Book Blurb
Things are quiet in the morning, especially in an unassuming town like Aledale. When sixteen-year-old Jan (often referred to as “Jinx”) and her best friend Shelley attempt to catch low tide early in the morning at the local cove, Jan uncovers a little box with a mermaid carved into the lid, adorned with shining emerald eyes and a mysterious message and locket inside. After putting the necklace on, Jan begins to experience painful and unsettling episodes that leave her floundering for an explanation. Accompanied with the unrelenting desire to keep the locket close, Jan drags Shelley on a search for clues as to whom the necklace and box belong to. As they fall further into the intricate web spun by the people trying to get back what they claim is theirs, Jan and Shelley learn about a peculiar legend and why what they found needs to fall into the right hands. But not all hands are the right ones, and not all secrets can be kept. After all, some things are predestined to be jinxed.
*Genres: Teen/YA (13-18+), dark/urban fantasy, horror, supernatural thriller, mystery
Patricia M. Kaspar
Patricia grew up in Santa Monica, California, where she set the original version of "Jinx" (written sometime during the 1970s or 80s). It is heavily implied throughout the story that the character Shelley is an extension of herself, while Shelley's father (Mr. Waldbauer) was a nod to her own dad, Earl. Jan was likely inspired by her childhood best friend. The family has also heard stories of an old car called "The Blue Bomb."
Patricia was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend. Her talent for writing lives on in her work, both professionally (as a technical writer at NASA) and creatively (through her poetry, short stories, and "Jinx" itself).
1932-2012
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Mechanical (Bruno Coulais): A quiet, curious theme song.
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Mechanical Lullaby (Bruno Coulais): "She made the box in her image..."
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End Credits (Bruno Coulais): Ancient legends, emerald eyes, and a golden locket.
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Underwater (Danny Elfman, Nick Ingam): Diving in Azuline Cove, finding a treasure. *Chapter 2
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Moon Dance (Danny Elfman): Emerald eyes fade into blue. *Chapter 37
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End Credits Pt. 1 (Danny Elfman): The sea reclaims her treasure; the future is uncertain.
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Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (Cyndi Lauper): Jan's song. Her vivacious, fun-loving personality earned her the nickname "Jinx."
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invisible string (Taylor Swift): Shelley's song. A romantic, teleological thinker, Shelley believes everything happens for a reason.
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Pressure (Billy Joel): Aiden's song. The oldest Aimsworth son bears a heavy burden.
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Mama (My Chemical Romance): Owen's song. A tumultuous past has defined Owen's bitter worldview.
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Bad Idea (The Devil Makes Three): Nolan's song. Some bad ideas can lead to very permanent consequences.