You don’t believe in ghosts? Neither did I, until a couple of years ago.
Then I bought an 1897 Queen Anne Victorian house in a quiet New Jersey suburb. In my early thirties and still single, I wanted a real home that was all my own.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have it all to myself. Turns out the first owner was still hanging around, even though he died 116 years ago! A classical pianist, Jeremy Spencer led a not-so-Victorian life that helped get him killed while he was still young and handsome (I found a photo). And even he wasn’t alone—a couple of other folks involved in his fatal drama still kept him company on his ghostly plane.
The spirits never bothered my relatives much. As soon as I moved in, though, they somehow decided I was the perfect person to figure out who killed Jeremy and, after more than a century, to finally right some terrible wrongs.
Why me? I’m no detective. And even though I am a reporter of sorts, I write about architecture and interior design. I never considered myself psychic, either, but the haunting opened up some new floodgates. I saw, heard and felt things that other people didn’t; I even “channeled” a couple of my otherworldly housemates, reliving some scary episodes. I thought I was losing my mind, and so did my friends. The only person who seemed to share my visions was the unstable guy next door, who accused me of “stirring up” the ghosts with my renovations.
For advice, I reached out to a psychic named Gail Kleinholtz, who’s helped the NYPD and been on TV. I dug into the history of my house and questioned folks who knew the neighborhood lore, until I figured out who committed the murder, and why. Still, if my crazy neighbor had his way – and if not for some brave assistance from my boyfriend Tony — I might never have lived to lay the spirits to rest
After that, I wanted nothing more to do with the paranormal! Gail warned me, though, that in the future I might be extra-sensitive to the vibes in certain places. Of course, “places” are my business, but for a while I avoided writing about old houses. I didn’t worry about covering the renovation of a local movie theater into a venue for live performances. . .but maybe I should have.
Rock band Mad Love was shooting a video there and my press contact gave me a ticket. During the performance, a chunk of old plaster fell on a cameraman. I saw a shadowy figure above the stage give it a push – and I was the only person who did. Word got back to the band, and now the lead singer has asked me to help them, as a “psychic”! They’ve had other suspicious accidents and anonymous messages warning that they’re under a curse. The cops haven’t helped much, so the singer, Alan Bardot, wants me to sleuth around. His manager insists I also sign a non-disclosure agreement, so I can’t reveal any band secrets I might find out along the way.
Right now, a limo is taking me home from Alan’s awesome apartment overlooking the Hudson, the NDA still unsigned in my purse. If I do this, it’s sure to upset Tony, a reporter for our local paper. He’s investigating the “accident” at the theater; if I help Mad Love, I’ll learn information I can’t share with him. I’m sure he also won’t like my spending so much time with Alan, who happens to be gorgeous.
Still, it might be a rush to see if I can use my new-found abilities to help someone else. There’s probably no “curse” – just a human stalker. Though I did see that weird, man-shaped shadow. . . And the guy who got hit by the plaster died, so I’m technically investigating a murder.
Even if there is some paranormal “entity” involved, it’s after the band, not me, right? And Gail sent me one of her books with a few “white light” rituals she swears will protect me from any psychic attack.
So, really, what could go wrong?
— Quinn Matthews
You can read more about Quinn in Hex, Death & Rock’n’Roll, the second book in the Quinn Matthews Haunting Mystery series, published by Amber Quill Press, LLC. The first book in the series is Dark Music.
GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 p.m. eastern on April 2 for the chance to win a copy of Hex, Death & Rock’n’Roll. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.
Meet the author
E. F. Watkins specializes in paranormal suspense, and since 2003 has published eight novels with Amber Quill Press LLC. In 2013 she launched her Quinn Matthews Haunting Mystery series. The first book, Dark Music, received the David G. Sasher Award at the 2014 Deadly Ink Mystery Conference. The second, Hex, Death And Rock ‘N’ Roll, was a Mystery finalist for the 2014 Next Generation EBook Awards. Watkins has written about architecture, interior design and home improvement for daily newspapers and regional, national and international magazines. Visit her web site at www.efwatkins.com and on Facebook.
A new author to follow, thanks!
Oh my, this sounds like a book I have to read. I’m def adding this to my TBR list & adding to my Amazon wish list. Thanks for the chance in the giveaway.
Thank you for your giveaway. I enjoy paranormal suspense . Ok am looking forward to reading your book.
Sounds like a great read.
Can not wait to read this one!
Sounds like fun series.
I’ve not read this author or series, looks good, thanks for the chance 🙂
This sounds great! Thanks for the chance to win.
This book sounds great, I love paranormal cozies
very interesting premise sounds like a book I need to read
Sounds like a fun read!
This is a new series for me and I appreciate learning about it Dru! Sounds like something I will enjoy. Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
I like this one Dru. I’m sure I’ve mentioned that I actually worked in the music industry back when I was young and impressionable.
Please toss my hat into the contest ring.
I love reading ghost stories, and this one sounds really good. Thanks for having the giveaway.
This looks good!
What a unique twist. I love mysteries with ghosts and especially where there are old houses involved too. Thanks for the opportunity.
A great mystery. Thanks for this feature and giveaway.
Don’t usually read “ghost” stories but this one sounds pretty good.
thanks.
Sounds like a great read! Love the title and cover! Thank you!
This sounds like a great read! I look forward to it
Hex, Death and Rock and Roll sounds
like a great read. Thanks for the opportunity to win.🌷
Is it a ghost or is it a person? This sounds like a good mystery. Thanks for the chance to win it.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Thank you for the chance to win
Hex, Death and Rock and Roll sounds
like a book to go right at the top of my “To Read” list. Thanks for the opportunity to win
Sounds intriguing! I will be sure to check out the first book! Thanks for the chance!
WOW
would like to give this book a try!!!!
I like ghosts in mysteries. Looks good
I have discovered that I like the cozies with a ghost! Thanks for the giveaway.
I love cozy mysteries, and a ghost always adds to the fun. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂
Sounds like an interesting and creative story.
Count me in!
This sounds like it would be right up my alley!
You had me at rock and now let’s roll.. Judy
This looks like an interesting read.
This is a new author to me, and this sounds like a fun series. I wilk have to check it out. Thanks for the chance.
contest is closed.