The Haunting of Fraser Castle & Spirit of the Knight in Audio!

Are you a fan of audio books and adore sweet, ghostly romances? If so, check out the end of this post!

But First, let's get to the Haunting of Fraser Castle...

In the year 1575, the construction of Castle Fraser was begun. A man by the name of Michael Fraser, who was the 6th Laird of Fraser, oversaw the creation of his castle. However, it took sixty-one years before the Fraser clan deemed the castle finished. Perhaps because of the great care that went into this castle, many consider it to be one of the grandest castles in all of Aberdeenshire. And, just as in all castles, this one has quite a history.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Karora

The castle was built as the home of the Frasers of Muchalls and then later became the Frasers of Castle Fraser. This lovely structure was passed down through the ages to all the Lords’ Fraser. Afterward, it was owned by the Frasers of Inverallochy and then finally the Mackenzie family took possession. Possibly, it was in honor of this edifice that they then took the name “Mackenzie Fraser.”

Frederick Mackenzie Fraser, the last male in this direct line, died in 1897. Unfortunately, he didn’t produce an heir during his lifetime. Therefore, his widow, Theodora, unable to shoulder the financial burden alone, sold the castle in 1921. Weetman Pearson, the 1st Viscount Cowdray bought it. His family restored the castle and then turned it into a shooting lodge. In 1976 they gave it to the National Trust for Scotland.

It all sounds so normal. Yet, all castles have ghosts, don’t they?

Most certainly, or so they say.

The most famous ghost of Fraser castle is a princess who, for unknown reasons, was murdered as she slept. Not very hospitable for one who was just a guest, wouldn’t you agree? Nonetheless, one night as she lay sleeping in the upstairs Green room an assailant came in to her room and murdered her most foully.

They say the blackguard dragged her bloody body down the stairs in an attempt to cover up his hideous misdeed. He didn’t get very far as he was discovered and quickly executed. However, his crime would be forever noted by the blood stains on the stairs. You see, despite many, many attempts, the blood just couldn’t be removed. Finally, in desperation, the stains were covered by the wooden paneling which can still be seen to this day. As for the princess? Though she was gently buried, her restless spirit still lingers at Fraser castle. Many have seen her ghostly form floating silently through the hallways.

In addition to our princess, one can at times, hear ghostly piano music coming from the Hall. There is also the unsettling sound of whispers that are nowhere and everywhere. It is also said that the ghost of Lady Drummond, who died in 1874, is frequently seen on the staircase, dressed in a long black gown. Finally, if the staff is to be believed, the kitchen is also haunted. They often hear the laughter of children or their whispered songs in empty kitchen corners. 

Yep... that's what they say. Care to drop by for a visit?

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Are you still with me?

If so, I am so pleased to give some audio book lovers the opportunity to get a free copy of Spirit of the Knight, while they last (and they are going fast),  courtesy of and narrated by the phenomenal Dawson McBride! 

A Soldier's Premonition of Death...Imagined or is it Real After all?

As we have released of the audio version of Love Letters from Heaven, beautifully narrated by Sharon Cline, I thought I would share part of the inspiration behind the story with a couple of examples. Keep in mind though, I have more! Lots more...

During America’s Civil War, at the Battle of South Mountain, Maryland, Private George Miles died. The month was September, and the year was 1861. He had enlisted with Company A of the 6^th Wisconsin infantry just a few months earlier—May 10^th, 1861 to be precise. That morning he had grown unusually quiet. This was not like him at all. By nature he was a man of good cheer and joviality, a thing which boosted the spirits of all the men in his company. When they asked him for the reason of his melancholy, he simply said, “You fellows would be quiet too, if you knew you would be killed tonight.”

Though the men laughed, they must’ve taken him seriously, for later that afternoon, when an unexpected battle presented itself, the men asked the Captain to give him a duty elsewhere. The Captain, having a fondness for the private as well, complied. However, George would have none of it. “I came here to do my duty and although I know I shall be killed I shall go in,” he said.

Alongside his comrades George proceeded to climb the mountain. Fighting was intense. About half-way up, he was struck by a bullet. Just as he said, the bullet took his life.

