The whispered word - 2 (First Kensington hardcover edition.)

Nora Pennington, owner of Miracle Books, believes that a well-chosen novel can bring healing and hope.

But she and the other members of the Secret, Book, and Scone Society know that sometimes, practical help is needed too.

Such is the case with the reed-thin girl hiding in the fiction section of Nora's store, wearing a hospital ID and a patchwork of faded bruises.

She calls herself Abilene, and though Nora and her friends offer work, shelter, and a supportive ear, their guest isn't ready to divulge her secrets.

But when a customer is found dead in an assumed suicide, Nora uncovers a connection that points to Abilene as either a suspect - or another target.

Summer's end has brought other new arrivals to Miracle Springs too.

Entrepreneur Griffin Kingsley opens Virtual Genie, a cyber business that unloads people's unwanted goods for cash.