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Welcome to Norumbega Press

Who are we?

Norumbega Press is creating a new way to access quality New England fiction. By establishing ourselves as a digital-only presence, overhead is low and outreach is unlimited. 

Why Norumbega?

While the origin of the word Norumbega is shrouded in the mists of history, its most likely etymology is as an Algongquin word identifying “a quiet stretch of water.” “Norumbega” became associated with the New England region through a series of maps published between 1570 and the late 17th C. Like many legendary places of that time, it was associated with riches – gold and pearls in particular – and was sought by early European explorers. While we don’t expect our Norumbega to deliver us with gold and other riches, we do hope to successfully mine the independent literary talent that is so abundant in our region. 

Coming Soon

Provide us with your contact information below and we'll make certain you receive information and links as we establish author pages and roll-out our full schedule of releases, events, and promotions.

Bitter Passage

What cost, redemption?

Set within the unforgiving winter landscape of rural Maine, Bitter Passage introduces Sheriff’s Deputy Allegheny Beckham. Beckham has returned to Chamberlain County, seeking respite in the quiet of home after years patrolling the streets of south Chicago.


But Chamberlain County has other ideas. 


Immediately tasked with investigating a murder/kidnapping, the deputy methodically peels back layers of deceit as she embarks on a harrowing journey, racing to deliver a pair of missing twins to safety. The deadly puzzle forces Beckham to confront a lifetime scarred by loss, guilt, and feral survival. When the violent finale unfolds, she discovers the cost of redemption may be higher than she ever imagined. Bitter Passage is a riveting tale of resilience, justice, and the enduring struggle to confront the shadows of the past.

Advance Praise

“. . . There is mystery here: murder, and missing kids, and intrigue stemming from those mysteries, but above all, there's the journey of Allie Beckham, who must study clues and the person in her mirror and the private ghosts who haunt her. Bitter Passage is Bates's first novel and it's a damn good one.”

—Mort Castle

Three-time recipient of the Bram Stoker® Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, American Horror Writers Association

Availability

Bitter Passage

An Allegheny Beckham Novel

by Geoffrey Bates

Publication Date: June 21, 2024

315 pp, paper

ISBN: 979-8-9904260-0-9

Retail Price: $16.95

Category: Mystery, Crime, Thriller

Distributor: IngramSpark

Also available via Amazon in print or Kindle formats.

Bitter Passage is currently being stocked at Sherman's Maine Coast Bookshops, BookStacks Bookstore in Bucksport, and Left Bank Books in Belfast. 

REVIEW: Bitter Passage

From the December 13, 2024 Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel "Bushnell on Books" column.

Download PDF

Events

 

Find updates on book signings, release schedules, and other activities here.

June 7, 2025

Southport Memorial Library: Reception and Book Signing

2:30

-

4 p.m. EDST

Event Details

June 7, 2025

Southport Memorial Library: Reception and Book Signing

Geoffrey Bates will offer insights into the writing of Bitter Passage, read from the book, and answer questions. Books will be available for...

Event Details

2:30

-

4 p.m. EDST

Aug. 16, 2025

Whitefield Library: Reception and Book Signing

6:00

-

7:30 p.m. EDST

Event Details

Aug. 16, 2025

Whitefield Library: Reception and Book Signing

Geoffrey Bates will offer insights into the writing of Bitter Passage, read from the book, and answer questions. Books will be available for...

Event Details

6:00

-

7:30 p.m. EDST

About Norumbega Press

Rocks and trees frame a Maine cove at sunset, silhouetted against a pale blue sky.

Our Mission

Norumbega Press was founded in 2024 to provide an online outlet for quality New England Independent Fiction. Our stories will move you, inspire you, scare you, or, perhaps make you laugh, but they’ll always be based in this place that, because of its complexity and grit, we love.

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