Guest post – Mae Clair – The Keeping Place #newbook

I’m very pleased to have the very talented author Mae Clair as a guest. She has a new book and would like to give you the details. If you have read Mae’s work, you know her books are wonderful. If you have not read her work, this might be a good time to start. Thanks for the visit, Mae. The post is yours.

Hi, John! Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I’m delighted to be here, sharing my upcoming release The Keeping Place, a dual timeline mystery which is now available for pre-order! Most readers know me as someone who loves weaving urban legends and threads of the supernatural into my stories. The Keeping Place took an entirely different turn.

Well… there is a small thread that does involve an old town legend and a ghost, but nothing that takes center stage as in my other books. The story is more of a “quiet” mystery than I usually write.

In the tale, Nicole Seabrooke returns home after ten years of estrangement from her mother, Glory Larkin, who was once a B-movie-actress. A decade earlier, Nicole’s younger sister, Janie, vanished on a night Nicole was supposed to be looking after her. It’s always been believed Janie drowned in a nearby creek, but Janie’s remains have recently been discovered with new evidence suggesting homicide.

In the excerpt below, Jude Beck, Hornwood’s Chief of Police visits Glory and Nicole to ask about a bracelet he found which bears an unusual inscription. Janie wore a similar one.

EXCERPT:

Jude dug a clear bag from his pocket, placing it on the table. Nicole leaned forward to eye the contents—an old bracelet with tarnished silver links and an engraved plate. Her breath caught when the inscription registered.

A foot in the past.” A stupid saying, or so she’d once thought. The phrase had never made sense to her, but it mattered to her sister. Heart thudding, she looked from the bag to Jude. “That’s the same line Janie had on her bracelet. I took her to Bottleneck to have it inscribed a few weeks before she went missing.”

Her mom made a soft sound, one trembling hand pressed to her lips. “You told me the bracelet was with Janie when she was found,” she said to Jude.

“It was. This is a different one.”

“Belonging to Hayden.” A hard edge crept into Glory’s voice.

“I don’t think so.” Jude’s expression was thoughtful. “This was clearly designed for a woman. It could be Cora’s, but the matching inscription to Janie’s bracelet throws another red flag in Hayden’s corner.”

“Have you talked to Cora?” Nicole asked.

“Not yet. First, I want to know what the inscription meant to Janie. I checked online, thinking it might have been a popular phrase at the time, or part of a quote, but there’s nothing remotely in the ballpark. She must have talked about it to the two of you.” He glanced between them.

“It was just some phrase she latched onto.” Nicole’s mouth was dry. Why hadn’t she paid more attention? She’d been so focused on the senior party and Vin, she’d barely had time for her little sister. She remembered whining to Glory when her mom insisted she take Janie shopping for the bracelet.

“Glory?” Jude prodded.

“I…” Her mom lowered her head, fingers working at massaging her temple. “I don’t remember anything special about it.” Her mouth drew down, cutting crevasses in the corners. Heavy lines pregnant with shadow that left her skin ashen by contrast. “I was busy with Movie Night, and…”

An unexpected swell of protectiveness flowed over Nicole when she floundered.

Glory Larkin had never been an average mother. She loved the limelight too much, but looking at her now—mussed hair, streaked mascara, and trembling hands—Nicole was overcome by a sharp-edged knot of love and pity. Surprisingly, love was still there, stronger than she’d imagined, buried under years of distance, layers of hurt.

“I wish I knew more.” Glory raised teary eyes to Jude, her mortification evident. “I know a mother should be able to—”

“You have to understand Janie was a collector.” Nicole jumped to her mom’s defense. “She was always latching onto some new idea or trinket. Remember her notebooks?” She talked faster, feeling Glory’s gaze, wanting to lift the burden of embarrassment from her without understanding why. “Janie used to keep lists of things that interested her. And she’d pick up stray baubles. Junk. She used to scour the railbed behind the Boone Line shack looking for cast off trash.”

“What are you saying?” Jude asked.

Nicole wet her lips, conscious that Glory studied her openly. “I loved Janie, but she was peculiar. She might have heard that phrase—a foot in the past—or read it in a book and it became her new mantra. It’s just the way she was.”

++++

As in most dual timeline mysteries, The Keeping Place delivers a mystery in the present as well as the past. I hope the blurb will tempt you further:

Even if it means killing again.

++++

Thanks again for hosting me today, John. I appreciate the opportunity to share The Keeping Place with your readers. I’ve held onto this novel for two years, uncertain how I wanted to publish it. As an author, I naturally like every book I’ve written, but The Keeping Place is my personal favorite—perhaps because it’s so different in tone from my other mysteries.

I still utilize dual timelines, but rather than having centuries between them, my timelines are separated by a mere ten years.

It’s my sincere hope readers will enjoy the story.

RELEASE DATE IS MARCH 5TH

PRE-ORDER FROM AMAZON

Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:

Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter/X | Goodreads|

106 comments

  1. […] Guest post – Mae Clair – The Keeping Place #newbook […]

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for sharing, Charles.

