The Skeptics' Guide to the Mysteries of the Universe

Book excerpt: Can a believer and a skeptic move beyond their haunted pasts and find a way back ? to each other? Julie Deveaux is used to believing in things she cannot see. But when a Jackson Square psychic calls her over for an impromptu prediction, she?s as skeptical as the mystery blogger who?s trying to take down her family?s ghost tour business. According to the psychic, the grandson of her thesis subject, infamous French Quarter murderess Sophia Durocher, holds the key to solving Julie?s problems. Griffin Durocher, the anonymous blogger behind Debunked, is tired of two things: people digging into his past, and businesses cashing in on hoaxes. His once-beloved grandmother Sophia and lauded NOLA psychic had everyone fooled--including him--before she was revealed as a fraud. He?s ready to take down businesses doing the same to unsuspecting people, and next on his list is Deveaux?s Historical Haunts. A chance collision in Jackson Square brings Julie and Griffin together, and an undeniable attraction sparks fanned by a shared love of obscure history. When the two accidentally exchange copies of a rare book and read each other?s margin notes their connection intensifies. But everything comes crashing down when their true identities are revealed.