Monday, December 29, 2014

PETTICOAT DETECTIVE - Margaret Brownley - One Free Book

More Love and Laughter from Margaret Brownley

Bio: New York Times best-selling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than thirty historical novels and novellas. Her books have won numerous awards, including Readers' Choice and Award of Excellence. She's a former Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap opera. She is currently working on a new series. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth grade English. Just don't ask her to diagram a sentence.

Welcome back, Margaret. Why did you become an author?
I was a writer even as a child. Every penny earned raking up the neighbor's leaves or babysitting went toward the purchase of notebooks, just so I could write. I wrote my first book in fifth grade. As a side note: the first thing I do even today when starting a new book is to purchase a notebook to jot down notes.

If you weren’t an author, what would be your dream job?
I was a teacher before I was an author and still enjoy teaching. I'm currently a Boy Scout merit badge counselor and conduct regular workshops to help scouts rank. Working with young people gives me faith in the future. There are a lot of great kids out there!

If you could have lived at another time in history, what would it be and why?
I always loved the roaring twenties. Women bobbed their hair, drove cars, flew planes, voted, and did things that had previously been denied them. It was an exciting time. Unfortunately, it's not a popular era with readers. I have no idea why. But if it ever does become popular, I have a story I'd love to tell.

What place in the United States have you not visited that you would like to?
I've been to all fifty states so this is a hard question to answer. What I would really love to do if given the time is drive across country without using the Interstates. I would love to wander from town to town—the smaller the better.

How about a foreign country you hope to visit?
I've done a lot of foreign travel but have yet to make it to Italy. That's on my bucket list.

What lesson has the Lord taught you recently?
I always say that God made me a writer to teach me patience and He's still working on it.

Tell us about the featured book.
Pinkerton detective Jennifer Layne is no stranger to undercover work. But posing as a lady companion named Amy at Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Boots is a first for her. She’s finally landed a high-profile case and is on the trail of the notorious Gunnysack Bandit, when one of Miss Lillian’s girls essential to her investigation meets an untimely demise. Only a handful of people are in the house at the time of her death, including handsome Tom Colton, a former Texas Ranger determined to clear his brother’s name. Amy has many reasons to suspect Tom of murder—and one very personal reason to hope that she’s wrong about him. 

Please give us the first page of the book.
1883
Goodman, Kansas
“Whoa!”

Former Texas Ranger Tom Colton reined in his horse and stared at the sign hanging from the roof of the two-story brick structure: Miss Lillian’s Parlor House and Fine Boots. In the faint glow of a full moon the building stood tall, solid and proper as an old church. Only the red light shimmering in a downstairs window suggested otherwise.

He fingered the letter in his vest pocket. Addressed to his brother Dave and signed simply “Rose,” the letter had brought him to this very address searching for answers.

The red light gave him pause. Perhaps coming here had been a mistake, but he’d traveled too far to turn back now. He hesitated for several moments before dismounting. Securing his horse to the hitching post, he stomped up the wooden steps to the porch. For once, God, let me be wrong about my brother.

The door opened to his knock and a stout-figured woman peered at him from a painted face. Designed for a woman half her size, the bright blue gown and exaggerated bustle did her no favors; nor did hair piled on top of her head like frothy red frosting.

Her appearance quelled any doubt as to the nature of the establishment, and his spirits dropped yet another notch. Dave, oh, Dave. . .

“Are you going to stand there all night, Cowboy? Or are you going to tell me what you want?” Her lilting southern drawl seemed at odds with her sharp-eyed gaze.

He pulled off his wide-brim hat. “Sorry to bother you ma’am. Name’s Tom, Tom Colton. I came to see Rose.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t believe I’ve seen you around these parts.”
           
“I’m new in town.”

The woman’s gaze traveled the length of his six-foot frame like a worried mother scrutinizing a daughter’s suitor. The gun belt sagging from his waist made her hesitate. She then glanced at his gelding tied out front next to one other.
           
Apparently his horse, Thunder, gave him a good recommendation because the woman stepped aside to let him in.        

 I can’t wait until my book comes. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Question for readers: The heroine of my book is a Pinkerton detective. Who is your all-time favorite literary, film or TV detective?

Thank you, Margaret, for sharing this new book with us. This story sounds really interesting. I always read your new book as soon as I can get my hands on it. And I know my readers will love it as much as I do.

Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
Petticoat Detective - Christianbook.com
Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies) - Amazon
Petticoat Detective (Undercover Ladies Book 1) - Kindle


Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:
Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

52 comments:

Anonymous said...

would love to win. Angela from KY

Wendy Newcomb said...

I love the old detective stories and Margaret does a wonderful job, love her books.

Wendy from FL

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Good luck, Angela, and happy New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

I did something wrong and showed up as anonymous. Sorry, Angela, but I'm the one wishing you happy New Year.

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Wendy, how nice to see you here. Thank you for your kind comment. I love old detective stories, too. They didn't have DNA, fingerprinting, computers or cameras back then, but those old time detectives almost always got their man--and in some cases their woman.

Cheryl Pierson said...

Margaret, I love that first page. I'm hooked! WOW, and you've been to all fifty states! Not very many people can say that--I've always wanted to travel to all 50 states myself. I'm looking forward to reading Petticoat Detective!
Cheryl

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Cheryl, I finally made it to Alaska. That was the last state on my list. I was afraid I'd never get there. We have a beautiful and diverse country.

Thank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!

Tanya Hanson said...

Hi Margaret, I know you do a lot of motor home touring with Ben and Helene, a couple we met on our tour of the DC area and east coast and who have become great friends and traveling companions. I think I have 12 states to go. I too love to find byways...one of the best we've been to is Harpers Ferry. I can't wait to read your story. I didn't t realize the Pinkertons allowed female agents! Hugs and happy new year, and wishes for much success!

Winnie Griggs said...

Hi Margaret. The book sounds wonderful! And I'm so impressed that you've made it to all 50 states - I'm not nearly that well traveled. But I do hope to make it to Hawaii this summer and Alaska the year after.

Charlene Sands said...

Great interview Margaret! I always learn something new. I didn't realize how well traveled you are! I have been to only 20 states and a few foreign countries. I love taking small weekend trips more than the giant ones. I guess I am really a homebody at heart!

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Tanya, Only 12 states left? You go, girl.

Allen Pinkerton hired the first female detective in 1852 and eventually had a whole department of them. He was way ahead of his time. I'm finishing up the third book in the series--boo hoo!I'm going to miss these undercover ladies.
Happy New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Winnie, Alaska was the last state I visited and I loved it! You have a real treat in store.

Thank you for stopping by and Happy New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Charlene,I wished I'd done more traveling out of the country. My greatest desire is to visit Italy. But with the world in turmoil I'm not anxious to leave the states.

Happy New Year!

Linda Broday said...

Hi Margaret! I love knowing more about you. How cool that you wrote as a child, spending all your extra money on notebooks and pencils. This reminds me of John Boy on The Waltons. One Christmas all he got were some Big Chief tablets and he was happy as he could be. Life is pretty simple with us writers. We don't need a bunch of stuff. I hope you make it to Italy one day though. That would be interesting.

I think James Garner in The Rockford Files is my favorite detective. I guess a private eye can be a detective. LOL Or James West on Wild, Wild West.

Wishing you much success with your new release and a very happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Margaret, it's wonderful to find out some of the behind-the-scenes details about you. Your joy in everyday life comes through loud and clear, dear lady.

I got such a kick out of this: "I always say that God made me a writer to teach me patience and He's still working on it." Fortunately for most of us, His patience is infinite. ;-)

Congratulations on your upcoming release! I wish you much success, and continued joy in the new year. :-)

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Linda,I don't remember that about John Boy. How interesting. You're right; writers don't need a lot to keep them happy. I loved James Garner, too, although Colombo will always be my favorite.

Happy, happy New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

Kathleen, thank you! What a nice thing to say!

Thank you so much for stopping by.

Wishing a New Year filled with blessings!

Britney Adams said...

I love Margaret's stories and can't wait to read Petticoat Detective! Thank you so much for sharing this delightful interview and giveaway!

Britney Adams, TX

Margaret Brownley said...

Britney, thank you so much. Wishing you the best New Year ever!

Anonymous said...

This sounds like a book my sister would love. She loves all things detective and Pinkerton!
J.C. -Indiana-

Anonymous said...

Hi Margaret. My favorite Detective n TV is Angela Lansbury of Murder She wrote. I know, she is a writer, but always solving crimes. A really good detective. I would love to win this book. Thanks lena for having this interview with Margaret.
Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi JC, I like your sister and I have even met her!

Hope you both have a great New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Maxie, I liked Murder, She Wrote, too. Angela Lansbury played such a lighthearted character. I hated to see that show end. Detective series today are so serious.