Cover Reveal... Love Letters from Heaven

Exactly seventy-three years, two months and eleven days ago, on the shores of Normandy, an Invasion known as Operation Overlord took place. We know that day better as D-Day...

On that day, countless soldiers lost their lives. Many of these heroes are buried in the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.

Photo taken by  Bjarki Sigursveinsson 2003

Among them, is William Malloy Griffin, the fictional hero of "Love Letters from Heaven," my newest novel, soon to be published by the Wild Rose Press!

As Always, Debbie Taylor did an AWESOME job of creating the cover. Thank you so very much Debbie!

Blurb:

The Things of Nightmares...Real or imagined?

Speaking of things that are not quite right... (See Carnival attractions via Red Rock Theater)

Did you ever pick up an item at an antique shop, flea market, or even in grandma's attic or basement and feel like you've suddenly trespassed where you are not welcome?  Somehow the otherwise innocent object feels all wrong. Perhaps it emanates a weird vibe or makes your skin crawl. I think we all know about Chucky (a movie I have never watched and never will--thank you ever so much) but what about things other than the plentiful stories of sinister dolls? Do you think these things only live in the minds of those who write horror fiction?

Did you know that on eBay there are numerous sites dedicated to possessed objects?  Pictures, jewelry, of course a doll or two can also be found.  Hmm... There is a story of a Dibbuk Box sold on eBay and based upon Jewish folklore.  A bibbuk box is a wine cabinet that is haunted by a restless evil spirit. They say it is responsible for haunting or even possession of the living. "Hog wash," you say? Maybe.

We also have the story of the Myrtle Plantation. Most everyone knows about the servant girl named Chloe who had a liaison with the master of the manor. She feared she would be removed from the house after he grew tired of her, so she began to poison Sara (his wife) and their kids. She intended, she said, to nurse them back to health and thus in gratitude, would forever be a prized member of the household. Unfortunately it didn't work out that way. She accidently killed them instead. Chloe, they say, has never left the mansion.

The old Red Rock Theaters - Something wicked this way comes...

Have you entered a building and something about it just doesn't seem quite right?  You can’t put a finger on it, or even define it exactly, but everything is just kind of "off."  Like...maybe...just maybe you’re being watched by something who's notice you'd rather escape?  Years ago in Las Vegas, Nevada such a place once existed, but it wasn't always so. Red Rock 11 Theaters--located in what is now, west central Las Vegas--was only a couple of blocks from the home in which I spent all of my teenage years. My family and friends watched a ton of movies there without fuss or incident...  

But then...

Haunted Mammoth Caves...

I feel like it's been forever since I've written a blog and I have truly missed it. There are a million and one reasons for that, mostly life and the people who are most important in it... like my family. If I waxed poetic over the events of the past several months that kept me away from writing, I'd need a book, not a blog. Anyway, enough of that. Suffice it to say I'm back (hopefully)!

So without further ado...

Have you ever been inside a dank, dark, dusty, cave or mine?  If you haven't, let me be the first one to tell you that it's really, really dark in there. In fact, the darkness is total. If that doesn't put a shiver down your spine, know that caves are also full of sounds as well. There are echoes along with spooky and unexplained noises. Whispers are not uncommon. You feel the walls closing in around you, and not everything is “comfortably” right.

Cave south Australia: by Andrew McMillan

Whittington Inn and the Ghosts That Dwell Therein...

In the South Staffordshire District of Staffordshire, England, is a very lovely village known as Kinver. Within this village one can find The Whittington Inn. According to some, this old manor house was built in 1310 by Sir William De Whittington, knight at arms. Believe it or not, according to the genealogy charts, Sir William is a many times great grandfather of my husband. More than likely, okay very likely, this is why I chose to share the ghostly goings on at Whittington Inn... Well, that and the fact that my novel, Bound by Oath and Honour, now in Audio, begins in Staffordshire.

Whittington Inn, Photograph by Peter Broster

Anyway, as you might expect, the inn boasts a rich history. I'll give you just a few examples.

