Brad Storm doesn't believe in ghosts, but moving into the house at 324 Abercorn just may change his mind.
Best-selling author Bradley Storm finally has enough money to buy and restore his dream home. Despite 324 Abercorn's reputation as one of the most haunted houses in America, Bradley isn't worried. He doesn't believe in the supernatural. Then strange things begin to happen. Objects no longer where he left them. Phantom noises heard from empty rooms. Shadows glimpsed from the corner of his eye.
Is his house truly haunted, or is there something more sinister happening on the property?
With the help of Bradley's new boyfriend and a few friends who are just as intrigued with the seemingly inexplicable occurrences surrounding the infamous house, they set out to find the truth of what stalks the halls at 324 Abercorn.
Proudly represented by Crystal Lake Publishing—Tales from the Darkest Depths.
Interview with the author:
What was the inspiration for this novel?
Mark: The city of Savannah is my home-away-from-home, some place I visit at least once a year. It has the reputation of one of the most haunted cities in America, which intrigues me as a horror lover, but it is also stunningly beautiful. I love the old homes of the historic district, and one home in particular has always captured my attention and imagination. Grand but rundown, I began to fantasize that if I had enough money I'd love to restore it and live in it. Claims have been made it has been empty so long because of the supernatural occurrences that plague its halls, but I'm not necessarily a believer despite the subject matter I write about. Once my mind got on this track, the novel began to unfold in my mind and I only had to get it out on paper.
What was the most enjoyable aspect of writing this novel?
Mark: I've always wanted to do my own take on the haunted house novel. I find tales of spirits and apparitions chilling and fascinating, and I wanted to have a go at it. I had a great deal of fun taking familiar haunting tropes, exploring them while also twisting them to defy expectations. My favorite kind of ghost story has always been the ones that start off subtle - objects that mysteriously move around, lights that flicker on and off, doors that swing shut on their own. I think it's best when you start with more ambiguous stuff like that and then build from there. It was a blast for me.
Can you tell us a little about your characters?
I love the characters in this book. My main character, Brad, is someone who suffers a bit of imposture syndrome, a famous and wealthy author who hasn't yet come to terms with his good fortune. Over the course of the story, he grows in confidence and determination. His love interest, Bias, was a delightful character to write. Gregarious and cocksure in a way I've never been, he helps Brad come into his own. Writing the evolution of their relationship surprised and thrilled me. Harold, aka drag queen Titty-titty G******g, was sheer joy. Every line had me laughing, felt like I wasn't writing his dialogue but he was speaking through me. Neisha is the most mysterious character, but I love people like that who play their cards close to the chest, who seem wise beyond what they are willing to reveal.
