The Devil's Bastard

by Charlsie Russell, Nancy McDowell (Editor)

Natchez on the river, 1794. The Spanish Fleet controls the Mississippi, and the Dons rule their rowdy British and American subjects with a patient hand. The location is strategic, the land fertile, and within two decades, cotton will be king. Into this web of international intrigue, the rich and powerful Elizabeth Boswell welcomes her orphaned grandniece Angelique Veilleux and introduces the impoverished beauty to a world of privilege. But power has its enemies and wealth demands a price. Rumor has it Elizabeth's success stems from dalliance with a lustful demon that still prowls her family farm of De Leau outside Natchez. At the center of this ominous legend is Elizabeth's grandson, the handsome and dangerous Mathias Douglas who saves Angelique from degradation and death near the end of her journey to Natchez. Mathias is the son of the doomed Julianna, Elizabeth's only daughter. Mathias' father, locals whisper, is Elizabeth's demon. Despite the dark rumors, Angelique cannot quell her feelings for Mathias, for whom she would make any sacrifice. An outcast, Mathias is cruelly tested by the temptation of Angelique's affection. Determined not to dishonor her, he callously puts her aside. But Elizabeth has other plans and offers him the family farm at De Leau to marry the girl. Soon Angelique finds herself desperately in love with the man who has conquered her body and possessed her soul. But something in the swamps surrounding De Leau stalks her, and nightmares invade her dreams. What she perceives as Mathias' indifference to the threat leaves Angelique isolated and afraid. She begins to doubt her grandaunt's motives for sending her to De Leau, as well as Mathias' role in Elizabeth's plan. Resolving her doubts means uncovering the secret of Mathias' sire. From Mathias and Angelique's first meeting to Elizabeth Boswell's revelation at story's end, "The Devil's Bastard" is a splendid read. First and foremost a sensual romance, it is also a well-researched historical with a haunting mystery.

331 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 5, 2012

About the author

Charlsie Russell is the oldest child of a Mississippi father and an Arkansan mother. After graduating from the University of Mississippi in 1972 with a degree in archaeology, she entered the Navy's Officer Candidate School from where she emerged an ensign. She retired in 1993 as a full commander in Naval Intelligenge, and returned with her family to her home state of Mississippi. After the last of her five children entered kindergarten she indulged her loves of reading, history,and the South, delving into the world of writing.

After seven years of rejection, she woke up one morning and decided she did not have enough years left on this planet to sit back and hope a New York publisher would one day take a risk on her novels. Thus resolved, she expanded her horizons into the publishing realm with the creation of Loblolly Writer's House. She focuses her writing on historical suspense set in Mississippi.

Reviews

[Robin E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Deeply Riveting

Well written and mysterious to the end. A glimpse into a bit of Mississippi history. Wonderful characters. Can't wait to read more from this author.