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A #NewRelease by authors Mae Clair and Staci Troilo

9/13/2022

52 Comments

 



​Hello blog friends,

We've much to celebrate!

​Writers Mae Clair and Staci Troilo worked together this year to co-write a new mystery entitled, The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. 

It was released two weeks ago, and it has already earned fantastic reviews. I've purchased my copy, and I'm flying through the chapters. It is a must-read. 

Today Mae and Staci will share a bit of the back story with us.

​Welcome, Mae and Staci! 

​❤️
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​Gwen, thank you so much for hosting me today. I’m delighted to be here with you and your readers to share The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. I co-authored this novel with Staci Troilo, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. It was amazing to work with a co-author, especially someone as talented as Staci. She and I found we work great together, so who knows—maybe another down the road.
​
For now, we hope others will enjoy our supernatural mystery which includes dual timelines, ghostly happenings, a town curse, murder, and rumors of buried gold.  During our short promo tour, you’ll meet several characters who populate the book. Today, I’d like to introduce sisters Elayne and Shelley Orrman from the 1888 timeline. Spiritualism is a key thread in the book, so Staci and I thought we’d have each character sit down with a medium as a way of introduction.
Let’s listen in.
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SPIRTUALIST: Welcome ladies. It’s a pleasure to meet you both. I’ve already met your mother, Dorinda, and your aunt, Irene Chatham.

ELAYNE:  Mother suggested we come.

SPIRTUALIST: Why is that?

ELAYNE: Who can say? It’s often her way—to meddle.

SHELLEY: (lightly touching her sister’s arm) You know she means well, Elayne. You’re just upset about the way she handled the problem in New York.

SPIRTUALIST: Mrs. Orrman did mention an embarrassing situation prompting her visit to Chatham Hollow, though she didn’t elaborate.

ELAYNE: Thank heavens. But then she wouldn’t for fear the matter should reflect unfavorably on her. Never mind I was the aggrieved party.

SPIRTUALIST: You have me curious, but I would never pry.

ELAYNE: Thank you for that. It’s best left in the past. Initially, I dreaded coming here, but Chatham Hollow has been an unexpected pleasure.

SHELLEY: (giggling) I think a certain spiritualist has something to do with that. Namely, Victor Rowe.

SPIRTUALIST: Naturally, I’ve heard of him. (allows his gaze to linger on Elayne) Perhaps I speak out of turn, but I’m led to believe Mr. Rowe is a man in his early forties. You appear much younger.

ELAYNE: Perhaps you should stick to your earlier conviction and not pry in matters that don’t concern you.

SPIRTUALIST: Pardon. My observation was inappropriate.

SHELLEY: Well, I certainly have no qualms admitting I find Mr. Rowe’s rival, Benedict Fletcher a charismatic and intriguing man.

ELAYNE: (frowning slightly) He certainly fawns over you at every opportunity. You need to be on your guard, Shelley. I’m not certain Mr. fletcher is all he presents himself to be.

SPIRTUALIST: I sense protective concern in that statement.

ELAYNE: Shelley is the younger sister, and somewhat still impressionable.

SHELLEY: (shifting to face her sister) And you are not, simply because…

ELAYNE:  What happened in New York has left me with a jaded outlook on life.

SHELLEY: But not Victor Rowe?

ELAYNE: (standing) I think perhaps we should go.

SPIRTUALIST: I’m sorry if you’ve soured on the discussion, Miss Orrman. You are welcome to remain for a reading.

ELAYNE: No thank you. I prefer to discover the future for myself—but if I was to consult a medium, I know just the man for the task.
​
SHELLEY: (grins broadly) Mr. Fletcher?
Elayne rolls her eyes and heads for the door.
​
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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 re-enacted 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 for hosting me today, Gwen. It was a pleasure to drop by—along with my unnamed spiritualist and Elayne and Dorinda. (The sisters usually agree on topics, but not when it comes to Chatham Hollow’s two mediums). I invite your readers to pick up a copy of The Haunting of Chatham Hollow at the link below. Staci and I both appreciate the support and wish everyone happy reading!
​
PURCHASE LINK

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:
Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter| Goodreads| All Social Media

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Connect with Staci Troilo at the following haunts:
Website | Blog | Social Media | Newsletter
Amazon ​| BookBub ​| Goodreads
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52 Comments
Roberta Eaton Cheadle
9/13/2022 22:58:55

Hi Gwen, another entertaining conversation between the characters in this book. Thanks for hosting Mae and Staci.

