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Roberta Smith is an award-winning author of paranormal mystery and horror novels. She is a native Southern Californian and a graduate of the University of Redlands. Always intrigued by the unexplained, her favorite stories growing up involved ghosts and the macabre. Two authors who have influenced her writing are Susanna Kearsley and Daphne DuMaurier.
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The Books
The Haunting of Peter Ashton
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The Haunting of Peter Ashton, placed as a finalist in the Horror: Paranormal/Supernatural genre of the 2023 American Fiction Awards.
Here is a link to the full list of winners/finalists and a link to the book. https://www.americanbookfest.com/2023afafullresults.html The Haunting of Peter Ashton is available on Amazon. Peter’s rock-star sister destroyed his life and took her own with the strike of a match. Now she haunts him, and he may think he knows why, but he’d be wrong. Terrified by his sister’s ghost, and under duress from her many die-hard fans, Peter is in a downward spiral. There’s help, but it’s the mysterious kind. Caught between an evil he doesn’t know exists, and those who want to help, Peter has a date with destiny where fate will decide if he’s to be freed from his past, able to start anew, or if he’s to succumb to malevolent circumstances beyond his control. A suspenseful psychological horror tale set in modern-day Los Angeles that is part chilling crime drama, part supernatural thriller. A psychological horror tale, part chilling crime drama, part supernatural thriller, set in Los Angeles will keep you guessing |
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Simone's Ghosts - YA Paranormal Mystery Romance
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The Mickey McCoy Paranormal Mystery Series
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The Secret of Lucianne Dove (Book 1)
In Virginia City, Nevada, veteran newspaper reporter Mickey McCoy crosses paths with the ghost of Lucianne Dove, a beautiful, young prostitute hanged in 1881 for a murder she didn't commit. As Mickey delves into the mystery of who she was and what happened to her, he comes to terms with his own secret pain. This is the story of two souls who transcend time to help each other find the redemption they need. Amazon |
Chapel Playhouse
(Book 2) Mickey McCoy is drawn to the University of Brookdale where he must unravel the mysteries surrounding an abandoned, haunted theater if he’s to save the life of nineteen-year-old coed, Casia Winfred. Using every psychic gift in his arsenal, Mickey races against the clock to sort rumor from truth in order to learn if the ghost that haunts the theater is really a threat, or perhaps Casia’s predator is the human variety. Amazon |
The Accordo
(Book 3) Eternity isn't exactly going as planned for Renaissance artist Lavinia Rossi Zanetti and that means all bets are off. If she can't have what she wants, then why shouldn't people die? Haunting Gallery 17 of an L.A. art museum, she has plenty of victims to choose from. Psychic Medium Mickey McCoy may be over his head dealing with Lavinia, but with his wife’s life at stake, as well as his own, he must give it all he's got. Amazon |
The Dreamer of Downing Street (The Prequel)
In 1944 Denver, twenty-six year-old Franklin Powell helps clients with his psychic gift. Then a memory Frank has kept buried since the age of six surfaces and he must prove that what he remembers is true or his mother may spend the rest of her life in prison. But, even if he succeeds, it appears there is a powerful someone behind the scenes who could care less if she is innocent because of a seething hatred for Frank. To make matters worse, the woman he loves needs his help with a serious problem of her own—a problem that could get Frank killed. As Frank works to make things right, his psychic gift doesn’t seem to be doing him any favors; so it’s a good thing a couple of newly-acquired ghosts appear to be on his side. Amazon |
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The Psychic Seeker
Combined for your reading pleasure are three books in the Mickey McCoy Paranormal Mystery Series: The Secret of Lucianne Dove, Chapel Playhouse, and The Accordo. Mickey is a gifted psychic, something he learned only later in life. When the spirit of Lucianne Dove makes contact with him on the streets of Virginia City, his life is completely changed. Suddenly his sixth sense abilities cause him to help others whether of this earthly plane or not. From the streets of an old west mining town, to a college campus, to a Los Angeles art museum (his most challenging and life threatening case), Mickey uses all of his paranormal abilities to learn the truth of a situation and right what is wrong even if it puts his life on the line. Available as a Kindle ebook only. |
Bouquet of Lies - Murder Mystery & Romance
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A genre departure for the author, a murder mystery romance. It's snappy, sexy, and maybe a little bit crazy. "Bouquet of Lies" is the story of two wealthy sisters, as different as night and day, who come to a crossroads when love, lies and murder encroach upon their lives. Amazon |
Short Stories
Distorted - five imaginative tales on the dark side
This collection of short stories takes you on ironic and bizarre journeys which intrigue the mind.
