As well as penning Award-winning suspense novels including The Abduction of Mary Rose, Night Corridor, Chill Waters, Nowhere To Hide and Listen to the Shadows, Joan Hall Hovey's articles and short stories have appeared in such diverse publications as The Reader, Atlantic Advocate, The Toronto Star, Mystery Scene, True Confessions, Home Life magazine, Seek and various other magazines and newspapers. Her short story, “Dark Reunion” was selected for the Anthology, Investigating Women, published by Simon & Pierre.
Joan also tutors with Winghill Writing School and is a Voice Over pro, narrating books and scripts. She lives in New Brunswick, Canada with her husband Mel and dog, Scamp.
She is currently working on her latest suspense novel.
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The Abduction of Mary Rose
A suspense novel interwoven with threads of romance and paranormal.
Imagine discovering everything you believe about yourself to be a lie. And that the truth could stir a killer from his lair.
Following the death of the woman she believed to be her mother, 28-year-old Naomi Waters learns from a malicious aunt that she is not only adopted, but the product of a brutal rape that left her birth mother, Mary Rose Francis, a teenager of Micmac ancestry, in a coma for 8 months.
Dealing with a sense of betrayal and loss, but with new purpose in her life, Naomi vows to track down Mary Rose's attackers and bring them to justice. She places her story in the local paper, asking for information from residents who might remember something of the case that has been cold for nearly three decades.
She is about to lose hope that her efforts will bear fruit, when she gets an anonymous phone call. Naomi has attracted the attention of one who remembers the case well.
But someone else has also read the article in the paper. The man whose DNA she carries.
And he has Naomi in his sights.
"…Ms. Hovey's talent in creating characters is so real, you feel their emotions and their fears. You want to yell at them to warn of the danger . . . and you do! Your shouts fall on deaf ears . . . and you cry!
Alfred Hitchcock and Stephen King come to mind, but JOAN HALL HOVEY is in a Class by herself!…" ~ J.D. Michael Phelps, Author of My Fugitive, David Janssen
"…CANADIAN MISTRESS OF SUSPENSE…The author has a remarkable ability to turn up the heat on the suspense… great characterizations and dialogue…" ~ James Anderson, author of Deadline
"Joan Hall Hovey clearly takes her place among today's contemporary writers as this page-turner can compete with any mystery novel on the shelves..." Linda Hersey, Fredericton Gleaner.
  
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 Night Corridor
After nine years in Bayshore mental institution, once called the lunatic asylum, Caroline Hill is finally being released.
There will be no one to meet her. Her parents who brought her here…are dead.
They have found her a room in a rooming house, a job washing dishes in a restaurant. She will do fine, they said. But no one told that women in St. Simeon are already dying at the hands of a vicious predator. One, an actress who lived previously in her building.
And others.
And now, as Caroline struggles to survive on the outside, she realizes someone is stalking her.
But who will believe her? She's a crazy woman after all.
Then, one cold winter's night on her way home from her job, a man follows and is about to assault her when a stranger intercedes.
A stranger who hides his face and whispers her name.
"The mystery and suspense in this novel is outstanding, truly top notch, in the vein of Mary Higgins Clark, but—dare I say—even better? What really struck me as brilliant was Ms. Hovey's ability to paint the picture of an innocent, a woman who'd been raised by an institutional staff since the age of seventeen, when a horrendous event tore her heart out and separated her from reality. Caroline's inner thoughts, her hesitant and sometimes awkward speech, the turmoil she feels with each simple step toward freedom, her frail courage…each of these felt real and authentic. I grew incredibly fond of this protagonist, and with each brave step she took, I found myself cheering her on.
Against the backdrop of Caroline's painful yet courageous re-entry into society, the low growling drumbeat of violence escalates. When Caroline becomes embroiled in the middle of the killer's elaborate and insane plot to return to a chapter in his history where he was once happy, the action heats up and takes us on a heart-pounding rollercoaster ride to a satisfying finish.
Joan Hall Hovey has pounded out another winner. I highly recommend it to any lover of suspense, mystery, romance, or thriller. You'll not only race through this book, but clamor for more works by this talented and polished author." ~ Aaron Paul Lazar, In The Library Reviews.
"Suspense from the get go. Night Corridor is a great read that will keep the reader guessing the identity of the killer till the end. You also cannot help but wish the best for Caroline in her new life journey. Mystery, suspense and a bit of romance all make it worth your time to read." ~ Matilda, Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
"This book is intricately plotted and will surprise even the most devoted mystery reader. I challenge any reader to stop on page 190 of this 255 page book, to tell me who is the real serial murderer. The answer will surely blow you away. It did me. Gripping suspense!" ~ Sandra Heptinstall, Midwest Reviews
"...Joan Hall Hovey is one of the best suspense writers I've ever read. I just downloaded her new book, NIGHT CORRIDOR, this morning and zapped it into my brand-new JUST received and installed Kindle, and started reading it there, rather than on my computer, which is very hard to do. For those of you who might not know her writing, Joan has a haunting style that begins on the first page and I'll be darned if I can figure out how she does it, because you're grabbed right away and cannot stop reading.
