dualtimeline – Author D.L. Finn

Books That Changed Me 2025 Winter Edition! #mustread #writingcommunity #whattoread

Welcome to the final edition of Books that Changed Me 2025 Winter! I have loved sharing some of the very best books over the last seven years, but I won’t be doing this in the new year. I’m sure I’ll find another way to highlight books and will continue posting my reviews. Past books will still be available on my website if you ever need a book to read.

Here are my final books, and as many great books have recently been released, this could have easily been a much longer list. I am including their cover and blurb since you’ve already seen my review. Thank you for following along all these years.

Beyond the Fetters

By Balroop Singh

BLURB

Some babies are born with invisible fetters. They may strut about in their homes with wishes of flying high, but their wings never grow, and if they do, they are clipped by the diktats of traditions. Such stories remain within the hearts of girls, as their lips are sealed by cultural compulsions.

Earthy is one such girl, but her determination to break free could never be vanquished. She yearns to grow up again, to feel the sunshine that filters through the arms of her parents, to soak in the showers of harmony, to giggle with abandon and swirl with her dreams, but the sudden, untimely demise of her father rips her whole world apart, and the little joys of childhood vanish. From emotional deluge to resilience and detachment, she treads the paths of her life, struggling to rise above the average.

Dolly’s freedom takes her away from her family, and her choices boomerang. Imperceptible fetters follow her in the garb of love that she chooses. Should we pay attention to Grandma’s wise words – “we are tied to our destiny?” ‘Beyond the Fetters’ explores the possibilities of girls looking beyond their so-called destiny.

The Weight of Snow and Regret

By Elizabeth Gauffreau

BLURB

For over 100 years, no one wanted to be sent to the Sheldon Poor Farm. By 1968, no one wanted to leave.

Amid the social turmoil of 1968, the last poor farm in Vermont is slated for closure. By the end of the year, the twelve destitute residents remaining will be dispatched to whatever institutions will take them, their personal stories lost forever.

Hazel Morgan and her husband Paul have been matron and manager at the Sheldon Poor Farm for the past 20 years. Unlike her husband, Hazel refuses to believe the impending closure will happen. She believes that if she just cares deeply enough and works hard enough, the Sheldon Poor Farm will continue to be a safe haven for those in need, herself and Paul included.

On a frigid January afternoon, the overseer of the poor and the town constable from a nearby town deliver a stranger to the poor farm for an emergency stay. She refuses to tell them her name, where she came from, or what her story is. It soon becomes apparent to Hazel that whatever the woman’s story is, she is deeply ashamed of it.

Hazel fights to keep the stranger with them until she is strong enough to face, then resume, her life–while Hazel must face the tragedies of her own past that still haunt her.

Told with compassion and humor, The Weight of Snow & Regret tells the poignant story of what it means to care for others in a rapidly changing world.

Edge of Twilight: Legends of Madeira

By Joan Hall

BLURB

Death comes to those who seek the treasure…

Two hours before her wedding, Blaire Edwards walks away from everything—comfortable home, lucrative job, accomplished fiancé—rather than bending to her mother’s pre-laid plans for her life. In a sad but serendipitous turn of events,Blaire inherits a 25,000-acre ranch from her maternal grandfather, a man she never met because she was told he died years earlier. Within days, she moves to Madeira, New Mexico, to claim her birthright despite knowing nothing about ranching or country living.

Employees quickly warm to her. Not only does she intend to keep operations as they are, but she’s nothing like her mom. Many remember Roslyn, and few have a favorable impression.

Blaire soon realizes her mother lied about a lot of things, but family secrets aren’t the only mysteries. A rash of rustling costs the ranch several head of cattle, unexplained lights linked to a legend about treasure appear on her property at twilight, someone nearly kills her dog, and one of the wranglers is murdered.

Then comes the most shocking news of all.

