Cusp of Night — Mae Clair

In this supernatural thriller series opener, a librarian moves to a small town following a near-death experience, and a chain of chilling events occur.

Recently settled in Hode's Hill, Pennsylvania, Maya Sinclair is enthralled by the town's folklore, especially the legend about a centuries-old monster. A devil-like creature with uncanny abilities responsible for several horrific murders, the Fiend has evolved into the stuff of urban myth. But the past lives again when Maya witnesses an assault during the annual “Fiend Fest.” The victim is developer Leland Hode, patriarch of the town's most powerful family, and he was attacked by someone dressed like the Fiend.

Compelled to discover who is behind the attack and why, Maya uncovers a shortlist of enemies of the Hode clan. The mystery deepens when she finds the journal of a late nineteenth-century spiritualist who once lived in Maya's house -- a woman whose ghost may still linger. Known as the Blue Lady of Hode's Hill due to a genetic condition, Lucinda Glass vanished without a trace and was believed to be one of the Fiend's tragic victims. The disappearance of a young couple, combined with more sightings of the monster, trigger Maya to join forces with Leland's son Collin. But the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she comes to a hidden world of twisted secrets, insanity, and evil that refuses to die . . .

Praise for Cusp of Night

“[Clair's] writing is exquisitely detailed, bringing fresh visuals to every scene. Her characters are so well drawn you feel you could walk up to them in the street and hold a conversation with them. The intertwining stories keep that edge-of-the-seat need to continue reading, even when you know you should really get on with your working day, and the conclusion is satisfying and complete.” -- Deborah Jay, author of the Five Kingdoms series<