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A Surrender to Friendship
Someone Died in My House follows a man with a home inhabited by paranormal entities who has his balanced life torn apart while on a search for truth and justice. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
There is so much speculation about our mortal energy, as well as the power of real, genuine love sustaining itself, and whether or not both transcend this ‘earthly’ world. There have been countless, true stories of hauntings (my old ship-builder’s summer home in Nova Scotia was haunted by a friendly, residual spirit that I coaxed into walking towards the light, and it did.) The ‘bones’ of a house – its childhood, youth, adult life, and old age contain so many secrets that I couldn’t resist diving into a whole lot of research that in the end chilled me, made me laugh, and ultimately cry. I still cry when I think of the characters.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I wanted my characters in their desperation and failings to find kindness, compassion, and acceptance. All characters suffer and heal, but the way they heal is through a surrender to friendship, love, and self-belief. I treasure children more than anything; so, while in many stories children do suffer needlessly, I needed Annie not to be pushed into a life-threatening, dark place. There was enough suffering in my characters without dragging Annie into it. But I do want my readers to feel what the characters feel, and if possible, what I felt when writing it.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
This is a great question. I tend to lean more toward mystery/thriller in soft S/F, but I would have to say I was more submerged in the initial murder (covered up) that reached out to Ben’s loss and creativity and sense of justice in order to discover the tragedy. I felt there might not have been a haunting if someone else had lived there. Rigo, the artist, knew Ben would be the one to listen and reunite him with Lexi. First and foremost to me was that this was a ‘love story’ wrapped up in everything else.
What is the next book you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
I have final-drafted two works hopefully for release in 2024: When Bones Call Out (a mystery/thriller set in 2008 in Montreal) and KOVU (a chiller/soft SF set in 2023 near Toronto).
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Graphic novelist, Ben Needham wakes up every day braced against something in his house, something that won’t leave. He works hard to create a near-perfect life for the three of them – himself, his daughter, Annie, and their dog, da Vinci. But when these disturbances blow out of control, Ben finds a team of forensic paranormalists who perform an autopsy on Ben’s house. Together they wade into its soulless history of murder and a cataclysmic haunting that redefines where life ends, and death begins. Ben surrenders what’s left of his fragile will to free his home from its terrifying anarchist and courageously opens a door he never knew existed, always asking himself what price he’d pay for truth, justice and unforgettable love.
Someone Died In My House
Someone Died in My House, by Meg Howald, presents a unique psychological thriller, intricately woven around a historical murder mystery in Ben Needham’s residence. The narrative centers on Ben’s quest to eliminate a formidable, possibly hazardous entity from his home, a journey that compels him to delve into a long-concealed murder. Aided by Dr. Rose Henhawke and Dr. Joseph Hightower, experts in psychology and quantum physics, Ben embarks on a path of discovery that challenges the boundaries of science and the supernatural.
This novel distinguishes itself in the realm of psychological thrillers through its skillful integration of scientific elements with the paranormal, creating a captivating mix of suspense and mystery. Meg Howald’s characters are exceptionally well-developed, bringing an almost tangible presence to the story. The reader is drawn into the depths of the enigmatic force in Ben’s house, slowly unraveling the terrifying scope of its capabilities.
A noteworthy aspect of Howald’s writing is the interplay of tension and humor. Mark, Ben’s best friend, provides periodic comic relief, offering a welcome respite from the novel’s intense suspense. This balance enriches the narrative, adding depth and relief to the otherwise high-stakes plot.
For those interested in a psychological thriller that expertly blends suspense with relatable characters, Someone Died in My House is a compelling choice. It’s a novel that engages the reader without overwhelming, promising a thrilling journey into the unknown.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0CN4ZX9WC
LITERARY TITAN 