Happy Friday the Thirteenth

This week has felt a little grim; however, there’s a spark in the darkness. If you’re feeling down, remember that communities are supporting their members, people are coming together to help each other, and citizens are showing that we don’t scare easily.✌🏽

Speaking of scary things—this year we only get one Friday the 13th, so let’s make it count.

Let’s Raise Some Spirits with a Galley Giveaway:

Do you want to win a galley of Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave along with some ghoulish goodies? Complete the following steps.

1. Read through this post and find the code phrase.

2. Add the code phrase and your contact info to this giveaway entry form.

That’s it! You’ve got one foot in the grave! (I know I’m using this phrase the wrong way, but stay on theme with me, please). The giveaway ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 19. The winner will be randomly selected and announced after June 20 and contacted via email. US ONLY. Must be 18+ to enter. 

Who Is Mystery James?

Abandoned in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, 13-year-old Mystery James can see and smell the supernatural. She’s also plagued by sleep paralysis. Even though her life might seem “strange” on the outside, she loves it. That is until a priceless heirloom goes missing and her family’s funeral home is in danger of being shut down. To clear her aunt’s good name, Mystery embarks on an adventure to figure out what really happened to the missing necklace.

But to do so, she must contend with the angry patriarch of the town’s wealthiest family, a sleep paralysis demon, a graverobber, and the ghastly vampiric ghost that’s lurking in the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery.

“A new middle grade heroine you’re going to love.”—BookRiot

If this sounds like something you would like to read, enter the galley giveaway! You know what else would be so cool? If you added Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave to your TBR on Goodreads or Storygraph. This will show everyone that you aren’t afraid of ghosts, and other readers will learn more about the book.

And because I’m so excited to share this book with you, here’s an extra little treat. The book has a…MAP!

I know, I know! Now calm down and check out the Olde Ellis Town Cemetery below. Ethereal, otherworldly art by the incredibly talented Devin Forst.

Don’t get lost along these winding pathways, especially after dusk.

In Other News…

I’m going to ALA Annual in Philly June 28-29. If you see me haunting the exhibit floor, wave hello! If you’re here for the galley giveaway code phrase, here it is: Garcia Graves & Funeral Home.

Librarians, educators, and booksellers—find me on the convention floor at ALA and I’ll give you a creepy🪱 treat. Just say these words: “Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave.” Tell your friends! (While supplies last.)

Oh, and on Sunday, June 28, at 2:30 p.m. ET, join me at the Playaway booth (#1527) where I’ll be signing copies of It Came from the Trees!

That’s all for now, creeps. The horrors abound but good usually triumphs over evil. Hang in there!

Of course I’m leaving you with something actually scary. Enjoy one of the most unsettling ghost stories I’ve ever heard.