The Haunting of Chatham Hollow by Mae Clair and Staci Troilo @MaeClair1 @stacitroilo #NewBook #Horror #Supernatural #OccultHorror #ReadersOfTwitter #BookReview
Hi everyone! It gives me great pleasure to showcase a book written by not just one but TWO of my favourite authors, fellow bloggers, Story Empire contributors, and friends, Mae Clair and Staci Troilo. Woohoo! I have Staci over to visit today to tell you all about it. And my review is at the bottom of the page. This is one read you do not want to miss! >>>
Ciao, amici! Harmony, thanks for hosting me today.Ā [You’re so welcome!]
Iām 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 isnāt the time to look forward. Itās 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.
Todayās 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 sheāll be speaking with is Greer Faraday, editor of local paper (The Chatham Hollow Chronicle) and her grandsonās boss.
Without further adoā¦
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
Julia: Have a muffin.
Greer: Iām low carb. And off gluten.
Julia: Almond flour. Low carb and gluten free.
Greer: (grinning and reaching for one) Thanks!
Julia: If only we could get Aiden to eat better.
Greer: Mmm. These are delicious.
Julia: Thank you.
Greer: As for Aidenās diet, heās a lost cause.
Julia: Oh, I donāt believe in giving up on anyone.
Greer: Thatās a great segue into my interview questions. I understand youāll be taking the place of Benedict Fletcher at the sĆ©ance reenactment. Do you think heās redeemable?
Julia: Well, heās beyond the Veil now, so I couldnāt say. But we could try contacting him, if youād like.
Greer: Here? Now?
Julia: Why not?
Greer: I donāt know. I thought youād need a dark room, candlesā¦
Julia: (laughing) Spectacle. If you and I are in the right frame of mind, it can be done anywhere. Ā
Greer: Fascinating.
Julia: Should we try?
Greer: Tempting, but I donāt have time for that today. Raincheck?
Julia: Absolutely. I guess you donāt have time for a reading, either.
Greer: Uhā¦ how long would that take?
Julia: A few minutes. Are you right-handed?
Greer: Yes.
Julia: Give me your left hand.
Greer: (extends her arm across the table) You read palms, too?
Julia: And tea leaves. Actually, my preference is tea. Thatās why I make my own. But this will do in a pinch.
Greer: What do you see?
Julia: Hmm. Small breaks in your heart line.
Greer: (eyes widen) Does that mean Iām going to have a heart attack? My job is stressful, but I think I manage things pretty well.
Julia: Donāt fret. It suggests emotional damage in your past.
Greer: Oh.
Julia: But your fate lineā¦ It breaks and curves in different directions. Have you had a major tragedy in your life?
Greer: (snatches her hand away) Iām sorry. I totally forgot a staff meeting. I have to go. Can we reschedule our interview?
Julia: I didnāt mean to pry, dear.
Greer: Oh, no. Itās not that. I justā¦ Thanks for the tea and muffin. Iāll call to set up another meeting. (bolts out the back door)
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
Blurb:
One founding father.
One deathbed curse.
A town haunted for generations.
Ward Chatham, founder of Chatham Hollow, is infamous for two thingsāhidden 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 sĆ©ance to determine the location of Chathamās fortune. Itās all a hoax so he can search for the gold, but he doesnāt count on two thingsāVictor Rowe, a true spiritualist who sees through his ruse, and Chathamās ghost wreaking havoc on the town.
More than a century later, the citizens of the Hollow gather for the annual Founderās Day celebration. A paranormal research team intends to film a special at Chatham Manor, where the original sĆ©ance will be reenacted. Reporter and skeptic Aiden Hale resents being assigned the story, but even he canāt deny the sudden outbreak of strange happenings. When he sets out to discover who or what is threatening the Hollowāsupernatural or notā his investigation uncovers decades-old conflicts, bitter rivalries, and ruthless murders.
This time, solving the mystery isnāt about meeting his deadline. Itās about not ending up dead.
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
Thanks again, Harmony, for hosting me today. I hope this little exchange gives you and your followers a bit more insight into Greer Faraday, editor extraordinaire with a mysterious (and painful) past. I hope youāll all consider reading the story to uncover her secrets. The answer to her mystery, and many more, can be found in The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. Mae and I truly appreciate your support. Grazie!
- ā¢āā¦āā¢Ā·
Connect with Staci:
WebsiteĀ |Ā BlogĀ |Ā Social MediaĀ |Ā Newsletter
AmazonĀ ā|Ā BookBubĀ ā|Ā Goodreads
Connect with Mae:
Amazon|Ā BookBub|Ā Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog|Ā Twitter|Ā Goodreads|Ā All Social Media
My Review:
ššššš
Grabbed me by the throat right away and wouldn’t let go
‘”Uncle?” | Peggy Chatham pressed a cool compress to the forehead of the man lying in bed. Ward Chatham’s cheeks held little color despite the fever ravaging his body.’Ā … from this opening death scene, the writers take the reader straight into mystery, intrigue, the supernatural, and thrills galore.
