Tandem by Tracey Bateman
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| Tandem: A NovelBy: Tracey Bateman Published by: WaterBrook Press ISBN: 0307457176 Author’s Website: http://www.traceybateman.com Author’s Social: Twitter | Facebook Format of Review Copy: Paperback Recommendable for people who enjoy: |
Synopsis (from Amazon):
As obsession and loss become dark partners, how far must the people of Abbey Hills go to survive?
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?
(I talk about Tandem: A Novel by Tracey Bateman at the 1:30 mark.)
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this book (see my reading updates HERE) When I picked this book up, I really wasn’t sure what to expect. It was listed as Christian Fiction, but the synopsis was talking about Vampires. In my mind, I couldn’t wrap around that. LOL In the end I thought the book was really good. I didn’t realize it was a BOOK TWO in a series until after I finished, so I fully intend on picking up the first one which is Thirsty: A Novel.
This story follows Lauryn, an estate auctioneer whose father has Alzheimer’s, and Amede, a mysterious lady who comes to town with hopes of finding her missing sister. Since this story is more of a “mystery” than anything – I am really not sure what all I can say without ruining the experience for you! For the basics: this story is written from multiple POV. Normally, I hate multiple POV and find it confusing, but it worked well for this book. I wasn’t lost at all, and am glad I got the chance to see both of the main characters POV. It helped me connect to both – and that connection is what held me through to the end of the book. If that makes any sense. LOL
For the lore/Christian Fiction thing – This is where I wasn’t sure how the book being “Christian Fiction” would handle having vampires in it. All I can say is “WELL PLAYED TRACEY BATEMAN”. I think the author did a great job with the story. I am one of those people who hates having religion shoved down my throat, I really do. If I even feel a hint of it in a book, I put it down and move on. I didn’t feel that at all in this book, so kudos to the author. This book is more of a murder mystery thriller than anything.
If you’re wondering
In the end: I really connected with the characters, the lore was great, the suspense was dead on, and the mystery… well, I didn’t figure it out. Thought I did, but nope. I was wrong. LOL I say pick this up if you’re looking for some good suspense. Just be warned: this IS a book TWO!