Author quotes from recent time-travel novel

Hi, Mike here, author of such books as The Judas Syndrome, A.I. Insurrection, and the book I’ll be reading quotable quotes from today: Cleo McCarthy, Time Travel and Other Impossible Things.

This is a time-travel romance novel I launched in 2023 to some of the best reviews I’ve ever gotten. And lots of them, too. Hard science and strong characters build out a greater mystery, offering suspense and the thrill of travelling through time.

The book is described like this: The first time Cleo feared for her life was when she was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s at 23.

The second time is when she discovered she could travel back in time at 24.
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In the novel, Cleo is lucky enough to meet her guide, Franklin, early on, who, when asked how many cities he’s visited to find those like her, answers truthfully: “I enjoy traditional travel as well as time travel.”  

Another favorable quote happens while Franklin explains time travel to Cleo, clarifying the impossibility of going back in time and playing the winning lotto numbers you witnessed in your most recent present. He says, “Time is like an hourglass. When sand fills the bottom, the bottom becomes the top and begins anew. No two grains of sand will fall in the same sequence as in past turnings. Like in chaos theory, each grain of sand’s timing cannot be predicted, nor can the minutiae of events in each future.”

So, the whole Back to the Future sports almanac event couldn’t have offered the correct results. Too many variables to take into account.

Another quote I think represents how most of us would feel in a similar situation has Cleo proclaiming to a friend: “I’m having a difficult time believing my own story.”

Because - I mean, time travel, right?

To add to this reaction, after being told - in no uncertain terms - by her doctorate friend that the universe wasn’t designed to support travel to the past, Cleo scoffs and says: “I guess that makes me the mole on the face of Ms. Universe.”

Cleo tends to deal with trauma through humour. It’s a defence mechanism that saves her from taking on the full weight of whatever is causing the distress. She uses this often throughout the book.

So, those are the quotes I wanted to share, to offer you some insight into the novel and its characters’ personalities. Remember, you can view all of the reviews and ratings for Cleo McCarthy, time travel, and other impossible things on Goodreads. The novel is available for purchase on all online stores in print or ebook format.

Thanks again for listening, and happy reading.

 Deep Dive into Sub-Genres like Reincarnation

 

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As an author, you need to take a step back occasionally and assess your work. Who are you as a writer, and who are your intended readers?

I’ll admit I am something of a niche writer. I love to include reincarnation, also known in genre fiction as past-lives or past-life, into the meat of many of my stories. Reincarnation fascinates me and I’ve read and researched it to no end. I even sat for a three-hour hypnotic regression session into my past lives once. An incredible experience I’ll never forget. One that I want to encourage others to pursue after reading one of my novels.

Examples of past-life experiences in my works include my post-apocalyptic series The Judas Syndrome, in which the main character discovers he’s experienced other historical catastrophes and that his current nightmare is only one of many he’s endured through the ages. In the family drama–suspense novel Her Past’s Present, Tess is introduced to a man who has reincarnated several times alongside her. And even in my military Science Fiction trilogy, A.I. Insurrection, where advanced, sentient robots claim to be experiencing past lives lived as humans, seems somewhat out of place; the theme builds a near-future world that ignites the imagination and questions what it means to be sentient. Lastly, but not least, my Crime fiction novel, Killing Karma, showcases a serial killer who claims past lives as their reasoning for their murder spree.

So, if your interests lie with mine, and reincarnation fiction gives you all the feels, you’ll find a few reads across four genres in my back library to choose from. I hope you do, as I feel compelled to bring stories like this to life to influence others with the certainty that we aren’t just here for a few decades, and that in that short time, there’s no way we could learn all that we’re here to learn.

One lifetime simply isn’t enough.

My books are available everywhere ebooks are sold, and in print format at Amazon.

Thanks for listening, and, in this life and the next, happy reading

NEW Medium and Psychic Investigator Fiction

Medium and Psychic Investigator Fiction may be a niche genre, but it seamlessly blends into the ever-popular worlds of paranormal mystery—and, when the tone allows, even the charm of a paranormal cozy.