Amanda in Ireland: The Body in the Bog

By Darlene Foster

BLURB

Twelve-year-old Amanda Jane Ross is invited to be a bridesmaid for her cousin’s wedding in Ireland! She falls in love with the Emerald Isle the moment she lands in Dublin. The warm, friendly Irish people immediately make her feel at home. Towering castles, ancient graveyards, and the stunning green countryside are filled with fascinating legends, enthralling folktales, and alarming secrets.

Things take a dark turn when disaster strikes. Amanda wonders if there will be a wedding at all. As she joins the search for a missing horse, she stumbles upon a world of screaming banshees, bloody battles, and dangerous peat bogs. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Will she become another body in the bog?

NOTE:

These books were chosen, and the post was made a couple of weeks ago, which makes Joan’s book here even more special.
Tomorrow is the last post of the year. Don’t miss all the amazing results for the challenge!

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book this holiday season! Happy Holidays—Denise

December Book Reviews! #SueWickstead #DGKaye #RobbieCheadle #joanhall #stacitroilo #mustread #writingcommunity

Here are the books I read in November that are four stars or higher.

A Ticket to Ride: Stories and Rhymes

By Sue Wickstead

This is a fun collection of stories, poems, and beautiful illustrations. I like nothing more than the engaging flow of rhymes to read aloud to children, but even reading it alone, it brought a smile. The stories mixed in are charming with just the right amount of silliness, and a bonus was the jokes I know would bring a smile to a young child and the reader. A quick and enjoyable read that would be a great gift to parents and grandparents for story time. I can recommend this for all young readers and those who read to them!

About the Real Stages of Grief: A Journey Through Loss

By D.G. Kaye

The death of a loved one, especially if it’s a soul mate, is a subject I don’t like to think about. I wouldn’t usually read books on this subject, but I’ve read this author and knew it would be handled well. I wasn’t wrong; this was a quick read but had a lot of depth. Ms. Kaye was open and honest with her feelings, and I could see myself reacting in several of the same ways. Everyone loses someone they love and will have to deal with the grief that follows. Most shy away from thinking about the death of a loved one, much less know how to comfort one who contends with it. This book opens a dialogue and lets the reader know that no one is alone through the process; there is support and help, but sometimes we just need to feel what we are feeling. I know it is healing to write, but reading it can be equally healing. After closing the book, I take away the author’s journey and know that when I need this insight, it will be there, waiting. This is a book I can easily recommend.

Something Fancy A Winter Wonderland Celebration Book One

By Robbie Cheadle

This was an amazing collection of recipes, poetry, photos, and history! I loved the history, which included Christmas cakes and gingerbread houses. The images of the fondant creations showcased the author’s talent in creating some magic in the holiday season. Plus, the included recipes made me want to go bake something. A fast read packed with so much that I can highly recommend, especially to inspire during the holiday season.

Edge of Twilight: Legends of Madeira

By Joan Hall

I read the first two in the “Legends of Madeira” and loved them. So I dove into this third story as soon as it was released. It did not disappoint, and I think this is Ms. Hall’s best story to date. A dual timeline set in the 1870s and the present on a ranch outside Madeira. In the present time, Blaire escapes a loveless marriage and finds out she’s inherited a cattle ranch from a grandfather she thought had been dead for years. The story starts in the past with a young wife, Julia, in a loveless marriage to Nathan, and a new ranch hand who is running from something in his past. In both timelines, there is a strange phenomenon of lights. Legend says they are around buried treasures. This leads to greed in both times, but with any legend, there is a consequence. I loved Blaire and her journey to find what she wanted in her life. Her relationship with Eric, who ran the ranch, had a rough start, but they developed a quick friendship. But there are secrets, theft, and murder that make this hard to put down. As with Blaire, I was rooting for Julia in her time, too. The settings were detailed enough so I felt like I was watching the sunset with the characters. The pup Blaire inherited was a favorite; who wouldn’t want that loyal companion by their side? A well-written dual timeline mystery that I can easily recommend!

