Visiting the historical setting for a novel can lead to extra insights and, of course, add that edge of reality. In 'Locations', I'd like to share with you some of the places that are a backdrop to my stories.

Brecon, Wales

All that remains of the Duke of Buckingham's castle from Moonlight and Shadow/aka The Silver Bride .

"The bailey, dusky in the twilight, was hazardous; the grooms had not finished shovelling the yard clean and it was necessary for Heloise and Bess to choose their path with care for the windows of the hall, lit from behind, gleamed magically but offered little illumination."

Caen, Nomandy
It was hard to discover where travel passes were issued in 1793. The Hotel D'Escoville, now the Tourist office,   served as the Town Hall (or 'Common Hall') for part of the French Revolution. This is where Raoul de Villaret, a deputy from the Convention in Paris, stood watching Fleur,the heroine of Fleur-de-Lis.

" As foolish as Orpheus, she could not resist looking round and discovered him on the balcony, framed by the high arch of golden limestone, watching her like a brooding god wondering whether to make mischief."

Palais-Royal, Paris

During the French Revolution, the Palais-Royal was a popular shopping and  entertainment centre. There is  an old theatre here and it is so easy to imagine the crowds flocking out across the little park to the restaurants and gaming-hells. In Fleur-de-Lis , this is where Fleur fled when she was being stalked, and where she and Raoul enjoyed an intimate supper.

"Glittering with lamps and shimmering pavements, the civilised facade and graceful galleries seemed welcoming, but Fleur quickly realised this was not the safest refuge for an unaccompanied woman and she braved herself for bawdy solicitations."