The Carstairs Conspiracy

You might think that writing a book of over 70,000 words is the hardest part of an author's lot, but there are any number of other things involved with the process that this writer finds challenging.

The copy that goes on the inside cover is one such example. In not much more than a hundred words you're required to tempt and tantalise prospective readers without giving away too much of the plot. If the jacket designer has done his job well then readers will be attracted by his efforts and will pick up your book. You then have a few seconds of their time in which to persuade them to carry your tome to the checkout.

Here, after much agonising, is what I came up with for my latest Regency romance, The Carstairs Conspiracy, to be published by Robert Hale in January 2008.

Abigail Carstairs suspects that someone is trying to kill her. As sole heir to the late Duke of Penrith's vast estate she can only surmise that her fortune is her aggressor's objective but cannot accept that any of her relations are culpable.

In desperation she turns to the notorious Lord Sebastian Denver. Unable to deny a lady in distress, Sebastian inveigles his way into Abby's hunting lodge, where all the prime suspects are gathered but, distracted by his growing attraction towards Abby, is unprepared when a further attempt is made on her life.

Sebastian, putting aside his own feelings, must now delve into Abby's past and lay a daring trap to in order to outwit the culprits. But time is not on his side so can he really hope to succeed?

Would this little taster make you want to read the book, I wonder.

Wendy Soliman