Deep in Romania, the Spooky Forest of Hoia-Baciu

For all of those who have asked and asked (thank you so very much, you don't know how happy that makes me...) Bound by Oath and Honour, is now available in paperback, audio (narrated by the amazing Andrew McDermott) and ebook format, all published by The Wild Rose Press!

Beautiful Cover by Debbie Taylor!

And so it is with great pleasure I bring you the world's most haunted forest...or so they claim. And why not? In Bound by Oath and Honour, quite a bit happens inside a creepy forest in Romania.

Okay... here we go.

Very near the city of Cluj-Napoca, you'll find--if you choose--the Hoia-Baciu Forest. Now this particular forest is often referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of Romania. Over the passing decades, many people who have visited the woodland have reported some really bizarre paranormal activity and unexplained events.

Creepy, Crawly, Rustling, Bustling by Theodor Kittlesen

Like what you ask?

Dragsholm Castle and the Ghosts Who Chose to Stay...

Near Copenhagen, on the islet by the draugh (or small stretch of land), proudly stands the Castle known as Dragsholm. Peder Sunesen, the Bishop of Roskilde erected the original fortress during the 12th century, but the imposing structure has changed many times since its first medieval design. 

Dragsholm Castle in Winter, by Niels Elgaard Larsen

As one might imagine, over the centuries, the castle served as a home to a variety of noblemen and kings. Then from the 14^th to the 15^th century, Dragsholm became a prison to men of no small reputation, such as the last Catholic Bishop in Roskilde. Joachim Rønnow, a former owner, was imprisoned within her walls. So was the 4th Earl of Bothwell, the third husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. We also have Ejler Brockenhuus, deemed a raving lunatic…but was he really?

The castle now serves as a hotel, and if you’re thinking of booking a reservation any time soon, you might prepare yourself for encountering a few things from the past during your stay. No, I’m not talking about the antiques. I’m talking about those who call Dragsholm Castle home and have called it home for centuries.

The Haunting Ruins of Pennard Castle...

Half buried in windblown sand along the Gower Peninsula in South Wales, is what's left of the once majestic, Pennard Castle.

By Eiona R

Commissioned by Henry de Beaumont, the first Earl of Warwick in the twelth century, the castle has slowly been consumed by time and sand after its abandonment right around the turn of the fifteenth century. Now all that's left is the gatehouse, the curtain wall, and the remains of the Norman Hall - oh - and the ghosts, of course.

They say that the Gwrach y Rhibyn (The scary banshee creature of Wales) haunts the area. Stories handed down through the centuries tell us that anyone daft enough to spend the night inside the castle, won't live to see the dawn! We also have tales of a ghostly woman, consumed by sorrow, who walks the grounds on moonless nights. Some say that despair caused her to walk into a nearby lake from which she never emerged--at least not in mortality. No one is quite sure who she is, or what caused her sorrow.

Personal Photo of Three Cliffs Bay near Pennard Castle

The Phantoms of Powis Castle...

Since many of the scenes in "Court of the Hawk" take place in an ancient castle, I thought I'd share some of the ghostly goings on inside the castle known as Powis.

Now, on a rocky promontory in Welshpool, Wales, Powis Castle has proudly stood for centuries. This magnificent fortress served a dynasty of Welsh princes and as one might expect, a host of residents died within its boundaries. Some have remained.

When it comes to the spirits of Powis, we have a little something for everyone!  There are shy spirits who lurk about the Dukes room and the ballroom wing. We also have accounts of a lady dressed in black. For whatever the reason, she sits in a chair facing the fireplace in the Duke’s Room. No one knows quite who she is though. Is she sad? Or just bored?

Would you like to actually feel a ghost if not see one? Over the years, some have reported physical contact by an otherworldly presence. They say they can feel a hand brushing their arm and when they turn to look, no one is there. At least, no one living.

Many hear the piano in the ballroom wing played by unseen hands, and some have even seen the stool moving when the room is empty of mortals. Loud knocking on doors and windows after the castle is locked up tight is a common occurrence as well.

The Ghosts and Lost Treasure of Castle Coch...

