Tuesday, August 31, 2010

LAUNCH PARTY!!!!!! Deadly Little Secrets is coming in September!

By Jeanne Adams

So, maybe I'm jumping the gun a bit but....

DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS is headed for a store near you SEPTEMBER 7th!!

And now that I have your attention by putting in something from TWILIGHT (A September calendar page, so it DOES apply!), I'll tell you about DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS.....

I love this book. It was fun to write and even more fun to surprise people (my editor included!) with the twists and turns. The book is about cold cases and art fraud, friendship and danger. How's that for vague? Ha!

It was interesting to research the book, discover how people smuggle paintings and how often, something happens and fabulous art ends up in a yard sale bin, or a library, or hanging on the wall of a little old lady in Poughkeepsie, who has no idea the painting is "real."

(That's one of my favorite paintings by John Singer Sargent over there on the left, by the way. No, quit looking at Robert Pattinson, the painting is over THERE....nevermind.)

Based on some very cool stories about just that sort of thing - lost art - and some other bits here and there, I created a cold case of art fraud for Ana Burton, brilliant, in-the-doghouse CIA agent who screwed up enough to get stuck on cold case duty. Rumor has it her data was wrong, and some of her team got killed. she's not only stuck, she thinks she DID screw up, and if she did, she'll never be the same.

Then there's her opposite number, Gates Bromley. I researched security for high-profile individuals. Who has a body guard and why would you want one? What do they do? How does it work?

So Gates is in charge of security for billionaire art collector, Dav Gianikopolis. After reading about several high-net-worth security mavins, I created Gates. He's at points Dav's partner in business as well, so he's not your average beefy thug, although he's pretty darn delicious, I must say!

At first, he and Ana clash, but within hours of meeting with her about the nine-years-cold-case of art fraud, Gates is shot at, and so is Ana.

Someone wants that cold case to stay buried in the stacks, and they'll stoop to murder to insure it.

(cue suspensful music....)

And that's the story of DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS!

Bwah-ha-ha-ha! Sort of. There's a lot more, and a lot of very, very twisty bits. The one overwhelming statement everyone's made is...."WHOA, I didn't see THAT coming!"

Heh-heh-heh. That's just the way I like it.

Just before the book comes out, the publishing house sends it out for reviews. (This will make you crazy if you let it and it nearly gave me a case of the hives on this one.)

With great thankfulness, I received my third 4.5 star review and a TOP PICK from Romantic Times magazine.

To say that it made my day is a gross understatement. I squealed, I bounced up and down in my office chair. I emailed EVERYONE, then I called everyone: my hubby, the Banditas, my family, people I barely know.
Seriously, I was stoked.

So, between the LAUNCH and a good review, THAT calls for a CELEBRATION! SVEN!!! Bring a round of drinks.

Demetrius! Paolo! Hockey Hunks! Bring on the party hats and streamers! Implore the Goddess Sangria to bless our gathering 'cause

We are havin' a LAUNCH PARTY!!!!!

Let's get out the paint, the wall sized canvas and Paint the TOWN!!!! Grab a drink and a brush and a color and let's GO!!!

(BTW, That's another Sargent over there on the left...)

And if you want to be briefly serious, tell me:

Who your favorite artist is...

What's your favorite research topic...(besides men, and sex...)

What your favorite color is....

And if you've ever kept a secret so well that no one EVER knew....

126 comments:

Cassondra said...

Wooohooooo!

Launch party in the lair!

Cassondra said...

OMG....

Could it be????

Is it.....ME??

Cassondra said...

*singsongs*

IIII got the ROOOOSTER....IIIIIII got the ROOOOOOster...


*gloats*I've read this book, and it's awesome. */gloats*

Okay, Jeanne says she's changed the end, so I get to be surprised all over again....but this is a really good read.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Heeeey! Cassondra! You got the Party Rooster! Grins. You know what I COULD call him....

Snork.

Give me a few drinks and I'll do it.

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*blushing* Thanks Cassondra! I think you'll like the twists. Grins.

Cassondra said...

Oh...I should answer the questions, shouldn't I...

Lessee..

My favorite artists are Monet and Wyeth, though there are a number of brilliant new watercolor artists of whom I'm enamored. (Did I say that right? I'm on my second glass of wine...)

My favorite color...No...don't make me pick. I like too many of them.

And yes, I have kept a secret for a person I care about--a secret that could ruin someone--since I learned about it more than 20 years ago. Never told anybody--not even my husband. It was entrusted to me and it will die with me.

Okay I've had enough wine that I can't remember the other questions. :0/

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Grins. Pretty cool.

The only other question was What's your fav research topic, so far?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

I'm off to bed, folks...we'll keep the party going later today!!!

Deanna said...

Congrats on the rooster Cassondra. Have fun with him.

Jeanne, this sounds like just the kind of book I like to read. As to my favorite artists, as a child I remember watching a movie that involved the theft / counterfeit of several Degas paintings - his ballet dancers, I think, and since then I've always loved his work. That said, I'm a big fan of the classical and Renaissance painters and there are just too many of them to name.

Congratulations on the book launch. Let the party begin!!!

Christine Wells said...

YAYAY!! I've been looking forward to this book hitting the shelves. It sounds soooo cool. I LOVE art theft stories/movies and I love twists and turns, not to mention a hot romance as well. This is going to be awesome! Congrats again on the RT review, Jeanne.

Yes, I have kept certain secrets very well. Not sure if I have an absolute favourite artist. I find it difficult to compare different styles in terms of how much I like them. Love the old masters but I like a lot of the impressionists and some modern art, too. Not that stuff that puts fake grass growing on a canvas with a plastic hose threaded through it. That's a bit too avant garde for me!

