If you love atmospheric storytelling full of history, mystery, and a few restless spirits, I’m so glad you found Casten House Books.

Driftless Spirits is an introspective series starter featuring how Charlotte arrives in Casten’s Horn, saves someone in desperate need of help, and discovers a big secret.

Tangled Roots is a cold-case murder mystery with an eerie start and a thrilling ending, suitably spooky for its Halloween theme.

Next up will be Hidden Gifts, a Christmastime caper building on the events of Tangled Roots and setting up what I expect will be the series finale.

praise for driftless spirits

“It’s a different twist on a ghost story, which makes this book so compelling. The main characters are female but not aggressively masculine like so many female protagonist books. Very enjoyable read—can’t wait to read the second book in this series!“
– Amazon review, U.S., “Excellent Read“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I really enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure about the title, but then realised it was a clever play on the setting of the story and the character of the main protagonist. I loved the whole set-up of the story; the mysterious house, the small town it’s in, and the people Charlotte met during her sojourn there and eventual adventure.“
– Amazon UK review, “Loved It!“⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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  • Working on the Hard Parts of Self-Publishing

    Sometimes self-publishing feels like walking up a long staircase. Each step is another thing to do. Finishing the manuscript is not at the top. As with taking a long flight of stairs, the last few steps can seem the hardest.… Continue reading

    Working on the Hard Parts of Self-Publishing
  • Driftless Thursday: Groundhogs

    Yes, I know Groundhog Day is February 2nd. I’ve never seen a groundhog anywhere close to that time. Groundhogs are on my mind this month, however, as we seem to have one living nearby. He’s not terribly shy, at least… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Groundhogs
  • On Journaling, Part 2: Using Journals in My Writing

    (This post was previously “Make It Happen,” a guest post on StoreyBook Reviews during the recent virtual book tour. Thanks again to Leslie for her support!) “I woke up with car keys in my hand.” That line appears on the… Continue reading

    On Journaling, Part 2: Using Journals in My Writing
  • Driftless Thursday: Growing Season, with Tomato Variety Picks

    May has arrived and the outside chores have started. I’ve learned you really can’t stop weeds in the country but upkeep of the flower gardens isn’t so bad with a little consistency. In the past, I’d go out after breakfast… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Growing Season, with Tomato Variety Picks
  • On Journaling, Part 1: 365 Journals

    In case it isn’t obvious from the cover of Driftless Spirits, a journal is central to the dream that launches Charlotte on her trip: “Write what you know,” as Mark Twain is quoted. I love journals. There are a lot… Continue reading

    On Journaling, Part 1: 365 Journals
  • Writing Update: Book 2, Draft 2 and Thoughts on POV

    I finished the “rewrite” of my first draft (although the saved file name calls is version 8). I mentioned in a previous post that I had a couple big problems to fix based on feedback from beta readers. I really… Continue reading

    Writing Update: Book 2, Draft 2 and Thoughts on POV
  • Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories

    If snakes freak you out, it’s okay to skip this one. It’s not all fawns and rainbows out here in the country. I’ve come to realize harmless snakes get a bad rap. I can’t say I like them, but I… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Snake Stories
  • Two Truths and a Lie

    (This was originally my guest post over at Ruff Drafts during the recent blog tour. I like it so much I wanted to repost it on my own site. Thanks again to Debbie De Louise for highlighting Driftless Spirits!) There’s… Continue reading

    Two Truths and a Lie
  • First Lines of Tangled Roots (and Subsequent Distractions)

    I’m hard at work, crafting the next draft of Tangled Roots to be the best it can be. I’m in love with the first paragraphs (but reserve the right for further edits): “Every storm has a story to tell, if… Continue reading

    First Lines of Tangled Roots (and Subsequent Distractions)
  • Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird

    “What is that bird?” my husband said last Friday. He pointed out our sunroom window at the ground below our bird feeders. I had to admit, I was stumped as well. Here’s who we saw: First hint: It’s a sparrow,… Continue reading

    Driftless Thursday: Guess the Bird