Castles of Ireland

By Ellen Butler

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle takes place in 1950s Ireland, and was inspired by a vacation I took in 2023. The tour company called it Castles In the Mist. My husband and I spent two weeks touring and lodging at magnificent castles and manor houses dotting the lush, emerald countryside of Ireland. From majestic medieval strongholds, like my husband’s ancestral seat, Kilkenny Castle, to the ruins of crumbling tower houses perched on windswept hillsides. They are a striking reminder of Ireland’s turbulent feudal past, but for locals, they are also part of the cultural fabric of the land. One question we asked: why are so many crumbling castles still standing, and why were they never torn down?

The answer lies partly in history and partly in sentiment. Unlike other parts of Europe, where old fortifications were dismantled to make way for new building projects, in Ireland many castles were left as they were when they fell out of use. Wars, political shifts, and changing ownership often left castles abandoned rather than repurposed. Over time, the cost of demolishing the thick stone walls far outweighed the benefits. In rural communities, these ruins have become silent landmarks—reminders of a stormy monarchial past. Today, they are protected as heritage sites, that continue to attract scholars, artists, and tourists like us.

Finish reading the blog at Storey Book Reviews Blog.

1. How does the Ivy Tree Inn itself contribute to the atmosphere and mystery of the story? In what ways does the inn act as more than just a backdrop? Have you been to Newport, RI and seen any of the mansions?
2. Many characters in the novel have hidden motives. Which character’s secret or deception surprised you the most, and why?
3. Which character did you relate to most—or love watching in action—as the mystery unfolded? Did any characters remind you of someone you know?
4. How do gossip, history, and reputation shape the relationships between the characters?
5. Were the characters justified in the choices they made? Did any decision in particular make you question your own sense of right and wrong, including Ariadne’s choices?
6. Did the ending catch you off guard, or did you see it coming? And how did you feel about how everything wrapped up?
7. If you could spend a weekend at the Ivy Tree Inn (minus the drama!), would you? What’s the first thing you’d do once you arrived?

Interview questions for Ellen Butler:

What made you want to become a writer?
Growing up, I was an avid reader. Somewhere along the way, I realized entire
plotlines were unfolding in my dreams, or when I was chauffeuring my children
around town, or as I exercised at the gym. The characters and stories wouldn’t shut up in my head. I figured if I wrote it down, they’d get out of my head. Well,a dozen years later, I’ve still got stories floating around in my noggin, and I keep putting them down on paper to quiet my mind.

What is your favorite part of this book and why?
My favorite part of Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle is the setting—1958, Ireland. My husband and I spent two weeks traveling the Irish countryside and simply adored it. The people were hospitable and friendly. The landscape and scenery glorious, and the castles we visited were magnificent. Ballyford was inspired by an
overnight stay at Ballinalacken Castle Hotel. A tour to the top of the archer’s platform inspired the location of the murder at my fictional Ballyford Castle.

If you could spend time with a character from your book whom would it be? And what would you do during that day?

Finish reading the interview at Sarandipity Blog.

Interview with Ellen Butler

Thanks for taking the time to share a bit about yourself with my readers and me!

Tell us a little about yourself.

Hello! I am Ellen Butler, and I write the Ariadne Winter mysteries, and the Karina Cardinal mysteries. When I’m not writing, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, working on home decorating projects, and attending car shows. I have a passion for classic cars, especially the bright colors of the 1950s vehicles replete with fins and bulbous lights.

How long have you been writing?

Technically, I’ve been writing since elementary school, but I didn’t begin writing novels until about a dozen years ago. My first book was published in 2014, and Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle will be book number 15.

Did you always want to be an author? What made you choose the cozy mystery genre?

Finish reading the interview at Christy’s Cozy Corners

DEADLY SECRETS AT BALLYFORD CASTLE TOUR PARTICIPANTS

October 20 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

October 20 – Christa Reads and Writes -REVIEW

October 21 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

October 21 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – SPOTLIGHT

October 22 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 23 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 24 – Books1987 – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

October 25 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

October 26 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

October 27 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

October 28 – Salty Inspirations – AUTHOR GUEST POST

October 29 – Sarandipity’s – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

October 30 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

October 31 – MJB Reviewers – SPOTLIGHT

November 1 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST

November 1 – Teatime and Books – SPOTLIGHT

November 2 – Boys’ Mom Reads! – REVIEW

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Today, I am blogging over at Sand In Our Shorts and talking about 1950s fashions.