Every book of hers that I've read has done the same thing. The soft voice that tells her stories comes through so clearly in her books that I'm consumed with admiration. I love books by people who can do that. Love writing like that, which seems to come straight from the author's soul. Whatever it is, Joan Hall Hovey has it..." ~ Beth Anderson, RAVEN TALKS BACK
"Night Corridor by Joan Hall Hovey was a FANTASTIC read! Although the words, suspense, mystery, and thriller come to mind, I must add Cliffhanger, Cloak and Dagger, and Chilling to the list. The story will leave you on the edge of your seat, wanting to know who the mystery man is, and also wanting more chapters, more of the story, I couldn't stop reading. The story reminded me a movie I might see on the Lifetime channel, and Night Corridor is that good that it should be made into a movie. If you are looking for a suspenseful, riveting read, Night Corridor will not disappoint.
Ms. Hovey is a veteran mystery novelist, and although this is the first of her books I've read, I will be purchasing her previous novels. Her personalization of the characters is so superb that you feel as if you are the character. Easy to follow, and easy to read, yet full of shock and wow, Ms. Hovey I am impressed!!" ~ Stacey Keen, Book Reviewer
"Joan Hall Hovey has written a mystery novel worth reading, worth commenting on, and worth a 5 Star review. The story follows Caroline Hill as she leaves a mental institution she has been at for nine years. With no family left to support her, she enters a strange world on her own. Not only must she struggle fitting into a new society, she also realizes she is being stalked. Ms. Hovey's characterization of Caroline Hill leaves the reader feeling what Caroline is feeling, walking with her as she is walking, feeling terrified when Caroline is terrified. You are there with her on her suspenseful journey. I must say, I couldn't put the book down and could never guess who the murderer was. It was a great story, a great read, a suspenseful mystery I won't soon forget. Great Job Ms. Hovey, I now must go back and read your other novels!!!" ~ Jenn Smith, Book Reviewer
"Ms. Hall Hovey does it again, in fact this may be her best book yet. What I personally love about Ms. Hall Hovey is that she writes a real page turner in which you really cannot figure out who the culprit is till the very end. I am also particularly drawn in by the sensitive, empathetic in depth character portrayals which make the reader feel that he/she really knows & cares about these people. Her great writing style, her keen wit and attention to detail combined with her wonderful ability to tell a great story make Ms. Hall Hovey a truly talented artist, a truly great writer. I highly recommend all of this authoress' books, and am very excited about her latest, "Night Corridor". Great cover!" ~ Marian Rand
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Bloody Dagger Award Winner
WHAT IF EVIL VISITED THE ONE PLACE WHERE YOU FEEL THE MOST SAFE?
Following the breakup of her marriage, Rachael retreats to the old beachhouse in Jenny's Cove, where she once lived with her grandmother. It is the one place where she had always felt safe and loved. Devasted and lost, Rachael longs for the simplicity of her childhood.
But Jenny’s Cove has changed. From the moment of Rachael’s arrival, a man watches. He has already killed, and mercilessly will do so again. Soon Rachael becomes a target for a vicious predator whose own dark and twisted past forms a deadly bond between them.
And sets her on a collision course with a crazed killer.
". . .you will find yourself with cold fearful chills running up and down your spine as you race to get to the ending." ~ Kathy Thomason, Murder & Mayhem
"Chill Waters is a sure bet for those who like suspense thrillers with a hint of romance. It is easy and fun to read. Ms. Hovey creates a warm, cozy setting that seems to keep danger at bay. But just as you get comfortable, terror finds its way in. She weaves the tale tighter and tighter until you are neck deep in Chill Waters." ~ S. Loper-Herzog, MysteryRadio.net
"Author Joan Hovey creates a taut thriller in CHILL WATERS. Woven with an uncanny magic, CHILL WATERS is rich in sensory imagery and dense with the darkness that lies in the heart of a madman. Hovey creates a rich cast of characters, each uniquely realized and memorable. Indeed, Hovey's masterful narrative style sweeps the reader into a dangerous world where danger masquerades as friend, and evil stalks the unsuspecting. CHILL WATERS comes very highly recommended." ~ Cynthia Penn, MIDWEST REVIEW
"...Joan Hall Hovey is a female Stephen King... a stunning, multi-layered, modern-day gothic, told with the unforgettable style and grace of a true master of suspense..." Rendezvous Magazine
“... a chilling hold-your-breath novel..." Evelyn Gale, All About Murder Reviews
"Joan Hall Hovey has penned an excellent thriller in CHILL WATERS. Once I started reading this book I just couldn't quit. I found myself torn between two people as the culprit. At times, I was even thinking there were multiple criminals in this thriller. I also enjoyed the dash of romance." ~ Reviewed by Pam Bless, Round Table Reviews
"Fans of Mary Higgins Clark will enjoy this author! Joan Hall Hovey has combined a romantic suspense with a thriller. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time as I tried to figure out what would happen next. Great story that I have no doubt you will enjoy!" ~ Reviewed by Detra Fitch - Huntress Book Reviews
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Also by Joan Hall Hovey
from bwlpp.com
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What Readers and Reviewers are saying about Joan Hall Hovey
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NOWHERE TO HIDE
Eppie Winner ~ Best Thriller
SHE DARED TO CHALLENGE A MERCILESS KILLER
Raised in an atmosphere of violence and unpredictability, Ellen and Gail Morgan have banded together, survivors of a booze-fertilized battleground, forming a fierce united front against an often cold and uncaring world. When their parents are killed in a car crash, Ellen becomes the mother figure for Gail.
