I’m kicking the Tour off here today with the fabulous Bradford Bunch – who always know how to throw a party - thank you so much for letting me join you!
To celebrate the August 25th release of my Gothic Victorian fantasy debut, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, first in the Strangely Beautiful series, my Haunted London Blog Tour will introduce you to some of the real, documented London haunts who “ghost-star” in the book.
I’ve had a life-long love for the 19th century, England and ghosts. When I first set foot in London, I felt history sweep over me like a strong wind. Secondly, I felt sure the city was alive not only with the pulsing energy of the living but the restless energy of the dead. When the character of Professor Alexi Rychman and his Guard of spectral police make their rounds, it is to any number of familiar London phantasms. Since these characters are familiar to The Guard, I don’t get the opportunity to tell their full story in the book. But these tales are too good not to tell in their full, spooky splendor…
1. Bloody Bones -50 Berkley Square “The Most Haunted House in London!”
The Georgian façade of 50 Berkley Square is plain. But inside, it’s been mayhem, perhaps since its foundations were laid in the 1700s. In the 19th century this address was considered by Charles Harper, in his 1907 publication Haunted Houses to be “the Most Haunted House in London!”
50 Berkeley Square
“…it seems that a Something or Other, very terrible indeed, haunts or did haunt a particular room. This unnamed Raw Head and Bloody Bones, or whatever it is, has been sufficiently awful to have cause d the death, in convulsions, of at least two fool-hardy persons who have dared to sleep in that chamber…”
There are several theories as to why the very bricks of this Georgian-style building can cause a palpable shock to the psychically adept, the most chilling is that the lunatic brother of a Mr. Du Pré was once locked up and fed through a hole in a door due to his extremely violent tendencies and his ghost remains therein. Two deaths have been attributed to the premises. A nobleman died of shock to his system soon after seeing something he couldn’t even speak to describe. Due to the reputation of a hideous entity residing within, the building could not keep tenants. Strange lights were seen in windows, disembodied screams as well as the sound of a heavy body dragged down the staircase could be heard at night. The second death occurred when two trespassing sailors awoke to heavy footsteps. The door of the haunted room flew open and a horrific, formless mass began to overtake them. One sailor escaped and returned with a policeman, only to find his friend’s corpse impaled on the railings outside, terror on his face.
… Here’s how Berkeley Square makes its “Ghost-appearance” in the The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker:
-
Entering the dank shadow of a nearby alley, Rebecca sighed. “Fifty Berkeley Square is causing trouble again,” she remarked. As was often the case, she was the first to feel the burning in her veins.
“The usual? Noises?”
“Yes, and moving lights. Books ejected from second-story windows, blood dripping from their bindings. It will be rather a mess.”
Alexi sighed. “Shall we clean it up, then?”
She shook her head. “Let me handle it.”
“Rebecca, Bloody Bones is a trial. It’s not a task for you alone.”
“Alexi, please. You’ve enough to worry about,” she assured him. When he raised an eyebrow, she asked, “You truly think I cannot arraign the subject myself?”
Alexi was silent.
“Shall we bet on the matter?”
Alexi’s lips curved. “Why, Headmistress, you surprise me. I didn’t think you a wagering woman.”
“You press me to strange deeds, Professor.”
“Indeed. Well, then: a bottle of my favourite sherry. It shall await me at La Belle et La Bête upon your failure. I do believe Josephine keeps several in stock—perhaps for just such an occasion.”
Rebecca grimaced. “While I have every faith in my success, I do wish your tastes were less expensive. But, a bottle of sherry it is. And now we’d best get back to Athens.”
“Should we?” he asked.
“It is the first day of class, Professor, and you have students to terrify.”
“Ah yes, so I do.”
—- (End of Excerpt)
My research relies heavily upon Richard Jones, one of the founders of the fabulous London Walks and author of the fantastic compendium “Haunted London” published by Barnes & Noble Books, visit him at www.haunted-london.com. Come visit me at www.leannareneehieber.com to find out more about The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and follow along on the rest of the tour! There’s a Contest too, so stop by and check out the details. And of course, I hope you’ll pick up The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker at a bookstore near you and that you’ll love it as much as I loved writing it.
Be sure to leave a comment to be entered to win a signed copy! One entry will be drawn randomly at Midnight 8/22 ! (US mail only, please)
Blessings!
Leanna Renee Hieber
www.twitter.com/leannarenee
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:11 am
Hi, Leanna!! Is it wrong that I’d like to visit 50 Berkley Square?
Wonderful excerpt and I’m so glad you could join us today!
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:29 am
How frighteningly interesting, Leanna. I’m so happy I followed your Facebook link. You wouldn’t catch me around 50 Berkeley Square, but it’s cool to read about.
Great start to your tour!
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:47 am
The blog tour might have just started, but I have already heard wonderful things about the book from around the net. I’m really looking forward to reading the book.