Raised to Kill (Paxton & Walsh Mysteries Book 2)

By Staci Troilo

I loved the first book in this series and was happy to see the detectives back in the second book. I was plunged into the story when Detective Walsh responded to a call after getting back from vacation. Not only was he forced to help someone who had hurt his daughter, but he became a suspect. What at first seemed like unrelated crimes appeared to have a common thread, if they could find it. I love the relationship between Walsh and Paxton; they always have each other’s backs. Additionally, the story examines family relationships and how they adapt to having a detective in the family. There was a side story that broke my heart, and I really felt the emotions. As many guesses as I had, none of them were right. This well-written story was hard to put down. I highly recommend this and hope there will be more to come!

COMING UP

The final two stops of my blog tour are this week on Wednesday and Thursday. Don’t miss them 🙂
Next week, on December 9th, is the final Creative Perspective of this year. I think you are going to like this month’s image.
Then I will do the last Books That Changed Me on December 15th, followed by the results for the Creative Perspective Challenge on December 16th.
That’s it for 2025!

Embrace your inner child by reading a great book this holiday season! D. L. Finn (Denise)

December Book Reviews! @TerryTyler4 @LisetteBrodey @bakeandwrite @TPolen6 @JoanHallWrites#writingcommunity #bookreviews #whattoread #mustread #readersoftwitter

Here are the great books I read in November that were four stars and higher. Click on the book titles for the Amazon link.

Safe Zone

By Terry Tyler

The story continues after a decade of living with the virus that makes humans into zombies. There are familiar faces from past stories trying to find each other again. Many that don’t get killed end up in the surviving safe zone in the UK. It’s not all perfect in the safe zone and a work camp for many, but they are safe for now. Norah is inside and Brian is trying to make his way to her after they were separated. I couldn’t help but root for this couple’s reunion and a bit of good luck for them. Although survival is the theme, it is about relationships, greed, control, mental health, and love. It was a hard read to put down, as I kept saying just one more chapter to see what happens next. Then the virus takes a turn and mutates, which puts everyone at a much greater risk and speeds up the urgency to find safety. I’m eager to see what happens next to the survivors in the next book! A perfect read for Walking Dead fans, or those who love a great zombie story, and I can easily recommend it.

WHAT THE YEARS REMEMBER

By Lisette Brodey

Two fraternal twins, complete opposites, parted ways as teens. Jade hates her sister Amber and after an attempt to kill her as teens, Amber changes her name and plays dead. The mother takes Jade and goes to California and the father raises Amber, who now goes by a different name. When Jade marries, the parents change their name too, and move away. Life should be okay for Amber and her parents now, but Jade comes home and looks for her parents after a murder. She lives in a delusional world where only her needs count. Amber lives in fear of her sister, who still wants what she has—her husband. This is a fast-paced story that dives into a family who has lived with a deadly mental illness with someone who outwits any help. The story is told through first person and different perspectives, giving a chilling insight into Jade’s frame of mind. I thought the story would venture in one direction, but it took a different turn, which was an unexpected twist. I admired how Amber, Michael, and their friends take responsibility for their own safety. Characters from a previous story also made a welcome appearance. This suspenseful thriller will keep you hooked!

Sesi says goodbye to Granny

By Robbie Cheadle, Michael Cheadle

“Sesi says goodbye to Granny” is an engaging story for young readers and their parents and an educational one too. Sesi is concerned her beloved Granny is leaving the herd and her leadership role. The tale gently describes the change coming and how the herd will carry on. Elephant facts were shared, many unknown to me. I have always had a soft spot for elephants, so the learning part was enjoyable, but the artwork and photography captured my heart. I usually read books on my Kindle. This time I read the book on my cell phone, which was a tremendous bonus seeing everything in vivid color and detail. The book’s blend of art, facts, and fiction charmed me as an adult, and I envisioned the delight a child would find in its pages. Great gift for children and family.

