TWICE HUNG
A Canadian Historical Mystery
by
Vanessa C. Hawkins
Mystery / Suspense / Thriller
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: June 1, 2024
Page count: 304 pages
Publisher: BWL Publishing Inc.
Publication Date: June 1, 2024
Page count: 304 pages
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SYNOPSIS:
Ethel Arsenault's been hearing noises in her brother's house ever since she arrived from Summerside, but when he turns up dead, could the supernatural be to blame, or her sister-in-law Dolly whose been caught talking to herself when night falls?
Ethel isn't sure, nor is she happy when she's left alone to care for Ernest's estate. Was her brother the victim of sweet, little Dolly Arsenault, or is some other sinister force at work? The city of Charlottetown is quick to point the blame at Dolly, but now Ethel has been hearing things in the house...
... or is it just her imagination?
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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:
“An animal? Like a racoon?” Ethel pursed her lip, wondering if all this time she had been hearing a poor frightened animal in the walls, rather than the lost soul of a sea captain. Since Al had told his story a few nights ago, Ethel was certain no one besides herself had heard anything of the sort.
Ernest bent to sip his tea before spooning a few generous lumps of sugar to dissolve within the amber fluid. “Something like that,” he said. “I’ve heard it a few times recently, mostly at night, so it must be some kind of nocturnal creature.”
“I’ve not heard a thing! Have you, Ethel?” Dolly asked, her fingers pressing at the hollow of her throat.
Ethel frowned, wondering whether she ought to say anything. “It’s an unfamiliar house…” she’d decided, “so I’m afraid even normal sounds would feel foreign to me.”
“I’m sure it’s just—”
“Sorry to disrupt, Mr. Arsenault,” Adella-Ray said from the wide open French doors that bisected the breakfast area from the foyer, “but I’m afraid I am unable to locate your spirits.”
Ernest swivelled in his chair to face the exit. “Did you check the cabinet in the study? I know I put a bottle in there a few weeks ago.”
Adella-Ray nodded, a few mouse-brown strands of hair bobbing out the borders of her maid cap. “I remember, Sir. But it seems it’s gone.”
Dolly laughed, finally pausing to take her first bite of breakfast. “You probably drank it, Ernie. Perhaps without thinking? You’ve been working late all week, seldom even coming home till morning.”
Ernest harrumphed, though he only seemed mildly perplexed as he turned to resume his position at the table. “Perhaps so, Darling,” he said in a tone unconvinced at the suggestion. “Though I was sure—I don’t care much for the stuff. Too fruity…” He scratched his head, “I suppose I’ll have to buy another before I go.” He wiped his chin, smoothing out the corners of his moustache before standing up to excuse himself.
“Just another thing to add to the list,” he said. “I won’t be able to keep you company today, I’m afraid.” He looked at his pocket watch. “Too much to do before departure tomorrow. Will you two be all right while I’m gone?”
Ethel smiled, while Dolly offered a confident wave of her hand. “We’ll find something to occupy us.”
“The day is lovely, after all,” Ethel agreed.
Ernest nodded. “Very well,” he said before turning towards the foyer where Adella-Ray had already fetched his hat and coat. “I won’t be home till late. So be sure to dine without me.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
A life-long lover of horror, Vanessa C. Hawkins wrote her first story in the genre when she was only in grade five. It was titled Mutilated and it warranted her a trip to the school guidance counsellor. A lifetime later, she continues to write about anything that suits her fancy. She was afforded second place in the David Adams Richards Prize this year, and honourable mentions in the WFNB writing competition for her novel A Child to Cry Over. With over a dozen publications under her belt, Vanessa was celebrated as a bestselling author with Books We Love Publishing for the sale of over a thousand copies of The Curious Case of Simon Todd! She lives with her husband Brendon and daughter Bernie in New Brunswick.
Vanessa is the author of the following BWL Publishing Inc. releases:
The Curious Case of Simon Todd
Bunker Blitz
Ballroom Riot by Vanessa C. Hawkins & Tara Woodworth
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Thank you for featuring TWICE HUNG.
ReplyDeleteThe cover looks amazing. Sounds like an interesting story.
ReplyDeleteI really like the excerpt and think the book sounds interesting.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a fantastic read. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the excerpt, sounds like an interesting book!
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