Paulette Kennedy (Adult Historical)
Author: Paulette Kennedy (@etteluap74)
Age Range: Adult
Genre: Historical/Gothic
Agent: Jill Marr, Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency
The Query Letter:
Dear Agent,
Some houses hold secrets meant to be kept forever.
When Eliza Sullivan unexpectedly inherits an English country estate, she jumps at the chance to leave her grief-shrouded past in Louisiana behind. But there’s a catch: to claim her bequest, she must marry an Englishman. The last thing Eliza wants is a husband—until she meets the eccentric viscount next door.
The story behind Malcolm’s fire-scarred mansion and the tragic loss of his family is the conversation of choice over brandy snifters throughout the county. But rumors of arson and generational curses do little to prevent Eliza’s fascination with the reclusive lord...or his unusual house. Their shared empathy leads to a feverish courtship, and they elope, scandalizing rural Hampshire.
But Eliza’s new husband may not be as innocent as she thinks. The lies veiling Malcolm’s past unravel as quickly as his changeable moods, and she soon discovers his mansion is haunted by much more than tragedy. As the house comes alive, spirits trapped within its walls prey upon Eliza’s psyche, forcing her to confront long-hidden scars. When her quest for the truth unearths the deadliest secret of all, Eliza has a choice. Trust what the house is telling her—or fall victim to the Havenwood curse.
PARTING THE VEIL is a standalone adult historical gothic, complete at 96,000 words. With the atmosphere of Kate Morton’s The Clockmaker’s Daughter, and a protofeminist heroine inspired by Jane Eyre, it will appeal to fans of haunted house lore and the queer-inclusive work of Sarah Waters.
Originally from Missouri, I now live in Los Angeles. I am an LGBTQ+ member of Twitter’s writing community, a mental health advocate, and a freelance photographer. During PitMad, the pitch for this project went viral, and garnered likes from 19 literary agents as well as editors [REDACTED], [REDACTED], and [REDACTED]. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[LEGAL NAME REDACTED]
Writing as Paulette Kennedy