R.J. Koreto's Blog
December 21, 2021
New Series About to Launch!
I'm pleased to announce a new mystery series featuring Wren Fontaine, an architect who specializes in restoring historic homes.
In her first outing, The Greenleaf Murders, she is restoring one of the finest Gilded Age mansions in Manhattan. But she quickly finds that at Greenleaf House, "skeleton in the closet" is not just a metaphor. A century ago, people killed for control of the mansion. And they still are.
Wren explores the beauty of a long-gone age as she solves mysteries--and starts an exciting new romance.
In her first outing, The Greenleaf Murders, she is restoring one of the finest Gilded Age mansions in Manhattan. But she quickly finds that at Greenleaf House, "skeleton in the closet" is not just a metaphor. A century ago, people killed for control of the mansion. And they still are.
Wren explores the beauty of a long-gone age as she solves mysteries--and starts an exciting new romance.
April 2, 2016
Edwardian: On the Cusp of the Modern Era
We look at the first seasons of Upstairs/Downstairs or Downton Abbey and think the Edwardian Era was all about butlers and fox hunting and dressing for dinner. But a lot of modern things were happening:
* Einstein published the theory of special relativity in 1905.
* The dreadnought, the first modern battleship, was launched in 1906.
* The Wright Brothers fly their plane in 1903.
* The Automobile Association is founded in England in 1905.
* The first commercial phonograph goes on sale in 1906.
* Wireless communication between Europe and North America is made possible.
* Einstein published the theory of special relativity in 1905.
* The dreadnought, the first modern battleship, was launched in 1906.
* The Wright Brothers fly their plane in 1903.
* The Automobile Association is founded in England in 1905.
* The first commercial phonograph goes on sale in 1906.
* Wireless communication between Europe and North America is made possible.
March 28, 2016
Long Hair and Royalty
Edwardian-era women wore their hair up. Those in the upper classes had well-trained personal maids who were skilled in doing this. Hairstyles are shown well here.
Below is Queen Alexandra, originally from Denmark, who was married to Edward VII. This is on the occasion of the wedding of one of her daughters, with two other daughters as bridesmaids and a granddaughter as a flower girl.
Queen Alexandra was much beloved by the public in her adopted home. She lived for about 15 years after her husband died, until shortly before the birth of her great-granddaughter--who would be Queen Elizabeth II.
Below is Queen Alexandra, originally from Denmark, who was married to Edward VII. This is on the occasion of the wedding of one of her daughters, with two other daughters as bridesmaids and a granddaughter as a flower girl.
Queen Alexandra was much beloved by the public in her adopted home. She lived for about 15 years after her husband died, until shortly before the birth of her great-granddaughter--who would be Queen Elizabeth II.
March 25, 2016
What Goes Around Comes Around
Edwardian England reaches us today in unexpected ways. Here is the beautiful Alice Keppel, King Edward VII's long-term mistress. She was also bright and an excellent conversationalist.
Her great-granddaughter (via her husband) is Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and wife of Prince Charles.
The Edwardians knew how to conduct affairs with discretion and tact. In 1936, when Mrs. Keppel heard that Edward VIII (Edward VII's grandson) was abdicating to marry Wallis Simpson, she said, "Things were done much better in my day."
Her great-granddaughter (via her husband) is Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, and wife of Prince Charles.
The Edwardians knew how to conduct affairs with discretion and tact. In 1936, when Mrs. Keppel heard that Edward VIII (Edward VII's grandson) was abdicating to marry Wallis Simpson, she said, "Things were done much better in my day."
March 24, 2016
Lady Frances and June Mallow Are on their Way
I'm gratified at seeing so many people interested in the first book of my new Lady Frances Ffolkes mysteries, featuring a young suffragist in Edwardian England and her maid, June Mallow. The first book is Death on the Sapphire.
For those not familiar with the period, this is the time between the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, and the death of her son, Edward VII, in 1910, although it really runs until the beginning of World War I.
For fans of PBS, this is the era of the first seasons of both Downton Abbey and the original Upstairs, Downstairs.
I plan to post some historical "fun facts" here in the coming weeks, and look forward to the June 14 book publication, when Lady Frances will learn about politics, policing, romance--and herself.
For those not familiar with the period, this is the time between the death of Queen Victoria in 1901, and the death of her son, Edward VII, in 1910, although it really runs until the beginning of World War I.
For fans of PBS, this is the era of the first seasons of both Downton Abbey and the original Upstairs, Downstairs.
I plan to post some historical "fun facts" here in the coming weeks, and look forward to the June 14 book publication, when Lady Frances will learn about politics, policing, romance--and herself.
