Showing posts with label The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower. Show all posts

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Wow Five Stars for The Mason’s Mark!

Who to trust? The policeman, the handsome Senator, or the secret agent? Claire Wilding must decide and soon, before the murderer strikes again.

Marta Moran Bishop gave me a glowing review of The Mason’s Mark: Love and Death in the Tower!

 

Here’s a quote: “The Mason’s Mark: Love and Death in the Tower by MS Spencer, is a brilliantly told, well-researched crime novel that kept me glued to my seat.”

 

Here’s the review link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R1XT7K2GEZO1JP

 

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Backlist Surfing: Artful Dodging and The Mason’s Mark—DC stories

 


Since  my new release won’t grace the internet until next year, I thought I’d do a little backlist surfing.

Let’s start with my two novels set in Alexandria, Virginia: Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders and the Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower.

Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders

Fun Fact: The Torpedo Factory was indeed a munitions factory. It closed after WWII and remained empty and derelict on prime waterfront property in Old Town Alexandria. In the 1970s a group of local women (including my aunt) got together and convinced the town to sell it to them, and thus was born the Torpedo Factory Art Center, an artists coop.

Blurb:

It’s just before Christmas, and Milo Everhart has two needlepoint stockings, a cross-stitch purse, and three canvases to finish for her clients. Waiting out the rain in a pub, she is captivated by the handsome man next to her, but blocking the road to romance are two mysterious corpses who turn up in the tower of her Torpedo Factory Art Center. As if that weren’t enough, a second crisis erupts—a proposal to gut her beloved Art Center. 

Tristram Brodie, hard-driving corporate lawyer and former Marine, is focused on his plan to convert the Torpedo Factory into a box store. He is drawn to the beautiful woman sitting next to him, but their mutual attraction will be frustrated by both the murders and his intentions. As they edge closer to love, they must find a way to overcome both their differences and the still-fresh memory of her late husband. 

Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders

Wild Rose Press, 7/20/2016 

Mystery/Cozy Mystery; Contemporary romantic Suspense

Ebook, 66,830 words; Print 268 p 

 

Buy Links


Now for The Mason’s Mark: Love and Death in the Tower

Fun Fact: The Mason's Mark arose in part out of a true story. Starting in the 1940s an Italian named Licio Gelli embarked on a lifetime of bizarre scams and crimes. Alternately linked to rightists and leftists, he bilked or used people from Italian politicians, to the Nazis, the Communists, the CIA, even to Juan Peron, dictator of Argentina. His exploits across the globe spanned four decades. At last check, he was still alive, in his nineties and writing poetry from prison. In 1996 he was even nominated for the Nobel prize in literature.

Blurb

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower 

Wild Rose Press, 5/6/2016; Imprint: Crimson Rose
Mystery/Cozy Mystery; Romantic suspense
79300 words; 322 pp. 

Buy Links



 

Thursday, May 11, 2023

The Mason's Mark Featured at NN Light's Mother's Day Event

 

I’m thrilled to be a part of N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Celebrate Mothers Bookish Event. Featured today is The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower, with my two favorite mothers. Letitia Canfield and Andromeda Bliss are the respective mothers of the heroine and the hero, but they are fascinating, hilarious, eccentric and decorous.

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-mason-s-mark-lcmbe



https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-mason-s-mark-lcmbe

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

Check out all books in time for Mother’s Day and enter the giveaway to win a $15 Amazon gift card:

https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750218

Sunday, May 7, 2023

Mason's Mark & Lapses of Memory Featured at NN Light's Mother's Day Event

 


I’m thrilled to be a part of N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Celebrate Mothers Bookish Event. Featured are 3 of my favorite mothers: Letitia and Andromeda from The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower, and Sydney Bellek From Lapses of Memory. They all have wonderful, funny, close relationships with their children.

First up on Tuesday is Lapses of Memory:




Then Thursday is The Mason's Mark:



Check out all books in time for Mother’s Day and enter the giveaway to win a $15 Amazon gift card: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/celebrate-mothers-bookish-event  

Enter to win a $15 Amazon gift card:

 https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/92db7750218

Open Internationally. You must have a valid Amazon US or Amazon Canada account to win.

