This week: Autumn Blessings with Lady Mary Stewart Edited by: Sleigh Bells Adore ♥  
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This mystery newsletter is about another strong and creative mystery British novelist Lady Mary Stewart. was a British novelist who developed the romantic mystery genre, featuring smart, adventurous heroines who could hold their own in dangerous situations.
She also wrote children's books and poetry, but may be best known for her Merlin series, which straddles the boundary between the historical novel and fantasy.
So, without further adieu, let's get into more understanding of the woman, mystery author Lady Mary Stewart. |
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This month's mystery newsletter is about British author, Mary Stewart, who was born in 1916 in Sunderland, England. She was a versatile and acclaimed author who left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Known for her captivating tales of suspense and intrigue, Stewart's novels have captivated readers for generations, transcending the boundaries of the thriller genre and earning her a prestigious place among the literary elite.
Let's look at her early years to gain a better understanding about this intriguing author. Mary Florence Elinor Rainbow was born on 17 September 1916 in Sunderland, County Durham, England, UK, daughter of Mary Edith Matthews, a primary school teacher from New Zealand, and Frederick Albert Rainbow, a vicar.
She graduated from Durham University in 1938 with first-class honours in English, was awarded a first-class Teaching Diploma in English with Art the following year and in 1941 gained her master's degree.
Born to a family of educators, Mary Stewart's early life was shaped by her love of literature and her keen intellectual curiosity. From a young age, she demonstrated a deep fascination with storytelling, often regaling her siblings and friends with imaginative tales. Her academic pursuits, which included a degree in English literature from Durham University, further fueled her passion for the written word, instilling in her a profound understanding of language and its power to captivate.
Stewart's early inspirations were diverse, ranging from the classic works of Sir Walter Scott and the Brontë sisters to the more contemporary writings of Daphne du Maurier and Agatha Christie. These influences can be clearly seen in the rich tapestry of her own novels, which seamlessly blend elements of historical fiction, Gothic romance, and the detective mystery.
Stewart held a variety of posts during World War II, including primary school teaching, teaching at secondary level at a girls' boarding school, and working part-time at the sixth form of Durham School. Between 1941 and 1956, she was an assistant lecturer (1941–5) and part-time lecturer (1948–56) in English literature, mostly Anglo-Saxon, at Durham University. She received an honorary D.Litt. in 2009.
It was in Durham that she met and married her husband, Frederick Stewart, a young Scot who lectured in Geology. She became known as Mary Stewart.
In 1956, the couple moved to Edinburgh. Mary, in her own words, was a "born storyteller" and had been writing stories since the age of three. Following the move to Scotland, she submitted a novel to the publishers Hodder & Stoughton. Madam, "Will You Talk?" was an immediate success, followed by many other successful works over the years.
Stewart was the best-selling author of many romantic suspense and historical fiction novels. They were well received by critics, due especially to her skillful story-telling and elegant prose. Her novels are also known for their well-crafted settings, many in England but also in such locations as Damascus and the Greek islands, as well as Spain, France, Austria, etc.
Mary Stewart's literary breakthrough came in 1955 with the publication of her first novel, "Madam, Will You Talk?". This gripping tale of suspense and intrigue set the stage for her meteoric rise to literary stardom, as readers and critics alike were captivated by her masterful storytelling and her ability to craft intricate, multilayered plots.
She was at the height of her popularity from the late 1950s to the 1980s, when many of her novels were translated into other languages. The Moon-Spinners, one of her most popular novels, was also made into a Walt Disney live-action movie. Stewart was one of the most prominent writers of the romantic suspense subgenre, blending romance novels and mystery.
Critically, her works are considered superior to those of other acclaimed romantic suspense novelists, such as Victoria Holt and Phyllis Whitney. She seamlessly combined the two genres, maintaining a full mystery while focusing on the courtship between two people, so that the process of solving the mystery "helps to illuminate" the hero's personality—thereby helping the heroine to fall in love with him.
In the late 1960s a new generation of young readers revived a readership in T. H. White's The Once and Future King (published in full 1958) and The Lord of the Rings (published in full 1956), and as a consequence Arthurian and heroic legends regained popularity among a critical mass of readers. Mary Stewart added to this climate by publishing The Crystal Cave (1970), the first in what was to become The Merlin Trilogy, later extended by two further novels. The books placed Stewart on the best-seller list many times throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Despite her remarkable literary achievements, Mary Stewart remained a somewhat enigmatic figure, closely guarding her personal life and maintaining a low-profile public presence. Born in 1916, she lived a long and accomplished life, passing away in 2014 at the age of 97. Throughout her career, she continued to write prolifically, publishing over 20 novels that cemented her reputation as one of the most beloved and respected thriller writers of her time.
I hope this was as interesting of a journey to Europe for you, and until next time, gentle reader...Read On! |
For this month's newsletter editor's picks, we find some fine mystery choices...enjoy!
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Brr!!! Here we are in the glorious month of November, Thanksgiving month, and we have some readers who responded to the question in October's mystery newsletter. First, let's see who responded and post their responses below:
Merry_Mikey  I believe it was the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award for Best Novel. I love Dick Francis' novels, and have read most of them. and
FÐ Spread the Christmas Joys  also submitted the following: Francis is the only three-time recipient of the Mystery Writers of America's Edgar Award for Best Novel, winning for Forfeit in 1970, Whip Hand in 1981, and Come To Grief in 1996.
Bonus Question: Two heroes are Sid Halley and Kit Fielding.
P. D. James won the silver dagger award many times in her career.
Thank you so much.
{username:fictiondiva}
Thank you both wonderful readers of this newsletter! You have MBs coming. Please send me an email pls so I can get them out to you both.
Now, on to this month's newsletter question. How did Lady Mary Stewart become a Lady?
The first five readers to answer the first question will receive a MB and as always, those who answer the bonus question (What year did she receive her title? And who was the reason why she was knighted?) will receive another MB for their involvement.
Thanks so much for reading this month's newsletter. I'm so excited to move on through this month for my fave holiday of the year (Thanksgiving!!!), had so much FUN trick or treating with my kid and the grandkids this year...waaahooo!!! November is bringing the really cold weather and I'm ready for it! Bring on the SNOW!!!
Here's to autumn evenings, sweet potato pie on the regular, Thanksgiving wishes becoming a reality and more wonderful mystery reading (and writing) for you. Till December kats...write on! |
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Mystery: November 06, 2024 Issue [#12826]
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