Hello!
Chapter Two of Bodies at Brunch is officially up and running… well, someone’s running. Maybe the murderer. HAHA.
Okay, okay, I know that joke was bad. Solidly in the territory of “is your refrigerator running?” But hey, if you’re here for cozy mysteries, you’ve already proven you can appreciate a little cheese with your crime.
So settle in because today I’m not just talking about the book. I’m taking you somewhere that lives rent-free in my heart. 🧡
🗺️ A Little Backstory: How London Stole My Heart
About 10 years, 8 months, and 2 days ago (who’s counting?) I embarked on my very first transatlantic voyage.
I had always wanted to go to Europe. And before you ask: yes, this was back when England was still part of the EU, so it absolutely counted. An opportunity came up that I simply couldn’t refuse. It was short notice, expensive, and required a surprising amount of life rearranging. But for six glorious weeks in London and surrounding countryside?
Worth. Every. Penny.
The Beginning (A Disaster, Honestly)
Let me be real with you, things did not start out magically.
I landed and immediately discovered that yes, they were speaking English, and no, I could not understand a single word. My very first day in the flat, I accidentally broke the toilet seat. And I’m fairly certain I have never been so exhausted in my entire life… until last year’s trip to Spain, but that’s a story for another newsletter.
Not exactly the cinematic arrival I had imagined.
And Then… the Magic
But somewhere between hour three and the next forty two days, London cracked itself open and showed me what it was made of.
Surprise parks and cannels tucked behind busy streets.
Stunning churches appearing around almost every corner like they were showing off. Evensong at St. Paul’s Cathedral — with what I can only describe as a casual scattering of actual members of the royal family in attendance, as if that were completely normal.
The buskers. The architecture. The history. And the food. Don’t let anyone tell you British food isn’t worth raving about. Forget fish and chips, if you haven’t tried doughnuts at Borrow Market I’m not talking to you about it.
My Favorite Place in All of London
If I could go back to just one spot it would be Portobello Market without a single hesitation.
I am an absolute sucker for it. And not just because of Notting Hill, though let’s be honest Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant? Come on. 🎬
The bottom line is the London I fell head over heels in love with still has my heart in a way that maybe only your first life-changing trip ever can. There’s something about that city that got into my bones and honestly, as we sink deeper into Bodies at Brunch I hope you can feel it. Even if the brunch in question is considerably more deadly than anything I encountered on Portobello Road.
…Probably.
That’s all for this week! Thank you for being here, for reading, and for tolerating my silly jokes. 😄
Until next time!
XOXO – Lindsay
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Originally sent to the Comfort Crime newsletter.