It’s a great privilege hosting Beatrice Fishback today, who gives us a delightful glimpse of England through the eyes of an American, and at the same time treats us to a preview of her next novel. Over to you Bea!

Dying to Eat at the Pub is a cozy mystery set in a moderate-sized village called East Lark in England. Americans, Jim and Dotty Weathervane, have decided to call this place home after Jim’s retirement from the U.S. forces.

Ah, England. Most people will attest to having a picture in their mind about what an English village looks like—the romantic backdrop of Royalty and a gentler way of living.

Some think of thatched cottages set amid gorgeous flowerbeds as pictured in magazines such as Victoria or House Beautiful.

Expected are the iconic red pillar mailboxes and phone booths, as well as flowering wisteria that resemble violet-colored waterfalls that drape archways leading into pristine gardens.

The imaginary setting of East Lark offers a few thatched cottages and one rather unsightly modern-day telephone booth. It strays a little from the typical village most tourists would expect, and thereby could perhaps disappoint somewhat.

This village, mixed with American and British residents, is situated alongside a U.S. military installation that boasts a variety of aircraft. The hobby of “bird” watching various planes taking off and landing has been a long-standing tradition in this part of the country. Thousands flock along fence lines and watch with anticipation as these planes leave for various parts of the world.

There are a few other interesting tidbits in this village known only to local residents. A banger-racing course lies just down the road, and the loud buzz of racing vehicles can drown out farm vehicles on their way to and from fields filled with local crops—potatoes, swede or wheat.

Of course, no village is complete without a pub or two. East Lark offers two such establishments: one a family-type bar and restaurant with food and entertainment, the other geared to the younger generation who lean toward karaoke and a challenging game of darts.

The locals, and those who live in East Lark like Jim and Dotty Weathervane, have a plethora of options for an evening of entertainment.

However, as Miss Marple and other cozy mystery sleuths know, an English village is also the perfect place for gossip, mayhem, and perhaps even a murder. East Lark is no exception and the nosey Dotty Weathervane is certain to keep abreast of all the goings-on within her community.

East Lark isn’t actually the name of a real village—at least not one that I know of—but it has the right combination of people to cause friction and family feuds, and will delight cozy readers with mystery and suspense.

Dying to Eat at the Pub will be released November 2016 so be on the lookout for Jim and Dotty Weathervane’s activities as they seek to settle in the small village of East Lark and do a little sleuthing along the way.

Beatrice Fishback, originally from New York, lived in the East Anglian area of Great Britain for over twenty years and traveled extensively in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe.

She and her husband have spoken to U.S. military audiences in the USA, Germany, England, Italy, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Korea, and Japan. They have also presented to international audiences in the Czech Republic, Turkey, Kazakhstan, Zimbabwe, Romania, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Latvia.

Beatrice and Jim currently reside in North Carolina where scones are called biscuits and are topped with gravy, and tea that is served over ice.

She has been published in various compilations, magazines and online websites and is the author of Bethel Manor by Crooked Cat Publishers

Bea’s website: /www.beasattitudes.net