I haven't written about a haunted castle lately and I've missed it! Since we're solidly into our Court of the Hawk book tour & Giveaway, I thought I'd tell you about a beautiful, fairytale Castle in Tongwynlais, Cardiff, Wales, known as Castle Coch.

Engraving titled "CASTELL COCH, ON THE TAFF." circa 1874

Now Castle Coch (or the Red Castle so named for the red sandstone used in its creation) had its origins way back in the year 1081 when the Normans built it to protect Cardiff after they conquered and took possession of the town. As fortunes come and go, they deserted the castle shortly thereafter and a century or two later, Gilbert de Clare used the earth motte left behind, and erected a stone fortress somewhere around 1275, give or take a couple of years in either direction. Then, early during the fourteenth century, the castle was destroyed during the Welsh rebellion. The Marquesses of Bute were then given the castle as part of a marriage contract in 1760. 

Suffice it to say, the castle changed hands many more times during its history and is now in the custody of the Welsh heritage agency.

Now for the fun stuff:

Some Guests Have Never Left The Goldfield Hotel in Goldfield, Nevada...

I've been wanting to do another post on Ghost Towns for a while now, and decided I'd go ahead and do it today. However, this one will focus more on "the" hotel, rather than "the" town... So here we go.

About halfway between Las Vegas and Reno, lies the teeny, tiny little town of Goldfield, Nevada or what's left of it anyway. As one might deduce from its name, gold was discovered in the area in 1902. By 1904, a bevy of miners produced 800 tons of ore worth over two million dollars. News traveled fast and in no time at all, Goldfield became the largest town in the state.

Miner's pack animals in front of mining supply stores, Goldfield, Nevada, ca.1900

Prominent men arrived with bag and baggage. Among the notable, we find Wyatt and Virgil Earp. By January of 1905, Virgil wore the badge of a deputy sheriff. Sadly, however, he came down with pneumonia a few months later and after a six month illness, he died. A heartbroken Wyatt left town shortly thereafter. However, neither of these men having anything to do with the hotel... just history.

The Three Ghosts of Christmas...

A Christmas Carol, written by Charles Dickens and published in 1843 is one of my favorite Christmas stories. As part of our family Christmas traditions, we either read it, or watch one of the many movie versions we own based on the story. The kids love Disney's version starring Mickey Mouse and I think I'm kind of partial to the one starring George C. Scott... (We also like Scrooged...ahem)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. London: Chapman & Hall, 1843. First edition. Title page.

Anyway, I',m sure it doesn't surprise anyone who knows me, or reads my blogs or books that the Three Ghosts of Christmas fascinates me. We have the ghost of Christmas Past, which takes Scrooge on a journey filled with Christmas memories. The ghost of Christmas Present that forces dear old Scrooge to see firsthand the holiday celebrations of those way less fortunate and, finally, we have the ghost of Christmas Future...a future that might be but doesn't have to be. During my childhood, all the ghosts scared the Dickens right out of me (sorry, couldn't resist) because the thought of one of them showing up in the middle of the night by my bed seemed anything but pleasant.

Tillamook Lighthouse and the Ghosts that Haunt it...

Now, because of my recent release, Heart of the Storm my thoughts have once again, turned to haunted lighthouses!

Department of the Treasury. U.S. Coast Guard. Thirteenth Coast Guard District. (ca. 1944 - 04/01/1967)

More specifically, The Tillamook Rock Lighthouse, off the coast of Oregon. They built this lighthouse on the top of a jagged rock that, according to the native indians in the area... is inhabited by spirits. Despite the legend, on January 21, 1881, the lighthouse entered service. The terrible weather conditions plaguing the waters gave rise to her nickname, "Terrible Tilly."

A Personal Ghost Story...

The last day of October has arrived, and so has Halloween! And, I just couldn't let the day pass without leaving you all something spooky. After all, it is the time for pumpkins carved with eerie faces, witches, vampires, goblins and ghosts...