Favourite research topic is probably English stately homes. I love the way the history of a family is manifested in these houses. And I wouldn't mind living in one, either, as long as I didn't have to pay for the upkeep!

Congrats on the new release, Jeanne. I know it's going to kick butt!

Christine Wells said...

Btw, just got my edits, so Sven, whatever you're making me, can you make it a double? Thanks, dahling!

Jane said...

Congrats on the GR, Cassondra.

Hi Jeanne,
Yay, nothing beats a launch party at the lair. Congrats on the upcoming release and the rave review. I can't wait to read "Deadly Little Secrets." My favorite artist is Titian, followed closely by Van Gogh. My favorite research topic usually has something to do with trivia. My favorite color is blue. I can't say that I've kept a secret so well that no one ever knew.

Christine Wells said...

Cassondra got the rooster?? Woohoo, another stint at bootcamp for the bird!

Daz, I love the Renaissance painters, too and Degas dancers are so soft and pretty aren't they?

Fedora said...

Woohoo, Jeanne! Congrats!! And yay, Cassondra on nabbing the GR for the party!

I think my favorite artist is Renoir, for both the style and all those lovely ballet dancers.

Favorite research topic? Food :)

Favorite color is chocolate brown. And I'm generally awful about keeping secrets, but yes, there are one or two that my lips have remained sealed over. :)

Deanna said...

Christine, Degas dancers are everything I'm not. LOL.

Helen said...

Whoo Hoo Cassondra have fun with him

Jeanne
I can't wait to read your new book YAY it sounds awesome.

I love launch parties and I have just got home from work I had to do a training course all day today and a drink and a party is just what I need.

I am not sure who my favourite artist is but I do love the two paintings you have on the blog
I do love learning about history and the past Kings and Queens
My favourite colour is purple and yes I have kept a secret for many many years and now one knows LOL

Have Fun
Helen

hrdwrkdmom aka Dianna said...

Yeah Cassondra got the Rooster, we got a party and I gotta go to work..... :-( now that was a downer.

Congrats on Deadly Little Secrets Jeanne, it is on my TBB list for September.

Favorite artist, well, I am not an art buff so just give me Norman Rockwell, that is about my speed.
Favorite color is blue, no red, uh blue, okay, I have it narrowed down to two is that close enough??
I don't write so I don't have research topics...LOL

Laurie G said...

Congrats on your book release Dirty Little Secrets!!

Favorite artist(s)- Georgia O'Keeffe
Monet

Favorite color-
BLUE!

Favorite research topic-
Scotland

Secrets-
Yes, I have kept one but it's difficult to do!

Laurie G said...

OOPS! DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS
SORRY. I'm not totally awake yet.

Anna Sugden said...

WOOOHOOOO!! I can't wait to get my hands on this book, Jeanne!! Of course, it's not out over here for a whole month *grrr*.

My favourite artist ... Dali. I'm a huge fan of surrealism. Though my favourite painting (which my lovely hubby bought for me and hangs on my office wall) is After Jam by Mark Keller (kellerart.com) - it speaks to me!

Favourite research topic - LOL - have a guess ... yes, hockey. Though I must admit, I can lose myself down any research rabbit hole. I have a naturally curious mind.

Favourite colour - red.

Secret - oh yeah. Still keeping it! *g*.

Nancy said...

Cassondra--you have the chook! I hope you'll give him plenty to do.

Jeanne, I'm eager to read this book. I know it will be fabulous, and I'm disappointed not to have an excerpt here. I assume there's one on your website?

I've long been interested in art and antiquities preservation--which includes thefts, forgeries, and smuggling, so this book will slot right into that interest.

As for the questions, my favorite color changes. My favorite colors to wear are fire engine red and cobalt blue.

My favorite artist also changes. Monet is a constant. I like impressionists in general. I'm not a huge fan of van Gogh, but I like his flowers.

I'm with Cassondra in loving Wyeth--Andrew and his illustrations, not N.C. though I do like the one of the dog on the bed, which I think is N.C. Wyeth (not sure which one she meant). Teaching the 1920s has led me to admire Maxfield Parrish and Georgia O'Keeffe.

I own two posters of prints by fantasy artist/illustrator Don Maitz, so he would have to rate right up there. Thomas Canty did beautiful, lyrical covers for fantasy novels for a long time. The late Curt Swan was my favorite comic book artist--but I think you meant fine art, not commercial art or illustrations.

Keeping a secret really well . . . yes. But I can't tell you what it is. :-)

Christie Kelley said...

Yippee! Another release party! Congrats on the release, Jeanne! I can't wait to read this book it sounds fantastic (like your others were)

Favorite artist is Monet.

Favorite research topic...hmm, I'm researching the history of gambling right now. It's pretty interesting.

My favorite color is green.

And yes, I have kept a secret but I can't tell you what it is... :)

Gannon Carr said...

Party time in the Lair---always a fun time!!

Just popping in to say a quick hello and congrats, Jeanne! Gotta get ready for work. :-( I'll come back later this afternoon. Tell those cabana boys to have a margarita and maybe a massage ready when I get back. *g*

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Goooood Morning!!! Let's Play!!!

Nancy said...

I forgot the favorite research topic. My favorite tends to become whatever I'm working on at the moment, but a constant is daily life in different historical periods.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Mornin' Daz! :>

You said: That said, I'm a big fan of the classical and Renaissance painters and there are just too many of them to name.

Isn't that the truth? From Carravagio up to Ruebens to Holbein to Degas, they are all delicious, aren't they? My fav courses were art history. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*blush* Thanks Christine! Coming from you, I'm feeling right chuffed at the praise. Grins.

You said: Favourite research topic is probably English stately homes. I love the way the history of a family is manifested in these houses. And I wouldn't mind living in one, either, as long as I didn't have to pay for the upkeep!


