Day: January 17, 2018

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Boneseeker
(The Boneseeker Chronicles #1)
by Brynn Chapman
Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 213 pages
January 10th 2018 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Aspiring scientist Arabella Holmes doesn’t fit the role of a 1900s lady. Her father, Sherlock, landed her a position at the Mütter Museum to pursue her dream of becoming a purveyor of abnormal science, or what her father calls a “Boneseeker.”

Henry Watson’s two-fold mission at the Mütter Museum is to join their team of forensic anthropologists in unearthing unusual antiquities and to watch over Arabella. If only he could get her to speak to him, instead of hurling knives in his general direction. Assigned to a most secret expedition to investigate a mysterious skeletal hand discovered in upstate New York, Arabella and Henry are soon caught in a scientific debate, and the search for the truth may have deadly consequences for those involved.

Are the bones from a Neanderthal? Or are they living proof of fallen angels known as Nephilim?

Watson and Holmes must put aside their differences, trust their instincts, and rely on one another to survive to uncover the truth.

*This is a new version of a previously published edition

 

Praise for BONESEEKER:

Winner of the New Jersey Romance Writers Golden Leaf Contest

“Creative, meticulously researched, and terrific fun!”  ~Grace Burrowes, NY Times Best Selling Author

“The characters, the setting, the descriptions and the mysteries and relationships all work together seamlessly to create a truly wonderful story that I completely adored.” ~Best Books Ever Blog

“The settings are intriguing and the way they are described make you feel as if you are immersed in the story. I could feel the gloom and damp. That is rare in so many books! Boneseeker is a book I highly recommend, and I give it 5 stars!” ~Christy’s Cozy Corners Blog

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Wild Rose Press

 

 

Holmes and Watson, Like Father, like son…and daughter

For the record, I have, to date, read 90 percent of the Sherlock Holmes canon—and his predecessors, Wilkie Collins et al.

The new Sherlock Holmes characters in the recent films, however, ignited a fire in my brain.  The following is from my author’s notes in the Book, BONESEEKER

 

John Watson

If one has read the original Sherlock Holmes stories, one quickly realizes Watson was not the bumbling, plump counterpart portrayed in many films. Indeed, Watson was an ex-solider, a crack shot, an excellent physician and surgeon, and able to deduce minor mysteries on his own. I stand by the screenwriter’s version of the American film remakes, which portray him as a necessary catalyst for Holmes to interact with society, and while not the genius-deductive mastermind of Holmes, a force to be reckoned with in his own right.

 

Holmes and Asperger’s

I also contend that Sherlock Holmes had Asperger’s Syndrome. One familiar with this genetic phenotype could quickly recognize his difficulty relating to people, his extreme, all-consuming passions, and obsessive behavior and routines.

Holmes and Watson’s relationship was symbiotic, which is consequently the case with many with Asperger’s, despite their oft-great talents, they often rely on a loved one to assist them with deciphering societal cues and navigating the world of relationships.

Precisely like Watson and Holmes.

Case closed.

So rather than seeing John Watson as a bumbling straight man to Holmes, I rather see him as such.

 

 

And from this relationship—their children were born. How wonderful to imagine the horror of both, when their children fall in love, despite their most valiant efforts to sabotage the attraction.

Here is an excerpt of Henry, arguing with his father over the very subject. Like father, like son.

Henry’s cottage

Henry

I glance out the window at the dimming light, fading to pink streaks on the horizon.

It’s almost dark; we’re almost late for the fund-raising ball.

I stride to my chest of drawers and whip out a tie.

“Father, I thought we agreed I’d meet Priscilla, not pledge my immediate, undying love on first sight.” I rip the black tie off and begin again, eyeing him in the mirror.

One dark eyebrow arches. “Really, Henry? Pray tell, what is not to like? She is utterly gorgeous and well-connected to the museum. She is the perfect prospect.”

“You court her, then.” I wrestle with my tie, roughly slipping the knot up to my neck. I sigh, and spin to face him. “What’re you up to, then? The truth?”

Father’s chest and eyebrows rise simultaneously as he sucks in a breath and then exhales dramatically between his gritted teeth. “You are…”

“Difficult?”

“Yes, but not relevant to this part of the conversation.”

“Brilliant?” I interject.

He half-smiles, as he does when I infuriate him. “Yes, also not relevant. Might I find my own word?”

I turn back to the mirror. “I’m growing old waiting for it.”

“Unsettled. Unfocused. A rogue. Have too many interests—”

“I’m nothing like James, you mean.”

His eyes flare at the mention of my older brother. “I said nothing of the sort, Henry.”

“But you were thinking it.”

“No, I wasn’t.”

“And so marrying would cure me of my many shortcomings?” I turn back to him and give my lapels a rough tug to busy my hands. So I don’t poke him in the chest.

“The right woman, yes.”

“And Priscilla is that woman?”

He bends, picking up his hat and cane. “You’ve only just met her, give the girl a bloody chance. Henry—” He stops dead, revelation lighting his features. “You’ve already someone in mind, don’t you?”

I will my hands to stay still.

His gaze immediately snaps down. “Your hands are limp as dead fish. That is as much a giveaway as if they were fidgeting.”

“You are impossible.” I give up and permit my fingers free rein and crack my knuckles.

“Likewise.” Father’s lips purse as he considers. Comprehension and horror dawn as his mouth twitches beneath the mustache. He jams his eyes shut, shaking his head once. “Not Arabella? I thought we were past all that.”

They fly open, waiting.

I shrug, and slide my hands over my already slicked hair. I walk toward the door.

Escape. Flee. Freedom.

“For the love of all that’s holy, Henry. That’s almost like being married to Holmes.” He gives a little shudder.

“I daresay you’re one to talk. For years, you chose a life with Holmes over matrimony, so that argument is full of holes. Do as I say, not as I do?”

Father’s face softens, and he lifts a placating hand. “I love Arabella too, you know that. But, be reasonable. She doesn’t fit into polite society.”

“Neither does Holmes and he’s almost legendary now.”

“She is unruly, headstrong, and will never, ever listen.”

“I know. She fascinates me.”

He thrusts both his hands palm-up into the air, then quickly covers his mouth in a prayer pose.

I capitalize on his frustration to make my escape, walking swiftly to the door. “We are going to be late for the gathering. Don’t want to keep your pet, Priscilla, waiting. Really, Father, Violet might be jealous at your obvious attachment.”

“Love is too young to know what conscience is…”

It’s a game from my childhood, started by my mother. A perpetual contest between James and me—the most Shakespearean quotes meant the most sweets. His stare burns a hole in my back. I whirl, and glare back and grind my teeth. I always won. “Let every eye negotiate for itself, and trust no agent.”

Father’s mouth pops open. I shut the door before he closes it.

 

 

In addition to the giveaway of a kindle book of BONESEEKER, and a 10 dollar amazon gift card—if you forward a copy of a paid ebook to publicity.brynnchapman@gmail.com you will be entered to win a free audiobook and a related necklace, as well.

 

About the Author

Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love–not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. Her ancestry tree claims she’s a descendant of the House of Stuart.