Look Who’s Going To RT: Rhys Bowen

Rhys BowenCan you introduce yourself to my readers a little?
Your readers may have grown up with my teen romance novels written as Janet Quin-Harkin. Today I write historical mysteries (with more than a touch of romance) under the name Rhys Bowen.  My books have been nominated for every major mystery award and I have won 11 of them. Both series feature feisty independent women struggling to survive in difficult historical times.

I’m a transplanted Brit, dividing my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape the harsh California winters. I’m married to the debonair John Quin-Harkin and have 4 children and 5 grandchildren (whom I spoil shamelessly). When I’m not writing (which isn’t often) I love to travel, sing, hike, paint, and eat out with friends.

Can you introduce us to the world that you have created?
The Molly Murphy series (Murphy’s Law) is set in 1900s New York City, and the lighter, funny and sexy Royal Spyness mysteries (Her Royal Spyness) are set in 1930s England, featuring a penniless minor royal.

Molly is an Irish immigrant who has had to flee from Ireland because she accidentally kills the man who was trying to rape her in the first book, Murphy’s Law. She has been struggling to survive in New York ever since but is finally about to get married to police captain Daniel Sullivan in this year’s Bless the Bride.

Lady Georgie is 34th in line to the throne but is flat broke. It’s the Great Depression, and her only choices seem to be to marry a chinless, spineless European prince or becoming companion to an elderly aunt. She chooses neither of the above and tries anything she can think of to keep herself afloat (including inadvertantly setting up an escort service)–while also deciding whether to succumb to the charms of the dangerous Darcy O’Mara. But she’s also asked to spy for the queen of England, who is concerned that her son, the Prince of Wales, has met a most unsuitable American woman (and yes, Mrs. Simpson does appear frequently and she is a bitch)

Will this be your first RT or are you a veteran? Any advice for those who are going for the first time?
It’s my third. My advice for anyone attending a convention for the first time is not to feel overwhelmed but to start talking to people,go up to your favorite authors. We love meeting our fans!

Are you speaking on any panels during RT? Are there any you are looking forward to?
I’m a panelist on Plotting and Setting your Mystery, Friday 11:15. I’m also a host at the Chix and Dix breakfast on Thursday.

As for panels I’m looking forward to –I’m especially intersted in the screen and TV writing ones. You never know when i might want to convert one of my own books to the screen!

If someone were wanting to meet up with you at RT, who should they look for?
Think Helen Mirren. I’m her evil twin. (At least I’m about the same age, slim blond and elegant and British)

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.