Long before Cate ever set foot in Dunhaven Castle, there was another mystery — one hidden inside a birthday scavenger hunt. Each clue led closer to a final surprise: a story about a woman, a castle, and a secret that refused to stay buried.

The very first draft of The Secret of Dunhaven Castle was originally titled The Mystery of Dunkirk Castle. It began as a gift — and, fittingly, a mystery to be solved — before it ever became the book readers know today.

A Castle’s Makeover

Even Dunhaven’s walls couldn’t contain all its secrets—or its many redesigns!
From the original moody castle, to Cate and Riley’s debut, to today’s refined mystery aesthetic, each version marks a new chapter in the adventure.

Many a ball has been held in Dunhaven Castle’s grand ballroom…

But it’s not every night you find yourself waltzing with your great-great-great-great grandfather.

Click to listen as Nellie reads the scene. (COMING SOON!)

Did you know?
Cate’s mysteries are part of a much bigger world.

Beyond Dunhaven Castle, another group battles shadows, secrets, and magic of their own.

The Shadow Slayers series dives deep into a realm of enchantment, danger, and otherworldly intrigue.

Start your journey with a free book here: DOWNLOAD NOW!

Read the first chapter of the book that started it all!

The Secret of Dunhaven Castle
Chapter 1

The white envelope Dr. Catherine Kensie held in her hand had the power to change her life. She ran her fingers across the smooth surface as her heart skipped a beat. She considered tearing it open to discover if the contents would save her or sink her.

The department secretary’s cheery voice interrupted her rumination. “Hey, honey.”

She sidled next to Cate and shoved a few pieces of mail into various professors’ boxes. Her gaze lowered to the envelope in Cate’s hands. “I saw that come in earlier. I was hoping you’d pick it up before you left today.”

Cate stared at it again, wondering about the contents. She waved it in the air before stuffing it into the front pocket of her tote bag. She took a step toward the door. “Got it.”

“You’re not going to open it?” Molly asked, spinning to face her.

“Later. With Riley,” she said with a tentative smile. “Right now, I’ve got to get to my class.”

Molly waved her hand in the air. “They’ll wait.”

Cate chuckled as she spun and backed through the door. “On a Friday afternoon? Doubt it.”

“You’re right. You’d better get there before they all sneak out. Have a great weekend!”

“You too,” Cate called over her shoulder as she darted toward the stairs and descended to the first floor and pushed into the waning warmth of the spring day.

The dark clouds gave way to bright sun and she squinted against it as she fumbled in her bag for her sunglasses and slid them on.

A rogue breeze rustled the newly grown leaves on the trees, splattering the remnants of the rain from them onto the sidewalks below and blowing her long brown hair across her porcelain skin. She whipped it into a makeshift bun, securing it with a hair tie from her wrist.

She shoved her hands into the back pockets of her jeans as she strolled past the neatly manicured lawn and tan buildings surrounding it.

The contents of the envelope peeking from her bag’s pocket flitted through her mind followed by the dwindling funds in her bank account. With any luck, it held the answers to all her problems.

She’d find out after her class. Until then, she had a lecture that demanded her attention. She pushed through the doors into the half-empty stadium-style lecture hall and trotted down the stairs.

“Who’s ready to learn about Paul Revere?”

Met with less than enthusiastic responses, Cate plowed through her lecture, ending in the fun tidbit that Paul Revere never shouted “The British are coming” during his famous ride. The students remained less than thrilled until she announced they’d stop there. The melee of twenty-somethings shoving notebooks into backpacks and scrambling for the exit drowned out any further announcements.

She sucked in a breath and shook her head as she packed her notes in her bag and left the lecture hall and campus behind for the week.

As she pulled from the parking lot with her muffler rattling, she wondered if she’d soon be leaving the campus behind forever or making Aberdeen her home.

The white envelope poking from the black bag caught her attention. Her heart pounded again and her palms turned sweaty as she considered opening it.

Thunder rumbled overhead, and she tore her eyes away from it, ducking to stare up at the black clouds gathering on the horizon as the next storm pushed into town.

She stomped on the accelerator, speeding down the tree-lined street past the picturesque homes to the nondescript block of a building she called home. “I’d better hurry so I have time to walk Riley.”

