Rhys. Ditto mansions. It may be fun to watch those restoration shows where people do up crumbling villas, but I've never had any desire to do that in real life. I am cottage all the way. In an English village, of course, so maybe we could go in together and do a time share!
But I have also always been fascinated by tiny living spaces. I have no idea why, as I live in a fairly big rambling house. My latest obsession is the Kris Atomic YouTube channel, where a couple give up their London life to live on a 70 foot narrowboat. I would do that, in an alternate universe.
RHYS: I'm obsessed with tiny houses. I'd like to see if I could live in one.
LUCY BURDETTE: I’ll do the cottage too, but not as a timeshare–I want to be in the village at the same time as you guys! Debs, when Hayley Snow and her hub were renovating a little houseboat, I had the most fun searching around online, including Pinterest, to find exactly the right features. The litter box was always going to be a problem…
Rhys, the new book is wonderful, but you sure did make that castle sound grim. And ditto for the little writer’s cottage! It was lovely to visit Skye and I am always in awe of your plot twists!
DEBS: Okay, we’ll just buy the whole village!
HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: I have dreams, and I can describe them completely, about living in a very very modern glass-walled house in the mountains on a lake. (Hey, it’s a dream, and that’s how it is.) I’m not sure what that means, but the house is amazing, so gorgeous, and I could draw every bit of it. Where did it come from? No idea, I have never been anywhere like that. So–talk about a dream house, there it literally is!
Living on a houseboat or narrowboat? Or in a tiny house? Yikes, no. Living in the Jungle Red village? In a heartbeat. What would we call it? Redlands?
HALLIE EPHRON: No castles for me, either. I’d be thinking about the house in the Sherlock Holmes story, The Speckled Band. Or more specifically, the snake’s head that descends from its fake bell-pull by the bed. Not a glass-walled house, either, thank you very much.
But I love taking a “trip” to Rhys’s castle and letting my imagination run wild, just not a sleepover. Writers have fertile imaginations.
JENN McKINLAY: I’ll take the castle! When I traveled in Ireland, we stayed in Ballyseede Castle near Tralee and I loved, loved, loved it. Castle life is definitely for me – so long as it’s fully staffed and I don’t have to pay the bills. Otherwise, move me into a cottage in Redlands forthwith!
JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING: I’ll take the castle as well, Jenn, or an English Country House, and since we’re dreaming, I’m imagining I have SO much money I can pay for all the heating, upkeep, and a small staff consisting of a butler, housekeeper, cook, laundress, gardener, two garden assistants, two maids. I’m not fancy, I don’t need footmen or a chauffeur.
I feel I’ve read about a group of either friends or relations who bought up a bunch of wonderful old houses in a French village and brought them back to life. Maybe that could be our JRW settlement! Terre Rouge if it’s in France, and if in England or Scotland, Redstow, because -stow (I looked this up!) means a gathering place in Old English!
RHYS: Leave it to Julia to come up with the perfect solution... of course we need staff to take care of the big house. But the idea of a Reds commune sounds so appealing to me. Restow, in the Cotswolds, right?
Or maybe Chateau Rouge and we'll take a floor or a wing each?
It's lovely to dream, isn't it?
But what about you, dear Reddies? What is your dream home? Are you living in it? I have to say that I'd find it hard to beat my view right now...
Love the book, Rhys, but no, thank you, to the castle . . . I'd like a roomy house, but a castle just feels a bit too big to manage. I love the idea of a Reds village . . . .
ReplyDeleteIsn't it a sweet thought? ANd we could have special Redlands t-shirts. and we all could be the librarians.
DeleteAs long as someone comes to be baker and chef!
DeleteRhys, I love to bake! I love the idea of a Reds retreat.
DeleteDiana
Hmm, I’m going to visit Green Gables today, maybe that would suit? The castle has potential if it is the Atholl Palace in Pitlochry Scotland. But I think it would the mountain retreat for me.
ReplyDeleteLisa I hope you enjoy your time on PEI
DeleteIt’s been some years I wanted to visit the island and Green Gables but it will have to be next year now.