The Power of Three

By Teri Polen

Beck Teller and his family finally caught some luck by inheriting a house from a distant relative. They could pay off some hefty medical bills and find stability in the old home. His two brothers, little sister, and parents set out to tidy up the home. Each sibling gets a room, and things improve until strange things happen. One brother hears things, one sees things and Beck finds a hidden room full of holy water and salt. Plus, it shows the family may have had another occupation besides the furniture business. Beck is the middle brother who loves books, he is thrilled the house has a library. His brothers are more into sports, but they all agree about their little sister. She can do no wrong in their eyes. As the secrets unravel, it becomes clear this family is in danger and their safety might fall on the three brothers. I liked Beck’s character and his relationships with his brothers and little sister. It seemed natural how they got along, or didn’t, along with the humor. Still, they are always there for each other. Twists and surprises popped up along the way. I couldn’t help but root for the boys and found it hard to put down once they figured out what was happening and drew together. Although this is a YA it could be easily read by a high-end middle-grade reader or tween. If you enjoy cozy ghost stories centered on a haunted house and unsuspecting family, this book is for you!

Blood Red Dawn: Legends of Madeira Book Two

By Joan Hall

I enjoyed the first book, “Cold Dark Night” and was eager to get back to Madeira and its residences. This story is told through a dual timeline with romances involving brave men serving their country. In the 1800s Faydra and Jonathan are drawn to each other. He is a soldier at the fort outside of Madeira. Their story is being told through Abbey’s nana with a hint of a twister to come. Conner, a Navy Seal who suffered an injury, found his way back to Abbey and was given a second chance. Conner is battling his past and there is a stark contrast to how PTSD is handled now and back in the 1800s. While the story unfolds, someone means Conner harm, and Abbey, who is gifted with premonitions, is warned that something bad is about to happen. I loved the relationship between Conner and Abbey, along with the local support given to vets. I felt for Jonathan’s situation without that support but still rooted for a happy outcome for them. The setting is detailed, making me want to visit New Mexico, and their meals made me hungry! I changed my guess about who was after Conner several times. A cozy mystery with characters I was rooting for with an ending I couldn’t predict on more than one level. I look forward to the next installment from Madeira and can easily recommend this.

Note and a bit of a rant: I have been having internet issues for the last three weeks. I had an appointment they didn’t make. Then they came the next day without telling me and declared it all fixed. It wasn’t and I only found out because I called them. So after hours on the phone with tech and she said yes, there is a problem in the line we made another appt. The next day another tech calls and says it’s all fixed just a glitch. It was a touch better but not fixed—and I had to insist on that. Then he told me it was only meant to look at emails. Funny, that wasn’t the case three weeks ago. So, still waiting on the appt if they show this week. I can pull up some things and others I can’t, or it takes forever. I feel like I’ve gone back to the 90s dial-up in a lot of cases. My thought is they are trying to encourage me to drop them as they are other customers to get rid of DSL in our area and they are trying to get rid of all landlines too. Unfortunately, that’s all we have at the moment but I am on a waiting list for Starlink which would require a tree climb or that promised fiber optic cable that the state still hasn’t approved. End of my rant but why I’m not always around and can’t share blog posts all the time.

Also: There will be an early Books That Changed Me next week and a newsletter. Then I will be going on a holiday break and hopefully, you will find some books to give as gifts this season.

Embrace your inner child by reading a good book and don’t forget to give the gift of reading this holiday season! D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #17 @HowellWave @Sandra_Cox @mhurdle112 @edenbaylee #writingcommunity #poetry #challenges #dualtimeline #paranormal #historicalfiction

Hi!

Today, I wanted to share the back story to Sounds in the Silence. I wrote it during the NanoWriMo challenge a couple years back, but it really came from a poem I did for Suzanne Burke’s ‘Fiction In A Flash Challenge’ Week #21 NEW Image Prompt (October, 2020.)

