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Cursed at Dawn: A Romantic Mystery (The Blackbird Trilogy #3)
by Heather GrahamA paranormal mystery spin-off of the Krewe of Hunters series by bestselling author Heather Graham.When serial killers run rampant across Europe it&’s up to Blackbird, the Krewe of Hunters&’ international operatives, to stop them.Dracula lives—and he&’s hunting for his bride.Vampires may not walk among us, but FBI agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter know real monsters exist. They&’ve witnessed firsthand the worst humankind has to offer. They&’re still catching their breaths after the apprehension of two such monstrous killers when they&’re met with horrific news: Stephan Dante, the self-proclaimed king of the vampires, has escaped from prison, followed only by a trail of blood.All too familiar with Dante&’s cruelty, Della and Mason know the clock is ticking. But as Dante claims more victims, a chilling message arrives. The vampire killer seeks his eternal bride—Della herself. Playing into Dante&’s desires might be the only way to stop the carnage once and for all, assuming they can outwit him. Della is confident the agents have the upper hand, but Mason knows every gamble runs the risk of not paying off, and this time, the consequences could be deadly.The Blackbird TrilogyBook 1: Whispers at DuskBook 2: Secrets in the DarkBook 3: Cursed at Dawn
The Cursed Ballet (The\dario Quincy Academy Of Dance Ser. #3)
by Megan AtwoodEvery time the Dario Quincy Academy has performed Giselle, the ballet's lead dancer has died. That's what the rumors say, anyway. But Ophelia doesn't believe in all that. She's determined to win the lead and beat the so-called curse. As Ophelia begins sneaking out at night to practice Giselle's moves, she meets a mysterious boy hiding in the shadows. He's got great moves, and his looks aren't bad either. After a series of secret meetings, Ophelia starts to feel drained of her strength. She even blacks out during dance class. Is she just pushing herself too hard? Or are the boy and the curse connected?
The Cursed Ballet (The Dario Quincy Academy of Dance #3)
by Megan AtwoodEvery time the Dario Quincy Academy has performed Giselle, the ballet's lead dancer has died. That's what the rumors say, anyway. But Ophelia doesn't believe in all that. She's determined to win the lead and beat the so-called curse. As Ophelia begins sneaking out at night to practice Giselle's moves, she meets a mysterious boy hiding in the shadows. He's got great moves, and his looks aren't bad either. After a series of secret meetings, Ophelia starts to feel drained of her strength. She even blacks out during dance class. Is she just pushing herself too hard? Or are the boy and the curse connected?
Cursed Bloodline
by Baron De Pretto"I am the King. The last heir of a millenary dynasty of kings and emperors. The most powerful man alive on earth. Yet I feel helpless to fight the disease that wounds my subjects and corrupts their souls. My legacy and even the lives of my own family are in danger and I can do nothing to stop it. I believe I am closer than ever to my sanity being twisted for good and succumbing to the curse of my lineage. If that were to happen, it would be the end, and chaos would take over the Realm. Only you can save me, my love, save us all. But if you abandon me, what will happen to all of us?"
A Cursed Bloodline
by Cecy RobsonThe Weird Girls return in another edge-of-your-seat novel from Cecy Robson! Just when Celia thinks the supernatural world can't turn deadlier, a new rival emerges, proving just how dangerous a power-hungry were can be. Since being cursed with unique abilities, Celia Wird and her three sisters have fought the most bloodthirsty preternaturals in the Lake Tahoe region. But Celia's greatest threat is someone she would have never suspected: Anara, a werewolf Elder who has allowed his hatred for Celia to spiral out of control. In a play for dominance, Anara tortures Celia and gives her an ultimatum: sever her mate bond with pureblood were Aric--or Anara will kill everyone she loves. From the instant they met, Celia and Aric have shared an attraction that cannot be tamed. So keeping Aric away is impossible, and Aric would sooner die than allow anyone to hurt the woman he loves. Misha, master vampire and Celia's sworn protector, also finds his way into the chaos, seeking blood from those who have harmed her. Now Celia and her sisters are caught in the middle of a war driven by lust, fueled by hatred, and destined to end in tragedy. For Anara is a force to be reckoned with, and he will not succumb without robbing Celia of those who hold her heart.Praise for A Cursed Bloodline "Brace yourself Cecy fans, A Cursed Bloodline will take you for an emotional roller-coaster ride. . . . A Cursed Bloodline is one of my Top Picks of the year."