The Pierced Heart: A Novel (Charles Maddox Book 4)

The Pierced Heart: A Novel (Charles Maddox Book 4)

The shadow of Bram Stokerâ€™s Dracula looms large over the darkest mystery yet faced by Victorian detective Charles Maddoxâ€”as the acclaimed author of The Solitary House and A Fatal Likeness once again pays homage to a literary classic, in a chilling tale of superstition, dangerous science, and shocking secrets.
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When an Austrian nobleman offers a substantial donation to the University of Oxford, Charles Maddox is called on to investigate the generous benefactor. It is a decidedly mundane task for the increasingly renowned criminal investigator, but Maddox welcomes the chance to trade Londonâ€™s teeming streets for the comforts of a castle in the Viennese countryside. Comfort, however, is in short supply once Maddox steps onto foreign soilâ€”and into the company of the mysterious Baron Von Reisenberg.
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A man of impeccable breeding, the Baron is nonetheless the subject of frightened whispers and macabre legends. Though Maddox isnâ€™t one to entertain supernatural beliefs, the dank halls and foreboding shadows of the castle begin to haunt his sleep with nightmares. But in the light of day the veteran detective can find no evidence of the sinisterâ€”until a series of disturbing incidents prove him gravely mistaken and thrust him into a harrowing quest to expose whatever evil lurks behind the locked doors of the Baronâ€™s secretive domain. After a terrifying encounter nearly costs him his sanity, Maddox is forced to return home defeatedâ€”and still pursued by the horror heâ€™s unearthed.
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Owing to a string of gruesome murders committed by an elusive predator branded the Vampire, London is on the verge of widespread panic. But thereâ€™s little doubt in Maddoxâ€™s mind who is responsible. And whether his enemy proves merely mortalâ€”or something moreâ€”Maddox must finally end the monstrous affair . . . before more innocent blood is spilled.
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Praise for The Pierced Heart
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â€œAnother tour de force with a striking finale from [Lynn] Shepherd, who specializes in turning iconic novels into clever, complicated mysteries for her tormented hero to solve.â€â€”Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
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â€œShepherdâ€™s [plots] are darkly serious and feel very real. . . . The idea that Stokerâ€™s novel was somehow inspired by events surrounding the subject of Maddoxâ€™s investigation seems tantalizing plausible. Another sterling entry in this imaginative series.â€â€”Booklist
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â€œA heart-thumping climax . . . The Pierced Heart is a clever and seductive pastiche of genres [that] builds to an electrifying and stunning dÃ©nouement. A stylish and gripping Gothic revival.â€â€”Lancashire Evening Post
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â€œCompulsively readable, suspenseful, and dark . . . The book is unsettling in the best way. . . . This is a new tale, with a similar creepy flavor that Dracula lovers will enjoy.â€â€”Historical Novels Review
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â€œWith wonderfully descriptive passages and stunningly atmospheric prose, Shepherd spins a compelling, intricately plotted story which quite capably stands apart from the novel that inspires it.â€â€”Book Batter (five stars)

â€œCaptures some of the best elements of Dracula, while at the same time creating a thrilling and absorbing crime novel.â€â€”The Dracula Society

From the Hardcover edition.

Country	USA
Author	Lynn Shepherd
Binding	Kindle Edition
EISBN	9780345545442
Format	Kindle eBook
Label	Delacorte Press
Manufacturer	Delacorte Press
NumberOfPages	257
PublicationDate	2014-10-21
Publisher	Delacorte Press
ReleaseDate	2014-10-21
Studio	Delacorte Press

The Pierced Heart: A Novel (Charles Maddox Book 4)

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