A hunter’s moon hangs low in the dark desert sky as the
gypsies make their way to the Gothic mansion to have their tarot cards read by Mademoiselle
Roseanne Dowell. It’s the spookiest evening of the year, and anything can and
probably will happen. The gypsies pass around the jug of wine they found on a
tombstone. A coyote howls, its keening echo slicing through the thicket. Wind
whistles through the trees, sounding like the wise old whispers of the dead
buried thousands of feet below on hallowed ground.
An eerie light glows on the mansion, illuminating Cousin Itt as he walks straight through the solid mahogany door.
Quivering, the gypsies pull on the hangman’s noose, ringing the massive dome in the bell tower. The entire mansion quakes. The door creaks open, squeaking on rusty hinges. Donned in formal butler attire, Lurch stands there staring, holding a strange shaped candlestick. His stone cold eyes shimmer with madness, and his hair gleams in the moonlight. A cold wind ripples his white mustache. He opens his bloodless lips and bellows in a baritone voice, “You rang?”
“We’ve come to have our tarot cards read,” said the gypsies four. Spewing a deep, annoyed grunt, the butler beckons them inside, patting them down.
The gypsies enter the parlor. Thing’s hand pops out of the wall, transporting the jug of wine to Lurch with a snarly guffaw. Shrieking, Sharon staggers into the wall. With a groan, pocket doors part and she is swept inside. When they slide open, she emerges in the upper wing as Grandmama, a witch and renown charlatan. Humming along to the harpsichord vibrating through the mansion, she sets her crystal ball on the table and conjures up potions, spells and hexes with a wicked grin.
Mary shrieks when a black widow spider climbs out of its web and bites her. As the poisonous venom seeps through her blood, her reflection shimmers in the mirror. She is Wednesday Friday Addams. Dressed in a black tutu, she practices her ballet to the pumping harpsichord. Grinning, the strange little girl kisses Homer, her pet spider. Laughing manically, she beheads her Marie Antoinette doll.
All alone in the mansion, Lyn is frightened and very dehydrated. Thing’s hand pops out of the wall and gives her a glass of mead. She gulps it and finds herself dismounting from a hanging position upon a chandelier. Transported as Gomez, a wealthy aristocrat due to owning numerous companies and stock, although squanders his money with a cavalier attitude. He nonchalantly reaches into his vest pocket and pulls out an always present lit cigar. Ringing a bell, Lurch summons one and all to the great room where the guest of honor awaits.
A scrumptious feast is laid out:
Appetizers: Rich Gruyere Spice fondue in Roasted Pumpkin Hummus and vegetables,
roasted nuts and shrimp cocktail.
For the main course course there is Spinach Pear Salad with Vinaigrette Harvest Beef Stew Roast Chicken with Herb Butter, Onions and Garlic Parmesan coated sweet potato fries Garlic Cheese Biscuits Green beans roasted squash medley, Apple-plum glazed pork tenderloins, rotisserie chicken and vegetable lasagne,
Followed by Apple pie, Pumpkin Pie, Ice cream and a special chocolate cake - and of course a Sexy Devil Cocktail.
Roseanne Dowell, donned as Morticia, is elegant and cultivated. Costumed in a long, flowing gown, she sashays around the Gothic room, lighting standing candelabras with her fingertips.
The flickering tapers showcase her artwork and flesh-eating plants. Bats, ghosts and vamps flap above a long marble table where tarot cards are scattered around a crystal ball. Mind readers, palm readers and fortune tellers are at the ready for those who dare.
Humming, Morticia snaps the buds from her dozens of roses, arranging the stems in vases. Responding to the harpsichord music, smoke billows from her chest. Turning to the audience, she smiles and takes a sweeping bow. "Welcome to the Roast and Toast. My celebratory party takes place in The Adams Family mansion. I invite you to enjoy the food, martinis and entertainment. For your listening pleasure, here’s a blurb and excerpt from my latest release."Connections Of The Mind,." Don’t forget to leave a comment. HAPPY HALLOWEEN!"
Connections of the Mind (Paranormal Mystery Romance)
Strange, realistic dreams and visions disrupt Rebecca Brennan’slife, especially when she actually feels someone’s pain.
Was this really helping? How many hours had she spent sitting across from the mammoth mahogany desk, staring at the book-lined shelves behind him? And so far, she didn’t know anything more than before. Once more, that’s it. If nothing changed today, she’d quit coming. Maybe he was a quack, like her brother said. Rebecca took a breath and relaxed in the comfortable atmosphere, inhaled the smell of new leather that clung to the chair, and leaned back. Okay, maybe she did have a deep extra sensory perception connection with someone like Bernard said. The question was with whom. “I think you need to find this person,” Dr. Clark suggested.
“It’s possible the physic mind is reaching out to you for help.”
"How?" That’s why she was here. If he didn’t help her figure it out, that was it. No more visits. Besides, it cost money, and who could afford it? If Allison hadn’t agreed to pay half, well that was another story. Dr. Bernard’s voice brought her back.
“Start with the dreams,” he suggested. “Tell me about them again.” “I see scenes with emergency vehicles. Last night someone got shot," she told him for what seemed like the hundredth time. "I wonder if he has something to do with law enforcement or other emergency operations. I'd recognize the town if I ever saw it in person. It’s so vivid in my mind.""Would you consider hypnotism?" Bernard fingered his beard. Intense blue eyes stared into hers. "Maybe your sub conscious mind will reveal the place, or person, or something to help you find it."
“It’s possible the physic mind is reaching out to you for help.”
"How?" That’s why she was here. If he didn’t help her figure it out, that was it. No more visits. Besides, it cost money, and who could afford it? If Allison hadn’t agreed to pay half, well that was another story. Dr. Bernard’s voice brought her back.