It's wonderful, isn't it? I adore them and think they are such a history of architecture and style all in one building. Delicious. With some of them having been built over centuries, you can see changes in fasion and materials and everything. Really cool.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Oooh, edits. That means another fabulous Christine Wells book is not long away! WOOT!!!!

Psssst! Sven! Make sure Christine has something yummy and savory to eat with that double Dark Secret Special, okay? We wouldn't want to be responsible for wonky edits!

Snork!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Mornin' Jane! So lovely to see you here as always, and yes, NOTHING beats a launch party in the LAIR!! WOOT!!!

You said: My favorite artist is Titian, followed closely by Van Gogh

Oooh, Titian. Such wonderful use of light...gorgeous! I like Van Gogh somewhat, and some of them very much (sunflowers, starry night) He was a force, that's for sure.

Thanks for your kind words about Deadly Little Secrets, I really hope you like it.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Christine said: Cassondra got the rooster?? Woohoo, another stint at bootcamp for the bird!

I know!! It'll do him good. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Fedora said: I think my favorite artist is Renoir, for both the style and all those lovely ballet dancers.

Favorite research topic? Food :)


Renoir is so marvelous. And I love your research topic. Grins. Nothing is better than researching food.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Helen said: I love launch parties and I have just got home from work I had to do a training course all day today and a drink and a party is just what I need.


Yipppeee! Helen's in the Lair! c'mon in, Helen and pull up a chair, or a cabana boy and have a rest. Training courses are a pain, aren't they? Sometimes interesting, sometimes boring, but always out of the routine.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Helen also said: I am not sure who my favourite artist is but I do love the two paintings you have on the blog. I do love learning about history and the past Kings and Queens

Aren't those great paintings? I was so tickled to find some Sargent in the photofiles that I could use. He really portrayed women with a grace and skill few others could match.

Ooh, history. I love so many historical romances because I learn stuff about monarchies and peers, etc.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey Dianna! I love Norman Rockwell! He's so cool and so in touch with the inner being of the people he painted. Not only that, he seemed to have a tremendous sense of humor in his work. :>

Had to laugh about the red/blue thing. I'm that way about red/green. I love them both fairly equally. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Laurie!

You said Favorite artist(s)- Georgia O'Keeffe, Monet
Favorite color - BLUE!
Favorite research topic - Scotland


I love Georgia O'Keefe!! I adore her bones in the sky, her flowers. And who wouldn't love Scotland as a research topic? grins. Nothing more wonderful than the bonny hills...

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Laurie said: OOPS! DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS
SORRY. I'm not totally awake yet.


SNORK!! Well, Dirty/Deadly...they work. Hahaha!

The follow up book, out next year, is Deadly Little Lies and you wouldn't believe how hard a time I have saying it, for some reason. Snork.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Anna! Is it a lovely day in the UK? Grins.

You said: My favourite artist ... Dali. I'm a huge fan of surrealism

Dali is cool. I love the melting watches. I really like Escher as well, with the frogs and staircases. Grins. Surrealism amuses me. :>

And Hockey Season's coming...

I couldn't find the specific piece of Keller's but I did love all the things on his website. :> Very evocative.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Nancy! I do indeed have an excerpt on the website, so I hope folks will go read it. I never know what scene to use. Grins.

I'm very keen on all the artists you mentioned. I like Wyeth sparingly - much of it is too dark in tone for me - but I do love the dog on the bed. :>

You said: The late Curt Swan was my favorite comic book artist--but I think you meant fine art, not commercial art or illustrations.

Nope. Art's art, just like books are books. If you love it and it's art, it's valuable and wonderful. There's a whoooolllle lotta stuff I wouldn't call art for ME - the plastic grass stuck to the canvas someone mentioned - but it obviously "speaks" to someone!

And original comics and cells from animation can get not only very pricey, but very stolen! :>

Hellie Sinclair said...

Favorite artist: toss up. John Singleton Copley (who did portraits during the Colonial era thereabouts) and my favorite portrait by him is: Thaddeus Burr (what a hottie.) And the other artist is a Pre-Raphaelite artist, John William Waterhouse. There is a La Belle Dame Sans Merci picture I particularly like by him. (Frank Dicksie also did a version that was really gorgeous—and Frank also did a Romeo & Juliet picture that was gorgeous.)

Favorite research topic: whatever I’m researching at the time. I love doing research. *LOL* In general though, I would rather research about specific people than about locations, military actions, local fauna, and other inanimate objects. People are more interesting to me. Especially badly behaving people.

Favorite color: blue. Though I do like staring at the color green as well.

Secret: Hmm. Once or twice, but eventually the secret was found out as secrets usually are. Like I knew my boss was getting married months before he announced it. He was showing off these pictures—the kind you get for engagements—and kept saying they did the pictures “just because.” Right. And then later, his fiancé called the office and wanted to leave a message and I wrote it down, and it was a complete blurt out “I got the reception hall!” and I had to act like this was not surprising news. I still said nothing—and finally he announced he was getting married like two weeks later.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Christie!! You said: I can't wait to read this book it sounds fantastic (like your others were)

Awww. *blush* Thanks!

Cool on the research on gambling! I loike it! Have you found any cool trivia?

That's one of the many things I love about research, you find out stuff that's just odd, and cool. Like how many states still have Witchcraft laws on the books. Grins. (Last time I checked, 4 still did)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Gannon said: I'll come back later this afternoon. Tell those cabana boys to have a margarita and maybe a massage ready when I get back. *g*

Grins. We'll be here! Sober? Maybe. Maybe not. But we'll be here!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey, Ms. Hellion! Had to LOL about the "secret" that wasn't. People can be so goofy. Snork.

You said you like to research people, especially Especially badly behaving people.