A standout example of cozy psychic investigator fiction is The Haunting of Grosvenor House, the latest novel from acclaimed author Michael Poeltl.

Described as: When a medium, a ghost, and two divorcees collide within a house alive with unfinished business, they must unravel the past before it consumes them all.

At the heart of the story is Sandy—a seasoned medium and psychic investigator in her seventies, standing on the uneasy threshold of retirement. But stepping away isn’t so simple when the dead refuse to let go. Spirits have a way of finding Sandy… whether she’s ready or not.

Her burden deepens as she spends time at a hospice, where her husband lives out his final days.

Yet even in the midst of personal grief, Sandy is pulled into one last case: her nephew’s tenant is terrified of a presence lurking in her attic room. What begins as a favour quickly spirals into something far more unsettling.

Sandy doesn’t realize it yet—but she’s about to face one of the most bizarre and dangerous investigations of her long and storied career.

Michael Poeltl is a multi-genre author whose writing experiences contribute to a many-layered mystery with a twist that will satisfy the most jaded reader.

Order your copy of The Haunting of Grosvenor House today.

An Authors Backlist is a Goldmine for Readers and the Author

This is a two-parter. One, the fact that a backlist of books by a single author offers a treasure trove of reading opportunities to the reader, and two, that if the author writes in multiple genres, the reader will discover they love more than one category of book, and that's a blessing on both the author and the reader.

1 One of the unexpected gifts of being an author is discovering that your older stories never really stop traveling. Even when I’m wrapped up in marketing or buried in a new manuscript, sales still appear—sometimes from books I wrote more than a decade ago.

When novels like The Judas Syndrome find new readers 17 years after publication, it reminds me that stories move at their own pace. A novel published in 2009 can still reach someone today, and that feels quietly profound. It means the message isn't dead. That it remains relevant across generations. Does that qualify it as a classic? I dare to hope. 

Regardless, on days when the creative work feels heavy or when my latest release struggles to find its footing, those moments matter. They’re gentle reminders that every book leaves a trail; every story finds its time.

I’m grateful for each sale, and for every reader who chooses to step into a world I created.

2 One of the quiet joys of having a backlist of books that spans multiple genres is watching readers wander through it. Someone might start with one of my sci-fi novels, then drift into my post-apocalyptic stories—or surprise me entirely by picking up my YA fantasy, crime fiction, or even a paranormal cozy mystery.

What stays with me is this: it’s not the genre that carries them forward—it’s the storytelling. Because they connected with one story, they’re willing to take a chance on another, even if it lives in a completely different world.

That feels meaningful to me. It’s a reminder that readers don’t always come for categories—they come for voice, emotion, and connection. And in many ways, it mirrors how I read, too. I’ve never liked being boxed in by genre. Good stories are good stories, wherever they’re found.

I’m grateful to those who continue to find my stories and keep coming back. I hope to continue building worlds and offering new genres to my backlist of books so my readers are never pigeon-holed by a single category when looking for stories from Michael Poeltl.

Pick up that last-minute item for the Book lover

Looking for that last-minute item for the Book lover on your list? Available in Paperback, Kindle, and Kobo, The Haunting of Grosvenor House is perfect for the cozy mystery, psychological thriller, and paranormal mystery fan.

Jessie, a reclusive psychology student, thinks he’s found the perfect thesis subject: the science of silence. But when his experiments push beyond the safety of campus walls, they awaken a cold case that he cannot ignore.

Sandi, a weary medium on the verge of retirement, has spent her life bridging the gap between the living and the dead. She thought she’d heard it all—until a desperate call from her nephew drags her to his house on Grosvenor Avenue and a message that chills her to her core.

Rob, newly divorced and unraveling, just needs a tenant to help pay the bills. But when things start moving in the night, and whispers seep through the walls, he begins to wonder if his century home holds a terrifying secret.

