I am delighted to be a part of the blog tour for; The Ultimate Game by Beth Merwood, I am incredibly excited to be sharing an exclusive author interview with Beth Merwood, definitely not to be missed!
The Ultimate Village Game
Riddled with guilt and tormented by desire, Lucy Short keeps notes about newcomers to the village, but why? The misfit with the rescue dog has a mysterious past. She’s been biding her time, plotting and scheming, and now she’s determined to get what she deserves. It won’t be straight forward. Someone is sure to be watching her every move, and there seems to be something more sinister going on.
Mr. Lester Senior is dead. The family is in turmoil. The future of the famous village treasure hunt is in doubt, but for Lucy a new world beckons. She must stick to her task. The rewards could be huge, but will there also be a price to pay?
Purchase Links
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ultimate-Village-Game-Beth-Merwood-ebook/dp/B0B4Z7VJRN/ref
US – https://www.amazon.com/Ultimate-Village-Game-Beth-Merwood-ebook/dp/B0B4Z7VJRN/ref
Interview
Hi Beth, Welcome to Chicks, Rogues and Scandals! Thank you for taking the time to chat with me today.
Hi Frankie, Thanks for having me.
Firstly, what five words would you use to describe yourself?
Creative. Empathetic. Dreamer. Optimistic. Perfectionist (not to say I always achieve this)
Please note, I’m only sharing the positive words here!
Can you tell us a little about your latest/up-and-coming release?
I like to describe The Ultimate Village Game as a cozy psychological mystery. It is not, however, a typical mystery.
The novel is set deep in the heart of the English countryside; a beautiful setting where a host of characters busy themselves with ordinary life. Lucy, the protagonist, has recently returned to the village of Steely Green. She has a past she is determined to keep to herself and a plan she’s determined to pursue.
As the story develops Lucy’s past plays more and more heavily on her mind, and trying to live her new life and fulfill the plan while keeping the past under wraps becomes more difficult.
The battle going on in Lucy’s head is key to the story, and the story is written in the first person, so as a writer, I had to make sure I always fully understood her, her actions and her feelings.
She wants to fit in. She acquires a rescue dog and a job in a care home for the elderly and sets about her secretive task. Along the way, the significance of the manor on the outskirts of the village and the Lester family who own it come into play.
The village game, an annual event, can’t be ignored in Steely Green, but Lucy is in fact playing another game, and one that may have far reaching consequences.
When not writing, what do you like to do to relax?
Go walking with my dog.
Ditto!!, There is nothing better, IMO 🥰If you could have a holiday home anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I think I’d choose a rural retreat in France, perhaps within reach of Biarritz.
If you could have one of your books made into a film, which book would it be and who would play your lead character’s?
I’d have to choose The Ultimate Village Game. Lucy would be played by Jodie Comer.
When writing, do you plot or do you go with the flow?
I have a rough idea of what is going to happen, but the story develops on the way. Characters definitely have their own ideas too and can take off on their own detours on occasion.
What three tips would you pass on to an aspiring author?
Some things that work for me are:
Listen to everyone, don’t be afraid to make changes, but make sure to remain at one with your work.
Read your work out loud.
Leave your work and come back to it a few weeks later.
Brilliant tips!! If you were hosting a dinner party what three people would you invite?
I’d like to invite Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai and Serena Williams. I wouldn’t need to say a thing, just listen.
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to chat with me today, I have just one more cheeky question, just for fun; What is your favourite snacking food?
Toast is always a good idea!
Thank you, Frankie x
Author Bio
Beth Merwood is a writer from the south of England. Her debut novel, The Five Things, was published in 2021.
Social Media Links – https://twitter.com/lizcity77
Giveaway
Giveaway to Win 1 x Paperback and 1 x e-copy of The Ultimate Village Game (Open to UK Only)
1st Prize- Paperback copy of The Ultimate Village Game
2nd Prize – E-copy of The Ultimate Village Game
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33c69494524/?
*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
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