Included stories:
Bed of Thorns - She's rich. She's bored. Time for some excitement. Little does she know where her latest relationship with someone a tad too young and handsome will lead.
In His Shoes - How do you get even when justice isn't served? And if you succeed, what then? In the end life seems to have a way of working these things out for all concerned.
R.I.P. Katherine Colton - A screen siren who committed suicide in 1970 is celebrated even today. But the question lingers. Did she kill herself? This movie star's greatest fan just has to know.
The Miracle - If you want something bad enough -- like being the person you've always admired -- can your wish come true? Maybe so. But not necessarily in the way you think.
Skyglow Undercover - He's sent undercover in what used to be one of New York City's grandest hotels. Problem is, he knows nothing more than that. He'll find out why, all in good time.
Amazon.
Bed of Thorns - She's rich. She's bored. Time for some excitement. Little does she know where her latest relationship with someone a tad too young and handsome will lead.
In His Shoes - How do you get even when justice isn't served? And if you succeed, what then? In the end life seems to have a way of working these things out for all concerned.
R.I.P. Katherine Colton - A screen siren who committed suicide in 1970 is celebrated even today. But the question lingers. Did she kill herself? This movie star's greatest fan just has to know.
The Miracle - If you want something bad enough -- like being the person you've always admired -- can your wish come true? Maybe so. But not necessarily in the way you think.
Skyglow Undercover - He's sent undercover in what used to be one of New York City's grandest hotels. Problem is, he knows nothing more than that. He'll find out why, all in good time.
Amazon.
Distorted 2
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Distorted 2 contains 8 short stories: 3 horror, 4 paranormal, and 1 crime extraordinaire. Take a look at these short trailers (each 30 seconds long) to get a taste.
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Available for purchase on Amazon.
Nonfiction
A Year in the Life of a Civil War Soldier (The 1864 Diary of Frank Steinbaugh)
Frank Steinbaugh was a member of the 124th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, serving from September 1862 to August 1865. He left behind an account of 1864 in the form of a diary.
Frank's great-great granddaughter, Roberta Smith, has put Frank's diary in context by comparing the entries to the "History of the 124th Illinois Infantry" published in 1880 by the regiment's chaplain, R. L. Howard. The result is a fascinating look into Frank's character and experience.
The 124th Illinois was an exemplary regiment that saw action at the Siege of Vicksburg and other important battles. Frank's diary is presented along with what happened after he was gone. This book is for historians interested in the Civil War soldier's day to day activities as well as those fascinated by the lineage of family.
Available from Amazon or Barnes and Nobel
Frank's great-great granddaughter, Roberta Smith, has put Frank's diary in context by comparing the entries to the "History of the 124th Illinois Infantry" published in 1880 by the regiment's chaplain, R. L. Howard. The result is a fascinating look into Frank's character and experience.
The 124th Illinois was an exemplary regiment that saw action at the Siege of Vicksburg and other important battles. Frank's diary is presented along with what happened after he was gone. This book is for historians interested in the Civil War soldier's day to day activities as well as those fascinated by the lineage of family.
Available from Amazon or Barnes and Nobel
Children's Book
Brinkley the Kind-hearted Ghost
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Brinkley is a little ghost who loves to take care of the family he lives with. But when other ghosts in the neighborhood talk about what a respectable ghost should be, Brinkley starts to think he doesn't do things the right way. He grows ashamed. It takes the realization of how much the family appreciates him to let him know it is okay to be Brinkley and do things his way. A charming ghost story for kids. Purchase from Amazon, print or Kindle available.
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Children's Books by Lucille E. Hull, Edited by Roberta L. Smith
What is it that Curly Worm knows that makes him such a happy creature? Furry Caterpillar, Striped Honey Bee, Mr. Centipede, and Lovely Butterfly all want to know. Amazon
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Are You? A lady? A dragon? An angel? Are you what your name says? Here’s a playful look at names and the world around us.
Buy it on Amazon |
This is the story of a little girl who doesn't mind having a sloppy, chaotic room. But her family does. So Dad figures out how to help his daughter mend her ways. Amazon
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Have a question or a comment? You can contact Roberta at Roberta_Smith10@aol.com