Book Launch: The Mallard Melodramas

THE BOOKS

A Fitting End

In the heart of Victorian London, fearless journalist and suffragist, Verity Mallard, finds herself entangled in a web of mystery and danger. When her barrister brother, Mortimer, aids Mrs Clara Powell in a divorce case, he discovers that her husband is the bearer of a sinister secret. As they delve into the seedy underbelly of the East End, the siblings, aided by the tenacious private investigator, George Benson, uncover a chilling truth-their target is a depraved murderer. However, a twist of fate destroys the evidence they desperately need to bring him to book. Realising that justice may slip through the cracks, Verity persuades George and Mortimer to embark on a perilous plan to neutralise the killer.

Death in Earnest

In 1895 London, spirited journalist Verity Mallard, and her twin brother Mortimer, applaud the news that their dear friend, Mary Phillips, is embarking on her first engagement as a professional actress. Joining a touring company in the cast of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, Mary is both intrigued and thrilled by her new life, until the sudden disappearance of fellow actress, Cynthia Grant. When Verity takes Cynthia's place in the cast, she sets out to discover what lies behind Cynthia's decision to abandon the play, calling on the services of dogged private investigator, George Benson. Soon they find themselves entangled in a web of murder, blackmail and kidnapping; threatened by some of the most feared denizens of the Victorian underworld.

Sovereign Risk

As the nineteenth century draws to a close, a grateful nation prepares to celebrate its sovereign's long reign. Meanwhile, a traitor at the heart of the establishment is working in the interests of a foreign power to shake the very foundations of the British Empire and Verity Mallard and private detective George Benson soon find themselves enmeshed in the machinations of hostile forces.
While Irish revolutionaries and agents of Imperial Germany pursue twin plots to strike at the pinnacle of the British state, Verity and George team up once again in a race against time to protect the realm. The thrilling third instalment of the Mallard Melodramas.

THE AUTHOR

R J Williams was born in Aberystwyth in Wales and now lives in Perth, Western Australia. After a busy career in information technology and management consulting, in the UK and Australia, retirement has given him the opportunity to indulge his interest in history and pursue his long-held ambition to become an author of historical novels. He enjoys writing, cycling, travelling, and volunteering with Para Quad industries, who provide employment to people with disabilities.

THE EVENT

Includes author talk, book sales and signings, and complimentary refreshments.