Dark Sister

Winner of the 1993 British Fantasy Award for Best Novel

Alex and Maggie think they live in an ordinary townhouse, until they discover the diary of a previous occupant — a diary containing secret Wiccan herb-lore. Maggie is drawn to investigate the diary and discovers powers hidden within herself.

With the help of her friends Ash, an herbalist, and Old Liz, an old woman with a deep knowledge of the ancient ways passed down through the generations, Maggie tries to find her way in a world of power and magic. But Maggie's searching has awakened her Dark Sister, a malevolent force that threatens her hold on her family and her sanity.

Maggie, her friends, and her children become swept up in a maelstrom as the Dark Sister seeks revenge for a black moment in history, and seeks, finally, to be reunited with the heart of the Goddess.

"Taut and realistic, but tending toward ordinary supernatural horror and without the nuances that made The Tooth Fairy such a delight." Kirkus Reviews

Maggie and Alex have their problems. their old, drafty house, for one thing. Their stressed-out marriage, for another.

Then one day, uncovering and cleaning the house's original fireplace, they discover a dead blackbird...and an old handwritten diary full of herbal lore.

Maggie takes an interest in the diary. Soon, with the help of her friends Ash, and herbalist,and Old Liz, and old woman with a deep knowledge of ancient ways, Maggie tried to find her way in a world of power and magic. But Maggie's searching has awakened her Dark Sister, a malevolent force that threatens her hold on her family and her sanity.