      Like

    2. Hi, Charles. You’re awesome! Thank you so much for sharing the post! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Thank you, John, for having Mae Clair over. I like a good mystery, but adding in a bit of myth and fantasy, for me, is a plus.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Mae is the best in telling stories like this. Thanks, GP.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You put a twist into your stories as well. I wish I had such an imagination!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. You come up with some pretty creative stuff on your blog. Of course you are dealing with history so their are boundries, but the subject matter and composition of your posts are very creative.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Thank you.

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, GP. I always try to weave a bit of folklore or urban legend into each book I write. I’m fascinated by lore, and love combining those elements with mystery. Many thanks for reading the post and commenting!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. My pleasure, Mae.

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Great excerpt. Thanks for sharing it with us.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Craig.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi, Craig. Thank you for following along on the tour. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt!

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Gwen M. Plano · · Reply

    A big congratulations to Mae! I’m looking forward to reading The Keeping Place. Thank you, John, for spotlighting this jewel.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you for walking into the white hot light, Gwen. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Many thanks, Gwen! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the tour and are looking forward to reading my newest book baby! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Thanks for sharing this, John. It sounds like an intriguing story.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae tells a good one , Tim

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thanks, T.W. My goal is to intrigue! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

  6. All these excerpts are making me anxious to read this again. Can’t wait for release day. Congratulations, Mae.

    Thanks for hosting, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Staci. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I’m so excited to hear that, Staci. You know how special this particular book is to me. Thanks as always for your awesome support, my friend! 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

  7. Loved the excerpt, Mae! I may have to add this to my TBR. It’s so intriguing.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That is wonderful to hear, Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and a TBR add is always a plus!

      Liked by 2 people

  8. Loved the excerpt. This is going to be a fun read!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I think so too. Priscilla. Thanks for the visit.

      Liked by 2 people

    2. So glad you feel that way Priscilla. These characters and this story really resonated with me, and I hope they do the same for readers!

      Liked by 2 people

  9. This sounds most intriguing! Shall have to put it on my “To read” list!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae’s books are so good, Dale. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I trust you!

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I have read quite a few of her books and enjoyed them all.

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Excellent! I’m almost finished reading my book on kindle and Mae’s should arrive on the 5th. Perfect timing 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, Dale. I’m so glad you found the post intriguing, and I’m honored to be on your read list!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Absolutely! It is definitely on my list 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

      2. YAY! I am so thrilled to hear that! I wish you happy reading, and hope you enjoy the story! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  10. Thanks for sharing Mae Clair’s new book with us John. It sounds like a mystery that would might give me nightmares with the grands and the burglaries we’ve been having, lately. Itr does sound compelling and like a great story line and I wish her all the best❣️

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Mae writes a super story, Cindy. Thanks for the good wishes.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. Hi, Cindy. This is a “quiet mystery,” so definitely no nightmares. I’m so sorry to hear there are burglaries in your area. That would be scary indeed!
      Many thanks for reading and for the best wishes. I appreciate it!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Oh whew… lol thanks. I did need that. I know, they are hitting the highest end properties.. makes sense.. why would you want junk.. lol.. your next Mystery.. ? lol
        I’ll put it on my TBR and best till then❣️

        Liked by 2 people

      2. I’m always entertaining thoughts for my next mystery, LOL. And I’m honored to have made your TBR. Thanks again for the well wishes, and stay safe! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Welcome, Mae…looks like a great mystery that will give the reader all they hoped for. And thanks for hosting Mae, John-great interview.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Monika. It does look good for sure. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Hi, Monika. Thank you for the welcome and for checking our the post. I appreciate the visit!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. It was my pleasure. Good luck with the new book.

        Liked by 2 people

  12. This sounds excellent. Thanks for a peek behind the curtain!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’ve been enjoying sharing these excerpts, Jacqui. Many thanks for following along!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you, Jacqui.

      Liked by 1 person

  13. Mae…I think based on this excerpt the book sounds like a very enjoyable mystery…and I for one am always “up” for more than one timeline to navigate. John…Thanks for bringing Mae and her novel to our attention here.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi, Bruce. Thank you for such a lovely comment! I’m glad the excerpt intrigued you. I have a passion for dual timeline mysteries. This is the first time I’ve written one with such a narrow gap between the timelines–normally there is a century or two involved, LOL.
      Many thanks for reading and commenting!

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Yu are welcome Bruce. Mae is the master of dual timelines. Thanks for your comment today

      Liked by 1 person

  14. Another fabulous showcase for Mae’s upcoming release. I cannot wait to read this! Thank you, John, for sharing and a huge congratulations to Mae!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Jan! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying the excerpts. Many thanks for all the support and for following along on my tour! 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you, Jan. 😁

      Liked by 2 people

  15. Hi, John. Thank you so much for having me on your blog today. I am delighted to be here and to share The Keeping Place with your readers. You are an awesome host! 🤗

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Certainly my pleasure, Mae.

      Liked by 1 person

  16. D.L. Finn, Author · · Reply

    A other great excerpt with a great insight into the family.

