From the Publisher

An island of beauty becomes a gateway to terror . . .

Few could argue that the exclusive island of San Martin is anything less than paradise. In this wealthy enclave, veterinarian Markie Cross has a thriving practice, but her almost psychic connection to animals has made human relationships — especially with men — harder to navigate. Until mystery, murder and something unfathomable shatter her world . . .

People are dying strange, unexplained deaths. Island medical examiner Declan Quinn is stunned at the unearthly condition of the bodies, and he and Markie share a dark suspicion that something terrifying and impossible is at work here. Something that may not be human.

As a sinister message becomes clearer, Markie and Dec race to understand the tragic history of this island paradise and unlock the true nature of the evil now descending. Because if they can't, Markie may become the next victim . . .

Publishers Weekly

An attention-grabbing prologue narrated by the family dog sets the pace for this supernatural thriller set on a wealthy Caribbean island. When an unseen force rips the life and all the bodily substance from several San Martin citizens, territorial medical examiner Declan Quinn fears the cause may be a deadly disease. But the dogs of San Martin know better, especially Kato, a wolf-husky hybrid owned by the island vet, Markie Cross. The dogs sense what the old-time locals know; evil Annie Black, who has been dead for the past 200 years, is back. A couple of greedy mortals have unwittingly summoned Annie's spirit by searching for her treasure, which is buried on Markie's land. To save Markie from being consumed by Annie's spirit, Declan devises a risky plan that will destroy Annie's ghost but may harm Markie, too. Like Lee's previous offerings (With Malice, etc.), this tale is both entertaining and informative, offering a wealth of information on forensic science, the control of contagious diseases and the emotional and physical attributes of our four-legged friends. With its smartly paced dialogue and seamless interweaving of both canine and human viewpoints, this well-rounded story is sure to be one of Lee's top-selling titles. (Jan.) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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Read a Sample Chapter

Something Deadly

Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.

Chapter One

He drew in the air in quick, rapid sniffs, emptying his lungs when he could hold no more, repeating the process again and again, focusing, letting his agile mind filter out the familiar to pinpoint the new odor. Cold. Earth. Must. Decay. Chill. Death. Evil.

Woof.

One quick noise, as much to chase the horrid scent from his nostrils as to alert the master. But the smell would not leave. The growl grew low in his chest as he rolled onto his haunches, not yet standing, still sampling the air.

Go away!

"What's wrong, buddy?"

The master's voice, so soothing with its deep rumble, barely reached his mind. In a smooth, graceful motion, he rose and trotted to the front window, his nose still foul with the air. Couldn't the master smell it? Probably not. The master and his wife missed so much of the world.

His pupils widened as he approached the glass, beyond which lay the dark world, full of the rising scents of nighttime. But they held no interest. It was there. It was right out there.

Arrf-arr-arr-arr-arr-arrf!

Begone! This is my master's home! You may not enter!

If it heard him, or understood, it paid him no heed. But his friends in the other houses heard, and understood, taking up the cry.

"What, Shadow?" the master said, now at his side.

Shadow looked up at him, then out the window again, growling an angry warning as it approached.

"There's nothing there, boy! Stop that racket."

The master couldn't see it? Of course he couldn't smell it, but couldn't he see?

ARR-ARR-ARR-ARR-ARRUFF-ARR-ARR-ARRUFFARRUFF!

No! You can't have him! I will die before I let you near him! Begone! Evil! Danger!

Shadow looked up, his teeth bared, as it came through the glass - how could that be? - and leapt up at it, snarling and snapping, clawing at it and finding nothing.

"Calm down, boy!" the master said, though his scent now held the tiniest inkling of fear.

Be afraid, Master! Run!

Shadow grabbed the cuff of his master's pants and pulled.

Run! Please!

The master reached down to push him away. Noooooo! Shadow made one last lunge, then turned to the foul horror that seemed to stab at his nostrils like the quills of a porcupine and let out a savage growl, leaping between it and the master.

But it passed right through and into the master's body, now curling and ripping inside him. The master crumpled to the floor. Shadow pushed at him with his firm nose.

Fight it!

He pawed the master's arm, then his face, carefully, so that only the soft hairs between the pads of his paw touched the skin.

Don't go!

But the awful evil would not be deterred. With a horrible, joyful cry, it tore something deep inside. Shadow heard the ripping sound and saw the light go from his master's eyes.

Noooooo!

But the master's spirit wouldn't listen. It floated up and off, leaving nothing but the limp husk on the floor. Sated, the evil left, though Shadow was only dimly aware of its leaving.

The master's spirit was gone.

No more morning walks to talk to Shadow's neighbors.

No more of his rough hands behind Shadow's ears, working fur and skin and flesh as joy danced in Shadow's heart.

No more easing his feet into the slippers to settle in for dinner with his wife.

Shadow turned his nose to the heavens and howled at the master's soul.

Please don't leave me!

Please don't leave!

Please don't!

Please!

(Continues...)

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Excerpted from Something Deadly by Rachel Lee Copyright © 2004 by Harlequin Enterprises, Ltd.. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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