Crone

By Marcelle Dube

Maiden. Mother. Crone.

 

Dreams of ancient goddesses haunt Dr. Dana Garvey, expert witness at a rape trial. Then the sight of an old, tattooed woman in the court room triggers strange memories. Dana knows this woman—doesn't she? From a long time ago…?

 

The old woman weaves her way into Dana's strange, disturbing dreams but during the day, Dana continues to give evidence against a rich, beautiful young man who will get away with rape, no matter what Dana does.

 

The covenant between the goddesses and their worshippers shattered long ago and brutality now rules the world. But the ancient ones are back and somewhere between maiden, mother and crone—and the young man on trial—Dana will be swept up in mysteries beyond the reality she knows.

 

By the author of Obeah.

 

About Marcelle Dubé:

Marcelle Dubé writes mystery and speculative fiction novels and short stories. Mostly. She grew up near Montreal. After trying out a number of different provinces and living in the Yukon for over 35 years, she now lives in Alberta—which is much like the Yukon in all the ways that count. Her short fiction has appeared in a number of magazines and anthologies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Falcon Ridge Publishing
• Release date: Sep 20, 2020
• ISBN: 9781987937268

Marcelle Dube

Marcelle Dubé writes mystery, science fiction, fantasy, contemporary and—occasionally—romance fiction. She grew up near Montreal and after trying out a number of different provinces (not to mention Belgium) she settled in the Yukon, where people outnumber carnivores, but not by much. Her short stories have appeared in magazines and award-winning anthologies. Her novels include the Mendenhall Mystery series (a number of her short stories are also set in the world of Mendenhall Chief of Police Kate Williams) and The A'lle Chronicles, as well as standalone fantasy and mystery titles. Her work is available in print and in electronic format. To find out more about Marcelle, visit her at www.marcellemdube.com.  

Book preview

CRONE

Dana stepped up to the witness box and faced the clerk. The courtroom smelled of furniture polish and disinfectant, making her queasy. Thank god she was past the morning sickness stage.

Dr. Garvey, the Court reminds you that you are still under oath.

Dana nodded. Betty Conch, the Crown attorney, had already questioned her about the night Ariana Sandrini had stumbled into the emergency room, in shock and supported by her parents. Now it was the defense’s turn. Dana was glad she had decided against lunch.

Thank you, Dr. Garvey, said Judge Becker from his bench above and behind her. Please sit down.

Dana sat, steeling herself for the defense lawyer's questions, but Vivian Ackerman was talking to her client at the defense table.

Ethan Melanson's jaw tightened as he leaned forward to listen to the lawyer. His dark blue suit brought out the color of his eyes and attested to his father's fortune.

Dana recognized his parents from newspaper photos. They sat behind their son, relaxing into the hard oak bench as if they owned it.

In the gallery, three reporters sat apart from the families and friends of the two teenagers, scribbling