Serpent in the Shadows — Ann Barron

THE HAND OF DEATH

Nicole loved Oak Shadows, loved the bearded oaks, the stately white columns, the moss-hung archways that she recalled from her youth. Now she would be its mistress: she was coming home as a bride, happy at last with Shannon beside her.

But within the stately mansion, the family she loved was shadowed by gloom - and fear. They were a frozen tableau - unable to fight the merciless claws of greed that hovered around them and threatened to engulf Nicole in its evil pattern...