Rhys Bowen
Author Interview - Rhys Bowen
Author of The Castle in the Glen
About The Castle in the Glen:
A ghostwriter plunges into danger as she unravels the dark secrets of a powerful Scottish family in a thrilling novel of romance and mystery by the bestselling author of Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure.
Australian writer Emma Callander has been recruited to complete the final historical mystery in a series by celebrated author Iris Blackburn. It’s 1964, and Iris’s memory is fading. She’s certain that only Emma can do justice to her novel about a murder on the Isle of Skye. When Emma ventures to Scotland for research, she discovers it isn’t fiction at all, but rather a true crime unsolved for more than fifty years.
It was 1904 when a couple’s suspicious drowning led to the disappearance of a mysterious young woman the locals called the Wild Girl. To this day the mystery is unforgettable, especially among the descendants of an aristocratic family who’ll do anything to keep their secrets buried. From the misty Highlands to a medieval castle, Emma and Tony Gordon, Iris’s handsome lawyer, work ever more closely to uncover them.
But while Iris may be known for her fiendishly clever twists, there’s one not even Emma could have seen coming.
Author I draw inspiration from:
2026: My first inspiration was Agatha Christie. Her clever twists and gradual revealing of a mystery were perfect.
2018: I first decided to write mysteries when I discovered Tony Hillerman. But I also grew up reading the ladies of the Golden Age. More recently I have adored the books of Kate Morton.
Author Interview with Rhys Bowen
Favorite place to read a book:
2026: Under an umbrella on a lovely beach.
2018: In the summer in a hammock under a tree and in the winter curled in an armchair by a fire with a mug of hot chocolate beside me.
Character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with:
2026: How about Mr. Darcy? Although he might be distressed at not knowing how an elevator works and thus we wouldn’t have an agreeable time together.
2018: James Bond. He'd know how to get us out.
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author:
2026: I have written my entire life. I always had to write down the ideas in my head. I had a play produced by the BBC when I was 24. I've been a professional writer since then.
2018: My mother says I have been telling stories since I was four. I had a short story published before I left high school.
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook:
2026: I love hardbacks. I like the feel in my hands, the look of them on the shelf. Paperbacks and e-books are useful when I have to travel. I’m not a huge fan of audio books although I shouldn’t say this as my books sell incredibly well on Audible.
2018: At home I like hardbacks. In the car audio books. On the beach Kindle. My books are published in all four and many of my fans buy in all four formats.
The last book I read:
2026: The Restoration Garden, by Sarah Blades. I love duel timeline stories, especially connected to WW2.
2018: Louise Penny. Glass Houses.
Author Interview with Rhys Bowen
Pen & paper or computer:
2026: Oh… computer, always. My handwriting is so terrible that when I scribble down ideas in the middle of the night I can’t read my writing in the morning.
2018: I scribble early notes in a notebook but I write on a computer. I couldn't produce two books a year without one!
Book character I think I’d be best friends with:
2026: My own Mrs. Endicott (Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure). She seems like such a wise, fun, all around nice woman.
2018: Deborah Crombie's Gemma James. Or Maisie Dobbs.
If I wasn’t an author, I’d be a:
2026: When I was a child I wanted to be a lion tamer or an opera singer. Neither of those worked out. I also trained as an actor and have enjoyed occasional acting over the years. My dream career? A Catholic priest.
2018: A professional photographer. I'd love to travel the world taking pictures. I'd also like to fly 747s.
Favorite decade in fashion history:
2026: The 1820s. Jane Austen era. Such light, wearable fashion. The heavy Victorian skirts that came after were awfully confining.
2018: 1920s. I'd love to dress like Miss Fisher!
Author Interview with Rhys Bowen
Place I’d most like to travel:
2026: I have already traveled a lot and been to much of the world. But I’ve never been on Safari to Africa and would still like to do that. I love watching wildlife. But more realistically I always want to go back to Venice, Switzerland and anywhere on the Mediterranean.
2018: I've been to many parts of the world. I still haven't done a safari in Tanzania.
My signature drink:
2026: Aperol Spritz, or the newer Hugo Spritz.
2018: Prosecco. Sometimes Mimosas or Kir Royale.
Favorite artist:
2026: I enjoy so much art and music (mostly classical). Monet is my all-time favorite although I do feel strongly for Van Gogh.
2018: Monet.
Number one on my bucket list:
2026: I made a bucket list when I turned 50 and I’ve accomplished most items on it. So at this stage in my life the number one would be to stay healthy and fit.
2018: African Safari.
Anything else you'd like to add:
2018: One of the big treats about writing is hearing from my readers, telling me how my books have helped them through trauma and tragedy. It's a lovely, warm feeling.
More from Rhys Bowen:
https://www.facebook.com/RhysBowenAuthor
https://www.instagram.com/authorrhysbowen/
About Rhys Bowen:
Rhys Bowen is the New York Times bestselling author of more than sixty novels, including Mrs. Endicott’s Splendid Adventure, The Rose Arbor, The Paris Assignment, Where the Sky Begins, The Venice Sketchbook, Above the Bay of Angels, The Victory Garden, The Tuscan Child, and In Farleigh Field, the winner of the Lefty Award for Best Historical Mystery Novel and the Agatha Award for Best Historical Novel. Bowen’s work has won sixteen honors to date, including multiple Agatha, Anthony, and Macavity Awards. Her books have been translated into many languages, and she has fans around the world, including more than seventy thousand Facebook followers. A transplanted Brit, Bowen divides her time between California and Arizona. For more information, visit www.rhysbowen.com.