We never made it to PEI when we were driving around Nova Scotia as the weather turned awful. I hope the sun shines for you
DeleteCongratulations on your book, Rhys! I live in a farmhouse in the New York mountains an hour from the Canadian border. I love the house and the farm. However, as we age, the fact that we're two hours from dependably good medical care in Vermont becomes more nerve-racking. I was very lucky that when my appendix burst in 2022 the gastrointestinal surgeon who also practices in Florida (?!) was actually here, a half hour away. As for tiny houses... where would the dogs and books go? (Selden)
ReplyDeleteThat is a big concern, Selden. And just getting to stores as we age. No, the dogs wouldn’t fit!
DeleteCongratulations, Rhys. Lovely to have a new book. Living in my dream home, small condo on the ocean beach. Problem is that reality intrudes, and for over a year now there has been construction to make safety improvements which has made dust, dirt, and noise constant…and there seems no end in sight! Sigh…Elisabeth
ReplyDeleteThat’s so annoying Elizabeth. We once stayed at a lovely Caribbean hotel and they were building another one next door, starting at 7 in the morning!
DeleteOh I hear you Elizabeth! Our next door neighbor tore down their house to build a new 4,ooo sq ft home, a year long process. The dust is the worst. And now we are in a beautiful B and B in Victoria BC with next door condo construction starting at 7.30 am.
DeleteWhen I was in Sitka Alaska I stayed at a small hotel that was, unbeknownst to me, undergoing extensive renovations which included the noise of saws, drills and hammers. They also started their day early in the morning. Fortunately I was gone for most of the day and by the time I came back they were gone.
DeleteDelightful! And congratulations, Rhys. I can't wait to pick up my copy and dive into the story.
ReplyDeleteI'll come visit Redstow when you all are in residence. I can imagine running into Debs and Julia at the farmers market, asking Lucy for the best place to eat, spotting Rhys painting on a hillside, passing Jenn out for a run, and listening to Hank give a talk at the library.
I love my house, but it's a bit too close to the neighbors and I wish I had a tad more guest space - it's getting very cozy when both sons and their families visit at the same time. On the other hand, I can walk everywhere and it's not too much to manage. No castles for me!
Your house and neighborhood sound delightful, Edith !
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Rhys! I promise to review it when I finish reading. I have the audiobook, too and may listen to it first.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would be happy in a castle, but wouldn't mind a roomier house somewhere beautiful. The next best thing is traveling and staying in beautiful places. I would visit your village!
Trsveling is great but I always miss my own bed !
DeleteCongratulations on your new book, Rhys! I'm not a castle person, but a small cottage in a small village would work for me.
ReplyDeleteJoin us at Redstow
DeleteIs Redstow a real place?
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Rhys!
ReplyDeleteI love looking at those adorable tiny houses, but then realize I am living in a 600 sq. ft. log cabin, which pretty much qualifies. And with my packrat husband, I'd love a little more space. Having said that, a hard NO on the castle. Have you seen the HGTV show Castle Impossible? The couple living there is adorable, but the work involved is mindboggling. So, I'm voting for the cottage as well. Just maybe more than 600 sq. ft.
My husband was also a pack rat, so a tiny house would not have worked. But now.,,,
DeleteI'm longing for a cottage, the smaller the better, but am, in fact, living in a place larger where relatives and friends can come and stay for longish stints. And do. And maybe that's why the cottage sounds so great ...
ReplyDeleteI understand your feelings! I have a big house and relatives visit all the time. I love it but can also long for quiet
DeleteSince I now live in a cottage-style house, I'll take the cottage. Preferably in the mountains. The castle and the mansion would cost too much too heat. And unless they come with maintenance staff, the upkeep is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on your new book, Rhys!
Thanks, Liz
DeleteAuthor Jenny Colgan lives in a castle. It looks like fun, but I can’t imagine the upkeep. Maybe just visit her.
ReplyDeleteIf I lived by myself I would like a tiny house. Any other person would become irritating in such a small space.
I like the house I live in now but I wouldn’t call it my dream house as until we moved I never imagined it. I would still prefer living at the beach, but it is too expensive and there are hurricanes.
Yes, let's all go to Jenny's house!
DeleteYes, let’s go to Jenny’s house.
DeleteI think living in Jenny's castle with her would be a hoot!
DeleteRhys, The Castle on the Glen is on my Kindle and I intend to begin it as soon as I finish the one I have to return to the library.
ReplyDeleteWhen we were young with no money, we lived in a very little house 20X16, one floor with two little children . It was some of the best years of my life.
While travelling I loved visiting castles but would not live there.
I would happily live in a Redstow village but I’m very happy with my home in the country right now.
