Yes, things have been mighty quiet here, but for a very good reason: I am almost finished with my new novel, Hanging Mary (the official title). It’s the story of Mary Surratt, the first woman hanged by the United States government, and her young boarder, Nora Fitzpatrick.
Once Mary is duly hanged, l’ll be posting here more regularly and updating my sadly neglected website. And since my next two contracted projects are nonfiction books about Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, and Margaret of Anjou, you can look forward to a thoroughly eclectic mix of medieval/Tudor and American Civil War posts here. (Fun fact: Did you know that John Wilkes Booth spent several years of his childhood in a house named Tudor Hall, built by his actor father?)
In the meantime, here’s an old photograph of the house where much of the events of Hanging Mary take place: the Surratt boardinghouse at 541 H Street in Washington, DC (now 604 H Street, and home of the Wok and Roll Restaurant. Best Wok and Roll Google review: “Every time I go here, I feel like killing President Lincoln.”).
And last but definitely not least, my Edward II buddy from way back, Kathryn Warner, has just published a biography of—you guessed it—Edward II! She’ll be stopping by here on October 30 as part of her blog tour, so please remember the date!
Hooray! I’m looking forward to it (and to the bio of Edward II as well, which I have requested as a Christmas gift). I imagine Booth Senior enjoyed historical drama as much as anyone, hence the name Tudor Hall — and considering how popular Shakespeare’s “Henry VIII” was in the nineteenth century, who knows, he may even have played a Tudor or two :).
greetings;
Read with great enthusiasm of your upcoming book on Mary Pole. Having just completed a genealogical research project for a friend of mine, I found
His family is a direct descendant of the Pole line……
Such a small world…..and all available should you be interested…..
Thanks for your delightful blog.I look forward to eac new issue and book.
Jeffrey Leeds
Can’t wait for the book on Mary Surratt! Hope all is well with you. We are still fighting for my sister’s support hours but think we finally have it in hand…I hope! Do stay in touch! Warmly, Anne
Congratulations, Susan for your finished manuscript! I look forward to reading it. I love your work and I can’t wait to see your take on civil war era Washington, and the sad story of Mary Surratt. I’m also happy to see that you have more Wars of the Roses material coming out in the future as I was very impressed with your last book on the subject. Keep writing and I’ll keep reading! 🙂
Can’t wait to be part of your blog! So glad to hear the new book is almost finished!