Runs May 9 – May 16, 2023.

Winner will be drawn on May 17, 2023.


Monday, December 26, 2022

Post-Christmas Snuggle Up Reading: Artful Dodging & the Mason's Mark

Now that Christmas is over, you probably want to curl up before the fire with a good book and hope the dishes do themselves and the house elves will pick up the mounds of wrapping paper. Since Old Town Alexandria is the quintessential Christmas town, with its cobblestones and churches and Colonial houses, I thought I’d suggest two of my novels for your reading pleasure.



Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders

It’s just before Christmas, and Milo Everhart has two needlepoint stockings, a cross-stitch purse, and three canvases to finish for her clients. Waiting out the rain in a pub, she is captivated by the handsome man next to her, but blocking the road to romance are two mysterious corpses who turn up in the tower of her Torpedo Factory Art Center. As if that weren’t enough, a second crisis erupts—a proposal to gut her beloved Art Center. 

Tristram Brodie, hard-driving corporate lawyer and former Marine, is focused on his plan to convert the Torpedo Factory into a box store. He is drawn to the beautiful woman sitting next to him, but their mutual attraction will be frustrated by both the murders and his intentions. As they edge closer to love, they must find a way to overcome both their differences and the still-fresh memory of her late husband. 

 

The Mason’s Mark: Love and Death in the Tower:

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

Great Books for a Holiday Read: Artful Dodging & The Mason's Mark

 


Mysteries set in Old Town Alexandria are great Christmas reads. Old Town is the picture-perfect place for celebrating the yule-tide. Artful Dodging: the Torpedo Factory Murders (which will be featured at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven Holiday Gift Guide) is set at Christmas. Here’s the story:

It’s just before Christmas, and Milo Everhart has two needlepoint stockings, a cross-stitch purse, and three canvases to finish for her clients. Waiting out the rain in a pub, she is captivated by the handsome man next to her, but blocking the road to romance are two mysterious corpses who turn up in the tower of her Torpedo Factory Art Center. As if that weren’t enough, a second crisis erupts—a proposal to gut her beloved Art Center. 

Tristram Brodie, hard-driving corporate lawyer and former Marine, is focused on his plan to convert the Torpedo Factory into a box store. He is drawn to the beautiful woman sitting next to him, but their mutual attraction will be frustrated by both the murders and his intentions. As they edge closer to love, they must find a way to overcome both their differences and the still-fresh memory of her late husband. 

 

And The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower, freemason, George Washington buffs, and murder mingle high above Alexandria’s cobblestone streets.

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

Buy Links for Artful Dodging:


Buy Links for The Mason’s Mark:


 

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Five Stars for The Mason's Mark!

Five Stars for 

The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower!



Inge-Lise Goss has written a wonderful review of The Mason’s Mark. Here’s a quote or two:

“The Mason’s Mark offers an enticing suspense, a hot romance, and an intriguing crime filled with unexpected twists and turns.”

And:

“This is a well-crafted, unique suspenseful romance with black ops and shadowy characters. The author has cleverly threaded Claire and Gideon’s personal struggles with a page-turning, gripping mystery. Both Gideon’s and Claire’s formidable matriarchs added a nice touch to this great read. Highly recommended!”

Read the whole review here:

https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/4276064301

(Lilly) https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2QZ0JVMNDU23X

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5014864905

 

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

The Mason's Mark at LASR Birthday Bash Today!

 


Come one come all to the 15th annual Long and Short Reviews Birthday Bash. Today they are featuring The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower.

Who to trust? The policeman, the handsome Senator, or the secret agent? Claire must decide and soon, before the murderer strikes again.

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/guest-blogs/lasr-anniversary-scavenger-hunt-the-masons-mark-love-and-death-in-the-tower-by-m-s-spencer/



Come on by for a taste of mystery and romance involving George Washington and secrets of Freemasonry. Enter for a chance to win one of many Amazon/Barnes and Noble gift cards!


