“Beware of a man named Frederick and his offer of marriage.”
Rose’s granddaughters, Rebecca, Leia and Naomi, have never taken her prophecies seriously. But now that Rose is dead, and Naomi has a new man in her life, should they take heed of this mysterious warning?
Naomi needs to master the art of performing. Rebecca rarely ventures out of her house. She’s afraid of what she might see. As for Rebecca’s twin, everyone admires Leia’s giant brain, but now the genius is on the verge of a breakdown.
Rebecca suspects Naomi’s new boyfriend is hiding something. She begs Leia, now living in the US, to investigate.
Leia’s search takes her to a remote farm in Ohio on the trail of the truth behind a tragic death.
Just who is Ethan? And what isn’t he telling Naomi?
In a story full of drama and mystery, the sisters discover there is more that connects them than they realise, and that only together can they discover exactly what’s behind Rose’s prophecy.
Q&A
I am very happy to share an interview with the auther with you. Enjoy!
***
1. When and where do you prefer to write?
I write at a desk with an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, the kind my husband finds infuriating. I’ve used this split style of keyboard for years and struggle with a laptop one and touch pad. I write when the kids are at school or quiet. So not as often as I would like!
2. Do you have a certain ritual?
Not really. Sometimes I like music in the background, something without lyrics, as words distract.
3. Is there a drink or some food that keeps you company while you write?
Tea. I’m partial to builders’ tea, but I also enjoy Red Bush tea or peppermint. Cake is my daytime weakness. When the words are sluggish, I bake a cake or play the piano. It helps to clear the foggy mind.
4. What is your favourite book?
I don’t have one, mainly because depending on my mood, I might pick a different one each time I’m asked. I could compile a consistent top ten authors, and on it would be Sebastian Faulks, Isabel Allende, Amy Tan, Robert Goddard, Kate Mosse and Vikram Seth but probably not a specific title.
5. Do you consider writing a different genre in the future?
I’ve plans for Crime, although not procedural type, rather grittier mysteries involving a kick-boxing investigator working for a private company. Nothing magical, just plenty of family secrets to unravel. When I read, I do like unearthing a good secret.
6. Do you sometimes base your characters on people you know?
Not intentionally. There is probably a little bit of me in each of the three sisters in The Last Thing She Said, especially Naomi – we both play the flute. However, she’s better at it than me. I’ve worked with many scientists, so relate to Leia’s way of thinking, and like Rebecca, I’m a mum who does the school run and dashes here, there and everywhere.
7. Do you take a notebook everywhere in order to write down ideas that pop up?
If I’m out and about, I always carry a notepad and fountain pen. I’ve a collection of Lamy pens with different colour inks. The best ideas often pop up at the most inconvenient moments, such as driving the car.
8. Which genre do you not like at all?
Horror. I do like Crime and Thrillers, Gothic tales of ghosts, but haven’t managed to read a horror story with any sense of pleasure. For me reading is about enjoyment and not playing on my fears.
9. If you had the chance to co-write a book. Whom would it be with?
Robert Goddard. He writes historical and contemporary, great narrative mysteries and thrillers with a measured page-turning pace and believable characters. I’d like to think we’d work well together.
10. If you should travel to a foreign country to do research, which one would you choose and why?
I would love to have the courage to set a book somewhere exotic, like Africa or China, and live there while I’m writing, so I could soak up the culture and atmosphere. If location is an important part of the story, I treat it like a character. For now, I’m putting those grand ambitions aside, and keeping my settings primarily in England.
Thank you, Rachel Walkley and RachelsRandomResources.
About the author
Born in the East of England, Rachel has lived in big cities and small villages including London and Bristol, before settling in Cheshire.
For most of her working life, she’s been a scientist and librarian, and her love of creative writing has never ceased even when surrounded by technical reports and impenetrable patents. Among moments of mummy taxi, delving into museum archives, drawing pictures and flute playing, Rachel finds a little time to pen her magical mysteries.
Social Media Links – @racheljwalkley Rachelwalkley.com Instagram @ raejcreations https://www.facebook.com/RachelJWalkley https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43019315-the-last-thing-she-said https://forms.aweber.com/form/09/569468809.htm
B for Bookreview 