Shady Lady

Violent revenge threatens a demon-touched amateur witch in the solid third Corine Solomon adventure (after 2010's Hell Fire). Corine is ready to return to her normal life as a pawnshop owner, but when Kel Ferguson, Hand of God, arrives just in time to save her from touching an item hexed to kill her, she discovers that a drug cartel boss is out for her blood. Corine, Kel, and Corine's teen ward, Shannon, dodge enemies from Mexico City to Laredo, Tex.—with an even more dangerous side trip to Peru—while striking bargains with red witches, a rival cartel, demons, and their own consciences. Corine's inner turmoil over using dark powers to survive is compelling, as is her attraction to the strong and appealing Kel (even though he's love interest #3). Aguirre has a gift for creating strong characters who keep her readers coming back for more. (Apr.)