Dark Deceit - sneak preview

The Christmas season has almost passed. As winter sales replace Christmas cheer, I can't but feel a little sad that it always goes by so quickly. The long build up (starting in September in some places ~tut tut~) is all forgotten as folk rush into shops to grab a bargain or five.

I hope you all enjoyed happy holidays. :-)


Today, I'm introducing my latest historical novel, Dark Deceit, out in late February 2012 from Crooked Cat Publishing, a small ebook publishing company I recently set up with my husband (both published, with extensive experience in reviewing, critiquing, editing, and web design). Dark Deceit is the first in The Anarchy Trilogy, set in 1140s England and Normandy, weaving a tale of murder, changing loyalties, betrayal, and hope.


Blurb:

On his return from battle at Lincoln, Geoffrey de Mortagne, undersheriff of Gloucester and spy for the Empress Matilda, assists a dying knight caught in an ambush. Promising to look after the welfare of the knight’s only daughter, Geoffrey stays at her manor while he investigates the murder. Keen to join the Empress on her progress through England, he is torn between his oath and his duty. 

Left to defend her manor following her father’s death, Alleyne de Bellac at first accepts Geoffrey’s support. As she doesn’t trust the taciturn stranger, she asks Will d’Arques, an old friend, for help. But loyalties change. Her life in danger and her inheritance at stake, Alleyne must decide which man to trust. 

Discover England and Normandy divided by a brutal civil war, where vows are broken as allegiances waver.

Excerpt:

The under-sheriff took a deep draught before he glanced her way. His eyes, transformed into the shade of a stormy winter sea in the flickering torchlight, bore into hers. A deep flush crept into her cheeks as Alleyne realised she was staring. Quickly, she averted her gaze. Her fingers fidgeted, playing with the polished gems on her goblet. Sweet Mary, what was the matter with her? Not even Will d’Arques had such an effect on her senses - and Will was the one man she had expected to offer for her. Guilt flooded her. It must be her mind, tired with concern for her father, that made her head spin. Nothing at all to do with de Mortagne.

She breathed a deep sigh of relief when Roger finally gave the signal for the food to be brought. Servants entered, carrying trays loaded with roast duck and pigeon, baked eels, bowls of stewed vegetables, and the day-old bread that served as trenchers.

‘How are you faring, my lady?’ De Mortagne bent over the arm of his chair. His voice, deep and comforting, was barely audible above the noise of people piling up their trenchers with food and drink-induced merriment. 

‘I am well, thank you.’ She smiled, taking a cut of pigeon breast from the bowl in front of them and nibbling at the savoury meat. She normally devoured such delicacies in an instant, but tonight she lacked the taste for it.

A commotion at the door pulled her out of her thoughts. A man rushed past the tables toward hers. She leaped from her chair at the same time as de Mortagne who raised his dagger in a firm grip. Her hands grabbed the edge of the table and her stomach contracted. 

Friend or enemy?

The man’s cloak was splattered with mud and dripping, his boots caked with wet soil and his beard flecked with dirt. A messenger. His expression grim, he fell to one knee in front of the dais, and bowed his head.

‘I’m afraid I bring bad tidings, my lady.’ He did not meet her eyes. Instead, he glanced at de Mortagne who regarded him with an inscrutable expression. Did he recognise the man?

Alleyne jerked her attention back to the messenger. ‘Speak!’ 

‘I’ve come straight from the Benedictines at Worcester.’ His voice cut through the silence that had descended.  ‘I’m sorry for being the bearer of such grave news, my lady. The Brother Infirmarian tried everything but it was God’s will. Lord Raymond died this day.’

Dark Deceit will be available from Amazon, Smashwords and Barnes & Noble in late February 2012.


About me:

I write historical fiction and romantic mystery - a mix that doesn't always fit into a specific box. This makes plotting utter fun. ;-)

A hobby historian, I love researching Scottish history, particularly medieval and Jacobite, and English medieval and Tudor periods. My home library is ever expanding.

My first novel, Highland Arms, a romantic historical adventure set in Scotland in 1720, was published with The Wild Rose Press in July 2011. It has received glowing reviews.

Links:

Cathie's website
Cathie's blog
Cathie on Twitter

Highland Arms is available from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon US and UK, Barnes & Noble, and other ebook outlets.

Highland Arms by Cathie Dunn

Betrayed by her brother's lies, Catriona MacKenzie is banished from her Edinburgh home to her godmother's remote manor in the Highlands. While her father ponders her fate, Catriona's insatiable curiosity leads her straight into trouble--and into the arms of a notorious Highlander.

Five years after an ill-fated Jacobite rebellion, Rory Cameron works as a smuggler to raise money for the cause--until Catriona uncovers a plot against him and exposes his activities. Now Rory is faced with a decision that could save their lives or destroy them both.

Excerpt:

Yes, she’d just have to convince Auntie Meg—and Rory Cameron—that she simply had to stay.

Her mind made up, she rose and wrapped a thick blanket around her shoulders. As her bare feet touched the wooden floor, she hissed at the chill. With no maid to call upon, she left her room and went downstairs in search of the kitchen. The thought of a warming cup of tea raised her spirits. Then she’d continue to set her plan into motion.

She pushed the kitchen door open and stopped short. Standing by the mullioned window, in front of a large bowl overflowing with water, was Rory Cameron. He turned as he heard the door. Catriona caught her breath, and grabbed the handle, letting go of the blanket.

Water dripped over his head and down his torso, trickling in small rivulets over his kilt held by a broad belt with a round silver buckle in a Pagan design of interlacing swirls. The light curls of hair on his tanned chest glistened with moisture. His shoulder-length hair was unbound, falling softly over taut muscle. A dry smile told her she was staring at him. Again.

She swallowed hard. “I...” She stuttered. “I’m so sorry, Mr. Cameron.” She averted her gaze to her feet. “I was just looking for a pot of tea. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”

The insufferable man laughed as he grabbed a piece of cloth and began to pat himself dry. “I don’t think you did.” He shook his head, sending strands flying before rubbing it vigorously. “And it’s Rory, remember?” He grinned. Catriona stood rooted to the spot. Words failed her. Her mouth went dry.

“But tell me...” He went on. “Do you always venture into the kitchen so early? If so, you’d better get dressed next time.”

Transfixed by his mocking gaze, her cheeks heated as she became aware of her own state of undress. What an impression was she giving him with her hair falling loosely over her shoulders, and the blanket barely covering her modesty?

Oh, dear God, the blanket!

Cathie Dunn lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two cats. She writes historical fiction and romantic mystery. A hobby historian, she loves researching her favourite eras - medieval and Jacobite Scotland, England under the Normans and Tudors. Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Romantic Novelists' Association.


Highland Arms is available as an ebook from The Wild Rose Press, Amazon UK, Amazon US and other ebook outlets.


"Cathie Dunn’s descriptions of the magnificent, unpredictable Scottish Highlands and Catriona’s sense of belonging there is remarkable." -- Long and Short Reviews