There was a picture of an old house and I came up with the below poem. It was suggested by John W. Howell, along with Sandra Cox, Eden Baylee, and Miriam Hurdle in my comments that I make it into a story. So I did 🙂 Here’s the poem:

THE TRUTH

Wood slats replace the glass in my childhood home. Rocks and years stripped away its beauty. Long ago, this empty house was full of life. People traveled great distances to attend lavish parties. Our family was admired and respected, until I disappeared. They hung my beloved husband for a crime he didn’t commit. Only I knew the truth. No one heard my ghostly protests. Someday we’ll be reunited, but only after people finally learn what really happened.

the house isn’t haunted

I only want to be found

murderer with me

This is also found in my latest poetry book: Deep in the Forest Where the Poetry Blooms if it seems familar to you.

Universal Amazon Preorder

Embrace your inner child by reading—or writing a book! D. L. Finn

Cover reveal for Sounds in the Silence! #writingcommunity #preorder #historicalfiction #paranormal #mystery #readersoftwitter

Hi!

I finally finished “Sounds in the Silence!” The release date is June 24th but it is on pre-order right now. I wanted to share the new cover and blurb here today.

Blurb

A dual timeline where murder has consequences 40 years later for the living—and deceased.

Maria and Logan Davis stumbled upon the perfect old house by a secluded lake—a prime candidate for their dream inn. They knew a renovation was involved but didn’t expect a persistent ghost that pleaded to be found. Determined, Maria delved into the mystery, only to uncover a haunting love story and murder from the Roaring Twenties. Yet, the young couple’s curiosity shifts to fear when they realize someone has taken a dangerous interest in their barn. With time ticking away, they must unravel the secrets of their home’s past before it’s too late.

Universal Amazon Preorder

Embrace your inner child by reading! D. L. Finn

From Finn’s Forest #13! #writingcommunity #authors #books #editing #newstory #newsletter

Hi!

I’m enjoying spring and with all the new life decorating my landscape, although I hope the rains continue into June, so I don’t have to worry about fires yet.

These last several weeks I’ve been in the editing zone with Sounds in the Silence. I spent a good week pouring through my current work in progress, looking for filler words. Each book is unique, so it keeps me on my toes. What I found were a lot of unnecessary thens, nods, and ups. Other times, it was very or definitely. Once I pay attention to a word, a new one sneaks in.

I am very thankful for that find feature in Words, especially when you have to go through 600 ups. Yes, I cut a good chunk of them.

It was nice to take a break from working on the story, although what I found was some of the weaker spots were in the same place as these filler words. Next, I will focus on the total flow of story and conversation tags. That last one is my least favorite. How many times can one character shrug, nod, or grin?

Sounds in the Silence was written during NaNoWri—a dual timeline with no plan ready. I just jumped in. I’m paying for that during editing, despite that, a story did bloom that I hope to release this June.

I have been offering excerpts of Sounds in the Silence in my newsletter. Interested? You can sign up to receive my once-a-month letter here on my website if you aren’t already subscribed.

This is also where you will run across my Book of the Month. I started the Book of the Month in September of 2021. The very first book on the list was: Ghostly Interference by Jan Sikes

Here’s the link to my lastest newsletter: March Newsletter.

The current Book of Month: Tell me a story: in 99 words
By Annette Rochelle Aben

I only mention this because it’s a great list of books by amazing authors. If you ever find yourself wondering what to read, you might just find your next read here.

Next week, I’ll be sharing my book reviews.

Embrace that inner child by reading a good book! D. L. Finn

Books That Changed Me: 2024 Spring Edition! @MaeClair1 @JanSikes3 @Sandra_Cox #writingcommunity #whattoread #springreading #mustread #readinglist

Title: 2024 Books that changed me spring edition with flowers in background

Happy Spring (—or Fall)!

The sun is shining here after a normal season of rain, although not snow. I won’t complain though after the over-achieving snow year before. I love when the flowers peek out and the birds have returned. It’s the time of renewal and to get out into your garden.

