Consumed

In the sequel to Possessed, Cann wraps up her creepy mystery set deep in the English countryside. Having her false boyfriend use her in his attempt to unleash the evil centered at Morton's Keep has left Rayne with lingering unease. Just as she's hoping that St. John and his cult have truly been defeated by Ethan and the local pagan fire group, Rayne's life is unsettled again with the arrival of a new house manager. Miss Skelton is determined to capitalize on Morton Keep's grim past, even at the expense of stirring the lurking evil. After a girl is murdered at one of the fire group's sacred sites, it's clear someone is committing profane acts to break the ring of protection and unleash the Keep's horror on the world. Eccentric characters are well-matched by absorbing writing and a satisfactory ending. Cann effectively builds both romantic and dramatic tension in a captivating gothic atmosphere, as Rayne struggles to reconcile her modern sensibilities with myths and legends that refuse to be laid to rest. Ages 14–up. (Feb.)