The Ghost of Bertha Mae
A Southern Gothic Novel by Carolyn Virginia Parnell
In The Ghost of Bertha Mae, Carolyn Virginia Parnell delivers a haunting, soul-stirring tale that blends horror, history, and healing in unforgettable ways.
Set in Selma, Alabama—a town heavy with both Civil Rights history and personal memory—this Southern Gothic novel follows Yvette, a woman returning home to face the ghost of her past. But this isn’t just metaphorical. She is literally haunted by the spirit of her abusive mother, Bertha Mae.
What unfolds is a chilling yet deeply spiritual story of trauma, redemption, and the unshakable power of faith. As Yvette is terrorized by her mother’s vengeful ghost, she turns to Miss Christine, a clairvoyant woman of God who once guided her in childhood. Together, they face a supernatural battle that mirrors a far more intimate struggle: breaking the chains of generational pain.
The Ghost of Bertha Mae is not your typical ghost story. It’s raw and poetic, terrifying and redemptive. It dares to ask:
What happens when the past refuses to stay buried?
Can faith truly conquer the darkness that runs in our blood?
Drawing from her own journey through hardship, faith, and resilience, Parnell writes with a voice that is plainspoken, powerful, and profoundly personal. Readers will find themselves gripped not just by the suspense, but by the emotional truth beneath it.
What Readers Are Saying:
“I read it under the covers all night long. Couldn’t put it down.”
“A story that stays with you. Beautiful, horrifying, and full of grace.”
“This book helped me face my own ghosts.”
A Trilogy Begins
This is Book I of a planned trilogy. The journey doesn’t end here. Carolyn promises twists, turns, and revelations in the next two volumes that will leave readers stunned—and uplifted.
“All three books must be read. There are surprises with the main characters that will leave readers stunned.”
Available Now
The Ghost of Bertha Mae is available on Amazon in paperback and digital formats.