Hunting the Witch — Ellen Hart

Jane Lawless is slowly recovering from a head injury gained after a run-in with a killer, working a limited schedule at her restaurant, the Lyme House, and trying to stay in touch with Dr. Julia Martinsen, Jane's former lover who wants to rekindle their relationship. Jane is reluctant, not because she doubts her own or Julia's feelings, but because she feels Julia is keeping one too many secrets about her professional life.

When a man is murdered, Jane's suspicions are confirmed by Julia's stunned but evasive reaction. Partly to discover what her lover is hiding and partly out of fear for Julia's safety, Jane reluctantly resumes the role of sleuth, teaming up with her good friend and partner-in-investigation, Cordelia Thorn. Then, finding another connection between her own life and the life of the murder victim, Jane becomes even more unsure of who she can trust and who she can't. Before she realizes what's at stake in this complex murder case, Jane finds herself in more danger than ever before.

Hunting the Witch is an intriguing puzzle highlighted by a delightful cast and an eerie, complicated story. For fans of Jane Lawless's previous adventures, and for readers new to Ellen Hart's trademark talent for chilling suspense and flesh-and-blood characters, Hunting the Witch is a real winner.