An award-winning journalist in the late 80s can’t accept the unsolved murder of her parents — and finds the sudden appearance of a long-lost cousin odd, thinking he may not be related, out to scam her. Soon she is pursuing his past involvement with her father to buy an old rundown mansion. Upon her visit there, she is slowly drawn into the strange ghostly haunting in the mansion — and attracted to the mysterious man who lives nearby and who may be a murderer.

What genre is it?
It could easily fit into the mystery/paranormal/romance genre…and the protagonist is in her mid-20s so I think many young adults would like it.

You say she’s a journalist?
Since I have worked as a journalist, as well as Lifestyle writer/editor at the local newspaper, it was easy to have my protagonist in that career. But though this novel has paranormal aspects, it also has a deeper theme.

Tell us about your protagonist. Her name’s Chelsea, right? What do we need to know about her?
Chelsea thinks of herself as an independent young lady of the late 80s. Although she comes from a wealthy family, she is very much down-to-earth and is emotionally shattered when her mother and father are murdered in a store robbery. Her safe, secure life becomes a nightmare of grief and misery, especially since the murder goes unsolved. She steps in to try and find out who murdered her parents…and through her sleuthing finds solace and grows stronger as she searches for the truth and discovers long-buried family secrets.

What secrets? Can you give us a clue?
The Serpent turns out to be an important symbol, but I can’t explain that without it being a spoiler.

We’re going to have to read the book if we want to find out more. Have you written any other books that we should read afterwards?
Yes, I’ve written eight other novels and one book of short mystery/crime stories, as well as one collection of short stories based on supernatural southern folklore and legends with a former history professor.

Tell us a bit more about yourself.
I’m a former reporter/editor and a widow of 7 years. I love pets, and have 3 dogs and 3 cats. I’m involved in animal welfare too. I love writing and continue to work on a memoir.

Additionally, I have two more novels finished as well as a collection of poetry; I’m getting editing/formatting done before making those available at Amazon.

Do you have a website where we can keep up with your work?
Yes, I have a blog at this URL: http://madmadworld.blogspot.com/

What about social media?
Twitter: @Authoress
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cswann3

What’s next?
I’m working on a memoir entitled, “Backward Mirror” and plan to make it available as a series, starting with Early Childood (already written), Teens, and forward in ten year segments. I’m 61, so it should keep me busy a long time!