If you aren’t out enjoying the flowers or warmer weather, you might want a good book to curl up with. You have already seen my reviews, so now I’m sharing the blurb and where to purchase them. If you add one to your reading list, you will have some fantastic reading ahead!

Here are my three top spring reading picks in no particular order:

In the town of Hornwood, the past is always present . . .

Nicole Seabrooke has been wracked with guilt since the night of her younger sister’s disappearance ten years ago. Her mother, Glory, tasked her with watching over Janie. Instead, Nicole dragged her to a high school party, then failed to keep an eye on her. Police believed she drowned, but her body was never found.

A decade later, her remains are discovered.

Nicole returns to Hornwood when new evidence indicates Janie’s death may have been a homicide. With the help of Detective Vin McCain, her high school boyfriend, Nicole begins to piece together what took place the night her sister disappeared—a task that further complicates her relationship with Glory and places Nicole in the crosshairs of a killer. One who will do whatever it takes to keep the truth about Janie’s death from being revealed.

Even if it means killing again.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK

A shocking proposal that changes everything.
Desperate to honor his father’s dying wish, Layken Martin vows to do whatever it takes to save the family farm.
Once the Army discharges him following World War II, Layken returns to Missouri to find his legacy in shambles and in jeopardy. A foreclosure notice from the bank doubles the threat. He appeals to the local banker for more time—a chance to rebuild, plant, and harvest crops and time to heal far away from the noise of bombs and gunfire.
But the banker firmly denies his request. Now what?
Then, the banker makes an alternative proposition—marry his unwanted daughter, Sara Beth, in exchange for a two-year extension. Out of options, money, and time, Layken agrees to the bargain.
Now, he has two years to make a living off the land while he shares his life with a stranger.
If he fails at either, he’ll lose it all.

UNIVERSAL PURCHASE LINK

There’s a new sheriff in town.
Instead of chasing bounties all over the state, Keeper Tyree has taken the job of sheriff of El Dorado.
Everything is going well. He’s tamed the town and now he doesn’t have to knock more than a few heads together a day, and has no more than one or two occupants in the calaboose at a time. Then a stranger comes to town. A stranger bent on vengeance and the man he wants to bring down is Keeper.
Mitchell Jordan holds Keeper personally responsible for his dad being hung. He believes in an eye for an eye and he’s out to even the score. A family member for a family member.
Keeper is tough and fearless, except where his loved ones are concerned. They’re his one weakness and there’s nothing he won’t do to keep them safe. No matter which side of the law he has to come down on. There’s no right or wrong, there’s just taking care of his own. And now they’ve been threatened.
Jordan leads Keeper out of El Dorado down a winding trail of danger and deceit, and that trail won’t end till one of them is lying boots up six feet under.

UNIVERSAL AMAZON LINK

Embrace your inner child, read a good book! Happy Spring, D. L. Finn

New Release! “The Keeping Place” By Mae Clair @MaeClair1 #newrelease #writingcommunity #mustread

I’m excited to have Mae Clair here today to share the news of an upcoming release. I ordered my copy and look forward to what I know will be a great read.

Hi, Denise. Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I’m delighted to be here, sharing my upcoming release The Keeping Place, a dual timeline mystery which is now available for pre-order! Most readers know me as someone who loves weaving urban legends and threads of the supernatural into my stories. The Keeping Place took an entirely different turn.

Well… there is a small thread that involves an old town legend and a ghost. It never takes center stage but plays more like background. This is more of a “quiet” mystery than I usually write.

Today, I want to share the legend of Lettie Boone with your readers.

Lettie was the daughter of Prosper Boone, a prominent railroad tycoon who built the town of Hornwood, PA. Unfortunately, she made the mistake of falling for a man who left her pregnant, then abandoned her. Shamed by her actions, Prosper banished her from his home. With nowhere to go, Lettie took up residence in a tiny rail shack where she lived until her baby was born. When the baby died shortly after birth, Lettie wrapped the child in blankets, then nestled it into a large oak tree on the property. Alone, destitute, and undone by grief, she hanged herself from the tree, now known as the Hornwood Oak. Some say Lettie’s ghost still haunts the rail shack.

