What We're Writing--Lucy Burdette

LUCY BURDETTE: What challenging times we are in! Nothing is yet normal in Key West--people are suffering because of not being allowed to work, only a few places are open for business, and all visitors who aren't residents or don't have work are stopped by the authorities at the top of the Keys. That blockade may sound draconian, but it helps us feel a bit safer. (Apparently, this is called a "travel bubble" and it's what New Zealand will be doing with its neighbor, Australia.) Everyone is scared but Keys folks are trying to keep a sense of humor, as you can see by this sign I found posted at the Schooner Wharf bar. And the one below posted across from the Courthouse Deli.

My concentration for reading is slowly improving, and I've insisted to myself that I will not waste this time searching the news for word about which superhero scientist will save us from this pandemic... So that means I am writing, albeit more slowly than usual. 

In order to remember what was happening in the 11th Key West mystery (partly set in Scotland,) I had to go back to the beginning and read all the through. I won't ask you to do that! But here's a little review since it's been a while: Hayley and Nathan have traveled to Scotland for their delayed "honeymoon" and in the end, invited Miss Gloria to go with them. They are guests in the home of Nathan's sister, Vera, and her husband, and this scene takes place on the first night of their visit.

I heard a soft tap on the door. 
“Come in.” 
Miss Gloria’s elfin face appeared. 
“Everything okay?” I asked. 
“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it? I can’t wait to see more of the countryside.” She paused, plucked at her topknot of white hair. “But I am a little worried.” 
I patted the bed beside me. “About what?” 
She crossed the room and perched on Nathan’s side of the bed. “It might sound silly. But I didn’t realize that Vera’s husband is a Campbell. I never asked you their family name.” 
“And that’s a problem because…?” 
“Because my mother’s people were McDonalds.” 
She stopped speaking, as though that was all I needed to know. But it explained nothing to me. 
“Say a little more about that?” I suggested. 
She heaved a troubled sigh. “My ancestors lived in the Highlands, in Glencoe where we will be going with Vera, I’m sure. It’s well known for being a thin place. And many of those same people were massacred by the Campbells. William’s people.” 
She looked so distressed that I needed to understand. Clearly, I should have been reading more Scottish history. “And how long ago did all this happen?” I asked. 
“In the 1600’s. But they wiped out most of the clan. And we have long memories. I still sense that loss right here.” She pressed her hand to her chest and I could almost feel her heart pounding like a little bird. 
“I can imagine how distressing that bit of history would feel,” I said. 
Though in truth, I couldn’t quite imagine getting that upset about something so long ago. On the other hand, I didn’t know the details of the massacre, and I was a lot younger than Miss Gloria. More concerned with the here-and-now, than my ancestors’ lives. This was likely a failing of my own. 
“Let’s get a little rest. We’re both exhausted. And then we can figure out what to do when we’re fresh.” I reached over to give her a hug.  

Though honestly, what was there to do? Demand reparations from our host, Nathan’s brother-in-law, for what his ancestors did four hundred years ago?  

Photo by Liz Acar

I'm inching along in the story and enjoying getting back into the characters' lives and seeing Scotland again, at least on paper! Meanwhile, the launch of THE KEY LIME CRIME is coming this summer. (I would love to have you pre-order...) I couldn't be more excited about the reviews! Here's a snippet from Publishers' Weekly: 

"Charming characters, an appealing setting, and mouthwatering bonus recipes make this a perfect choice for foodie cozy lovers. "

Are you thinking of places you'd like to travel once it's safe again? We really want to visit New Zealand:). In the meantime, be careful out there Reds--we love you guys a lot!