Hey, readers. I love having guests on my blog, and there’s no better way to kick off September than with a visit from my friend and fellow author, Staci Troilo. She and I go back a few years, and it’s largely because of Staci that I’m writing fiction today.
It’s always exciting when she releases a new book, and this time is really special because she has collaborated with another friend and author, Mae Clair. Doesn’t get much better than that.
I’m honored to host the first stop of their promo tour. Please welcome Staci to tell you all about The Haunting of Chatham Hollow.
Ciao, amici! Joan, thanks for hosting me today. I’m so happy to be here and so excited to tell you and your readers about The Haunting of Chatham Hollow, a dual-timeline novel I co-wrote with talented author, Story Empire colleague, and long-time friend Mae Clair. This was the first either of us attempted a collaboration, and I have to say, it went beautifully. So well, in fact, I think both of us would be up for a second project sometime in the future.
But now isn’t the time to look forward. It’s time to look into the past. More specifically, 1793 and 1888, the historical periods in the novel. And to the present, where the rest of the mystery unfolds. This story encompasses ghosts, curses, missing treasure, arson, and murder, with a cast of characters whose descendants cross paths continuously throughout the ages. Our short tour will introduce you to a few of the major players via a discussion between one of them and a medium.
Today’s post takes place in the present. The psychic is Julia Hale, a resident of Chatham Hollow and a descendant of famous spiritualist Victor Rowe. The character she’ll be speaking with is her grandson, local reporter Aiden Hale.
Without further ado…
·•◊♦◊•·
·•◊♦◊•·
Julia: Thanks for joining me today, Aiden.
Aiden: You didn’t really give me much of a choice, Gran.
Julia: Watch your tone, young man.
Aiden: (frowning and mumbling) Sorry.
Julia: So, you’ll be writing multiple articles about the Founder’s Day Festival this year.
Aiden: You know I will.
Julia: And you’ll be part of the séance reenactment.
Aiden: You know that, too.
Julia: (staring pointedly at him) I know many things. For example, I know you’re going to regret talking to me that way.
Aiden: (nostrils flaring) Yes, ma’am. Won’t happen again.
Julia: I also know you don’t want the Spirit Search crew filming here. Now, why is that?
Aiden: Anything fueling the flames of that ridiculous curse is a bad idea. Best case scenario, we’re overrun with ghost hunters all year long. Worst case? We’re overrun with ghost hunters all year long.
Julia: Increased tourism is good for our economy.
Aiden: But not our way of life.
Julia: Are you sure that’s all that’s troubling you?
Aiden: I’m sure.
Julia: There’s not even a small part of you worried about awakening Ward Chatham and bringing his wrath onto the town?
Aiden: Of course not. Because ghosts don’t exist, and even if they did, no one living could talk to them.
Julia: So, you sit here in my kitchen, denying my powers? Denying yours?
Aiden: (rolling his eyes) Not this again.
Julia: Yes, this again.
Aiden: Well, look at the time. I’m on deadline and need to get my draft uploaded before Greer fires me.
Julia: She’d never do that. You’re the best reporter she has.
Aiden: (standing) Gotta run, Gran.
Julia: We weren’t done discussing this.
Aiden: (plants a kiss on her cheek) I was. Later!
Julia: (shaking her head as he runs out the door) This isn’t over!
·•◊♦◊•·
Blurb:
One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.
Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two things—hidden treasure and a curse upon anyone bold enough to seek it. Since his passing in 1793, no one has discovered his riches, though his legend has only grown stronger.
In 1888, charlatan Benedict Fletcher holds a séance to determine the location of Chatham’s fortune. It’s all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesn’t count on two things—Victor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chatham’s ghost wreaking havoc on the town.
More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founder’s Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original séance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he can’t deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollow—supernatural or not— his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.
This time, solving the mystery isn’t about meeting his deadline. It’s about not ending up dead.
·•◊♦◊•·
Thanks again, Joan, for hosting me today. I hope this little exchange gives you and your followers a bit more insight into the Hale family. A paranormal cable show—Spirit Search—is coming to the Hollow to search for ghosts, and Aiden tries his best to avoid them. He denies his gift (if such a thing exists) while Julia happily embraces her powers. I hope you’ll all consider reading the story to find out which of them is right. The answer to that mystery, and many more, can be found in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. Mae and I truly appreciate your support. Grazie!
