Awakening: A Novel
Feb 2013 · Macmillan + ORM
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22 reviews
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412
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About this ebook
An epidemic of venomous snakes in an English village drives an insecure veterinarian to unravel a bizarre mystery in this gothic suspense thriller.
Clara Benning, a veterinary surgeon in charge of a wildlife hospital in a small English village, is young and intelligent, but reclusive. Disfigured by a childhood accident, she prefers animals to people. When a local man dies following a supposed snakebite, Clara's expertise is needed. She's chilled to learn that the victim's postmortem shows a higher concentration of venom than could ever be found in a single snake—and therefore, the killer must be human.
Assisted by a soft-spoken neighbor and an eccentric reptile expert, Clara uncovers links to an ancient ritual, an abandoned house, and a fifty-year-old tragedy. But for someone the truth must remain buried in the past—even if they have to kill to keep it there . . .
Awakening 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.
A Booklist Top Ten Crime Novel of the Year
Clara Benning, a veterinary surgeon in charge of a wildlife hospital in a small English village, is young and intelligent, but reclusive. Disfigured by a childhood accident, she prefers animals to people. When a local man dies following a supposed snakebite, Clara's expertise is needed. She's chilled to learn that the victim's postmortem shows a higher concentration of venom than could ever be found in a single snake—and therefore, the killer must be human.
Assisted by a soft-spoken neighbor and an eccentric reptile expert, Clara uncovers links to an ancient ritual, an abandoned house, and a fifty-year-old tragedy. But for someone the truth must remain buried in the past—even if they have to kill to keep it there . . .
Awakening 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.
A Booklist Top Ten Crime Novel of the Year
An epidemic of venomous snakes in an English village drives an insecure veterinarian to unravel a bizarre mystery in this gothic suspense thriller.
Clara Benning, a veterinary surgeon in charge of a wildlife hospital in a small English village, is young and intelligent, but reclusive. Disfigured...
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Ratings and reviews
22 reviews
Nancy F Taylor
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May 27, 2026
ANOTHET FASCINATING BY THIS AUTHOR, I DO NOT, NOR HAVE I EVER HAD ANY DESIRE TO BE WHININ 10 FEET OF ANY SNAKE HOWEVER I FOUND THIS READ FASINATING AND RECCOMMEND IT HIGHLY.
About the author
SHARON BOLTON grew up in Lancashire, England, and now lives near Oxford with her family. Awakening, her second novel, is inspired by her fascination with British folklore. Sharon Bolton was previously published as S.J. Bolton.
SHARON BOLTON grew up in Lancashire, England, and now lives near Oxford with her family. Awakening, her second novel, is inspired by her fascination with British folklore. Sharon Bolton was previously published as S.J. Bolton.
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