Stockholm, 1791: politics, passion, magic, murder
Revolution and unrest are boiling up on the continent of Europe, but Sweden seems immune. All is well in the capitol city of Stockholm or so it seems to Emil Larsson, a self-satisfied bureaucrat in the Office of Customs and Excise and a true man of the Town – drinker, card shark, and contented bachelor. That is until Mrs. Sofia Sparrow, fortune-teller and proprietor of an exclusive gaming parlor, shares a vision of a golden path that will lead Emil to love and connection.
Mrs. Sparrow lays an Octavo for him, a spread of eight cards that augur the eight individuals
who can help him realize this vision–if he can find them. But as Emil eagerly searches for his eight,
he comes to the startling realization that finding them is no longer just a game of the heart,
but crucial to foiling the assassination of King Gustav III and pulling his country back
from the crumbling precipice of rebellion and chaos.
Historical fiction set in the far north during the turbulence of the late 18th century,
The Stockholm Octavo portrays a world of intrigue, betrayal and love infused with
cartomancy, folding fans, and the inevitability of fate.
New York Times Editor's Choice. Amazon Editor's Choice. Kirkus Best Fiction 2012.
Starred reviews: Kirkus, Library Journal, Booklist and Publisher's Weekly.
Other titles
1789
visions of Angels
ornaments
A collection for ages 12-17 that explores a turbulent time in the western world. My piece on King Gustav III is included. Starred reviews in Publisher's Weekly
and Kirkus.
ornaments
visions of Angels
ornaments
Illustrated short stories about the memories that holiday ornaments hold, written when my children were small and with them in mind.
visions of Angels
visions of Angels
visions of Angels
More design, research and concept project than writing, but I love this book and my co-author Nelson Bloncourt, who has gone on to author two delightful children's books of his own. Heavenly!
work in progress
miss hall's last costume
miss hall's last costume
miss hall's last costume
The curtain rises on mortality, memory, betrayals, obsession, murder, costumes, and love when Miss Hall joins a clinical trial for longevity. A black comedy about end of life choices, Miss Hall’s Last Costume portrays a leading lady in an unforgettable last act.
midtown
miss hall's last costume
miss hall's last costume
The island of Manhattan, ravaged by superstorms and infrastructure collapse, is now a wildly popular national park, closed to permanent residents but open to courageous tourists 6 months per year. Park Intern Tree Andrews finds danger, passion and beauty in the ruins.