“Start with the dreams,” he suggested. “Tell me about them again.” “I see scenes with emergency vehicles. Last night someone got shot," she told him for what seemed like the hundredth time. "I wonder if he has something to do with law enforcement or other emergency operations. I'd recognize the town if I ever saw it in person. It’s so vivid in my mind.""Would you consider hypnotism?" Bernard fingered his beard. Intense blue eyes stared into hers. "Maybe your sub conscious mind will reveal the place, or person, or something to help you find it."
“No!” Rebecca sprang up in bed. Hot searing pain bore into her shoulder. What was happening to her? A warm sticky substance flowed from her shoulder. Oh God, there was going to be blood. From the feel of it, lots of blood. Half afraid to look, her hand trembled as she slowly brought it in front of her face and looked at it. Dry, no blood. What was going on? These kinds of things happened way too often lately. Okay, they were dreams but still. They were so damn real.
Rebecca eased off the bed. Her feet felt like lead weights as she walked to the kitchen and poured a glass of water. After a big gulp, she hurried back to bed. Shivers racked her body even with the blanket pulled up to her chin. A minute ago sweat soaked her skin. Now she couldn’t get warm. Someone’s life had invaded her mind. She didn’t know who or where they lived. And she sure as heck didn’t like it. These were more than dreams. Most of her visions happened while she slept, but they were real. Besides, too many occurred during the day.
The pain eased, but fear and danger lingered. Curling up, she pulled the blanket tighter, closed her eyes, and willed herself to sleep. Strange visions played in her mind. Red, white, and blue flashing lights, fire engines, and ambulances, and police rushed around calling instructions, trying to control panic and hysteria at the scene.
Rebecca rubbed her eyes, trying to erase the visions.
“If only I knew how to find this person. Maybe then I’d find out what these dreams and visions mean.” Her voice startled her in the quiet room. Snuggling deeper in bed, pushing the thoughts away, she tried to sleep. But sleep wouldn’t come. Her mind wouldn’t be still. The visions persisted. Was she going crazy? Maybe Allison was right to force her to see a parapsychologist.
"I think you’re experiencing a psychic phenomenon." Allison had suggested. "Like ESP or something." The next morning Rebecca, once again, sat in Bernard Clark’s office. Something about the heavy-set, middle-aged man with salt and pepper hair and scruffy beard reminded her of her grandfather. As usual, he listened to her story with a serious expression.
Leary about being hypnotized, but desperate to find who shared her mind, Rebecca agreed. Under her hypnotic trance, she revealed the name of a shoe factory. A place called Booth’s Boots, and she repeated the name, Morris, over and over. "It’s not much to go on," Rebecca told Allison later,” but it’s more than I knew before. Maybe Morris is my mind connection."
Encouraged by the information, she spent the better part of the day doing research. Using the Internet, Rebecca keyed in Booth’s Boots. Instantly, several websites popped up.
“Okay, let’s check out Boothsboots.com.”
A website, showing various types of boots from hunting to work boots, popped up. “This is great. Let’s see what this says.” She clicked on News and Events. “No help there. Okay, let’s try Outlet Stores.” She almost jumped out of her chair. “There it is!” A factory, located in Morrisville, Ohio. “Morrisville, could that explain the name Morris?” A prickly sensation went up her spine. She was getting close; she could feel it.
“Okay, let’s try this.” Rebecca didn’t care she was talking to herself. Besides, it wasn’t the first time. KeyingMorrisville into the search engine, she held her breath, more determined than ever to find the town. If it took all day, then so be it. A site popped up with several suggestions. “Okay, let’s see what this one is about.” Morrisville.net homepage popped up, and further down the page, it showed – Pictures taken around Morrisville.
Roseanne Dowell is an avid reader and writes various types of romance - paranormal, contemporary, and mystery. She has several books published as well as over 40 articles and short stories published in magazines such as Good Old Days, Nostalgia, and Ohio Writer and several online publications. Besides teaching writing courses for Long Story School of Writing www.lsswritingschool.com , she also taught two writing courses for the Encore Program at Cuyahoga Community College.
Roseanne lives in Northeast Ohio and where she enjoys life as a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Besides writing, Roseanne enjoys embroidery and quilting, especially combining the two.
Book releases from http://bit.ly/ roseannebooks
***GIVEAWAY***
To win a copy of Roseanne's book, all you have to do is just leave a comment and your e-mail address.
Contest ends tomorrow and everyone who comments is elligible.
000000 - Delightfully scary place! Love the book cover and the blurb! Now on my TBR list!
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Everyone! Oliver - you look smashing as always!
What a wonderful day for a party. I do hope everyone enjoys themselves. Don't forget to stop by the fortune teller booth to have your fortunes told and of course your tarot cards read. Or if you'd rather, there's a palm reader in the corner just itching to read someone's palm.
ReplyDeleteGood morning. P.L. glad you could join us. Oliver, a martini, please.
ReplyDeleteYou rang, Roseanne? Welcome to this most enchanting party
ReplyDeleteThe hand gives a martini to Roseanne.
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Patsy, dear sister hostess.
ReplyDeleteGood morning Oliver dear, yes a mead please, to give me courage.
And a special Good Morning to our wonderful Guest of Honour Roseanne. As you see, Roseanne, our Tarot Reader, Fortune Teller and Palm reader are already doing a good trade. Not sure I want to know the future myself, though!
Welcome to your party Roseanne! Let the fun begin in this strange manor full of ghosts and pranks and crystal balls, oh my!
ReplyDeleteHugs sistters, oh, yes, let us take the cocktails being handed through the wall. LOL
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I want to know my future either. It would take away the element of surprise for good things and wouldn't be any fun. Nothing to look forward to if you know what's going to happen. And of course I wouldn't want to know about the bad stuff.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you, Oliver, what a delicious martini
As usual you've outdone yourself with the food. Everything is delicious as usual.
ReplyDeleteHello Sharon, dear soul-sister.