--Under the Covers "A fun and fascinating series."--That's What I'm Talking About "Cecy Robson makes you feel as though you are fighting alongside the sisters as they try to save the world."--Valley Girl Gone Country "The Weird Girls series is hands down one of my favorite series over all genres."--My ParaHangover "Did you really feel the need to put me through the emotional wringer? Oh, who am I kidding, I freaking enjoyed the hell out of it."--Christy's Love of Books "Powerful, fast-paced . . . A Cursed Bloodline will make your heart race."--Caffeinated Book Reviewer "As always, Cecy's writing is top notch."--The Bookaholic Cat"I would give this book a million stars if I could, but I will have to settle with five stars!"--The Hopeless Reader Praise for the Weird Girls series "One of my favorite books series . . . so much action, so much violence and, oh, the lust radiating off of our heroes . . . I definitely recommend this series for lovers of all things paranormal and awesome."--USA Today "[With Robson's] edgy, witty and modern style of storytelling, the reader will be drawn deep into this quirky paranormal world. . . . Strong pacing, constant action and distinctive, appealing characters--including a gutsy heroine--will no doubt keep you invested."--RT Book Reviews "A healthy dose of humor, a heaping dash of the supernatural, and a pinch of mystery all laced with a heavy dollop of action . . . Robson knows how to combine all the best ingredients to keep her readers hooked and begging for another hit."--Fresh Fiction Includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Cursed Boys and Broken Hearts
by Adam SassA swoony contemporary romance from Adam Sass following a boy who is cursed to doom any romantic relationship—and the summer that changes everything.Grant Rossi is never getting a happily-ever-after.Ever since he was a kid and made a wish on his family&’s iconic Wishing Rose, his romantic relationships have been cursed to end. Following his most recent (and extremely public) dumping, Grant is languishing in a hot Chicago summer, abandoning his beloved design projects to sink back into depression. But when his family suggests spending the summer helping his aunt and uncle refurbish their beautiful but rundown B&B and vineyard—the home of the Wishing Rose that changed everything for him—Grant decides to accept. Maybe he can finally find a way to recover his creative spark...and break his curse. But things at the vineyard are not what Grant expects. The place is in almost total disrepair, and—even worse—the person his relatives hired to help is his former childhood crush, Ben—the first boy who broke his heart. As their chemistry sparks and the summer heats up, the wedge between them can&’t be ignored. But while they race to restore the B&B in time for the beloved local rose festival, grumpy but lovable Ben starts to break through Grant&’s carefully crafted defenses. Can Grant find a way to overcome his curse and open his heart, even when it&’s broken?
Cursed Bread: A Novel
by Sophie Mackintosh*LONGLISTED FOR THE WOMEN&’S PRIZE FOR FICTION*From the Booker Prize-nominated author of The Water Cure comes a chilling new feminist fable based on the true story of an unsolved mystery...If you eat the bread, you'll die, he said. The statement made no sense, but it filled me with an electric dread.Elodie is the baker's wife. A plain, unremarkable woman, ignored by her husband and underestimated by her neighbours, she burns with the secret desire to be extraordinary. One day a charismatic new couple appear in town--the ambassador and his sharp-toothed wife, Violet--and Elodie quickly falls under their spell. All summer long she stalks them through the shining streets: inviting herself into their home, eavesdropping on their coded conversations, longing to be part of their world.Meanwhile, beneath the tranquil surface of daily life, strange things are happening. Six horses are found dead in a sun-drenched field, laid out neatly on the ground like an offering. Widows see their lost husbands walking up the moonlit river, coming back to claim them. A teenage boy throws himself into the bonfire at the midsummer feast. A dark intoxication is spreading through the town, and when Elodie finally understands her role in it, it will be too late to stop.Audacious and mesmerising, Cursed Bread is a fevered confession, an entry into memory's hall of mirrors, a fable of obsession and transformation. Sophie Mackintosh spins a darkly gleaming tale of a town gripped by hysteria, envy like poison in the blood, and desire that burns and consumes.