She slid the car into a parking space, grabbed her bag and hurried into the building past the out-of-order elevator to the stairway to hike to her third-floor apartment.

Her ten-pound teddy bear dog, Riley, met her as she pushed into the apartment. His feather-like tail waved in the air. She dropped her bag and scooped him into her arms, giving him a kiss on the top of his head. “I missed you too, buddy. We’d better hurry, it’s getting pretty dark out there.”

The little dog offered her a lick on the cheek as she retrieved his harness and leash from the hook near the door. She slid his gear on, grabbed her keys, and stepped into the hall.

The angry rumble of thunder overhead quickened her steps down to the tiny patch of grass outside. Wind gusted past her, ripping her hair from the awkward bun and blowing Riley’s floppy ears inside out.

She tugged her blazer around her, shivering against the sudden chill in the air. She hoped the sudden turn in weather wasn’t a harbinger of bad things to come. The letter burning a hole through her bag upstairs snuck into her mind.

She slicked a wayward lock of hair behind her ear and crossed her arms against the cold. “I got a letter from the dean, bud. Hurry up so we can read it.”

Riley glanced at her before he returned to sniffing the grass.

“Come on, Riley, there’s not much more to sniff,” she said as lightning lit the ever-darkening sky and thunder boomed again. Riley let out a grumble as he eyed the clouds before he trotted back to Cate and planted his front feet against her leg.

She lifted him up and carried him to the building. “If we get good news, I’ll buy you a house with a yard, okay?”

The dog’s dark, almond-shaped eyes sparkled up at her as she climbed the stairs again. A deserted hallway met her when she pulled open the metal door to the third floor. Her rumbling stomach pushed her to hurry despite her exhaustion from the day.

The clicking of an unlocking door echoed in the hall and before she could reach her apartment, the door diagonal from her place popped open.

Cate smiled at the gray-haired woman as she passed, hoping to escape a conversation. She couldn’t.

“Katie, oh, Katie, just the person I wanted to run into!” the woman said with a wave of her hand. Her eyes lowered to the dog in Cate’s arms and the fake smile she’d plastered on faded. “Oh, and Wiley.”

“Riley,” Cate corrected, resisting the urge to also correct her on her own name. “How are you, Mrs. Kline?”

“Oh, fine, fine. Better than him.” She poked a finger at Riley. “He barked all day long. I nearly called the police.”

Cate bit her tongue as she offered a silent prayer that she’d soon be able to move. “Sometimes he likes to bark at his toys.”

“Oh, no, dear, no. This isn’t playful barking. He’s upset. Probably frustrated being left alone all day long. You leave so early and get back so late.”

Cate kept the smile glued on her face. “Unfortunately, I don’t have much say over my schedule.”

Mrs. Kline wagged a finger at her. “Oh, now, I’m very good friends with Dr. Longmire, and he never had a schedule like yours.”

“Well, he was a tenured professor, so he had his selection of courses.”

“Oh, that’s right,” the woman answered with a dismissive wave of her hand, “I always forget that you’re not a real professor.”

Cate huffed out a laugh as her irritation built. “Not tenured.”

“Or tenure-tracked,” Mrs. Kline added with a derisive smile.

“That’s right.” Cate’s mind flitted to the letter in her bag. Not yet, anyway. “Well, I’d better be going.”

Mrs. Kline clamped a hand onto Cate’s arm. “Oh, before you go, dear…”

Cate held back a sigh.

Mrs. Kline pressed her lips together in a polite smile. “I was wondering if I could trouble you for twenty dollars. It’s just until my daughter can get to the ATM for me. I’ve run out of cash. I’ll get it back to you just as soon as she can replenish my slush fund.”

“Ah,” Cate murmured as she considered it, “I’m not…” She flicked her gaze to the woman’s face. She’d never see the money again if she gave it to her. But the woman’s daughter rarely visited her.

Cate pressed her lips together in a thin line before she nodded. “I’m not carrying cash on me, but if you’ll give me a second, I’ll grab my purse.”

She tugged her arm from the woman’s grip and stepped toward her apartment. Mrs. Kline followed her across the hall, lingering at the door as Cate unlocked it and stepped inside.

She rummaged through her bag for her wallet and pulled it open, studying the few bills inside. She grabbed two out and passed them over to the woman.

