Catherine Stine crafts historical and urban fantasy novels, alongside paranormal romance, earning acclaim as a USA Today bestselling author. Her works, recognized with Indie Notable awards and the New York Public Library's Best Books for Teens designation, delve into the realm of supernatural creatures. A lifelong fascination with dark fantasy, possibly sparked by childhood readings of Poe, informs her distinctive narrative voice. She writes to explore the fantastical within the human experience.
The plot revolves around a mysterious drowning that intertwines with the story of a beautiful terrorist and a quest for a magical hybrid. As tensions rise, the protagonist must confront the possibility that their greatest enemy might hold the key to saving the world. Themes of unlikely alliances and the complexities of good versus evil drive this thrilling narrative.
When Evalina is imprisoned for witchcraft, will her supernatural bond with animals be her curse or salvation?In 1854, Evalina Stowe witnesses the murder of her brother by Dr. Dowdrick, an enraged client at the tailor’s where they work. Desperate to stop him, she rouses a swarm of wasps that sting the doctor while she stabs him with scissors, and then flees. At a subsequent job when birds race to her defense, Evalina is declared a witch and sent to Philadelphia’s Eastern State Penitentiary.While imprisoned, Evalina is horrified not only to learn that Dr. Dowdrick is still alive, but he’s experimenting on inmates. Determined to get inside his Eclectic Medical School, to expose his nefarious activities, she’s passionate about protecting fellow prisoners, especially Lewin, a child thief who knew her brother, and Birdy, a kind, resilient Welsh man serving time for a worker’s death while blasting granite for the railroad.Evalina, her friends and her “wild beasts” work against time to unmask Dowdrick’s crimes when she participates with him in a symposium, showcasing Philadelphia’s premium doctors. If they fail, not only will the doctor’s evil deeds continue unchecked but Evalina and her crew will surely be hung. Actual historical figures such as Dr. Thomas Mutter and Charles Dickens spice up this thriller, brimming with historical gems. A second place winner in RWA’s 2019 Valley Forge Sheila Contest.
Exploring the essence of identity, this book delves into the profound question of what truly defines a person when all external aspects shift. It examines the interplay between personal evolution and the core self, inviting readers to reflect on their own transformations and the enduring elements that shape who they are. Through thought-provoking narratives, it challenges conventional notions of identity and encourages a deeper understanding of self amidst change.