Divine Evil » (Reissue)

One of the most prolific and popular writers in the world, Nora Roberts (who also writes as her edgier alter-ego J. D. Robb) publishes multiple books a year. Not that it s enough for her fans, who tear through her unconventional romances. With her trademark mix of fantasy, mystery, and romance, Roberts has created her own genre -- and romance fans are grateful for it!

A decade ago, sculptor Clare Kimball fled Emmitsboro, Maryland, to take the Manhattan art world by storm. She s been celebrated as the up-and-coming artist of her generation. But for Clare, no amount of exposure to the spotlight can eclipse the painful memories of her father s suicide. Just as her star is shining brighter than ever, Clare leaves it all behind to go home and lay her demons to rest.

Emmitsboro sheriff Cameron Rafferty never forgot Clare, the girl he d love from afar while they were both still in high school. And as Clare settles in, they form a bond that grows stronger by the day. But the past Clare has come to lay to rest has risen up with a vengeance, rocking the town in the form of a brutal murder.

As the investigation gets under way, it s clear the death is linked to something very sinister- something plainly connected with Clare s return. As the sheriff, Cameron is charged with solving the case. As a man, he ll stop at nothing to protect Clare...

Publishers Weekly

Clare Kimball, an accomplished sculptor, is troubled by depression and the return of childhood nightmares. So she takes a break from New York City and heads for her sleepy hometown in Maryland, despite its association with her beloved father's violent but apparently accidental death. Cameron Rafferty, formerly the town hellion, is now the sheriff and faced with a puzzle: the century-old grave of an infant has been dug up. In fact, the grave was robbed by Satan worshipers; Clare's dreams date from the night in her childhood when she saw them performing a coven ceremony--and they know she saw them. Cam's problems are compounded when the mutilated corpse of his hated stepfather is discovered in a field after the two have a public fistfight. Cam and Clare are an engaging couple, but by relying on the most obvious plot complications, Roberts has made her latest romantic mystery a virtually no-thrills thriller. (Is there a single reader who won't prediet that Clare will end up in the coven's clutches?) Also, while this tale is about ritual murders instead of a serial killer, the work's marked similarities to last year's Carnal Innocence give it the feeling of being a rerun. (Oct.)