The darkest season is upon us, and I couldn’t be more thrilled. There’s something about these long nights that feels like the perfect time to reach out and connect with all of you. Don’t worry—I promise to keep it brief, but I think you’ll enjoy what’s lurking in the lines ahead.
This year has been a transformative one for me as a writer. Thanks to the support of so many incredible people, I’ve been able to dedicate more time to honing my craft and diving deep into my next novel, The Marionette.
This story has taken on a life of its own—at times, it feels like it’s writing itself. With the first draft complete, I’m thrilled with the direction it’s headed. And now, I’m excited to share something special with you: The Marionette will be serialized right here on my Substack. As a subscriber, you’ll be the first to step into this dark and haunting world.
Here’s a sneak peak at the cover artwork:
Pretty cool, huh?
A quick rundown of “The Marionette”
—When a freak autumn storm tears through her quiet town, Shannon Sullivan finds herself face-to-face with a sinister force she thought she’d buried in her past. This time, it’s not just her own safety at stake—it’s her daughter’s life. To save her family, Shannon must confront the haunting memories of what happened to her best friend all those years ago and unearth the dark secrets she swore to keep hidden. The Marionette is a chilling tale of guilt, lies, and the deadly cost of the truths we hide. How far would you go to keep a secret?
Chapter 1 will be posted on January 3rd.
As we close out the final days of 2024, I want to wish you all a joyful holiday season and thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to share more with you in the new year. If you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the perfect time to join with us—there’s so much more to come!
Signed copies of some of my work is currently available here (via The Dark Jester).
Thank you all!
- Mike Schuhler