We talk to author BR Myers about The third wife of Faraday Housea delicious love letter to Gothic literature, about two brides who must team up to uncover the ghostly secrets at the heart of a decaying island estate.
Hello, BR! Welcome back! It’s been a few years since we spoke Villain PrincessHow are you doing?
Great! After working as a nurse for 32 years, I decided to retire. Now I write full-time, which is a dream come true for me. Two years ago, my first novel for adults was published. A terrible splendor was an international bestseller and won the Mary Higgins Clark Award – another dream come true!
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
I’ve always been a bookworm, but I didn’t start writing until about 16 years ago. Back then, Stephenie Meyer’s books were rapidly gaining epic popularity—the first film in the series was released that year—and my sister (who was also a nurse at the time) thought I could easily write a best-seller that would get me a movie deal and make us both rich enough to retire early. Ha! The joke was on us.
However, her insistence was the seed that started me writing. I had some success on Wattpad and that gave me the confidence to submit my manuscript to a local publisher. Butterflies don’t lie came out in 2014 and I have been writing stories ever since. The third wife of Faraday House will be my thirteenth published novel.
Quick blitz round! Tell us:
- The first book you remember reading: Georgie by Robert Bright. It’s about a ghost who tries to haunt a new house, but ends up finding it too scary. And I have to say, one of my fondest memories of elementary school was when the Scholastic book order arrived.
- The reason why you wanted to become an author: When I first read The Fingersmith by Sarah Waters. There’s a twist in this book that made me gasp out loud, and I remember thinking that one day I’d like to be able to manipulate a reader like that.
- What you must always remember: My favorite books stay in my mind for weeks after reading them and some scenes are permanently etched in my brain and heart. The book that regularly comes to mind, however, is pride and Prejudice. It’s amazing how much brilliant commentary on societal norms versus human desires is contained in this novel. No words are wasted. I’ve read it at least eleven times and it never disappoints.
Her latest novel, The third wife of Faraday Houseis available now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Bewitching, Gothic, Mysterious, Spooky, Captivating
What can readers expect?
An atmospheric gothic mystery with spooky vibes interwoven with romantic coziness and strong female friendships. I hope readers are entertained and leave feeling like they have experienced a fascinating and satisfying escape.
Where did the inspiration for The third wife of Faraday House come from?
After A terrible splendor I knew I wanted to write another gothic mystery, albeit with a more maritime theme and one set in Atlantic Canada. I envisioned low grey clouds hanging over a dilapidated mansion on a private peninsula, a grim household run by a sea captain obsessed with morbidity, a family curse, the lure of possible hidden treasure, and at the centre a young heroine who was neither prepared nor interested in solving a ghostly mystery, but is compelled to investigate when she realises she must survive on the inhospitable estate.
I grew up in Chester, Nova Scotia, which was the perfect backdrop for the seaside setting. The novel’s theme of insidious greed and the destructive powers of superstition was heavily influenced by my maritime surroundings and is loosely inspired by the dramatic story of the world-famous Oak Island Mystery.
Were there any moments or characters that you particularly enjoyed writing or exploring?
In contrast to the clever main character in A terrible splendorwho was comfortable in inexplicable spiritual situations, I wanted Emeline to be the opposite, someone who had a very sheltered upbringing but was not necessarily spoiled. And not necessarily loved. She looks at life through a matter-of-fact lens and pursues her own agenda, but relies heavily on qualities she has always believed to be her greatest strengths – her beauty and charm. When she arrives at Faraday House, however, she realizes that neither will help her in the face of the deadly mystery she is embroiled in. How does someone with no confidence or experience deal with the strange events that torment the poor souls of Faraday House? Emeline must quickly discover what she is capable of in order to avoid becoming Captain Graves’ next dead bride. This “fish out of water” device worked well in this context. As a writer, it was satisfying to watch her grow into her true self.
Interestingly, I found her name while walking through a historic cemetery. I took a photo of the headstone for no other reason than the fact that she had died as a young woman. I didn’t plan on using the name Emeline until I had finished writing the novel.
Were there any challenges while writing? The third wife of Faraday House?
Oh yes! This book went through MAJOR revisions that required two complete rewrites. The problem was that the “ghost story” aspect became so complicated that it took the air out of Emeline’s plot. My editors and I decided it was best to remove the entire “ghost story” and replace it with one that complemented Emeline’s journey rather than competing with it. The result is a novel I am so proud of, and I remain eternally grateful to my editors for their insights.
What’s next for you?
Thanks for the question! I think maritime gothic is my signature now. I’m extremely excited about my current project. I can’t give too much away right now, but it’s another crime thriller set partly on a merchant ship and partly in a remote fishing village in Nova Scotia in 1778. There might be a cursed treasure, a haunted ship, a romance (or two), a missing woman, murder, and maybe a grumpy lover with an eyepatch.
And finally: Which books have you enjoyed so far this year and are there any that you really want to get your hands on?
Some of my favorite books this year so far:
- The island of missing trees by Elif Shafak. Her writing style is so beautiful and the narrative of this novel was particularly magical.
- Before the coffee gets cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. What a journey! Magical realism with emotional impact.
- The Treasure Hunters Club by Tom Ryan. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy. This mystery thriller is the best Murder is her hobby Episode plus The Goonies Plus The only one left.
In my reading pile:
See also
I am really looking forward to reading Missing white woman by Kellye Garret. It is the sequel to her Edgar finalist for best novel, Like a sister, a thriller with a healthy dose of humor and satisfyingly mind-blowing twists.
I was a teenage slasher by Stephen Graham Jones. His last novel, The only good Indians was so satisfying with a perfect balance of suspense and horror.
