Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
As I mentioned in my previous post, I went to a reported haunted house for research. I’m now racing toward the finish line for RACKED and edits come back for SILENT MAYHEM tomorrow (UPDATE: SILENT MAYHEM is now available in paperback and ebook HERE). Hence why I missed posting this last week. Plus, y’know, I took Sunday off to watch my team win the Super Bowl. 😀
Okay, ready? Let’s stroll through a haunted house.
In the 1900’s, the owner of this property sliced the house in half — horizontally, which is bizarre all on its own — and dumped the top two floors in a swamp. That’s where it remains today. Over time the swamp dried up, as you can see in the pic. Actually, this house stands on the main drag through downtown Bristol, New Hampshire.
Being an old, rundown house, I figured maybe that’s where the rumors stemmed from. But I was, oh, so, wrong.
When I first entered the house everything seemed okay. In general, abandoned properties don’t creep me out. After all, I’m a crime writer. We thrive on creepy. 🙂
Then I hit the stairwell, and my whole outlook changed.
No more jokes about poltergeist, no more idle chitchat. Jill (the homeowner) and I were no longer alone. And we both knew it.
“There’s something about these stairs that freak me out,” said Jill. “But the upstairs is where it really gets creepy.”
“Can’t wait,” I said, swallowing a hard lump in my throat.
Whatever possessed me to come here? Did I really need to include this particular house in RACKED? Maybe I could just invent an abandoned property on the same street.
As you can probably deduce from my thought process, unknown entities aren’t my favorite things to deal with, but that’s precisely why I trekked on. If I’m frightened, my readers will be too. At times, I can take that advice to an extreme level, like the time I locked myself inside a steel drum to experience Sage’s terror in CLEAVED, or the time I asked my husband to bury me in the backyard to test my research for How To Escape Your Grave. BTW, you may want to read that post. If you ever get buried alive, it could save your life. 😉
Anyway, back to my story. As I climbed the stairs, this writing quote kept repeating in my mind …
“Be courageous and try to write in a way that scares you a little.” ~ Holley Gerth
Traipsing through a haunted house isn’t exactly what the author had in mind, but the scenes I’d soon write will be.
The top floor had a much heavier feel to the air. Something strange consumed this level, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Was it anger? Sadness? Grief? Whoever occupied this haunted house sure wasn’t happy, though. Was this the site of a murder? Or did the occupants die naturally, suffering, their bodies wasting away from disease?
Jill escorted me into the loft bedroom. When I scanned the room, I couldn’t get a bead on much. This view piqued my curiosity, though.
Why have a door to the outside, with no balcony? Maybe it fell off during the transition from homestead to swamp. Or maybe, at one time, it led to secret room.
And that’s when things a took a chilling turn.
If I hadn’t personally experienced what I’m about to tell you, even I would have doubts. Jill swung open the door to small room. The second I raised my camera, two entities zoomed straight at us. My frantic gaze shot to Jill.
“Yup.” Nodding, her eyes were as wide as they could open. “I saw it, too.”
Don’t believe me? Check out the photo …
See how the two orbs are in motion? They stopped inches from my face. Inches!
All the tiny hairs on my nape snapped to attention.
They know we’ve invaded their space, and they’re not happy about it.
The orbs followed us into every room. That’s why they’re always on the left. As soon as I raised my camera, they’d zoom into the frame. This next shot is looking up into the attic. No, I didn’t have the nerve to go up there. Jill didn’t either.
And then we made the mistake of opening a trap door.
What’s that glowing white thing to the right of the orbs?
If you look closely, there’s a nose, eye indentation, and what looks like an ear.
We left the haunted house pretty quick after that. There’s research, and then there’s knowing when to get the hell outta Dodge. The worst part? I forgot to take pics of the back door — from inside and out — which is crucial to my story. It’s the main reason I went in the first place. So, guess who needs to go back to this creep-fest? <facepalm>
Let’s hope Orb 1 and Orb 2 don’t mind a return visit. Gulp.
Need some comic relief after this post? I’m also on the Kill Zone today: When Real Life Collides With Fiction.
UPDATE: RACKED releases on August 7, 2019. Pre-order for 99c!
If you enjoyed this post, please share. Thank you!
Sue Coletta
Sue Coletta is an award-winning crime writer and an active member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. Feedspot and Expertido.org named her Murder Blog as “Best 100 Crime Blogs on the Net.” She also blogs on the Kill Zone (Writer's Digest "101 Best Websites for Writers"), Writers Helping Writers, and StoryEmpire. Sue lives with her husband in the Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Her backlist includes psychological thrillers, the Mayhem Series (books 1-3) and Grafton County Series, and true crime/narrative nonfiction. Now, she exclusively writes eco-thrillers, Mayhem Series (books 4-9 and continuing). Sue's appeared on the Emmy award-winning true crime series, Storm of Suspicion, and three episodes of A Time to Kill on Investigation Discovery. When she's not writing, she loves spending time with her murder of crows, who live free but come when called by name. And nature feeds her soul.
32 Comments
Julie Holmes
Wow. Just. Wow. I like to think there are things beyond our perception, or just at the edge of our perception. It’s amazing you were able to capture those orbs! This past October, our guest speaker for our local Sisters in Crime chapter was a paranormal investigator/medium. She had some very interesting stories. Very interesting. BTW, she helps spirits move on (even if they want a literal “Stairway to Heaven” and she said it took him that long to climb it too).
Julie Holmes recently posted…Ta-da! #amreading #mystery #coverreveal
Sue Coletta
Ooh, she sounds fascinating, Julie! I would’ve loved to hear her speak. The property owner had a medium go to the house, but the spirits refused to leave.
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Janice Spina
OMG, Sue, you are one brave soul! I could never go hear that house once! Stay safe and don’t go back alone. It gives me the creeps. Fascinating post! 😊
Sue Coletta
Hahaha. I seriously need to reconsider my “anything for my books” mantra. 😉
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Terri Swann
This may sound weird, but I’m glad you got to experience that. If you ever happen to be in Louisville, Kentucky, spend the night at Waverly Sanitorium. If you’re lucky the spirits of the children will play ball with you. 🙂 Happy Hauntings.
Sue Coletta
No thanks, Terri. Playing ball with ghost children is NOT on the bucket list. 😉 I’m glad I experienced it, too. The scenes I wrote this week added another cool layer to my story, a layer I might never have considered if it weren’t for this house. Love when that happens!
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Michael Helms
A couple of years ago, after watching numerous “ghost hunting” shows on TV, I bought an investigation kit. One night my two young grandsons, my younger daughter (their mom) and my son-in-law gathered around a table at my house (my wife was away visiting family). I used what’s called a “ghost” or “spirit” box, plus two recorders and other stuff in an attempt to make contact with “the other side.”
We turned on the equipment and each of us introduced ourselves. Soon, we began to get answers, such as “Hello, Liam” (the older boy). My name and my s-i-l’s name were also called by different voices. Liam seemed to receive more response than others. Then my s-i-l asked if anyone knew his wife’s (my daughter’s) nickname.I hadn’t heard this nickname in years, and to my knowledge it had never before been used in our current home (built new a few years ago). All of a sudden, from the spirit/ghost box came a female voice saying, “Hello, Puma.” Almost immediately a male voice said, “Hi, Puma.” My daughter is a cat person, and she loves those critters. We were all floored/freaked out by the response. We’d had enough for one night, so we all wished them well and signed off. So yes, I believe in “the other side.” In our previous house that we sold before moving, we had some friends come over with their digital camera to take some photos to use in listing the house. There were orbs galore showing up all through that house. Things would go missing and be found in places we hadn’t possibly put them. I was once reading a manuscript in the living room and decided to take a lunch break. After a while, I went back to resume reading. It wasn’t there. My wife and I searched the house and finally found the manuscript perfectly stacked dead center in our bed. I could go on, but you get the idea.
Sue Coletta
Wow, what a story, Michael! I had a similar experience in our previous home (built in 1810). After my husband’s grandfather passed away, I’d wake to find my handbag on the living room floor and tiny things moved to crazy places, like on top of the refrigerator. For weeks, we heard footsteps above our heads, like he was walking back and forth in the attic. But these incidences made us smile. We were thankful, however, when he finally moved on. 🙂
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Staci Troilo
That is flat out terrifying. You’re nuts if you go back there. Oh, right. I’m talking to the girl who buried herself and locked herself in a steel drum.
I still say you’re crazy. But I know this next novel will be chilling. And it’ll creep me out even more now that I know what’s behind it. 🙀
Staci Troilo recently posted…Author Inspiration and This Week’s Writing Links
Sue Coletta
Hahahaha. No one ever accused me of being sane, Staci. 😉 Next time, I’m dragging my husband with me. At least then I’ll have someone to hold onto.
