This Week in Bitterport
Right. Where to start? It’s been an enormous week, by Bitterport standards — which, to be fair, is a low bar, but still.
Millmerran House
The wallpaper situation has, as predicted, escalated. Elvira’s not happy. But she’s been unhappy for eighty years, so really who am I to comment on her latest attempt to attract attention? With a ghost hunter in town, she has high hopes that finally someone will listen.
And the ghost hunter isn’t the only one new in town. I might have to give up my spot at the landing window. George has hunted down the new owner of Millmerran House and he’ll be bringing him around for a walk through the old place. Ha! We’ll see what Elvira thinks about that!
And yes, before anyone asks, the house is hiding more skeletons in the closet than just little old me. I’ve been asked not to share those secrets yet. You’ll have to wait to read about them when the book comes out.
Meanwhile, Across Town
I happened to be passing the old Seacrest Bath House the other day — passing, mind you, not loitering. There’s a difference. I couldn’t help but notice the door was open. I overheard George on the phone. Now, I’m not sure if he was speaking to someone named Mercy or calling for mercy, but I’m a skeleton so there’s not much I can do. Anyway, I found the whole conversation extremely odd and also extremely exciting because no one has been inside that place for years.
A Bit of History, Because I Have Time
Did you know the old Turkish bathhouse ran for over forty years before it closed — separate bathing days for men and women, very civilised — from 1871 right up until 1913, after which it became a warehouse, then some flats that never got finished, on account of (and I quote the historical society directly here) “a series of unexplained accidents.”
Nobody has ever told me what kind of accidents. I have thoughts about this too. It’s been a big week for thoughts.
The Mail
I checked the mail today, and there was the letter from dear old Victoria to George. I do often wonder if those two ever had a thing going. They do seem like the perfect pair, but who knows? And with Victoria’s villainous connections, it’s probably better she remains anonymous as per her request. But if you’d like to read her letters, she wrote one last week.
What I’m Reading
Three books deep at the moment, which is normal for me. I’ve been told — repeatedly — that I’m not allowed to review Murder at Millmerran House (even though I’ve read it a thousand times!) because it would be conflict of interest because I live here in Bitterport. But thank goodness for Goodreads, because that’s where you’ll find what readers think.
What I can say: if you like a mansion, a mystery, and a ghost with very strong opinions about renovation choices, you’re going to have a good time.
That’s all. That’s everything. I’ve said too much already.
Until Next Week
Nine days until the doors to Millmerran House open. I’ll be here. I’m always here. It’s Bitterport. Where else would I be?
— Mr Bones
PS: I heard a rumour about the old Bitterport Savings Bank too! More about that later…
Murder at Millmerran House – Raven Corbin – Release Day 24.06.26
The Body in the Bath House – Suzanne Gilchrist – Release Day 29.06.26
Raven Corbin 