Reminder: "Punch's Cousin" Will Return on Monday

Last week ended with Robert ensuring that Nanny Rittenhouse didn’t pester Mr. Punch/Julian and Ulrika and Arthur insisting that she aid them in making sure that Julian be destroyed. Meanwhile, unaware that Ulrika has the diamond (and her husband), Barbara Allen has weaseled her way into Adrienne’s house with false promises of wanting to be reformed. To make matters worse on that chilly Christmas Eve, Marjani’s daughter and son-in-law are dying a slow and painful death from the Yellow Fever. It doesn’t seem like a very merry Christmas in Marionneaux.

As is often the case in Marionneaux, things will only get worse before they get better. While our friends try to find some Christmas cheer, Ulrika, Arthur, Barbara and Iolanthe Evangeline will be actively trying to make sure that they remain unhappy. Iolanthe has a lot of grudges to settle—not only does she feel threatened by Naasir, but Barbara isn’t cooperating at all. Worst of all, Iolanthe’s hatred of Cecil for taking Adrienne from her bawdy house has doubled now that Cecil has shot her. And, of course, there’s the little matter of getting revenge for the death of her henchman, Leon “The Professor.” In typical “Elegant Ogress” fashion, Iolanthe comes out fighting—and in a very public way.

As our friends make their way to New Orleans for the annual Masquerade Ball at the Cages’ Waxworks, Iolanthe is plotting to get everything that she wants. The coming week will bring two deaths, a lot of danger and another layer of mystery.

Those of you who have been reading Punch’s Cousin are getting a taste of some of the characters who figure prominently in my upcoming novel, The Cages of Marionneaux. Ulrika, Iolanthe Evangeline, and Marjani take center stage in this epic drama which spans the history of Marionneaux from 1873 to the present day. You’ve already been introduced to the town’s main families—the Cages, The Halifaxes, and The Rittenhouses. In The Cages of Marionneaux, you’ll see how these families evolve (and devolve) over the centuries.

Many thanks to all of you who have been reading Punch’s Cousin, and especially for your kind comments and emails. I guarantee there’s a lot more excitement to come.