Cursed Bread: A Novel
by Sophie MackintoshWOMEN'S PRIZE FOR FICTION NOMINEE • Best Book of the Month: The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Book Riot, CrimeReads • An elegant and hypnotic new novel of obsession that centers on the real unsolved mystery of the 1951 mass poisoning of a French village, by the Booker Prize–nominated author of The Water Cure"Intoxicating, sumptuous, and savage.&”—Alexandra Kleeman, acclaimed author of Something New Under the SunStill reeling in the aftermath of the deadliest war the world had ever seen, the small town of Pont-Saint-Esprit collectively lost its mind. Some historians believe the mysterious illness and violent hallucinations were caused by spoiled bread; others claim it was the result of covert government testing on the local population.In that town lived a woman named Elodie. She was the baker&’s wife: a plain, unremarkable person who yearned to transcend her dull existence. So when a charismatic new couple arrived in town, the forceful ambassador and his sharp-toothed wife, Violet, Elodie was quickly drawn into their orbit. Thus began a dangerous game of cat and mouse--but who was the predator and on whom did they prey?Audacious and mesmerizing, Cursed Bread is a fevered confession, an entry into memory&’s hall of mirrors, and an erotic fable of transformation. Sophie Mackintosh spins a darkly gleaming tale of a town gripped by hysteria, envy like poison in the blood, and desire that burns and consumes.
Cursed Bunny: Stories
by Bora ChungFINALIST FOR THE 2023 NATIONAL BOOK AWARD IN TRANSLATED LITERATUREA wildly original debut from a rising star of Korean literature—surreal, chilling fables that take on the patriarchy, capitalism, and the reign of big tech with absurdist humor and a (sometimes literal) bite. Pre-order YOUR UTOPIA, the new book written by Bora Chung and translated by Anton Hur, coming February 2024! From an author never before published in the United States, Cursed Bunny is unique and imaginative, blending horror, sci-fi, fairy tales, and speculative fiction into stories that defy categorization. By turns thought-provoking and stomach-turning, here monsters take the shapes of furry woodland creatures and danger lurks in unexpected corners of everyday apartment buildings. But in this unforgettable collection, translated by the acclaimed Anton Hur, Chung&’s absurd, haunting universe could be our own. &“The Head&” follows a woman haunted by her own bodily waste. &“The Embodiment&” takes us into a dystopian gynecology office where a pregnant woman is told that she must find a father for her baby or face horrific consequences. Another story follows a young monster, forced into underground fight rings without knowing his own power. The titular fable centers on a cursed lamp in the shape of a rabbit, fit for a child&’s bedroom but for its sinister capabilities. No two stories are alike, and readers will be torn whether to race through them or savor Chung&’s wit and frenetic energy on every page. Cursed Bunny is a book that screams to be read late into the night and passed on to the nearest set of hands the very next day. &“Like the work of Carmen Maria Machado and Aoko Matsuda, Chung&’s stories are so wonderfully, blisteringly strange and powerful that it's almost impossible to put Cursed Bunny down.&” ―Kelly Link, bestselling author of Get In Trouble
Cursed By Desire
by Trista Ann MichaelsRe-Release (Originally part of Love and Magic Anthology)For over 400 years, Drake Montgomery has been trapped by a woman determined to keep him for herself. All that may change with the arrival of a young writer . . . or is death the only future for any of them?Jordan has inherited a castle from her grandfather she didn't even know he owned. Unfortunately, there's a stipulation. She must live in the home for six months or forfeit her entire heritance. Upon arriving, she begins to have dreams of a man so perfect, he couldn't possibly exist.Unfortunately, he does, just not in the way she expected.Not dead, but not alive either, Drake is stuck. He believes Jordan is the one who can set him free. But as time passes and he falls further in love with her, being set free is the last thing he wants.Another trapped spirit, one determined to keep Drake all to herself, knows Jordan is the key, and she'll do whatever she can to keep them apart.
Cursed By Destiny
by Cecy RobsonCelia Wird and her three sisters are just like other 20-something girls--with one tiny exception: they're products of a backfired curse that has given each of them unique powers that make them, well, weird... Celia's a girl in trouble. Her heart is bound to Aric, but he is a pureblood were who must deny her or risk condemning his species to extinction. And that's just her love life. She's also been called to take down a group of demon terrorists looking to overthrow the paranormal world. (No pressure.) In order to bring them down, Celia must ally herself to Misha, the master vampire who has made no secret of his desire for her. And if that weren't enough misfortune for one girl, a clairvoyant's prediction could destroy Celia and Aric's love for good. The only way to protect the world from unbridled supernatural terrorism is for Celia to bind herself to her destined mate. And that doesn't appear to be Aric...