ReplyDeleteMmm, I'm hungry - and your choice of food is first class Roseanne.
Let's munch while we learn some more about your book, it sounds so intriguing, love the excerpt!
The food is excellent and if I don't stop eating soon, I'm going to burst. My book, okay, let's see. Rebecca Brennan has visions and dreams of someone's life. She experiences feelings of contentment, accomplishments, and sadness. Suddenly, she even felt his pain and knew he was in danger. Giving into her friend to visit a parapsychologist she agrees to be hypnotized to see if she can discover who shares her mind. Determined to find the person who shares her mind, her search leads her to a small town and puts her life in danger too.
ReplyDeleteOoh, that sounds great - creepy but fascinating. I love books that combine an element of the supernatural with intrigue and danger!
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, like all my books, it's a romance
ReplyDeleteI do love creepy love stories - my own is somewhat that way! Hee hee! You picked a great party, Roseanne, just in time for Halloween. Oliver, give me something to take away the chills. Never had a warmed brandy, I'll try one of those!
ReplyDeleteWhy Morticia, you've been holding out on us! What a delightful ensemble, fit for Lucifer's Runway straight from Paris! Pass the hor'deovres, please, no breakfast this morning. So I'd best not be induling in a marini just yet.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, thanks for joining us. I'm just full of surprises, aren't I? Thanks for joining us. I knew you'd fit right in. I guess it's a bit early to imbibe, but what the heck, I'm not driving and nothing to do but party all day. After all that food I ate, I think it'll absorb that martini pretty well. I hope Bonella doesn't show up. It'd be just like her to try to spoil my party.
ReplyDeleteHi Gail, Welcome to Roseanne's Party.
ReplyDeleteYes, you must have something to eat|!
Oh yes, we all love romance, Roseanne. We all need someone strong and handsome to hang on to on a spooky day near Halloween. Come 'ere Oliver dear!
Hi Gail, thanks for visiting, take a heaping plate of all this food, my goodness.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt, Roseanne, romance with creepy, what's not to love!
ReplyDeleteOoooh, this place is so creepy!! Love your Morticia costume, Roseanne!!
ReplyDeleteOliver may I please have a chocolate martini? Yes, and some of the Harvest stew is on my plate. Yum!! You guys really know how to throw a roast and toast!
Uh oh there's another spider coming toward me! Too creepy!! Best of luck with Connection of the Minds, Roseanne! Too many personalities in one person. How does she stand it?? Gotta go! Thank you for the delicious drink and lucious food!
Oh dear, where is our Mary,er...AKA Wednesday Friday Addams? Hopefully no more doll's heads are rolling. LOL
ReplyDeleteHere we go Lionmother, a nice chocolate martini, wink.
ReplyDeleteRoseanne my sweet, never too early to indulge in chocolate!
ReplyDeleteA nicely aged mead, Lyn my lovely.
ReplyDeleteOliver - you are the sweetest thing!
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm getting a little worried about what our Mary may be getting up to. Methinks she might be taking this Wednesdy Friday Adams role a little TOO seriously!
ReplyDeleteThe spiders only look nasty, Barbara, they don't eat much. LOL Glad you stopped by. Please, eat some more.
ReplyDeleteMary absorbed in her role as Wednesday, beheaded doll in tow, decides to make her entrance!
ReplyDeleteRoseanne,
ReplyDeleteIf you ever tire of writing, you should open a restaurant. The menu of the party look enticingly delicious.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete"Patsy in her role as Pugsley is picking her nose and examining it*
ReplyDeleteThis looks interesting! ICK! I think we should throw the baby out the window or sentence him to the guillotine!
Hi all you commenters and my soul sisters. Roseanne - this is a terrific party!
Something weird this way comes, my last comment published twice!
ReplyDeleteMary, dear, hand Thing the beheaded doll like a good little sweetheart.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara B. Too much work running a restaurant. Besides, I can't NOT write. LOL
ReplyDeleteBarbara, welcome to the nut house my dear. Have a martini with the food.
ReplyDeleteOh by the way, Barbara B. I didn't make the food. Oliver did and he's a fantastic cook.
ReplyDeleteOh by the way, Barbara B. I didn't make the food. Oliver did and he's a fantastic cook.
ReplyDelete"They're creepy and their spooky, they're altogether ooky!The Adam's family..." Mary's off tune singing is more then Sharon can bear. To stop the horrendous attempt at singing she shoves a cookie into Mary's mouth. "Mmmmmm. Oliver's cookies are soooo good." Mary reaches for the plate of cookies. Decorated for the soppk party, Mary holds it poised before she takes a huge bite. "Mmmmmmm," she grabs another and another and suddenly she starts to blow up like the blueberry girl. "Ugh this is awful, what was in those cookies." Mary tries to roll away, but yup, Sharon cannot sto herself as she rolls Mary around like a bowling ball. The only strange thing is the bump that she keeps going over with every roll. Odd, but fun in a bizarre kinda way.
ReplyDeletePugsley dear child, no hot brandy, you might blow the joint up. Here's a tissue. BLOW Stand back, everyone, it isn't pretty
ReplyDeleteYOU RANG
ReplyDeleteWhooooo...! This is a scary party but you all look great in your halloween dress. Hello Roseanne - looks like the spookiness is well under way. Love your excerpt!
ReplyDeleteRos
Time for another excerpt, Ladies. Hope you enjoy.
ReplyDeleteThe phone rang again. Rebecca almost let it ring, but after the third time, she came to her senses. She moved away from Jeremy. What was she doing here? This had to stop. She’d never felt so out of control with a man in her life.
“Hello.” She barely had enough breath to answer it.
“Beck, it’s me. How’s it going?”
“Al, hi. It’s going fine. Tell me Lester didn’t call you.” Something seemed mighty suspicious here. She wouldn’t put it past Lester one bit to call Allison. Probably figured if anyone could convince her to come home, Allie could.
