Death Masks

By Kristy McCaffrey

A death mask is a likeness of a deceased person’s face following death. Typically constructed of wax or plaster, the impression is made directly from the corpse.

Death Mask of King Tut

In many cultures, a death mask was used during the funeral and was usually buried with the body. The Egyptians made them as part of the mummification process, the most famous being King Tut’s golden mask. They believed the death mask allowed the deceased person’s spirit to find its body in the afterlife.

Some African tribes believed a death mask imbued a wearer with the power of the dead. But in the Middle Ages, the practice became less of a spiritual link and more a way of preserving the dead. Death masks weren’t buried with the deceased but instead were used in funeral ceremonies and later kept in libraries, museums, and universities.

Famous death masks include Ludwig van Beethoven, Napoleon Bonaparte, Frederic Chopin, Oliver Cromwell, John Keats, Nikola Tesla, Mary Queen of Scots, and John Dillinger.

Death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Alleged  death mask of Shakespeare.

In Kristy’s new story, BLUE SAGE, a death mask plays an important role.

BLUE SAGE is now available in the anthology A Cowboy To Keep!!

AMAZON | Also available in Kindle Unlimited

Catch a cowboy … Keep a cowboy …

Don’t miss this great collection from USA Today, Amazon Bestselling, and Award-Winning authors!!

THE LEGEND OF BAD MOON RISING by Carra Copelin

Sheriff Ben Hammond is finally over the woman who shattered his heart, but when Dinah Horne suddenly returns, can he ignore the passion still burning bright between them?

CITY BOY, COUNTRY HEART by Andrea Downing

Trading horses for subways for two years seemed like a good idea to cowboy Chay Ridgway, but can city girl K.C. Daniels keep a rein on his country heart?

BLUE SAGE by Kristy McCaffrey

Archaeologist Audrey Driggs rolls off a mountain and lands at the feet of rugged cowboy Braden Delaney. Together, they’ll uncover a long-lost secret.

THE DRIFTER’S KISS by Devon McKay

Determined to take back what belongs to her, Addison Reed will do anything. Even trust a complete stranger.

HER MAN by Hildie McQueen

Deputy Mark Hunter falls for Eliza Brock during a murder investigation. Is it fate or bad luck, especially when she may be involved?

BORDER ROMANCE by Hebby Roman

Widow Leticia Villarreal wants to establish a horse-racing stable and an old acquaintance John Clay Laidlaw offers to help. But can she trust him with her business and her heart?

PHOENIX HEAT by Patti Sherry-Crews

After losing her fiancé and her New York City business, Harper Donovan returns to Arizona and meets cowboy Frank Flynn. Will his past and their differences extinguish the heat between them?

Blue Sage Excerpt

The day had warmed considerably and Audrey consumed most of her water as they continued to ride. She’d pulled a lavender bandanna from her pack and periodically used it to wipe perspiration from her face and neck, but she suspected her high temperature wasn’t all caused by the sunshine.

Braden Delaney had somehow jumpstarted her hormones, and while it was certainly thrilling, it was also a nuisance. It was one thing to flirt a bit as she trekked through the wilderness with a handsome cowboy, but quite another to feel a surge of—what had Brynn once called it? Bloodlust. That was it. A bone-deep hunger for another human being.

And she wasn’t certain it was only sex anymore.

When Braden had touched her hand, it had been as if an ancient connection had been restored.

She shook her head. She was becoming too whimsical.

It had to be the effect of Whisper Rock. She was certain something extraordinary had happened to her when she was in this area at nine years old. And now it was happening again.

The cawing of ravens resounded back to them as the horses dipped down into a valley. When they came to a rocky impasse, Braden dismounted.

“We go on foot from here,” he said.

Audrey swung down from Bowie, taking care with her sore knee. She stepped up to the horse’s head and patted his neck, then rubbed a hand down his snout.

“Thanks for being a nice guy,” she said quietly.

“You’re welcome,” Braden said, gifting her with a teasing smile.

Copyright © 2017 K. McCaffrey LLC

Author Bio

Kristy McCaffrey writes historical western romances set in the American southwest. She and her husband dwell in the Arizona desert with two chocolate labs named Ranger and Lily, and whichever of their four children that are in residence. Kristy believes life should be lived with curiosity, compassion, and gratitude, and one should never be far from the enthusiasm of a dog. She also likes sleeping-in, eating Mexican food, and doing yoga at home in her pajamas.

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