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The True Nature of Hauntings
A Ghost Chases the Horizon tells the story of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum from the perspective of the building, exploring mental health, time, memory, and the invisible scars passed from person to person and place to place. What was the inspiration for the original and fascinating idea at the center of the book?
The flashpoint for this story came from a paranormal encounter my friends and I had while we were doing an overnight tour of the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum campus. I was alone in a large area once used as a women’s ward. My friends went outside to find a bathroom, and as they came back, they heard what sounded like a group of women screaming (it was caught on a recording, too). A week later, I was watching a TV program about the asylum. The show told a story from the 1960s about how the women in the ward all started screaming at once. When the attendants arrived, the women said they saw a man standing in the corner of the room. Remembering that was where I was standing when my friends heard the screams, I had to ask myself, Do hauntings work both ways? Was I their ghost? The origin of the story came from those questions. The idea for the Kirkbride building to be the narrator originated later from a friend’s suggestion about another book idea. The new story did not develop, but the idea was worked into later drafts of this book.
Your story explores the lives of four people who resided in the hospital from 1905 to 2063. What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Melancholy is the feeling I most wanted to convey throughout this story. I think it is one of the more underappreciated emotions. The times when books and films have successfully employed that tone are the stories that have stuck with me the most. There is a natural loneliness to the Kirkbride that emanates from it to this day. Along with its gothic architecture, it is the perfect place to convey such a mood. There needed to be a hopefulness to the stories as well, so the loneliness would not become overwrought and depressing.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The relationship between time, spirit, and the true nature of hauntings was my first priority. I also wanted to address socially relevant themes like false allyship, neglect of the mentally disadvantaged, and the perils and responsibilities of using a historic site as a playground.
What were some goals you set for yourself as a writer in this book?
I wanted the structure to be experimental. I looked at it as a braided narrative, where each character’s story overlays in order, so one character is inadvertently filling in another character’s backstory from their position in the timeline. All four characters have a direct effect on the other four in some manner. I also wanted to layer each character’s backgrounds so much that there are hidden stories within the story. In one particular example, there is an intentional continuity error, but if the reader were to run the narrative backward, they would realize that time had been altered without anyone in the story realizing it. I didn’t just want this story to be read. I wanted it to be studied.
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What part of ourselves do we send into the future? These stories explore the relationship between time and spirit through the lens of the community surrounding the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum. The hospital has gone by many names throughout its history, and its troubled past is retold from the memory held by its thick, limestone walls.
Character Growth
Madison’s Mission follows a devoted lady’s maid caring for her mistress and hiding her past, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she meets the distinguished foreman overseeing the castle’s extravagant construction. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Boldt Castle is the most famous tourist attraction in the Thousand Islands Region. Every year, nearly a quarter of a million visitors enjoy its beauty, including me. I’ve always wanted to write a story about it and Heart Island. But it wasn’t until recently that I finally developed a compelling storyline.
Ever since I was a child, Boldt Castle’s story has fascinated me. It’s a story of love and loss and begins with the talented businessman, George C. Boldt, a German immigrant who became proprietor of the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City and the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. In 1900, Boldt embarked on an ambitious project to construct a six-story, 120-room castle inspired by the grand architecture of European châteaux. He meticulously planned every detail as an expression of his love and devotion, with hearts everywhere. You’ll experience its construction throughout my story and wonder at those who put so much of their hearts into it. When you visit there, your perspective will never be the same.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
Technically, the sub-genre I write in is called “faction”—factual fiction. The setting and owners of that castle and mansion are all real characters and stories, and then I overlay fictional servants who tell the story. It’s rather complicated, but it’s oh so much fun. This gives me so much “scope for the imagination,” as Anne Shirley would say. I focus on character growth. But I’m a sucker for romance and happy endings, so if a relationship is part of my main character’s storyline, all the better!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I hope readers are reminded that no matter the hardships we face, God is always at work behind the scenes—restoring, healing, and guiding us toward His best. Madison’s Mission is ultimately a story of hope, reminding us that love rooted in faith can overcome even the deepest sorrow and that purpose often rises out of pain. Madison is terrified of opening herself up again because of all the pain she’s endured. But God gently leads her to realize that love and community are part of the healing process. Through Emmett, and through unexpected circumstances, she learns that God is not finished with her story. That’s something I think many readers will relate to.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
I have a new series coming out in early 2027 based in the Thousand Islands, so I’ll continue to feature the beautiful landscape, history, and drama set around Boldt Castle and in the St. Lawrence River during the Gilded Age.
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A Boldt Castle story
By Susan G Mathis
Step into the captivating world of Boldt Castle in 1903, where dreams are forged in the fires of adversity and love.
