Book One: The Ghost of Colby Drive...

The Wheel of the Year is set in place and begins turning...

Keywords for this book: Lammas, Autumn, Harvest, upturning roots, setting out on one's new path, following your heart, guidance from the winds of change (synopsis to follow)

Book One ~

When one door closes, another opens… or so they say. But what happens if that door is stuck? Some choices you are forced to confront, no matter how ugly or dangerous. Such is the doorstep of Alyson Bell, a tenacious teenage girl new to the rural town of Hollow Creek; a town rumored to be haunted by a ghostly spirit and a cat with more than the usual nine lives. Alyson tests her own strengths and weaknesses as she transitions into her new life, facing everyday teenage obstacles (bosoms and boyfriends), and hurdling over supernatural mysteries only she is predestined to encounter. Does one girl have what it takes to piece together the myriad of clues left behind in her century-old house to end a cat-astrophic curse, vanquish an evil soul-stealing vampire and still have time for a relationship with her new boyfriend, all before the next full moon?

The Ghost of Colby Drive, book one of the mis-adventures of Alyson Bell series, is told from the perspective of teenager Alyson Bell. This young adult paranormal romance novel is approximately 65,000 words. Readers who enjoy authors V.C. Andrews, Fiona McIntosh, Raymond E. Feist and J.K. Rowling will certainly take interest in this haunting novel. It is targeted for girls aged 13-18, but appropriate for anyone 13+, as this novel delves into some deeper teen issues and is not appropriate for a younger audience. Several of my characters are still trying to find their own identity and their own paths in life, while learning to cope with their problems and the problems of others around them. Some topics are very deep, but I feel teens need a starting point for their conversations; something that helps them open up and see that they are not alone in this world.

It is recommended this book be a part of your collection prior to enjoying any further books in the series, but as a premier book, it is considered stand alone.

Release date: 7/7/07

Curiousity killed the cat, or did it lead me there, to find a friend, a familiar? Our paths aren't always obvious at first. To understand the center of being is to understand the trees, to be at the core of mother earth and pull that energy to you, to find peace. We all are connected, even if we walk different branches on the same tree.

Details:

The Ghost of Colby Drive
Copyright © 2007 by Kristin Groulx

(Canada) ISBN 978-0-9811315-0-4
Published by The Tenth Muse Books
http://www.thetenthmusebooks.com

Copy Editor: Eric D. Goodman
Cover and Interior Design: Moonspinner Designs
Cover photo “Solitudes Embrace” by: Lori J. Elvin

Product Details:
Printed: 341 pages, 6" x 9", perfect binding, cream interior paper (60# weight), black and white interior ink, white exterior paper (100# weight), full-color exterior ink

ISBN-10: 143032158X
ISBN-13: 978-1430321583
Publisher: Lulu.com
Originally published 7/7/07
Rights Owner: Kristin Groulx
Copyright: © 2007 by Kristin Groulx, Standard Copyright License
Language: English
Country: Canada

Read what others are saying...

10/7: Author Eric D. Goodman, editor of Writeful, gave mention of me in his Hallowe'en edition of his column:

Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Can You Hear Poe's Heart Beating?

Around Halloween, I often turn to Poe’s writing. It seems to go with the holiday. Sure there’s the horror of Stephen King and the vampires of Anne Rice. But they don’t seem to hold a candle to Poe.

If you’re looking for new voices in the art of the ghost story, be sure to check out these books.

The Ghost of Colby Drive, by Kristin Groulx:

http://www.kristingroulx.com/books.html

10/07: Storyteller John David Hickey (known as JD Hobbes by many) delighted me by attending a formal Hallowe'en event dressed as my main villain, Hremm Nevar!

JOHN DAVID HICKEY~ Québec
David is an engaging teller making good use of his acting experience to add a theatrical spin to his stories. His strong stage presence will keep you on edge as he weaves his tales of mystery, adventure, and laughter. Traditional folktales, fairy tales, underdog stories, Jack stories, tall tales from all cultures and continents.

9/07: Director, Producer and Author Laurie Stewart of Morrighan Films has decided to include mention of my novels in her latest storyline by having her main character reading "The Ghost of Colby Drive"!!! I'm very flattered to take part in the storyline. More info soon!!

7/07: A note to me from Author, (Director and Producer) D.J. MacHale of the Pendragon Series...

"Congratulations Kristin. I'm so happy to see your book in print. Best of luck with it." - D.J.

7/07: Author Eric D. Goodman of Writeful....

"I'm out of town and only limited time on email this week.  But I wanted to offer a big congratulations on the publication of your first novel!  I look forward to reading the published version!" - Eric

I'm very happy to see it in print too! Thanks for the great comments! ;)

Reviews: (here's a sampling of reviews seen around the web...)
... and lots more teen reviews on for teens...

Facebook Kristin Groulx fan page review:

by Janet Liston Watkins at 2:11pm, 24 January 2008

A fast-paced ghost story about Alyson Bell, a teenaged girl with a lot on her plate. Alyson has recently moved to Hollow Creek, a smalll rural town. She is not prepared for the mystery that is about to unravel in her new and haunting environment. Can she unlock the mystery through the looking glass and solve an ancient curse? Can she solve the mystery of the Ghost of Colby Drive?

Kristin Groulx's youth-based mystery is akin to the likes of the Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys stories we all grew up with. She makes a compelling and strong character jump off the pages as she unravels a story that will keep the reader immersed in her enchanted world.

Amazon.ca:

Great Book, Couldn't put the book down!, Aug 19 2007

By Chantelle Russell

This book is definitely a Teen book, but is enjoyable for an adult audience. I would recommend this book for anyone, especially anyone into ghost stories or haunted house stories. It's well written, has good characterization, and the plot is well developed.
This is a book I recommend for young readers and young adults.

Lulu.com:

AMAZING!, 30 July 2007

By Ami Fournier-Smith

This story so far has taken me on a journey, but not just by reading it, the words make me feel the actions and the journey the main character feels, I believe this book draws you in and captivates you. You anticipate the next chapter then next event. You almost can't put it down but we have to get back to reality. Although you feel in reality while you are transformed by this book. A great book and awesome author, suspense, thrill and true body emotion, a book that will make you believe and make you look for more.

Facebook.com Group "Kristin, tell me a ghost story":

By Laurie Stewart (Ottawa, ON) wrote on Aug 8, 2007 at 7:21 AM

Woo Hoo!! I get to do the first review.
I'm 1/2 way through the book now (considering I actually read it at KG, that's pretty good) and I really like it. Alyson is a great 15 yr-old heroine. Believably hormonal, smart and plucky, but not so much as to make her too much.... does that make any sense?

Either way, I am definitely recommending the book to anyone who has Tweens, or who just likes an easy, interesting read with ghosts and mysterious going-on.

Other books by Kristin Groulx:

10% of every book sold will go towards Kids Help Phone (kidshelpphone.ca), helping kids of all ages in need of reaching out to someone when they need someplace safe to turn for help. Kids Help Phone helps kids in crisis, be it abuse, bullying, relationships, suicide, etc. It is available by phone and email 24/7, but someone needs to be there to help them, answering those calls for help. Every dollar counts and with your purchase, we’ll ensure that this non-profit organization stays up and running.

Additionally, books are available through Amazon (ca/com/uk), Barnes & Noble, Powell's Books, Borders and Chapters/Indigo Books online retail stores

For a list of brick & mortar stores where this series may be purchased, please visit our section on WHERE TO PURCHASE BOOKS :)

Order Book One ~ "The Ghost of Colby Drive":