Photograph By Anthony

During my "Spirit of the Knight" book tour, I shared a personal ghost story at the request of my lovely hostess (You can read it here: Brooke Blog's) and since that time, some of you have asked me for another. Now do be aware, I really don't have that many. I mean, it's not like I run into ghosts on a regular basis. 

However...

On a dark and stormy night...no, no, that's not right...

The Ghosts of Gwydir....

Well, it's October and almost Halloween, so I just can't let the month go without a single mention of ghosts. Because "Court of the Hawk" takes place almost exclusively in Wales, I decided to, well, talk about Wales!

Gwydir Castle by Jo Turner

Nestled in the lovely valley of Llanrwst, Conwy, Wales, sits the enchanting Tudor courtyard house known as Gwydir Castle.

Just a bit of History:

In the 14th century, a man by the name of Hywel Coetmore is said to have possessed the original Gwydir structure, which was subsequently destroyed during the Wars of the Roses. Then, one of Hywel's decendents later sold the place to Meredith ap Ieuan, a decendent of Owain Gwynedd. According to history, somewhere around the year 1500, Meredith rebuilt Gwydir.

In turn, Meredith's son, John Wynn ap Meredith is responsible for increasing the size of the castle beyond its rectangular keep-like Solar Tower and the adjoining hall block. During the 17th century, a knight by the name of Sir John Wynn, doubled the size of the courtyard mansion. In 1816, most all of his contributions were destroyed, but fortunately, we still have the lovely porch that Sir John added to the front of the Solar Tower.

All right then - The Ghosts:

Lost Spirits of the Battlefield...

On this final day of our "Spirit of the Knight" Book Tour and Giveaway, I want everyone to know how much fun I've had while visiting the various blogs. My hostesses have been so sweet, they have asked me some interesting questions, and they made me feel welcome. So many friends--those I've had for quite a while as well as some new ones--dropped by and said hello. Thank you all for your support and all of your sweet comments! I am really excited to see just who it is that wins our prizes, including the beautiful print, "Prayer For The Fallen," by the very, very talented artist, Shandra Kay!



My very last stop takes me to Brooke Blogs where I share one of my very own, personal ghost encounters! I hope that one more time, you'll take a few minutes, stop by and say hello... (not to mention doing so will give you one more chance to win!)


Now, for those who read "Angels of Mons," penned by my beloved husband, I thought I'd present the following...

The Battle of Braddock Down...

Here, on the 19^th day of January, in the year 1643, the Royalist forces under Sir Ralph Hopton engaged the Parliamentarian army in battle. Hopton's forces prevailed. Even though 350 plus years have passed since that infamous day, they say the sound of galloping hooves made by phantom horses can still be heard racing across the battlefield.

The Battle of Hastings...

The Angels of Mons...

I have a very special guest blogger today. Among other things, he is an avid reader and history enthusiast! If I have a historical question, especially concerning battles and warfare throughout the ages, he is the first person I seek. Much of what you read in my various novels concerning the same comes from his vast knowledge, guidance and influence. In case you haven't guessed, my guest today is none other than my beloved husband, David Peterson! (And just to let you know, he's far more skeptical about otherworldly phenomenon than what I am...must come from the three decades he spent as a police officer. Just the facts, ma'am, just the facts.)

An Unusual Compliment To One of Our Airmen- 1915  Art.IWM ART 180

August, 1914, before the trenches, Mons  France.  The  heavily outnumbered British Expeditionary Force experienced its first defeat at the hands of the German Army.  Outnumbered and out flanked the British retreated. That they held out as long as they did could be counted a miracle.

Spirit of the Knight Character Interview, Part Two...

My "Spirit of the Knight" Book Tour Stop, as we enter the month of August, takes me to Writers and Authors.  I hope you'll take a minute, stop by, and share your thoughts!

Next week, August 11th, I'll be stopping at Queen of All She Reads!

Beautiful Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands

Warning! Just as in our previous interview, there are some spoilers ahead, so don't read the answer if you don't want to know!

With more questions still on the table, we continue with our Spirit of the Knight character Interview.  Since we began our questions last week with Sir Cailen, I think it only fitting we begin this session with Mariah.

Mariah smiles. "All right, I'm ready!"