Guest Post with Deanna Raybourn - A Treacherous Curse

Photo Credit: Sigmon Taylor Photography

A sixth-generation native Texan, New York Times bestselling author Deanna Raybourn graduated from the University of Texas at San Antonio with a double major in English and history and an emphasis on Shakespearean studies. She taught high school English for three years in San Antonio before leaving education to pursue a career as a novelist. Deanna makes her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband and daughter.

        

WHAT'S ON YOUR DESK? BY DEANNA RAYBOURN

This is a photo of my desk looking shockingly, uncharacteristically neat—solely because I JUST turned in a manuscript. On the desk you’ll find:

1. A tiny stuffed dragon. He has no name, but he was a gift from one of my dearest friends and his toothy grin is endlessly charming.

2. A framed photo of Robin Wright as Antiope in WONDER WOMAN. It is a reminder to me to always be my fiercest self.

3. A blue glass candle holder. This was a gift from my agent and I will light a candle and focus on my intention for a writing session or conversation if I need a little clarity. Also, it just smells good.

4. A miniature champagne bucket for all my colored markers. I brainstorm on giant sheets of newsprint using felt-tip markers in bright colors. It’s cheerful and makes me feel like I’m in about third grade.

5. Wonder Woman paper doll. This was a Christmas present from a pal. I haven’t put it together yet because I’m saving it for a moment when I need some serious diversion. 

6. Standing files. This little rack holds my most important files—travel confirmations, receipts to be filed, and a philanthropy project I am still working on getting off the ground.

7. A copy of VICTORIAN FASHION by Jayne Shrimpton. Gorgeously illustrated book about clothing in my preferred time period. Perfect for flipping through when I need a little inspiration.

8. A copy of SARK’s “How To Be An Artist”. This is taped to the desktop. My favorite line: “Invite someone dangerous to tea.”

9. My desktop computer. This one will be retired sometime this year, but I ADORE my all-in-one computer. The monitor is unseemly in size and makes it very easy to blow up a page to be enormous so I can tinker with it when I’m writing.

10. IN basket. This holds notebooks, portfolios, random printouts, and a few clippings of things too precious to file away. I haven’t the faintest idea of what actually IS in this stack, but it must be important if it earned a permanent spot in the IN basket. There is no OUT basket.

London, 1888. As colorful and unfettered as the butterflies she collects, Victorian adventuress Veronica Speedwell can’t resist the allure of an exotic mystery—particularly one involving her enigmatic colleague, Stoker.
His former expedition partner has vanished from an archaeological dig with a priceless diadem unearthed from the newly discovered tomb of an Egyptian princess. This disappearance is just the latest in a string of unfortunate events that have plagued the controversial expedition, and rumors abound that the curse of the vengeful princess has been unleashed as the shadowy figure of Anubis himself stalks the streets of London.
But the perils of an ancient curse are not the only challenges Veronica must face as sordid details and malevolent enemies emerge from Stoker’s past.
Caught in a tangle of conspiracies and threats—and thrust into the public eye by an enterprising new foe—Veronica must separate facts from fantasy to unravel a web of duplicity that threatens to cost Stoker everything. . . .

Praise for A TREACHEROUS CURSE

“While readers of Elizabeth Peters’s ‘Amelia Peabody’ mysteries will enjoy this title, it is fans of Jane Eyre who will truly appreciate the third volume in Rabyourn’s historical series (following A PERILOUS UNDERTAKING). Her intricately plotted and dramatic story features a strong-willed, independent woman who is the intellectual equal of the brooding Stoker.” —Library Journal (Starred review)

“As always, Raybourn writes with verve and wit….A Victorian Phryne Fisher, Veronica is an irresistible, modern, engaging woman who uses scientific observation and natural charm to guide her investigations.” —Booklist (Starred review)

“A Treacherous Curse [is] a funny, feminist, historical fiction mystery series that I love….If you haven’t started this series yet now’s a perfect time to get caught up!” —Book Riot

“[E]xhilarating third mystery featuring Veronica Speedwell and her colleague, Revelstoke “Stoker” Templeton-Vane….In audacious, decidedly un-Victorian Veronica, Raybourn has created a delightful cross between real-life reporter Nellie Bly and Phryne Fisher.” —Publishers Weekly

You can purchase A Treacherous Curse at the following Retailers:

        

And now, The Giveaways.

Thank you DEANNA RAYBOURN for making this giveaway possible.

1 Winner will receive a Copy of A Treacherous Curse 

(Veronica Speedwell #3) by Deanna Raybourn.

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