Indie Spotlight: Scary Stories

Brey Willows

ISBN 978-1-915009-40-1

 

Author statement: "Running an off-grid community for vampires is serious business, and Remy Winslow gives it her all. Weary of the world and its noise, she’s content to live at Dark Haven and away from the public eye after all the work she did to help vampires come into the light. The last thing Remy needs is more press, but that’s exactly what she gets when influencer Sage comes to Dark Haven. I loved writing Dark Haven and playing with the social issues we're facing right now, but with vampires who live openly among us."

 

Katie Wilson

ASIN B0D43DZB2P

 

Author statement: "Since she died, everything about Sarah’s life has been difficult and complicated. Every day brings splitting headaches and memories that aren’t her own. Every night brings dreams of the same otherworldly cave and a blood-red tree. And now, it seems she can revive the dead. Sarah regains a sliver of comfort after she meets Alex, a centuries-old vampire who’s as much a misfit in his world as she is in hers. They find solace in each other as their deathless worlds intertwine. Deathless Creatures features vampires and ghosts but the main character is a whole different kind of undead being."

 

C. L. Schneider

ASIN  B0BCDB8SH2

 

Author statement: "Amidst the chaos and fear of an apocalyptic virus, a mother fights to protect her daughter from the rotting remains of society. Navigating a frightening new world where survival is paramount and trust is a gamble, infection is only a misstep away. Despite her doubts and imperfections, Amy’s love and resolve are without question. But are they enough? With a single bite, necrosis will set in. The idea of Necrosis arose from the vivid (and disturbing) dream of a good friend."

 

Daniel Bautz

ISBN 978-1-959396-33-8

 

Author statement: "Join 12-year-old Aristotle James and his trusty sidekick, AJ, his best friend and Siberian husky, on a heart-pounding journey through the eerie town of Lucas, Ohio. At every step, Aristotle and AJ put their bravery to the test. But Courage knows no age limits. And Aristotle and AJ aren't your typical heroes. This book was inspired by AJ, my loyal husky, that I couldn't have adventures with any longer. The book was a way to, in some way, have another adventure with my best friend."

 

Nic Minnella

ASIN B0D7XKGBGQ

 

Author statement: "When the Thompson family inherits a dilapidated old house, their overprotected son Timmy forms a strong bond with Whiskers—a chronically lazy tabby who's not what he seems. As Timmy explores the house's mysteries, a chilling discovery puts his courage to the test. The initial spark for the book came from an illustration I saw on social media of a cat fearlessly scaring off a ghost. But the true heart of the story came from two special orange tabbies I had the privilege of sharing my life with and who became the inspiration for Whiskers."

 

Roger McMullan

ISBN 979-821-8320-72-0

 

Author statement: "Once every 17 years, millions of red-eyed beasts emerge from the Earth and fill the forest with their song. Follow squirrels Fae (a prepper) and Cyrus (a foodie) as they confront an invasion of periodical cicadas. There's a lot of fear surrounding periodical cicadas. But the cicadas are harmless, super cool, and the way they emerge – by the millions – is fascinating. I wanted to simultaneously lean into people's fear of these loud insects while also addressing that fear. To me, a graphic novel that lets you get to know the cicadas seemed like a great way to do that."

 

C.A. Verstraete

ISBN 978-1-71735-165-4

 

Author statement: "One hot August morning in 1892, Lizzie Borden picked up an ax and murdered her father and stepmother. Newspapers claim she did it for the oldest of reasons: family conflicts, jealousy, and greed. But what if Lizzie slaughtered them because they’d become… zombies? As a writer, I was surprised that someone hadn’t thought of an alternative fictional reason for this terrible true life crime. But once I studied the real-life crime scene photos online, a different twist made perfect sense to me."

 

Taj Magruder 

ASIN B0CZMB3YM6

 

Author statement: "In the Day of Trouble tells the true story of a 1934 murder, in which a man shot a woman whom he believed was a witch who had cursed him. Susan Mummey's story is well-known in the Pennsylvania Dutch area where she lived and died, but it has never been fully told in writing. After two years of researching old newspaper articles, court documents, and family trees, I decided to turn it all into a novel. I wanted to make sure that Susan was remembered not as a 'witch,' but as a person."

 

Patrick R. Field

ISBN: 978-1-5092-4876-6

 

Author statement: "Not long after their move into Blackstone, Mitch and Buck begin to witness strange sightings of shadowy figures, physical manifestations, and inexplicable events in the former Sheppard family estate. Through séances, the spirit of Jedidiah Sheppard communicates he has not been able to cross over into the afterlife. Is it too late for Jedidiah’s spirit to find eternal peace? The supernatural events that comprise the haunting in Servant are based on true events that have happened to myself, my husband, and guests in our home in northeastern Pennsylvania."

ASIN B0DGJLHHCX

Megan Mary

 

Author statement: "Hannah Skye, a young woman in search of meaning, receives a cryptic letter from her missing and eccentric Aunt Jewelia. Her experience of a recurring powerful pumpkin patch dream unfolds into a spiritual journey to a mysterious island of eternal autumn. I feel driven to spread awareness of the value of dreams. I merged this passion with my persistent fascination with the unknown, mysteries, Celtic mythology, and Halloween–along with my lifelong connection to cats–to create this story."

 

Michelle M. Pillow

ISBN 978-1-62501-336-1

 

Author statement: "After a fake psychic scammed her mother out of her retirement, Cynthia Clarkson has made it her life’s mission to expose every single one of those charlatans. So when she hears a rumor that a group of women in Freewild Cove is claiming to help loved ones move on after death, she’s all over it. Josh is just the latest in a long line of victims. Cynthia is determined to help him see the truth, and falling for him isn’t part of the plan. These women are good, but she’s better. Even if it kills her, she’s going to get to the bottom of the mystery. Unless, of course, the demon they claim is after her kills her first." 

 

TK Sheffield

ASIN‎ B0CZ9J8SMG

 

Author statement: "Model Ghost is the third book in The Backyard Model Mysteries. They're Midwest mysteries, stories served with a brandy old-fashioned and cheese curds. The books feature Mel Tower, a former fashion model who returns to her hometown and opens a craft mall but discovers 'posers' in her midst. Mel was never a supermodel, but all those years of being a mannequin gave her superpowers of observation. Model Ghost is The Thursday Murder Club meets The Devil Wears Prada, a mystery featuring senior romance, ghosts, and 'unseamly' characters."