St Augustine’s Silhouettes

The shopkeeper of the curiosity shop is the devil incarnate, but Katherine cannot deny her yearnings and desires to learn more about him…

Once again, Kate Hill weaves her rich and occasionally decadent storytelling web. This short gothic inspired story tells of an innocent young girl’s awakening into a new world of love, lust, and evil. Katherine Sinclair is not wealthy, she has no family and works as a seamstress. She dislikes being at the beck and call of her employer, Paulette Chandler, but has no other options for employment.

Katherine has heard all of the rumours about the man in the curiosity shop. He last lived where the Whitechapels murders took place, now it seems that there have been three cruel murders since he moved to this district. As she glances into the back of the shop, he notices her…and Katherine notices his perfectly formed body, dashing auburn hair and mesmerizing deep blue eyes. The townsfolk have warned her of the shop, with its occult and erotic items, and the man who is called “Satan,” still she must enter, she is somehow drawn to him…

Alister St Augustine is not the man he appears to be, and what is in that large leather-bound book that he keeps locked away? The townsfolk embellish the truth and thwart the true course of justice. No one realises the depth of sadism linked to the current murders.

Readers who enjoy an element of mystery and danger will enjoy Kate Hill’s latest short story. In just a few pages she is able to capture the thrill of new love and the absolute nightmare of becoming the target of a sick killer. This is an excellent introduction to Kate Hill’s books if you are new to her work; fans that already have this author on their “must-buy” list will relish and delight in St Augustine’s Silhouettes. Kate Hill is a firm favourite of this reader and most definitely an author to keep a watch on!

Reviewed by: Naomi