·•◊♦◊•·
Connect with Staci:
Website | Blog | Social Media | Newsletter
Amazon | BookBub | Goodreads
Connect with Mae:
Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media
Staci, it’s been a pleasure to host you today. I wish you and Mae much success. Readers, be sure to pick up your copy of this one. You won’t be disappointed!
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91 Responses
Already several chapters in, and loving every word!
I’m thrilled to hear that. Thank you so much!
It’s a great book!
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie.
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the reblog!
Congratulations to Staci and Mae! I look forward to reading their new release. Thanks for hosting today, Joan!
Much appreciated, Jill!
It’s a fantastic read, Jill!
Joan, thanks so much for opening your blog to us today. I really appreciate you kicking off our tour and hope you’re celebrating with us, as your help was invaluable. 💕
It’s always a pleasure to host you and Mae. And you can bet I’m celebrating!
Very clever! All the best to Staci and Mae on the launch of their new book.
Much appreciated, Liz.
Thanks, Liz. These ladies have a winner on their hands.
You’re welcome, Joan. That’s good to hear!
Great character interview! It captures these two wonderful people brilliantly! I loved this book. Wishing Staci and Mae every success 💕🙂 Joan, thanks for sharing 💕🙂
Aiden was one of my favorites, as was Julia. Thanks for stopping by today, Harmony.
Thank you so much, Harmony. I’m so glad you enjoyed these characters and delighted you liked the book. 💕
I just got my copy, so I’m going to skip reading about the content. I think this is going to move quickly up my TBR pile. Congratulations to Staci and Mae, and thanks Joan for featuring this tour.
It’s a fantastic read, Dan. I’m confident you won’t be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by today.
I’m looking forward to it, Joan.
I’m happy you’re taking a chance on it, Dan. And over the moon that it might move up in your queue. Thanks so much! I hope you enjoy it.
The title made me think of Panther Holllow. Our daughter and I hiked through there a few years ago. I took a look at the first few pages, and I knew I would continue reading this one.
Ooh. Panther Hollow. That sounds intriguing!
Ha! I wrote a book that had Panther Hollow in it, but I was a ghostwriter, and it’s published under someone else’s name. I bet you and your daughter enjoyed that hike.
Chatham Hollow is set in Pennsylvania, but I envisioned the town much like my hometown of Vandergrift (about forty minutes outside of Pittsburgh).
I’m so glad the opening pages grabbed you. Thanks, Dan!
We used to visit relatives in New Kensington. I think that is out that way. We did enjoy that hike. Good luck with the book!
My grandmother grew up in New Kensington. We used to have a lot of relatives there. In fact, I was born there!
Thanks for the kind wishes.
I’m excited to get started on this one.
It’s a good one!
I’m glad to hear you’ve got it on your radar. Thanks, Craig.
What a great kick-off to the tour! Joan, thank you so much for hosting Staci today (and for being our sounding board and beta reader as we worked through the novel). I love the relationship Staci created between Aiden and is grandmother. It’s so fun to see both of them here today, along with my fabulous co-author. Cheers to both of you!
I love putting feisty grandmas in my work. (Reminds me of my own grandma.) Thanks, Mae!
I loved the banter between Aiden and Julia. She didn’t let him put anything past her.
I’m honored to have been a beta reader. I’d do it again. (Hint, hint!)
Subtle hint there, Joan. I almost missed your meaning. 🤣
Congratulations, Staci and Mae! I’m reading The Haunting of Chatham Hollow now, and your co-authorship is seamless. Bravo! Thank you, Joan, for spotlighting this book and its two incredible writers. 🎉❤️🎉
I’m delighted to hear that, Gwen. (Seamless blending of our work was very important to us.) I hope you enjoy the story!
Thanks for stopping by, Gwen. Mae and Staci did a wonderful job at putting this one together.
I’m liking Julia already – kind of like a feisty southern lady you don’t mess with. So excited to read this book. Thanks for hosting, Joan!
I’m so fond of my own grandmother (who’s a riot) that I have a tendency to write spirited grandmothers into my work. You definitely don’t want to mess with Julia. lol
Thanks, Teri.
I loved Julia. She is a feisty one! Thanks for visiting today, Teri.
