The Magpies Shadow

This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.

The moon, a luminous pearl in the velvet sky, cast a silver glow on the cobblestone street below. Shadows stretched and twisted, dancing to a silent tune as the wind whistled through the alleyways. Whispers, carried on the night breeze, seemed to tell tales of secrets and hidden wonders, weaving a tapestry of mystery that enveloped the entire village of Hawthorne. From the inky depths of a doorway, a pair of emerald eyes emerged, gleaming like precious jewels. They belonged to a creature shrouded in legend and mystery, a being of grace and stealth, whose very presence held an air of enchantment. A cat, sleek and silent, stepped into the moonlight, its paws padding softly across the cobblestones. Its fur, as black as the midnight sky, shimmered with an otherworldly sheen. Each movement was fluid and deliberate, as if choreographed by the moon itself. The cat paused, tilting its head, its ears twitching as it listened to the symphony of the night. The faint rustle of leaves, the distant hoot of an owl, and the murmured conversations of villagers settling into their homes for the night all formed a harmonious backdrop to the cat’s silent vigil. This was Shadow, a cat known throughout Cobblestone Street not just for his sleek appearance, but for the air of mystery that always seemed to accompany him. To the villagers, Shadow was a guardian of sorts, a silent sentinel who watched over the night and ensured that peace reigned while they slept. Children whispered tales of his bravery and adults respected his presence, believing that wherever Shadow walked, he brought with him an invisible cloak of protection.

DI Christy Kennedy returns in Departing Shadows, a deceit-laden tale of intrigue, which takes him from London to Brighton and back, and into the arms of the West End's most celebrated up-and-coming actress, Nealey Dean. But all's not well in vibrant Camden Town, as Kennedy investigates a death just outside a diplomatic compound, and finds his investigation immediately stymied by the invocation of diplomatic privilege. The deceased, an actress of a different sort, hostess and social media influencer Gabriella Byrne, left behind a world of mystery, where even those who knew her best did not know her well. As Kennedy interviews witnesses and checks alibis, his investigation brings him from London's hallowed palaces of power to seamy gentlemen's clubs, each with smoke and mirrors of their own. Along the way, he discovers just how far some people will go to protect their darkest secrets, in this, the 11th DI Christy Kennedy mystery. "Well-crafted, sensitive, literate, sharply observed...deeply enjoyable."--Kirkus Reviews.

Two ancient vampires and a centuries-long war. Their final battlefield? The Faelan Werewolf reservation... With a wedding to plan and a future mother-in-law who hates her, the last thing Lizzie Grace needs is two psycho vampires rampaging through Castle Rock. But as their battle draws ever closer to her circle of friends, Lizzie finds herself unwillingly drawn deeper and deeper into their conflict. Then one vampire does the unthinkable, and Lizzie goes to war. Can she save everyone she loves and finally get her happy ending with Aiden? Or will darkness forever claim the reservation and consume them all?

She supplies the goods and services that killers need. And in that line of work, the last thing you want is a dissatisfied customer . . . Hope Rippa may look like your average fashionista, but a dark secret bankrolls her luxury lifestyle. Although she might appear a legitimate businesswoman by day, after dark Hope serves as a personal shopper to some of Europe’s wealthiest murderers. You name it, she’ll find it—and charge a hefty sum for the convenience. She didn’t plan to marry one, though. Fifteen years ago, her engagement with prison chaplain Killian Glass ended after she discovered that he moonlighted as a murderer. Since then, their relationship has been strictly professional. In fact, he’s even her best client. Their arrangement works—that is, until Hope makes a mistake and Killian changes the rules. Now, a gruesome game of cat-and-mouse is about to be played in the never-ending night of Iceland’s northern winter . . . But who will come out on top? This literary thriller is perfect for fans of the TV Series Killing Eve and will keep you hooked right until the last page. This book contains reference to drug use, violence, and sex.

...WHILE THE STREETS OF LONDON HAD SHERLOCK HOLMES, THE DARK ALLEYS OF EDINBURGH HAD INSPECTOR JAMES McLEVY| 'ASHTON IS THE DIRECT HEIR TO ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON' actor Brian Cox | 'EXCELLENT' The Sherlock Holmes Society | 'DRIPPING WITH MELODRAMA AND DERRING-DO' Herald ELEGANT AND CONVINCING' The Times 1880, Edinburgh. Election fever grips the city. But while the rich and educated argue about politics, in the dank wynds of the docks it's a struggle just to stay alive. When a prostitute is brutally murdered, disturbing memories from thirty years ago are stirred in Inspector McLevy who is soon lured into a murky world of politics, perversion and deception - and the shadow of the serpent. BASED ON THE LONG-RUNNING BBC RADIO 4 McLEVY DRAMA SERIES THE INSPECTOR MCLEVY SERIES 1 - Shadow of the Serpent 2 - Fall from Grace 3 - A Trick of the Light 4 - Nor Will He Sleep

Betrayal. Fleeing from enemies on all sides, Merlin vows to protect young Arthur with his life and restore him to his rightful throne - but when Merlin's past reveals itself, he is left with few choices. After destroying the sinister Druid Stone and freeing his people from its dark control with God's might, Merlin finds himself to be a royal advisor without a king. Along with his friend Garth and Natalenya, his betrothed, Merlin treks north with the orphaned Arthur in hopes of keeping the young ruler safe from soldiers misled by their turncoat captain. Relentlessly pursued by his nemesis Vortigern, Merlin and his band make for the fortress of Dintaga. But dangers multiply when Merlin realizes that Vortigern is not his only enemy. Even his own sister appears bent on Merlin's destruction. As the threat on all their lives increases, Merlin discovers their only hope is sailing to the lands of eternal darkness and once again cleansing the world from an ancient and powerful evil. The thrilling sequel to Merlin's Blade, Merlin's Shadow includes: Christian, faith-based retelling of the Arthurian legend map, character guide, and recap of Merlin's Blade rich historical detail perfect for young fans of Stephen Lawhead Don't miss the other titles in The Merlin Spiral trilogy: Merlin's Blade (Book 1) and Merlin's Nightmare (Book 3)

A collection of poems focusing on Sarmatia, an ancient name for a part of Eastern Europe near Russia, dealing with the guilty spirits of this place that the author loved as a child, and helped destroy as part of the Nazi army.