Christian Fiction Review: Tandem by Tracey Bateman
Tandemby Tracey Bateman
Copyright 2010
Waterbrok Press
314 pages
ISBN: 978-0-307-45717-2
Fiction/Suspense
From the publisher:
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?
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?
My Review:
I am a fan of both paranormal fiction and Christian fiction but I'll be the first to admit I was a little worried about how vampires and a Christian theme would mesh. It turns out I didn't have a lot to worry about, author Tracey Bateman combined both wonderfully. That said this is a rather dark novel so it may not suit everyone. There's murder, voodoo, and curses involved so it's not for the faint of heart. I feel like I've been saying that a lot about Christian fiction that I've been reading. It may be just a coincidence that I've been gravitating toward tales with a more serious side or is this a sign of a new trend in faith-based fiction?
Either way Tandem is a good book, however I must say that I didn't find it as dynamic or mysterious as Thirsty. Maybe it's because I kind of knew what to expect from the vampires. I'm not sure what it was but the end of the story did not set well with me. I can't say much without giving it away but with the revelations that are brought to light in the last few chapters the last few chapters were resolved way too easily. If this book had a few more chapters I probably would have liked it as much as Thristy.
Tracey Bateman is still one of my favorite authors. I love her style and her ability to write a sweet romance like her Heartsong Presents historicals and totally surprise me with a book like Thirsty. I'm really looking forward to reading her latest book from Summerside Press (written under pen name Tracey Cross), Love Finds You in Dodge City, Kansas.
To learn more about the author visit:
*I received my review copy from the publisher, I was not obligated to provide a positive review, just an honest one.*
I recently read this and like you I thought the ending was a bit rushed but all in all I enjoyed it. :)
ReplyDeleteI read this one first and liked it. I'll have to check, I can't remember if I read Thirsty yet. Great review though. I remember thinking I didn't understand how these two things would mesh at all. She certainly had a unique perspective and I appreciated that.
ReplyDeleteReally? I'm intrigued. This sounds different and great. Great review! Thanks for showing me something new.
ReplyDeleteRenee, it does sound like an unlikely mix: Vampires in Christian fiction. But, it sounds as if you did like this book. Terrific review (which is what I always expect from you).
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