The Reader by Charles Baugniet, n.d.
I’m excited to announce that I’ve signed on to write another three Victorian romances with my publisher Berkley/Penguin Random House!! I’ve been fizzing about this deal for the past weeks, dying to tell you all. Now the official announcement has been released in Publishers Marketplace, I can finally share the news!
As reported above, the first novel will be Book #4 in my Belles of London series, The Muse of Maiden Lane. This is Stella Hobhouse’s story and her hero is none other than Teddy Hayes from my Parish Orphans of Devon series! The Muse of Maiden Lane will be out in fall 2024.
The next two books are the start of a thrilling new Victorian series: The Crinoline Academy! Here’s a brief description:
A group of resourceful orphan girls are adopted and educated by a wealthy (and exceedingly eccentric) Victorian spinster. Her purpose: to use the skills of her talented charges to distract, disrupt, and discredit those men in power who would seek to harm the advancement of women. Once of age, the young ladies are sent out into the world. But their own desires are often at odds with the loyalty they have to their benefactress.
I describe The Crinoline Academy as Great Expectations meets the Umbrella Academy, with a dash of Charlie’s Angels. The first book will be out in early 2025. I’m absolutely giddy with anticipation!
My family toasted the good news with champagne and this gorgeous chocolate cake from my favorite bakery. September is my birthday month, so I’m counting this book deal—and this lovely celebration—as an early birthday present!
Many thanks to my brilliant agent Kevan Lyon, my wonderful editor Sarah Blumenstock, and the fab team at Berkley for making this dream deal happen. And thank you to all of you for reading and sharing the love for my books. Without your continued support, none of this would be possible. I’m endlessly grateful to each and every one of you.
About Mimi Matthews
USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Kirkus, and Shelf Awareness, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.
