Book Title: MURDER AT MABLETHORPE CASTLE, Book 1, A Harlowe & Fitch Historical Mystery
Character Name: Lady Vivienne Harlowe
How would you describe your family or your childhood?
My mother was a noblewoman, but my father was a common footsoldier. My childhood seemed pretty normal to me and my younger brother, Adrian. Even though we didn’t live in a castle in Somersby, we often traveled to my aunt and uncle’s castle in Mablethorpe. I stayed there often, and befriended the son of the town’s sheriff. His name is Zachariah and now he is the sheriff of Mablethorpe.
What was your greatest talent?
I’m not sure if most people would consider it a talent, but I was always a curious child and loved to learn. Everything. That includes fighting with a sword, using a bow and arrows, and riding a horse astride. Yes, things a lady is not supposed to do. I was also always pretty observant which comes in handy for being an investigator, working with Sheriff Zachariah Fitch.
Significant other?
I was married at a young age, but my husband died in a horrible accident. He never even saw our young son who was born after his death. I don’t want to marry again. However, I have a very good friend in Sheriff Zachariah Fitch.
Biggest challenge in relationships?
I would have to say trust. In the past, I’ve trusted and been hurt. I am very cautious now.
Where do you live?
Since the death of my parents, my aunt and uncle took me in as their ward. I live with them at Mablethorpe Castle.
Do you have any enemies?
Obviously so, although I don’t know who they are or why they want my family dead. Seven years ago, right after I birthed my baby son, my family was traveling and were attacked by ruffians on the road. My parents were killed before my very eyes. Then the horses got spooked and ran off with the wagon with my newborn son and younger brother inside.
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 love living at the castle and am friends with just about everyone, including the servants. What I don’t like is the fact that my uncle keeps trying to marry me off when I told him time and again that I will never marry again.
Do you have children, pets, both, or neither?
I had a son. I never even got to name him since he disappeared just after I gave birth. I now have a pet bloodhound named Grunt. He has a great nose for sniffing out trouble and often helps me and the sheriff with our murder investigations.
What do you do for a living?
I know it isn’t a common or proper thing for a lady to do, but I help the sheriff investigate murders and to hunt down and lock away killers.
Greatest disappointment?
My greatest disappointment is losing basically my entire family all in the same night. Not to mention the fact that my parents’ killers have never been found. Neither has my missing baby and brother been found. But I will never give up hope of not only solving the murders but finding my son and brother again. Family means everything to me.
Greatest source of joy?
Right now, I’d have to say that would be spending time with my best friend, Sheriff Zachariah Fitch, even if we are not romantically involved and are just working together. We have so much in common and he feels like part of my family.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
I like to learn new things and experience new places. Of course, Rotten Row in town is not a place anyone would want to experience. It’s the bad part of town with horrible people, thieves, cutthroats, drunkards, and whores, and lots of rats. Grunt likes to chase the rats, and sometimes I do end up there, trying to get him home.
What is your greatest personal failing, in your view?
Not being able to save my parents, and not finding my missing son and brother.
What keeps you awake at night?
Nightmares of that horrible night when I lost my entire family.
What is the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
My uncle trying to marry me off to noblemen that I do not know, like, or want.
Is there something that you need or want that you don’t have? For yourself or for someone important to you?
Yes. I’d like a happy family life just like the way it used to be before all the nightmares entered my life.
Why don’t you have it? What is in the way?
I don’t allow myself to feel love anymore, because I know how much it hurts when your loved ones are killed or taken away. I don’t ever want to experience anything like that again. The only thing that keeps me sane is being with my good friend, Zachariah. He is quite a man!
Harlowe & Fitch Historical #1
A celebration at Mablethorpe Castle turns to terror when a kennel fire blazes out of control. As Lady Vivienne Harlowe rushes to the scene, eager to help, a nobleman is found murdered. There's a killer on the loose and no one is safe . . .
Lady Vivienne Harlowe doesn't fear much, and delves into life's experiences head on. But for years she's been plagued by the unsolved murders of her parents and the strange disappearance of other family members. Now, in the face of a new tragedy, she vows to follow every twist and turn until she's solved the dark deeds at Mablethorpe Castle.
Sheriff Zachariah Fitch rushes to the scene, ready to investigate the corpse discovered under the castle stairs. He's determined to catch the murderer, but his childhood friend, Lady Vivienne Harlowe proves to be more than a distraction. She insists on helping him hunt down the killer, not caring about the danger. Still guilt-ridden for not solving the murders of Lady Vivienne's parents, Zachariah feels obliged to let her assist him. But as Harlowe and Fitch dig deeper into the murder, the danger only worsens as the mystery takes a dark turn and they find themselves targets of the killer.
Mystery Historical [Oliver-Heber Books, On Sale: May 13, 2025, e-Book , / ]
Elizabeth Rose is the author of over 100 books and counting. She writes medieval, historical, contemporary, paranormal/fantasy, and western romance. She is an award winning, bestselling author and an amazon all-star. Her books appear as ebooks, print, and audiobooks as well.
Her favorite characters in her works include dark, dangerous and tortured heroes, and feisty, independent heroines who know how to wield a sword. She loves writing 14th century medievals, and is known for her many medieval series.
Elizabeth started writing romance back in 1996 and had her first book traditionally published in 2000.
She loves anything paranormal and is inspired by spending time in nature. Elizabeth has a secret garden that serves as her outdoor office where she writes in her hammock in the summer. This same secret garden inspired her series, Secrets of the Heart.
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