Holiday Book Fair at the Former Traverse City Asylum

If you’ve been reading my books for a while, you probably know all about the former Traverse City Asylum. It’s the place that inspired my Northern Michigan Asylum series—a large stretch of beautiful old Kirkbride-style buildings that once operated as a mental institution.

I started exploring the grounds years ago, wandering through the trails and soaking up the history long before I ever thought I’d write about it. Eventually, those visits turned into eight paranormal mysteries set in and around the asylum.

These days, the old asylum has a completely different life. It’s now the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, full of eclectic shops, restaurants, wineries, and condos. It’s one of my favorite places to visit, and if you’ve ever wanted to check it out for yourself, you’ll have the perfect chance on December 5th.

I’ll be at the Holiday Book Fair inside the Mercato in Building Fifty, along with more than twenty other authors. We’ll have signed paperbacks, lots of stories to chat about, and a cozy holiday atmosphere. I’ll be bringing my paranormal murder mysteries, including the Northern Michigan Asylum books—stories inspired by the very halls we’ll be standing in.

There will be authors of horror, mystery, literary fiction, nonfiction, poetry, history, and children’s books—so truly something for everyone. It’s a fun chance to explore the Commons, discover new reads, and meet some Michigan writers.

What: The Holiday Book Fair

When: December 5th, 2025

Time: 3pm-6pm

Where: In the Mercato at the Grand Traverse Commons, Traverse City, Michigan

A few of my favorite places to visit at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons include Sanctuary Goods (a shop offering everything from cat themed tarot cards to creepy jewelry), Landmark Books (a used and antique bookstore), and Pepe Nero (a fabulous Italian restaurant). You can also take guided tours that include the old asylum buildings that are not yet renovated and even a trip into the steam tunnels beneath the asylum grounds.

I hope to see you there!