Snork! Love that! Who's been the baddest baddy so far?

I enjoy Copley's work as well. There are a vasty number of his pieces at the National Portrait Gallery here in DC. And to my surprise, there were several hotties in the grouping! Grins. There's also that famous sculpture in the National Botanical Gardens of George Washington...total hottie! And totally buff too! Grins.

Trish Milburn said...

Yay, it's a party!!! Congrats on the new release and the review, Jeanne! It sounds like a great book. I love those stories of really great stuff ending up in yard sales and some lucky person gets it for like a dollar.

Okay...

Favorite color -- green and blue

Favorite research topic -- In a historical context, it'd be westward expansion and Native cultures. Which fits with my answer to the next question...

Favorite artist -- I love Thomas Moran, who is known for painting the great western National Parks like Yellowstone, and other western landscape and cowboy painters like Albert Bierstadt and Fredric Remington. I also interviewed artist David Wright several months ago for my freelance magazine work. I had long been an admirer of his depictions of western landscapes and people.

Several years ago, I visited Santa Fe and spent an entire afternoon wandering in and out of art galleries and museums there. It was awesome. So my cuppa tea. I would love to live there.

Anna Sugden said...

It is a lovely day here in Cambridge, Jeanne. A little cooler than of late, but you'd like that!

My painting is about two thirds of the way down the scroll of paintings on Mark Keller's website.

BTW today's research is a mixture of sheep, poisons, knives and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints. Oh and the non-work related stuff is on pruning redcurrants and other plants.

pjpuppymom said...

Way to grab the GR, Cassondra!

Congrats, Jeanne!

Jeanne, as you know, I've already had the pleasure of reading Deadly Little Secrets (twice). It's FABULOUS and that's one secret I have no intention of keeping to myself! It already has a coveted spot on my keeper shelf...or it will, once I finish gushing all over it in my review! *g*

Kate Carlisle said...

Yay, Jeanne!!! It's a party!!!!!

That's the only reason I've scratched and clawed my way out of the Pit of Deadline Dispair -- to cheer you on, Jeanne!!! Woo hoo!!!! I read that RT review and it's fabulous! I've got your book on pre-order and can't wait to read it!

Fave color? Hmm. Red? Blue? Green?

Fave artist? Hmm. Well, wandering through museums is one of my favorite things to do, so I'm not sure I can hone down my list of fave artists. But the short list would include Leonardo, Rembrandt, Chagall, Van Gogh, many of the Impressionists, etc., etc.

I like looking at new art, too. Here in my part of the world, there is an event called Live Draw that's held once in a while. It's basically a fab party with lots of good food and wine, and you can wander around watching models pose and artists draw them, then you can buy the sketches for a very reasonable price. It's great fun!

Jeanne, your art fraud plot reminds me of one of my favorite cozy mystery series, the Art Lovers Mysteries, by Hailey Lind. She has a new book out this month called ARSENIC AND OLD PAINT. The entire series is a hoot!

Congrats again, my friend!! Enjoy your book launch!

Okay, enough blathering from me. It's back to the cave. Now!

Oops, one more thing. Way to go, Cassondra! Rooster Party! Woo hoo!!

Louisa Cornell said...

Way to go, Cassondra!! The bird is in for a wild and crazy time!

Duchesse !!!!!!!!! SO excited about this book! Can't wait to add it to my Deadly collection! Love a book that surprises me!

My favorite artists are Turner and Van Gogh. Turner's paintings just transport me back to England and more often than not to my favorite time period as well!

Van Gogh's use of color simply leaves me in awe. I spent an entire day in the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. It was during the year long celebration of his 135th birthday. Nearly all of his paintings were called home to the museum and the exhibit was beyond amazing.

My favorite color? Any and all shades of purple/lavender.

My favorite research topic? Regency England. Regency architecture and the treatment of the mentally ill during this period are two of my very favorites.

And yes, I have a couple of secrets I've kept for over 20 years and they will go with me to the grave.

Now, where's Sven? I need a massage before I have to go to work!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

OH man!! I am seriously jonesing for this book, Jeanne!!!

I have to tell everyone, that not only was Jeanne stoked about her 4.5 star review, but the PR girl for RT magazine was literally bouncing like a puppy in front of us at the RWA National Literacy book signing, with magazine in hand for Jeanne to read!!!

Mega congrats on that one, Jeanne!!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Okay, if I have to pick a favorite author, it would be Monet. I do love his work. It's peaceful, charming.

BUT if I have to pick my favorite painting this is it:
http://www.flickriver.com/photos/mharrsch/2308972080/

This is hanging in the Dallas Museum Of Art. I took my girls there when we first moved to Dallas, and we were all impressed with the blue in the robe. It is the most magnificent blue, vibrant, almost shimmering...and the thing was painted in 1654! How did he make that color? By the way, the babies he is holding are Romulus and Remus...the mythical founders of Rome.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Ack! I have Jeanne's book on the brain. That is supposed to say favorite ARTIST not author!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Uhm, hey Jeanne.... since we're having a party with an art theme, can I break out the edible body paint? Uhm...and that new cowboy over working the bar today?? Please??

Pissenlit said...

Woo! Happy early launch party! Congrats on the 4.5 stars and the TOP PICK

Uh oh! Asking me about my favourite artist is way worse than asking me to pick my favourite book. Too many, can't pick just one. Off the top of my caffeine-less head...
-Arnaud Maggs
-Richard Avedon
-Edward Burtynsky
-Andy Goldsworthy
-Christo & Jeanne-Claude
-Dan Flavin
-Olafur Eliasson
-Gian Lorenzo Bernini
-John William Waterhouse
-Edmund Blair Leighton

Favourite research topic:
Whatever I'm currently researching as long as the topic was one I picked. :D

Favourite colour:
Currently, it's aubergine.

