A Division of
Treble
Heart Books
Marilyn Meredith Synopses & Reviews
Christian teenager Madeline Mahoney is a bit uncomfortable participating in her
best friend's spell-casting, but she succumbs to peer pressure.  Fortified with
the slight hope that the object of her affection will return the feelings as a result, she allows Lynette to perform the spell.  When Brian does spend time with her, Madeline can't help but regret her actions. She wonders how she will ever know if Brian really likes her.

Spying on Lynette's mother, Madelyn learns that there is a coven of witches in what used to be her small, quiet town.  Now people are getting hurt and dying in ways no one can explain. Madeline and Brian must convince authorities that something
is dreadfully wrong.  If not, they must try to do something on their own, but if they're Christians, are they really on their own?
Deeds of Darkness
by
Marilyn Meredith
ISBN: 1-931742-52-9
Rated [PG-13]
REVIEWS
$11.95 tradesize paperback.
"A classic story of good versus evil!   Marilyn has spun a tale of
warning: toying with evil has its consequences.  Deeds of Darkness is a must read for Christians, non-Christians and anyone who reads the tabloids.  This story will keep you up all night reading, and looking over your shoulder the entire time.
Excellent work, Ms. Meredith."

---Robin Bayne
Author of "Cougar Lake"
and A "Matter of Life."
Madeline Mahoney is an ordinary small-town teenager absorbed in boys
and her appearance, embarrassed by being the daughter of the town sheriff,
and perpetually annoyed by her brother Skip. She's also deeply devoted to
her Christian faith, and wishes handsome Brian Coulter would pay attention
to her.

    Madeline's crush on Brian leads her into an encounter with a witches'
coven led by her friend Lynette's mother, Dian. Madeline agrees to try
casting a romantic love spell to win Brian's affections, although the idea
of witchcraft makes her uncomfortable even as she begins to raise questions
about her faith in her church youth group. Madeline's faith faces an unusual
test. A series of tragedies test the Christian faith of the entire community
of Yokut Springs.

    Madeline's guilt intensifies when one of the tragedies befalls Brian's
girlfriend, who then shuns Brian. Brian turns to Madeline. Though wondering
if Brian likes her for who she is rather than the spell, Madeline revels in
his attention---and counts on him for support as the coven of witches proves
to be far more sinister than Dian claims.

    The author doesn't waste much time on spooky apparitions. When demons
appear, Madeline and Brian, who in typical teenage-hero fashion can't
communicate the problem to adults, take action to save the community and its members, including Madeline's beloved mother Kitty. In true Christian
spirit, the most ordinary person (much like the Biblical Jonah) has the most
power. Madeline rises to the occasion, confronting the demons' evil through
the strength of her, despite the denial of her pastor.
    While the demons are an expected component in this denunciation of
witchcraft, they aren't frightening, although the lead demon's taunting
Madeline's flaws is effective. The scene of three children being blown up by
a hand grenade seems far more horrifying, perhaps because the idea of the
supernatural is still something people can't grasp. This book proves that
acceptance of invisible evil and the power of God is a matter of faith, and
dares to tackle complex issues

--Kristin Johnson, MyShelf.com
Just out! Christian horror, Deeds of Darkness

© Copyright 2001 - 2006 Treble Heart Books.  All rights reserved.
This web site is owned and maintained by Treble Heart Books.

designed with Homestead
Evil is alive in Yokut Springs. The only person strong enough and willing to face it head on is teenager Madeline Mahoney. Until lately, Madeline's life has been consumed with the typical trappings of teen life-clothes, hair, and guys. While spending the night at her friend Lynette Reddick's house, the girls observe Lynette's mother and a group of cloaked individuals performing a ceremony on the lawn. Madeline discovers that Mrs. Reddick is the leader of a witch coven, now at its strongest with thirteen members. Although Madeline is a Christian, she doesn't see the harm in dabbling with a spell to try to make Brian, the boy of her dreams, fall in love with her.

Tragic things begin to happen in the area: fires are mysteriously started and horrible accidents and deaths occur. Madeline starts to pull away from her friendship with Lynette and grows closer to Brian, who is a fellow Christian. They try to bring the evil into the open with their pastor, who doesn't believe that demons exist in the world today. It is up to the teens to make the town see that this witch coven has given the devil and demons a foothold in their community. Will they be able to stop the madness before it's too late?