Cursed by Fire
by Jacquelyn FrankFrom New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes the scorching hot first book in a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power--and the curse--of immortality. For centuries, Dethan has been trapped in a fiery inferno for defying the gods and snatching the power of immortality. Condemned to have his battle-hardened body licked by flames only to regenerate and be consumed all over again, Dethan has lost all hope--until the Goddess of Conflict appears. She will release him from torment--if he'll use his power and strength as a warrior to raise an army and defeat a fierce enemy faction of gods. Free to live as a man once again, Dethan meets Selinda--heir to the throne of Hexis--and his thoughts quickly turn from the conquest of cities to the conquest of this headstrong beauty. Betrothed to a cruel, calculating powermonger, Selinda needs a champion, and so Dethan enters into another bargain: If she will share her bed--and her body--with him, Dethan will save her city from destructive forces within and without. As the lovers ignite a searing passion, Dethan will risk all--even the wrath of the Goddess of Conflict--for a chance to make Selinda his forever.From the Paperback edition.
Cursed by Ice (Immortal Brothers #2)
by Jacquelyn FrankFrom New York Times bestselling author Jacquelyn Frank comes a thrilling new series featuring four warrior brothers who have the power - and the curse - of immortality . . . As punishment for plotting with his brothers to steal immortality, Garreth is suffering a freezing torment until the end of time. Again and again, his fierce fighter's physique is frozen into a chiseled ice sculpture, his heart hardening like a diamond in his chest-only to thaw and resume the chilling torture. Until he is offered a reprieve from a goddess-in exchange for his allegiance in a celestial civil war.Garreth lives to fight and fights to live. But while laying siege to an embattled city, he finds another reason to go on-a beautiful warrior woman named Sarielle. Terrified of her strength, the city rulers have kept her captive, and now she refuses to submit to a new master. As Garreth seeks to unleash her passion and melt the icy resistance of her heart, will he become her ultimate salvation-or lead them both to greater destruction?Perfect for fans of Christine Feehan and JR Ward, this sensual, addictive new series will become your new obsession
The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities: New Stories About Mythic Heroes
by Rick RiordanBest-selling author Rick Riordan presents ten new stories--including one of his own--about beloved heroes that sprang from the imaginations of some of the best middle grade authors working today. <p><p> A cave monster . . . an abandoned demon . . . a ghost who wants to erase history . . . a killer commandant . . . These are just some of the challenges confronting the young heroes in this highly entertaining anthology. <p><p> All but one of the heroes previously starred in a popular book from Rick Riordan Presents. You'll be reunited with Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Gum Baby, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Who is the new hero? Read Rick Riordan's short story to find out! <p><p> Ten bestselling and award-winning middle grade authors contributed to this collection: Roshani Chokshi, J.C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Carlos Hernandez, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, Graci Kim, and Rick Riordan, who also served as the editor. <p><p> The cultures represented by these own-voices stories are: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.
Cursed Contact: Division of Special Abilities II (Division of Special Abilities #2)
by Stefania GilImagine that one day, you think you’re in a dream where you’re the killer and you’re stopped by the police right when the victim’s life is hanging by a thread, and all the evidence points to you. Imagine that, as they arrest you and you’re overcome with fear, you want to wake up but you can’t, because you’re not in a dream. You’re living it all in real time. From a very young age Dakota Grant understood that she had abilities distinguishing her from other people, making her the perfect target for rejection for being ‘different’. But Dakota uses this rejection to become stronger and reach the important position of Special Agent that she always dreamed of. She knew her entrance in the FBI could help her find more people like herself, with significant differences that made them special. She couldn’t be the only one, and she was convinced that once she found them, she would find a way for those different ones to save the world from evil. And everything seemed to be working out until Zaccaria Romano, one of the external consultants on her new team, starts to live between dreams and reality, committing acts that soon make him the most wanted killer in recent months. Will Dakota be able to get to the bottom of what’s going on? Will Zaccaria return to normal, free of all blame?
Cursed Crowns
by Catherine Doyle Katherine WebberThe second book in the swoony and high-stakes fantasy rom-com series that began with Twin Crowns, about twin princesses separated at birth—from bestselling authors Catherine Doyle and Katherine Webber.Twin queens Wren and Rose have claimed their crowns…but not everyone is happy about witches sitting on Eana’s throne.Coolheaded Rose plans a royal tour to establish goodwill throughout the kingdom. But Wren balks—how can they gallivant around Eana when their grandmother Banba is imprisoned in Gevra?Impatient Wren steals away on a ship to the icy north, where King Alarik offers a deadly magical bargain in exchange for Banba’s freedom. Desperate, Wren agrees. But her spell has unexpected consequences….Meanwhile, when Rose's royal tour is interrupted by a mysterious stranger claiming to be from the long-lost Sunkissed Kingdom, the strands of destiny pull her south to the ancient Amarach Towers, where only the Seers of Eana know why the Restless Sands are erupting—and why Shen-Lo himself might hold the key.But back in Anadawn, rebellion is brewing. And if Eana is to stand a chance at peace, the sisters will need to reunite once more and convince their people to forsake old loyalties for new ones.