Madison Murray, the devoted maid to the legendary Louise Boldt, harbors a singular mission—to care for her ailing mistress while hiding her own painful past. Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Emmett O’Connor, the distinguished foreman overseeing Boldt Castle’s extravagant construction. Their connection sparks with promise, yet the chasm of class difference and hidden secrets loom large.
Just as their budding romance begins to flourish, tragedy strikes, shattering their world. A deadly accident leaves Emmett wrestling with guilt and at the center of an investigation that could unravel everything he holds dear. Then Madison finds herself ensnared in a dangerous coverup that threatens her very life.
When Mrs. Boldt passes away, Madison is left reeling—jobless and burdened by the weight of her perceived failures. In a world filled with uncertainty, can she summon the strength to move forward and confront her past? Will Emmett rise above his challenges to forge a future alongside the woman who has captured his heart?
A Chance to Make a Difference
Postmarked Castle Cove follows a US Postal Inspector struggling with sobriety grapples with a small-town mystery involving missing mail and suspicious church leaders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My intent was to get MC focused on more than just drinking — or not drinking in her case. I wanted a deeper, darker, more gritty investigation that would hit her hard and make her realize she had a bigger purpose in life. Something to really sink her teeth into. A chance to make a difference.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I don’t think there’s any one character I relate to more than any other. However, the one I’ve had the most fun with recently is Jim Bob O’Malley, the youngest and newest postal inspector in the same office MC works in. Although, Jim Bob’s role ended up being smaller than originally planned in book three, I can foresee expanding his character in a book four. He’s a bit of a nuisance in MC’s opinion, but his humor breaks through her hard shell at times. And MC grudgingly acknowledges he will be a good inspector—with a bit of stern direction at times from her and other senior inspectors.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I focused on were grief and how MC is handling the overwhelming grief over the murder of her life partner Barb, which happened in the first book in the series. I think up to the point of book three that grief has molded MC into an emotional cripple. Barb had been MC’s world. Along with that grief comes a sense of guilt. Guilt over not being at home that fateful day to save Barb. Guilt over not having the courage to share with Barb while she had the chance, some dark locked-away personal secrets from childhood. And of course, the theme of recovery. An arc that stretches from day-to-day progress; back-sliding; thinking she’s tamed the beast and has no need for any further intervention; to the point where MC realizes that recovery is a life-long journey. And finally justice—MC observes that a number of her cases have involved child victims. Some survivors. Others not. And with that observation comes a sense of a chance at redemption. She hadn’t been able to save her sister Cindy when they were children. And she hadn’t been able to save little Emmy in book two. But MC decides to embark on a crusade to protect child victims. She wants to dig into those dark, disturbing cases and bring light to the voiceless victims and make a difference, no matter how small, in their lives.
Can we look forward to a fourth installment in this series? Where will it take readers?
I’m leaning toward another book for the series. I’ve begun gathering research for the possibility. I think MC will visit a different area of our great state of Minnesota in book four. Maybe somewhere a bit west, the St. Cloud area perhaps. And there might be a cold case revealed to her during an active investigation. The cold case is out of her wheelhouse, but MC can’t help but get sucked in. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about MC and her story!
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Cold Case Investigators: The Prostitute Killer
The Prostitute Killer follows a dogged investigation into a string of gruesome murders, beginning with an innocent traveler’s death in a sleazy Bakersfield motel and unraveling into a chilling serial killer case. Set across multiple cities in California and Nevada, the novel centers on Patrick Johnson, a retired Air Force investigator turned private detective with Cold Case Investigators. He and his team retrace the steps of a methodical murderer who preys on prostitutes. Each victim found smothered and with their throat slashed on the same date year after year. The story becomes an intricate web of cold leads, dark motel rooms, and unsettling truths.
The book reads like a throwback to classic procedural dramas. I enjoyed how the story didn’t just throw readers into a whirlwind of twists, but instead took its time. It builds tension slowly and methodically, just like its killer. I enjoyed how Johnson felt real. He’s flawed but determined. He’s no superhero. He’s just smart and stubborn and still trying to make sense of the world post-military. The domestic scenes with his wife and kids gave the story heart. They broke up the violence and grit with warmth. I didn’t expect to laugh at the scenes with his son outshooting a grown man or feel a lump in my throat during the baptism. Those little moments made the stakes feel personal.
The dialogue leaned into a report-like style that gave the book an authentic, procedural feel, like sitting in on a real investigation. The detailed exposition added to that immersive, boots-on-the-ground atmosphere, making it feel like I was right there with the team piecing things together. The killer’s motives were slowly revealed in a way that kept me guessing, though I was left curious for even more twists or deeper psychological layers by the end, which speaks to how invested I was in the case. The pacing in the second half picked up, and I found myself eager to see how Johnson would put the final pieces together.