In a novel appropriate for teens and adults alike, Marilyn Meredith has touched on issues relevant to everyone. Madeline's character exhibits strength under extremely trying circumstances. I was chilled to the bone at many of the scenes and was glad that I am not confronting the evil face-to-face as she and Brian do on many occasions. The pace is fast but Ms. Meredith does not skimp on details that help us get to know the characters and their motivations. DEEDS OF DARKNESS is disturbing on two levels--it's a creepy fiction story, but it also is realistically heart-pounding and describes events that could truly happen.

Ms. Meredith's themes are important for Christians to read and discuss. It would make an excellent study book for youth group or other small group members. Just how does Satan work in the present day? Readers will come away from this experience with a deeper faith and understanding of how the devil can take advantage of weakness in our lives and how God is working for each one of us. I highly recommend DEEDS OF DARKNESS, it is a book that will stay with you for a long, long time.

A spooky tale of what happens when a new family moves into town. A fun read that will have you examining you nearest and dearest--could they be witches? Madeline Mahoney became close friends with a new girl in town, Lynette Reddick, who shares a secret with her. Her mother is a witch. Madeline doesn't believe it. At first! Then strange and unpleasant things begin to happen in their little town of Yokut Springs and Madeline begins to wonder who or what is responsible. She and Lynette have tried casting spells on boys of their choice and they seem to work. But do they? With a friend, Madeline spies on Dian Reddick and learns to her dismay that people often aren't who they seem. Could Lynette's mother be responsible for the events of late? A look at the things that can bring out the dark side of people, things that change the way you look at the world is what you will find in Deeds of Darkness. Talented author Marilyn Meredith shows the reader that actions have consequences and the price is often too high. A highly recommended read.
–Anne K Edwards, Blevins Reviews


Deeds of Darkness

Madeline Mahoney is a typical sixteen-year-old girl. She attends school
while living at home with her parents and younger brother. Her father,
Philip Mahoney, is the sheriff of Yokut Springs the small town where they
live. At sixteen Madeline's main thought is about boys, actually, one boy in
particular, Brian Coulter.

Madeline's best friend is Lynette Parker. They have known each other only a
short time since Lynette and her mother have recently moved to Yokut Springs
from Southern California. Even so, Madeline feels they have a lot in common
so she is really taken by surprise when she discovers that Dian, Lynette's
mother, is a witch. Madeline is a Christian and a bit uncomfortable with the
idea of witches but Dian explains that witchcraft is basically just another
religion, one that has been persecuted unjustly. When Lynette suggests that
she and Madeline use witchcraft to cast a romantic spell on the two young
men they want to notice them, Madeline isn't sure if it is really a good
idea. Simultaneously, Dian inducts the 13th member in her witches' coven.

Odd things begin to happen in Yokut Springs where it seems nothing exciting
has ever happened before. In fact, some people begin to die. Since Madeline'
s dad is the sheriff, she learns about the incidents quicker and in more
detail than most folks. She begins to wonder if the witches' coven could
have anything to do with the strange events. It doesn't seem possible that
any real connection exists. But if it did, what could she do about it
anyway? When some of her close friends and finally her own family seem to be
in jeopardy, she decides she must know the truth and sets out to find
answers.

At my age I never thought that reading about the adventures of a
sixteen-year-old girl would be exciting or that it would even hold my
interest. I was wrong. This book had me on the edge of my seat and holding
my breath more than once. The writing flowed so smoothly that I almost
forgot I was reading. Perhaps I read the book at a most appropriate time
since we are preparing for Halloween, witches and other scary stuff. But I
can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed the book and the only complaint I
had was that I couldn't it read fast enough!

Reviewed by
---Barbara Wright

WhoooDoo!
$5.50 html download file
$5.50 pdf download file
"Cup of Demons" is a well-told, engaging story that explores a topic many
people would prefer to ignore. However, Marilyn Meredith tells a chilling
tale, which provides both food for thought and reason for prayer. Three
stars!


* * *
Craig Alan Hart
CraigHart.net :: Where Readers and Authors Connect...