In the Shadow of Evil: The Handkerchief — John Saul

John Saul, author of nineteen bestselling novels of chilling suspense, has now created a serial thriller that brings to life the small New England town of Blackstone -- where the terrifying sins of the past threaten the innocent and guilty alike. Evil is alive in Blackstone and offering itself in the form of neatly wrapped gifts that appear on the doorsteps of Blackstone's leading families.

Each gift bears a chilling history.
Each brings a mysterious power to harm.
Each reveals another thread in the masterfully woven web of...The Blackstone Chronicles

PART 4
While researching an historical piece on the Asylum for the town's newspaper, editor Oliver Metcalf digs through the attic that once belonged to his father, the last superintendent of the facility. There, among the dusty medical records, Oliver discovers a beautifully embroidered linen handkerchief with an ornate "R" in one corner. He decides it will make a lovely present for Rebecca Morrison, who recently suffered a horrifying family tragedy. But is this token of affection the innocent object it seems? What tears were once dried with Rebecca's handkerchief -- and how many more will begin to flow?