R C S Hutching
Having forever been an avid reader myself, I fully understand how one often makes a snap judgement about the content of a book without actually venturing between the covers. I do not deploy vast resources on marketing/advertising and so rely on the impression created by the book title and the brief cover notes to assist sales. My own market research, therefore, rests on the feedback from people who have either bought and read my books or questions from those considering doing so. Nonetheless,
I have been surprised at some of the more common observations and questions contained in various emails. Clearly, I have missed a trick so far as heading off preconceptions based on the cover notes and this website. So, here is a selection of those comments and my attempts to clarify the general nature and content of the books:
' I’m not really interested in archaeology, but even so, I thought I would give your Château Sarony books a try.’
It didn’t occur to me that people could be put off by the description of my main characters as archaeologists. There is practically no archaeological content in any of the stories. The books are mystery and adventure novels which I hope also contain elements of humour, excitement, intrigue and dare I say it - a little romance.
‘Are the Château Sarony stories a bit like the Da Vinci Code genre?’
No, not at all. My novels are set within an entirely different context.
'Are they historical novels? ‘Château Sarony Series’ sounds rather like it.’
No. They are based in the present century although some books do contain ‘flashbacks’ to events occurring in past years.
Château Sarony is where the two main characters live.
‘'What do the words 'historical mysteries and unexplained events' mean?’
They do not refer to either the supernatural or science-fiction. My books cover many different (mainly fictional) past events from past years - Roman to the 21st Century. You don’t necessarily need to be interested in history to read them. I do, however, attempt to maintain historical accuracy by using established facts and events where relevant.
‘What does the description ‘light adventure and mystery mean?’
Well, that is how I think of the stories. They are far removed from books such as the now popular Nordic Noir genre, (which I have thoroughly enjoyed,) and many of the darker police and detective series now appearing on TV. They do not contain gruesome serial killings nor explicit sexual activity. My intention is to provide an easy, entertaining read, which neither shocks, horrifies, nor depresses (but occasionally surprises) the reader. Admittedly, Anna’s use of agricultural language does sometimes come to the fore, but not too often.
‘Are the Medhurst Mysteries and the Wilkinson at War books connected to the Château Sarony Series?’
Not directly. At present, there are three Medhurst books. I intend to write more in the future.
The two main characters in Wilkinson at War originally appeared in the Château Sarony book The Brandenburg Cipher but that is the only connection. Clarence Wilkinson and Jenny Matheson now have their own series set in the 1940s, which I hope to continue.
I hope that my comments have proved of help if you are considering venturing into my attempts to entertain.