I’ve teamed up with a bunch of other swell authors to bring you spine-tingling tales to get you in the Halloween spirit. All this month, I will introduce you to a new author and their Spooktacular ghost story.
Meet: Pam Lecky
Pam Lecky is an Irish historical fiction author, writing crime, mystery and romance. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Society of Authors and has a particular love of the late Victorian era/early 20th Century. Her debut novel, The Bowes Inheritance, was awarded the B.R.A.G Medallion; shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize 2016; and long-listed for the Historical Novel Society 2016 Indie Award. Her short stories are available in an anthology, entitled Past Imperfect, which was published in April 2018. She is currently working on her next couple of novels, a Victorian mystery series. She has recently been signed with the Hardman & Swainson Literary Agency in London.
Spooktacular Ghost Story Excerpt from: The Lighthouse Keeper
As the sleepless minutes slipped by, she became aware of the wind picking up; a lonely plaintive sound, making her uneasy. No wonder her mind was playing tricks. From now on she would stick to admiring lighthouses from the outside.
The floorboards above creaked. Then there were footsteps and the sound of something being dragged across the floor.
Suddenly her body was humming with adrenaline and she broke out in a cold sweat. Her senses were straining and all at once the overpowering smell of kerosene pervaded the room. Terrified, she could not move. The sound of metal scraping against metal sent a shiver down her spine. To her horror, as she watched, a powerful beam of light flitted across the opening to the upper level. Impossible, a voice inside her head said, but there it was again: a sweep of light that lit the room with an intensity that hurt her eyes.
She bolted from the bed. Almost tripping down the steps in her haste, she lunged at Alex.
“Wake up!” she shouted at him, shaking his arm.
Alex groaned and slowly opened his eyes. He stared at her, coughed and ran his fingers through his hair. “What the hell, Sally? I was fast asleep.”
“The lighthouse is working – there is someone up there!” she whispered hoarsely.
“Don’t be daft, Sal. This place was decommissioned years ago,” Alex said, sitting up. He stretched his arms over his head and yawned.
“You must have had a nightmare,” he said, getting to his feet.
“I did not imagine it, Alex. I heard footsteps and noises. Then I saw the light.”
Alex stood uncertain, then suddenly grinned. “Must have been those prawns, eh?”
Sally knew it was a lost cause; he would never believe her. She tried to smile. “Maybe.”
“Bed – come on,” he said, pushing her towards the stairs.
“No! You go first,” she said, hanging back.
Alex scowled. “This is ridiculous, Sally.” He went up and disappeared from view.
She followed very slowly indeed.
More Spooktacular from Pam: Mayday!
World War I is raging and German U-Boats are prowling the south coast of Ireland looking for prey. Steaming towards them is HMS Lusitania …
Valentine Lambert is facing another tedious day as an office clerk. But a premonition of disaster is the precursor to the most extraordinary day of his life.
Pam Lecky’s Links
For other fun Spooktacular ghost story reads check out these authors: William Todd, Fiona Hogan, Catherine Kullman, D.J. Doyle, and me, (Tam Francis) look for their features in the next coming weeks!
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Tam Francis is a writer, blogger, swing dance teacher, avid vintage collector, and seamstress. She shares her love of this genre through her novels, blog, and short stories. She enjoys hearing from you, sharing ideas, forging friendships, and exchanging guest blogs. For all the Girl in the Jitterbug Dress news, give-aways, events, and excitement, make sure to join her list and like her FB page! Join my list ~ Facebook page Can’t wait to read Tam’s spooktacular ghost story tomes. Check out these pages: Ghostoria or The Flapper Affair
Great post – have long been a fan of Pam Lecky’s work. Lovely site Tam. I’m a big 40’s fan myself – my go-to outfit and hairstyle for most events including my daughter’s wedding last year.
Wow! Who would have thought I’d find a kindred vintage fan writing ghost stories. You must share some of your fave fashions and hair-dos! Thanks for the kind words about the site! Love yours, too: https://unusualfiction.wordpress.com/
Thanks Tam :) Could wax lyrical on victory rolls and print day dresses all day long.