The Burning Glass by Lillian Stewart Carl

Lillian Stewart Carl began her career writing science fiction and fantasy, but today she writes contemporary books that combine mystery, romance, and fantasy, as well as short mystery and fantasy stories. Her work frequently incorporates supernatural elements. There are always plots based on history and archaeology in it. Despite the fact that she does not write comedy, she believes in characters who have a sense of humour. Her books have been likened to Daphne du Maurier, Mary Renault, Mary Stewart (no relation), Barbara Michaels/Elizabeth Peters, and J.R.R. Tolkien.

Charles Williams, Tolkien's colleague. Her tales take place in a legendary, alternate-history Mediterranean and India. Her contemporary novels take place in Texas, Ohio, Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, England, and Scotland, among other places. Publishers Weekly writes of Of Shadows in Scarlet, Carl (Ashes to Ashes) offers yet another tremendously readable book, presenting a delightful mix of romance and otherworldly tension.

She's crafted a compelling character and a gripping plot, spicing it up with some unique twists on the ghostly romance suspense thriller. Library Journal states of Lucifer's Crown, The author presents an engaging examination of religion and atonement in a universe that is both modern and timeless, blending historical intrigue with a touch of the otherworldly. Lillian is the author of the Jean Fairbairn/Alasdair Cameron cross-genre mystery series, which follows America's exile and Scotland's best on the trail of all-too-living legends, among many other works. Mystery, history, and sexual tension mingle with a taste of the raw grandeur of the Highlands in Kirkus' review of The Hidden Portrait.

Genuine accent, thorough descriptions of the castle and environs, and fascinating characters recreate an location steeped in history and tradition, according to Publishers Weekly. With its spectacular collision of past and present, the carefully constructed tale is sure to excite history buffs. Lillian co-edited The Vorkosigan Companion, a retrospective of Lois McMaster Bujold's science fiction work, with John Helfers, which received a Hugo nomination. Her first collection of short stories, At the Rim of Time, was released in 2000, and her second, The Muse and Other Tales of History, Mystery, and Myth, was released in 2008, with three stories reprinted in Year's Best mystery anthologies.

Both print and internet editions of her novels are available. Her official website is www.lillianstewartcarl.com, and she also has a Facebook fan page.