Tandem

Title: Tandem
Author: Tracey Bateman

Goodreads Blurb:

Six months ago, brutal murders shook the small Ozark town—murders that stopped after a house fire reportedly claimed the killer’s life. Lauryn McBride's family auction house has taken responsibility for the estate sale of one of the victims—the enigmatic Markus Chisom. Submerging herself in Chisom’s beautiful but strange world, Lauryn welcomes the reprieve from watching Alzheimer’s steal her father from her, piece by piece. She soon realizes that centuries-old secrets tie Abbey Hills to the Chisom estate and a mysterious evil will do anything to make sure those secrets stay hidden. Even the man who grew up loving her may not be able to protect Lauryn from the danger.

When Amede Dastillon receives an unexpected package from Abbey Hills, she hopes it might be the key in tracking down her beloved sister, long estranged from her family. Visiting Abbey Hills seems the logical next step in her search, but Amede is unusually affected by the town, and when mutilated carcasses begin turning up again in the small community, the local law enforcement isn’t sure if they are confronting a familiar evil or a new terror.

Two women brought together by questions that seem to have no answers.  Can they overcome the loss and darkness threatening to devour them—or will their own demons condemn them to an emotional wasteland?

My Take:

I didn't get to read Thirsty, the book that precedes this one, but I was really excited when I found out that I had won this book through Goodreads. Thank you to the people at Goodeads and the publishers for my copy. 

This novel is really unlike anything I'd read before. Instead of looking to traditional ideas on vampire, romance, crime, mystery, or even Christian novels, the author has made her own path. When you read this book you have to let go of what you may expect and just read it for what it is.

What I discovered was a fast-moving plot with surprises that kept me on my toes. I thought I had some things figured out, but I was wrong. She did an exceptional job crafting the storyline. It keeps you interested from beginning to end.

The characters are very real. You can relate to what they're feeling and going through. You want things to work out for them. You want them to reconcile. I read some reviews of the first book that criticized it for not being "Christian" enough. I think sometimes we can get the message across even more effectively without coming on so strong. Without giving away too much, characters in this story seek reconciliation and redemption. There are serious conversations about whether there is any hope for them, whether God cares about them, about their hardships... That's real life. I think those are the kind of faith struggles and the kind redemptive messages people can relate to.

I thought this was a fantastic book. If you like mystery, suspense, or vampires - this one may be one to add to your list.