Library Loot - Late Edition - 1/27/2010

These books are from the last two weeks as I missed posting last week.

Library Loot is hosted by Eva at A Striped Armchair and Marg at Reading Adventures.

Ghostwriter
by Travis Thrasher

When a writer's haunting novels suddenly intersect with real life, he faces terror unlike anything he ever imagined.

For years Dennis Shore has thrilled readers with his spooky bestselling novels. Now a widower, Dennis is finally alone in his house, his daughter attending college out of state. When he's stricken by a paralyzing case of writer's block and a looming deadline, Dennis becomes desperate. Against better judgment, he claims someone else's writing as his own, accepting undeserved accolades for the stolen work. He thinks he's gotten away with it. . . until he's greeted by a young man named Cillian Reed -- the true author of the stolen manuscript.

What begins as a minor case of harassment quickly spirals out of control. As Cillian's threats escalate, Dennis finds himself on the brink of losing his career, his sanity, and even his life. The horror he's spent years writing about has arrived on his doorstep, and Dennis has nowhere to run. (back cover)

Eggs in Purgatory (A Cackleberry Club Mystery)
by Laura Childs

Suzanne, Toni, and Petra lost their husbands but found independence -- and, in each other, a life raft of support, inspiration, fresh baked goods, and their own business. But when the Cackleberry Club cafe opened its doors in the town of Kindred, who'd have guessed that the cozy oasis would become the scene of a crime?

Eggs to Go, Murder on the Side

Suzanne's lawyer is found in his car behind the Cackleberry with egg on his face and blood on the dash. Suzanne's taking the crime personally: The murder reveals a scandal in her late husband's past and brings a stranger fleeing a messianic sect to her for help. Now, discovering the link between a dead man with secrets and a runaway cultist may be putting Suzanne's own life on the line. (back cover)

When She Flew
by Jennie Shortridge

Police officer Jessica Villareal has always played by the book and tried to do the right thing: She's worked hard at her job and even harder at her family. Despite all that, she finds herself approaching midlife divorced, estranged from her daughter, alone. . . and completely unhappy. And she's wondering if she ever made a right choice in her life.

But then Jess discovers an Iraq vet and his young daughter living off the radar in the Oregon woods, avoiding the comforts -- and curses -- of modern life. Her colleagues on the force are determined to uproot and separate Lindy and her father, but Jess knows the damage of losing those you love, and believes the pair is safer and happier together.

Jess recognizes her chance to make a difference by doing something she's never dared. Because even though she's used to playing by the rules, there are times when they need to be broken. . .(back cover)

Death by Darjeeling
by Laura Childs

Meet Theodosia Browning, owner of Charleston's beloved Indigo Tea Shop. Patrons love her blend of delicious tea tastings and southern hospitality. And Theo enjoys the full-bodied flavor of a town steeped in history -- and mystery. . .

It's tea for two hundred or so at the annual historic homes garden party. And Theodosia, as event caterer, is busy serving steaming teas and blackberry scones while guests sing her praises. But the sweet smell of success turns to suspense when an esteemed guest is found dead -- his hand clutching an empty teacup. All eyes are on Theo . . . who is now trying desperately to save her reputation and track down the real killer. If only she can make sense of it all -- before someone else takes their last sip. . .(back cover)

Keeper of Light and Dust
by Natasha Mostert

From the acclaimed author of Season of the Witch comes a highly original supernatural thriller, blending magic, science, martial arts, and the greatest desire of all: to live forever.

Mia Lockhart has a secret. Her mother was a Keeper, as was her grandmother -- women who were warriors, healers, and protectors. As Mia practices her craft among the boxers and martial artists of South London, she has no idea that a man who calls himself "Dragonfly" is watching form the shadows.

Adrian Ashton is a brilliant scientist, an expert in the field of biophoton emissions from cells within the human body. He is also a skilled martial artist -- and a modern-day vampire. With the aid of an ancient Chinese text, he has mastered the art of draining the chi of his opponents -- the vital energy that flows through their bodies. Mia finds herself drawn to his dark genius. But when he targets the man she loves, she is forced to choose between them. It becomes a fight to the death in which love is both the greatest weakness and the greatest prize.

A fast-paced, highly evocative thriller, Keeper of Light and Dust is a twenty-first-century novel exploring themes as old as time: the imperative of violence and the redemptive power of love (inside cover)

A Quiet Belief in Angels
by R.J. Ellory

1939. In the small, rural community of Augusta Falls, Georgia, twelve-year-old Joseph Vaughan learns of the brutal assault and murder of a young girl, a classmate he knew better than anyone in his class, a girl he quietly loved. The murder is the first in a series of killings that will plague the community over the next decade. Compelled by fear and duty, Joseph gathers a group of friends to form "The Guardians," who vow to watch over the young girls of Augusta Falls. But the murderer evades them and they watch helplessly as one child after another is taken.

Even when the killings cease, a shadow of fear follows Joseph for the rest of his life. The past won't stay buried and, fifty years later, Joseph must confront the nightmare that has overshadowed his entire life. . . (inside cover)