Sandra Carrington-Smith

I really liked this book; however I am not sure I would have liked it as much if I had read it in print. But since I did listen I really enjoyed it, it was suspenseful and kept me on the edge of my seat. This is paranormal suspense about Voodoo and Hoodoo.

Melody’s grandmother dies and asks that Melody take her ashes back to the Louisiana Bayou, but what her grandmother doesn’t tell her is the inheritance of “The Sight” that she also passed on and that there is an old book that she needs to take care of as there are many willing to kill for. Melody didn’t know anything about Voodoo or Hoodoo but soon finds out her grandmother did which comes as a shock to Melody. When she gets to Louisiana things get even weirder plus she is threatened by a man who says the book her grandmother stole is his and he will get it back no matter what. So we have a mystery a family story with some ghosts and hoodoo going on!

This isn’t a story I would have been drawn to but since it is up for an Audie Award I listened to it and am glad I did, it had just the right amount of suspense and the paranormal add a little Catholic Church baddies to the mix and this made for a good story. I was glad a certain someone didn’t end up being a bad guy (you’ll know if you read it) and I am curious if that relationship will go on to the next book (which there is not an audio and that needs to be remedied!). I am curious if certain characters will carry over and which ones that will be. I liked Melody I thought she took everything in stride and it was a lot to take in and I’d love to see how she goes forward and what becomes of ‘the Sight’. This book grabbed me enough to want to continue on with the series.

Even though our heroine is female it didn’t bother me at all that this one was narrated by a man because he was amazing and added to the spookiness of this book. Dave Fennoy has this voice it’s the voice of every scary Voodoo witch doctor that’s ever been heard or read he was perfect for this book. His voice is a cross between Barry White & Dion Graham and I really liked it and was very surprised to find out this was his only audiobook on audible so did some digging and found out he is a voice over actor and has some impressive credits to his name in commercials, animations, games and documentaries. I for one hope he narrates the second book in this series because it won’t be the same without him! I also hope he will narrate more books because I could listen to him all day! There were times the music between chapters was annoying and times it felt like it fit in so just a warning to those of you who don’t like music in your audiobooks.

4 Stars
5 Star narration… (more)

When Melody Bennet's Grandmama, Giselle, passes away she leaves specific instructions for Melody to take her ashes to the bayou in Louisiana. Melody leaves her home in North Carolina to carry out her grandmother's last wishes and is thrust into a world she knows nothing about. She discovers family secrets and is introduced to an ancient West African religion practiced by many in Louisiana. Melody meets a cast of interesting people along her journey though she cannot trust anyone with the secrets she has uncovered. Will Melody be able to fufill her grandmama's dying wishes? Or will the angry people after her family secrets catch up with her?

The Book of Obeah was an exquisite novel which I fell in love with instantly. Sandra Carrington-Smith's writing is amazing and I actually felt my heartbeat quicken throughout the book and was reading like a madwoman to see what happened next! This was a book that I didn't want to put down but at the same time wanted to take my time reading it because I didn't want it to end. It has left me wanting more books featuring Melody Bennet. This is probably my favorite book I've read so far this year!… (more)

Obeah. The ancient religion from Africa. Obeah, brought to the New World and surrounding islands during the slave trade. To my mind, this book vibrates with mysticism, pulsing blood, and the rhythm of drumming. The Book of Obeah becomes a character of the story, even while no one knows where it is or even if it exists. But wait. This is the past, but the past will shortly catch up with the present and portents of the future. We, the readers, don't realize this yet.

There is a Preface which, though a Choctaw proclamation rather than African, is very meaningful in the basic principles of both religions, for want of a better word. It is worth reading this "Translation of Choctaw tribal shaman proclamation; Bayou-Lacombe, LA; Circa 1878" before you begin the story

The Prologue sent a chill down my spine, the terror was palpable whether based on reality or the mind of an unstable mother. What an attention-grabber! This is crucial information and sets the scene that will answer many questions both in the story's future, and the near future of the main character, Melody Bennett. She is about to have her world turned inside-out. Melody has never heard of Obeah. She was born and raised in North Carolina.