“Here you go, Mrs. Kline. Why don’t you take forty dollars just in case your daughter doesn’t come by soon?”

“Oh, oh no, dear. I wouldn’t want to short you, but… well, I mean if you are offering.” She pulled both bills from Cate’s hand, then added, “You know I’m good for it.”

“Of course, I know you are.”

“Well, I’d better let you go. Have a good night.” Mrs. Kline disappeared into her apartment before Cate could answer.

Cate swung the door shut and flicked the lock. As she stooped to return her wallet to her bag, she spotted the envelope. Her heart skipped a beat again. Maybe soon she could escape her tiny apartment and settle into a real home.

Home. She frowned, wondering if anywhere would feel like home again. The vision of two headstones stormed across her mind. She worked to shove it away, replacing it with the image of a cute cottage with a white picket fence surrounding a spacious yard.

Riley’s cold, wet nose nudging her cheek pulled her from her daydream. “You’re right. We’ll read this after we eat.”

Cate dropped the envelope onto the entry table and stepped into her kitchen. After settling a bowl of kibble in front of her tiny pal, she pulled open the refrigerator door. Her lips puckered as she stared at the almost empty wire racks inside.

She straightened and pushed the door closed. “I should have gone to the store. Although, my bank account disagrees.”

Rising to her tiptoes, she grabbed a bowl from the cupboard and fished a box of cereal from her corner cupboard. After adding a splash of milk, she settled at the table with her meager meal.

Riley planted his feet against her leg as she chased the last few marshmallows around with her spoon.

She traced the white strip of fur stretching from his nose to the top of his head. “Okay, buddy, let’s find out if we’re moving or not.”

After washing the bowl, she forced herself to grab the letter and settle on the couch with Riley next to her. Her pulse quickened as she stared at the simple, white envelope. Her stomach leapt into her throat. Until she opened it, her fate remained a mystery. Hope remained. Once she read the words, though, the outcome was fixed.

She had to know. With a deep inhale, she flipped the envelope over and slid her finger under the flap until it popped open. Her hands shook as she pulled the letter out, unfolded it, and scanned it.

Her shoulders slumped, as did her heart, as she spotted the words “unfortunately,” “sorry,” and “regret.” She let the letter fall onto the coffee table as she sank her head into her hands. After a moment, she retrieved the letter and gave it a thorough read.

Dr. Kensie, 

The dean’s office has received your request to change your current position of instructor to a tenure-tracked position along with the positive result of the department vote to retain you as permanent faculty. Unfortunately, we regret to inform you that this is not possible at this time. 

We are sorry that we cannot accommodate your request and acknowledge and appreciate your work for Aberdeen College. We encourage you to continue your hard work and apply at a later date.

It was signed by the dean of the college—or rather, as she took a closer look, the signature had been stamped by her secretary.

Cate exhaled again, tears welling in her eyes. She tossed the letter down on the coffee table and reached over to stroke Riley’s fur. He gazed at her quizzically with dark eyes.

“Sorry, buddy. No house just yet.”

She fell backward into the flat couch cushions with a disgusted sigh and rubbed at the ache building in her temples. If her temporary contract wasn’t renewed soon, she’d need to find another way to earn money and fast. Despite what her department chair told her, obviously a tenure-track position was not in the cards for her at Aberdeen. She hoped at least a few summer courses were or she’d soon not have an apartment in which she could escape from the world.

Needing a distraction, she flipped on the television, settling on reruns of a sitcom.

She absentmindedly stroked the fur down Riley’s back. It soothed her as much as it soothed him. “We’ll figure something out, Riley.”

Her tired eyes started to close after a few episodes. She snapped her head up and glanced at the clock. “Close enough to bedtime for me. Let’s call it a night, Riley.”

The little dog roused next to her, stretching his chin up before he kicked his back legs out and opened his mouth in a wide yawn.

“Tired, buddy? Me too. And a little depressed. Maybe the fresh air will help. Come on, one last walk before bed.”

Riley followed her to the front door where she slid on his harness before pulling the door open. A tall man loomed in the hall, his shadow darkening her doorstep.

Cate bounced back a step, stifling a scream.

Ready to read more?  Find The Secret of Dunhaven Castle here!

