It’s Friday!!! A very wet one where I am, and it looks to be that way for the next week. My guest today is Mae Clair, author of the Point Pleasant Series (if eerie supernatural thrillers are your favorite flavor, I highly recommend!). Stop by here on March 1st for the cover reveal of her upcoming book, Cusp of Night, the first in a new series.
Teri, thanks for inviting me to participate in the Writer’s Reading Corner. It’s a delight to be here and talk about something we all love—books. Lately, I’ve been enthralled by novels that feature alternate timelines. This has become trendy in mainstream and mystery fiction, with one timeline usually set in the present, the other in the past. Both storylines eventually converge for a climatic ending or spectacular wrap to the mystery.
The first book I read with a past/present plot was The Night Sister by Jennifer McMahon. A psychological thriller/mystery with a taint of the supernatural, spot on for my preferred genre. Plus look at that gorgeous cover. Ominous and eerie, it sucked me in.
The story revolves around three women—Piper, Margot, and Amy—once childhood friends, who are forced to revisit a grim discovery from their past when Amy and her family are found dead. The story moves between the summer the girls spent exploring an abandoned hotel, and the present where Piper and Margot are confronted with the unfathomable news Amy is believed responsible in the deaths of her family.
I was riveted from page one and devoured the book in a few days. Afterward, I promptly read most everything Ms. Mahon has written. By then, I had already started my own book with a past/present timeline.
Cusp of Night, releasing in June, is the first novel in my Hode’s Hill Series, and alternates timelines between the present and the late 1800s. Since I am still waiting on a cover from my publisher, I’m not ready to share the official blurb. But I will tell you that my main character, Maya Sinclair, finds herself caught up in a centuries-old mystery after renting a brownstone that once belonged to a spiritualist known as the Blue Lady of Hode’s Hill. If you like suspenseful tales with a twinge of the supernatural, I think you’ll enjoy Cusp of Night. I’ve populated it with a creature of urban legend, lingering ghosts, and enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the end.
Please keep Cusp of Night on your radar for June. In the meantime, perhaps I can distract you with my Point Pleasant Series, three novels spun around the urban legend of the Mothman.
New York Times bestselling author, Kevin’ O’Brien called the first book, A Thousand Yesteryears, “Masterful, bone-chilling fiction…one intense thriller….will keep you guessing, gasping and turning the pages for more.”
Here’s the official blurb should you like to consider it:
Behind a legend lies the truth…
As a child, Eve Parrish lost her father and her best friend, Maggie Flynn, in a tragic bridge collapse. Fifteen years later, she returns to Point Pleasant to settle her deceased aunt’s estate. Though much has changed about the once thriving river community, the ghost of tragedy still weighs heavily on the town, as do rumors and sightings of the Mothman, a local legend. When Eve uncovers startling information about her aunt’s death, that legend is in danger of becoming all too real.
Caden Flynn is one of the few lucky survivors of the bridge collapse, but blames himself for coercing his younger sister out that night. He’s carried that guilt for fifteen years, unaware of darker currents haunting the town. It isn’t long before Eve’s arrival unravels an old secret—one that places her and Caden in the crosshairs of a deadly killer.
About Mae:
Mae Clair has been chasing myth, monsters and folklore through research and reading since she was a child. In 2013 and 2015, she journeyed to West Virginia to learn more about the legendary Mothman, a creature who factors into her Point Pleasant series of novels.
A member of the Mystery Writers of America and the International Thriller Writers, Mae pens tales of mystery and suspense with a touch of romance. Married to her high school sweetheart, she lives in Pennsylvania and numbers cats, history and exploring old graveyards among her passions. Look for Mae on her website at MaeClair.net
You can find Mae Clair at the following haunts:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Newsletter | Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon | Other Social Links
So excited to see Mae here. (Hi, Mae! 👋)
This series is absolutely fabulous. I hope everyone checks it out.
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I’m really looking forward to Mae’s new series – and since I’ve already seen the cover, I can say it’s gorgeous.
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Thanks, Teri. Book covers are so much fun, especially when their the start of a new series 🙂
Thanks for having me as your guest today. I love talking books!
