Loretta Chase's Blog, page 19

The Old Bailey

The Old Bailey, from Ackermann's Microcosm of London.

Part 3 of my guide to Dukes Prefer Blondes (originally posted at Two Nerdy History Girls).

Several scenes in Dukes Prefer Blondes occur in or around the Old Bailey. Since this area is rather different now from what it was in the early 1800s, I highly recommend the Proceedings of the Old Bailey online, where I researched not only the building and environs, but my criminals and court cases.

“The Old Bailey, also known as Justice Hall, the Ses...

Not Quite a Lady and Last Night's Scandal audiobooks news

Two more Carsington Brothers audiobooks are coming soon.

Books Four and Five of the series go on sale 26 January.

They’re available now for pre-order:

Not Quite a Lady (Book 4)

Last Night's Scandal (Book 5)

We expect to release the two Fallen Women books, Your Scandalous Ways and Don’t Tempt Me, in March.

In all cases, the marvelous Kate Reading narrates.

What Is a Hackney Cab?

Part 2 of my guide to Dukes Prefer Blondes (originally posted at Two Nerdy History Girls).

The Last Cab-Driver

My characters in Dukes Prefer Blondes spend time in hackney coaches and hackney cabs. You will often find the terms used interchangeably, as though they were the same thing. However, a hackney cab was quite a different article from a hackney coach. The cab was a two-wheeled, one-horse vehicle. It held only two passengers, and seemed to be generally regarded as a mode of transportati...

What Is the Heptaplasiesoptron?

Part 1 of my Guide to Dukes Prefer Blondes

Vauxhall Gardens, which existed 1661-1859, was a famous pleasure garden in Lambeth, on the south bank of the Thames.

While, sadly, I haven’t found any images of the Heptaplasiesoptron yet (still hoping), I have found several descriptions.

From The Gentleman’s Magazine, Vol 131 (1822):

Monday, June 3. 1822
...the principal novelty is of a more expensive kind; it is called in the bills " The Heptaplasiesoptron" and is formed at one extremity of the saloon...

Happy Christmas, Happy Holidays

W. C. Bauer, Christmas Eve

Despite the very best intentions, I tend to be slow in responding to my readers' emails. This is partly because writing books is an extremely slow process for me, and partly because of other demands in the business of being a writer, and partly because I'm disorganized and easily distracted. And so I mean to answer that same day or the next and before I know it, months have passed.

Yes, it's peculiar, but the writing process doesn't necessarily go more quickly and e...

Dukes Prefer Blondes eBooks abroad

Cruikshank, The Lending Library

Readers in the UK have contacted me because they are not seeing Dukes Prefer Blondeslisted as available in eBook form.

This brings us to the dreaded subject of International Contracts, which I’ve mentioned a few times, most recently here.

Unfortunately, we don’t yet have a contract in the UK/Australia/New Zealand for Dukes Prefer Blondes. The good news is, my agents are working on it, with plenty of irritating nagging from me. The bad news is, I still don’t have...

Falling Stars Is Now an eBook

Blast from the past for the holidays—

I’m very happy to report that Falling Stars, the first novella I ever wrote, is now available as an eBook. This Second Chance at Love tale was originally part of a short story collection, A Christmas Collection, which came out shortly after The Lion’s Daughter. Later, it reappeared in another Christmas anthology, A Christmas Present. It’s been out of print for quite some time.

The novella will have its own page in the Book pages soon. In the meantime, it's...

Audio News: Two More Carsingtons and Two Fallen Women

Columbia Phonograph Company

We had hoped to have two more audio books available by November, but there were some glitches. However, we are back on track, with good news for the New Year.

Not Quite a Lady and Last Night’s Scandal will be available in January 2016.

Don’t Tempt Me and Your Scandalous Ways are scheduled for February release.

Once again, the wonderful Kate Reading narrates.

When I learn the exact dates, I’ll report here, as well as present their audio covers.

Image from American Homes...

Miss Wonderful Audio on Sale

Audio—What a bargain!

I'm so pleased to report that Miss Wonderful (Carsington Brothers, Book 1) has been selected for Audible's Treat Yourself Black Friday sale. From Friday 27 November through Thursday 2 December, you can buy it for $4.95.

Additional good news: You don’t have to be an Audible member to participate. The sale is open to all listeners.

The Reviewers Gave Me A's!

I'm very happy to report that Dukes Prefer Blondes has received starred advance reviews from Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, and Booklist, as well as being designated an RT Book Reviews Top Pick for January.

"In addition to the powerful social commentary on women’s role in society and the life of youth in London’s poverty-ridden back alleys and schools, Chase’s tongue-in-cheek tone captures tender and humorous nuances in character descriptions and actions, creating fully realized character...