Wednesday, September 1, 2021

The Wild Rose Press Wednesday Promos Features The Mason's Mark

 


Come one come all to the Wild Rose Press Wednesday Promos! Today, September 1, I’m talking about my Old Town Alexandria mystery romance The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower. It will be on Wild Rose’s Facebook page here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/8650773462

I’ll be giving away a copy of The Mason’s Mark. I’d love to hear your questions about this or any of my books! See you there!

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

The Mason's Mark: Love & Death in the Tower--a new banner!

 I'm on a roll! Here's my new graphic for The Mason's Mark:


In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

This link will take you to all buy links: 

https://books2read.com/MasonsMark

Tuesday, May 11, 2021

Don't Forget to Visit NN Light's Mother's Day Event!

 

May 4-12!


Please drop by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, where we’re celebrating Mothers Day from May 4 to May 12.  The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower was featured May 7, but there are still wonderful books to read about, and a chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card. Pop over and enjoy!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/celebrate-mothers-bookish-event



Thursday, May 6, 2021

The Mason’s Mark featured at NN Light’s Mothers Day Event!

 


Please drop by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, where we’re celebrating Mothers Day from May 4 to May 12. Today, The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower, will be featured. Enter to win a $30 Amazon gift card!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-mason-s-mark-love-and-death-in-the-tower-cmbe

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.



Books to Read

There are many authors and books to peruse, PLUS you can enter to win an Amazon gift card for $30! See you there!

 https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-mason-s-mark-love-and-death-in-the-tower-cmbe

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

The Mason’s Mark will be featured at NN Light’s Mothers Day Event!



Please drop by N. N. Light’s Book Heaven, where we’re celebrating Mothers Day from May 4 to May 12. Tomorrow, The Mason’s Mark: Love & Death in the Tower, will be featured.

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

Books to Read



There are many authors and books to peruse, PLUS you can enter to win an Amazon gift card for $30! See you there!

https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/celebrate-mothers-bookish-event

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Mother's Day Celebration with The Mason's Mark at N. N. Light's



Come by May 7-10 for a Mother’s Day celebration at N. N. Light’s Book Heaven! Today she is featuring the Mason’sMark: Love & Death in the Tower.




In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.
Come by for a chance to win great prizes and read a funny excerpt—meet the mothers!



https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/post/the-masons-mark-mothersday

Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Docent & the Stranger: The Mason's Mark: Love & Death in the Tower

The third installment of my all-books presentation to keep you amused during your unfortunate incarceration is the The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower.
The Mason's Mark: Love and Death in the Tower arose in part out of a true story. Starting in the 1940s an Italian named Licio Gelli embarked on a lifetime of bizarre scams and crimes. Alternately linked to rightists and leftists, he bilked or used people from Italian politicians, to the Nazis, the Communists, the CIA, even to Juan Peron, dictator of Argentina. His exploits cross the globe and spanned four decades. At last check, he was still alive, in his nineties and writing poetry from prison. In 1996 he was even nominated for the Nobel prize in literature.

Licio Gelli


Gelli is most famous for founding a Masonic lodge called Propaganda Due, a renegade group that was first dissolved, then reinstated, then erased by the Grand Orient de Italia. He had ensnared many prominent Italians into P2, which ultimately led to several huge scandals.  He is the model for the shadowy puppet master in my cozy mystery/ romantic suspense novel The Mason's Mark.

Blurb

In both the best and worst first day at work ever, docent Claire Wilding meets the man of her dreams, but her carefully rehearsed guided tour of the George Washington National Masonic Memorial collapses when she discovers a body and is drawn into a dark world of black ops and Italian renegade masons, of secret cabals and hidden treasure. Also cloaked in mystery is handsome Gideon Bliss, a George Washington expert who haunts the Memorial, his manner evasive. What is his secret? Claire fears she'll fall in love with him only to learn he's a thief or even a murderer. Juggling two eccentric mothers, an inquisitive sister, and an increasingly smitten detective, Claire must find answers to a complex web of intrigue, including who to trust and who to love.