I’d recommend The Prostitute Killer to fans of true crime-style fiction and slow-burn detective novels. If you like methodical investigations, ex-military protagonists, and reading about cold cases coming to life again, this book’s got you covered. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t rely on shock value. It’s steady, gritty, and oddly comforting.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0DNRNB3PV
Cold Case Investigators: The Happy Paperhanger
Merrill Vaughan’s The Happy Paperhanger is a twisty cold-case mystery centered on an elusive con artist who’s been baffling law enforcement across Southern California for years. The story kicks off with the introduction of the CCI team, Cold Case Investigators, led by seasoned veterans Paul Gibbons and John Sommers, who are called in by the Riverside PD to track down a smiling, soft-spoken fraudster who passes bad checks while remaining entirely anonymous. As the investigation unfolds, a complex cat-and-mouse game emerges between the team and the mysterious perpetrator, eventually revealed to be Scott Thayer, a millionaire with a dangerous hobby. Woven throughout the narrative are glimpses into Scott’s opulent life and twisted motivations, giving readers both sides of the chase. Along the way, we get entangled in personal stakes, including a prior kidnapping case and emotional family developments that add warmth and urgency to the investigation.
I have to say, this book hooked me early and kept me flipping pages. I liked how it didn’t rely on explosions or gunfights but rather old-school gumshoe work like tailing suspects, cross-checking bank records, and chasing down threads that seemed to lead nowhere. That felt real. The way Vaughan slowly peeled back the layers on Scott Thayer was clever. He wasn’t your average villain. He had a high life, a loving wife, and even a conscience, sort of. That made him feel oddly relatable and, honestly, more dangerous. The scenes where he mingles with cops and detectives at galas and fundraisers, all while hiding in plain sight, gave me chills. On the other side, the CCI team’s chemistry felt natural, with good back-and-forth banter, personal depth, and even humor. The subplot around Patrick’s family added an emotional undertone that didn’t feel forced. I cared about these people, which made the stakes feel higher.
That said, the writing isn’t flashy, and at times, it can be plainspoken. But that’s the charm. There’s no unnecessary gloss. Vaughan gets to the point, and the plot marches forward with the kind of pacing I appreciate in crime fiction. I also enjoyed the change of scenery. It wasn’t just another big-city thriller. The story roamed through small towns, dusty police stations, diners, and backyard BBQs, which grounded everything in a believable world. One thing that struck me was how the con artist was always just a step ahead. That tension, that not-knowing-what-will-happen-next feeling, stayed strong right up until the last few chapters. And while the mystery wraps up more cleanly than I expected, the road there was full of little surprises.
If you’re into crime stories where the thrill doesn’t come from action scenes but from clever twists, tight investigative work, and rich character dynamics, this book will be right up your alley. Fans of low-boil suspense, police procedurals, or classic mystery novels will feel right at home with this one. I’d recommend The Happy Paperhanger to anyone who loves the chase more than the capture and prefers brain over brawn in their fiction.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0FGB9YQX8
Cold Case Investigators: The Kidnapping
After reading The Kidnapping by Merrill Vaughan, I can say this gripping crime thriller delivers a compelling and emotionally charged story. Set against a backdrop of military life and a chilling cold case, the novel follows the abduction of a child and the traumatic events that ripple through the lives of those involved. At the heart of the story is Master Sergeant Patrick Johnson and his wife, Sherrie, whose son is kidnapped by a disturbed figure from Sherrie’s past. The narrative jumps between timelines, slowly unraveling the dark motives and relentless pursuit of justice by a tight-knit group of investigators. With its mix of suspense, heartbreak, and action, the book reads like a true crime story with the pulse of a fast-paced drama.
What I liked most was Vaughan’s attention to procedural detail and the emotional realism in the characters. The dialogue between military personnel feels authentic, probably helped by the author’s own background or deep research. The tension builds steadily, and although the plot can be dense with acronyms and chain-of-command nuances, the stakes remain deeply human. Vaughan’s writing shines when focusing on the psychological toll of the crime. Like the way it tears at relationships and rattles the characters’ sense of security. I especially appreciated how the protagonist, Patrick, balances his personal grief with his professional instincts, which adds layers of complexity to the story.
Some sections leaned a bit heavily on exposition or extended dialogue, which slowed the pace in places. The villain’s storyline was intense and emotionally charged, and it had moments that felt a little heightened compared to the grounded tone of the rest of the book. A few of the antagonist’s choices made me pause, as they seemed more about pushing the story forward than staying true to his character. That said, these were small things in an otherwise gripping and emotionally rich read.