Danielle I adored my first home. It was a 1903 cottage outside San Francisco but only had one bedroom. It soon got too smalll for us but it had charm and warmth.
DeleteMargo
ReplyDeletePlease ignore the above anonymous - no coffee yet! Let's try again.
ReplyDeleteJack’s aunt and uncle (Canadians) were caretakers of Peebles Castle in Scotland for many years. Of course they lived there, but no we never visited – too young, kids – missed opportunity. Jack was more interested in talking with uncle Colin about his time in WW2 (very close-mouthed), so we did not learn much about life in a castle. Winter may not have been pleasant…
I always thought I would like to live in Vera’s house – which is not really able to be classified as a cozy country cottage. Need the wind, and the sheep, even if the flower covered cottage with be lovely – just without all those village people.
We just came back from Prince Edward Island where all their century-old houses are built on slab-rocks on the ground. I can just imagine the lovingly rubbed and used wood in the woodshed through to the kitchen. The dust in the unused fancy parlour. The cold of the bedrooms where any heat came through the grill on the floor. The dust, the cold, the kerosene, the outdoor privy…well maybe there might be some repairs required!
Margo I grew up in a house with no heating. Brrrr. Those people were tough
DeleteThe book sounds wonderful, Rhys! Looking forward to it. I visited the Isle of Skye a long time ago and loved the wildness of the landscape. I guess I'm practical at heart too because I'd probably go with a cottage, though a mountain retreat is tempting. As for castles, I think I'll settle for visiting them and let other people worry about the maintenance.
ReplyDeleteMaybe summer and winter homes? Snug cottage when it snows
DeleteI am looking forward to reading your book! I was lucky enough to visit Skye once--also spent a little time on Mull, Iona and Lewis. I would love to go back.
ReplyDeleteNo way would I want to live in a castle. My 3 bedroom/1 bath house was built in 1914, and provides sufficient upkeep headaches for me, thank you very much.
I would definitely take the cottage--and in an area unlikely to burn or flood or be inundated with wildfire smoke. I can dream that way, but my beloved Oregon is suffering greatly right now. We've been lucky in Portland--the smoke didn't start blowing our way until 2 days ago, but the state and our world are on fire. Historic Timberline Lodge is under a level 1 evacuation order. I'm praying it won't burn. It's a CCC-era gem of a building. Now that would be quite the mountain home! So beautiful and solidly constructed. Way too big for a single family though.
I’m visiting Scotland in September and plan to go back to Iona which I loved.
DeleteWe are sick about all the wildfires Gillian. Rhys, Iona was one of my favorite places of all times!
DeleteCongratulations on the new book, Rhys! I am on the wait list for it at my library and am looking forward to it -- you never disappoint.
ReplyDeleteI definitely would NOT want to live in a castle. Ditto to a mansion or a home on the seashore (though I do enjoy visiting the shore.) A cabin on a lake holds more allure for me, but like most previous commenters, as I get older the remoteness becomes somewhat less attractive. But then again, in Ohio and Michigan there are a lot of lakes that are really not that far from civilization... So that one holds some real potential. The cottage in an English village sounds attractive, exponentially more so if in Redstow with all of you as friendly neighbors. But I really am enjoying our retirement condo which seems just right in terms of small enough to be easy to maintain but with space enough for the two of us, all modern conveniences, and proximity to our church, modern medicine, my sister, and many of our closest friends.
I agree. Closeness to friends is important
DeleteSounds like a perfect choice Susan!
DeleteI'll pass on living in a castle. Although I love them in story settings, and I definitely want your new book, Rhys. As for the living choices you suggested, I would want the boat, although my husband would never go for it. And actually I love our apartment in Portugsl: an office for each of us, and spacious rooms and we've cnnverted the enclosed balcony into our garden. Plus, we can walk everywhere.
ReplyDeleteWalking everywhere is so useful and good for you too!
DeleteElizabeth, may I ask when you moved to Portugal?
DeleteDiana
Your place sounds wonderful Elizabeth!
DeleteThanks so much. Lucy.
DeleteThis is for Diana: we moved here February, 2021.
