About Larkin

During the two decades it took me to write all eight books in the Collective Obsessions Anthology, I developed quirks and tidbits not only for the characters but story locales as well.

Because the complete novels were long in coming, I decided to release About Larkin, which is a free download from my web site for a limited time.

About Larkin is a culmination of the story-structure years, a veritable compilation of characters and locations floating around in my head during the writing process.

I'd like to think About Larkin will take the reader to my fictional little paradise, from wine tastings at the Banshee Point Winery to midnight strolls in the Larkin Family Cemetery.

I hesitate to call the offering "trivia" as nuances were accumulated over more than twenty working years. Complete with credited images that often inspired me to create locations or characters, About Larkin is a delightfully entertaining look into my fictional world.

Learn how John Larkin settled in Maine, turning his self-named village into one of the most popular destinations on the Eastern seaboard. Discover how the harbor town went from an obscure New England hamlet to a centre for education, commerce and leisure.

Visit the Banshee Point Winery to taste the exclusive Larkin Cognac, which comes in an elegant periwinkle bottle containing the perfect flavor bouquet of nuts, fruits, spices and flora. Make a reservation at the Silver Tassel Restaurant to indulge in sumptuous fare, or try the Amber Whale Tavern overlooking the harbor for fresh seafood. Bruno's Café offers homemade foodstuff, with all the latest gossip served up by waitress Berty Soames. Take a walk in Colleen Larkin Memorial Park, or visit the beautiful student Quad at LCU. The Larkin Harbor Tour Company will take you for a sail on the Lady Banshee to see the sights and hear the sounds. If water rides are not to your taste, try a day of shopping at Azoulay Gems, Brickyard Square, Harbor Hill, the Larkin Co-Op, Nook & Cranny or the Wee Book Shop. Wind down with a drink or two at The Coven Nightclub or Suds Pub. If you're in the mood for a good scare, pay a visit Larkin City Cemetery to have a chat with former locals.

Befriend a member of the Larkin family and tour their grand estate. The elaborate mansion attic holds years of secrets that might curl your hair, or bypass the bitter memories to view Larkin City from the breathtaking Widow's Walk. Stroll down to the Banshee Point Lighthouse to take a long gander over the Atlantic Ocean, or visit the keeper's cottage to relive the tragic romance of Molly Larkin and Colm Sullivan. Head back to the mansion to take tea with the family in their drawing room, or wait until dinnertime to partake vittles in the imposing and opulent dining room.

After dinner, take a stroll in the eerie family graveyard - but be warned: don't go alone or you might never come back...

About Larkin is freely available as a PDF download (Adobe Acrobat). The e-book contains 32 pages and is 1.2 MB in file size.