"A thoroughly enjoyable gothic mystery, couldn't put it down."
Anna Jacobs author of Lancashire Lass, Our Polly and many more
Introduction:
Stacey Christian unexpectedly runs into her ex-boyfriend, Peter Mansfield, while touring Ireland. They join forces to help solve the puzzles surrounding Lady Katherine O'Flannery, Peter's formidable great-aunt. Finding herself implacably installed in Lady Katherine's eerie castle, referred to by the locals as Faoilenn Màrrach, or Gull Castle, Stacey quickly becomes obsessed with the castle's disturbing legends; legends of suicide, desertion, embezzlement and revenge culminating in mystery and ghostly hauntings.
Skepticism quickly turns to incredulity, and finally terror, as Stacey and Peter come face to face with a reality that neither could ever have imagined.
EXCERPT:
"A surge of panic seized me. I began to scream hysterically, beating the thick door with my fists. I couldn't think, aware only of the oppressive blackness stifling me as it had in the tower. Hideous pictures flashed across my mind gleaming eyes, wicked smiles, misshapen, faceless silhouettes, laughing . . . laughing . . .! I fell against the door, with a moan, tears streaming down my cheeks unheeded. There must be some way out. I knew I couldn't bear to be imprisoned again.
"From the dark void behind me I heard a low groan. My heart stopped and I choked on a sob. I whirled to face the impenetrable darkness. There was someone in this prison with me, someone or something! Terror pulsed anew through my temples. I held my breath to silence my sobs and listened.
"There was a scrape, a grunt. My eyes darted frantically, straining against the gloom but to no avail. I was unable to determine from which direction the sounds were coming. In the back of my mind I reasoned that if I stood still, perfectly still, whoever or whatever waited for me in that inky void would not find me.
"There was another scrape and a soft shuffle. I lowered my head and squeezed my hands into fists, trying to ward off the images of fanged beasts and faceless ghouls that threatened my sanity. As my eyes became used to the blackness, I opened my mouth in renewed horror. From under the door a faint beam of light fell on the toe of my white sneaker, making it stand out like a light bulb.
"I choked with renewed panic and began to grope to my left, past the door, feeling frantically along the wall. I pressed my back flat against the moist stony rock, working my way as far away from that betraying beam as possible, my fingers inching ahead, touching damp, slippery moss, cold rock, slimy droplets and suddenly warm flesh!
"I screamed uncontrollably and jerked my hand back as though bitten. I turned to run and stumbled. Hands grabbed me. Strong arms jerked me around. A roaring in my ears began to drown out my screams until, mercifully, I lost consciousness."
"The gulls are gone, but their screeches still fill the air above the cliff overlooking Belderrig bay. It's just one of the mysteries surrounding Gull Castle, where Stacey Christian finds herself on a romantic holiday that soon turns perilous. Author Maureen McMahon creates an irresistible setting and tells an intriguing tale."
Martha C. Lawrence, author of Murder In Scorpio and many more
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Return of the Gulls
Modern gothic mystery/romance set in Ireland!
© Maureen McMahon 2001
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Enjoy more Stacey Christian and Peter Mansfield paranormal romance adventures in these anthologies:
Where will Stacey's visions lead them next?
Will Stacey and Peter finally forget past issues and succumb to their desperate love for each other?
