HISTORICAL MYSTERY AUTHOR LIESE SHERWOOD-FABRE RINGS BELLS AND WRITES ABOUT YOUNG SHERLOCK HOLMES

Today we’re happy to welcome back award-winning historical mystery author Liese Sherwood-Fabre whoknew she was destined to write when she got an A+ in the second grade for her story about Dick, Jane, and Sally’s ruined picnic. A recognized Sherlockian scholar, she has recently turned this passion into an origin series featuring the young Sherlock Holmes. Learn more about Liese and her books at her website.  

To celebrate the release of The Adventures of the Purloined Portrait, Liese is giving away a $20 Amazon gift card. Click HERE to enter.

 

What Do You Do Besides Write?

I have friends—writers and non-writers—who will share about their interest in gardening, needlepoint, knitting, painting etc. I admire them so much because I can’t say I share any of these. I wish I did. I have a brown thumb and unskilled fingers. But I do have one passion I’ve carried since I was in junior high (yes, I was in the generation before they created middle school): handbell ringing.

 

Handbell ringing dates back to the 17^th century as a way for those who rang the bells in church towers to practice change ringing without disturbing the neighbors. Change ringing involves pulling on the bells’ ropes in a numerical succession (vs. a tune). Rather than spending hours in drafty towers, the ringers could practice in private and comfort with smaller bells held in their hands. After the first handbells were cast in 1660, ringers soon realized the potential for playing music with them as well, and by the 18^th century, most villages had their own band of bell ringers. Handbells and their music were imported into the US in the early 1900s. After that, interest spread throughout the country.

 

The church in which I grew up had all the expected choirs - Adult, Youth, and Children's - but beginning in the seventh grade, you could also join one of three handbell choirs (depending on skills level). While all youth were invited, it was not for those with only a casual interest. There was true commitment involved: attending all rehearsals and learning to work as a team. Each bell has its own tone, similar to a key on the piano. If the ringer is absent, so is that note, and chords (more than one note played together) and runs (several notes played in quick succession) had to be coordinated among several ringers. The payoff was music with a special sound. An additional payoff at my church was a trip (every other year) to a festival where handbell choirs from all over the country performed both individually as well altogether.

 

When I went off to college, I discovered the church I attended didn't have a choir for college students (few wanted to make the commitment), but another denomination did, so once in a while, I attended an Episcopal mass and added to their worship service. 

 

I also played while living in DC, and then joined the choir when I returned to Dallas. Not only is the music unique and beautiful, but a camaraderie also exists, which is special to a group where each depends on the other to know their part and do it with precision. 

 

If you'd like to check out some music, here's our current choir: https://www.facebook.com/creekwoodcc/videos/376992203929881

And a very impressive one that highlights some of the versatility of bell ringing: https://www.thetabernaclechoir.org/videos/fantasy-on-the-wexford-carol-bells-on-temple-square.html

 

What about you? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you enjoy?

 

The Adventure of the Purloined Portrait

The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, Book 4

 

A long-buried past. A stolen portrait. The artist’s murder. Can Sherlock discover the connection between the three before he’s stopped permanently?

 

Sherlock can’t shake his apprehension about a family trip to Paris. His mother’s unflappable confidence vanished months ago, and her anxiety has set the whole family on edge. His greatest fears are realized when they witness the death of one of Mrs. Holmes’ former suitors.

 

As Sherlock seeks to unravel the reason behind the artist’s murder, he unearths a long-buried secret about his mother and survives several attempts to keep him from getting to the truth.

 

Can he bring a murderer to justice before he’s buried with these hidden secrets forever?

 

The Adventure of the Purloined Portrait is the gripping fourth case in The Early Case Files of Sherlock Holmes. If you enjoy traditional historical mysteries, you’ll love this origin series about the world’s greatest consulting detective.

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