As I get more and more used to the cover of "The Woman in the Water" (available February 2018!) I think it's better and better...if you're curious for a glimpse at how it was designed, read on below!



Here's David Rotstein, the designer:

"The previous Charles Lenox covers have a similar look from book to book; however, The Woman in the Water presented something unique — it was a prequel, going back in time to tell the story of a young Charles Lenox's first case. Giving this cover a very different feel from the previous books is a great way to signal to readers immediately that this book is something different.

The painting featured on the cover is Reflections On The Thames, Westminster by John Atkinson Grimshaw. Grimshaw was particularly known for his city night-scenes, and this painting seemed to capture the mood and tone that we wanted to convey — and the image works so well with the title. I like to imagine that the scene is before the first body is discovered, and that the person leaning over the edge has no idea that secrets lie hidden beneath the surface."

And here's the Grimshaw painting:



Now, MY little addition to the story...when they asked how I envisioned the cover for "A Beautiful Blue Death" in 2006, believe it or not *THIS IS THE PAINTING I SENT THEM*!!!!

They ignored that idea (sensibly) but eleven years later, I got my way by total chance. I guess patience is a virtue :)