Melody's precious Grandmama has died, and left her a letter with some very strange requests. She has instructed her to go to a specific bayou of New Orleans and scatter her ashes there. But first, she must find a childhood friend of Grandmama’s Marie Devereux in the Louisiana bayou. A very daunting task, so many questions with no answers. Why New Orleans? Didn't they always live in North Carolina?. Melody had a very close bond with Grandmama and feels an urgency to carry out her last wishes.

Sandra Carrington-Smith weaves a magical tale of good and evil, spells and magic, protection and love. It is truly here where the story began many years before. The charactizations are remarkable, the wonders of New Orleans and the bayous beautifully descriptive. Even the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina plays a role in this scenario. After taking in the sights of the city Melody knows she must begin her quest. She meets many locals on the way who are only too willing to help her in her search for Marie. But a tarot reader has reacted badly in the midst of reading her cards and gives her a warning of extreme danger. Is it real? Melody is not sure what to think. She also encounters a malicious character who threatens her to give back what belongs to him. Melody has no idea what he is talking about.

Hiring a guide to take her into the bayous, she has another offers that leaves her wondering who to trust, and what in the world could she possibly have that everyone seems to want? Grandmama knew her granddaughter had abilities unknown to Melody yet, but she knew in making this request her instincts would be true. Melody learns she must trust and feels a connection with Old Paul, who takes her to meet Marie. Here she will learn some of the meaning of Obeah, but she still thinks of it as Voodoo and Hoodoo. Surprised to learn that Grandmama had lived in the bayous as a child, she was equally surprised that Marie was her best friend in those long ago days. Preparations by Marie begin in best Obeah fashion but with a sense of urgency; protection spells, the blessing of the ashes, briefing Melody on her part, and explaining the role of nature in the practice of Obeah, while Old Paul returns with many supplies for the ritual.

The author has done extensive study of Obeah, Voodoo, Hoodoo, Louisiana bayous, and the general feel of both bayou and city. She has brought all of it alive in this book. Mysteries surround them, danger is lurking, but where is it coming from? Why do so many people Melody meets and talks to make clandestine meetings and phone calls as soon as she leaves? Who are these people really? This is a process of learning, a process of believing, of feeling the power. The story builds up faster all through the novel. The creeping, living bayou and the old city and its people are all atmospheric. There are dangers all around, and some can not be clearly seen or recognized.

The talented Ms. Carrington-Smith brings all the loose ends, past and present, and binds them into a bewitching story, but also a classic story of greed. An exciting, riveting novel with many twists, this book will surely satisfy mystery fans and paranormal/mystical fans. The descriptive nature of the book brings us right into the heart of a wonderful old city and the people of the bayous. I thoroughly enjoyed it all the way through with no desire to take a break before finishing it. I will certainly be interested in reading another novel by this author.… (more)

From the moment Sandra Carrington-Smith begins our journey with Melody Bennet into the Bayous of New Orleans, Louisiana armed with a broken heart and her grandmother’s ashes, The Book of Obeah will have you transfixed on the powerful, dynamically written story you will be pleased you picked up.

This is a true page-turner in every sense of the word, as you instantly connect to Melody and her journey every step of the way – I literally could not put The Book of Obeah Down!

Well though out plot lines intertwine seamlessly to produce a very unique story, that underneath the surface becomes quite informative and thought provoking. The Book of Obeah will leave you with a new perspective regarding spiritual traditions unlike those you might be familiar with, and does so in a very raw, organic manner. Sandra Carrington-Smith successfully drives home the overwhelming theme that the overall vision of all paths to spirituality, no matter which one chooses to follow, in the end are the same. Grasping this understanding assists in understanding Voodoo as a mixing of various spiritual traditions and names, something that Carrington-Smith thoughtfully and eloquently provides for the reader. It is not often one can find a book that can touch them emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually – the journey through this book is one definitely worth taking!

The Book of Obeah is a pleasure to read for anyone, whether they have a familiarity with Afro-Caribbean religions, or will be exposed to this topic in prose for the first time. Intertwined into the text so seamlessly are tidbits of information that allow you to learn about the background with Melody as she tries to sort out the new life she has been thrust into.

The Book of Obeah transcends any expectation you could place on it, and will leave you waiting for Carrington-Smith’s next unique novel!… (more)