Hi everyone,
Happy October! We’re
fast approaching my favorite holiday, Halloween. And who doesn’t like to read a
paranormal romance at this time of year?
Today I’m sharing a look at the making of In Another World.
This contemporary romance novel blends a murder mystery with the world of the
paranormal. Here’s the book summary and links…
In Another World
A Paranormal Mystery/Romance Novel
Disgraced psychic medium Julie Kershaw has finally met her
soul mate. The problem is he’s dead… and his spirit haunts the car she just
bought.
The spirit of Detective Eddie Mahoney is determined to find
his killer and needs Julie’s help. At first, she refuses. She’s tired of being
called crazy and swore she’d never use her abilities to speak to the dead
again—even if Eddie is handsome and charming.
Eddie persuades Julie to contact his former partner, Lou
Kaplonski, to ask him to reopen his case. Skeptical, Lou dismisses Julie as a
fake—until she proves she can communicate with the dead—and he finds out Eddie
has a lot to say.
Julie channels Eddie’s spirit and together with Lou, the
unusual trio tracks down leads and follows clues to solve Eddie’s murder. The
case takes them down a dark and dangerous path filled with secrets, where
nobody can be trusted.
As they work to find his killer, Julie falls for Eddie.
Funny, smart, and sexy, Eddie is the guy of her dreams—and he doesn’t look or
act the least bit dead. To her surprise, Eddie discovers a clever way they can
be together, and they begin an ethereal romance.
When Lou’s investigation brings him too close to the killer,
his life and Julie’s are put in danger—and Eddie may be the only one who can
save them.
Order your copy here:
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09R11STRN
All other platforms: https://books2read.com/u/bpw16g
In Another World has been a labor of love for many years.
I’m thrilled that I finally finished the book, and now readers can enjoy the
story and meet these very unusual characters I’ve created.
The book opens with Detective Eddie Mahoney, an undercover
police officer, in a jam. His cover has been blown and he’s in the middle of
nowhere with two criminals. Things don’t end well for Eddie, and although he
doesn’t make it out of his predicament alive, his role in the book is just
beginning.
Yes, you read that right. I killed off my main character—and
the hero of the book—in the first few pages. Why? Because this isn’t your
typical romance. Eddie is dead right from the start, but that doesn’t mean he
can’t fall in love.
Next, readers are introduced to a headstrong woman named
Julie Kershaw. She’s arguing with an unscrupulous used car dealer named Big Al.
He sells her a car for cheap, and Julie is suspicious. Naturally, she wonders
if there’s a catch, and there is. The car is haunted by… you guessed it—Eddie.
Eddie has been trying to communicate with the car’s previous
owners, but never had any luck until Julie bought the car. At first, Eddie
doesn’t realize that Julie is a psychic medium and can communicate with
spirits. Once he knows she can see and hear him, Eddie uses his charms and
persuades her to help him find his killer.
And so begins this unusual romance.
Most people would think this is a bit absurd. And maybe some
readers will. But once you get drawn into the story and see that Eddie is
pretty much like any other romantic hero (he just happens to be dead), the
story flows along.
Eddie and Julie visit Eddie’s former partner, Lou Kaplonski,
to persuade him to reopen Eddie’s case. Lou thinks Julie is crazy and can’t
possibly be talking to Eddie. When Julie tells Lou things only Eddie knows, Lou
is convinced Julie is telling the truth. Lou and Eddie start working the case
just like old times. (Sorta.)
Lou is a great guy, and I loved writing for him. On the
outside he appears to be a tough, no-nonsense detective who takes his job
seriously. When he first meets (and interrogates) Julie, he acts like a typical
“bad cop” and is very rough with her.
Lou doesn’t believe in ghosts and thinks all psychics are
fakes. He’s also taken Eddie’s death personally. He feels like a failure
because he couldn’t find his partner’s killer, and he is still working through
his grief. Once Lou starts investigating with Eddie and Julie, his true
personality comes out, and he’s more determined than ever to catch Eddie’s
killer.
When I wrote the book, I had to make sure readers were able
to follow the investigation along with Lou, even when Julie and Eddie weren’t
present. I’ve never written a full-fledged mystery or detective story before,
but I’ve watched enough mysteries and police dramas, so I think I got it right.
I also had the good fortune to be related to a police captain and was able to
ask his advice on the “police stuff” in the story. The book is a hybrid of
romance and mystery. Sometimes it takes on more of a police procedural/mystery
feel than a romance, and then in other scenes with Eddie and Julie, it’s a
traditional romance.
I hope mystery, romance, and paranormal readers will enjoy
this unique novel. It’s got something for everyone: danger, humor, love,
ghosts, and quirky characters. I had fun writing this book and stepping into
another world, blending the living and the dead.
I’m also happy to report that the book has received several
excellent reviews. You can read some of them here:
https://www.kelliwilkins.com/in-another-world
Until next time, happy haunting!
Kelli A. Wilkins
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Kelli A. Wilkins is an award-winning author who has
published more than 100 short stories, 24 romance novels, and 9
mystery/thriller/horror ebooks. Her romances span many genres and settings, and
she likes to scare readers with her horror, mystery, and thriller fiction.
Kelli’s story “Neighborhood Watch” was included in the Witches Save the World: Covens, Cauldrons and Curses Gone Right anthology published by Gorgon’s Gaze Press. Read more about it on her site or here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HBPGVBNS
Her latest mystery/thriller, The Route 9 Stalker, is set in
Central NJ and follows Detective Jim Rourke on a disturbing new case. Meet him
for the first time in The Route 9 Killer.
Kelli published For Love’s Sake, an epic historical/fantasy romantic adventure, in 2025.
In 2024, she released Surreal Escapes, a collection of 7 speculative/spooky stories. Anything can—and does—happen in this anthology.
Follow Kelli on her Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKelliWilkins and visit her website/blog www.KelliWilkins.com for a full title list, social media links, and more.
