M. Louise Smith

Torn Shadow M. Louise Smith

Young cousins, Scotty and Skeeter, live a dusty, dry family compound in South Texas. At the center of their world are grandparents, Miz-Maw and Big-Paw who keep the family together with a combination of love on the part of Miz-Maw, and a good dose of respectful fear on the part of Big-Paw; fear now mixed with horror since they've hidden in the thicket and witnessed the execution of his swift and brutal justice. When they find Skeeter's dog, Runt, gnawing on a decaying human arm, they become ensnared in the reality behind folk legends of the Brush-Bogey and the Conjurin' or Hoodoo Woman who is alleged to cast spells and even kill with her Evil Eye. Their gruesome discovery brings them into direct contact with the living Brush Bogey who begins stalking them. Within days they are taken to the shack of the old woman where she forces them to carry out her horrific plan. Since they've witnessed the murder committed by Big-Paw, they are certain he is in involved in the death of the owner of the decaying arm. Their vow to keep their silence places them at the total mercy of the Conjurin' Woman and her abhorrent scheme.