When fifteen years later Gail is brutally raped and murdered in her shabby New York basement apartment, practically on the eve of her big breakthrough as a singer, Ellen is inconsolable. Rage at her younger sister's murder has nearly consumed her. So when her work as a psychologist wins her an appearance on the evening news, Ellen seizes the moment. Staring straight into the camera, she challenges the killer to come out of hiding: "Why don't you come after me? I'll be waiting for you."
Phone calls flood the station, but all leads go nowhere. The police investigation seems doomed to failure. Then it happens: a note, written in red ink, slipped under the windshield wipers of her car, 'YOU'RE IT.' Ellen has stirred the monster in his lair … and the hunter has become the hunted!
"Joan Hall Hovey hits another one out of the park with NOWHERE TO HIDE. The Canadian Mistress of Suspense brings her readers another taut, psychological, page-turner. This is an incredible read that will keep you up well past your bedtime late at night. It did to me. A book that is very hard to put down. After reading Hovey's CHILL WATERS and LISTEN TO THE SHADOWS, I thought these would be almost impossible to top. But Hovey does it. This is her best yet. I'd give it 6 stars if I could. The author has a remarkable ability to turn up the heat on the suspense. With great characterizations and dialogue, Hovey writes clearly and concisely with short chapters (a feature I really like) that prompts the reader to keep on turning pages. After fanning the flames of suspense, she ends the book ends with a fiery climax. Overall, a very satisfying read. Don't miss this one. I look forward to reading her latest, Night Corridor, now also available on Kindle." ~ James A. Anderson, Author of DEADLINE
"A THRILLER SECOND TO NONE! JOAN HALL HOVEY has created characters so believable you feel you can reach out and touch them . . . and you want to; to warn them, to save them. YOU CANNOT and WILL NOT put this book down, (or in Kindle, take your eyes off your screen) until you have read all 56 chapters! Now I have to order the Paperback Edition for my bookshelves. This is a book I will read again! It rates TEN STARS, but Amazon only let's me post FIVE STARS. I will have to purchase and read MS. HOVEY'S "CHILL WATERS" and "LISTEN TO THE SHADOWS". She is an extraordinary Author." ~ Michael Phelps, author of The Execution of Justice and David Janssen - My Fugitive
"If you are looking for the suspense thriller of the year-look no further…you will find it in Nowhere To Hide..."Jewel Dartt Midnight Scribe Reviews
"...will keep readers holding their breath until the very end..." inthelibraryreview, Melissa Parcel
"This one is a chiller - you won't be able to put it down - guaranteed!" Rendezvous Magazine
"This is one heck of an exciting, edge of your seat read! Nowhere to Hide had EVERYTHING you could want in a suspenseful thriller. The character development in this book is unreal. I was actually holding my breath long before the ending. Ms. Hovey has done an incredible job of getting into the mind of a serial killer. If you haven't gotten this book yet, I highly suggest you do. You will not be disappointed as this is one of the best thrillers I have read yet." – Val, You Gotta Read Reviews
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LISTEN TO THE SHADOWS
SOMEONE WAS STALKING HER. NOW HE'S FOUND HER...
When artist Katie Summers emerged from a four-day coma, she remembered all too vividly the horror of that night - the terrifying dead eyes that had stared back at her in the rear view mirror, causing her to crash her car. But nobody believed her. Even the enigmatic and disturbingly attractive psychiatrist, Dr. Jonathan Shea, implied that she had made the whole thing up. Or dreamed it.
Released from the hospital, still weak from her ordeal, Katie took a taxi to her remote farmhouse on Black Lake. Darkness had already fallen. There was only the wind in the trees to greet her...and the cold and empty house.
But the house was not quite empty. Something awaited her, upstairs in her bedroom. Something with cold, dead eyes...
"Written with the finesse and grace of a master, Joan Hall Hovey's first novel, LISTEN To THE SHADOWS, is an engrossing tale of fear and danger certain to keep the reader awake, turning pages long after bed time, and listening carefully to everything around them. Joan is a powerful new voice in the world of suspense and mystery. Her tight plot, well-developed characters and originality will satisfy the reader's craving for tension and danger. I certainly look forward to more novels by the promising author with great eagerness." ~ Cynthia Penn, MIDWEST REVIEW
"...a work so accomplished, so fluid and so suspenseful it is difficult to believe it really is a first novel!"-Felix Griffin, Rave Reviews, NY
"... a chilling tale of revenge, murder and madness..." Jill M. Smith, Rave Reviews, N.Y.
"... Hovey's scenes focusing on this deranged psychopath are razor sharp, and one is reminded of author Ruth Rendell." Evening Times Globe, Saint John, NB
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