“What are you talking about?”
Rebecca could tell from Allie’s voice, she was lying. Allie never was a good liar. “So what did he tell you?”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. Why would Lester call me?”
“Besides the fact he has a huge crush on you, to ask you to convince me to come home.”
“I wish he had a crush on me. What makes you think that?”
“Don’t change the subject.” Rebecca sat on the bed and laughed. She knew her friend too well.
“So when are you coming home?”
“I knew it. You know it wouldn’t have been so obvious if you had waited a while before you called.” She stood and helped Jeremy clean up the remnants of their breakfast. She had hardly eaten any of hers.
“Okay, so he called. What’s going on there? What do you mean you’re going to take a web designing course? What about your job here?”
“Don’t tell Lester, but I’m planning on quitting.” It didn’t matter that Jeremy heard her. He already read her mind and figured it out. Or had he? Oh well, may as well get it out in the open.
“Are you out of your mind? You can’t up and quit your job just like that.”
“Sure I can. Come on, Allie, you know me better than that. I’ve thought this through. You know I don’t make rash decisions. Okay, I’m not going to quit. I’ll take a leave of absence, better?”
“A leave of absence? For how long?” Rebecca heard the hesitation in Allison’s voice.
“The course is eleven weeks. I have six weeks vacation and sick days built up.” Rebecca looked at Jeremy. She loved the grin on his face. The dimple in his chin. Who knew, maybe after eleven weeks, she’d have reason to stick around longer.
Hi Rosemary, thanks for stopping by. Have a martini and please eat. There's so much food.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, did Mary find the guillotine? I was afraid of something like that.
ReplyDeleteGrandmama has a nice potion in the cookies that will put on weight. EVIL CACKLE. Who wants their fortune told? Begins humming. When I was just a litttle girl I asked my mother what will I be...will I be pretty, will I be rich...here's what she said to me...the future's not ours to see...
ReplyDeletePoor Mary, Sharon, do stop rolling your sister around. It's even making me dizzy.
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the party Rosemary. Enjoy
ReplyDeleteMary's face starts to turn red and she wants back to her normal Wednesday self. Roseanne, not wanting Mary to bowl over people or the wonderful fool Oliver's made. She stands on a chair an leaps into the air. Her massive feel land on Mary and with a giant Woooosssshhhh she deflates back to herself. What kinda cookie does that??? Lyn helps Mary up. "All blown away dear." She laughs demonically.
ReplyDeleteuh, don't quit your day job, Sharon.
ReplyDeleteOliver, get rid of the cookies. I'd hate for that to happen to my guests.
ReplyDeleteThanks Roseanne. I appreciate your concern. I always worry when I get into a predicament like that. Who switched the cookies. Patsy is laughing an awful lot. Could she be the one. It takes the talent of a really powerful spook! What else could happen?????
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome, Mary. Oh I've learned never to ask that question. Too soon we'll find out. With you guys around, it's hard to tell what adventures await us. Has anyone ventured upstairs yet? I was thinking of checking it out. Anyone want to join me?
ReplyDeleteHi Rosemary! *Waves* How's Scotland today? Roseanne, that's another great excerpt, ooh this book sounds fantastic!
ReplyDeleteOh hello Lionmother too, I'm sorry, I missed you there in that dark corner!
You too Barbara. Watch out for the spiders!
Oooh Mary dear sister I'm so glad you got to your proper size before you rolled over poor lilpl me. (Althogh at the moment being tall and suave as Gomez, I don't feel quite so vulnerable!
Oh thank goodness, you and Sharon have both stopped singing! I love you both but not your voices! LOLL.
Patsy, I think perhaps I should have a warmed brandy as a 'chaser' to the mead, I have a nasty cold in de dose you know! *atchoo!* (Good job Gomez carries a nice white kerchief in his top pocket)
Upstairs Roseanne...as memory serves, didn't Morticia sleep on a bed of nails! LOL
ReplyDeleteI'll go!!! Mary grabs Rosenne's hand and Roseanne leads them both to the main staircase. Slowly they began to make their way up the old creaking steps. On their way the other girls grab hands and they take the steps all together. "Wonder what's up there?"
ReplyDeleteYou picked a good party to celebrate your story, Roseanne. Love all the gypsies, spiders, and headless dolls. Enjoyed both excerpts. Now, if I may, I'd like to try a Sexy Devil.
ReplyDeleteNails? Hmm I'm not sure. Come on, lets check it out.
ReplyDeleteHey, Pat, grab your martini and join us. We're going upstairs. It's really spooky up here
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, watch out! A rat skittered by. What's that smell?
ReplyDelete"Wow, which room should we start in?" Ro opens the first door at the top of the steps. It creaks open slowly. "What the heck is that?"
ReplyDeleteAre we ready? Whose gonna be he leader as we face the unknown scary stuff upstairs?Oliver stop laughing you devil! Roseanne you gonna lead us? I'm right behind you, yeah what is that smell????
ReplyDeleteThis room could use a little color. All this black is depressing. Look at the size of that bed. Who do you suppose sleeps in it?
ReplyDeleteEEEEEEE! What is that!?!?!?!
ReplyDeleteWhat's that hanging from the ceiling? Ro pushes Sharon forward. You go first.
ReplyDeleteThat smell is stronger in here.
ReplyDeleteRo! Ro! ROOOO!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Palm Reader bit my finger and The Hand pinched my butt.
I thought you wrote PG stuff not S&M. Well, *winks* I suppose I didn't mind too much.
*waves a bloody hand* Hi my darling Ro. You look beautiful today. You really should wear black more often. Simply devine.
Oh my, but what a frighteningly haunting party...I would have been here sooner but it took awhile to squeeze myself into Lady Gaga's outfit. Hair and make-up. Oops, this one false eyelash keeps slipping making it difficult to see the feast on the table...Can someone light more candles please? Ah, the lovely smells of chicken, beef, lasagna...lasagna?? Morticia, deal out the tarot cards, please. I'm ready for food and the future.