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:13 am
Wonderful blog!! I must have your book. LOL. I wrote a book some years ago set during the Jack The Ripper murders and loved the research. You hit a button for me, I love anything to do with ghosts and England. While I lived in England three years, I didn’t get a chance to go on the Jack The Ripper tour, but I did do the Edinburgh, Scotland ghost tour and the York ghost tour. The particular tour we took in York was the best. The older gentleman who did the tour was awesome and entertaining. I’ve heard about 50 Berkley Square…a very intriguing ghost adventure that would be. Here’s to wonderful sales for your book and much success! Have a great blog tour.
Denise A. Agnew
‘nother Bradford Buncher!
August 22nd, 2009 at 7:59 am
I just read about you on Cynthia’s blog and came over to read your blurb on your new book
August 22nd, 2009 at 8:27 am
Awesome premise for what sounds like a great read! Can’t wait. Sherry
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:47 am
Looks like such an interesting book - can’t wait to read it! Thanks!
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:03 am
I read about the tour over at Cynthia’s blog. Your book sounds fabulous. I know you’ll have a wonderful blogging experience.
Cowboy Love,
Natalie Acres
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 am
That’s a freaky ghost story, but so interesting! I would never have the guts to sleep overnight at 50 Berkley Square!
Can’t wait for tomorrow’s story!
booksobsession(at)gmail(dot)com
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:00 am
How cool, what great research to do for a book.
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:03 am
Hello friends!
Thanks for dropping in on the start of the tour!!
Cynthia,
Nope, I want to visit too. But maybe not spend the night.
Farrah, thanks for stopping by! Congrats again on your recent sale, by the way.
Denise, so cool that you also wrote a book featuring “Jack” - its such a compelling mystery! Oh, I MUST do that York tour next time I’m in England. Sounds fabulous! Thanks for your interest!
Diane, Natalie, thanks for coming over from Cynthia’s place and thanks Cynthia for sending them!!
Sherry, Cheryl, I’m so glad the premise intrigues you, it’s all my favourite things in one series, so I hope you enjoy!
Ashley,
Me neither!! But I might just stand out on the street and ‘feel the spooky’ -*s* Thanks for commenting!
August 22nd, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’d love to spend the night at 50 Berkley Square. I’ve never seen a ghost, and I’d like to have that experience.
You know I already have an Miss Percy’s ARC and love her story, so don’t include me in the giveaway. I’m glad I stopped off for the beginning of your blog tour. I learned something new!
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm
My favorite excerpt yet! I definately want NOTHING to do with 50 Berkeley Square….won’t find me borrowing trouble…lol…
Can’t wait to read more! Great intro to the Haunted tour!
August 22nd, 2009 at 12:13 pm
This really sounds very deep and interesting. I love the wording and I think this is going to be a terrific ride along with Percy. More to Percy than meets Alexi’s eye!
August 22nd, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hey friends! I just got an email from Richard Jones! He’s amenable to helping with photographs and appreciated the mention - he’s a hero of mine, I’m very excited!
Edie! Thanks for stopping in, my dear! You are a brave woman. I wouldn’t mind spending the night in a house with a ghost, but not this one, this one seems pretty malevolent, whereas I’d like one of the nice ghosts who just guard or watch.
Marijo!
Hey everybody, meet my best friend in the whole world, Marijo. Thanks for dropping in, hon, I’m so glad you like the excerpt! *hugs* Thanks for being the best best friend ever!
Rhonda,
I hope you enjoy the ride! Thanks! I’m sure enjoying the ride! Indeed, there’s more to Percy than she even knows herself!
Blessings!
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:04 pm
I want your book. I wanted it before. at Lori Foster/Dianne Castell’s gathering. I wanted it during. Now I want it after. And I will go get it.
And then I want the next one.
August 22nd, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I am so desirous of your book, I cannot type proper sentences. See what you’ve done to me?
August 22nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
I have been hearing a lot of great things about this book! I can’t wait to read it.
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
LOL Keri I love you.
Hi Quilt Lady! Thanks for following along and joining me from the last site! I appreciate it, and thanks!
August 22nd, 2009 at 10:00 pm
WINNER TIME!
After a random drawing the winner is…
ASHLEY!
Hey Ashley!
Congrats! I’ll be in contact for a mailing address and it will be in the mail soon.
THANKS EVERYONE FOR BEING HERE! Next TOUR STOP is on MONDAY at The Chatelaines!
http://www.thechatelaines.blogspot.com
See you there! (And don’t forget the book releases Tuesday)
Thanks for letting me be here, Bradford Bunch!!
STRANGELY BEAUTIFUL BLESSINGS!
August 23rd, 2009 at 1:45 am
rats…to late!!!
but i wasnt’t to late to read!!! 
August 23rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Congratulations, Ashley!
August 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
Can’t wait to read the whole book. I am sure it will be very good and interesting. I’m taking it to the Bermuda triangle with me next month.
August 24th, 2009 at 1:55 pm
I loved reading about the ghosts and I love sexy Alexi, can’t wait to buy the book tomorrow!!