The shadow of Bram Stoker’s Dracula looms large over the darkest mystery yet faced by Victorian detective Charles Maddox—as the acclaimed author of The Solitary House and A Fatal Likeness once again pays homage to a literary classic, in a chilling tale of superstition, dangerous science, and shocking secrets. When an Austrian nobleman offers a substantial donation to the University of Oxford, Charles Maddox is called on to investigate the generous benefactor. It is a decidedly mundane task for the increasingly renowned criminal investigator, but Maddox welcomes the chance to trade London’s teeming streets for the comforts of a castle in the Viennese countryside. Comfort, however, is in short supply once Maddox steps onto foreign soil—and into the company of the mysterious Baron Von Reisenberg. A man of impeccable breeding, the Baron is nonetheless the subject of frightened whispers and macabre legends. Though Maddox isn’t one to entertain supernatural beliefs, the dank halls and foreboding shadows of the castle begin to haunt his sleep with nightmares. But in the light of day the veteran detective can find no evidence of the sinister—until a series of disturbing incidents prove him gravely mistaken and thrust him into a harrowing quest to expose whatever evil lurks behind the locked doors of the Baron’s secretive domain. After a terrifying encounter nearly costs him his sanity, Maddox is forced to return home defeated—and still pursued by the horror he’s unearthed. Owing to a string of gruesome murders committed by an elusive predator branded the Vampire, London is on the verge of widespread panic. But there’s little doubt in Maddox’s mind who is responsible. And whether his enemy proves merely mortal—or something more—Maddox must finally end the monstrous affair . . . before more innocent blood is spilled. Praise for The Pierced Heart “Another tour de force with a striking finale from [Lynn] Shepherd, who specializes in turning iconic novels into clever, complicated mysteries for her tormented hero to solve.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Shepherd’s [plots] are darkly serious and feel very real. . . . The idea that Stoker’s novel was somehow inspired by events surrounding the subject of Maddox’s investigation seems tantalizing plausible. Another sterling entry in this imaginative series.”—Booklist “A heart-thumping climax . . . The Pierced Heart is a clever and seductive pastiche of genres [that] builds to an electrifying and stunning dénouement. A stylish and gripping Gothic revival.”—Lancashire Evening Post “Compulsively readable, suspenseful, and dark . . . The book is unsettling in the best way. . . . This is a new tale, with a similar creepy flavor that Dracula lovers will enjoy.”—Historical Novels Review “With wonderfully descriptive passages and stunningly atmospheric prose, Shepherd spins a compelling, intricately plotted story which quite capably stands apart from the novel that inspires it.”—Book Batter (five stars) “Captures some of the best elements of Dracula, while at the same time creating a thrilling and absorbing crime novel.”—The Dracula Society

DarbyI'm here. Back in the same town I ran from years ago and the man I left behind. Pierce Kendrick, the man I've never stopped loving.The day he walked up to me with his cocky smile, everything changed.Now, I don't recognize the cold, harsh, bitter man that stands in his place. It's time Pierce knows why I left, and the secrets that drove me away. Nothing could prepare me for what happens next. The man I loved reappears. This time, he's a powerhouse, determined to get back what we lost. Can it be that simple? PierceShe's home. Darby Graham, the woman who ruined me, has returned. She rolls back into town, stirring up memories and feelings that I buried long ago. One look at her and I know she's been hiding something. What I don't expect is for the truth to rock my world. For a second time in my life, I'm helpless against the power Darby holds over me. She's mine.Her resistance fuels my determination. My insistence drives her wild. She says we're impossible. I say she's wrong. And I'm going to prove it. Darby Graham thinks I'm crazy. She's about to see how crazy things can be.

In this profound and illuminating work, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger turns the gaze of an accomplished theologian upon the crucified Savior. This synthetic and meditative work is theological without being abstract or dry, and spiritual without being sentimental. The pierced heart of Christ must be the heart of theology and Christian life as well. Proceeding from the prayerful dialogue between the Incarnate Son and his Eternal Father, Joseph Ratzinger shows how one can approach the mystery of the Heart of Christ only through the imitation of this prayer. To know and understand Jesus we must participate in his prayer. The prayer of Christ must be the interior life of all who are joined to him in his Body, the Church. Using the Old and New Testaments and the Church Fathers, Ratzinger shows that the ecclesial community (the Church) was born from the pierced Heart of Christ on the Cross.

From Wall Street Journal and USA Today Bestselling Author M. Robinson comes a contemporary romance duet filled with all the feels of a epic love story.What do you do when you meet your soulmate at seven-years-old?You give...You live...And you love...Together.Forever.To have and to hold.Until you hear the words, "I just don't love you anymore."Putting an end to me.To you.To us.Choosing YouA single glance.A fleeting moment.A solitary touch could make everything worth it.This was my breaking point.This was where I lost myself completely.I did the only thing that made sense.The only thing I had left to give.I begged her...To take me with her.

Pick up where the best-selling book one left off. The Chosen Book Two features forty brand-new devotions that contain a Scripture, a unique look into a Gospel story, suggestions for prayer, and questions that lead you further in your relationship with Christ. Foreword by Alex Kendrick.

The Book of Psalms has provided comfort, nourishment and challenge to many people over hundreds of years. With this retelling of psalms and other familiar Scripture texts Patricia Stevenson, RSJ, shares the essence of these great prayers in language of today. and makes them available to all who seek their help and comfort. The additional prayers are an invitation to witness in these ancient writings a voice that reminds us of the communion that unites the joys and sufferings of people everywhere.