When the publishers for Death by Misadventure reached out to me with this novel my Jaw DROPPED! The author even included cocktail recipes that went along with the book— So i’m sure you guys can imagine I was THRILLED when I arranged this interview with Award Winning author of Historical Fiction Jane Bitomsky. Death by Misadventure is a new release murder mystery set in Elizabethan England. ORDER HERE

1. What inspired the plot for Death By Misadventure?

The idea for this plot was sparked by my annoyance with coronial inquest records during my PhD research, which were very formulaic in structure and contained almost no useful information about a victim. An inquest might simply state: “On 1 March 1585 Joan Smith drowned. Misadventure.” I wanted to write a book revolving around a peculiar but intriguing case (i.e. the journeyman and his missing yard), where there was clearly a lot happening behind the scenes, and the coroner couldn’t write off the victim’s death as “misadventure.”

2. Although books are for everyone, is there a specific audience or message you are hoping to come across with this novel?

There’s a common assumption that history is very dry, boring, and serious. I want people to have fun while reading this novel. I want them to enjoy learning little historical tidbits here and there about everyday Elizabethan life, but for it not to be too overwhelming.

If my book makes you laugh, please do tell me. I would be so happy to hear it.

3. How involved were you with the cover? It’s absolutely stunning! (optional question)

The cover design is by Kim Glyder, who did such a wonderful job. Kim created three different options for the cover – I loved all three (one alternative cover had an image of a maid slinking away, and the other used the mill as the focal subject). I actually set up a WhatsApp group with family and friends, and got everyone to vote on their favourite cover. It sparked a heated debate, which goes to show how subjective covers can be.

I told my editor and Kim which cover I preferred, and I was lucky enough that my favourite cover was the one the Lake Union team selected!

Aside from noting down common motifs/symbols used throughout the book (e.g. raven, apothecary bottles, poisonous herbs), I had zero creative influence with the cover.

4. What’s the experience like seeing your book with influencers and new readers?

It has been simultaneously amazing, and nerve-wracking seeing the book on social media, and with readers. I always get a little thrill to see the cover pop up somewhere online. I am so appreciative that influencers and readers are picking up the book, and I can only hope that you have some fun with it.

5. Was Death by Misadventure the original title? Or was there another option?

My original title was An Inquest of Eels. If you’ve read the book, you’ll know why eels are relevant.

However, I was told by the marketing team that the word “inquest” wouldn’t be immediately comprehensible to people picking up the book. I actually checked this with my book club, and three people didn’t know what an inquest was…so the marketing team may have had a point.

I brainstormed titles with my editor Pippa (there was a spreadsheet!!). “The Man in the Wey,” “Foul Play at Bramley Mill,” and “Death by Misadventure” were the final contenders. “Death by Misadventure” ultimately got the stamp of approval, and it fits perfectly with the case investigated.

6. What program do you use to write and do you write in chronological order or just when an idea or scene occur to you?

I write exclusively in Microsoft Word.

I’m a plantser so while I know where a book is heading, I don’t necessarily know everything that happens along the way. I generally write in chronological order, but if I find myself experiencing writer’s block then I’ll often skip ahead to a scene with more action. This might be a sex scene, a murder scene, or a particularly (in my opinion – I know my sense of humour doesn’t always translate) comical scene.

7. What’s two songs that would reflect this book?

It is tough to choose two songs that simultaneously capture the light, comical tone as well as the macabre murder element!!

The Pierces – Secret (for the dark crime element)

Monty Python – Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (I tried to evoke this sort of absurd humour in the book, so this is hopefully slightly appropriate)

Lana Del Rey – Hope is a Dangerous Thing for a woman like me to have (I love this song, and it does make me think a bit of Rebecca, but the aesthetic is probably not quite right)

8. Is there anything you’d like to add sharing with your audience and mine?

Obviously, a lot of reviews have been coming in for Death by Misadventure over the past month. I am so grateful to readers who’ve picked up my book, and it means the world to me that you’ve given my debut novel a chance.

I also completely understand how subjective the reading experience is, and that this bawdy, historical mystery is not for everyone. I’d like to address two issues that have been raised by readers.

(a) the patriarchal/misogynistic attitudes of my protagonist, Coroner John Derrick. I’ve tried to convey Coroner Derrick as a man of the 1500s, and not imbue him with modern gender ideals.

(b) the innuendo throughout the book. By virtue of this book revolving around a missing anatomy case, I ended up learning a lot of sixteenth-century euphemisms for sex, and genitalia. I honestly don’t know how many sexual euphemisms are in the book (I should do a count), but I find the archaic terms to be so much fun that I tried to squeeze in as many as possible (sorry!).

One of my all-time favourite books is Tess of the D’Ubervilles, and I remember being so confused as a teenager when Tess became pregnant, with her sexual assault scene having been so heavily glossed over and written in metaphors. Consequently, I always try to present such things in an earthy, obvious fashion so there’s no room for confusion.

Thank you so much Jane for meeting with me and I love Lana Del Rey too! Be sure to order Death by Misadventure now!