The Spinster, the Rebel, and the Governor by award winning author, Charlene Bell Dietz and published by Quill Mark Press is available at Independent Bookstores and on Amazon.com and Barnes &Noble. Com. A historical mystery full of suspense, secrets and scandalous actions, the author begins to unravel the life of a fascinating and brave woman who was also one of the first female attorney’s in America.
She’s always watched. Whatever she does—no matter where she goes— her family knows her life is in peril. Even when Catholic, Lady Margaret Brent, in 1638, flees to the New World she’s watched. After erecting a fort for protection, she realizes the new enemy in this land is not the only one who plans to murder her. In this unique, historical-suspense mystery, Lady Margaret, in spite of obstacles, insists on righting all wrongs, placing her life in grave danger.
Charlene Bell Dietz writes science and historical-suspense, award-winning mystery novels and short stories. Her award-winning short stories have been published in the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers 2016 Anthology and Southwest Writers 2019 Anthology. The Flapper, the Scientist, and the Saboteur combines family saga with corporate espionage. The Flapper, the Impostor, and the Stalker propels readers back into 1923 frenetic Chicago during the Roaring Twenties. Both these novels were named to Kirkus Reviews’ Best Books of 2018, and each won the coveted Kirkus Starred Review. Her novel, The Scientist, the Psychic, and the Nut, gives readers a frightening Caribbean vacation. Her newest book, a biographical historical novel, starts in England in 1638 and ends in pre-colonial Maryland.
Charlene, a retired educator, traveled the United States as a consultant for Houghton Mifflin Publishers after a career of teaching little ones, older ones, and college graduates. Surrounded by forests and meadows, she currently lives in the foothills of the mountains in central NM several miles from the small village of Torreon. Charlene was the current president of Croak & Dagger for several years, New Mexico’s Chapter of Sisters in Crime. She also belongs to Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers, Rocky Mountain Mystery Writers, Mystery Writers of America, SouthWest Writers and Public Safety Writers Association.
Following is an excerpt from the book, there are others on her website. Connect with Charlene on Facebook, https://inkydancestudios.com/ or chardietzpen@gmail.com
ISBN # 978-1-945-21238-3 Hardcover/ISBN # 978-1-945-21239-0 Soft Cover
ISBN# 978-1-945-21240-6 ebook
MARGARET BRENT BOOK:
America’s first woman lawyer—a smart, tough noblewoman, who just does what needs to be done—in biographical fiction by another smart, tough woman. Who could ask for more?
Ann D. Zeigler, attorney
Award-winning author, Tips Lawyers Wish You Knew / Preserving Electronic Evidence for Trial
AV rated, Marquis Who’s Who in America, Albert N. Marquis Award
Excerpt:(Chapter 3, page 41-42)
Their cousin Cecil, the second Lord Baltimore, addressed the men. “I’ve spoken of colonization before. You’ve listened politely, but your loyalties remain with your king and England. I understand, as do mine.”
“Then you’ve no need to speak more of this.” Edward said.
“But I do.” Cecil narrowed his eyes.
Richard said, “You forgot something rather important, my friend.”
Cecil hesitated.
“You must consider the king’s act that restrains the popishly bred from going beyond the seas and the punishments for those who assist.”
Giles looked up from the map. “Popish—the hell. King Charles can’t even bring himself to say Catholic.”
“Silly. Everyone but those of us who are says ‘popish.’” Margaret now waited for her father to reprimand her, but he said nothing.
“A serious point, my friend. Dangerous times, indeed,” said Cecil. “King Charles’s wrath increases and will come down on those who refuse to conform to the Church of England.”
Fulke shut his eyes a moment before saying, “You’re a kind gentleman, sir. But if you pursue this, you will certainly lose everything you and your father have acquired. Even your mentioning this to us puts you in jeopardy.”
“Every second of every day puts us all in jeopardy. Today and the weeks forward, your family may suffer destruction beyond your imagination.” He took several paces then stopped and studied each of the men. “Please, friends, decide to take my offer. It takes time and special negotiations to arrange a safe passage for you. Remember, a most disagreeable mood has overtaken England concerning passengers who refuse to take the oath of allegiance and acknowledge the king’s supremacy. We need to be clever so as not to be entrapped.”
A tap on the door stopped the conversation. Mary glanced at her father, then rose, and opened it.
Pursell stood waiting to be acknowledged.
“Yes?” said Richard.
“Sir, supper will be served within the hour, and also there’s a man at the back door. He’s asked to speak with you.”
“Cecil, good friend, will you join us in a late supper?”
“It’s past time for me to be on my way to Ilmington. Please consider what we’ve discussed. I’ll send word where we may engage in a private meeting.”
“Pursell,” Richard said, “have Dary see Lord Calvert’s carriage and horse are brought forth.”
Lord Calvert strode to the table. He placed with great care what must have been his cherished map on top and slid the stack into a burgundy, embossed leather folio. Gathering his cape and hat and in good cheer, bowed his farewell.
Her father squinted at his servant. “Tell me, what brings this fellow to our door at this hour?”
“He says his name is John Coates, sir. It seems a young girl saw Lady Margaret talking with his son earlier this afternoon. His son has gone missing, and the sheriff has found a dead man.”