The 1950s was a decade marked by optimism, prosperity, and a return to traditional values in many parts of the Western world, particularly the United States. After the hardships of World War II, people were eager to embrace stability, comfort, and a sense of normalcy.  It was the reason I chose to place my historical mystery, Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn, in the year 1958. This cultural shift was clearly reflected in the fashions of the era—which remains iconic to this day.

Fashions of the 1950s

Since my character, Ariadne Winter, is employed at a women’s fashion magazine, I dedicated time to researching the fabrics, textures, and styles of the 1950s. Though she dreams of becoming a hard-hitting investigative journalist, her upper-middle-class New York upbringing and journalism degree make her a natural fit for Ladies’ Lifestyle Magazine—a tribute to iconic publications of the era like Ladies’ Home Journal and Look. Despite her ambitions, Ariadne never loses her sense of style. When it comes to fashion, Miss Winter is always impeccably dressed and effortlessly on point.

To  read the rest of the article head on over to the site, Sand In our Shorts.

Life in Ireland During the 1950s

By Ellen Butler

Deadly Secrets at Ballyford Castle is set in 1958 Ireland, not far from the dramatic Cliffs of Moher. The idea for the novel’s setting—and its murder—was sparked during my 2023 trip to Ireland. As part of crafting an Ariadne Winter mystery, I immersed myself in researching what life was like in Ireland during the 1950s.

The 1950s was a decade of transition for Ireland, marked by cultural tradition and a slow but steady shift toward modernity. Horse-drawn gypsy carts—often referred to as Traveller wagons or vardos—were still a familiar sight on Ireland’s rural roads. Travelling families moved from place to place, stopping at small towns to trade goods and sell handcrafted items such as tins, baskets, and ornaments. Though often remembered as a time of economic hardship and emigration, daily life in Ireland during this era was also deeply rooted in family, faith, and community. During our vacation, we found those values remain the same today.

Unfortunately, for many Irish families, the 1950s was defined by departure. Following WWII, economic stagnation and a lack of job opportunities drove thousands of young men and women to emigrate, in particular to Britain and the United States. Rural towns often felt the loss most acutely, as sons and daughters left the family farm for better prospects abroad. Letters home carried news of new lives, while monies sent back provided much-needed financial support to the family remaining on the home front.

Finish reading the article at Salty Inspirations. 

While Visiting Jody Joy’s blog, I discuss the dinner Ariadne Winter was offered her first night at Ivy Tree Inn ( Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn). Here is a short excerpt of the post. To get the recipes and read the entire post please visit the blog here:  Jody’s Bookish Haven

Dinner at Ivy Tree Inn

Vintage Menu Fair

Ink and Intrigue at Ivy Tree Inn takes place at a lovely Victorian-style home that has been converted into an updated 1958 inn. The guest house serves both breakfast and dinner to patrons. On the first night, our heroine, Ariadne Winter, is offered one of two entrée choices – SPAM Fiesta with a Peach Cup, and Yankee Pot Roast.

Introduced in 1937 by Hormel, SPAM became a staple during WWII and was still a popular dish well into the 1950s. Hormel once stated the original meaning of the name SPAM was “Shoulder of Pork and Ham.” Many witty acronyms for the canned meat have been devised over the years including, “Something Posing as Meat” and “Spare Parts Animal.” Today, the state of Hawaii has the highest per capita consumption of SPAM in the United States, bringing in sales of 7 million cans of SPAM per year.

I had the pleasure of revisiting Alex Greenwood’s “Mysterious Goings On” Podcast last week. We had a great conversation!

Visit the link to hear the full show.   Mysterious Goings On

We discussed the new book, but also my favorite holiday, Halloween. Alex and I realized we were sympatico when it comes to Halloween. After the podcast he shared photos of his front yard, that included a 12 ft. skeleton. And I have to say, I am kind of jealous. I’ve been holding off on the twelve-footer, but after seeing Alex’s decor, I may have to make the leap.  Do any of you have the twelve foot skeleton in your front yard?

Although, I don’t have a 12 foot skeleton, I do have a suit of armor in my dining room. He is named Sir Lancelot, and originally, he was supposed to just be a Halloween decoration. I have never put him in storage. Instead, I dress him up for all the holidays through out the year.