The Haunting

About the Book

Dedicated teacher, Sherry Anders, haunted by a troubled student's suicide, is invited by former husband, Major Dan Anders, to spend summer vacation at an Aruban hotel. Upon her arrival on the Caribbean island, she meets Christian DeVertel, Dan's loyal associate, who plans to accompany Sherry to Dan's bungalow the next day. That first night, Sherry's life is threatened. Frightened, she vows to leave after visiting Dan but he surprises her by bequeathing the hotel to her. Within minutes, Dan's physician, making a routine house call, is brutally gunned down in Sherry's presence as she sits in the patio. Unnerved, Sherry changes her mind: she decides to stay in Aruba, a decision that almost kills her. Events spiral calamitously. She discovers clandestine drug activity conducted in the hotel's tranquil surroundings. She is kidnapped by thugs, taken to a cave to die, escapes, and unravels the horrifying mystery of her student's death.

About the Author

A.M. DeMassa, an Aliquippa, PA native, received her bachelor’s degree from Temple University, Philadelphia, plus a master’s and teaching credential from San Jose State University, San Jose, CA. She worked on various eastern newspapers and, while a resident in Aruba, Dutch Caribbean island, she was a Time Inc. stringer. Her short stories and articles have appeared nationally. For many years, she taught in junior and senior high schools throughout California. Besides writing, her interests include family activities, reading, traveling, movies, as well as attending opera, ballet, and theater. The Haunting and Murder in Aruba is her first published novel. Photograph is by Lois Kingsbury, fellow teacher.