Cursed Cruise: A Horror Hotel Novel
by Victoria Fulton Faith McClarenFrom the authors of Horror Hotel, called "fast-paced and freaky" by #1 NYT bestselling author Kendare Blake, comes another addictive YA horror about a group of teen ghost hunters who are invited to travel onboard a haunted historic cruise ship.All aboard...After their fateful stay at the Hearst Hotel, the Ghost Gang is back with more spooks and more subscribers. They&’ve been invited to record onboard the RMS Queen Anne, a transatlantic luxury ocean liner with a colorful past of violent deaths of hundreds of passengers—souls that bought a one-way ticket to the afterlife (and never disembarked).When Chrissy, Chase, Kiki, and Emma board the ship, they have a funny feeling they&’ve been sucked into a ghostly time warp—a theory that takes a frightening turn when Chrissy goes missing on the first night.Unbeknownst to the rest of the group, Chrissy has been sucked into another time by a passenger who wants the Ghost Gang to know her untimely death was not an accident and the perpetrator is still alive—and on board this ship.
Cursed Crusaders (Ponyville Mysteries #5)
by Penumbra QuillJoin the Cutie Mark Crusaders--Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo--as they read mysteries, legends, ghost stories, and every other kind of tale that makes a mane stand on end. From Ponyville School classmates to Rainbow Dash to the Princess of the Night herself, you never know who else...or what else...awaits as they set out to solve seeming supernatural mysteries around Ponyville.Ideal for younger and more reluctant readers, this new original series complements our existing chapter book program with numbered titles, shorter page counts, and a perennial popular genre. These mysterious and sweetly spooky stories are sure to appeal to all My Little Pony fans--both girl and boy.©2018 Hasbro. All Rights Reserved.
The Cursed Dragon - Book One of the Age of Acama Series
by Rachal M. RobertsWhat if dragons were real and among us right now in today's world - Apex predators of all colors, 70 feet long with magical blood that they wield masterfully to care for their food source and herd: the human race? These dragons aren't pets nor do they allow humans to ride on their backs. The Cursed Dragon brings together what other stories have not, European and Oriental Dragons, AND gives the answers to why and how they exist but mere humans don't know about them. This believable fiction covers all continents and weaves science, history, and real locations into the fabric of fantasy. The purple dragoness Kalara used to be an Acama, a leader of dragons titled after the first king of the Aztecs, Acamapichtli who was actually a green dragon posing as a human over 600 years ago. But now she is lost; living as a human without magic in Tulsa, Oklahoma under the care of a Medicine Woman called Annette. The humans say Kalara has amnesia but that isn't exactly right. She has been cursed with a magic spell of confusion and empty mind by a hidden enemy. Now its up to a blue dragon named Ravanan, who is a master at mind control spells, to find Kalara and fix her fragile mind. But while he and Kalara work hard to regain her magic and memories the enemy is growing and infecting the herd...
Cursed - ebook: A Jack Nightingale short story
by Stephen LeatherAn exciting short story, part of the Jack Nightingale series by bestselling author Stephen Leather - thrillers with an occult twist.Jack Nightingale - lives in the shadows, fights in the dark. Ex-cop turned private eye Jack Nightingale is used to dealing with tricky situations. He's faced down the powers of hell a couple of times, too. In this new short story, he's called in to help a policeman who's lying at death's door. The doctors can't work out what's wrong. But the dying man's colleagues swear blind that he was cursed by a gypsy during the Dale Farm clearance. And Nightingale could be his only hope. Jack Nightingale is the hero of Stephen Leather's supernatural detective novels. There are five books in the critically acclaimed series: NIGHTFALL, MIDNIGHT, NIGHTMARE, NIGHTSHADE and LASTNIGHT.