The Kidnapping is a powerful story of loss, determination, and justice. It’s a book for readers who love detailed crime fiction, especially those with a taste for military or investigative thrillers. If you enjoy novels that dig into the emotional wreckage of trauma while keeping the plot moving, this one’s worth your time. I walked away from it, moved, unsettled, and honestly impressed by how much heart the story held.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DQ63BBVM
Land Without Shame
Land Without Shame is a fast-paced Christian action thriller set in a gritty future where Cody Musket Jr. carries the legacy of a heroic family name. Twenty years from now, the world is plagued by political chaos, human trafficking, and high-tech warfare. When Cody finds himself in Caracas, rescuing a baby from a dumpster, he’s thrown into a whirlwind of danger involving plane crashes, guerrilla warlords, underground resistance groups, and a starlet who discovers her strength in the middle of tragedy. The story follows Cody’s mission to rescue victims of trafficking while wrestling with his own call to bravery, sacrifice, and faith.
Let me say this right off the bat, I was hooked from the very first chapter. The writing is raw and cinematic. It doesn’t waste time with fluff. It hits you with emotion, action, and conviction. I appreciated the way Miller balances suspense with moments of heart. The book feels personal, like the author poured his soul into these characters. There’s grit in Cody’s journey, but also tenderness. I felt the danger in the jungle, the pressure inside the crashing plane, the lump in my throat when Cody rescues a newborn from the garbage. Miller knows how to build tension, and he does it with simple words that hit hard. The inclusion of grounded Christian values didn’t feel preachy, it felt like backbone.
What surprised me the most was how much the characters grew on me, especially Diamond Casper. At first, she seemed like just another spoiled celebrity, but watching her come apart and rebuild herself through pain and survival, that hit differently. It’s not just a rescue story. It’s about redemption. About choosing courage even when your knees are shaking. The villains are ugly in all the right ways, but the heroes? They’re messy, complicated, sometimes broken, but they rise. And I admire that. Even the sci-fi tech isn’t overdone. It just feels like part of the world without stealing the spotlight from what matters.
Land Without Shame is a bold, unapologetic adventure. It’s thrilling, emotional, and deeply rooted in themes of family, sacrifice, and faith. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean but intense stories with spiritual weight, especially fans of action thrillers, survival tales, or stories with strong moral centers. If you like your heroes bruised but brave, and your endings hard-earned, this book delivers.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0F4MDDH9C
Someone Had to Lie
Jack Luellen’s Someone Had to Lie is a sharply-paced legal-political thriller that follows James Butler, an attorney drawn back into the deadly world of drug cartels and covert operations after the mysterious murder of his close friend, retired DEA agent Joe Aguilar. When Aguilar leaves behind a cryptic file hinting at something “bigger” than they had ever imagined, possibly tied to the fentanyl crisis, the CIA, and unspeakable corruption, James and his wife, Erica, set off on a relentless, twisty journey for truth. What they uncover challenges their assumptions, endangers their lives, and demands justice in a world where institutions may not be what they seem.
I got hooked fast. The writing moves like a freight train: short chapters, lots of movement, and cliffhangers that kept me saying, “Just one more.” Luellen knows his legal lingo and law enforcement dynamics, but he doesn’t get bogged down in it. What I liked was how natural the dialogue felt. It had snap and humor, especially between James and Erica, which gave some breathing room between the darker turns of the plot. That balance made it feel real. The emotional weight of losing a friend, the slow burn of uncovering buried secrets, and the creeping dread of being watched all rang true. Sometimes the exposition leaned a little heavy, especially when laying out CIA history or drug policy, but even that fed the tension and gave backbone to the conspiracy.
But what really kept me invested were the questions Luellen pushed forward. What happens when people who are supposed to protect us start playing by their own rules? What if the truth never fits in a soundbite or a press release? The book doesn’t serve easy answers, and I liked that. It leaves room for moral messiness. Erica, especially, stood out. She’s not a sidekick. She’s sharp, she’s bold, and she holds her own without being written as a cliché. And James, for all his competence, feels human. Tired, grieving, angry. The fact that this story had roots in real history (Iran-Contra, CIA allegations, the fentanyl epidemic) made it hit even harder. It’s a fiction book that feels almost too believable for comfort.
Someone Had to Lie is gripping, gutsy, and unapologetically current. It’s a solid choice for readers who love political thrillers, legal intrigue, or true crime vibes with just enough fiction to keep the pages flying. If you liked The Pelican Brief or Narcos, this’ll be right up your alley. It’s a thriller that makes you think about who’s pulling strings in the shadows.
Pages: 312 | ASIN : B0DK7NWSZL
LITERARY TITAN 