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! 

Heart of the Storm, Where Past Meets Present...

Myths and legends can draw me in faster than almost anything else. They always have. So do the mysteries that have no irrefutable answer. The thing is—the imagination can take you so many places as it forms its own possibilities, its own answers to the world’s legends and mysteries. And in this wondrous place, my novels are born.

In "Heart of the Storm," published by The Wild Rose Press, I took on the mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle. Over the years, I have watched many documentaries concerning this oceanic area between Florida, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda (although the area varies by author). I have read books and several recorded testimonies. Many of those accounts share common events: A sudden unusual storm; bizarre cloud formations; flashes of light; loss of visible horizon, and malfunction of navigational equipment to name a few.

Throughout it all there were things I wanted to know.

Like:

What happened to all the ships and planes that disappeared without a trace? Why didn’t anyone ever find a piece of wreckage? And what about that abandoned schooner the Ellen Austin encountered in 1881. The captain ordered a skeleton crew to man the deserted ship. Although they sailed alongside each other, a sudden but brief storm separated them. No one ever saw the schooner or her crew again. Where could they have gone in such a short amount of time? What about all of the other ships, planes, and missing crews that have been lost to history?

Hence, Heart of the Storm, a sweet paranormal/fantasy romance was born:

Blurb:

New Release, Cusp of Night, and the Birth of the Spiritualist Movement By Mae Clair

I am so excited to have talented author Mae Clair return as we celebrate the release of her fabulous new novel, which, by the way, I absolutely loved! (See my review here). She is about to share some of her inspiration behind the story. I'm sure it will intrigue you every bit as much as it did me! 

Welcome Mae!

Thanks for having me as your guest today, Debbie!  I’m excited to be able to share my new mystery/suspense novel, Cusp of Night. The story features two timelines—one in the present and one in the past. For the past timeline, I delved into the era of Spiritualism, a religion/pseudo-science that experienced its birth in the mid-1800's. Founded on the principle that life existed after death, and that the dead could communicate with the living, most consider the Fox Sisters responsible for setting Spiritualism in motion.

In 1848, John Fox, his wife, and two daughters—Margaret and Kate—moved to a cottage in Hydesville, New York, temporary lodging while their house was being built nearby. Previously owned by a family named Bell, locals referred to the cottage as the “spook house.” A peddler, rumored to have had an affair with Mrs. Bell, vanished after visiting and was never seen again.

Within days of arriving, unexplained noises began to plague the Fox family. Rattling sounds, tappings, and loud bangs were heard each night. John thought nothing of it at first, but the incidents increased in frequency. His wife and daughters were so disturbed, he took to making nightly rounds, searching for the source of the mysterious noises.

After a time, Kate realized that whenever her father knocked on a wall or a doorframe, the same number of knocks would come in reply as if something was trying to communicate. She and her sister named this unseen entity Mr. Splitfoot. In no time they were communicating through an intricate series of knocks.

Cusp of Night by Mae Clair 

Release Date: June 12, 2018

Mystery... Thriller & Suspense... Paranormal

As you can see, my sweet friend Mae Clair has a new book coming soon and I am excited to share the news! I have already pre-ordered this book and I am sure that after you read the blurb, you'll want to do the same!

BLURB: Recently settled in Hode’s Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town’s folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town’s most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend. Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya’s house—a woman whose ghost may still linger. Known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend’s tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland’s son Collin. But the closer she gets to unearthing the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .

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:

Friday the 13th in Full Moon Phase...

So, it's Friday the 13^th and we are in Full Moon phase...

Public Domain Photograph

If there is any connection between a full moon and the date, we should be entertained as the day wears on.  I mean really, if there's going to be a zombie apocalypse, what better day to start one than right now?

Of course, our esteemed scientists will tell you there's no correlation between the weird and frantic during a full moon. However, my husband mentioned on more than one occasion--while working graveyard patrol at the police department--the presence of a full moon seemed far more chaotic and people behaved in a more irrational manner than on any other day of the lunar month. Hospitals can fall victim to the bizarre as well.

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

Awaken from Death...Born from Death book 2 by M.S. Kaye!

I am really happy to share with all of you, M.S.Kaye's newest release, Awaken From Death!

Will they discover the truth of their ancient connection before it destroys them both?

Ilona continues to struggle with loss, as well as trying to find where she fits in with other people, if she ever really will. She starts taking dangerous risks.

Archer is desperate to protect Illona and discovers more about himself in the progress. When Ilona is in danger of being mauled by a dog, he desperately tries something that shouldn’t be possible. And yet he succeeds.

This is just the beginning of his discovery of who—what—he truly is.

Starr Fall Cover Reveal!

I am happy to take part in the Cover Reveal for Starr Fall, Book One, a Young Adult Romance Series by my Inkspell Sister, Kim Briggs. Published by Inkspell Publishing, this book will release on November 4, 2016.

Starr Fall 

Book One of the Starr Fall Series 

By Kim Briggs 

Release date: November 4, 2016 

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing 

ISBN: 978-1-939590-94-7

Hell Hath No Fury by Tamela Miles!

