June 6, 2024

Time Travel: Science Fiction vs. Fantasy

The system most commonly used to categorize books is BISAC subject headings. In it, time-travel novels are subcategorized twice: under romance and science fiction. The Rip Through Time novels may have a romantic undercurrent, but they aren’t romances. So are they science fiction? In my opinion, no. They’re mysteries, though I understand why “time-travel mystery”… Continue reading Time Travel: Science Fiction vs. Fantasy

May 28, 2024

The Edinburgh Seven

When I’m doing research for the Mallory books, I’m always delighted to find a piece of history that takes place at the same time as the novels, which means I need to work it in. The Edinburgh Seven is one of those things. In March of 1869, two months before I arrived, Sophia Jex-Blake applied… Continue reading The Edinburgh Seven

May 28, 2024

Victorian Mummy Unwrapping

The Rip Through Time series will regularly deal with the quirkier side of Victorian culture. As Mallory readily (and regularly admits): “Even as an adult, I still have a macabre turn of mind.” Disturbing the Dead (book 3) starts with, well, a mummy unwrapping party. Westerners had been fascinated by mummies since well before the… Continue reading Victorian Mummy Unwrapping

May 16, 2023

What is a Poisoning Ring?

It’s one week until The Poisoner’s Ring! That means it’s close enough that I can talk a little about the history behind this installment. The title comes from the idea of poisoning rings. Not “poison rings,” which is a very different thing, as Mallory discovers. “Poison ring?” My eyes widen. “Please tell me that’s an… Continue reading What is a Poisoning Ring?

February 24, 2022

Is It Over?

SPOILERS AHEAD. I’ve hidden this page–and even given it a vague title–to keep those who haven’t read “The Deepest of Secrets” from stumbling over it. If you somehow have, please turn back now 🙂 If you know someone who also wants these answers, feel free to pass them the link. Please do not post any… Continue reading Is It Over?