Father's Secret

"With the carefully researched history of Newport architecture and society, Markwith has crafted a compelling mystery that evokes the political and social drama of 1960s New England. A quick pace and likable protagonists make this paranormal treasure hunt a delightful summer escape." — Kirkus Reviews

More than 60 years have passed since President John F. Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. Isn't it time we all knew what really happened?

Annandale Farm's, Armsea Hall, located in fashionable Newport, Rhode Island once held the historical distinction of becoming the nation’s Summer White House…until Lee Harvey Oswald assassinated John F. Kennedy in Dallas, Texas.

Less than a year following JFK’s assassination, 14 year-old Eddie Sutton moves into the 40-room mansion, along with his father, stepmother and younger sister, Franny. On the day of their arrival, a series of paranormal incidents begins, with Down syndrome Franny serving as the conduit to a troubled specter’s cause. Adding to the intrigue, Eddie’s unconventional Aunt Julia shows up for an extended visit from New York City…and the mansion’s caretaker is soon found murdered in the greenhouse.

Collaborating with two teenage friends and the family’s devoted butler, Eddie launches into a freeform investigation that picks up steam during a visit to the Newport Historical Society. As the secrets of the mansion and the members of Eddie’s family converge, the collective power proves potent enough to alter the course of history, and change the fortunes of Eddie’s family and his future, forever.

Although the characters and plot of this mystery are fictional, Annandale Farm enjoys intriguing real-world history. In 1963, President Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy signed a lease on the 15-acre, oceanfront estate whose perimeter once adjoined Hammersmith Farm – home of the First Lady’s mother and stepfather. The lease, along with plans for turning the house and grounds over to the Department of Interior for use as a permanent Summer White House were scrapped following JFK’s assassination. Several years later, the mansion was demolished. No new structure has ever been built on the original site of the historic Newport cottage, and the reasons behind its untimely demolition remain a riddle.

Built in 1900 and designed by architect Francis Vinton Hoppin, Armsea Hall stood as a familiar landmark to boaters frequenting Narragansett Bay until its 1969 demolition.

Further historical information, along with photographs of the house and grounds, can be found on the Internet (key "Annandale Farm" or "Armsea Hall" into your search window), as well as at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum website (once there, key "Annandale Farm" into the search window).

Set in trendy Newport, RI at the real-life oceanfront estate that Jack & Jackie would never get to enjoy, Father's Secret is a paranormal mystery with a new twist on history from author Peter George Markwith (book includes estate photos from the author's private family collection).