The story is told via two main time frames, and any shifts are marked clearly and are easy to follow. I found the shifts between historical and current time seamless, and the research for the period parts is excellently translated to the fictional page. I loved the world-building, the characterisation, the plot, and the pacing. Not to mention some wonderful lines of prose and a fantastic sense of humour threading throughout …
‘He must have walked under a ladder. Broken a few mirrors. Kicked a black cat or thirteen.’
And …
‘Sorry. I haven’t had enough coffee to lie convincingly.’
And …
‘Fletcher spoke in a light tenor, his voice jovial, as if he kept a sly secret tucked in his cheek.’
And …
‘No point in poking the insomniac bear.’
I could go on, but I’m sure you get the idea. This is a riveting supernatural read with all the bells and whistles you’d expect, and a few more besides.Ā The Haunting of Chatham HollowĀ gets a resounding five stars from me.
***
NOTE ON RATINGS:Ā I consider a 3-star rating a positive review. Picky about which books I give 5 stars to, I reserve this highest rating for the stories I find stunning and which moved me.
5 STARS: IT WAS AMAZING! I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! ā Highly Recommended.
4 STARS: I WOULD PULL AN ALL-NIGHTER ā Go read this book.
3 STARS: IT WAS GOOD! ā An okay read. Didnāt love it. Didnāt hate it.
2 STARS: I MAY HAVE LIKED A FEW THINGS āLacking in some areas: writing, characterisation, and/or problematic plot lines.
1 STAR: NOT MY CUP OF TEA āLots of issues with this book.
Now, that’s a review that grabbed me. One can’t go wrong with a book written by Mae or Staci. Congrats to both. This one is on my list! <3
Thatās for sure! Thanks, Debby šš
Hahaha oh dear, poor Greer. Great name for the character, and I also forgot to say before how tickled I was that you used Irene (my mother’s name and my middle; it’s not often seen). Thanks for hosting, Harmony! Mae and Staci, I hope to get into this one this weekend. I know it will be delicious!
Iām sure youāll love it! Thanks, Flossie šš
Such a great character interview and what a good review – congratulations to Staci and Mae. Toni x
Thanks, Toni šš
Thanks so much, Toni!
Every one of these character interviews makes me even more excited to read this book. Congrats on the review, Mae and Staci, and thanks for hosting, Harmony!
The character interviews portray the characters so brilliantly! Thanks for stopping by, Teri šš
I guess we did our jobs, then. Thanks, Teri.
A lovely share Harmony! Read and reviewed! I highly recommend this book.
I really appreciate that, Balroop. And I’m sure Mae was as happy with your review as I was.
Fantastic! Thanks, Balroop šš
Thank you for the book recommendation and review.
Thanks for stopping by, Molly!
My pleasure, Molly! šš
I got a kick out of our introduction to Julia when her grandson came to visit; I don’t advise accepting food or drink at her house, lol.
Congrats on the wonderful, well-deserved review!
I’d be worried, too, Jacquie. But I promise, she only takes those kinds of liberties with her family. š
Thanks for dropping by!
That bit had me laughing aloud! Thanks, Jacquie šš
Wow, Diana. I want to quote you on that. Thanks so much!
I love this character interview. Julia was one of my favorite characters. The relationship she has with her grandson, Aiden, is hilarious and touching. The love goes deep. And what a great review, Harmony! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You picked out some great lines to share. This is the must-read book of 2022!! Congrats to Staci and Mae!
I love hearing that people liked Julia. I adore her, too. And Harmony’s review blew me out of the water. I was elated with it.
Thanks, Jan.
I’m having connection issues, so if there are two similar replies, I apologize.
I’m so glad you liked Julia, Jan. She was one of my favorites, too, and they definitely share a deep love. As for Harmony’s review, she blew me away.
Thanks for dropping by to support me and Mae!
These interviews are so much fun! Delighted you enjoyed the review. Agreed: a top read of 2022! Thanks, Jan šš
Thanks for hosting and sharing your wonderful review, Harmony! Cheers to Staci and Mae! š
Thanks so much, Natalie! Itās an awesome read šš
Thanks so much, Natalie!
The nature of the book is so clever. Your review is excellent. I love the coffee quote (“I havenāt had enough coffee to lie convincingly.ā). I know that feeling!
