Whispers Through The Canvas by Kathleen McGillick

Welcome to my stop on Rachel's Random Resources virtual book tour for Whispers Through the Canvas. Please enjoy finding out more about the book and an excerpt!

About the Book:

Murder... Across The Fractured Corridors of Time.

Plunged into a centuries-old conspiracy, unconventional art historian Rowan Southeil must race against time to stop an ancient evil from rewriting history. When a young artist is murdered in a chilling echo of medieval violence, Rowan finds herself drawn to a seemingly unrelated clue - a 16th-century painting drenched in arcane symbols. Aided by the victim's haunting presence, Rowan delves into the painting's mysterious past, uncovering a dark conspiracy that stretches back generations.

Teaming up with the pragmatic Detective Lancaster, the intuitive Rowan follows a daring journey through time, from the storied halls of 16th-century Tudor London to the secretive 17th-century Vatican. As she awakens powerful elemental forces within herself, Rowan must decipher the painting's secrets - and the connection to the medieval-style murder - before Lev Rubilov, a dark centuries-old occultist, can harness its magic to rewrite history and restore a twisted vision of the past.

For fans of genre-blending thrillers like A Discovery of Witches and Outlander, this captivating novel weaves together mystery, the supernatural, and high-stakes time travel in a race against the clock to stop an ancient evil. Whispers Through The Canvas is a crime story, filled with action and adventure, within a historical fantasy milieu. If you love kick-ass heroines who have a bit of life experience and walk on the wild side of magic, this book is for you.

 

Extract:

Chapter 2

As the door swung open, I hesitated for a moment, flexing my painful fingers before extending my hand in greeting. Before me stood a man whose presence intrigued me.

Dressed in a meticulously tailored charcoal suit and a crisp white shirt, he exuded professionalism. A bold crimson tie, impeccably knotted, and shining black shoes completed the ensemble. His styled hair added to the air of polish.

“Dr. Rowan Southeil from Columbia University’s art history department. You must be Detective Lancaster?”

“Yes, pleased to meet you,” he replied warmly, shaking my hand. “Please, come in.”

He stepped aside, allowing me to scan the surroundings.

“I appreciate you being here on such short notice, Dr. Southeil.”

After handing me his card, he gestured toward a nearby table with a gentle smile. “Please sign our logbook and put ‘consultant,’ if you don’t mind.”

He offered me a pen. I nodded and scribbled my name, wary yet intrigued by what lay ahead.

“Forensics hasn’t combed through this area yet, so we need to take extra precautions,” he added, holding two pieces of blue cloth paper.

He caught me eyeing my impractical shoes, dropped to one knee, and opened the shoe protector. Despite his assistance, a little wibble-wobble dance ensued, amusing us both.

In one smooth motion, he produced gloves, snapped them on, and offered me a set.

“Follow me. The room in question is down the hall.”

But my gaze remained transfixed on two paintings hanging in the corridor.

Detective Lancaster stepped closer to examine the artwork as well. The faint aroma of his aftershave triggered a fleeting memory - a whiff of my mischievous grandfather, who had favored a similar scent. Yet the captivating allure of the paintings swiftly reclaimed the whole of my focus, that ghostly recollection dispersing like a puff of errant smoke.

“I don’t know if you realize it, but these two paintings could be invaluable works of art.”

Detective Lancaster’s gaze flicked to the paintings. He raised an eyebrow, his lips forming a subtle line. “These... interesting pieces,” he began.

I understood his hesitation. The chaotic swirls and bold colors of one were certainly not for everyone. Yet they held a raw energy that resonated with me.

“They might not be to your taste,” I admitted, “but the Basquiat-esque one has considerable value. Beyonce gifted Jay Z a piece like that worth millions, and some of his works fetch over a hundred million at auction.” My smile widened slightly. “The other, with its minimalist lines and solitary balloon, reminds me of Banksy’s style. It speaks of hope and unity in a simple way.”

Detective Lancaster’s eyebrows shot up in surprise as I spoke. His skepticism visibly softened, replaced by a flicker of curiosity.

A low whistle escaped his lips. “Banksy, I’m familiar with. But this Basquiat, no matter the astronomical price tag, there’s something... unsettling about it. Haunting, almost.”

“That’s precisely its purpose,” I replied with a nod.

Purchase links:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTHSC2H5/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CTHSC2H5/

 

About the Author:

From the bustling courtrooms of Atlanta to the vibrant tapestry of 16th-century England, Kathleen McGillick's life and career have been a captivating blend of legal expertise, artistic passion, and a thirst for adventure.

Fueled by an undergraduate and graduate degree in nursing, Kathleen built a foundation of compassion and care. This dedication to service later led her to pursue a Juris Doctorate, allowing her to navigate the intricacies of the legal system for nearly three decades. Her courtroom experience now breathes life into the intricate details of her legal thrillers, ensuring every courtroom scene crackles with authenticity.

But Kathleen's story doesn't end there. A deep fascination with art history led her to delve into the world of renowned artists and captivating eras. Her particular passion for 16th-century British history allows her to transport readers to richly detailed historical settings, immersing them in the culture, politics, and societal nuances of the time.

Driven by an unwavering dedication to her craft, Kathleen has independently published eleven legal thrillers since 2018. Her commitment extends beyond solo creation, as she actively engages with the writing community, honing her skills through workshops and courses led by renowned authors.

And when she's not crafting captivating narratives, Kathleen embarks on international journeys, soaking in diverse cultures and experiences that further enrich her writing. This global perspective adds another layer of depth and realism to her stories, allowing readers to connect with characters and settings that transcend geographical boundaries.

Keep in touch on social media:

https://www.goodreads.com/kmcgillick

 https://www.facebook.com/KJMcGillickauthor/