Assisted Living: Old Grove Lake Trilogy Book One

Genre: Cozy Eco-Horror / Folk Horror Fiction / Supernatural Thriller

Reader Fit: Perfect for fans of atmospheric eco-horror, gothic, and dark supernatural mysteries.

Summary

A routine inspection at a remote boutique assisted living facility spirals into a fight for survival when a wronged tree spirit, a bitter ghost, and nature herself combine forces to exact long-overdue revenge in this cozy eco-gothic set in the Oregon mountain wilderness.

“A rare gem that balances genuine dread with real warmth and wit.” – Evan A., bookseller
“Goosebumps for adults—something we all need from time to time!” –Ryan B.
“A quiet eco-horror about loss, grief, and secrets.”—Emma W.

You’re never too old to be a final girl. Recent widow Margie Thermopolis just wants to finish her last years of bureaucratic work and retire with her cats, plenty of IPA, and a good game of roller derby. Instead, she’s haunted by her husband’s medical debt—and his secret bonsai obsession. Sent to inspect a luxury assisted living facility built on the ruins of Old Grove Lodge, Margie is forced back to the site of her little brother’s bizarre death fifty years earlier, and dubious memories of a murderous forest witch.

Trapped by a blizzard with a ruthless lumber baron, his dying mother, and nature itself, Margie digs up more than just the secrets of her past, for something ancient is awakening—and it remembers her.

FAQ

Q: Who is the main character in the novel Assisted Living?

A: Margie Thermopolis, a 62-year-old recent widow is our reluctant protagonist in the novel Assisted Living. She’s a cat-loving, beer-drinking, roller derby aficionado working her last few until retirement from government work. When I came up with Margie, I was picturing the kind of woman who is so easily overlooked in our society. Heck, she even underestimates herself!

Q: What the heck is cozy horror?

A: Cozy horror is a growing sub-genre that, like many niche genres, means different things to different people. For many of us, myself included, it implies a story with a mostly happy ending, more bad-guys die than good, the main characters are flawed, but loveable, and… lets see, what else? Oh yeah, there are probably cats involved.

Q: How scary is book one of the Old Grove Lake Trilogy?

A: Hard core horror fans will likely not relate to the psychological, quiet horror of Assisted Living and the Old Grove Lake Trilogy. Some reviewers have said the book is like “Goosebumps for grownups”. Others, maybe those who have recently found themselves in a dark forest on a starless night, have mentioned being more than a little afraid.

Q: Is the book Assisted Living fast paced or a slow-burn?

A: Evidently it’s slower than I thought! Reviewers cite the slow pace and growing tension that builds to the end. And here I thought it was a bit “pacier”.

Q: Is there any romance in Assisted Living or the Old Grove Lake Trilogy?

A: Nothing steamy, that’s for sure. We learn about Margie’s great love for her husband Phillip, but everything else in book one is platonic. I’m ace (that’s someone on the asexual spectrum) and Margie, like me, is probably going to be demi-sexual. That means she’s not hot and heavy without first falling intellectually and emotionally in love with a partner. I might explore that a bit in the next two books, though.

Q: Is Old Grove Lake a real place?

A: No, neither is the town of Cascade. I was inspired by one of my favorite places to visit and camp, Lake of the Woods. Lake of the woods hosts some amazing old growth Douglas fir trees as well as other species. You can’t help but feel a spiritual presence when you stand by these ancient giants. The town of Cascade is an amalgam of Medford and Grants Pass, Oregon.