The Haunting of Maddy Clare
Penguin/Random House | March 2012
Winner: RITA Award, Best First Book, Romance Writers of America
Winner: RITA Award, Novel with Strong Romantic Elements, Romance Writers of America
Winner: Arthur Ellis Award, Best First Novel, Crime Writers of Canada
Sarah Piper's lonely, threadbare existence changes when her temporary agency sends her to assist a ghost hunter. Alistair Gellis—rich, handsome, scarred by World War I, and obsessed with ghosts—has been summoned to investigate the spirit of nineteen-year-old Maddy Clare, who is haunting the barn where she committed suicide. Since Maddy hated men in life, it is Sarah's task to confront her in death.
Soon Sarah is caught up in a desperate struggle. For Maddy's ghost is real, she's angry, and she has powers that defy all reason. Can Sarah and Alistair's assistant, the rough, unsettling Matthew Ryder, discover who Maddy was, where she came from, and what is driving her desire for vengeance—before she destroys them all?
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“Downright scary and atmospheric. I flew through the pages of this romantic and suspenseful period piece, where a naive city girl must brave a terrifying apparition in order to find justice and redemption for all.”
“Read it with the lights on. Simply spellbinding.”
“An atmosphere that is deliciously creepy and a heroine you won’t soon forget.”
“A chilling start... fans of the modern Gothic will enjoy filling up a few creepy hours.”
“The book’s spooky atmosphere and post-WWI setting are well developed... St. James is one to watch.”
“Fine writing at its best, filled with fascinating characters and unrivalled suspense in a gothic setting guaranteed to spellbind... unlike anything I’ve read in years.”