"The Devil's Madonna is an atmospheric thriller with a wicked twist. Sharon Potts writes with tremendous heart—and knows how to bring the chills."
—MEG GARDINER, Edgar award-winning author of The Nightmare Thief
Pregnant with her first child and a recent convert to Judaism, artist Kali Miller at last understands the joy of being part of a loving family. But Kali must put her cosseted life on hold to care for her ninety-three-year-old non-Jewish grandmother who has inexplicably lit dozens of sacred Yahrzeit Memorial candles throughout her decaying Miami Beach home, almost burning it down. Kali probes her enigmatic grandmother, Lillian, for an explanation and information about her roots, but Lillian becomes increasingly paranoid. She believes that someone from her past has found her and a painting she has hidden for over seventy years. A painting Lillian associates with her inadvertent role in one of the most horrendous episodes in history. Plagued with nightmares, guilt, and terrifying memories of her life in 1930s Berlin, Lillian reveals cryptic details to Kali. But only when Kali discovers her grandmother's secrets in the old house's hidden rooms does the full truth finally emerge. A truth that, if exposed, will have devastating consequences for Kali, her unborn child, and perhaps even the world.
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Oceanview Publishing, (September 2012), ISBN-13: 9781608090495
Neil's breaths came short and quick as he rounded the curve and jogged down the dark road past houses hidden behind high hedges and bougainvillea-covered walls.
Almost home.
It was unseasonably warm for November, even by Miami Beach standards, and his T-shirt was drenched with sweat from his five-mile run. It couldn't be much after seven, since he'd headed out around six fifteen. He'd shower, grab a beer and last night's leftover Chinese food, then work on his research paper for a few hours. Give the packing and boxing a break and maybe get to bed early for a change.
The narrow sidewalks were cracked and overgrown with bushes so Neil stayed in the street. There were very few cars, just like when he was growing up. It was weird; he'd only been back a few days, but it seemed as though he'd never left. This was where he used to ride his bike, sneak over to the vacant lot by the bay to fish, hang out behind the big old banyan tree and smoke pot.
In the distance he could see an unnatural, wavering brightness coming through the windows of the neglected two-story house next door to the one where he'd spent his childhood. The movement of low-hanging palm fronds in the front yard created the illusion of an old black-and-white movie on a broken projector. He tried to process what he was seeing. The interior lights were expanding and contracting. A lot like flames. What the hell?
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"You'll love this book! The Devil's Madonna is rich with high concept, captivating characters and a relentless plot that simply won't let go."
—JEFFERY DEAVER, New York Times best-selling author of XO
"I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. Carefully crafted and cleverly written, the suspense never stops in this cinematic and evocative thriller."
—HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN, Anthony, Macavity, and Agatha award-winning author of The Other Woman
"The Devil's Madonna is terrific... A tightly written, suspenseful thrill-ride with a completely shocking conclusion."
—LISA UNGER, New York Times best-selling author of Darkness, My Old Friend: A Novel
"The Devil's Madonna is an atmospheric thriller with a wicked twist. Sharon Potts writes with tremendous heart—and knows how to bring the chills."
—MEG GARDINER, Edgar award-winning author of The Nightmare Thief
"The Devil's Madonna is a complex and atmospheric story filled with Poe-esque creepiness and Hitchcockian twists and turns. Author Potts has constructed her novel on the solid ground of compelling storytelling, housing captivating characters and scenes.
Dark and compelling, The Devil's Madonna is Sharon Potts's best work to date."
—New York Journal of Books
"This exciting thriller grips the audience with a need to know from the moment we meet grandma and never slows down until the final twisting confrontation that ties 1930s Berlin with present day Miami. Although over the top of the Austrian Alps, readers will enjoy this aptly titled entertaining chiller."
—The Mystery Gazette
"A truly riveting and gripping novel, especially for those who remember the pre-World War II era and the War—or for those who have an interest in that era, but a great story for any reader who loves suspense (tons of it), thrills, convoluted plot lines, secrets, characters with something to hide, and threats to the characters. ...
It's common to speak of a page-a-minute thriller, but this novel truly is one. I couldn't put it aside, and I know readers won't either. Buy this one and settle in to read in peace-and be thankful for that peace."
—Mallory Heart Reviews