"R.C. Matthews has done it, again, writing a riveting tale with twists and tortured soul romance! [...] This book kept me turning the pages till the very end, which concluded on a high note full of love, hope, and promises for future happiness!" Cynthia, Goodreads
Description:
Published: October 1st, 2018
A grisly murder leaves a haunted estate without an heir, and a powerful medium scrambles to find answers from beyond the grave.
Determined to escape the nightmarish memories of her childhood, heiress and psychic Maribeth Sommerset pursues the adventurous life of a psychic investigator, beginning with a murder and the spirits who hover behind at the haunted Chateau Swansea
Meanwhile, devoted steward of the chateau Arthur Dunn plays a dangerous game of deception to shield his employer's good name, landing himself at the top of Maribeth's suspect list.
Amid scandalous secrets and destructive lies, will Maribeth uncover the secrets of Chateau Swansea before the killer strikes again?
Don't miss out on this thrilling Victorian gothic romance!
EXCERPT
“So what encounters with spirits can you speak of?” he asked. “Enthrall me, please.”
She wet her lips. “My first communication with the dead involved friendly spirits. Through prayer and quiet reflection, I connect with ghosts on this plane of existence, unless they ignore me. But they’re lonely creatures, so most engage in conversation. I can also conjure their physical forms in my presence. While others cannot see them, I do.”
His jaw slackened, but he held his mouth shut by sheer strength of will. “A rare talent, indeed.” In fact, few mediums had the audacity to lay claim to the ability lest they be proven false. Yes, he could work with this to impress Mrs. Marsh.
“Have you solved any cases, Miss Sommerset?”
She pursed her lips. Ah, the first sign of impending deceit. What lies would she conjure to secure her position? He waited patiently.
“No,” she finally said, straightening her shoulders.
His brow lifted of its own volition. “None?”
She lifted one forefinger. “But my communications with a ghost in New Orleans saved an entire family from a deadly curse. A slave girl’s soul was trapped in a mirror on the plantation. I set her free.”
Interesting, to say the least. Miss Sommerset was proving to have a wonderful imagination, after all. With a little coaxing, he would surely discover more to please Mrs. Marsh’s need for sensationalism.
“And what of séances and talking boards?” he asked, drumming his fingers on the bench. “What experience do you have with either?”
Her nose scrunched up. “None whatsoever.”
He rubbed his temples, warding off a headache. How could this be? “Every respectable medium offers séances and a turn with the talking board. I’ll tell Mrs. Marsh you’re well-versed in the art, but there is no need in this investigation. She’ll never accept you otherwise.”
“You’ll tell her no such thing!” Miss Sommerset scowled. “Is this your idea of a jest? Séances and talking boards are forms of entertainment. Gifted mediums do not employ these tricks of the trade. You offend me, sir.”
What was her game? He took in her flushed cheeks, rigid posture, and the spark glinting in her eyes. She meant every word that spilled from her lips. Fascinating. Smoke and mirrors truly offended her.
“I will not be mocked,” she said, pinning him with a nasty glare. “Do you expect me to lie and offer false witness? I assure you, I will not. Please, turn the coach around. Find another medium for your circus act.”
Confidence and authority radiated off her in waves. She was steadfast in the belief of her craft. Beautifully sincere, and exactly what he needed. Even if she proved to be a fraud in the end, of which he had no doubts. He was raised by the best of them, was a fraud himself. Still, she would serve his purpose well. What good would come of admitting he did not believe in ghosts or mediums? A little lie never hurt anyone in the pursuit of justice.
“Accept my sincerest apology,” he said, lowering his voice an octave, probing into the depths of her eyes. He laid his hand over his heart. “I did not mean to cause offense. Truly. While skeptical, I keep an open mind. The chateau may be haunted. There are enough documented accounts to fill a desk drawer. Please reconsider, for Mr. Turner’s sake.”
She cocked her head to the side, but said nothing. Did his pledge ring true?
“Are you a steward or an actor, Mr. Dunn? You say all the right words as though scripted.”
Her jest sliced through the tension building between them. A medium with a sense of humor. How charming.
“Steward, of course. You’ll stay and investigate? By week’s end, you may leave with a letter of recommendation and fifty pounds richer for your trouble.”
The carriage rolled to a stop, and he glanced out the window. They had arrived at Chateau Swansea. He needed her to uncover the potential motives of the other residents on the estate. Caroline Turner stirred up trouble in every aspect of her life. With enough viable suspects, the police may never discover the truth behind her death, and his employer could avoid Newgate.
“I’ll stay for one week,” she declared as a footman opened the carriage door.
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About the author:
R.C. Matthews is the author of contemporary and historical romances featuring bold, sassy heroines and magnetic alpha heroes. Warning! The chemistry between her characters is off the charts hot, so read at your own risk. She resides in the Midwest and is surrounded by men: her husband and three sons. During her free time you'll find her watching The Walking Dead, reading a fabulous book or hanging out with her family.
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