Today in the library, we have a very special guest, fellow historical fiction author, Elizabeth St.John. Today is publication day for her latest book, The King’s Intelligencer. Happy Publication Day, Liz!
A little bit about Liz:
Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England’s kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.
Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.
Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.
Elizabeth’s works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother’s Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley’s perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes’ bones. In Charles II’s court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family’s safety, and her own happiness.
Which genre do you write in and what draws you to it?
My work is historical fiction, inspired by the people in my family who witnessed some of the most significant times in English history. I have always loved history, and grew up reading books by Jean Plaidy, Anya Seton and Mary Stewart. This sense of connection to the past, through the eyes of those who lived in those times, never fails to enchant me.
Are you an avid reader? Do you prefer books in your own genre or are you happy to explore others?
Yes, absolutely. My reading varies, depending on whether I’m writing or researching, or resting (do we ever not think about our writing?!) I do enjoy historical fiction, and especially reading beta drafts or advance copies written by my historical fiction author friends. The time period doesn’t really matter, if it’s well researched and written. When I’m writing, I tend to read way outside of my genre – perhaps a beach romance or a crime thriller for escapism – and lots and lots of non-fiction to support my current story.
Are you a self-published/traditional or hybrid author?
All my books are independently published, and I think always will be. I have such an intensely personal relationship with all of them that it would be really difficult to give editorial and creative control to a third party. Besides, I do love the freedom to follow my own instincts on the story, and working in partnership with my editor and cover designer.
Has your country of origin/culture influenced your writing?
Yes, tremendously. I chose (or they chose me) to write about my ancestors, and so they are the lynchpin of my novels. They also happened to live in some really interesting and beautiful places in England – The Tower of London, Lydiard Park, Bolton Castle – and so it’s been a pleasure to visit these historic sites, walk in their footsteps, and enjoy meeting them in person through their portraits, letters, diaries and other papers. I’m also fortunate that I have a well-documented family tree inhabited by some fascinating people, so I’m not leaving any time soon!
What was the best piece of writing advice you received when starting out?
“Write what you love.” I think it’s so important to feel a passion for your subject, your characters, your plot. The reader senses if you’re not fully engaged. The times I’ve struggled with my writing is when I’ve strayed from that, trying to write what I think people might want to read, and when I’ve put that to one side, it flows again. So, by writing about what I love, I hope I can support it with great research and unique story-telling.
If a movie was made of one of your books, who would you like to play the lead roles?
Oh I play this game with my other historical fiction author friends – we have a small group that sends each other photos and memes of our “hot pick” just to keep us going when we’re in the doldrums of first drafts. I’ve always opted for Henry Cavill…the only challenge is that my characters age faster than he does. On the bright side, he fits every male lead that I’ve written…so Henry, if you’re reading this, call me!
Please tell us about your latest published work.
The King’s Intelligencer
The Discovery of the Princes in the Tower
London, 1674: When children’s bones are unexpectedly unearthed in the Tower of London, England’s most haunting mystery—the fate of the missing princes—is reignited.
Franny Apsley, confidante to Lady Mary Stuart, heir to King Charles’s throne, becomes embroiled in the royal court’s excitement over the discovery of children’s bones. Could they be the missing princes? As a devastating family secret emerges, Franny is recruited by her cousin Nan Wilmot to determine the truth behind the bones. Her investigation, complicated by an attraction to the secretive court artist Nicholas Jameson and the influence of an enigmatic royal spy, reveals a startling plot threatening the throne and England’s stability.
In a glittering and debauched society where love is treacherous and loyalty masked, Franny must navigate a world where a woman’s voice is often silenced and confront the ultimate question: What is she willing to risk for the sake of her country, her happiness, and her family’s safety?
A captivating historical novel of conspiracy, passion, and courage, The King’s Intelligencer is one woman’s quest for a truth that could change the fate of a nation. A companion to the critically acclaimed best-selling novels The Godmother’s Secret and The Lydiard Chronicles, The King’s Intelligencer weaves beloved characters and actual events together to bring a suspenseful mystery to life
Available on #KindleUnlimited
Universal Buy Link: https://geni.us/KingsIntelligencer
Website: https://www.elizabethjstjohn.com/
Twitter: https://x.com/ElizStJohn
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethJStJohn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethjstjohn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethjstjohn/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@elizabethjstjohn
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/elizabethstjohn.bsky.social
Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elizabeth-st-john
Amazon Author Page: https://geni.us/AmazonElizabethStJohn
Goodreads: https://geni.us/GoodreadsElizStJohn
Pam Lecky Books 
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