I’m excited to welcome Julie Hyzy, author of two of my favorite cozy mystery series (Manor House Mystery & White House Chef Mystery) to the blog today.  Earlier today I reviewed the first book in the Manor House Mystery series, Grace Under Fire. Today Julie is going to give fans of The Manor House series a sneak peak into the next book in the series, Grace Interrupted.  Welcome, Julie!

A few years ago, at Love Is Murder in Chicago, we wound up sharing our conference space with a group of Civil War reenactors. Over the weekend we criscrossed hallways and alternated use of the ballroom with hundreds of these dedicated participants who were outfitted in period clothing. You should have seen some of the women’s gowns! With their giant hoop skirts and authentic detailing, they were stunning and gorgeous, tolling across the corridors like outrageous bells.

All the reenactors were friendly and eager to share information, but what was most remarkable was the fact that they stayed in character at all times. Even when we shared an elevator (an act I would later learn to be “farby” – that is, inauthentic), they appeared oblivious to the fact that we were in a four star hotel just north of O’Hare airport.

Okay, so put a slew of costumed Civil War reenactors together with an equal number of mystery writers and readers and what do you think happened? Yep, you know it. We  writers discussed how much fun it would be to set a murder amongst these passionate participants.

I was intrigued. I couldn’t see Ollie (from my White House Chef Mystery series) getting involved with such a group, but once Grace Wheaton, my protagonist from the Manor House Mysteries, established herself with Grace Under Pressure, I knew I had the setting I needed.

Marshfield Manor is a mansion, tourist attraction, and palatial home that sits on hundreds of acres in North Carolina. Grace is the curator and director of the estate and in this second book in the series, she’s inherited the responsibility of seeing to the safety and comfort of the Civil War reenacting group that has come to camp on the mansion’s southernmost grounds.

A friend of mine from college is an avid reenactor and he was delighted to share information about his hobby when I asked. Jerry sat down with me, drawing pictures, describing camp settings, and sharing stories about what really goes on during these events. In the months that followed, he sent websites, links, DVDs and even VHS tapes for me to learn from. Fabulous information, and just what I needed to make Grace’s adventure come alive.

Now Jerry’s personal experiences (and that of his family—reenactors all) took place outdoors, not in plush hotels. Not that I blame the reenactors we encountered at Love Is Murder. I mean, really? Chicago in February? ‘Nuff said.

But I digress. Jerry’s experiences, and all the resources he sent my way, gave me what I needed. The story is, of course, Grace’s, who approaches the encounter as an outsider. That gave me a little wiggle room for the mistakes I was sure I’d make as a newbie to the world of reenacting.

If there’s one thing I learned, it’s that there are many, many reenactors who live the role to the fullest, abhorring any anachronism. At the same time, there are others, often new members, who don’t understand why a Union officer shouldn’t be seen pulling plastic rolling cooler to his tent.

After much research and plenty of planning, I had my conflict. Great, but how to make the reenactors’ battle important to Grace? That’s what readers would be most interested in.

You may remember meeting Jack, the landscape architect (and potential love interest) in Grace Under Pressure. What we didn’t learn about him could fill a book. And in Grace Interrupted, it does. When Grace hears one of the reenactors accusing Jack of a long-ago murder, she begins to see why he’s kept so quiet about his past. And when that reenactor winds up murdered himself… you can guess who becomes suspect number one.

Grace Under Pressure left off with Grace and Jack dancing around the idea of starting a relationship, with Grace dealing with her difficult assistant Frances, and with Grace and Bennett exploring possible familial ties. Grace Interrupted picks up shortly after that book ends, but with Jack accused of murder, Frances sniping in the background, and billionaire owner Bennett making demands. What does the future hold for Grace? In Grace Interrupted, there are more than just re-enacted battles going on at Marshfield Manor.

Thank you, Jenn, for having me here today!

Thank you, Julie!  To learn more about Julie & her fantastic books, check out her web site and follow her on Twitter!