Kept a secret so well no one ever knew:
Quite possibly...none come to mind at the moment, though.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Research, huh? Uhm besides hunky heroes?

*Suz pulls a Winnie-the-pooh moment*

Think

Think

Think

Oh okay, I'm studying horse breeding right now! I may make it a field trip out to one of my co-woker's horse ranch! She's married to a real life Texas Ranger, so hmmmmmm, that could be a great day to spend, huh?

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Oh, and secrets?

Yes, I keep them very well. One that took months for a friend to divulge to everyone else...Jo Davis knew her book When Alex Was Bad's movie rights were purchased in a deal, but she couldn't tell anyone, (but me) for quite some time. I think I knew 3 months before anyone else and never spilt the beans!

I have another secret about my sister, that I will probably take to the grave.

Pissenlit said...

Okay, it's just occurred to me that I said,
Kept a secret so well no one ever knew:
Quite possibly...none come to mind at the moment, though.


Ha! Perhaps that's why I'm good at keeping secrets...I forget them!

Donna MacMeans said...

Cassondra - you got the rooster AND got an early read??? Life's just not fair sometimes (grin).

I'm a fan of the impressionists, love them all. One of my favorite Sargent paintings isn't a portrait (though he does fabulous portraits) - it's a painting of a boat. One of the reasons I like it is that you can see that he corrected his original plan. It's a reminder that the great artists had to "edit" their work - it wasn't all great on the first go-round.

Favorite color is blue.

I have some secrets that NO ONE will ever learn. They will go with me to the grave.

gamistress66 said...

Congrats on the upcoming release -- does this mean we get to party for a whole week? ;D

I've always been fond of the impressionists. Such beautiful subtle detail that seems so real. Would love to be able to step into some of those old masterpieces.

Secrets -- I'm not telling ;) of course feel free to send some of those handsome gents my way to try & bribe me with drink, chocolate and other (umm) things ;)

jo robertson said...

Hi, Jeanne! I'm sooooo excited for this book to be released. I love the topic and adore books where I actually canNOT figure out what's coming next!

Way cool on the RT review, too1 I know this is a special one.

catslady said...

Favorite artist - my daughter lol. I know I'm cheating but she's been interested since she could hold a crayon in her hand and has one more year of college majoring in graphic design but she has sold and has been working in this field forever it seems.

My favorite color is magenta - better than red.

And if told to keep a secret I do but you have to say so lol.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Trish! You said: I love those stories of really great stuff ending up in yard sales and some lucky person gets it for like a dollar.

I do too! I think its so cool.

And I love Moran. And Turner's landscapes. And Remington's bronzes that feature the west. A friend of mine just went to Sante Fe and loved it too. :>

Westward expansion...VERY cool. Have you ever heard of Pampey's Pillar? It's in the Dakotas and its one of the very few places where there's "proof" of Lewis and Clarke's expedition. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Anna said: BTW today's research is a mixture of sheep, poisons, knives and the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints.

My Goodness! Put that on canvas and it would be Modern Poisonous LDS Sheep Knife Art.

Snork.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

PJ said: Jeanne, as you know, I've already had the pleasure of reading Deadly Little Secrets (twice). It's FABULOUS and that's one secret I have no intention of keeping to myself! It already has a coveted spot on my keeper shelf...or it will, once I finish gushing all over it in my review! *g*

*BLUSH!!!* Wow, thank you PJ! I'm so, so happy that you enjoyed it!

Cassondra said...

flchen1 said:

I think my favorite artist is Renoir, for both the style and all those lovely ballet dancers.


OH....Flchen, I love those dancers too. In fact, I've noticed that ballet dancers have been a favorite subject of artists forever, haven't they? Interesting that one art inspires another art. I recently saw some absolutely phenomenal watercolors of ballet dancers, and I wish I could remember the name of the artist. It was in Watercolor magazine I think.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Karyn! Thanks for the extra confetti, and pull up a cabana boy...I mean chair and grab a drink. :>

Love that you got books while on va-cay! Esp. love that you got Dark and Deadly! I hope you'll find it a good, fast, engrossing read.

Grins.

Then you can start on Deadly Little Secrets!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Kate! Thanks for coming out of the cave today!

Sven! Make sure you send snacks and drinks back to the cave with Kate! :>

I've seen that Hailey Lind series on the shelf, Kate and wondered if it was good. Now I know to pick it up. Thanks for the recommendation.

Ohh, and Marc Chagall! Love his stuff. And I'll bet I'd love Live Draw too. I have a friend who's a portrait artist and it's so fascinating to see someone capture a person's essence with just a few lines of charcoal or dabs of paint.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Louisa! Hopefully you can pry Sven loose and get him to get you that massage ASAP.

I love Turner's roiling seas and fabulous use of light. How totally cool that you were there for such an intensive on Van Gogh.

Totally cool too about your research on the treatment of the mentally ill in regency England. It wasn't very nice, I do know that!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: but the PR girl for RT magazine was literally bouncing like a puppy in front of us at the RWA National Literacy book signing, with magazine in hand for Jeanne to read!!!

That was so TOTALLY cool, wasn't it, Suz? And reading the review, I know Suz will attest that I nearly exploded. I was trying to be so cool and professional and all I wanted to do was shout WOOHOOOO!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: How did he make that color?

Isn't that fantastic? And so much detail and movement in the picture too. The babies don't look "baby" enough, by modern standards, but they are magnificently rendered.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: can I break out the edible body paint? Uhm...and that new cowboy over working the bar today?? Please??

I thought you'd NEVER ask! Grins. PAOLO!!! Get out the painting supplies! Yes, the "special ones"

Grins.

