DEE OWENS INTERVIEW OF: LADIES OF CLASS

WEDNESDAY BLOG: SOMETHING DIFFERENT. AN INTERVIEW WITH DEE OWENS ABOUT HER MOTHER-IN-LAW'S COZY MYSTERY LADIES OF CLASS. (LOVE THAT TITLE) PLEASE READ AND LEAVE LOTS OF COMMENTS. IT'S FASCINATING.

When did you mother start writing? . What made her love the cozies? Who were her greatest influences. If you write novels, do you follow in that tradition?

Well Patricia, I really do not know when Mum started writing. She did not tell anyone that she had written the four novels and over fifty short stories. We only found them after she passed on. I would imagine that she wrote them over many years, as she worked full time as a top clothing buyer for one of the largest department stores in London. We know that she also worked several years past the official retirement age. Mum read many books and I believe her favorite were the murder mystery, detective genre. Although, two of her books and some of her stories are romance. No, I do not write novels.

Had your mother ever thought about being published? How would she feel about it now that you've brought "out" the stories?

Mum is actually my mother-in-law. No, she was not published. We do not know if she had ever thought of seeking publication but believe not, as she told no one of her writings. I hope that Mum is happy that I have had all her efforts and talent recognized through publication!

I hadn't noticed on your website. Do you write also? Do you follow the mystery traditions?

No I not attempted to write… as yet! I hope to complete the task of transcribing all of Mum’s works first and maybe have some more published. However, this experience is a great learner curve for me. Who knows, perhaps I will try my hand at writing.

what kind of books do you like to read?

I like to read murder mystery, spy, action and some romance.

How do you like the BBC versions of Dame Agatha and other cozy mystery writers? Do they add or subtract from the story for you?

In the main they are alright… but I prefer to read the book and use my own imagination from the Author’s words.


Where did the title "Ladies of Class" come from? It's almost Oscar Wildish.

Mum had another title for the book which didn’t seem to work for complete story. Our publisher thought we should change the title. So Mike and I came up with a few suggestions and we all agreed that “ladies of Class” was more fitting to the story.

Where do you want to go with all of this? Do you intend to publish all your mom's works? Will you start concentrating on your writing?

If “Ladies of Class” is reasonably successful, then I would like the sequel to be published. If that is successful, perhaps I will hire a ghost writer to continue the Detective Chief Inspector Richard Hayward series. Yes, I would like to eventually publish all Mum’s works. As stated previously, I may attempt to write!

Please give us a synopsis for all your readers out there.

Synopsis: In the book Ladies of Class, Richard Hayward’s promotion and move from the big city life to the sleepy town of Burshill, England, has been shattered. Sir John Bury needs a murder solved. Clues take him from Burshill to California, Paris and London and back in time. As the story progresses the plot thickens. Richard Hayward's reputation as the youngest officer to be promoted to Detective Chief Inspector precedes him. Richard hoped his recent transfer and move to Burshill would allow him a quiet convalescence from a broken leg. But his peace was soon to be disturbed by a phone call from Sir John Bury, the Chief Constable.
A murder had been committed that night and Richard's ability to solve crimes, in spite of his unconventional methods, were needed before his duties officially began.
The results of his investigations and travels, in search of clues and answers to the apparently senseless murders are surprising. Several ladies of a particular ‘class’ become part of the inquiry. As the facts begin to unfold, they not only amaze Richard, himself and the community of Burshill, but extend all the way to the top brass of Scotland Yard. In the face of adversity, Richard manages to outwit the criminal and emerges triumphant


Who's the main character and why does she/he interest you?

The main character is Detective Chief Inspector Richard Hayward. He has a knack for catching the criminal and has a unique character of being ‘part of the system’ but ‘kicking back against the system’. If you understand what I mean.

What little unique traits does your detective display?

He is an individual within the system. He is a loving, caring person and at the same time blunt and to the point.

Would you like to describe the setting of your story?

The story is set in a quiet town in England, something similar to the old village, but has grown. It progresses to the United States and France.

I won't ask too many specifics about the villain, but what might be some of the reasons the villain turned to crime?

Well I’m not sure how to answer that without giving away some clues to who the villain is. So I won’t answer this question!

Please give us a short biography about your own life and the life of your mother. That would interest me, as I'm sure it would interest others

Author Biography:

Marjorie Grace Patricia Bridget Owen.

Was born on September 11th 1911 in England and endured the bombardment of World War II. As far as we can ascertain she was born out-of-wedlock with an Irish Lord for a father and a Russian princess as her mother. Although her life before working is somewhat sketchy, her career, as a major London department store clothing buyer, was long and interesting. Members of the Royal family were amongst some of her more famous clients Marjorie found time to write many short stories and four novels ranging from romance to mystery. She did not attempt to publish any of her writings. We can only surmise that she wrote for the joy and did not wish to seek out any recognition or fame.
Marjorie passed away on March 28th 2004, after a very full life, at the age of ninety-three.


Dee Owen – Bio
Bachelors in Education, Masters in Psychology.
Educational Therapist.
Teacher of Learning disabled, Dyslexia, ADD, ADHD, LD, SLD
Professional Ballet dancer and teacher.dd element