Finding mystery between Anglesea and Paris: inside Kirsty Manning’s glamorous new whodunnit

WHEN deadlines loom, bestselling historical fiction author Kirsty Manning heads to Anglesea.

The coastal town has long been a creative retreat for Manning, offering space to think, write and step away from the demands of everyday life.

That balance of work and escape has accompanied the writing of her latest novel, Murder in Paris, a mystery set amid the grand estates, luxury yachts and haute couture of early 20th-century high society.

A lifelong mystery reader, Manning grew up devouring everything from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie and Lee Child.

For Murder in Paris, she wanted to capture the glamour and intrigue that first drew her to the genre.

“I was smitten by the glamorous settings of grand estates, luxury yachts, haute couture and fine jewellery,” Manning said.

“Given I adore Paris and have set many books there, it was obvious Paris needed to take centre stage.”

Even while plotting her mysteries, Manning prefers not to know exactly where the story will end.

“With twists and turning points, often the ending isn’t clear for me until I’m close to the end,” she said.

 

“I figure if I’m still pulled in a couple of directions, the reader will be too.”

Manning said she wanted the novel to be an entertaining escape for readers.

“I’m at a time in my life that I want to feel joy and delight,” she said. “I’m guessing my readers will enjoy similar fun distractions.

“It’s a puzzle that is very satisfying to solve. So much in real life remains a mystery. Not in a mystery book though – all is revealed.”

While the story unfolds in Paris, Anglesea remains one of the places where Manning returns when she needs to focus.

Her family has holidayed in Anglesea since her children were young and she still spends time there both writing and recharging.

“I write [in Anglesea] when I’m on deadline,” Manning said. “Otherwise, I use the place to recharge with family and friends. I occasionally bring other friends down to write.”

Manning’s favourite local spots include Point Roadknight, where she often swims, and the walk along the back beach to Urquharts Bluff.

 

Staying active outdoors, she said, is essential when writing is such a sedentary pursuit.

“The fresh air and sea and long walks certainly keep me grounded and healthy,” she said. “Movement is key for a writer who spends large swathes of time immobile.

“The sea is restorative. I miss it when I’m in the city or away.”

Writing has rarely happened in perfect conditions. Over the years, Manning has worked around family commitments, writing wherever she could find the time.

“I wrote beside basketball courts, swimming pools, ice rinks, in the car,” she said. “If you really want to write, you get it done. It’s not contingent on the space.”

For aspiring authors, her advice is simple.

“Keep writing,” Manning said.

“It’s easy to start a novel, very difficult to finish. It takes perseverance and discipline, as well as a pinch of inspiration.”