ReplyDeleteKaren! You made it. Oh slap that hand. You have to be careful around here. Of course I look good in black, it's slimming. LOL Come on upstairs, we're investigating. There's a strange smell and something hanging from the rafters. Sharon won't go see what it is. Maybe Mary will. Oh wait. It's just a bat. But that smell is awful. I think it's getting stronger.
ReplyDeleteHey, Janet, Grab a martini and join us upstairs. You're pretty brave. We need a leader. Help us find out what smells.
ReplyDeleteSharon waves to Pat, JQ and Karen and the creep up the steps. The raven clock crows and they all jump.
ReplyDeleteOh! I'm so embarrassed. The smell is my new perfume. You see, I'd heard perfume was made out of skunks. Well, I like authentic, so I cut out the middle man and just bought the skunk. Talk about scary! That little rascal cornered me in the bathroom after I helped dye that white out of her hair. I mean really. Who wants to walk around with their gray showing?
ReplyDeleteUh Ro? I you have an eyelash in your drink. It might be JQ's. She keeps winking funny.
Hi Sharon. Is that a coffin in the corner?
ReplyDeleteMary peers into a large room with furniture covered in white sheets. "I think the smell is coming from in here!"
ReplyDeleteStrange lights flash in the corners, the smell gets stronger!!! ICK!
Karen walks over and whispers furiously in Pat's ear.
ReplyDeleteThat's not a coffin. It's a secret entrance to the torture chamber. Don't go near it.
Alright, folks! I didn't eat lunch so I could come back on my lunch hour! Are we out of garlic cheese biscuits?! Com'on, there have to be more somewhere!! Biscuits, Biscuits! I can't have any martini till I get FOOD, people!!! (Slaps the hand). I said food, not feelies! Karen's over there, and she's much prettier than me, go find her.
ReplyDeleteNo I don't think it's the skunk perfume, although it is pretty bad. No offense Karen. But this is worse then your scent. It's jut the worst. Wait, Mary stops and pulls the head off of her doll. Gotta keep true to the part you know.
ReplyDeleteWhat does it smell like to you girls?
Probably coming from the coffin. Is it sealed? Wanta open it?
ReplyDeleteKaren, dear, the perfume stinks, I'll grant you that, but that horrible smell was here long before you got here. Gail, you're back, come on up and help us figure out what smells. Oh and everyone stay away from that thing that looks like a coffin. No one wants to be tortured. Come on let's check out this next room. Yuck, we could use a gas mask up here. That stench is awful. Look, there's green smoke coming from that corner. I bet that's the source of the odor.
ReplyDeleteEEK! thanks for the warning about the coffin. But I gotta find the source of that overpowering, permeating, odor!!!
ReplyDeleteMary holds onto Roseanne's hand tight. the hand she holds feels awfully hairy. AAAHHHH! that ain't Roseanne's hand at all!!!
Look, it's a pile of dirty laundry. Yuck. Ro covers her nose. From the looks and smell of it, it's been up here for sometime. Probably from when these people were alive. Come on, let's check out another room. They ought to seal this one off. Uh oh, what's that noise?
ReplyDeleteIt's a coffin, Pat
ReplyDeleteGomez is swinging from the chandelier
ReplyDeleteThose clothes smelled like someone died in them. Ugh!
ReplyDeleteAs they enter the next room Roseanne suddenly stops. Mary hears it too! What is that strange sound anyhow???
Hi Gail!! You don't mind my perfume do you? I don't want to go upstairs all by myself and your so courageous. I'll bet you're not afraid of anything...except *frowns* what's that thing next to Mary? Very creepy. Might need Mr. Gillette to step in here.
ReplyDeleteHi Ro! You've got some strange guests here.
Who's that in the mirror? Not one of us!
ReplyDeleteIf that thing next to Mary's got the cheese biscuits, it can look out! Okay, hand 'em over! Hungry woman here.
ReplyDeleteCome on, Karen, you're not a scaredy cat are you? They're not strange, just unusual. What is that noise?
ReplyDeletePat, that's not a mirror it's....what the heck is it?
ReplyDeleteOh no, Gail, don't eat those, darn too late.
ReplyDeleteGomez jumps gravefully from the chandelier and waves to all the new guests.
ReplyDeleteHi folks, love the costumes. Sorry to be slow, Roseanne - may I call you Ro? I had to stop to light my cigar. It's a new brand, see - PUFFF
What?
Ouch. I believe you. About the deja-vu and ESP and empathy, and more... Meanwhile... a bowlful of nuts and a gallon of Perrier should do me nicely, please.
ReplyDeleteTanja
WOW!!! Look at all the visitors and all the comments! Really fun party - WAHOOOO!
ReplyDeleteDoes being Pugsley make my butt look fat???
That's just Patsy, she has huge arms and she is holding a ton of cheese biscuits in them.
ReplyDeleteStill doesn't explain the noise or that thing that's reflecting in the corner. It does look like a mirror, but it's not it's... Oh My God!!!
*snicker* that's a Cheech & Chong wrapped cigar.
ReplyDeleteThose aren't cheese biscuits Patsy! Biscuits don't move!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Tanja, glad you could join us. Help yourself there's plenty of food and drink. What is that thing? It sure is shiny. Gomez, you can call me anything you want as long as it's not late for dinner. LOL That noise is driving me nuts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a totally awesome gathering! I simply can't get enough of the roasted nuts and shrimp cocktails, but I'm definitely working my way to the garlic cheese biscuits and chocolate martinis. If it seems I'm a bit hung up on food, it's because I didn't stop for lunch on my way here and I am really quite famished. Roseanne, you make a lovely and most elegant Morticia and the excerpts from your book are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteIt's getting louder too!!! What the heck???
