Whispers Through the Canvas
Murder... Across the Fractured Corridors of Time.
Plunged into a centuries-old conspiracy, unconventional art historian Rowan Southeil must race against time to stop an ancient evil from rewriting history. When a young artist is murdered in a chilling echo of medieval violence, Rowan finds herself drawn to a seemingly unrelated clue - a 16th-century painting drenched in arcane symbols. Aided by the victim's haunting presence, Rowan delves into the painting's mysterious past, uncovering a dark conspiracy that stretches back generations.
Teaming up with the pragmatic Detective Lancaster, the intuitive Rowan follows a daring journey through time, from the storied halls of 16th-century Tudor London to the secretive 17th-century Vatican. As she awakens powerful elemental forces within herself, Rowan must decipher the painting's secrets - and the connection to the medieval-style murder - before Lev Rubilov, a dark centuries-old occultist, can harness its magic to rewrite history and restore a twisted vision of the past.
For fans of genre-blending thrillers like A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, this captivating novel weaves together mystery, the supernatural, and high-stakes time travel in a race against the clock to stop an ancient evil. Whispers Through The Canvas is a crime story, filled with action and adventure, within a historical fantasy milieu. If you love kick-ass heroines who have a bit of life experience and walk on the wild side of magic, this book is for you.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHSC2H5/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTHSC2H5/
- The protagonist arrives in 16th century London through the paintings portal
Ornate oak furnishings crowded the space, and richly hued tapestries and velvet drapes materialized in my vision. Polished planks underfoot creaked with each cautious step as I moved through warm beams of daylight, slivering the blanket of oak on the walls. The lavender-kissed air hung heavy. Every detail screamed 16th century.
With each cautious step, I moved silently, my footsteps barely making a sound on the smooth surface. I couldn’t shake the feeling of vulnerability. As I navigated the room, I marveled at the wealth and privilege that permeated every corner. This was the dwelling of someone of significant means and influence.
However, my own circumstances had drastically changed. Now, clad in incongruous 16th century attire, I felt like an imposter in this lavish setting. Every instinct urged me to be discreet, to blend into the shadows, for the consequences of being discovered in this time and place could be dire. As I approached the window, I positioned myself to the side, careful not to obstruct the view. Peeking out, my eyes widened at the sight before me. The architecture of the manor house was unmistakably Tudor.
In the midst of the courtyard, my attention was drawn to a man and a woman engaged in an intense conversation. Their body language spoke volumes, revealing a complex dynamic between them. The woman appeared wary, keeping a safe distance from the man, who emitted an air of power and significance. A sense of recognition stirred within me as I wondered if these were the very individuals I had glimpsed inside the witch ball. Who were they, and what role did they play in this intricate web of events? The pieces of the puzzle were slowly coming together, but there were still many unanswered questions.
Yet, amidst the intrigue and uncertainty, a sense of danger loomed. The strict societal norms and limited rights, particularly for women, during the mid-1500s added a layer of apprehension. Aware of the risks, I reminded myself to remain cautious and observant. The task at hand was to gather as much information as possible, decipher the motives of those around me, and navigate this treacherous era without drawing attention to myself. It was a delicate dance, one that required me to blend in while searching for answers.
Keenly aware, I continued to survey the courtyard, my eyes darting from one figure to another, searching for any clue that might shed light on my situation. My palms grew slick. Who were these mysterious figures exchanging forbidden goods?
My heart jumped. A voice said, “That is Henry Howard, the Earl of Surrey.”
“Jesus! You about gave me a heart attack. Who are you?” I said and whirled around to see a tiny older woman clad like me, in mid-16th century garb. The woman from the orb.
She continued without introduction. “Ah, Henry Howard, he is a great poet; he is. But not well-liked. Arrogant he is. And because of that, he will lose his handsome head. Go on, open the window. Give it a listen. Do you think you can stop the exchange?”
Henry Howard. Could it be him?
I touched the black metal handle on the window, pulled it down, and with a slight push, the window eased open. The secluded area was quiet except for the chirping birds perched in a gnarled oak tree. The man accepted a package wrapped in cloth bound with twine. He peeled back the fabric revealing a painting.
“No one must ever know,” the man I assumed was Henry said. “This must remain our secret.”
“For both our sakes,” the woman said sternly, with a heavy German accent. “If His Majesty found out I had painted such a woman for you—”
“Yes, yes,” Henry said, undeterred, and pressed a leather pouch into her palm. “Now you must go.”
The woman placed the pouch inside the folds of her smartly made dress and slipped away. What was I supposed to do? Run like a madwoman and snatch the painting from him?
From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick's life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.
Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care.
This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.
But Kathleen's story doesn't end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.
Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published eleven legal thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.
And when she's not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.
To delve deeper into Kathleen's world and explore her captivating legal thrillers, visit her website at kjmcgillick.com.
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