by Cathy Ace
‘I think you’re hoping for a bit much there; wherever we go we’re still Welsh, there’s no hiding it, is there? And Wales means rugby. We’re almost defined by rugby, and rugby means GGR. So, unless we change ourselves we’ll never escape it. Not until the Welsh stop playing rugby.’
‘And that’ll never happen,’ reflected Glover. ‘Like I’ll never not be a policeman.’
***
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The collection of novellas ‘MURDER: Season by Season’ was published in 2008. Ten years has passed since then, and I have been fortunate enough to have had a dozen novels published between 2012 and 2018. I’m glad I’ve taken the chance to rewrite these tales, and re-publish them, with the benefit of a great deal more writing experience under my belt.
In the case of the first, third and fourth novellas in this collection, these are true ‘second editions’ of the originals. In the case of the second novella, the story about the WISE Enquiries Agency, that older tale just didn’t hold up to the passing of time – too much had become anachronistic within it – so here’s a ‘more changes than a second edition’ version of that one.
I hope you enjoy them all. They ‘take place’ between the short stories and novellas you’ll find in my collection Murder Knows No Calendar and The Corpse with the Silver Tongue (the first Cait Morgan Mystery), The Case of the Dotty Dowager (the first WISE Enquiries Agency Mystery) and The Wrong Boy (a novel featuring DI Evan Glover).
My thanks – as always – to my wonderful husband for his patience and support. My editor Anna Harrisson has been most helpful, as has my copy editor Sue Vincent.
Many thanks to all the bloggers, reviewers, booksellers and librarians who have played a part in you finding this book. And my thanks to you for choosing to read it. If you enjoy/ed it, please consider leaving a review for it on one of the many platforms where algorithms mean such reviews are a great way to help authors get the word out about their work.
Thank you,
Cathy Ace
www.cathyace.com
***
PRAISE FOR CATHY ACE’S WORK
The Cait Morgan Mysteries
‘Ace is, well, an ace when it comes to plot and description.’
The Globe and Mail
‘In the finest tradition of Agatha Christie…Ace brings us the closed-room drama, with a dollop of romantic suspense and historical intrigue.’ Library Journal
‘…a sparkling, well-plotted and quite devious mystery in the cozy tradition, all pointing to Ace’s growing finesse at telling an entertaining story.’ Hamilton Spectator
‘Cathy Ace is a fabulous writer. She has a great way with words. It is wonderful to read an intelligent woman’s writing.’ MysteriesEtc
The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries
‘…a gratifying contemporary series in the traditional British manner with hilarious repercussions (dead bodies notwithstanding). Cozy fans will anticipate learning more about these WISE ladies.’
Library Journal, starred review
‘In my review of Cathy’s first book, ‘The Corpse with the Silver Tongue’ I compared her style of writing to Agatha Christie. While this book features four protagonists, the style is still the same. I also loved the setting…I strongly recommend this book and all of Cathy Ace’s books.’
Lynn Farris, examiner.com
‘A brilliant addition to Classic Crime Fiction. The ladies…of the WISE Enquiries Agency will have you pacing the floor awaiting their next entanglement…A fresh and wonderful concept well executed.’
Alan Bradley,
New York Times bestselling author of the Flavia de Luce mysteries
‘Cozy fans will enjoy their chitchat as much as their sleuthing.’ Publishers’ Weekly
‘ …a pleasant mélange with a garnish of death and danger.’ Kirkus Reviews
***
Other works by the same author
(Information for all works here: www.cathyace.com)
The Cait Morgan Mysteries
(Published by TouchWood Editions)
The Corpse with the Silver Tongue
The Corpse with the Golden Nose
The Corpse with the Emerald Thumb
The Corpse with the Platinum Hair*
The Corpse with the Sapphire Eyes
The Corpse with the Diamond Hand
The Corpse with the Garnet Face
The Corpse with the Ruby Lips**
*Winner 2015 Bony Blithe Award for Best Canadian Light Mystery
**Finalist 2017 Bony Blithe Award for Best Canadian Light Mystery
The WISE Enquiries Agency Mysteries
(Published By Severn House Publishers)
The Case of the Dotty Dowager
The Case of the Missing Morris Dancer
The Case of the Curious Cook
The Case of the Unsuitable Suitor***
***Finalist 2018 Bony Blithe Award for Best Canadian Light Mystery
Short Stories
Murder Keeps No Calendar: a collection of 12 short stories/novellas by Cathy Ace
(Published by Four Tails Publishing Ltd)
Steve’s Story in ‘The Whole She-Bang 3’****
(Published by Sisters in Crime, Toronto)
The Trouble with the Turkey in ‘Cooked to Death Vol. 3: Hell for the Holidays’
(Published by Obscura Productions)
****Finalist 2017 Arthur Ellis Award for Best Short Story
***
