A Door in the Middle of Nowhere

by Karen Lundy

What would you do if you stumbled upon a door that shouldn’t exist—a door that leads to secrets buried too deep in time to ignore?

Maddie Murphy and her husband, Mark, thought they were escaping the monotony of their lives in Toronto when they bought a summer home in Lockston Brook, Newfoundland. But the house has a past no one dares speak of, and a door hidden in the basement reveals a parallel world tangled with haunting truths, forgotten lives, and a tormented soul named Gerome Falconer.

As Maddie begins uncovering the chilling events tied to the house and its former occupants, she is drawn into a mystery that resonates with her own buried past. Gerome Falconer, a man both alive and not, holds answers to unspeakable horrors—and the only thing standing between redemption and ruin. Maddie’s journey into folklore, forgotten journals, and ghostly visions will challenge her beliefs, her marriage, and her very sanity.

When the mist rolls in and the falcon takes flight, will Maddie risk stepping through the door into the unknown? Or will the secrets of the house consume her forever? A Door in the Middle of Nowhere is a gripping tale of suspense, heartbreak, and healing, where past and present collide in a chilling exploration of trauma and resilience. Step into the mist . . . if you dare.

233 pages, Paperback

Published September 5, 2025

About the author

Karen Lundy is an author living in St. John’s, Newfoundland, a mother of two grown children, a wife of many years, and an eclectic reader. Her first published work was the short story, Time Signature, in The Nashwaak Review several years ago. This was followed by Dear Billie, the story of her parents’ long-distance romance told through surviving letters her father wrote to her mother. Turning from non-fiction to fiction, Karen’s new book, A Door in the Middle of Nowhere, takes the reader on a journey of mystery and suspense in a summer home in the fictional town of Lockston Brook on the Trinity coast of Newfoundland. Although the characters and events are fictional, the emotions are real.
In 2005, Karen was awarded a B.A. in history after returning to school as a mature student. She enjoys time spent with family and friends, the outdoors and reading.

Visit her website: karenlundy.com
Or find her on Facebook: Karen Lundy - Author

Reviews

[Robert W. Lundrigan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this novel to be a fascinating piece of work. My thinking at the time I was reading it was that from the moment Mattie turned the key and peered into the mirror image of the old Randell home, through the mental torture experienced by Gerome Falconer and until the great falcon appeared no more, the scenes from both worlds were both realistic and riveting. Anyone, and especially someone who has been, or is a victim of abuse, might take refuge in and strength from this novel. Someone out there, it might be said, seems to get: the scattering of coherent thought, the grief, the self-doubt and the self-blame.

Now, knowing the author is a survivor of abuse makes this work all the more astounding and importantly, believable. The setting on the Bonavista Peninsula (and to a lesser timeframe on Bell Island) allowed me to appreciate that in a place where everyone knows everyone else, the whole community seemed to make Mattie and Mark’s new summer home and their lives, their business and the centre of both gossip and speculation.

The authors use of this fascinating alternative world, within the Randell home, where Mattie alone has a real window on and connection with a whole other reality, drew me in and made me anxious to turn every page. Additionally, I thought the author’s characters were well developed and with roles that helped carry and indeed elevate the story so well.

I am so appreciative to have had the privilege to read this emotionally engaging story and am very thankful that the author has reached a point in her own journey to have been able to share this with us.

[Cardmaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maddie Murphy and her husband, Mark, thought they were escaping the monotony of their lives in Toronto when they bought a summer home in Lockston Brook, Newfoundland. But the house has a past no one dares speak of, and a door hidden in the basement reveals a parallel world tangled with haunting truths, forgotten lives, and a tormented soul named Gerome Falconer.

As Maddie begins uncovering the chilling events tied to the house and its former occupants, she is drawn into a mystery that resonates with her own buried past. Gerome Falconer, a man both alive and not, holds answers to unspeakable horrors—and the only thing standing between redemption and ruin. Maddie’s journey into folklore, forgotten journals, and ghostly visions will challenge her beliefs, her marriage, and her very sanity.

This is a great story, well written using a diary to tell the back story to the main character in the present, Maddie, and her husband. It didn't go where I thought it was going to and actually turned out to be a better story than what I had imagined it was going to be. Always a good thing.

I also enjoyed the fact it took place in Newfoundland, just a couple of provinces away from me. I always enjoy a good Canadian story. It wasn't quite long enough and I thought the author rambled a bit too much toward the end which cost her one star on my review. Still highly recommended.

[Justin Matthews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recently finished A Door in the Middle of Nowhere and overall, it was a compelling and imaginative read. The author does a fantastic job of building intrigue and atmosphere, slowly pulling you into a world that feels both mysterious and meaningful. The character development was strong, and I found myself genuinely invested in their journey and the deeper themes woven throughout the story.

That said, while I really enjoyed the build-up and pacing through most of the book, the ending felt a little rushed. After such a thoughtful and layered progression, I was hoping for a bit more depth and resolution in the final chapters. It left me wanting just a little extra time to fully sit with the conclusion.

Even with that, it’s a creative and engaging story that I’d definitely recommend. A strong 4-star read that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page.

[Amelia Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin?

Karen Lundy spins a tale worthy of ancient Newfoundland and Labrador folklore tradition. Gerome Falconer has to be my favorite character, but that could be my delight in the supernatural. Maddie's journey of healing from her past, and finding a kindred spirit in Gerome Falconer, captivated me from the first page.

This book had me in tears (and not many books do that) through its beautifully crafted tale of hardship and suffering and overcoming the pain of past trauma.

A magnificent read from start to finish. Thank you, Karen Lundy for this wonderful masterpiece!!!

[Peter Hanes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great novel, read in two sittings. Some of my favourite stories are ones which blend supernatural/fantasy elements with relatable, human experience and relationships, and this novel blends these seamlessly. In many ways it's two parallel stories which converge, with characters confronting their past, and contemplating their present. Trying to avoid spoilers, but readers who enjoy alternate reality, folklore, family drama, will find a lot to love in this book. Highly recommended.

[Shannan Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! The characters feel real and the weaving of folklore into a tale of survivorship and resilience was brilliant!

[Hayley Snow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was beautifully written and an imaginative tale of mystery. I just wanted to keep reading!