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandra. Glad you stopped by. Oh, and help yourself, there's plenty more where that came from. I wish I knew what that noise was.
ReplyDeleteMe too? Oliver any ideas? Don't you all hear that noise???
ReplyDeleteYeah. Like a mix between tapping and scratching. Like someone is trapped and trying to get out.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, you don't suppose someone is trapped in the dungeon, do you? Who's game to go with me to find out?
ReplyDeleteOne more Sexy Devil and I'm your man. Um, whatever.
ReplyDeleteOkay, down it quick and let's go.
ReplyDeleteI'll be behind you, way behind you. But I'm gonna go! Whatever it is has Nibby shaking. Cuddles hiding and Hampy in Patsy's pocket trembling!
ReplyDeleteIt could be bad I don't even see Oliver. He must be hiding too!!!
We gotta check, it could be serious, or no...
I am such a chicken, Mary makes chicken sounds and not very well.
Okay, you guys, I'll lead but you have to stay close. It could be bad or it might be someone in trouble. We have to help. Sh....wait....what's that? It's a different noise. Maybe it wasn't such a good idea to have my celebration here.
ReplyDeleteWell ghosts can't really hurt us, all they can do is scare the hell out of us. Right?
ReplyDeleteSo let's find whee it's coming from!
Upstairs or in the dungeon, or is it two noises???
Is that evil sound someone laughing at us?
ReplyDeleteThat' a horrible evil laugh if that's what the sound is. Gosh how far down do these steps go?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you can hear scratching with all this loud music. Would someone puh-leeze change the music? I've heard Ghostbusters a 100 times. No thank you for the martini, but do you have a Bloody Mary? The shiny reflection is probably some rings on Thing's hand. I'm staying by the food...no exploring for me. And yes, that is my eye lash in your drink...in your "eye-ball" glass.
ReplyDeleteChicken, Janet. After that book you wrote, I never would have believed it. Fine, have a bloody mary and stay behind.
ReplyDeleteRo goes down another flight of stairs and around the corner another flight awaits her. I'm not too crazy about all these steps. These better be the last ones. Isn't there an elevator in this place?
ReplyDeleteLadies and Gent, it's Oliver...I mean Lurk in the dungeon playing the harpsicord
ReplyDeleteWow, where did everyone go? It's like they suddenly disappeared. I thought they were right behind me and now vanished. The only sound is of the scratching and that terrible laughing or screeching. Sure is scary down here all alone.
ReplyDeletePhew!!! I ran all the way over here!!! Hey Karen, Pat, BarbaraB, still here? I could sure use some food! Wait a minute where are we? It's dark and creepy here. But Roseanne you still look lovely. Radiant actually!! Must be all those martinis. No wait a minute it's something glowing overhead!!! The something is moving get away Ro!!!
ReplyDeleteTanja, so happy you made it here too. I got lost in the house the whole time and finally someone found me and opened the door to let me out. Really, really hungry. Gail, didn't see you there. Are the cheese biscuits okay to eat? They look like they're moving. Maybe I'll take the cookies! Oh no they're not cookies they're moving too. Everything is moving now.
ReplyDeleteBarbara, am I glad to see you. I haven't seen a soul in hours. Well it seems like hours. Help me out of here, I'm stuck in a crack in the floor. I don't know what that glow is, but we have to find out where that scratching is coming from. Someone might be in trouble.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely don't take the cookies. They'll blow you up like a balloon and we'll have to deflate you. I think Gail and Tanja and Karen disappeared upstairs. I've not seen them since I came down here.
ReplyDeleteH-EEEEE-E-E-LP!
ReplyDeleteLet me out! I opened the a door, lured by the smell of mead and chocolate, and everything went dark. I can't find the door! Wait, there's a dim light under the door. Someone must have switched the light on -but it's flickering a lot. Ooh it's cold in here. What's this. Something warm and soft - Eeeek, it's not a soft blanket - it's a - I think it's a spider's web - and there's the spider. It's huge! EEEEK Let me out!
Quick, open that door Barbara, that's Hywela Lyn in there. I'm still stuck,darn it.
ReplyDeleteRUN LYN! It is really a huge black spider - with a gleaming red hourglass on its back - YIKES - a giant black widow! ARRGGGGGGGG!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteShivery, fun post! Roseanne I think I'd really like the book from the sound of the teaser.
ReplyDeleteRo, I'm here!!! You got stuck behind the dungeon door. I was exploring and definitely didn't touch the cookies. Who wants to eat moving food??? Are you okay, Ro? Where is Oliver? I think we both need a martini after this. Which would you like?
ReplyDeleteI'm getting the Appletini, I think!! Very fall and festive and OMG is that a creeping spider over P.L.'s head?? I'm getting out of here. Take my hand Ro and we'll try to find the stairs.
ReplyDeletePhew. that was scary. Oliver, darling, a chocolate martini for me and whatever Barbara wants.
ReplyDeleteHi Roseanne! Thanks for hosting such a fun party. Great food by the way. Just wanted to come by and wish you the best of luck with your book. I can't wait to read it. I'm partial to suspenseful stories where the characters have psychic abilities. I'm going to have another martini and catch up with you again later.
ReplyDeleteI think there's three or four flights. Hurry let's get out of here. That'll teach me to go exploring. Let's get back to the festivities.
ReplyDeletePhew. Glad to be back in the ballroom. Jenna, I'm so happy you dropped in.
ReplyDeleteMary falls into the room outta the wall. "There's a hidden passage behind the walls. While you have all been eating cooking and fighting spiders, I have found it! There's hidden treasure in this place and the ghosts are guarding it! Look." Mary shows them a gleaming locket, as solid gold locket and when the open it, inside is a picture and a lock of hair. "There's all kindsa stuff in there. I saw Lyn in there but she was gone when I got to her. Lyn, did you see those big spiders. Yuk!
