Thief of Shadows

Winter Makepeace lives a double life. By day he's the stoic headmaster of a home for foundling children. But the night brings out a darker side of Winter. As the moon rises, so does the Ghost of St. Giles-protector, judge, fugitive. When the Ghost, beaten and wounded, is rescued by a beautiful aristocrat, Winter has no idea that his two worlds are about to collide.

Lady Isabel Beckinhall enjoys nothing more than a challenge. Yet when she's asked to tutor the Home's dour manager in the ways of society-flirtation, double-entendres, and scandalous liaisons-Isabel can't help wondering why his eyes seem so familiar-and his lips so tempting.

During the day Isabel and Winter engage in a battle of wills. At night their passions are revealed . . . But when little girls start disappearing from St. Giles, Winter must avenge them. For that he might have to sacrifice everything-the Home, Isabel . . . and his life.

Reviewed by Cheryl Sneed

"I really liked Winter and, while it took a bit longer for me to warm to Isabel, I did wind up rooting for her. They make an unlikely pair, and I finished the book wondering if they are truly suited for each other over the long haul, but this is fantasy, after all. I appreciated Winter's interactions with the children and his obvious love for them. There was a side plot that ran throughout the book that felt completely unconnected to the story, and was there solely to set up the next book in the series, that I found to be intrusive and annoying.

But, Thief of Shadows is Winter's story, and, in the end succeeds, for he is a fascinating and compelling character."

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