The witches, they are real...
A series of bizarre assaults is mystifying Boston police: an unknown attacker is viciously beating random strangers and leaving a note quoting an old warning about witchcraft. History professor Alex Maple was one of the victims, and now heâs gone missing. Vickie Preston is certain that someone has taken her friend for malicious purposes. Sheâs having blood-drenched visions that seem to be staining her waking life, and the escalating attacks suggest that a dangerous cult is at work behind the scenesâa cult so powerful that its members would rather die than be apprehended.
Vickie is grateful to have Special Agent Griffin Pryce and the FBIâs elite Krewe of Hunters on her side. She and Griffin are finding their way in an increasingly passionate relationship, and Griffin is desperately trying to keep her safe and the two of them sane amid the disturbing investigation. The search for Alex will take them deep into the wilderness of Massachusetts on the trail of a serial killer, and it will take everything they have to survive the ancient evil that awakens and threatens not just the man theyâre striving to save but their very souls.
Praise for New York Times bestselling author
Heather Graham
âIntricate, fast-paced, and intense, this riveting thriller blends romance and suspense in perfect combination and keeps readers guessing and the tension taut until the very end.â
âLibrary Journal on Flawless
âGraham is a master at world building and her latest is a thrilling, dark, and deadly tale of romantic suspense.â
âBooklist, starred review, on Haunted Destiny
âA riveting mystery...interesting history, [and a] sweet romance with a second chance at love.â
âFresh Fiction on Darkest Journey
âGraham is the queen of romantic suspense, and her latest is proof that she deserves the title. What makes this story more fun than most is the relationship between Kieran Finnegan, who wants nothing more than family harmony and a functioning restaurant, and FBI agent Craig Fraiser, who wants justice. Sparks fly, and itâs electric.â
âRT Book Reviews on Flawless
âThe Krewe is back! Graham excels at weaving history, finding the proper balance between past and present and keeping a story fresh and authentic, with Haunted Destiny being no exception. The chaos and camaraderie of the characters are captured with vivid detail, and the identity of the killer will keep you guessing until the very end.â
âRT Book Reviews on Haunted Destiny
âGraham stands at the top of the romantic suspense category.â
âPublishers Weekly
âAn incredible storyteller.â
âLos Angeles Daily News
In memory of two men from Massachusetts.
My uncle George Law.
An amazing in-law I would have been proud to have as a blood relative, as close and giving and supportive as any family could be. Kind, generous, wonderful. A true hero in his strength and kindness.
And my dear friend Dennis Cummins.
Musician, bandmate, Lizzie Borden house protector, Biography Channel Andrew to my Abby and Chynna Skyeâs Lizzie, amazing friend who quietly made every occasion together one that made me smile.
I loved them both, and it is trueâ
the world is a poorer place now that they are gone.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Victoria (Vickie) Prestonâhistorian and author
Griffin Pryceâspecial agent with the FBIâs Krewe of Hunters
Jackson Crowâfield director, Krewe of Hunters
Craig âRockyâ Rockwellâspecial agent with
the FBIâs Krewe of Hunters
Devin Lyleâchildrenâs author and Krewe agent
Dylan Ballantineâghost of a seventeen-year-old boy
who haunts Vickie
Darlene Duttonâghost of a nineteen-year-old girl
Roxanne GreeleyâVickieâs best friend
Alex Mapleâhistory professor and Vickieâs friend
Milton Hansonâprofessor
Ron and Cathy Dearbornâlocal musicians
Isaac Shermanâman whose wife went missing
Law Enforcement
David Barnesâdetective with Boston PD
Jim Tracyâsketch artist
Wendell HarperâMassachusetts State Police
Robert Mertonâdetective from Bristol, Rhode Island
Cole Magruderâdetective from Fall River, Massachusetts
Charlie Oakleyâretired detective in
Fall River, Massachusetts
Prologue
Alex Maple wasnât sure, as he first became aware of himself, if he was alive or dead.
He was miserable; he knew that.
Aliveâhe had to be alive to hurt in so many places.
He hadnât opened his eyes. Slowly, he tried to do so. At first, he thought about the Undertakersâthe duo of kidnapping killers who had recently terrorized Boston. He was probably buriedâdeep in the earth, in a hole, in a Dumpster, in newly poured roadwork...
No. When he opened his eyes, there was light.
Too much light, maybe. Looking around, he realized that he wasnât buried. The harsh light of a naked bulb filled the room where he lay.