Catherine’s Cross
by Millie
West
BLURB:
When
Jenks Ellington experiences a sudden, alarming sense of panic about her
identical twin sister Gigi, she has to wait until nearly midnight before
learning the reason for her unease: Gigi has drowned while diving for artifacts
in a Low Country river near Beaufort, South Carolina. Although Beaufort County
detective Seth Mason is suspicious of Gigi’s diving partner, there is no
evidence of foul play. But, when Gigi’s Port Royal home is broken into and
ransacked, Jenks discovers two clues—one of which leads her to the home of a
local Gullah medium.
In
a painstaking search for answers, Jenks delves more deeply into her twin’s
life. Along the way, her bond with Detective Mason reaches unexpected depths.
And what secrets could medium Meta Jane be holding? Was Gigi’s death really an
accident?
EXCERPTS:
A sneak peek of the first chapter is available here:
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
A graduate of
the University of South Carolina, Millie West has a background in aviation, as
well as in real estate, and has owned and been the broker of her own company. A
licensed pilot, Millie was one of the first pilots hired by United Parcel
Service when they started their flight crew department.
Interview
So I asked Millie some questions and here are her answers
1. The Low Country of SC and GA is full of History and Gullah Traditions & Beliefs, what interesting things did you learn or research for Catherine's Cross?
I’d like to start by saying that I have been
visiting the Sea Islands near Beaufort, SC, for the last twenty years. During
that time, I have met and spoken with the descendants of Gullah people. I have
listened to the pronunciations of their words and attempted to duplicate the
language patterns through characters, Ida Mae, Meta Jane, and Mose Lafitte.
While I was writing Catherine’s Cross, I read a
novel, Daughter’s of the Dust by
Julie Dash. Her novel follows her heroine’s introduction to the Sea Islands
near Beaufort. Her mother having been raised on the Sea Islands, has moved
north to New York City, but her daughter wants to know her relatives and the
land of her ancestors. I thoroughly enjoyed Dash’s depiction of the islands and
the Gullah people. In addition, I read The
Gullahs of South Carolina by Pearce W. Hammond. He discusses the Gullah
culture, their language, and superstitions. For instance, I learned that the
cry of a screech owl is a sure sign of death. I reference this superstition in
both The Cast Net and Catherine’s Cross.
Lastly, I purchased and scanned the Gullah New
Testament, De Nyew Testament. I found the writings difficult to understand. For
the characters in Catherine’s Cross who speak a version of Gullah, I decided
that their pronunciations would be a mix of Gullah and Standard English so they
could be understood. Each of the Gullah descendants in Catherine’s Cross are
pure and honest individuals.
2. How do you like your Tea?
I make my iced tea with a mixture of Luzianne
and Earl Grey. I add just a little bit of sugar. I don’t like my tea overly
sweet. If I’m making hot tea then I’m a big fan of straight Earl Grey with a
little sugar.
3. What does your writing space look like?
My writing space is in a small den/library. I
have a desk with a personal computer on it and beside the computer screen is my
printer. The room has a number of books shelves that are overflowing with
books. On the rear wall of the room is a fireplace and one of my favorite
paintings done by Steven Jordan hangs above it. The painting is of the interior
of a Charleston historical home and is a study of light
And Lastly
4. What would you like readers to know about Catherine's Cross?
I would like readers to know that while there is
one major plot taking place that involves the investigation into Gigi’s death,
there are also important subplots. I write about issues that concern me. The
theme that arises from the main plot deals with greed and the sad results that
can arise from this human failure.
Great Answers Millie it was my honor to have your stop by and tell readers about Catherine's Cross. You can find my Review of Catherine's cross on the Post below this one :)
Millie will be awarding autographed copies of Catherine’s Cross to three randomly drawn commenters (US only) and a $20 credit to buy any book through BQB Publishing’s online store to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.
Please Follow the tour and comment; More you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:
