Promo: Kindred Spirits: Regal Retribution by Jennifer C. Wilson
I'm thrilled to share an enticing excerpt from Kindred Spirits: Regal Retribution, the latest instalment in my lovely author friend, Jennifer C. Wilson's wonderfully spooky series about a bunch of blue-blooded ghosts and their shenanigans.
The latest plot is a little edgier, with a threatening presence unsettling our ghosts. Can they unmask the unwelcome intruder? I've had a sneaky preview, but I'm not giving anything away...
Kindred Spirits: Regal Retribution is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Make sure to check out all the other fabulous stops on the tour!
Excerpt:
With attacks happening across London, a plan is required. And so a plan is devised. Machecoul is a small town in western France, and notoriously, the Castle of Machecoul was home to Gilles de Rais, an infamous murdered in the 15th century, who committed terrible crimes up at the castle. The tale of de Rais was the centre-point of a short story I wrote last year, about the possibility of ghosts deliberately attacking another ghost, in an attempt to fade them, or cause them to permanently vanish. Whether it works or not is up for debate (you’ll have to read the short story…).
Of course, the ability to kill a ghost spreads as a rumour, and when problems arise in London, it’s only a matter of time before somebody suggests giving it a go.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Surely this has now gone too far?” Richard demanded of the Confessor, once he had delivered news of the attack. “We are well past the stage of keeping watch.”
The Confessor, his hands together as though in prayer, placed them against his forehead, eyes closed. “I don’t know what else we can do.”
“I do,” replied Richard. He steeled himself for what he was about to say, knowing it was as controversial as it got for ghosts. “You’ve heard what happened in Machecoul. You must have done.”
“Machecoul?”
The whispered question reminded Richard that Mary-Eleanor was still with them in the shrine, but he still pressed on. “I cannot think of anything else we can try.”
The incident at Machecoul had become legendary, even in the mere handful of years since it had happened. A coordinated attack on a spirit which had struck terror into the hearts of ghosts throughout France and beyond. Gilles de Rais, a notorious abuser and murderer, had been defeated, or at least that was what the rumours said. All anyone knew for certain was that he hadn’t been seen since the villagers of Machecoul had banded together and done their best. Or worst, depending which way you looked at it.
“You are suggesting we deliberately attempt to fade the ghost of our tormentor, as retribution for what he’s been doing?” Mary-Eleanor clarified.
“Do you have any other suggestions?” Richard looked at them both, one eyebrow raised in question.
The Confessor sighed, but slowly shook his head. “It would need to be done with care, though,” he said, his voice barely audible. “If it is truly Henry the Eighth, which seems painfully obvious at this stage, then I think there are some important conversations to be had with some key people.”
Richard nodded. “I spoke to Tudor a few weeks ago, and I feel I should speak to him again.”
“I’ll come with you, if you like,” offered Mary-Eleanor. “I’m more neutral than either of your wives, or anyone else. After all, I have no connection to either Henry; perhaps that would help?”
“Thank you. I have a feeling you’re right. Taking anyone too close to him, historically-speaking, may only hinder things.” Richard clapped his hands together, startling poor Blackie, who had settled down during the quiet of the conversation. “No time like the present?” He was already in Westminster, and he still had enough of his anger at Katherine’s attack flooding what would have been his veins, if he had them. This was as good a time as any to have yet another terrible discussion.
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