George Washington Museum

Excerpt (PG):  First Meeting
“Next we’ll be visiting a museum devoted to George Washington. The Masonic Memorial houses an impressive collection of artifacts, some of which were donated by the Washington family and some rescued from the fire in 1871 that destroyed the first lodge. Please be sure to check out Dr. Elisha Cullen Dick’s pocket watch. He was George Washington’s close friend and presided over his death bed.”
As they filed out on the fourth floor and automatically turned right as all human flocks do, Claire surveyed the room. The black and white parquet floor sparkled. Around three sides ran a balcony, filled with small alcoves and paintings. The light from a porthole window flooded the room. As she headed toward a bust of George Washington, a shadow moved behind a column. She took a step toward it, but Mrs. Malloy’s voice stopped her. “Frank, Luther—you be good, hear? I’m gonna sit down for a bit.”
Claire watched, horror-struck, as the woman plunked down on the Chippendale chair Washington had used as Worshipful Master of the Lodge. The yellow tape meant to prevent access to it lay in tatters on the floor. She had lunged forward, one hand stretched out to grab the transgressor, when the shadow flitted across her vision again. Feeling like a spectator at a tennis match, she spun around. There. Shaking a finger at the woman and barking “No!” in her most imperious voice, she rounded a pillar. Sure enough, a man stood there by a small bookcase built into the wall.
During Claire’s training, Mr. Quinn had ground into her the absolute prohibition against unauthorized individuals wandering around in the Tower. Oh God, I hope I don’t have to call for backup. “Sir? Can I help you?”
The man jumped and turned to her, his eyes wide, giving Claire the opportunity to admire two very large orbs tinted a luminous tourmaline green. His mobile face sported a Roman nose of reasonable proportion, a strong chin only slightly marred by a salt-and-pepper stubble, and the high cheekbones of an Aztec chief. His tan was not so deep as to seem artificial. Claire had raised her eyes to behold a head of wavy, chocolate brown hair when he began to speak. His sonorous baritone—a cross between Dean Martin and Elvis Presley—captivated her and she found herself humming “That’s Amore” under her breath.
“No, thank you…er…” He peered at her chest. Her hand went protectively to the bosom that drew most eligible bachelors’ attention until she realized he was trying to read her name badge.
“Um…Claire. Claire Wilding. I’m the docent here.” She indicated her troops, at least two of whom were attempting to wreak irreparable damage on each other with a wooden staff carved in the likeness of John the Baptist. “Who are you?”
He smiled suddenly, revealing brilliant white teeth. His whole face lit up, and Claire swallowed hard. “I’m Gideon Bliss. And in case you’re wondering whether I’m here lawfully, the answer is yes.” He stuck out a large hand, calluses prominent on his trigger finger. They reminded Claire of her father’s hands. “David—Mr. Comfrey—gave me permission to visit the museum.” His eyes glinted with little flecks of gold and humor.
Claire found herself at a loss for words and not just because he’d invoked the name of the Worshipful Master of the Alexandria-Washington Masonic Lodge. She sank into the depths of his verdant eyes, while the mellifluous voice rolled over her. Just before she nodded off, he stopped speaking. She shook herself. “Oh, I see. Well, I’ll leave you to it.” Sheesh, Claire, are you shooting for the most pitiful female in Washington award?
Bliss hadn’t moved. “You say you’re the docent here? Could you help me find something?”
Claire dropped her eyes and mumbled, “Uh…”
“I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Um…this is my first day. I…I doubt if I can help you.”
He chuckled. “So you didn’t actually mean anything by your first question.”
“My first…Oh, well, you know, that was sort of…rhetorical. I mean, no one is supposed to be here. Other than me. And of course them.” She waved at the group, who had now begun to congregate by the elevator doors. All except for the two boys, who were nowhere to be seen, and their mother, who continued to sprawl blithely on the President’s priceless antique chair.
Her abrupt answer seemed to annoy Bliss. “I see.” He turned back to the bookcase and pulled a large, dusty leather tome off the shelf. Claire spent a painful second staring at his rigid back and finally tore herself away, visions of emerald eyes filled with admiration at her beauty quickly evaporating.

Wild Rose Press, May 6, 2016 (Crimson Rose imprint)
Mystery/Cozy Mystery, Romantic suspense
ebook 79,000 words; print 322 pp.
M/F;  3 flames

Buy Links: