What We're Writing-Debs' Bits and Bobs and a Hint of Heather

DEBORAH CROMBIE: Like Hallie and Hank, I've just finished a short story for an upcoming Sherlock-themed anthology edited by Sherlockian experts Leslie Klinger and Laurie R. King. Need great ideas for the Sherlock fans on your list? Here's the first anthology edited by Les and Laurie, A STUDY IN SHERLOCK

And the second, IN THE COMPANY OF SHERLOCK HOLMES

They are enormously entertaining and inventive, so I was very flattered to be asked to contribute to the third volume, which will be out in September 2016. 

It was a big departure for me. My story, called THE CASE OF THE SPECKLED TROUT, is told in first person, something I don't usually write in the Kincaid/James novels. It reminded me of how I felt when I was just starting out writing, trying different voices to see what worked and felt comfortable. I still don't think I'd do it in a novel (and hats off to all the writers who do it so well, because it's much harder than it seems!) but I had a great time with this story.

It's set in the Scottish Highlands, where the heather is a' bloomin'. (I've been really homesick for Scotland lately...)

Here's the very beginning:

     My name is Sherry Watson. It’s a crap name, Sherry, I know. But what can you do? It’s not like I had a say in the matter. My parents, to give them credit, were trying to do the right thing—a sentimental gesture I wondered if they were sorry for after. 

 

     They named me after my godfather, who is—or was, before he vanished a year ago—a famous detective. All I have to say is it’s a good thing I wasn’t a boy, or I would really have something to be pissed off with him about.  Actually, he’s responsible for a lot of things I should be pissed off about, my godfather, not the least of which was me standing in a freezing Scottish kitchen, up to my elbows in fish guts...

I'm also working hard on finishing up the new Kincaid/James, GARDEN OF LAMENTATIONS, but I couldn't find a single thing to share that wasn't a spoiler.

So here are some Duncan and Gemma stocking-stuffer suggestions!
For my fave Christmas novel in the series, WATER LIKE A STONE, set at Christmas in the beautiful Cheshire market town of Nantwich. 

Then, for a bit more Scottish atmosphere, NOW MAY YOU WEEP. Gemma and her friend Hazel take a much needed break in the Scottish Highlands, but Hazel's complicated past catches up to her and it takes all of Gemma's and Duncan's effort to save her from a dire fate.

I'll give away a stocking-size copy of each--just put your email in a comment to be entered. 

 

So, REDS and dear readers, where would you spend your fantasy Christmas? I think the Highlands would be fabulous--at least as long as you had plenty of firewood and good Scottish whisky...