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 03:45:31

I'm so glad you're enjoying these character interviews, Robbie. Thanks for following along on the tour!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 05:30:00

Thank you, Robbie. It's a pleasure hosting Mae and Staci. I'm so excited for them. 😊

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 03:47:14

Gwen, thank you so much for welcoming me (and Staci) to your lovely blog today. You are always a wonderful host, and it is a delight to visit with you and your readers. Thank you for the fantastic intro and for rolling out the welcome mat! ❤️

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 05:31:08

It's my pleasure, Mae. You and Staci have created a masterpiece and being part of its rollout is an honor. ❤️

Reply
Jill link
9/14/2022 04:39:57

Fantastic conversation! Thanks for celebrating Mae and Staci’s release, Gwen. It’s been a great tour!❤️

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 05:36:26

It's a delight to celebrate their release of The Haunting of Chatham Hollow. What an achievement! Thank you, Jill, for adding to the excitement. 😊

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Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 10:50:27

So glad you're enjoying it, Jill. Thanks so much for following along with the tour! 🤗

Reply
CS Boyack
9/14/2022 05:12:25

Still enjoying these interviews. The sisters seem a bit aloof, but might not be so with the men they’re speaking about.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 05:32:05

Thank you for visiting, Craig, and adding to the excitement. 😊

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:06:18

Well, I guess given the era, yep they would be aloof. Very proper ladies. Glad that came across int he character interview!

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Elizabeth Gauffreau link
9/14/2022 05:22:47

A very clever introduction to the book! All the best to Mae and Staci for its success!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 05:33:14

I thought the same, Liz, very clever. Thank you for stopping by and adding to the excitement. 😊

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Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:07:13

Thanks for the well wishes, Liz. They are much appreciated!

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Pamela Wight link
9/14/2022 05:33:08

Yum! This book sounds like so much FUN! (yes, poetic I am). :-) But who can resist two wonderful co-authors, a spiritualist, sisters, a supernatural mystery, and good dialogue? I've co-authored one book (romantic suspense) and had such a good time doing so. Sounds like Mae and Staci had a ball.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 06:13:34

Thank you, Pam. Like you, I've co-authored one book and had a great time doing so. Reading Mae and Staci's book is a delight, and clearly, they had fun through the process!

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:09:38

Hi, Pam. Aww, thanks for that lovely comment. Staci and I definitely had a ball writing the book. It was my first experience co-authoring, and I absolutely loved it. I hope your experience with your co-author was as equally fun!

Reply
Staci Troilo link
9/14/2022 05:48:49

These two sisters really take over the page. I'm glad Mae chose to spotlight them.

We had a fantastic time writing this story, and I'm enjoying the tour every bit as much. Thank you for hosting, Gwen.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 06:14:48

I'm delighted to host and have enjoyed each step of the tour. Congratulations to both of you for an incredible work of writing art! ❤️

Reply
Joan Hall link
9/14/2022 05:51:38

I'm enjoying these character conversations. Thanks for hosting today, Gwen. I'll add my recommendation to this fantastic book. Mae and Staci outdid themselves.

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 06:15:57

I'll be finishing their book this weekend and have enjoyed each chapter. What a delight! Thank you, Joan. 😊

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:10:55

Thanks for adding your recommendation, Joan. Staci and I so appreciate it. And I'm so glad you're enjoying the character interviews. They were such fun to write!

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John Howell link
9/14/2022 06:06:31

Congratulations to Mae ans Staci. Great hosting job, Gwen

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Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 06:16:43

Thank you, John. It's fun joining in the celebration. 😊

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Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:11:35

Thanks, John. Nice to have you drop by!

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Harmony Kent link
9/14/2022 06:17:38

Another wonderful characterisation via a fun interview! Loving this tour. This is a fantastic read, and I’d love to, eventually, see more from this awesome writing duo! Congrats to Mae and Staci! Thanks for sharing, Gwen. Hugs 💕🙂

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:12:56

Well, once Staci and I knock a few other projects out of the way that could well be a possibly, Harmony. I'm so thrilled you enjoyed the book as much as you did, and are enjoying the tour. Thanks for all your awesome support! 🤗💕

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:34:17

It's a pleasure to celebrate Mae and Staci's new release. Thank you, Harmony, for joining in the fun! 🤗

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Priscilla Bettis link
9/14/2022 06:27:28

Fun interview. I'd like to get to know Elayne and Shelley more. Congrats to Clair and Troilo on this recent release!