Cursed - ebook: A Jack Nightingale short story
by Stephen LeatherAn exciting short story, part of the Jack Nightingale series by bestselling author Stephen Leather - thrillers with an occult twist. Jack Nightingale - lives in the shadows, fights in the dark. Ex-cop turned private eye Jack Nightingale is used to dealing with tricky situations. He's faced down the powers of hell a couple of times, too. In this new short story, he's called in to help a policeman who's lying at death's door. The doctors can't work out what's wrong. But the dying man's colleagues swear blind that he was cursed by a gypsy during the Dale Farm clearance. And Nightingale could be his only hope. Jack Nightingale is the hero of Stephen Leather's supernatural detective novels. There are five books in the critically acclaimed series: NIGHTFALL, MIDNIGHT, NIGHTMARE, NIGHTSHADE and LASTNIGHT.
A Cursed Embrace
by Cecy RobsonIn the second book in the Weird Girls series, Celia Wird and her sisters learn that fame comes at a price, and being "weird" isn't always welcome.
Cursed Fate
by Victoria SmithEvil has invaded Taylor Reed's life, and now her only chance is to rely on the help of ex-demon hunter, Ben Jones. They have their work cut out for them ... not only do they have to end a family curse, but to win Taylor's freedom and save her life, they'll have to fight their growing mutual attraction. Is the love between a retired hunter and a reluctant witch strong enough to thwart a centuries-old evil? Find out in Victoria Smith's new paranormal romance, Cursed Fate.When artist and occasional witch Taylor Reed finds her ex-husband murdered in her kitchen, she denies what she really saw. Fearing the ominous presence will make her its next victim, she runs--right into Ben Jones.Ben is a retired demon hunter, and though he's left his former life behind, he's compelled to help Taylor find answers and stop the demon hunting her. That's not all he's compelled to do...A family curse, a binding ritual neither knew they were part of, and a demon who can't be stopped unless Taylor and Ben resist their feelings--Cursed Fate is a journey of survival, and proof true love really can conquer all.Content Notes: Sweet, Paranormal, Hauntings, Magic, Witches, Suspense
The Cursed Friend: A Novel
by Beatrice Salvioni"Bloody, unapologetic, and wild ... I loved it!" —Naomi Krupitsky, New York Times bestselling author of The Family "The Cursed Friend grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go ... a magnetic coming-of-age story" —Laura Spence-Ash, bestselling author of Beyond That, the Sea For readers of Adriana Trigiani, Susan Meissner, and Elena Ferrante, an unbreakable, life-changing friendship will lead two young girls from different worlds to rebel against the injustice they face in 1930s ItalyIt is 1936, and in the small Italian city of Monza, on the pebbled bank of the Lambro, two frantic girls scramble to bury a body—the dead son of the city's most prominent fascist. Soon, they will find their fierce friendship put to the ultimate test.A year earlier, Francesca Strada, the well-mannered daughter of a bourgeois family, dreams of a life beyond provincial conformity. From afar she spies on Maddalena, the town’s rebellious outcast—whom neighbors call “the Cursed One”—and whose indomitable spirit fascinates her. Then, one day, escaping the vigilant eye of her parents, Francesca finds herself caught in her first-ever lie while trying to protect Maddalena. Soon, the two are inseparable. Maddalena teaches Francesca to defy animals, to overcome her fear of blood, and to recognize her body as something alive and present.But as tensions escalate and an atmosphere of suspicion, corruption, and discontent settles over the town, the friends become increasingly aware that as girls, they’re not as free as they wish to be. Confronted by a vicious act of violence, Maddalena and Francesca must rely on each other to defend what they have forged together. Set against the backdrop of the Abyssinian War, The Cursed Friend is a timeless tale of female friendship, navigating loss and adolescence, and finding the courage to speak out against the silence of a harsh, uncompromising world.Translated from the Italian by Elena Pala
Cursed in the Act (Bram Stocker Mystery #1)
by Raymond BucklandFIRST IN A NEW SERIES! Bram Stoker, business manager for London's Lyceum Theatre, always expects the supernatural to be lurking around the corner. But investigating the murder of a cast member might be enough to make even him lose his head... 1881. When the star and owner of the Lyceum, Mr. Henry Irving, is poisoned on Hamlet's opening night, it's up to stage manager Harry Rivers to make sure the show goes on. Fortunately for Harry, Mr. Irving is able to pull through and walk the boards as planned. But when his understudy is killed the very next day, Harry's boss, Bram Stoker, becomes convinced that foul play is afoot. Mr. Irving has a list of enemies longer than a Shakespearean soliloquy, any of whom would have been happy for the curtain never to rise. It soon becomes clear that nefarious, possibly magical, methods are being employed to shut the play down. With more cast and crew members falling victim to the increasingly dangerous accidents on set, it's up to Harry and Stoker to figure out which of Irving's critics has a voodoo vendetta...