ReplyDeleteLet's put on some softer music for a bit to calm my frayed nerves.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Mary maybe you better put that stuff back. We don't want to stir up the ghosts and make them mad. I heard there were vampires here too.
ReplyDeleteI saw a lot of strange stuff in there. There's even a skeleton! It still has hair on it and it's dressed in Victorian clothing. Wonder who she was. I followed this light for awhile and it brought me to a small door in the wall. When I bent down and opened it I saw a small bottle it said drink me. Here Patsy try this will you. Patsy walks up and not having heard the conversation swallows the contents of the bottle. UH OH!
ReplyDeletePatsy?
ReplyDeleteWhat have I done!?!?!
Now I know what those cookies were for. Here Mary I grabbed one, but t it keeps wiggling around. Take a bite. No ignore the sounds it's making. There don't you feel better?
ReplyDeleteOliver, I missed my Appletini, did you bring it you sweet host?
Mary politely spits the cookie in a tissue and smiles at everyone. (I ain't no dummy). It wiggles itself out of the tissue and drops to the floor. It moves along the floor with a strange hopping motion and then hops through the little door.
ReplyDeletePatsy? Are you okay??? I think you're gonna start shrinking or something?
Lyn mop brow and shivers.
ReplyDeletePhew! I thought I was never going to get out of there. You're right, Roseanne, some soothing music is what's needed - and some mead and chocolate for me please Lurch, er Oliver. Let's read some more of Roseanne's book, Mary, to sooth our jangled nerves. Umm - where's Sharon, is she OK? And Patsy ...
Does anyone hear a little squeeky voice comeing from down in the floorboards, or is it me?
I haven't seen her since she drank the little bottle. Gulp, I hope she grows back if she shrunk!
ReplyDeleteSharon followed me into the maze inside the walls and I haven't seen her since. Hey is that something riding Hampy's back down there?
Anyhow, Oliver went with her. I hope I didn't open some portal to another dimension!
But, wouldn't that be cool!
The spider didn't bit you did it Sharon, Roseanne? A black widow bite is fatal!!!
Oh Roseanne it would relieve the tension if you felt like posting another excerpt? I really do need to think this out. What have I done to Patsy? Oh my!!!Please take my mind off of it!
Well looks like we're finally all in one place again. Here's another excerpt from my book.
ReplyDeleteRebecca approached the door and took a deep breath. This was it, the reason for being here and one step closer to finding out whom her mind was connected to. She hesitated, took another deep breath, let it out, and went inside. The old building smelled like printer’s ink. A window separated the receptionist from the public.
"Excuse me." Rebecca stepped to the window and cleared her throat. A plump gray-haired woman looked up from an old desk. ‘Kelly Anderson’ the sign on the desk read. Rebecca looked into soft gray eyes.
"How can I help you?" Kelly asked in a pleasant voice.
“I’d like to see the newspaper from October fifth.”
“Through that door and around the corner. I’ll meet you there.” Ms. Anderson directed her and pressed a buzzer releasing the door.
Rebecca met Ms. Anderson and followed her down a long corridor.
“Here are the papers for the last two weeks. If you need anything else, just holler.”
Rebecca sat down and looked through the papers. It didn’t take long to find the one with the right date. The headlines blared at her, "POLICEMAN SHOT DURING ROBBERY ATTEMPT."
“Officer Jeremy Marlin took a bullet in the shoulder while attempting to apprehend a burglar at Lionel’s Jewelry store early this morning. Marlin stumbled upon a robbery in progress and called for backup. While awaiting the other patrol car, he and his partner, Officer Baker, investigated the open door. Marlin went around to the back. An unknown perpetrator, fleeing the scene, shot him and fled. The perpetrator is still at large.”
Rebecca sat back. Her stomach knotted, goose bumps popped out on her arms. Her mind connection had a name.
Jeremy Marlin. What was he like? And now what? How could she meet him? What would he say when he heard her story? At least now, she knew a little about him. A cop—that explained the danger and flashing lights. Thank God, he wasn’t the criminal. She stood up. May as well get this over with. She stopped at the reception desk. “Excuse me.” Rebecca waited until Ms. Anderson looked up. “Can you tell me how to get to The Hills End Motel?”
“You’re new in town?” Kelly Anderson didn’t wait for a reply. “Hope you enjoy your stay. You’ll find though we’re a small town, most folks are pretty friendly. Are you fixing to stay long? You’ll find a lot of history here. We were founded back in eighteen hundred and fourteen by David Morris.”
Aha! The plot thickens! Little hairs stand up on my arms.
ReplyDeletedon't look for him alone Rebecca? He could be dangerous. All kinds of dangerous!
The plot certainly does thicken - I just left a comment and it's disappeared! Another great excerpt Roseanne, this sounds like such a good story!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Hywela Lyn. I enjoyed writing it. It was one of those that just flowed.
ReplyDeleteMary finds a corner after getting lost in the walls and sits down. Next to her she finds an old sheet. She shakes it to be sure there are no bugs and covers herself with it. Head and all! Exhausted she finds herself nodding asleep...
ReplyDeletePoor Mary had a really rough day. I hope she feels better after her nap.
ReplyDeleteOMG! The taste is terrible. I feel myself melting. I'm melting, melting . . . .
ReplyDeleteMary *gasp* - the world is growing dark (or darker), I can't feel my toes! What's this - a skull - alas, poor Yurik (sp) I knew him well! I'm hallucinating! Oliver *she stretches out a clawed hand* save me my sweet - more brandy - Yeah, brandy - that'll do the trick!
We've all had a pretty rough time haven't we - I nearly got eaten my a spider, Patsy got shrunk, you got stuck in a crack in the door - and Sharon, haven't seen her for ages - hope Hampy hasn't bolted with her! And Oliver - haven't heard him playing his Lurch-type harpsichord for a while - bet he's gone to rescue his boss-lady!
