The Lace Reader in Salem

Every gift has a price… Every piece of lace has a secret

Salem has received an incredible gift in the form of The Lace Reader, a new novel being released by William Morrow in August 2008. Written by Brunonia Barry, most of the novel takes place in Salem – leading readers past famous landmarks including The House of the Seven Gables, The Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the statue of Roger Conant, Chestnut Street, the Hawthorne Hotel, Winter Island, Salem Willows, and more.

The story’s heroine is Towner Whitney, and the reader will follow the Whitney family’s roots into Salem’s history, and a history of Lacemaking in Ipswich. All of the Whitney women can read the future in a piece of lace. All but Towner, who has vowed never to use her gift after a terrible tragedy. But her resolve is tested when her beloved Great Aunt Eva, Salem’s original lace reader, disapears and Towner must find the truth in the swirling pattern of the lace…

Find out more about the Lace Reader.

More about the author, Brunonia Barry

Hear Brunonia Barry talk about Salem

William Morrow has created a walking map of Towner's Salem.

What Salem Says about Lace

“I loved it, and I was prepared not to. It captures the essence of Salem today, and has a great twisty-turned ending that just makes it a great read. Can't wait for some more by this intriguing writer.”

Juli Lederhaus, General Manager Hawthorne Hotel

“I could barely put it down… it was great!”

Noelle, Chulamama Maternity & Baby

The Lace Reader is like walking the streets of Salem with a well loved local, you get the history but you also have the truth about places, time and events. Brunonia Barry has touched my heart with her story of Towner and her family. Here in Salem our history is in the cobblestones you walk on and it mingles with the laughter of the present in and out of shops on Pickering Wharf. It is the sprirts of the place that bind the two together. I loved this book and have already read it twice, I was totally shocked by the ending, even though I saw the clues. I never saw it coming. Definitely my favorite book of the decade.

- Teri Kalgren, Artemesia Botanicals

The Lace Reader is a fast-paced mystery and psychological thriller, a tale which blurs the lines between reality and imagination. It is a book that begs to be read a second time for a full appreciation of the subtle clues that hindsight illuminates so clearly.

Joel Caron, Director Historic Salem Pedicab Tours

Lace Reader Sweepstakes

To celebrate the release of The Lace Reader, Destination Salem and William Morrow are offering The Lace Reader Sweepstakes. Starting July 17, you can enter for your chance to win a trip for two to Salem, Massachusetts. Two prizes will be awarded.

Lace Reader Specials

A Novel Adventure - The Lace Reader

Celebrate the publication of Salem author Brunonia Barry's new best selling novel, The Lace Reader! Our Novel Adventure Package will introduce you to the historic streets and sights visited by the story's heroine - Towner Whitney. From your home at the Inn, located across from the Salem Witch House and the First Church of Salem, you can stroll down nearby Chestnut Street, visit the Broad Street Cemetery or meander Salem's Heritage Trail. Your package includes: Two 15 minute readings at "HEX-Old World Witchery" by a well-known Salem psychic. A $25 Gift Certificate to Cornerstone Books where, if you haven't read The Lace Reader, you can buy your own copy! Passes for two for one day on the Salem Trolley, with a narrated one hour journey through 400 years of history and all day shuttle between attractions, including Winter Island, the Custom House, and Salem Maritime National Historic Site. A tour for two of the House of Seven Gables, including Nathaniel Hawthorne's Birthplace and stunning waterfront gardens and views. Two night accommodations in a superior room with king or queen bed, private bath and a hearty continental breakfast. This package is $415 for two, plus tax. Add $30 for a weekend stay. Valid through September 2008.

Hawthorne Hotel

Walk Towner Whitney's Salem; learn the secrets of the lace; have a Chop Suey sandwich! Come to the Hawthorne Hotel for our Lace Reader package! The Hawthorne Hotel is mentioned in Brunonia Barry's newly-released best seller. Signed copies of the book are for sale in our gift shop. The package includes overnight accommodations, the Lace Reader pedi-cab tour through historic Salem and a lace reading at Artemisia Botanicals. $250 plus tax based on double occupancy

Salem Waterfront Hotel Package

Overnight accommodations in one of our graciously appointed guest rooms, breakfast for two in the Regatta Restaurant, as well a autographed copy of The Lace Reader by Salem resident and author Brunonia Barry.

Historic Salem
Pedicab Tours

A two hour tour of the physical and historical setting as well as the witchcraft legacy that provides a backdrop to the Lace Reader.