DeleteRhys, your new book sounds fabulous! It’s all queued up on my Kindle (and how well I know the power of the algorithm, so I’ll be sure to post a review!) I can’t say I’m surprised at the number of no thank yous on the castle among this discerning group—in a former life, I had the pleasure of drinking sherry with a lord and lady at the Scottish castle of former life’s husband’s yachting sponsor, and all I remember of the conversation was Lord Archie complaining bitterly about having to rent the place out to the BBC because the fertilizer for the front lawn alone cost him 800 pounds a year.
ReplyDeleteThat is SUCH a real-life conversation! Hilarious!
DeleteThat’s the problem these land owners all face. The houses were built with flocks of servants in mind. Cheap labor to keep them running
DeleteOh, Rhys, you are SO right about reviews! As for castle/cottage/Redlands -- we live in a house built in 1894, and it is difficult enough to keep that running, i have to say. I cannot imagine what a castle needs, let alone the staff of housekeepers, gardeners, shepherds, farriers, farmers, grooms, cooks and ahhh..
ReplyDeleteAnd I’d find that so intrusive. What if I wanted to walk around in my underwear?
DeleteYes, our house is 1905, and there is always something going wrong and major upkeep that needs doing. You really have to love these places--and have help1
DeleteI vote we all move to Redstow in the Cotwolds, and share housekeepers and gardeners for our cottages!
Yes, Rhys, as our resident manor expert, what did people do about privacy?
DeleteYou can eliminate the farrier and grooms if you don’t have horses. If you do then you also have to have a stable for them plus an available veterinarian.
DeleteKudos on the newest book, Rhys.
ReplyDeleteNo castle for me. I have visions of cold stone everything everywhere! I do love our big old rambling house though.
Do you have help either the upkeep? I now appreciate my cleaning lady!
DeleteCleaning lady, lawn guy and a gardener.
DeleteOur cleaning lady is exceptional. She’s taken me on as a project, missing her mother maybe. And I adore her. We share our CSA with her as it’s too much for us, and she comes by a couple times a week to see if we want/need any thing, always takes Pepper for a walk. We couldn’t possibly take care of this 100+ year old barn without help.
What a marvelously dreamy post. My dream home would be a 15 minute walk from an ocean beach with large nobby rocks for the surf to fan over, lots of flowers in my garden(s) blue skies, and nothing below 40 (f) degrees or above 90. Add some puffy white clouds in the distance, a green mountain nearby with lots of grass, trees and flowers everywhere. It’s so hot in the desert this year, or my ability to cope with it at my lovely age of not yet over the hill (IMHO), that my dream place is my escape of the moment. Hmm, and a house that’s easy and fast to clean plus 3 bedrooms and a large patio surrounded by friends, family and puppies. Well now, that was most fun.
ReplyDeleteSounds perfect!
DeleteRhys, I loved the Castle in the Glen. Just finished the book last night. I cannot access bookbub nor goodreads. However, I have Instagram and Substack. I can leave a five star review. I have to be very, very Careful Not to give away spoilers!
ReplyDeleteIf you asked me as an adult, I would say that I love the idea of living in a cottage in a Cotswolds village in England. I grew up in a small village near Berkeley, California. It really looks like the Cotswolds with the winding roads and the architecture of the houses. Though our family house was built in 1939 by a Swedish sailor for his family. The architecture is more like a house in the Mediterranean.
Diana
Congratulations on the new book, Rhys! I started reading it last night and am loving it. As a confirmed Anglophile since being stationed in Oxfordshire in my youth--near the glorious Cotswolds--cottages are my favorite. I was lucky enough to live in a 350-year-old stone cottage named Chapel Yard next door to the village church. The small village of Tackley outside of Oxford contained a butcher's, green grocer's, a cluster of lovely cottages, and a pub conveniently located kiddie-corner from our cottage. My Air Force roommate and I enjoyed countless pub lunches and delicious dinners at The Gardiner Arms. Years later I got to see Chapel Yard again when my husband and I visited my beloved England together in September 2001. One day after 9/11, dazed, disbelieving and grieving the attack on the U.S. all we wanted was to be home with our family in the States, but there were no flights out. Instead, we drove to Tackley from our nearby B&B so I could show Michael the place I'd once lived. The pale pink cottage with the iron gate bearing the name Chapel Yard looked just how I'd remembered it. Michael encouraged me to go to the door, and see if anyone was home. I hesitated, not wanting to be intrusive, but then overcame my reticence. When I knocked on the door, a woman with white hair answered. I explained I'd lived in the cottage while stationed at RAF Upper Heyford more than 20 years ago. She peered at me and said, "Laura?" It was my former landlord! Her daughter and her family now lived in the cottage but were away on holiday, so she'd stopped by to water the plants and pick up the mail. Had we arrived 10 minutes later, we'd have missed her. She invited us in and I was overcome with emotion at the sight of the old beamed ceiling, thick-planked floors, ancient fireplace, and the same cozy chintz sofa, loveseat and matching chintz curtains where I'd spent many happy hours. In that moment, when I was longing for home, I found myself safe and sheltered in the cozy English cottage I'd once called home.
