Loretta Marion is the author of several mystery novels including "House of Ashes: A Haunted Bluff Mystery". (Submitted photo)

Dover, Ohio - The Dover Public Library is inviting the community to spend an evening with author and Dover native Loretta Marion on Thursday, November 29th, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Marion is the author of several mystery novels. Her latest book, "House of Ashes: A Haunted Bluffs Mystery", was released this fall. 

In the book, 37-year-old painter Cassandra Mitchell is the fourth generation to live in the majestic Battersea Bluffs, a brooding Queen Anne home originally built by her great-grandparents, Percy and Celeste Mitchell, and still stands despite tragedies that have swept the generations. 

Local lore has it that there was a curse placed on the family and the house is haunted, though opinions are divided on whether it's by malicious or benevolent spirits. Cassie believes the latter―but now she stands to lose her beloved home to mounting debt and the machinations of her dream-weaving ex-husband. 

Salvation seems to arrive when a nomadic young couple wanders onto the property with the promise of companionship and much-needed help―until they vanish without a trace, leaving behind no clue to their identities. Cassie is devastated, but determined to discover what's happened to the young couple...even as digging into their disappearance starts to uncover family secrets of her own. Despite warnings from her childhood friend, now the local Chief of Police―as well as an FBI agent who pushes the boundaries of professionalism―Cassie can't help following the trail of clues (and eerie signals from the old house itself) to unravel the mystery. But can she do so before her family's dark curse destroys everything in its path?

Marion's affection for the written word began in childhood and followed her like a shadow throughout her life as she crafted award-winning marketing and advertising copy and educational brochures. When not writing on her laptop, Marion is traveling, enjoying outdoor pursuits, or is curled up with a delicious new book. She currently lives in Rhode Island with her husband, Geoffrey. 

The program is free and open to the public and will conclude with a book signing. For information or to register, call 330-343-6123. The Dover Public Library is located at 525 N. Walnut Street, directly across the street from Dover High School.

DOVER PUBLIC LIBRARY