I am so excited to take part in the cover reveal for Hell Hath No Fury, Tamela Miles' upcoming release! Isn't it gorgeous?  Let her know what you think! 

Coming soon in 2016!

Tamela MIles' Words of Wisdom:

Uh-oh. It's happened again, hasn't it? In fact, this is the third time this week that you can't type out a single word of your glorious WIP, in fear because it feels like you're writing crap that no one will ever read and enjoy. Fear not - you're not alone. Many of us authors are, by far, our own worst critics. My first bit of acquired wisdom is to not let fear cripple you to the point you're tempted to get up from your PC and escape into a good movie. No. Don't make that mistake. Keep your bottom in that chair and keep going. What reads like crap now just needs a little tweaking during revision. Another bit of acquired wisdom is this: Let it go sometimes, for the moment. Forget your current WIP and focus on another writing project. Shift gears to that other piece of work and lose yourself in it. One WIP often inspires another. Writing two or more WIP concurrently doesn't work for everybody but if you have the spirit of a multitasker, give it a try. Imagine your joy when you complete both projects a whole lot sooner!

Strong As Death, by M.S. Kaye...

I am happy to welcome M.S. Kaye to my blog today as she tells us a little bit about her new release, the first of her dark paranormal, young adult series published by Inkspell Publishing!

Strong as Death

Born from Death book one

by M.S. Kaye

Ilona discovers what it means to have a mother who is a modern woman and a father who is a 19th-century gentleman ghost.

The Ghost Ship Joyita...

Every now and then I have the pleasure of inviting a guest--who loves the paranormal as much as I do--to contribute a post. Today is one of those days. I am excited to welcome Summer Siquian, who will tell us a little bit about the Pacific ghost ship known as Joyita! 

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There is a great deal of mystery surrounding Joyita, a missing ship found partially afloat and void of any crew members. In time she became known as the Pacific’s ghost ship.

Who Inspired Me to Write? Not Who You Might Think...

Normally we deal with the paranormal around here, especially during a book tour. However, every now and again, I'll venture off on something else.

Today is one of those days.

One of the questions I'm often asked during interviews is: What author or authors inspired you to write? My answer is always the same. The person who must take the credit, or the blame -- according to your perspective -- is not an author. He is my beloved husband. He encouraged--and gave me the courage--to write down my stories and submit them for publication. When I finally received my first contract, no one celebrated my success more than he did—and that's when it started!

What, you might ask, am I talking about? I'm talking about the thoughtful, special little gifts I received in commemoration of each book I wrote and published.  

Cover Reveal for Dark Deliverance by Tamela Miles

I'm happy to participate in the Cover Reveal for Tamela Miles' upcoming release! Isn't it gorgeous? Drop Tamela a line and let her know what you think!

Blurb:

Elle Connor's life is as grim as she had always feared. Years of demon slaying have left her with nothing to show for her trouble. She's convinced a "normal" life was never meant for her. 
Patrick Holt wants nothing more than to be away from the holy wars and has lived quietly for years as an average human. The trouble is that he's anything but average--he's a fallen hybrid angel. 

When Tagas the guardian angel pairs them up to investigate the brutal slayings of young women in Los Angeles, Elle wants nothing to do with Patrick. As Elle and Patrick begin to understand each other, irritation is forgotten and fiery passion ignites between them. "No ties" is how they both live, but Elle soon begins to long for much more. As they become sucked deeper into the mysterious killings, Elle fears that, in this battle, Hell will win.

Author Info:

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.

Joe Cosentino talks China Doll, his fourth Jana Lane Mystery...

Award-winning bestselling author Joe Cosentino did an author interview with us for the release of PORCELAIN DOLL, the second Jana Lane mystery, published by The Wild Rose Press. He interviewed his sexy young congressman character, Sancho Ramirez, for the release of SATIN DOLL, the third Jana Lane mystery. Joe is back with us today interviewing his heroine Jana Lane for the release of CHINA DOLL, the fourth Jana Lane mystery.

Joe: Hi Jana. It’s funny to interview you since I know you so well.

Jana: Nobody knows me like you do.

Joe: Jana, you were America’s most famous child star with movies like Daddy’s Girl, Jungle Girl, School Spy, The Littlest Farmer, The Cowgirl and Bandit, Girl Detective, Pink Ballerina, The Cutest Scientist, and many more. Then at middle age, you made a film comeback in the steamy His Obsession and Madame Senator—for which you won a well-deserved Academy Award! You are still gorgeous at forty-one with your petite figure, layered blonde hair, crystal blue eyes, and porcelain skin. Do you have a beauty regime?

The Ghosts of Tutbury Castle

Since Bound by Oath and Honour begins in a creepy (inspired by Cannock Chase) forest in beautiful county Staffordshire, I thought it appropriate to write a little something paranormal in Tutbury...like the castle for instance.

Photograph of Tutbury Castle by Dave Harris

For a time, the great de Ferrers family called this castle home. Later it became a center for some very powerful earls and dukes, such as the great John of Gaunt, 2nd Duke of Lancaster. 

What? You don’t recognize the name? Well somewhere along the way you might have heard of his son, King Henry IV; his grandson, King Henry V; and his great grandson, King Henry VI.

Ahem... moving right along...