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:13:42

So glad to hear that, Priscilla. I'm glad you're enjoying the tour!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:39:29

I agree with you, Priscilla. It is a fun interview. Thank you for adding to the excitement. 😊

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Jacqui Murray link
9/14/2022 07:55:55

Each snippet about this book is better than the last. Well done tour!

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Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:14:08

That's wonderful to hear. Thanks so much, Jacqui!

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Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:35:04

Thank you for joining the fun, Jacqui. 😊

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Diana Peach link
9/14/2022 09:16:03

The spiritualist discussions are wonderfully fun. Each one is like a little extra bonus to the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the read. Thanks for hosting, Gwen, and huge congrats to Staci and Mae. <3

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Marcia Meara link
9/14/2022 09:54:37

Just got started on this one last night, and I'm already totally hooked! Wonderful, so far, and I have no doubt it will continue to be wonderful to the very last page!

Thanks so for hosting Mae and Staci, Gwen, and helping them get the word out about their new mutual endeavor. I'm convinced this one is going to do spectacularly well, and can't wait to get farther into the story tonight!

Great post, and HUGE wishes for big success to Staci and Mae!!
🤗❤️🤗

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:15:39

Yay! So glad to hear we have you hooked, my PenderPal. I'm tickled pink the book has grabbed you.

Thanks for following along on the tour. I wish you happy reading! 💕🤗

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:36:00

Like you, Marcia, I'm enjoying the book. YAY for both of them, what an achievement!! 🤗

Reply
Balroop Singh link
9/14/2022 10:07:28

The characters of this book are fantastic! They would stay with you and pop up whenever you read more such books. I also like how the supernatural element has been handled. Congratulations Mae and Staci. Thanks for being a wonderful host Gwen.

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:17:27

Thanks for that great comment, Balroop. I'm delight you connected with the characters.Staci and I really enjoyed creating our group of past and present personalities and, of course, weaving in the supernatural element.

Thanks so much for adding your recommendation of Chatham! 🤗💕

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:36:51

Thanks, Balroop. It's a delight hosting these two wonderful writers. ❤️

Reply
Michele Jones link
9/14/2022 10:37:28

This was another great conversation. Sisters do have a way. I can't wait to see who pops up next. Excellent book. Congrats to Mae and Staci.

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Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:19:27

Thanks so much, Michele. I thought it would be fun to do both groups of sisters (Irene and Dorinda, Elayne and Shelley) on the tour, to show their differences in personalities. I have two sisters and all three of us are so different, LOL.

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the tour. Staci and I loved writing these character interviews!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:37:34

Thank you for adding to the excitement, Michele. I'm so happy for Mae and Staci. 😊

Reply
Jan Sikes
9/14/2022 10:51:49

These two sisters were interesting characters, both quite different. Elayne was the steady and more practical one of the two. This is such a good book. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a great story! Congrats to Staci and Mae, and thank you for hosting today, Gwen!

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 11:21:16

Thanks for adding your recommendation for Chatham, Jan. I'm so glad you enjoyed the book---and the characters who populated it. I think Elayne was probably the most practical character I've ever written but I so enjoyed experimenting with her personality.

So glad you're enjoying the tour! ❤️

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 11:38:12

Thank you for visiting, Jan, and adding to the celebration. 😊

Reply
Teri Polen link
9/14/2022 15:35:46

More intriguing character conversations. Thanks for hosting, Gwen!

Reply
Mae Clair link
9/14/2022 18:14:37

I'm so glad you're enjoying the interviews, Teri. Thanks for following along on the tour!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/14/2022 20:16:03

It's my pleasure, Teri. Thank you for adding to the celebration. 😊

Reply
Flossie Benton Rogers link
9/19/2022 20:35:04

Quite an entertaining excerpt! You did a great job of selecting snippets and conversations to entice and provide insight into various dynamics. Thank you for hosting, Gwen! Many best wishes to Mae & Staci!

Reply
Gwen M. Plano
9/23/2022 07:24:33

Thank you, Flossie, for joining in the celebration. 😊

Reply



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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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