<DIV><DIV><P>Clara Benning, a veterinary surgeon, is young and intelligent, but reclusive. Disfigured by a childhood accident, she prefers animals to people. When a man dies following a supposed snakebite, Clara&#8217;s expertise is needed. She&#8217;s chilled to learn that the victim&#8217;s postmortem shows a higher concentration of venom than could ever be found in one snake: The killer was human. Assisted by a neighbor and an eccentric reptile expert, Clara uncovers links to an ancient ritual, an abandoned house, and&nbsp;a fifty-year-old tragedy. But for someone the truth must remain buried in the past&#8212;even if they have to kill to keep it there.<BR><BR><I>Awakening</I> is a disturbing tale of dark secrets that will have readers unable to stop for a breath until they reach the stunning climax of this extraordinary read from acclaimed&nbsp;author S. J. Bolton.</P></DIV></DIV>