Aileen, a lonely newcomer from Japan, wanted a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself rooming with a restless spirit—and holding the key to a tragedy that refuses to rest.

When their paths converge inside a home pulsing with unfinished business, the four must untangle the past before it consumes them all.

Pick up the book on Kindle, Paperback, or Kobo

Why Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Are the Perfect Escape (and a New Voice You Shouldn’t Miss)

 

 Why Paranormal Cozy Mysteries Are the Perfect Escape (and a New Voice You Shouldn’t Miss)

There’s a special kind of magic in paranormal cozy mysteries — they give readers the comfort of cozy whodunits with an extra sprinkle of the supernatural. Imagine a small town with quirky characters, clever sleuthing by unlikely heroes, and just enough ghostly intrigue to make you look over your shoulder (but not too much to keep you up all night). Whether it’s haunted houses, chatty ghosts, or spirits with unfinished business, paranormal cozies have carved out a niche that keeps readers coming back for more.

Unlike hard-edged horror or gritty thrillers, this subgenre balances gentle chills with warmth, humor, and community charm — think cozy atmosphere meets spooky mystery. They’re perfect for winter evenings curled up with a blanket, a cup of tea, and that delightful feeling of turning pages into the unknown.

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Enter Michael Poeltl — A Fresh Voice in Paranormal Cozy Mysteries

We’re thrilled to introduce Michael Poeltl, a versatile author venturing into the paranormal cozy mystery space with his latest novel, The Haunting of Grosvenor House. Goodreads

Poeltl isn’t a newcomer to storytelling — with a catalogue of books spanning multiple genres, he brings narrative depth and character-driven storytelling to this new project. The Haunting of Grosvenor House was published in December 2025, and it’s already capturing attention for its blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and intriguing characters. Goodreads

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What The Haunting of Grosvenor House Is All About

In The Haunting of Grosvenor House, four very different individuals are drawn together by something eerie and inexplicable:

• Jessie, a reclusive psychology student whose research into silence leads him to question reality.

• Sandi, a seasoned medium on the brink of retirement, called back into service by a chilling message.

• Rob, a newly divorced homeowner who begins to suspect there’s more than just old wiring making noises in his century-old house.

• Aileen, a newcomer from Japan whose new start turns into an encounter with a restless spirit.

As their paths converge beneath the creaking rafters and whispering walls of Grosvenor House, they uncover secrets of loss, connection, a cold case, and the lingering echoes of lives past. It’s a haunted house mystery with heart, blending ghostly intrigue with the warmth of unconventional camaraderie. Goodreads

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What Makes Paranormal Cozy Mysteries So Appealing

Paranormal cozy mysteries stand out for several reasons:

• Characters with Heart — these stories are as much about the people (and spirits) as they are about the mystery.

• Spooky, Not Scary — the supernatural enhances the mood without overwhelming the narrative.

• Community & Charm — settings often feature tight-knit communities or unusual houses full of personality.

• Escapist Appeal — they offer comfort and chill in equal measure, making them perfect for fans of both cozies and ghost stories.

Whether you’re already a fan of haunted teahouses and witchy bookshops or you’re just dipping your toes into paranormal fiction, there’s something utterly irresistible about a cozy that whispers, “Just one more chapter…” even as the lights flicker.

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Cozy Up With This One

If you’re looking to explore the paranormal cozy mystery genre — or you simply want a new seasonal read that blends heart with haunting — The Haunting of Grosvenor House by Michael Poeltl is a delightful entry point into the genre’s eerie charm. 

Why Its the Newest & Best Haunted House Book You Need to Read

 

Why this is the Newest & Best Haunted House Book You Need to Read

The horror genre is experiencing an unprecedented surge, with sales climbing towards a record-breaking year. In this thriving landscape of fiction, a new story has emerged that not only meets the moment but redefines it. The Haunting of Grosvenor House is more than just another scary book; it is a masterwork of suspense, psychological terror, and emotional depth that elevates the haunted house genre.

