What's the name of that book.....?

[deecanread]

I read a posted question on this site and realized I too read the same book, I borrowed from my sister, lent it to a friend, who in turn, lent it to someone, etc. Needless to say the book was not seen again. The bad part of this sad tale is no one can remember the name, let alone the author. The book tells of a detective(?), and a lady who battle a fire breathing dragon. The setting is perhaps the 1980's in the some rural town in the usa. The dragon is called forth by some big time townie, by using some sort of candles and incantations. If I'm not mistaken, this dragon was handed down from generation to generation. The dragon was naturally destroyed by the hero and heroine, and the townie was destroyed as well, by his own dragon. Neither my sister nor myself can recall the title (or author). She insists "dragon" was part of the title, but I say not. The book was a delicious read, highl entertaining. I would like to continue to search for this book, but it's mighty hard when we have nothing to start with (i.e., title or even part of the title, and author's name). If any of you guys have every read this book and remember the name/title, or maybe have a copy, please post your anwer. It will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[bednobs]

are you absolutely sure its not guards guards?

[cancross]

This is it here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Oath_(Peretti )