The Etiquette of Challenging Society: Murder in Postscript by Mary Winters
BY CLARE RHODEN
Set in 1860s London, Murder in Postscript (Berkley Prime Crime, March 2023) is a charming entry into the world of cosy historical mysteries. In this first novel of what promises to be an addictive series, author Mary Winters introduces Amelia, countess of Amesbury, a young widow of means. Winters explains that it was the character of Amelia herself, as well as the attractions of Queen Victoria’s lively capital, which drew her to the story.
“Amelia came first,” says Winters, “but I knew she would live in London and that she would love London.” Hailing from a small town, Amelia is thrilled by the city’s infinite variety, even when she chafes at the constraints of a more sophisticated, rule-bound society. “In many ways, Amelia is an outsider, especially in her new role as an upper class noblewoman, and that makes her viewpoint different.”
Amelia’s clear-eyed, sceptical but compassionate outlook on the town manifests often, but never more so than in the letters of her alter ego, Lady Agony, who writes for a penny newspaper. Lady Agony’s advice column, shown as letters heading each chapter of the novel, is both informative and entertaining.
Lady Agony’s correspondence is a favourite with the author. “Readers can hear Amelia’s voice in first person, and I can use some of the interesting titbits acquired from my research into Victorian advice columns and etiquette books.” Winters conveys more about the historical background to the novel in her blog post about agony columns.
author photo by Julie Prairie
Many characters in Murder in Postscript are women who know things that they shouldn’t, women who are punished or silenced by powerful forces above their station. Winters prides herself on writing “strong female characters who challenge social norms”. The author explains that Amelia, as a woman of high society, has more challenges to face than many modern sleuths, with Victorian attitudes adding extra tension and certain obstacles to a female amateur detective. “But Amelia is up to the challenge,” adds Winters.
The arrival of handsome marquis Simon, an old friend of Amelia’s deceased husband, adds frisson to the story. Simon and Amelia make a perfect team, complementing each other’s strengths and testing each other’s boundaries. “I enjoy the tension between Simon and Amelia,” says Winters. “They each have their own pasts to come to terms with. The partnership won’t be easy for either of them.”
Winters has big plans for Amelia in future adventures. “I’d love her to expose further class and social issues as well as inspire future women writers and advice columnists.”
Expect more from Amelia’s and Simon’s families in forthcoming stories, as well as further entanglements with the large-looming Aunt Tabitha. Amelia, Countess of Amesbury, indomitable widow and compassionate amateur sleuth, has a great deal to offer.
About the contributor: Clare Rhoden is a writer and reviewer from Melbourne Australia. Her PhD investigated Australian literature of the Great War. Her latest novel is a mystery for younger readers.