    Thanks for hosting, John 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A pleasure, Denise. 😊

      Liked by 2 people

    2. I’m glad you enjoyed it, Denise. Thank you!

      Liked by 2 people

  17. Janie is an intriguing little girl. I’m so looking forward to reading this!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Judi. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Yay! Thanks so much, Judi.
    And I really enjoyed writing Janie. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

  19. I’m so looking forward to reading this. It sounds wonderful!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. I’m sure you will enjoy it, Kymber.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. And it is wonderful to hear that, Kymber. Thanks so much and thanks for following along on my tour! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

  20. Sounds intriguing!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks, Liz. I aim to intrigue! 🙂

      Liked by 2 people

      1. You’re welcome, Mae. 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  21. Loving these excerpts, Mae. They’re making me so excited for next week!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. That’s awesome to hear, Teri! I’m so excited to release this after sitting on it for nearly two years. It’s great to know there is excitement for reading it! 🤗

      Liked by 2 people

  22. This sounds a very good read by Mae Clair I enjoy mystery and suspense, and reading the above it seems to hold both.. Thank you for sharing John… and Good luck with the book Mae Clair.. 🙂 xx

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Hi, Sue. My goal is to weave mystery and suspense in every book I write. I am so glad I’ve intrigued you with the post. Thank you for checking it out and for the well wishes. If you decide to give The Keeping Place a try, I hope you enjoy the story!

      Liked by 2 people

      1. Thank you I will be looking into your book some more… It peeked my interest 🙂 xx

        Liked by 2 people

      2. That is wonderful to hear, Sue. I am delighted by your interest!

        Liked by 2 people

      3. I just left John and message as to the Kindle xx

        Liked by 2 people

    2. Thank you, Sue. I think you would like it. Mae is a terrific writer.

      Liked by 2 people

      1. I just clicked the link to pre-order John… I see it is on Kindle only… I find it difficult to spend too long reading on a screen…. my eyes do not like it.. I hope it comes out in book format.. (Why I take WP often in small bites lol,) xxx

        Liked by 2 people

      2. Usually the Kindle is the only version on pre-order. I’ll bet Mae will have a print edition after the launch.

        Liked by 2 people

      3. Sue, I am so thrilled by your interest in my book. You don’t know how that warms my heart! 🙂

        And, John, is right. Amazon won’t allow me to set up the print book on pre-order, but it will be available the week of 3/5. I hope you’ll check back then. And thank you again for your interest. I’m delighted! 🤗

        Liked by 1 person

  23. […] — Jan SikesFeb 22 — D. L. (Denise) FinnFeb 26 ­ — Gwen PlanoFeb 27 ­— Judi LynnFeb 28 — John Howell | Sally CroninFeb 29 — Jacquie BiggarMar 04 ­— C. S. (Craig) BoyackMar 07 ­— Noelle […]

    Like

  24. Cheers to you, Mae! This sounds like a gem for sure. Congratulations on another amazing achievement!
    Thanks for sharing the joy, John! 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you, Natalie.

      Liked by 2 people

  25. Hi, Natalie! Many thanks for the cheers. It’s great to have you visit. And I love your new avatar photo! 🤗

    Liked by 2 people

  26. Thank you, John, for the introduction to Mae Clair and her work. 🙏🏻

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Michele

      Liked by 1 person

  27. Love this excerpt, Mae. Congratulations on your upcoming release. Thanks for hosting stop 7, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks, Flossie for the encouraging words

      Like

  28. […] — Jan SikesFeb 22 — D. L. (Denise) FinnFeb 26 ­ — Gwen PlanoFeb 27 ­— Judi LynnFeb 28 — John Howell | Sally CroninFeb 29 — Jacquie Biggar Mar 04 ­— C. S. (Craig) BoyackMar 07 ­— Noelle […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the link.

      Like

  29. A great post. Thanks for hosting Mae, John.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Robbie. 😊

      Like

  30. […] — Jan SikesFeb 22 — D. L. (Denise) FinnFeb 26 ­ — Gwen PlanoFeb 27 ­— Judi LynnFeb 28 — John Howell | Sally CroninFeb 29 — Jacquie Biggar Mar 04 ­— C. S. (Craig) BoyackMar 07 ­— Noelle […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thaks for the link, Mae.

      Like

  31. […] — Jan SikesFeb 22 — D. L. (Denise) FinnFeb 26 ­ — Gwen PlanoFeb 27 ­— Judi LynnFeb 28 — John Howell | Sally CroninFeb 29 — Jacquie Biggar Mar 04 ­— C. S. (Craig) BoyackMar 07 ­— Noelle […]

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks for the link, Mae.

      Like

  32. […] — Jan SikesFeb 22 — D. L. (Denise) FinnFeb 26 ­ — Gwen PlanoFeb 27 ­— Judi LynnFeb 28 — John Howell | Sally CroninFeb 29 — Jacquie Biggar Mar 04 ­— C. S. (Craig) BoyackMar 07 ­— Noelle […]

    Like

    1. Thank you for th ping, Mae.

      Like

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