I’m so happy to welcome Esme back to the blog! I’m delighted that the second book in her Enchanted Bay mystery series, A Hex for Danger, is coming out on July 13th. It is up for preorder now! And I’m thrilled to be doing an event with Esme and S.C. Perkins on July 22nd. The event is free. Click here for details!
Here’s a bit about the book:
The small town of Bellamy Bay has its share of skeletons in its closet, but it isn’t used to bodies turning up in the local history museum. After all, this coastal North Carolina town is much like any other…except, of course, for the mermaids.
Helping to run the family business, an herbal apothecary while keeping her supernatural secret hidden is no easy feat for water witch Aleksandra Daniels. But somehow she’s still found time to help her friend Celeste, who has her own Caribbean mermaid heritage plan the annual Mermaid Festival. As fun-seekers throng the beaches, Alex gets to know and is intrigued by renowned artist Neve Ryland, who’s in town to decorate the local park with a mermaid-themed mural. Celeste, however, is less enamored with the artist, as Neve has been spending entirely too much one-on-one time with her boyfriend Jasper, director of Bellamy Bay’s history museum. Then, a reception for Neve ends abruptly when the artist is found dead in his office.
The police investigation nets Celeste who asks Alex to find the true culprit. With the help of her magically-inclined aunt and cousins, Alex dives in to clear her friend’s name. But there was more to Neve Ryland than met the eye…and Alex fears she may be in way too deep. Will she catch the crook or be next on the hook?
Esme: Like many people, I enjoy visiting the beach.
There’s just something about the feel of the sun on your skin, the smell of the ocean, the crunch of the sand underfoot, the lulling action of the waves and the sound of the crashing surf that calms me, instills a deep sense of well-being and tranquility.
Research confirmed for me what I already knew – being near the ocean provides quantifiable benefits for the human brain. This article in HuffPost is just one of many that discusses the topic. And it is those types of interesting facts: myth, wives’ tales, and fables that are based in science that I enjoy exploring in my speculative fiction.
If you read my series, you’ll find that I try to be as realistic and factual as possible even with my fantasy elements. The sea is healing and a source of power in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series – and that’s not made up!
Speaking of the sea, I actually feel at home at the ocean’s edge – so it’s no wonder I created a cozy mystery featuring women descended from mermaids. Ladies that can command the water and heal with herbs, some that come from the sea.
Even though this series is inspired by my Polish-in-laws culture, in many ways it is an own voices story. Not culturally or racially, which is how that term is traditionally used. But I work with herbs and use herbal remedies to heal my family. I find restorative powers by the sea – and in the sea. And like the characters in my Enchanted Bay series, I value family above all else.
I am not, however, a mermaid!
But I do believe there is magic in our world – if we just know where to look. And so my latest novel, A Hex For Danger is quite personal to me. A mystery that incorporates realistic magic, deep family connections and people seeking answers.
I hope you enjoy reading the second book in the Enchanted Bay Mystery series, A Hex For Danger as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Readers: If you love going to the beach, what is it about that part of the earth that resonates with you?
Bio: Ever since Esme discovered Nancy Drew, she’s wanted to solve mysteries. As a mystery author, she’s finally found a way to make that dream come true. A former military spouse, Esme lives in Raleigh, NC with her family. When she’s not writing or dreaming up new mysteries for her sleuths to stumble upon, you can find her dancing her calories away in Zumba, patronizing her local bookstores or visiting the beach, the mountains and all historical sites in between. Learn more about Esme at esmeaddison.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @EsmeAddison.
There are so many connections between the moon and ocean, makes it easy to believe in the power of water. Looking forward to reading this.
I totally agree. It’s so interesting how and why they work together, and how they influence the human body, emotions, etc.
The beach is my peaceful place. I love to go when it’s off season and go either early in the morning or in the evening and just sir or I walk and contemplate my life and I always end up feeling better. Also had lots of fun times at the beach with friends and family too.
I love going to the beach off-season too. I like for there to be some people there but not crowded. We usually go in April or May (this year went two weeks ago). And then again in September or so.
What a lovely blog! You are a new to me author – how did I miss a series about herbs and mermaids? Must fix that!
All the best with the upcoming release.
Thank you. Please search for my first blog on this website. It’s all about the herbalism in my series. 🙂
I love listening to the sound of waves crashing on the shore. But since I can’t tolerate the sun/heat for long periods, I have to find a shaded place to listen from. At least an umbrella, but preferably a shaded spot with trees.
I love the sound of the waves too. I usually go to sleep to the sound of waves crashing or to sleep stories set at the beach. I don’t love excessive sun exposure either. It feels good for a while and then I’m just uncomfortable. A large umbrella is a must.
Welcome back, Esme! I love the ocean and the beach. Like Liz, I have to stay in the shade now, so I often go early in the morning and leave by ten or eleven. Walking the beach at non-summer times of year is wonderful.
Yes! Love long walks on the beach in the morning or evening.
Thanks for visiting the Wickeds today, Esme! I adore the beach in all weathers and seasons! There is something about the vastness and the motion that appeals to me. I also love the melancholy swoop of the gulls overhead and the surprises I find in tide pools and stranded at the high-tide mark!
Bird watching on the beach is very interesting to me as well. It’s like watching a documentary. lol The swooping, the gliding, the flying in position – that’s a whole other mystery to explore. 🙂
Mermaids and magic?? How did I miss this series, sounds perfect already! Oh, the ocean is so…eternal, powerful, calming yet mysterious, uncontrollable. I never want to live far from it!
I think the ocean fascinates me because it is ever changing. I’m so happy for you, Esme! Congratulations on the new book!
I love the peacefulness as the waves roll in and out when there is no one else around, if you can find that time. It’s almost as if God is whispering to you.
Yes, it’s hard not to think about a higher power, and how our world was created when you’re looking out at the seemingly endless ocean.
At our house we sleep (by way of CDs) to the ocean waves crashing onto the shore. That sound is so relaxing, comforting and natural…just can’t be beat.
Probably the most relaxing sound on the planet. 🙂
I love going to the beach as well. Really need to get back there. If only it were a little warmer out….
Soon it will be too hot!. lol
Walking the beach early in the morning by yourself is like heaven.
Yes, the beach at sunrise or right after is very magical.
Welcome back to the blog, Esme! I love the beach. Reading on the beach in the late afternoon as everyone around packs up and goes home. Magical.
I try reading on the beach, but I get distracted by the waves of the ocean, and the birds flying ahead… 🙂
I feel such peace at the ocean. I realized that I change while I’m there, I don’t think, not even once, about the worries/challenges the way I do when I’m at home. I’m more “in the moment” near the ocean.
I feel the same, totally different at the beach. And then it slowly wears off when you return home… lol I wonder if I lived at the beach would I be calm and relaxed always. If anyone on here lives at the beach, let me know!
A walk along the shore is always pleasant even when the WX is less than great. I learned, however, that I don’t sleep well when I hear the waves too close. For some reason, they get on my nerves. So, I enjoy the ocean’s pleasures but don’t sleep too nearby.
I love the idea of mermaids. A book about them and magic seems like a great combination.
Thanks, Ginny. Last time I was at the beach our condo was very close to the beach. i was surprised how LOUD the ocean was – it was a roar. lol. I closed the patio door about 3/4 to tamp down the sound.
Welcome!!
Walking along the shore and just sitting and listening to the peaceful waves crash along the shore is just so beautiful and peaceful to enjoy!!
So excited to read this book!!!
Thanks, B!