I’m well into this book now and loving it, Joan. I’m desperate for an uninterrupted day to indulge in nothing but reading. One of the things I’ve noticed so far is the seamless narrative. I’d never have known there were two authors behind this book. Congrats to Staci and Mae on a riveting read. Now… to sneak in a few more chapters before breakfast… <3
Totally agree with you. If I hadn’t known there were two authors, I would have never known even though both Mae and Staci have unique styles. It takes skill to pull something like that off. Ah, for a day of uninterrupted reading. 🙂
The narrative differences actually worked great in the way they divided the text (past and present). A perfect choice.
Thank you for saying that, Diana. That was a very important aspect for us, and I’m glad we pulled it off. I hope you find that uninterrupted chunk of time. I feel like those are fewer and farther between these days!
They seem to be, but I’m determined to carve out some time today. 🙂
Sounds delicious, Mae and Staci. Thanks for hosting, Joan
I hope people find it appealing. Thanks, John.
It’s a great read, John!
Congratulations Staci and Mae and sounds like a wonderful collaboration.. thanks for hosting Joan..hugsx
Much appreciated, Sally. (Mae was a great partner.)
Thanks for stopping by, Sally. Staci and Mae did a fantastic job!
This book is coming up next on my Kindle. I can’t resist a good ghost story, and I just know Staci and Mae have concocted one I’m going to love! This excerpt proves it, and I’m so eager to get started reading!
Thanks for a great post today! Joan, a special thanks for hosting this one and getting the tour “on the road!” Sharing!
You’re in for a treat, Marcia!
Delighted to hear that, Marcia. I hope it lives up to your expectations!
Thanks for the good wishes.
Congratulations, Staci and Mae. I enjoyed this book.
Thank you, Michele!
Me too, Michele!
I’m reading the book now, and it’s a winner! Look forward to picking it up every night. The writing’s so strong, and the past and present flow together seamlessly.
Doing my Snoopy dance, Judi. Thank you so much!
They did an excellent job of blending the two timelines. Thanks, for stopping by, Judi!
I’m knee-deep in this story now and loving it! Congratulations to Staci and Mae! They have a winner!!
Music to my ears, Jan. Thank you!
They certainly do, Jan!
Best of luck on this joint endeavor! It sounds excellent.
Much appreciated, Jacqui.
I thoroughly enjoyed it, Jacqui!
I am almost through this book and loved it! Wishing both Mae and Staci great success.
I’m delighted to hear that, Balroop. Thank you!
It’s a great one isn’t it, Balroop? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Congratulations to Staci and Mae on your new release. I’ll check it out soon. Thank you for hosting, Joan.
Much appreciated, Miriam. I know how busy you are. Hope all is going well with your move!
Well, the movers are so expensive, Staci. We’re looking at all the options. We threw away so much but it still doesn’t make a dent 🤣😔.
Believe me, I feel your pain. I hope you get it worked out soon.
Thanks for visiting, Miriam. I loved this book and think you’d enjoy it as well.
Hi Joan, this is an interesting sounding book and a great conversation between two of the characters. Thanks for sharing this post.
Thanks so much, Robbie. I’m glad Aiden and Julia captured your interest.
Thanks for visiting, Robbie. I loved the relationship and the banter between Aiden and his grandmother.
That was a fun exchange, Staci. I adored their relationship. I loved your collaboration and glad to hear you’d consider another 🙂 Thanks for hosting, Joan!
Thanks so much, Denise. I’m delighted you enjoyed these characters. And the story.
I agree about the relationship between Aiden and his grandmother. Thanks for stopping by, Denise.
Fabulous way to introduce characters! I’m itching to dive into this book!
I’m confident you’ll love it, Priscilla!
Thanks so much, Priscilla! If you do take the plunge, I hope you enjoy it.
This was fun! Thanks for hosting, Joan!
It’s a great book. Thanks for stopping by, Beem!
Thanks so much, Beem!
Joan, thanks for highlighting this book! Mae and Staci, congratulations and best wishes for a best seller! I love the interaction between Aiiden and Gran. He reminds me of my Snickerdoodle Aidan– all business but with a big heart for family.
Thanks, Flossie. Aiden and Julia are too of my favorite characters! Appreciate you stopping by.
That’s a perfect way to describe this Aiden! I’m glad to have sparked a good memory for you. Thanks for the kind wishes, Flossie.
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