Description Avon, New York, 1983, 1st/1st. Avon Original Publication; Out of Print. ISBN 0-380-82206-7. MMPB, 191 pages. Wraps show some edge and cover wear, crease on rear wrap; binding tight with a wave. Interior clean and unmarked with tanned pages; black & white Family Tree diagram and map. ‘Elinor Dammert abandoned her first-born child in a bargain with Mary-Love Caskey of Perdido, Alabama, and set in motion a series of strange familial entanglements. Her goals: power, money, her way. … even if it meant murder – or a horrifying ancient ritual death.’ (from rear wrap)

Plot Overview

The story delves into the dark and twisted relationships forged by Elinor Dammert, whose desperate and ruthless decisions ripple across generations. Set against the contrasting backdrops of small-town New York and the mysterious South, the narrative explores themes of betrayal, ambition, and the supernatural.

Characters

• Elinor Dammert: A woman driven by ambition and a hunger for control, whose actions set the novel’s central conflict into motion.
• Mary-Love Caskey: The enigmatic figure from Alabama who becomes entwined in Elinor’s schemes, harboring secrets of her own.
• The Abandoned Child: The innocent caught in the crossfire, whose fate is crucial to the unfolding mystery and the family's dark legacy.

Special Features

This edition includes a detailedFamily Tree diagram that helps readers navigate the complex relationships, as well as amap highlighting key locations significant to the plot. These visual aids enrich the reading experience and provide deeper insight into the story’s setting and lineage intricacies.

Condition and Collectibility

This original Avon publication remains a sought-after collector’s item, especially considering its out-of-print status. While the wraps exhibit edge and cover wear alongside a crease on the rear, the tight binding and clean interior pages make it a valuable addition to any vintage paperback collection. The tanning of the pages is consistent with its age, adding to its nostalgic charm.

Critical Reception

Upon release, the novel received praise for its compelling blend of suspense and gothic elements, with particular commendation for its atmospheric storytelling and well-drawn characters. Readers have noted the author’s skillful weaving of ancient ritualistic themes into a modern narrative, heightening the novel’s eerie and immersive quality.

Conclusion

For enthusiasts of dark family sagas steeped in mystery and the supernatural, this 1983 Avon edition offers a gripping tale that lingers long after the final page. Its blend of intrigue, emotional complexity, and chilling rituals ensures it remains a memorable and haunting read.