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Hi, Staci! *waving* I love talking about books so when Teri started her new blog feature, I couldn’t wait to participate!
I’m thrilled you loved my Point Pleasant series. I miss the Mothman, but Hode’s Hill is shaping up to be quite eerie too 😉
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Don’t get me started on Hode’s Hill. I FREAKING LOVED the first book. (Sorry if I wasn’t supposed to let people know I’ve read the initial draft. But I’m EXCITED!)
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LOL! That excitement works for me. Thanks for all your critique help with it too! 🙂
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The pleasure is all mine.
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Great feature with a teaser for the new series. I loved the Point Pleasant series.
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Count me as a fan of the Point Pleasant series also!
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Thanks so much, Teri!
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Thanks, Craig. I feel like I really came to know those characters and that town after spending three years with them.
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Still waiting for the television series.
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🙂
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The reviewed book and Mae’s new book and existing series sound very interesting, Teri. Great post.
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Thanks for the kind words, Robbie!
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I’ve read another of Jennifer McMahon’s books and it was definitely captivating – as is Mae’s Point Pleasant series. Really excited about her new book!
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Very cool! 🙂
And of course, you had me at “cats”.
🙂
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Hi, Sue. I have OCD–obsessive cat disorder, LOL. My cat, Raven, is always looking for attention when I’m writing, just like most felines!
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Yep – same here with Bond.
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The Night Sister sounds fab. Adding it to my TBR list. Loved the Point Pleasant series!
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Thanks, Sue. Glad you enjoyed Point Pleasant. 🙂
And Jennifer McMahon is now one of my auto book authors. Her books are spectacular!
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Thanks for the introduction to Jennifer! Can’t wait to see the new cover and I know the story is going to be awesome!!
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Trust me, Jan – the cover is worth the wait.
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That made me grin, Teri 🙂
Thanks!
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Thanks so much, Jan. I’m really pleased with how the cover turned out and can’t wait to release it. I appreciate your interest!
And Jennifer’s books are fabulous!
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Thanks, Teri! I look forward to Cusp of Night, Mae!
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Thanks for dropping by, Linda – have a great weekend!
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That’s so good to hear, Linda! Thank you for your interest!
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Loved the Point Pleasant series and looking forward to the Hode Hill books:) Thanks for sharing The Night Sister…sounds like a good read! Can’t wait to see your new cover.
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Thanks, Denise. The new cover really resonated with me and I can’t wait to share it.Thanks too for your kind words about Point Pleasant and your interest in my new series. With Hode’s Hill I’ve found another town I’m delighted to spend time in. 🙂
And you can’t go wrong with The Night Sister. I was enthralled!
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The Night Sister sounds intriguing, I’ll have to check it out! As everyone else has said, I loved your Point Pleasant series also and I have A Thousand Yesteryears on my Kindle, I just need more reading time!
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If you find that extra reading time, Jacquie, let me know where I can get some.
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Think of the money we could make if we could bottle it 😉
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Hi, Jacquie. The Night Sister is an awesome book and I completely hear you about needing more time to read. I think it goes hand in hand with being a writer, LOL. Thanks so much for stopping by to check out my post!
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Two of my favorite people on the same stage. I think my bucket list is complete. Best wishes on the Book, Mae and thanks to Teri for hosting you today.
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Awwww – sending you a virtual hug for that comment, John!
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Thank you Teri. 🙂
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Aww, so great to have you visit with us, John. Thanks so much. You’re pretty dang special yourself, you know 🙂
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Gorgsch. Thank you. 😀
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Loved the Point Pleasant series and can’t wait for Cusp of Night.
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We’re of the same mind on that, Joan!
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Thanks, Joan. The first book is always special, so I’ve got my fingers crossed for Cusp. Thanks for visiting today!
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Great guest post from Mae. I like time travel too and overlapping time. It’s so fun to weave the events together and make it all fit. I’m looking forward to the Hode’s Hill series. Can’t wait to see the cover too. The Reading Corner is a nice series, Teri. Thanks for hosting Mae. 🙂
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Thanks, Diana – I’m also enjoying this series and learning the different influences books can have on readers.
