The Libertine

Walker follows The Harlot with the engrossing tale of a male witch in 1715 Scotland and the intelligent, vulnerable woman he comes to love. Lennox Fingal hasn’t had an easy life: after he and his twin sisters were forced to watch their mother stoned to death by villagers who had condemned her as a witch, the children were separated. Years later, Lennox has settled near Saint Andrews, Scotland. Chloris Keavey’s husband beats her because after eight years of marriage she hasn’t become pregnant. When Chloris, the cousin of Lennox’s archenemy, hears a servant mention that Lennox’s magic might be able to repair her barrenness, she heads to his home to beg for his help. What she doesn’t expect is to fall in love—and Lennox, who initially seduces Chloris to spite her cousin, soon returns her affection. Walker deftly spins a captivating tale that will have readers holding their collective breath until the last page is turned. Agent: Roberta Brown, the Brown Literary Agency. (Mar.)