Beyond the Veil: Why Grosvenor House Demands Your Attention

While many books rely on jump scares, this author crafts a narrative that seeps into your consciousness. It’s a story that understands that true horror isn't just about what lurks in the dark, but about the secrets that fester in the light of day. This is a haunted house tale for the modern reader, blending classic Gothic elements with a sharp, contemporary mystery that will grip you from the first page to the last.

Unveiling Grosvenor House: A Labyrinth of Darkness and Secrets

At the core of the novel is the ghost itself, where time seems to fracture and the past refuses to stay buried. The story invites readers into a world of chilling atmosphere and intricate secrets, where every clue holds a piece of a larger, more terrifying puzzle to be solved.

The Nature of the Haunting: Beyond Traditional Ghosts

Forget simple apparitions. The haunting in this story is a complex, intelligent force tied to the ghost’s dark history and the unresolved trauma of its death. It's a presence that blurs the lines between memory and reality. The mystery isn't just "is there a ghost?" but rather, "what does it want, and why?"

A Masterclass in Psychological Terror and Atmospheric Dread

The Haunting of Grosvenor House excels by focusing on what scares us most: the unknown, the loss of control, and the role silence places on the darkness within the human psyche. It is a clinic in building tension, characters, and sustaining an atmosphere of fear.

Crafting the Nightmare: Narrative and Pacing Excellence

The author demonstrates masterful control over the story's pacing. The narrative alternates between quiet, unnerving days and terrifying, sleepless nights. Information is revealed in meticulous increments, building suspense until the tension becomes almost unbearable. This deliberate structure ensures the horror is a slow burn that culminates in an explosive and unforgettable climax.

The Human Element: Characters Under Siege

At the heart of this horror are deeply compelling characters. The story focuses on strong women who refuse to be passive victims, a strained relationship between a medium and her ghost, and the long shadow cast by cold blooded murders. These characters bring profound emotional weight to the fiction, making their fight for life and sanity deeply personal for the reader. Their fears, secrets, and resilience are the anchor of the entire narrative.

Why "Best": Elevating the Haunted House Genre

This book isn't just a great entry into the genre; it represents a new benchmark for what haunted house stories can achieve. An emerging genre, Paranormal Cozy Mysteries, lends itself nicely to the book, the players having to solve a mystery alongside their ghost.

Standing Tall Among Giants: Comparison to Classics

While paying homage to classics, The Haunting of Grosvenor House carves its own unique path. It combines the psychological depth of Shirley Jackson with a modern narrative drive, creating a fresh experience that feels both timeless and distinctly new.

Contemporary Relevance and Thematic Depth

Beyond the paranormal mystery, the book explores themes of trauma, grief, and the struggle to understand the past. Its exploration of how secrets can haunt even a ghost gives the story a powerful, contemporary resonance.

The Lasting Impression: A Haunting That Stays With You

The true measure of a great horror book is its ability to linger in your thoughts long after you've finished reading, and this book will offer you the twist that will do just that.

The Unforgettable Fear: Post-Read Impact

This is not a story you will easily forget. The images and atmosphere will stay with you, making you think twice about a creak in the floorboard during the night. The fear it instills is intelligent and lasting.

A Benchmark for Modern Paranormal Mystery

By seamlessly blending a compelling paranormal threat with a tightly plotted mystery, the author has set a new standard. This is the book future entries in the genre will be measured against.

Your Urgent Invitation: Experience the Newest & Best

If you are a fan of horror, mystery, or simply exceptional storytelling, The Haunting of Grosvenor House is an essential read.

Why You Need to Read It Now

With a significant portion of the population believing homes can be haunted, as 86% of Americans do according to Realtor.com, this story taps into a primal and widely held fear. This book is the perfect embodiment of that fear, refined into a sophisticated and terrifying literary experience.

How to Get Your Copy: Purchase Options

The Haunting of Grosvenor House is available now in paperback or ebook, on both Kobo and Amazon. Secure your copy and discover the new pinnacle of haunted house fiction.