Me too! š Very cleverly done. Thanks, Jacqui šš
I really appreciate that. Thanks, Jacqui.
Greer was a great character. I loved learning about her. Staci and Mae have a winner here.
They sure do! Thanks, Michele šš
Fingers crossed on that, Michele! Thanks.
Wonderful post and super review, Harmony! Yet another reason why I’m expecting (and ready!) to start reading this one tonight! I’m really looking forward to it. Staci and Mae, more congratulations on your new joint venture, and I’ll raise my cup of Earl Grey to your both, as I send you wishes for enormous, mind-boggling success with this one!
Thanks for hosting, Harmony, and super sales ahead, Staci and Mae! š¤šš¤
Be prepared to not be able to put it down once youāve picked it up! Thanks, Marcia šš
I’m tickled you’re looking forward to it, Marcia. Thank you. I hope you enjoy it!
I went upstairs and hid in my bedroom for a couple of hours yesterday afternoon to finish the book, Harmony. So much fun and such a great read. Wonderful review. I noticed those lines of superb writing too. I love clever/original descriptions. And I couldn’t agree more on how seamlessly the story held together. Congrats to Staci and Mae on a riveting read.
Riveting indeed! So pleased you enjoyed this as much as I did. Thanks, Diana šš
Well, this is the third time today I crashed trying to send a reply, and the second time the comment posted as a new one instead of an answer to someone else. Sigh. Stupid crappy Internet connection.
Anyway, as I was trying to say… Wow, Diana. I want to quote you on that. Thanks so much!
Harmony, I apologize for all the glitches today.
No apologies needed! You and I share a unique relationship with technology, lols ššš
We do. I’m delighted to have a connection with you. I just wish it wasn’t this one.
Well, we do share a love for some of the finer things… š„
Yes! š„š„š„šš
Oh, Harmony. I have so much to say!
First, thank you for hosting me today. I appreciate you opening your blog to me so I can chat with your viewers.
Second, I can’t tell you how delighted I was with your review. It not only made my day when I read it, but it’s put a smile on my face every time I’ve read it since. Many, many thanks.
Finally, sorry about that errant reply to John. I’m having computer issues. (Shocking, I know. Right?)
Anyway, many thanks! ā¤ļø
Youāre so welcome! I loved the book so much. Itās an absolute pleasure to host you today, Staci. Best wishes with everything.
Thanks so much for your wonderful promo of me on your blog today, too! š
Hugs šš
I said nothing but the truth. š„°
ššš
Thatās a wonderful review. Once I dispose of a few projects, Iām going to dedicate a weekend to reading this one.
Iām sure youāll enjoy this read! Thanks, Craig šš
I hope you enjoy it when you get to it, Craig. Thanks.
Great interview with Greer and Julia. Gives us some insight into Greer’s character and background.
Fantastic review, Harmony. Thanks for hosting Staci today.
Glad you enjoyed the review. Thanks, Joan šš
Greer is one of my favorite characters. (Then again, so is Julia.) I’m glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for all your support, Joan.
Great character interview, Staci. I thoroughly love Greer, and you continue to do a wonderful job showing Julia’s personality in these interviews. There is lot left unsaid in this post and raises all kinds of delicious questions!
So many fab questions! Thanks, Mae šš
Thanks, Mae. I love these characters, too. Writing these posts was so much fun. It was a blast crafting clues but not revealing too much.
Harmony, thanks some for hosting Staci today with our co-authored release. And thank you for that wonderful review. It makes me want to break into a happy dance. We are so excited about this release and so appreciate all your support! ā¤ļøš¤
I so loved this read! You and Staci make an awesome team. Itās wonderful to host you both and your book, and I wish you all the best šš
We definitely appreciate the support. Glad you were able to check in today, Mae.
Hi Harmony, an intriguing review and I like the quotes, especially: He must have walked under a ladder. Broken a few mirrors. Kicked a black cat or thirteen.ā Marcia Meara was asking on her recent blog post about superstitions and I had all of these. I liked the character interview especially the last line. Very grabby.
So glad you liked the review and quotes! Iām so loving these character interviews. Thanks, Robbie šš
So glad you enjoyed the quotes and interview, Robbie. Harmony’s review has me over the moon! Thanks for stopping by.
“I haven’t had enough coffee to lie convincingly.” Hahaha! Great review, Harmony! I’m really enjoying this blog tour.:-)
Me too! And I loved the book. Thanks, Priscilla šš
I had so much fun writing the snarky dialogue, Priscilla. So glad you enjoyed that line. Thanks for following the tour!
Great review, Harmony. Congratulations to Mae and Staci.
Thanks, John! Great read šš
Thank you for the support, John. We appreciate it.