THE RIP FILES: CASE OF THE DEMON DRUMS

I would LOVE your input on the cover for my upcoming novel (my first): THE RIP FILES: CASE OF THE DEMON DRUMS!

This book is based loosely on a case my husband and I worked on when we were paranormal investigators a few years back.

Sue Mackenzie is a bible-toting single mom with a troubled daughter living in Roanoke, Virginia. Fifteen-year-old Josephine Mackenzie was once a well-behaved straight-A student who recently started getting in trouble at school—skipping class, getting into fights, and generally lashing out. Josie is also rebelling against the societal (and parental) norms for what a “young lady” should look like, preferring shorts and high-tops to skirts and Mary Janes.

As Josie continues to spiral, Sue looks to her new best friend Gina (a devout Catholic), to help her figure it all out. Gina believes the misbehavior is devil’s work, but Sue isn’t so sure until one day she and her daughter get into an argument and suddenly it seems like their home is possessed by demons. They hear wild drums where there are none, hear voices telling them to “GET OUT!”, and both experience physical violence by something unseen.

After several frightening events, Sue finally reaches out to Roanoke Investigations of the Paranormal (RIP). Founders Libbi and Walter Bean take on the Case of the Demon Drums along with three of their ghost-hunting team members.

Is it a demon? You’ll have to wait for the book to find out!

Case of the Demon Drums takes the reader through a full paranormal investigation, from the experiences of the clients; through the interview process; team briefing; investigation prep and set up; the investigation itself, room by room; evidence review; and finally the reveal. The book culminates with an excerpt from a podcast that the founders Libbi and Walter run called RIP After Dark.

Just like a real paranormal case, it’s part thriller and part the reality of dealing with people who are frightened, confused, and who have colorful personalities. Add in the vastly different RIP team members, and you’ll get a realistic modern fiction with a thriller twist. This is NOT your Stephen King type of super-scary novel, although there are thriller moments. Being who I am, there is also sarcasm, swearing, humor, and the reader gets the POV of each of the team members as well as the clients.

So the cover can contain elements of the paranormal but should not mislead the reader into thinking it’s hardcore horror.

Given this description, which cover inspirations speak to you? These are not final (I may outsource the cover design) but I wanted to start thinking about design in preparation for my October launch (Halloween…why not?).

If you don’t have a favorite, any ideas?