Book Title: DEADLY GHOST – Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery Book 12
Character Name: Lady Antonia Montgomery, Mikaela Forsythe’s great aunt
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
I do suppose there are some who would consider my childhood most unusual. I was raised by my father who was directly descended from King William I, William the Conqueror that is. That was over eight hundred years ago. Of course it was through his, shall we call it ‘relationship’ with a Saxon woman. To say the start of our family was somewhat chaotic is an understatement—there was a war going, invasion, pillaging and all that sort of thing. As for my family, I have never wed... well there was that one brief situation. The man was quite a bounder, and I persuaded my father to get rid of him. Not murder, but merely a very long sea voyage. At my age, anyone who might recall that, is long dead. Since, I have chosen to ‘enjoy’ my status as a single lady.
What was your greatest talent?
Oh, my. I am told there are many. However, I am most proud of my nieces, such remarkable young women. And now we have Lily, as part of our family. Such a remarkable, spirited girl. Although there is no relation, she reminds me a great deal of Mikaela.
Significant other?
So many men, so little time... But I digress. As I stated earlier, I have chosen to remain a single woman. There was a highwayman and a smuggler—most handsome. That one reminds me much of Mr. Brodie.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
I suppose that it would be my title and the family wealth. Such an obstacle. One never knows if the man is interested in oneself or one’s fortune. Although I have it that Mr. Brodie was not the least interested in Mikaela’s wealth. As proof of that, he continues to pursue his inquiry cases.
Where do you live?
My official residence is Sussex Square in London. It is the original residence of King William, built in 1068. The place was quite drafty and there is the dungeon of course. Another ancestor, a woman I much admire, took it upon herself to add the new part of Sussex Square a little over two hundred years ago. You must tell me what you think of the Egyptian sailboat in the great hall. Do not fear that you may offend me if you do not care for it. I give you my word, I will not have you thrown into the dungeon.
Do you have any enemies?
I suppose when one lives as long as I have, they are bound to acquire some. However, the secret is to outlive them all. Therefore, I do not intend to depart any time soon.
How do you feel about the place where you are now? Is there something you are particularly attached to, or particularly repelled by, in this place?
I am particularly attached to my great niece, Mikaela. Such a delightfully head-strong young woman. I am repelled by people who insist on being fools. Life is too short for that. As for a place—I am particularly fond of Old Lodge in the north of Scotland. It is an old hunting lodge, quite primitive to most people. I spent many childhood years there, I love it. It is where I can escape the dreariness and pretentiousness of London. And Old Lodge whisky is distilled there. That has become a very successful enterprise thanks to the efforts of my manager, Mr. Munro.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
I have my two nieces, and now Miss Lily has joined our somewhat unusual family. As for pets, there have been many over the years; my father’s hunting dogs. Oh, there is a particularly favorite creature now—Rupert the hound. Absolutely disgusting animal that lives on the streets. However, he is most loyal to Mikaela and finds his way to Sussex Square from time to time.
What do you do for a living? A living?
I suppose you are referring to my work, or a career. I am richer than the Queen, I do not need to work. However, I do have income from my various business enterprises. I suppose that could be considered a living.
Greatest disappointment?
That would be that I will undoubtedly not live to be 150. There are so many things I want to do, such as going about in my motor carriage, and other modern inventions. I hear it will soon be possible to fly. I would like to experience that. I have gone up in a balloon, but a machine that flies? How very marvelous.
Greatest source of joy? Joy?
That is an odd question. I suppose that would have to be seeing the women in my family carry on as they say—their adventures, and accomplishments.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
Ah, that would include going about in my motor carriage. It is quite entertaining to see all sorts of people run to get out of the way. The horn on it is quite useful for that. And I do enjoy a bit of a go with Lily in the sword room with the weapons that are there. She is quickly learning the way of the broadsword. And admittedly, I am not as agile as I once was. However, I have discovered that standing on one’s head much improves the circulation and mental clarity. I am still able to outmaneuver her in that regard.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
How impertinent of you. Failing? I have none. I have lived my life exactly as I have chosen. There are no regrets.
What keeps you awake at night?
That would have to be the ache in my ankle. I broke it some time ago and the demmed thing is most bothersome at night.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
That would be to see the young girl, Lily, well launched into her life. She never knew her birth family and I believe that it bothers her, although we are now her family.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have? For yourself or for someone important to you?
More time. There are so many things to do—I would like to visit the United States, New York of course, and the west. That is where I would like to spend some time. I have it on good authority from a friend of Mikaela’s that it is most exciting. As far as time? I need at least another fifty years for everything I want to do. In the meantime, I believe it would be quite exciting to join Mikaela and Mr. Brodie in their inquiry cases. Obviously, I could be of enormous help in that regard. As with their latest inquiry case into the young woman who claims to be the daughter of Mikaela’s father, through an affair years before.
I do not like the woman, nor do I trust her. I will most definitely see what I can learn about her.
Why don’t you have it? What is in the way?
I am already making arrangements for that. According to Templeton, Mikaela’s friend, she might be able to arrange something with Sir William. William Shakespeare that is. He is her muse and has assured her that she will live far beyond her present life. I might see if I am able to do the same. How exciting that would be! Of course, there are persons I would love to haunt. Perhaps a little spiritual revenge? I have a list of names.
Now, I really must be going. It was most refreshing to visit with you. And I do promise that I will not include you on that list.
Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe Murder Mystery #12
Ghosts from the past have the nasty habit of refusing to stay buried.
Returning from an extended stay in Scotland, life for Mikaela and Brodie picks up right back where it left off. Brodie is immediately tasked with a new case for the Agency, while Mikaela must attend a reception for the release of her latest novel. But, as it always does, intrigue has begun to creep its way back in.
While at the reception, Mikaela encounters a mysterious woman who bares a striking resemblance to her. But, before she can ask any questions, the woman disappears.
Days later Mikaela’s sister Lenore sees the same woman, raising more questions and bringing back painful memories. The woman claims to be a long-lost half sister, with old letters and documents that seem to support her claim. And there is that undeniable resemblance.
But is she who she claims to be?
Mikaela sets out to investigate, drawing Brodie in to support her even as he cautions that the woman might be telling the truth.
Their search takes them into the past as old secrets come to light, from a private hospital in the south of France to a grave in Highgate Cemetery, desperate to expose the truth.
But as they both know only too well, awaking old ghosts can be deadly...
Mystery Historical | Mystery Amateur Sleuth [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: April 22, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Twenty five books and counting! Or is it twenty six? Very possibly by the time this is posted. I started this crazy journey a few years ago, after reading several historical romances then declaring "I can do this!" Husband, always supportive. replied, "Then do it!" And she did, as the saying goes. Along the way, there were two romantic suspense novels and a time-travel novel, and two film options... But I digress. My current series is a historical murder mystery with a hint of romance, starting with A Deadly Affair, Angus Brodie and Mikaela Forsythe, Murder Mystery Book 1, with Book 2 to be released soon, followed by Book 3, and... We live in the Sierra Mountains outside of Yosemite National Park and when not writing my next book, we hit the trails on our horses.
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