Deeds of Darkness
By Marilyn Meredith 

     Madeline Mahoney is an ordinary small-town teenager absorbed in boys and her appearance, embarrassed by being the daughter of the town sheriff, and perpetually annoyed by her brother Skip. She's also deeply devoted to her Christian faith, and wishes handsome Brian Coulter would pay attention to her.

     Madeline's crush on Brian leads her into an encounter with a witches' coven led by her friend Lynette's mother, Dian. Madeline agrees to try casting a romantic love spell to win Brian's affections, although the idea of witchcraft makes her uncomfortable even as she begins to raise questions about her faith in her church youth group. Madeline's faith faces an unusual test. A series of tragedies test the Christian faith of the entire community of Yokut Springs.

     Madeline's guilt intensifies when one of the tragedies befalls Brian's girlfriend, who then shuns Brian. Brian turns to Madeline. Though wondering if Brian likes her for who she is rather than the spell, Madeline revels in his attention---and counts on him for support as the coven of witches proves to be far more sinister than Dian claims.

     The author doesn't waste much time on spooky apparitions. When demons appear, Madeline and Brian, who in typical teenage-hero fashion can't communicate the problem to adults, take action to save the community and its members, including Madeline's beloved mother Kitty. In true Christian spirit, the most ordinary person (much like the Biblical Jonah) has the most power. Madeline rises to the occasion, confronting the demons' evil through the strength of her, despite the denial of her pastor.

     While the demons are an expected component in this denunciation of witchcraft, they aren't frightening, although the lead demon's taunting Madeline's flaws is effective. The scene of three children being blown up by a hand grenade seems far more horrifying, perhaps because the idea of the supernatural is still something people can't grasp. This book proves that acceptance of invisible evil and the power of God is a matter of faith, and dares to tackle complex issues.