Father's Secret: A Paranormal Mystery with a Twist on History

November 22, 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy's assassination in Dallas, Texas. Isn't it time we all knew what really happened?

"With the carefully researched history of Newport architecture and society, Markwith has crafted a compelling mystery that evokes the political and social drama of 1960s New England. A quick pace and likable protagonists make this paranormal treasure hunt a delightful summer escape." — Kirkus Reviews

Built in 1900 and designed by period architect Francis Vinton Hoppin (the designer of author Edith Wharton's mansion, The Mount, and President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's historic Hyde Park, NY retreat), Newport, Rhode Island's Armsea Hall stood as a familiar landmark to boaters frequenting Narragansett Bay until its 1969 demolition.

Renamed Annandale Farm in later years, this real-life, 15-acre oceanfront landmark serves as the setting for a mystery that begins in 1964 — the year following President John F. Kennedy's assassination. A then 14 year-old Eddie Sutton moves into the 40-room mansion, along with his father, his wannabe-socialite stepmom, and his Down syndrome, younger sister, Franny (whom Eddie eventually discovers is gifted with psychic talents).

Livingston, the family's long-tenured butler, is also on hand, and it isn't long before Eddie, Livingston, and two teenaged locals (with whom Eddie forms a sleuthing bond) find themselves trying to solve the murder of the estate's caretaker. The elderly groundskeeper’s body is found in the greenhouse shortly after Eddie's eccentric Aunt Julia (his father’s twin sister) arrives from New York City for the summer season. It’s only a matter of time before clues and paranormal happenings begin to reveal that the mansion is not only haunted; but could be directly connected to JFK’s 1963 murder in Dallas.

Making matters worse, a visit Eddie pays to the Newport Historical Society produces evidence that his family has past ties to the estate; and it becomes alarmingly clear that Eddie’s father and his eccentric aunt could both be directly involved in the plot to assassinate the former president.

Set in trendy Newport, RI at the real-life oceanfront estate that Jack & Jackie Kennedy would never get to enjoy, Father's Secret is a paranormal mystery with a new twist on history from author Peter George Markwith.