ReplyDeleteLaura, that’s a wonderful story. I’m so happy for you and your husband to have had such a warm welcome “home”. — Pat S
DeleteOhhhhh that is so touching!
DeleteWhat a lovely story, Laura. I arrived in the UK on the day of 9/11 as well, so I know exactly how homesick and isolated you must have been feeling.
DeleteWhat a wonderful story Laura. I love that area of England. It is so special. There is really no place like it.
DeleteI'm so excited for everyone to read The Castle in the Glen. You are so creative with these plots and timelines. Truly, a Rhys Bowen book is always a fabulous read!
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI think a cottage would be nice, if it was on one level and has enough room for books and yarn. I love the look of those cottages with dormer windows. It is so inviting, but the stairs? Not so much anymore. A cozy window seat, overlooking a small garden, that doesn't leak cold air in the winter, would be perfect for curling up in, to read or crochet.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read about the Isle of Skye.
Something else no one mentioned, transportation. Having a chauffeur would solve that so you could live anywhere you wanted and not be concerned with getting around whenever you want a change of scenery or climate
DeleteCongratulations, Rhys, on your newest book’s publication! I am definitely looking forward to reading it.
ReplyDeleteAs for my dream house, I vacillate. I’d like more room in the house than we have (1,800 square feet) so you don’t have to step out of the way if someone else walks down the only hallway at the same time as you. And I definitely think practically as we age about available medical care so don’t want to live too far away from “civilization”.
A castle just sounds like too much work and too cold in the winter — not to mention the dead bodies that always seem to be hidden (or mummified) in the part of the castle you just never seem to get to. A cottage with three bedrooms and a couple of modern bathrooms sounds lovely, especially with wonderful, friendly (but not intrusive) neighbors like Redstow. (My husband would be living in a tiny house on the outskirts of town, happily away from people!) — Pat S
My husband could join him, Pat:-)
DeleteWell, we’d have fun then, right, Debs?! — PS
DeleteHere's my plan. I would live in a lovely cottage or small manor house on the outskirts of Redstow for some privacy. Everything is in walking distance: doctor, pub, etc. The town has a taxi service if there's an emergency. The castle is nearby and welcoming to visitors. (Hi Jenn and Julia!) Wouldn't want to live there as I would probably freeze my *** off. There has to be a friendly pub-my husband is a social soul.
ReplyDeleteRedstow must be on a canal as well!
DeleteWorks for me! Got so excited about Redstow that I forgot to say I read your book Rhys. and loved it. Reviews posted. I loved the elements that took me back to Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt in times past.
DeleteCrazy day today, first opportunity (and last) to wish you a super book birthday, dear Rhys!! Kudos on the kudos, too!
ReplyDeletePS My ideal place is my home right now, and I don't aspire to more. Visits to the shore, the mountains, the lake are all lovely, but it's Home Sweet Home for me.
DeleteThank you, Karen
DeleteRhys, happy book launch day!! I adored The Castle in the Glen!!! I have been to Skye and you captured the atmosphere of that magical island so well. Add in a good mystery and you have a perfect read!
ReplyDeleteRhys, Congratulations on you publication of The Castle in the Glen. I've just ordered it. When I read it I'll review it.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of living in a cottage in Redstow with all the Reds, especially if it is in the Costwolds. My cottage would need a fenced in yard for my dog. I like the idea of everything being in walking distance and having a great bakery and a tea room.
Betty, you brought up a few points I hadn’t considered: a fenced yard for the dog I’d want to have, a great bakery and a tea room (which could be combined into one place; they do it all the time in cozies!). I think a cozy book store with access to TONS of books and at least one decent restaurant (not fancy, just good food) so we didn’t have to eat in the pub all of the time! Yep, that sounds pretty great. — Pat S
DeleteAll sounds good to me!
Delete