Oh, and Paolo, I want you to introduce Suz to the New Guy. (Yes, Paolo, I know you WERE the New Guy. Now HE is.)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Pissenlit! What a delicious selection of artists! Richard Avedon is one I like as well.

And aubergine...such a magnificent, rich color. Yummy!

Wonder if any of the body paint comes in aubergine? Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: Oh okay, I'm studying horse breeding right now! I may make it a field trip out to one of my co-woker's horse ranch! She's married to a real life Texas Ranger, so hmmmmmm, that could be a great day to spend, huh?

Ummm, Suz? Since I got Paolo to introduce you to the cowboy bar tender, you'll take me with you as your research assitant, right?

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Donna said: One of my favorite Sargent paintings isn't a portrait (though he does fabulous portraits) - it's a painting of a boat.

Oh, cool. And I like your reason too. It is nice to know - and humbling sometimes - that even genius must be edited sometimes. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: Jo Davis knew her book When Alex Was Bad's movie rights were purchased in a deal, but she couldn't tell anyone, (but me) for quite some time.

OH COOL!!!! I still had not heard this news, so it's not out and about even yet. WHOOOOOT!!! GO Dee!

Suz, please tell her congrats from all of us here in the Lair!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

GAMistress66 said: Congrats on the upcoming release -- does this mean we get to party for a whole week? ;D

But of COURSE! Grins. Nothing like an exteeennnnded party!

And bribery...hmmm...that might work. Demetrius? I believe our friend here needs some persuasive manuvers. See to that, would you?

Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Jo said: Way cool on the RT review, too! I know this is a special one.

Hi Jo! Yes, this is a special one, and I'm really grateful for it. Grins.

How's Dr. Big?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Awww, Catslady, that's perfect! I have friend who's a wonderful artist and has sold a number of things. She's one of my fav's too.

Magenta. Adore the color! Can't wear it, but love to look at it. :>

Becke Davis said...

Yay! I have DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS preordered, so hopefully I'll get my copy in the mail tomorrow. Congratulations, Jeanne!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Becke said: Yay! I have DEADLY LITTLE SECRETS preordered, so hopefully I'll get my copy in the mail tomorrow. Congratulations, Jeanne!

Yippeee! I hope you will Becke! And I hope you enjoy it too. Grins.

Unknown said...

Congrats on your new release, sound fabulous, can't wait to read it. Don't have a favorite artist! Favorite color would be blue, yes I can keep a secret and have kept one for many years. Still not telling it either!

Party over here, bring on the Margarettas

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Virginia! WOot! Virginia's in da LAIR! Grins.

Pull up a cabana boy and have a drink. A Blue Gorgeousness for Virginia, I think. Grins.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, it's Cassondra wrangling the chook today!

HEY, IT'S JEANNE'S LAUNCH PARTY!!!!

Congratulations, Jeanne! I'm so happy for you. I'm even happier for me because it means another one of your fabulous books to read. Hurry up, Book Depository! Send me that book! This one sounds absolutely delish. I love books/movies about art and art theft. One of my faves is HOW TO STEAL A MILLION that I must have seen oh, about a million times! Yum! And congratulations on the top pick!!!!!

Beth Andrews said...

Whoo Hoo!! Another fabulous launch party in the lair *g* I'm deep in the writing cave but couldn't concentrate with all the fabulous party noise going on so I thought I'd join you all long enough for at lease one drink :-) Raising my glass to you, Jeanne, and Deadly Little Secrets!!

Anna Campbell said...

OK, here's my answers to the questions:

And if you want to be briefly serious, tell me:

Who your favorite artist is...

Actually that's quite hard. I love art, as you know, Miss Jeanne. Depends what mood I'm in. I mean, I'm always moved by Van Eyck and his mates. And I'm in awe of Velazquez and Goya. Adore Picasso and Edvard Munch and Klimt. When I'm thinking Regency, I love a Scottish portraitist called Henry Raeburn who really brings the faces of the era alive. I love... All right, all right, I'll stop. You had to ask such a silly question!!!!!!

What's your favorite research topic...(besides men, and sex...) Art? Actually seriously it's cultural history. Find that endlessly fascinating.

What your favorite color is....

Blue! Oh, at last an easy question!

And if you've ever kept a secret so well that no one EVER knew....

Actually I'm pretty good at keeping secrets! So spill yours, my friends!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, I think one of my favorite PAINTINGS (I don't know enough of his work to know if he's one of my favorite artists) is Christina's World in MOMA in New York by Andrew Wyeth. It made me cry - and it's stuck in a stairwell basically when there's all this other stuff that had a better spot. Unbelievably beautiful and moving. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Christinasworld.jpg

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey La Campbell! I love that movie reference! You said: One of my faves is HOW TO STEAL A MILLION that I must have seen oh, about a million times! Yum! And congratulations on the top pick!!!!!

COOL! :> I was so delighted by the Top Pick, so thanks for that.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hey La Campbell! I love that movie reference! You said: One of my faves is HOW TO STEAL A MILLION that I must have seen oh, about a million times! Yum! And congratulations on the top pick!!!!!

COOL! :> I was so delighted by the Top Pick, so thanks for that.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Beth said: I'm deep in the writing cave but couldn't concentrate with all the fabulous party noise going on

Ooops! Demetrius!!! More soundproofing over by the stairwell!

Meanwhile, Beth, grab a drink and some snacks to take back down to the cave with you. :>

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Sven! Another Blue Gorgeousness over here for Anna C! Grins.

You said: You had to ask such a silly question!!!!!!

Not silly to me. You know how much I love art as well, and it's fun to remember all the wonderful paintings as people bring up their personal favs. I adore Hans Holbein and no one's yet mentioned him. Grins. And, as you put it, Jan Van Eyck and "his mates" are all in the "favorites" docket.

