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.”
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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.
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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
Connect with Mae Clair at BOOKBUB and the following haunts:
Amazon| BookBub| Newsletter Sign-Up
Website | Blog| Twitter/X | Goodreads|
[…] Guest post – Mae Clair – The Keeping Place #newbook […]
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Thank you for sharing, Charles.
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Hi, Charles. You’re awesome! Thank you so much for sharing the post! 🙂
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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.
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Mae is the best in telling stories like this. Thanks, GP.
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🤗
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You put a twist into your stories as well. I wish I had such an imagination!
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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.
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Thank you.
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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!
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My pleasure, Mae.
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Great excerpt. Thanks for sharing it with us.
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Thank you, Craig.
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Hi, Craig. Thank you for following along on the tour. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt!
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A big congratulations to Mae! I’m looking forward to reading The Keeping Place. Thank you, John, for spotlighting this jewel.
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Thank you for walking into the white hot light, Gwen. 😁
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Many thanks, Gwen! I’m so glad you’ve been enjoying the tour and are looking forward to reading my newest book baby! 🙂
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Thanks for sharing this, John. It sounds like an intriguing story.
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Mae tells a good one , Tim
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Thanks, T.W. My goal is to intrigue! 🙂
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All these excerpts are making me anxious to read this again. Can’t wait for release day. Congratulations, Mae.
Thanks for hosting, John.
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Thank you, Staci. 😁
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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! 🤗
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Loved the excerpt, Mae! I may have to add this to my TBR. It’s so intriguing.
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Thanks , Sue.
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That is wonderful to hear, Sue. I’m glad you enjoyed the excerpt, and a TBR add is always a plus!
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Loved the excerpt. This is going to be a fun read!
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I think so too. Priscilla. Thanks for the visit.
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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!
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This sounds most intriguing! Shall have to put it on my “To read” list!
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Mae’s books are so good, Dale. 😊
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I trust you!
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I have read quite a few of her books and enjoyed them all.
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Excellent! I’m almost finished reading my book on kindle and Mae’s should arrive on the 5th. Perfect timing 🙂
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Good deal.
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Sweet!
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Hi, Dale. I’m so glad you found the post intriguing, and I’m honored to be on your read list!
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Absolutely! It is definitely on my list 🙂
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YAY! I am so thrilled to hear that! I wish you happy reading, and hope you enjoy the story! 🙂
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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❣️
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Mae writes a super story, Cindy. Thanks for the good wishes.
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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!
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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❣️
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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! 🙂
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Welcome, Mae…looks like a great mystery that will give the reader all they hoped for. And thanks for hosting Mae, John-great interview.
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Thank you, Monika. It does look good for sure. 😁
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Hi, Monika. Thank you for the welcome and for checking our the post. I appreciate the visit!
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It was my pleasure. Good luck with the new book.
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🙂
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This sounds excellent. Thanks for a peek behind the curtain!
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I’ve been enjoying sharing these excerpts, Jacqui. Many thanks for following along!
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Thank you, Jacqui.
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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.
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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!
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Yu are welcome Bruce. Mae is the master of dual timelines. Thanks for your comment today
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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!
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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! 🤗
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Thank you, Jan. 😁
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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! 🤗
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Certainly my pleasure, Mae.
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A other great excerpt with a great insight into the family.
Thanks for hosting, John 🙂
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A pleasure, Denise. 😊
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I’m glad you enjoyed it, Denise. Thank you!
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Janie is an intriguing little girl. I’m so looking forward to reading this!
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Thank you, Judi. 😁
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Yay! Thanks so much, Judi.
And I really enjoyed writing Janie. 🙂
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I’m so looking forward to reading this. It sounds wonderful!
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I’m sure you will enjoy it, Kymber.
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And it is wonderful to hear that, Kymber. Thanks so much and thanks for following along on my tour! 🙂
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Sounds intriguing!
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Yes it does.
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Thanks, Liz. I aim to intrigue! 🙂
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You’re welcome, Mae. 🙂
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Loving these excerpts, Mae. They’re making me so excited for next week!
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😁
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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! 🤗
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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
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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!
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Thank you I will be looking into your book some more… It peeked my interest 🙂 xx
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That is wonderful to hear, Sue. I am delighted by your interest!
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I just left John and message as to the Kindle xx
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Thank you, Sue. I think you would like it. Mae is a terrific writer.
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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
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Usually the Kindle is the only version on pre-order. I’ll bet Mae will have a print edition after the launch.
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Wonderful xx
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😁
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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! 🤗
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😊
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[…] — 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 […]
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Cheers to you, Mae! This sounds like a gem for sure. Congratulations on another amazing achievement!
Thanks for sharing the joy, John! 🙂
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Thank you, Natalie.
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Hi, Natalie! Many thanks for the cheers. It’s great to have you visit. And I love your new avatar photo! 🤗
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Thank you, John, for the introduction to Mae Clair and her work. 🙏🏻
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Thank you, Michele
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Love this excerpt, Mae. Congratulations on your upcoming release. Thanks for hosting stop 7, John.
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Thanks, Flossie for the encouraging words
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[…] — 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 […]
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Thanks for the link.
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A great post. Thanks for hosting Mae, John.
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Thank you, Robbie. 😊
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[…] — 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 […]
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Thaks for the link, Mae.
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[…] — 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 […]
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Thanks for the link, Mae.
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[…] — 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 […]
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Thank you for th ping, Mae.
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