Introducing Chantal Bellehumeur
Where did the idea for the story come from?
This summer, I went on a guided tour of the Cornwall historical jail and returned in the fall to conduct a paranormal investigation with my husband and son. The old building is considered haunted, and many people have witnessed strange occurrences there, including us.
I won’t lie, a live investigation is not a non-stop thrill like a Hollywood movie. There is a great deal of nothingness, and of course, everything is subject to interpretation. I personally believe in life after death, but my husband is a bit sceptical.
I thought it would be fun to write a story based on historical facts related to the jail and our experience with the paranormal. I embellished it to make it a lot more interesting, but still tried to keep it as realistic as possible for a ghost story. I also added a lot of humour.
Give a quote from the books, one that says little but speaks volumes.
“I saw it when I was recording, but just thought it was a glimmer from the camera or something.’’ (Spoken by Adam Roy, in reference to a glowing figure visible on screen while viewing the paranormal investigation footage.)
Give a short summary of what the book is about.
Paranormal Investigation is a fictional ghost story with a slice of humour.
It mainly takes place in Cornwall’s old jail, built in 1833, and follows the fictitious Roy family as they conduct a paranormal investigation inside the historic building. Their spooky venture evokes questions about a spirit possibly following them home.
What genre is it?
Paranormal and humour.
How many pages is it?
109
Why do you think the readers will want to read it?
It’s fun and entertaining, plus the readers can learn a bit of history
Where are you located?
I live in Montreal (Quebec), Canada
Description
This fictional ghost story with a slice of humour was inspired by historical facts and true events.
Discover the dark history of Cornwall’s old jail, built in 1833, and follow the fictitious Roy family as they conduct a paranormal investigation inside the historic building. Their spooky venture evokes questions about a spirit possibly following them home.
Excerpt
The Roys continued exploring in the dark cells. The chipped walls were full of scratches, and Kristen thought she saw dry blood in some areas.
Empty chamber pots or buckets were tucked inside an opening under each cement bed despite there being a single toilet within the cell block. The pots simply demonstrated how prisoners used to relieve themselves before pluming.
“Can we sleep here tonight? Adam suddenly asked. “Looks cozy.”
“I’ll pass,” Kristen answered. “But feel free to stay behind if you really want to,” she joked.
Despite the minimal activity found so far, Adam, Dave and Kristen all agreed they would never accept to sleep inside the jail; even if they got paid to do so.
The ambiance was too creepy, and Kristen was starting to feel unease.
“Not even for a million bucks?’’ Adam inquired. Both his parents looked hesitant. “You would have to stay here completely on your own though. And with no flashlights.”
“No way!” Kristen and Dave shouted at the same time.
Nothing of interest happened until the Roys were about to leave the windowless cell block. The EMF reader went crazy when Kristen started walking out of the last cell with it.
“Is somebody there?” she asked excitedly.
The EMF reader went off again.
“Who are you?”
No response.
“Where are you?’’ Dave asked, turning on the radio transmitter.
“Inhole,” was heard.
“In the hole? Is that what you said?” Kristen asked. “What hole are you talking about?” Then she remembered the dungeons. “Are you in the hole below the cell?”
A faint “yes” was heard from the transmitter.
Karen J. Mossman - World of Stories 