So, yeah. It's fun to go through the mental showroom as people bring them up.

I also love sculptures, which very few have mentioned today. Rhodin, Remington, Michaelangelo...

jo robertson said...

Oh, enough with the gloating already, Cassondra! You got the rooster AND got to read Jeanne's book before release, you lucky dame!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Anna said: Christina's World in MOMA in New York by Andrew Wyeth.

I'm sorry it made you cry. It is a lonely sort of painting, isn't it? Did she fall? Is she too far from home, is she looking back or towards?

Both Nancy and Cassondra mentioned Wyeth as a fav. He has a fabulous way with line and simplicity that speaks to a lot of people.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Jo said: You got the rooster AND got to read Jeanne's book before release, you lucky dame!

She was kinda crowing wasn't she? Heehee

Anna Campbell said...

Jeanne, actually it made me cry because it was so beautiful - and it's one you really have to see in situ. The print on the net really doesn't do it justice. She was a neighbour who had polio but managed to lead an independent life all the same. There's something about the longing gesture through all that grass towards the house that just really slices at my heart.

Anna Campbell said...

I love Holbein again. It's that same thing I get from the Raeburns - that feeling that those people would talk to you if only they could, they're so real. There's the most wonderful museum in Basel in Switzerland that has a lot of his work (he lived there at his death). Amazing! And I realized I'd missed out on Rembrandt - I don't think there's anyone apart from maybe Shakespeare who understands psychology like Rembrandt.

Sigh, LOVE art! ;-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Anna C said: There's something about the longing gesture through all that grass towards the house that just really slices at my heart.

Ah, I didn't know the story, but knowing it or not, you can feel the poignancy of the image, even with the poor reproduction on the net. :>

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, everyone, the Book Depository in the UK (free postage anywhere in the world) has a special on Jeanne's book at 35% off! BARGAIN!!!! Get your Deadly Little Secrets today! http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781420108828/Deadly-Little-Secrets

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Anna C said: Hey, everyone, the Book Depository in the UK (free postage anywhere in the world) has a special on Jeanne's book at 35% off! BARGAIN!!!! Get your Deadly Little Secrets today! http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/book/9781420108828/Deadly-Little-Secrets

WOOHOOO! That's outstanding! Thanks for posting, Anna!

Loreth Anne White said...

Sounds awesome, Jeanne! Congrats again on the Top Pick!!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Loreth! Great to see you here, even if your icon is labeled "Test"

"Had this been the REAL Loreth, you would have been instructed to turn to....A great book!"

Snork!

Thanks for stopping in!

Nancy said...

Wow, Jeanne, you have a rockin' party going on here!

Anna C., didn't Holbein paint Henry VIII? Cultural history, huh? I love that, too!

Anna Campbell said...

Yeah, Nancy, he was patronized by both Thomas More and Thomas Cromwell (hmm! And not a happy ending to be found!). He does the most vivid faces - seriously you expect them to turn to you and start talking!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Nancy said: Wow, Jeanne, you have a rockin' party going on here!


Yep, thanks to all these Bandita Buddies, we DO! More Champagne!!!

(We've switched to SERIOUS party mode now, Sven's gotten out the champagne flutes!)

Anna, I agree with what you said about Holbein and the faces he paints. That's one reason I adore his work. It's so realistic, warts, double chins and all. Grins.

Anna Campbell said...

But somehow there's a kindness there too, Jeanne. It's hard to explain - the humanity shines out, if you know what I mean. It's an eye that sees the foibles and the flaws and shows them but there's no contempt being expressed. Hmm, must ponder further. ;-)

Gannon Carr said...

What a day! I'll take that margarita--better make it two!--and most definitely a massage! Now where is Sven when I need him. :-)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

That's so true, Anna. There's a humanity there. Very cool.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

SVEN!!! Gannon's here! Masterson, we need a nice cold pitcher of margaritas. Pour one for me and for Anna C too. Gannon, I know you need one.

(Masterson's the new temp barkeep that Suz mentioned earlier today. Very Marlboro Man, but younger. We'll have to see how he works out...)

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Hi Jeanne,
Sorry I'm late for the party... had to get my new crown... at the DENTIST! :-P Too bad it's not the OTHER kind of crown. LOL!

YAY! Can't wait to get my hands on Deadly Little Secrets, and SUPER CONGRATS on the GREAT review from RT!

Of course I can keep secrets and have kept quite a few (mostly my own). But I really don't like for people to tell me their secrets because usually they are something that SHOULD be resolved or at least an attempt made at resolution. :-( And I can't stop myself from trying to advise the secret teller as much.

AC

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

LURVE art, btw. DUH! My DH is an artist! He loves the Impressionist and so do I. His fave is Toulous-Latrec and mine is Van Gogh. Like Louisa, I've been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam and it is FANTASTIC! I esp. love the gallery with all his paintings hung in chronological order. His early work is so dark, then he goes to Paris to visit his brother and it is like his canvases EXPLODE with color! You can also see his increasing mental anguish in his later pieces too.

First time I ever saw Starry Night in the MOMA in NYC, the guard was ready to throw me out. I stood there for at least a half hour, getting closer and closer marveling at those brush strokes and the thickness of the paint. My DH came and dragged me away just in time. ;-) That's also where I saw the original of my favorite Dali painting Persistence of Memory and I couldn't get over how SMALL it was!

AC
Pass the Margaritas!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Wanders back in, brushing some dirt from her jeans, picking straw from her hair and smiling at Durango...the very interesting cowboy with the satisfied smile following her behind...

Did someone mention champagne?

Joan said...

Boy...am I late or what!??

Jeanne, I'm so excited about your new release!!! Your stories are the best and that cover is hot with a capital SIZZLE!!!