Two boys have recently discovered the remains of a girl in the shack who went missing ten years ago. In the excerpt below, Vin McCain, a Detective Sergeant in Hornwood, spies them as he’s leaving the police station. Vin had interviewed both boys the night of the incident, but they neglected to mention something they later revealed to a newspaper reporter. Take a look…

EXCERPT:

Vin was halfway to his car in the back parking lot when he spied two teenagers on the sidewalk. A bright shock of red hair identified Jimmy Lewis, which meant the lanky kid beside him had to be Henry Sharp. Jimmy bounced a basketball with each step they took, neither focused on their surroundings.

“Hey, hold up.” Vin jogged toward them, guessing they’d come from Boone Park, across the street from City Hall. In addition to walking paths, benches, and a fountain, the park had a picnic pavilion and two basketball courts.

“Sergeant McCain.” Jimmy hooked the basketball under his arm, snug to his chest. “Um… something wrong?” He sucked on his bottom lip. Beside him, Henry paused in the middle of scrolling through his cellphone.

“No.” Vin smiled to put them at ease. “Good game?”

“Huh?” The younger of the two, Henry had thick blond hair and deep dimples but wasn’t always quick on the uptake.

“Basketball.” Vin hooked a thumb over his shoulder. “I figured you came from the park.”

“Oh… yeah.” Relaxing, Henry tucked his phone into the pocket of his shorts. He used the bottom of his t-shirt to wipe sweat from his cheeks.

“I used to be pretty good.” Vin extended his hand for the ball. When Jimmy tossed it to him, he did a couple of dribbles, bouncing it back and forth, then mimicked a shot without releasing it. He twirled the ball on his finger. “I guess you guys are glad school’s out.”

“Yeah. We got all summer, and next year we’re kings.” Jimmy grinned at Henry. “Seniors.”

“Must feel pretty good. And you’re kind of minor celebrities now, too.”

“Huh?” This time it was Jimmy who sounded confused.

Vin tossed him the ball. “That write up by Chelsea Reinhold in the Hornwood Herald.”

The two boys exchanged a glance, the murmur of traffic from Main Street filling the sudden silence.

Henry palmed sweat from his forehead. “You saw that, huh?”

“When I interviewed you two, there was no mention of Lettie Boone’s ghost.”

Jimmy shuffled his feet. “We, uh… didn’t think we should say anything. Didn’t want people to think we were whacked.”

Interesting. There hadn’t been alcohol or drugs involved, but both had been scared witless that night. Vin had chalked their nerves up to the discovery of Janie Seabrooke’s remains. He didn’t believe in spirits, but kids could weave shadows, trespassing, and one hell of a fright into something sinister without much effort.

“What changed? Why’d you come clean to Chelsea?”

Henry cleared his throat. “I told my girlfriend what happened… with the ghost.” The words stuck to his tongue. “She thought it was cool, not stupid. Before I knew it, she shared it with some of her friends, then word started to get around.”

“We thought we’d better be upfront about the whole thing.” Jimmy picked up the slack.

“Okay, so let’s hear it.” Vin looked from one to the other. When neither spoke, he arched a brow. “I’m waiting.”

++++

As in most dual timeline mysteries, The Keeping Place delivers a mystery in the present as well as the past. I hope the blurb will tempt you further:

Even if it means killing again.

++++

Thanks again for hosting me today, Denise. I appreciate the opportunity to share The Keeping Place with your readers. I’ve held onto this novel for two years, uncertain how I wanted to publish it. As an author, I naturally like every book I’ve written, but The Keeping Place is my personal favorite—perhaps because it’s so different in tone from my other mysteries.

I still utilize dual timelines, but rather than having centuries between them, my timelines are separated by a mere ten years.

It’s my sincere hope readers will enjoy the story.

RELEASE DATE IS MARCH 5^TH

PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts: