Striving for Perfection by Victoria Chatham

 

COMING IN SEPTEMBER 2025

Yes, Winnie Hatherall has solved the crime in this, my first cosy mystery. 

However, while hammering my way through the last chapter, I began to slow down as I realised - shock, horror - that I had a major plot hole. Once I started filling that one in, I found another and then another. I don't know how many drafts of a new novel are too many, but I am now on the home stretch. I think.

Reading through my manuscript is more than checking that my I's are dotted and my T's crossed. Have I left red herrings dangling, or have I given them a logical conclusion? Have I created a worthy sleuth, and is my villain too obvious or not obvious enough? Are my characters sufficiently fleshed out to be believable?  Is the plot strong enough? Ah, the aim for perfection.

Perfection is akin to flawlessness, and how often do we achieve that? I once had a lengthy discussion with a well-known Harlequin editor regarding instances of errors in a particular book. Considering how many pairs of eyes would have reviewed it, I was surprised by the number. Her answer was a gentle reminder that we are all human. So, where do I see perfection? Always in nature and especially in a garden.

Of all the flowers I have grown, I have enjoyed roses the best. They weren't always the easiest to cultivate, but I had this lovely deep pink rose that grew prolifically in my garden at Ivy Cottage. Another rose that grew well there was a vivid yellow cabbage rose that rambled over my garage like a weed and frequently bloomed right up until Christmas. 

 

  

It doesn't matter where I go, gardens are a delight to wander through. This year, I again visited Victoria, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and although I had missed the cherry blossom, I was in time for the blaze of rhododendrons. These were so prolific in a range of colours from scarlet to various shades of pink, and this lovely shade of lilac. Originating from eastern Asia, particularly the Himalayan region, rhododendrons have thrived in other parts of the world.

One of my favourite gardens to visit is the Botanical Gardens, just south of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. The garden spans over seventy-nine acres, comprising some manicured and precise flower beds, as well as winding trails through the jungle environment. It is also known for its orchid conservation and propagation, and this yellow orchid was only one of the many varieties on display. 

Leaving the scents, colours, and profusion of perfection behind me, I am now going to step back into the imperfect world of Winnie Hatherall, senior sleuth. Watch out for her in September!

Victoria Chatham

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NB: photographs shown here are from this author's collection.