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Garry Rodgers
This is interesting, Sue. Real interesting. I might come from a fact-finding, science-believing background but I’m open minded that there’s more going on in the “supernatural” world than most people realize. It’s not till you see things like the Orbs with your own eyes and camera before it hits home. BTW, the spook in the attic looks exactly like a guy from the tax department I once had a go-around with only he wasn’t as bright 🙂
Sue Coletta
Hahahaha. Is he dead, Garry? Maybe his spirit traveled to New Hampshire. 😉
Sue Coletta recently posted…Canines for Conservation — Amazing Dogs!
Priscilla Bettis
I’m sure it was scary. Good luck on your return visit to get the door photos!
Priscilla Bettis recently posted…I Bird Boxed My Imagination
Sue Coletta
Haha. Thanks, Priscilla! I’ll need all the luck I can get. And maybe some sage. 😉
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Jordan Sands
Aloha Sue That would give me chicken skin, go back and take the pic’s, take care and God bless
jeff (Jordan Sands author)
Sue Coletta
Hey, Jeff! I know, right? I had goosebumps everywhere. As soon as I work up the nerve, I’ll return. No choice in the matter, really. I need that pic! #help 🙂
sherry fundin
Great setting for one of your stories. I love to be creeped out, but do I believe? Hmmm…
sherry fundin recently posted…Giveaway – Shadows of Atlantis by Mara Powers @ShadowsAtlantis @SDSXXTours
Sue Coletta
Before this trip, I was just as skeptical, Sherry. But I know there was something in that house. Brr …
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
CS Boyack
Welcome to my world. Tell the orbs I said hi. It looks like a wonderful setting for one of your stories… or one of mine. I keep a Pinterest board called “decay” for purposes like yours. Great references when I need something.
CS Boyack recently posted…One of those kind of days
Sue Coletta
I love Pinterest for inspiration, Craig. Your title “decay” cracks me up! That alone would force me to follow you, if we hadn’t already connected there.
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Mae Clair
Exploring haunted houses? Count me out, Sue!
Most people think because I write supernatural thrillers, I thrive on haunted places, but the exact opposite is true. I love writing about odd and spooky things, just don’t ask me to explore them….well, unless we’re talking cryptids, which falls under an entirely different spectrum, LOL.
You are far braver than I am. You wouldn’t get me anywhere near that place. Very creepy, spine-tingling post!
Mae Clair recently posted…Reviews on January Reads
CS Boyack
Oh, come on. Let’s go visit Sue together. I’ll go with you.
CS Boyack recently posted…One of those kind of days
Sue Coletta
Haha. You’re both more than welcome to join me. 😀
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Mae Clair
Forget that! Just my luck, something would latch onto me and follow me home!
Sue Coletta
Hahahahaha. I’m right with you, Mae! I usually stay away from haunted houses. The odd part is, LURED has no paranormal elements. I needed this house for a different purpose. *wink, wink* But after visiting the property, it seems a waste not to toss in an orb or two. 🙂
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Mae Clair
I’m sure it will be a creepiest even without anything paranormal, Sue! 😀
Harvey Stanbrough
Oh, I gotta go! I envy you that trip. Re odd things we do sometimes, another writer friend (horror, but not slash and gash) had herself locked in a coffin once to see what a character in her WIP would be going through. It’s weird how close the lid is to the face. And the sound of those locks clicking home….
Sue Coletta
Oooh, I’d love to do that, Harvey! We could use the feeling of being locked in a casket in numerous ways. Hmm … I wonder where I could find one.
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip
Robert B Leonard
Need to know more about the haunted house, please. Keep us informed of any return visits.
Sue Coletta
Hahahaha. Will do, Robert!
Margot Kinberg
Wow! What a story, Sue! I’ll be perfectly honest; if it weren’t you being serious, I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t believe that story. I’m not one for the paranormal. But whatever the explanation for what you saw, it’s intriguing and a little chilling. And, I’m sure, really effective in getting your mind ready to write about that house.
Sue Coletta
Right? If I didn’t witness it myself, I might not believe it, either, Margot. Something was in that house. Yikes!
Sue Coletta recently posted…Haunted House: Crime Writer’s Research Trip