I’m delighted that there are foreign editions of the Countess of Harleigh series. It’s always a thrill to see my books translated into another language and to see what the foreign publishers come up with for a cover. I’m fortunate that I have a lot of input into my US covers, but I have no say on the covers of the foreign editions and sometimes, they really surprise me.
There’s the one that changed my name. I love this cover from the Serbian edition of Etiquette and Murder. The Victorian elements in the background are great and there is something devious about the way the woman’s hand is holding the rose. And frankly, I kind of like the name Dajana!
The covers of my German editions are bright and colorful and always depict Frances in the country. They also take her to a completely different point in time. The Victorian era lasted through many changes in women’s fashions, including the hoop skirt and several variations of bustles. But the dress and hairstyle on this cover is definitely from the Regency era, about 90 years before Frances’ time. Regardless, I like how they are very different from the US covers, and they look like a fun read.
The Polish editions just came out this year and I absolutely love them! For one thing, I’m 100% Polish. I just wish my mom, who always encouraged me to write, was still around to read them. (I don’t read or speak Polish)
Although the covers are different from the US covers, they still have a touch of whimsy that I love. For the first book, the dress seems to fit the era, so I’m not sure what happened to make them switch to full hoop skirt for the second book. It doesn’t bother anyone though, so I’m not going to let it bother me!
My Spanish book covers are the same as the US covers, they’re just in Spanish. So, now I’m going to move on to the cover that has all my attention at the moment–the cover for An Art Lover’s Guide to Paris and Murder!
Voila!
What do you think? The book releases on June 25, 2024, but you can pre-order now if you like at the link below. First, here’s a little bit about it:
Frances and her husband, George, have two points of interest in Paris. One is an impromptu holiday to visit the Paris Exposition. The other is personal. George’s Aunt Julia has requested her nephew’s help in looking into the suspicious death of renowned artist Paul Ducasse. Though Julia is not entirely forthcoming about her reasons, she is clearly a woman mourning a lost love.
At the exposition, swarming with tourists, tragedy casts a pall on the festivities. A footbridge collapses. Julia is among the casualties. However, she was not just another fateful victim. Julia was stabbed to death amid the chaos. With an official investigation at a standstill, George and Frances realize that to solve the case they must dig into Julia’s life—as well as Paul’s—and question everything and everyone in Julia’s coterie of artists and secrets.
They have no shortage of suspects. There is Paul’s inscrutable widow, Gabrielle. Paul’s art dealer and manager, Lucien. Julia’s friend Martine, a sculptress with a jealous streak. And art jurist, Monsieur Beaufoy. The investigation takes a turn when it’s revealed that George has inherited control of Julia’s estate—and another of her secrets. While George investigates, Frances safeguards their new legacy, and is drawn further into danger by a killer determined to keep the past buried.
You can pre-order HERE