Author of frightening fiction will discuss latest book in visit to Medina on Oct. 2

Provided images: Jo Paquette, a Boston author and long-time friend of Author’s Note owner Julie Berry, will visit the local book store on Oct. 2 to introduce and sign copies of her latest book, Stories I Told My Dead Lover.

MEDINA – A noted Boston author and friend of local book store owner and award-winning author Julie Berry will visit Author’s Note on Wednesday to discuss and sign her new adult book, Stories I Told my Dead Lover, starting at 6:30 p.m.

Jo Paquette is an author and senior literary agent who has published more than a dozen books for young readers, which have been translated into nine languages and received numerous accolades, including nomination for the Massachusetts Book Award.

Stories I told my Dead Lover is her adult debut.

Paquette and Medina’s Julie Berry go way back, Paquette said in a phone call Thursday.

“We met at some book event when Julie was living in Massachusetts, and we’ve been friends ever since,” she said. “I was here for her inaugural celebration when she opened the book store.”

Berry said she is excited to welcome Paquette to Medina again.

“I know our readers of thrillers and fiction that keep you awake at night will love her new book,” Berry said.

Paquette said when she was young, she never dreamed of becoming a published author.

“I know I always loved to read and write stories,” she said. “But, becoming a real author caught me by surprise.”

With this new release, Paquette weaves jagged shards of truth into eight disconnected works of frightening fiction, coupled with dark wit and whimsy.

She considers her books more psychological than horror.

She said she started writing when she was going through a lot of changes in her life.

“Writing was my way to sort out what I was feeling, and it came out kind of dark,” she said. “I always enjoyed trying new things, like fantasies and science fiction. I like to write whatever is calling me most strongly. I write what feels most passionate, whatever that is.”

She now is taking it slow, but likes this style of writing.

“I hope to go on in this direction,” she said.

Stories I Told my Dead Lover is a collection that probes the darkest and most deeply buried parts of the human psyche. A child is forced to grow up too soon; a woman trusts her doctor too much; an abandoned woman isn’t as alone as she thinks; an idyllic holiday masks an unspeakable act of violence.

The book is perfect for lovers of thrill and horror, according to Berry. For anyone wanting a reason to look over their shoulder at night, this book will make readers question just how safe they are, and if such things couldn’t happen to them, too.

Acclaimed author Erin Dionne describes the collection as “combining Joe Hill’s sense of the macabre with Karen Russel’s dark whimsy.” She said these stories lodge in the imagination like splinters and must be examined and returned to, time and again.

New York Times’ bestselling author Nancy Werlin says, “Paquette was born to write horror. These subtle, varied stories are somehow both creepy and hilarious, and the sharp writing took my breath away. I could not stop reading.”

Author’s Note encourages those customers who have expressed interest in a horror/thriller-themed book club to attend this event Wednesday. Bookselling staff of Author’s Note will gauge interest in moving forward with such a club at this event.

The event on Wednesday evening is free and open to the public. Pre-ordering copies of Paquette’s book is recommended. For those unable to attend, signed books can be ordered at www.authorsnote.com.

For more information, call (585) 798-3642 or visit www.authorsnote.com/events.