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Diana, I’m enthralled by books with dual time periods. There’s something special about seeing how all the pieces gel in the end. It was challenging to use that formula in Cusp of Night, but I couldn’t resist giving it a try. All three books in the Hode’s Hill series will follow that same path. I’m finding I love writing this way.
Thanks for visiting today. Teri’s new blog feature is loads of fun!
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My experience is that it takes planning and a lot of focus, but makes for some wonderfully interesting reading. 😀
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I like the sound of this, Mae! I’m a sucker for time-traveling/overlap as well.
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So am I, Traci.
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Hi, Traci. The overlap is awesome. I love watching all the pieces fit together so precisely 🙂
Thanks for visiting!
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You’re welcome! And I’ll look for your story when it’s ready.
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Thank you! *Happy dance* 🙂
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Great post, Mae! Teri’s got a great site, here. And I loved the Point Pleasant series. Looking forward to the Hode’s HIll series. And I’ll have to check out The Night Sister. I haven’t read many books with dual timelines, but seeing as my WIP has present and past timelines, I’d like to see how other writers handle it.
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Thanks so much, Julie – and thanks for dropping by!
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Julie, I didn’t realize you were doing present/past timelines too. I can’t wait to read yours! The past/present will be a theme through all three of my Hode’s Hill novels.
Jennifer McMahon is an absolute pro at it, though I’ve read other authors who handle it well too. The Night Sister is the book that started my love affair with the formula. Highly recommended!
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Congrats, Mae Clair.
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Hi, Cynthia. Thanks so much for dropping by to wish me well 🙂
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So excited for your upcoming cover reveal and release, Mae! I’m sure this series will be another gem. Cheers to you!
Thanks so much, Teri, for hosting and for the warm welcome, as always.
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Thank you, Natalie. And Teri is always such a gracious host.
I’m very excited about the new series. I really enjoyed weaving the multiple timelines for that smooth fit at the end. And it’s fun to hang out in a new town with a new set of characters. Thanks as always, for your wonderful support!
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Always a pleasure having Mae visit.
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Big congrats to Teri. I look forward to this book. It sounds mesmerizing with the alternate timelines. And of course, Mae, I love all your books with their mysterious goings on.
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Aww, thanks, Flossie. I have plenty of mysterious goings on in the book and the series. I can’t wait to share it with the world! 😀
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I’m looking forward to that!
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I’m excited about Mae’s new series also, Flossie – thanks for stopping by!
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Mae, lovely to read some of your latest news!! I love the premise for your latest book, and split timelines was one of my favourite type of books as an young adult. Reading about your books I’m very tempted to pick this up again. Congratulations also on the super review!!! Wow!! Bet that had you dancing -a fantastic endorsement of your book and writing. Hooray!! 😀❤️
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I was pretty over the moon when I got that review from Kevin O’Brien, Annika. I love his work and he’s one of my automatic buy authors. I remember opening the email from my publicist with Kevin’s review, and then just standing up and pacing around talking to myself (omg, omg!). My husband wasn’t home at the time and I couldn’t wait to share the news. It was definitely a highlight for me, LOL!
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No wonder the book made such an impact on Mae. And yes, the cover is perfect. Wow. I’m inspired. I’ve been giving the occasional vague thought to my third Atonement, TN book, which I always wanted to be a backstory for the main characters (and so in a faraway time).
Anyhow, thanks for hosting, Teri. I enjoyed these meanderings with Mae. Hugs all around.
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Hi, Teagan. It sounds like an alternating time line might work for you as well. I really enjoy books that take that approach, especially when it all fits together so nicely at the end.
Thanks for dropping by to check out the post. It’s always a pleasure to see you, and a pleasure to visit with Teri! 🙂
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That’s something I’ve never tried, Mae. But you might well be right. Sigh… too many other things on my plate before I get to book 3.
Hugs!
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I know that feeling, LOL!
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Ooh, this book and your book both sound intriguing! I have one more of Mt Pleasant’s books on my TBR list. I will check Jennifer’s book out along with your new one when it’s available. Best of luck to you and Jennifer with your books. Nice post, Teri. Will share it around. 🤗
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Thanks for swinging by, Janice!
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