My favorite artist is a watercolor/Monet peer though I'm not sure I'm remembering his name correctly..Pissaro??? He was Cuban. I only know THAT much from a 3 part documentary I watched (ahem, trying to bone up on that to discuss with a guy I was interested in) and became enamoured of this one painter.

My favorite colors are blue and purple.

And right now, my favorite research topic is Celtic mythology.

Now, back to my regularly scheduled kitten wrangling...

(How? How could I have forgotten in just FOUR months time how much energy they have?!)

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi AC! So sorry it wasn't the other kind of crown, since the dentist's kind are no fun at all. And they aren't sparkly or shiny or anything really exciting. :>

You said: YAY! Can't wait to get my hands on Deadly Little Secrets, and SUPER CONGRATS on the GREAT review from RT!


Thanks so much for that! I'm thrilled, as you well know. Grins. Not like I've been quiet over here...hahahaha!

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

*passsing the fresh pitcher of margaritas*

AC, that Van Gogh museum sounds so wonderful. And how terrific to have it arranged so you can see the progression of his work and style!

Had to LOL about nearly getting thrown out. Snork.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz said: smiling at Durango...the very interesting cowboy with the satisfied smile following her behind...

Did someone mention champagne?


So THAT's where he's been! Paolo said his name was Masterson. Either Demetrius is playing another of his jokes or the guy is one of those 'multiple name' people. Snork. I thought we decided they couldn't apply to work here if they had too many complicated names?

Either way, here, have a flute of champagne. It's the good stuff.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Joanie! I love the Impressionists too, and Pissaro may be who you were thinking of.

You said:Now, back to my regularly scheduled kitten wrangling...

How is Greyson? Is he settling in? Has Cricket decided he can actually live in the house, as long as he doesn't bother her majestic self?

Gannon Carr said...

SVEN!!! Gannon's here! Masterson, we need a nice cold pitcher of margaritas. Pour one for me and for Anna C too. Gannon, I know you need one.

Thanks, Jeanne! You're the best!

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Jeanne:So THAT's where he's been! Paolo said his name was Masterson. Either Demetrius is playing another of his jokes or the guy is one of those 'multiple name' people. Snork. I thought we decided they couldn't apply to work here if they had too many complicated names?

Hmmm, he told me his name was Durango. You know those cowboy types, always moving on, perhaps with something in his background to hide?

This might require a bit more "research"

Drinking all the champagne in the glass, oh Sven, pour a girl another, please?

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Suz, and Gannon, did you get your refills? Truly, it's been a lovely, lovely day. I've had a full glass most of the day *hic* and Sven's kept me mostly sober with his snacks. Grins.

And I've gotten to revel in the fun and talk about art and just have a great LAUNCH DAY!!!

Thanks, everyone!!

Kathryn Anderson said...

Yay!!!!! Another reason to love September.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Kathryn said: Yay!!!!! Another reason to love September.

Why thank you KBA! Grins. I'm excited about it. :>

mariska said...

Better late than never :)
congrats on the book launch !

Jeanne, haven't read any books of yours so i hope *cough* i could win this time :)

my favorite color : Maroon...sexy, sweet, rich, dark, mysterious..just like Me :D

Pat Cochran said...

Apologies! Apologies! To the
Duchesse, my sincerest apologies!
One of my volunteer projects is
in full swing and took up most of
my day! My almost-5 y/o grandson,
Tristan Blake, is in residence w/
us for a few days. A goodly part
of the day was spent with him, so
that helped fill the rest of the
time. I swung by to leave a quick
note of "Congratulations." I'll
catch up with today's celebration
tomorrow!

Pat Cochran

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Mariska! Hi Pat! Thanks for coming by last night!

Pat, you said: I swung by to leave a quick
note of "Congratulations." I'll
catch up with today's celebration
tomorrow!


Thanks so much!

Dianna Love said...

Waaaa...I missed your launch party, Jeanne! But I'm soooo excited about your new book. Congratulations and woohoo, even if it is late. :)

Pat Cochran said...

Hello to all, I'll catch up on
the questions, now.

Artists: Wyeth, Titian, Monet and a jillion others, I just love art!

Research: Food, always!

Colors: Mostly reds, sometimes the
earth colors, blues, greens.

Secrets: Most everyone has a secret
or two, they are called "secrets"
because they are meant to be kept
hidden from general knowledge. So
I keep mine closed off, sometimes
even from myself if I'm lucky!

Congratulations again, Jeanne, on
Deadly Little Secrets, and to Ms.
Cassondra on nabbing that wily
fellow!

Pat Cochran

Pat Cochran said...

Hello to all, I'll catch up on
the questions, now.

Artists: Wyeth, Titian, Monet and a jillion others, I just love art!

Research: Food, always!

Colors: Mostly reds, sometimes the
earth colors, blues, greens.

Secrets: Most everyone has a secret
or two, they are called "secrets"
because they are meant to be kept
hidden from general knowledge. So
I keep mine closed off, sometimes
even from myself if I'm lucky!

Congratulations again, Jeanne, on
Deadly Little Secrets, and to Ms.
Cassondra on nabbing that wily
fellow!

Pat Cochran

Anonymous said...

Woohoo! Party!

Who your favorite artist is...
Gustav Caillebotte

What's your favorite research topic...(besides men, and sex...)
Animals and food - it's a tie

What your favorite color is....
Blue

And if you've ever kept a secret so well that no one EVER knew....
Of course. But then I forget as well...

cories119[at]yahoo.com

Dina said...

congrats Jeanne!!!
sorry I'm late saw hockey hunks were here, lol

Who your favorite artist is.. none really

What's your favorite research topic.. all new things

What your favorite color is....blue

And if you've ever kept a secret so well that no one EVER knew....yes

thanks
Dina