ReplyDeleteAh well, I'm going to sit here surrounded by chocolate cake and candles. Doubt it I'll sleep much tonight!
Ah it doesn't get any better than this. Oh yeah, nothing better than being surrounded by chocolate.
ReplyDeleteSharon and Oliver rise as one from the coffin and smile. A hairy black widow crawls out.
ReplyDeleteSharon, you and Oliver are safe. We were worried about you.
ReplyDeleteAh, Sharon, sweet sister hostess - and Oliver/Lurch. I knew he'd find you and bring you back safe - but how did you end up in that coffin - together. And what's your spider called?
ReplyDeleteThe spider answers to Dracula and Oliver has grown fangs. Sharon rubs her neck.
ReplyDeleteah, man, i almost totally missed the party. sniff, sniff. i do still smell chocolate cake to scoff down while i read great excerpts.
ReplyDeleteYou didn't miss it, Larion, And help yourself to the food. Oliver, a martini for Ms Larion
ReplyDeleteThis was a fun day. I can't remember when I enjoyed exploring a mansion more. Hmm I don't think I've ever explored a mansion. Thank you so much for having me again and I look forward to our next roast.
ReplyDeleteHi Larion - and anyone else I may have missed.
ReplyDelete(Hello Dracula, here spidey spidey, pretty spidey)
You've been a great guest of Honour again Roseanne, you're always so much fun to Roast and Toast!
Now I really am going to curl up in a corner and snooze for a while. I think all the ghosties and ghoulies have retired to their respective coffins!
Y'all are leaving right when I get back? Y'all have these things on a workday and not a Saturday, so I have to run in and out, and chase the cheese biscuits and can't drink and now when I can y'all are leaving?! A martini! My kingdom for a martini! And I didn't get to look in the torture chamber or ANYTHING!!!!
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Gail - our parties usually run into Saturday as well, and there's always plenty of food and drink left over - and if you time it right Oliver might even cook you breakfast if his boss lady lets him! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, what a relief! Hard day at the office and then home to feed the slugs in front of the World Series. I think I'll just take a martini and vegetate a while over here on this nice, er, um, slimy Victorian sofa. Somebody wake me up when the party gets heavy again please?
ReplyDeleteHey sweetie, Oliver is still here. Oliver, a martini for my friend. Trust me, you don't want to look for the torture chamber.
ReplyDeleteOh do stay. Oliver makes a fantastic breakfast.
ReplyDeleteDare I hope to win this one as well? I love ESP type stories and this one goes on my tbb pile. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Calisa, what a pretty name. You never know you might be the lucky one.
ReplyDeleteIf the breakfast is as good as today's feast, I'm here, darlin'. Can somebody get the lizard off the chandeier, the swaying lights are casting big shadows and in this place we need all the visibility we can get!
ReplyDeleteYeah, like I'm gonna climb up there. NOT....don't worry they'll be turning off the lights pretty soon.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely the greatest party and what a turnout! I am so impressed! My empty cup is raised in toast!
ReplyDeletemartini now and then breakfast? what more could a girl ask for? and it is a great party. these girls really know how to put one on.
ReplyDeleteI'll drink to that! Thank you everyone who showed up and especially to all of you wonderful ladies for hosting me.
ReplyDeleteSharon rises from her bed of nails feeling rested and wonderful. Now where is Oliver, her sisters, the pets, the guests and Roseanne
ReplyDeletePressing her ear to the crack in the wall, she hears a harpsichord and manic shrieks of laughter from the downstairs. She smells food. Scurrying, she rushes to join them. No way does she want to miss mimosa and breakfast.
Roseanne, raises mimosa in a toast. Thank you for being a fabulous guest for our Halloween party! It was indeed a graveyard smash and what a turnout! Best of luck with this book, after reading the intriguing teasers, it's on my list!
ReplyDeleteGood morning, everyone. Something smells delicious. I'm starved. Whose playing that darn harpiscord?
ReplyDeleteOliver rings the bell in the tower. Breakfast is served with a wink and a smile. Mimosa, Bloody Mary Screamers, wobbled eggs, bacon, tartlets with frozen raspberries, hash browns, croissants, coffee, hot coco and pumpkin Chai. Here we go, Ro my lovely, allow Thing's hand to feed you!
ReplyDeleteBacon and croisants please. But I'm really not comfortable with Thing feeding me....
ReplyDeleteBacon and croisants please. But I'm really not comfortable with Thing feeding me....
ReplyDeleteOh, Oliver, you've outdone yourself as usual. I'd rather you fed me. LOL I have my winner of Connection of the Minds - Drum roll.......
ReplyDeleteThe winner is:Jenna Storm. Jenna a copy of this book is on its way to you as I speak. Thank you to everyone who stopped in and participated. I can't wait to do this again.
Mmm, wobbled eggs and bacon followed by Raspberry tartlets and hot chocolate please Oliver dear, what would we do without your fantastic cooking and breakfasts? (Hope your hair grows again by next week!)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations, Jenna, you lucky girl!
Roseanne, you've been a fabulous guest as always, and it's been a blast having you here. We can't wait for your next Roast in December!
Wishing you many, many sales with 'Connection Of The Minds.' I'm sure you have a real winner there!
Sorry I missed the party. I was so busy yesterday. And to think, I could have been here sharing the fun and frivolity and seeing Oliver again. Be still my heart.
ReplyDeleteRoseanne you were wonderful! Thanks for letting us torture you and joining in the fun. When someone joins in, it's so much more fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Maryanne
ReplyDeleteWe're sorry you missed the party - but you can always come back next week, and join in the fun (and see Oiver!)
*waves to sister hostess Mary* Hi Mary sweetie. Did you know you have a spider in your hair?
What fun...I loved the spinach salad. And the pomegranite martini??? Wow! Judy
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, so glad you enjoyed it - thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, we love visitors!
ReplyDelete