Settling in Nazareth

by Sandy DeLuca

Ruby is a loner, skilled with sleight of hand and an uncanny sixth sense. Her companion is a mystical feline named Matty. Johnny, her dead lover, is also by her side - gifting her with cryptic messages and prophetic dreams. He’s been on the road with her for years - even when she leaves Boston with stolen money and a van crammed with magical paraphernalia.

Her plan is to go to Atlantic City, meet a somewhat shady connection, and lay low from cops who might be on her trail. But when she arrives in Nazareth, she falls in love with the beach town and a man named Michael Elmira. Together, they worship strange gods, partaking in unusual rituals.

There are stranger beings in Nazareth - and it isn’t long before she encounters its mysteries and the specters that exist there. And a serial killer is on the loose, moving silently through Ruby’s beloved city, taking lives without warning.

Before long, her friends begin to die. Will she survive Nazareth’s secrets, or will she become a maddened predator’s next victim?

Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Sandy DeLuca has been a painter since 1985. Her worked has been exhibited in college galleries, hair salons, tattoo parlors, bookstores and traditional galleries. Her art has been purchased throughout the United States, Canada, Asia and Europe. In addition, she has painted cover art and interior art for publications which have reached worldwide audiences.

She has been a writer since the late 80’s, penning nonfiction articles and photography for magazines and newsletters--throughout the 90’s. One of her claims to fame is writing under the pen name Autumn Raindancer. Two of her poetic chants were published under that pen in the popular New Age book TO RIDE A SILVER BROOMSTICK (Silver Ravenwolf).

She created GODDESS OF THE BAY publishing in the late 90’s, producing several anthologies and a string of small press magazines. From 2001 to 2003 she edited and owned DECEMBER GIRL PRESS, producing novels and short story collections.
She was a finalist for the BRAM STOKER for poetry award in 2001 and 2014.

At present she is a fulltime writer and painter. She’s written and published five novels, two poetry collections and several novellas. Her most ecent novella HELL'S DOOR, will be released from DARKFUSE in September, 2013. She is assistant curator at NEW HOPE GALLERY, in Cranston, RI and continues to exhibit her art in local venues.

Reviews

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is based on the Audiobook. Settling in Nazareth is a good fantasy thriller. The female lead is sassy which I like. The rest of the characters are well developed, The storyline keeps your interest from start to finish. The narrator does a great job bringing the characters and story to life. I look forward to more from this Author and narrator

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good story that was very well narrated. I enjoyed the bad girl changing against her will theme. The story flowed along nicely and it seemed to be over almost before I realized it. I like the voice choice for the MC and I enjoyed the use of her ex in the story.

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is hard to describe, religion and ghosts seem to appear all over the place but mostly the book seems to be about trust and belief.

The plot seems to twist and turn so often it resembles a pretzel but it's easy to follow and very interesting. The cast of characters are a real mixed bunch but they come together to form strong friendships and a support network to be envied.

The setting is really well done, I was able to form a clear mental picture of everything from the locations to the action.

The narration was well done, good character voices and the delivery matched the tone and emotions of the story well.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and/or narrator and/or publisher and I voluntarily wrote this honest review.