The foyer clock has watched Cate leap through centuries—from the gas-lit 1790s to the glamour of the 1920s, from war-torn halls of the 1940s to mysteries yet to come.
Each adventure reveals a new moment in Dunhaven’s ever-turning timeline
Explore every era below… and see where time takes you next.

The scent of butter and sugar lingers in the air — a recipe passed down through generations of Dunhaven cooks.

When Cate first arrived, Mrs. Fraser insisted no investigation should begin on an empty stomach. Her solution? Traditional Scottish shortbread, baked until golden and crisp.

Try it yourself:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt

Cream butter and sugar until light. Add flour and salt; mix until crumbly. Press into a parchment-lined pan and prick with a fork. Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 30–35 minutes or until pale gold. Cool before cutting into fingers.

Best enjoyed with a cup of strong tea — preferably somewhere you can keep an eye on the castle ghosts.

Cate’s loyal companion Riley and the brave Scottish stray Bailey were inspired by two very real dogs who’ve been by my side through every mystery I’ve written — Kylo and Finn.

They’ve kept me company during late-night writing sessions, guarded snacks from falling into the wrong hands, and reminded me every day that loyalty is the truest mystery of all

Here are the real-life inspirations behind Dunhaven’s best boys

Sometimes, the best characters don’t have to be imagined.

Your invitation to stay at Dunhaven is waiting!

Accept your invitation from Cate now!  

The lantern burns low, the kettle sings, and Mrs. Fraser hums an old tune while her soup bubbles away — the very recipe that’s soothed colds, heartbreak, and hauntings at Dunhaven for generations.

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lb / 1.5–2 kg)
• 10 cups cold water
• 1 large onion, quartered (leave the skin on for golden broth)
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 parsnip, chopped (optional but very Scottish-granny)
• 1 small leek, sliced and rinsed
• 2 bay leaves
• 6–8 whole peppercorns
• A small handful of fresh parsley stems or thyme sprigs
• Salt, to taste

To finish:

• 2 carrots, diced
• 1 cup finely sliced leek or onion
• ½ cup barley or small pasta (optional, for a heartier soup)
• Chopped parsley for serving

Method

1. Make the broth. Place the whole chicken in a large stockpot with the onion, chopped veg, herbs, and peppercorns. Cover with the water. Bring slowly to a simmer; skim foam from the surface.
2. Simmer gently (barely bubbling) for about 1½ hours, uncovered, until the chicken is tender and the broth rich and golden.
3. Remove the chicken and strain the broth through a fine sieve.
4. Add the finishing veg to the clear broth and simmer 15 minutes until tender.
5. Shred the chicken meat (discard bones and skin) and return to the pot along with barley or pasta if using.
6. Season generously with salt and a grind of pepper. Ladle into bowls and sprinkle with parsley.

Mrs. Fraser’s advice: “If you start feeling a chill in your bones — from the weather or the ghosts — a bowl of this will sort it right out.”

The faint notes of a bell drift through the corridors — a melody soft as candlelight and memory.

No one’s sure who first composed it, but the castle seems to remember.

The piece is called “Dancing in a Dream.” Some say it was written for a waltz that never ended. Others say it simply plays whenever Dunhaven wants to be heard

Listen to “Dancing in a Dream” by Liam Quinn.

If you’ve found this note, it means you’ve wandered farther into Dunhaven than most ever dare. The castle doesn’t reveal this room to everyone. It seems to know when someone belongs here.

When I first began writing Cate’s story, Dunhaven was little more than a whisper — a place I could almost see if I closed my eyes long enough. But it’s readers like you who brought it to life. Every visit, every page turned, every small discovery keeps the lights glowing in its windows

Thank you for stepping through the door with me. For believing in secrets worth uncovering and castles that feel alive

With gratitude,

Nellie H. Steele

P.S. Since you found this hidden space, you deserve a secret of your own.

Claim a free copy of Jack’s Journal — a companion story that unlocks another side of Dunhaven.

As one of the few granted access to the castle’s hidden halls, you’re entitled to a little something special.

Present this royal seal in the shop to claim your Dunhaven discount.

Use code DUNHAVEN20 for 20% off all Cate Kensie books and bundles at shop.nelliehsteele.com