AnyaKimlin
Confuddled
A synopsis for YA Murder Mystery set in the Edwardian Era. (I know it isn't Fantasy but I asked if I could as there is no other forum I trust quite so much with my synopsis). This is the first draft so I know it is a disaster:
Dirty Old Town
Sandwiched between the great estates of Sir Patrick Garrett and Countess Morteford, the small market town of Morteford is, on the surface, the very model of Edwardian prosperity and propriety.
Society girl, Cece Garrett does not want to adorn the arm of an ancient fat Earl who has fallen for her father's money. She wants be a barrister which is a path not open for an Englishwoman in 1912. Determined to change the world and achieve her goal without the help of her father's fortune, she joins the suffragette cause. Despite her determination she is scared by the idea of being tortured in prison and she allows her father to rescue her each time she is arrested.
Both the town's jeweller and one of Cece's closest friends are murdered during a day of suffragette direct action. Cece's older brother becomes the prime suspect. Despite his boorish behaviour towards her, Cece is the only one convinced of his innocence. In order to save him from the gallows she sets out on an investigation that plunges her into the dangerous and murky world of Edwardian porn.
Once she discovers the secret hideout of the porn ring, Cece herself becomes their main target and she must rely on her wits to stay one step ahead of them until she has the evidence she needs to save her brother's neck. Her big break comes when she offends her father once too often and he busts her down to the position of scullery maid. She meets a young maid who manages to find time round her sixteen hour days to moonlight as a model for photographer, Tobias London. Through Bette she meets other women who have been photographed, raped and abused. Each one gives Cece a clue as to the identity and whereabouts of the murderers.
Cece forces a confession from her friend's father, the social climbing, Mr Wolfe. The jeweller had recognised Mr Wolfe's distinctive ring in a dirty photograph. Desperate to keep his secret from his wealthy and pious wife, Mr Wolfe hired Tobias London to murder the hapless jeweller. Mr Wolfe's daughter witnessed the crime and was in turn murdered to prevent her informing the police.
It is her word against that of two respectable men, so on a quest for more information Cece follows a lead to an abandoned house. She learns of the London family history and the beginning of the porn ring before finding herself trapped in a room with the mummies of Tobias's parents. She is rescued and tells her story to the police. Her brother is released.
A week later Cece ignores her father's wishes and goes on another suffragette demonstration. This time she is a much more active participant in the violence and when she is arrested she refuses to let Sir Patrick rescue her. She has a greater strength and desire to stand up for what she believes in.
Dirty Old Town
Sandwiched between the great estates of Sir Patrick Garrett and Countess Morteford, the small market town of Morteford is, on the surface, the very model of Edwardian prosperity and propriety.
Society girl, Cece Garrett does not want to adorn the arm of an ancient fat Earl who has fallen for her father's money. She wants be a barrister which is a path not open for an Englishwoman in 1912. Determined to change the world and achieve her goal without the help of her father's fortune, she joins the suffragette cause. Despite her determination she is scared by the idea of being tortured in prison and she allows her father to rescue her each time she is arrested.
Both the town's jeweller and one of Cece's closest friends are murdered during a day of suffragette direct action. Cece's older brother becomes the prime suspect. Despite his boorish behaviour towards her, Cece is the only one convinced of his innocence. In order to save him from the gallows she sets out on an investigation that plunges her into the dangerous and murky world of Edwardian porn.
Once she discovers the secret hideout of the porn ring, Cece herself becomes their main target and she must rely on her wits to stay one step ahead of them until she has the evidence she needs to save her brother's neck. Her big break comes when she offends her father once too often and he busts her down to the position of scullery maid. She meets a young maid who manages to find time round her sixteen hour days to moonlight as a model for photographer, Tobias London. Through Bette she meets other women who have been photographed, raped and abused. Each one gives Cece a clue as to the identity and whereabouts of the murderers.
Cece forces a confession from her friend's father, the social climbing, Mr Wolfe. The jeweller had recognised Mr Wolfe's distinctive ring in a dirty photograph. Desperate to keep his secret from his wealthy and pious wife, Mr Wolfe hired Tobias London to murder the hapless jeweller. Mr Wolfe's daughter witnessed the crime and was in turn murdered to prevent her informing the police.
It is her word against that of two respectable men, so on a quest for more information Cece follows a lead to an abandoned house. She learns of the London family history and the beginning of the porn ring before finding herself trapped in a room with the mummies of Tobias's parents. She is rescued and tells her story to the police. Her brother is released.
A week later Cece ignores her father's wishes and goes on another suffragette demonstration. This time she is a much more active participant in the violence and when she is arrested she refuses to let Sir Patrick rescue her. She has a greater strength and desire to stand up for what she believes in.
So take with dollops of salt.