Thank you for mentioning that show. Happy New Year!

ASC Book Reviews said...

AWESOME!!!! I WOULD LOVE to win, read and, review this!!!! :D And looking at how many comments there are I'm not the only one! ;)

~Amada (pronounced: a.m.a.th.a) NM

Melanie Backus said...

Margaret is a dandy! This book sounds great!

Melanie Backus, TX

Donna B said...

I would love to win! Donna from IL.

Sheila Deeth said...

I love Margaret Brownley's books - great blend of history and humor. Sheila OR. And Happy New Year.

Mary Preston said...

Yes, this does sound interesting.

I have always enjoyed reading about the exploits of Hercule Poirot.

Mary P

QLD AUSTRALIA

Kelly Y said...

I hope to one day travel to all 50 states! How exciting to see our great nation.

I have always enjoyed Colombo. I've read a few books with Pinkerton agents and have always enjoyed them. I'm certain your book would be no different. Thank you for the chance to win.

Blessings and Happy New Year!
Kelly in central VA

Vera Godley said...

Sounds like Margaret Brownley has written another good read.Ms Brownley's books usually has some chuckles and touch of history and just good fun.

I'm in NC & would love to win this for our Christian school library

Cindy W. said...

I love Margaret's work and would love to win a copy of "Petticoat Detective". Thank you for the chance.

Blessings from Indiana,
Cindy W.

Library Lady said...

We have Margaret's books in the church library.
I would love to win this book to add to our collection.
Happy New Year!
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com

Loraine Nunley said...

I like the amateur detectives or the ones that are not detectives but are drawn into the storyline by their observations. I am currently rereading Jo Ann Ferguson's regency series with Lady Priscilla and Sir Neville as amateur sleuths. Thanks for the giveaway!
Loraine in TX

Loraine Nunley said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Susan Johnson said...

I love the excerpt. This sounds like a great book.
Susan in Texas

Anonymous said...

As a child my favorite detective was Nancy Drew, as an adult, Jessica Fletcher. I would love to read Margaret's book
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Maryann in NY

Margaret Brownley said...

Wow, I checked back this morning and couldn't believe all the comments. Thank you one and all and Happy New Year!

Sharon Richmond Bryant said...

Enter me!!
Conway, SC.

Beth Gillihan said...

Would love to read this book! Sounds like a great read! Thanks for a chance to win!
Beth in Montana

A J Hawke said...

Margaret's books are always fun to read. I look forward to this one. Please enter me to win a copy.

Texas

PriviesAndPrims said...

Love Margaret's books!

Doreen from Lancaster County, PA

Happy New Year everyone!

Lourdes said...

I have always enjoyed Margaret's books would love to win.

Lourdes Long island NY

Pam K. said...

There are so many great fictional detectives that it's hard to pick a favorite. I do always enjoy Agatha Christie's Miss Marple. I've read several of Margaret's books and found them to be very enjoyable. I'd love to read this new series about Pinkerton detectives. This one is especially interesting to me since it is set in my state, Kansas.

pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas

Sm said...

I enjoy stories about Texas Rangers. Sm, CA. wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com

kam110476 said...

Hi Margaret & Lena! I've really enjoyed the first two books from the Last Chance Ranch series and have been anxious to read Petticoat Detective since I first heard about it!
Kristen in OK
kam110476 at gmail dot com

Merry said...

I'm so excited Margaret has another Pinkerton story! Petticoat Detective sounds wonderful.
Merry in MN

Anonymous said...

love to win this book! Shelia from MS

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Pam K, I love Kansas and have set several stories there.

Happy New Year!

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Kristen in OK. Gunpowder Tea is the third book in my Last Chance series and that also features a Pinkerton detective. A reader read that book and suggested I write a whole series of female detectives. This led to the Undercover Ladies series.

I always listen to readers.

Happy New Year!

A Cooking Bookworm said...

Loved Gunpowder Tea! Looking forward to Petticoat Detective!

Stephanie
Binghamton, NY

mybabyblessings AT gmail DOT com

Lane Hill House said...

Glad Thunder was well-kept and fed. Have heard a lot of cheering about this story! Kathleen ~ MO

Margaret Brownley said...

Hi Stephanie, it seems like everyone liked Gunpowder Tea. Isn't it funny how some stories seems to resonate?

Love your Cooking Bookworm handle. Sounds like you have the best of two worlds.