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The Book of Obeah (Crossroads #1)

by Sandra Carrington-Smith (Goodreads Author)

4.33 of 5 stars 4.33 · rating details · 69 ratings · 22 reviews

'The Fate of All Rests with a Universal Awakening'. Upon the passing of her beloved grandmother, Melody Bennet receives startling instructions that she is to take the ashes of Grandmama Giselle to southern Louisiana. Melody must step far outside her comfort zone in the suburbs of North Carolina to fulfill this dying wish. She finds herself blindly navigating the exotic, so...more

Paperback, 299 pages

Published May 16th 2010 by John Hunt Publishing (first published 2010)

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Sep 08, 2012 Karen rated it 5 of 5 stars

THE BOOK OF THE OBEAH SANDRA CARRIGTON SMITH
Melody Bennet is on a mission to return her grandma’s ashes to the bayou to have them bless by a friend and scattered in the swamp. The journey is the beginning of self-discovery and fighting off a threat from outside forces to retrieve something they think Melody has. Melody discovers the history that Voodoo plays in her heritage. The discovery that she has a gift of “sight” forces her to accept and trust and open herself to new possibilities. In find...more

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Sep 03, 2012 S. Kelley Harrell rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: supernatural-fiction

Sandra Carrington-Smith's novel, "The Book of Obeah," is an engrossing modern take on an ancient path. Through an obscure door opened by her late grandmama, skeptic Melody finally focuses lifelong intuitive abilities and is introduced to her heritage in Voudon. Through great world building, compelling characters, and great insight into sensual New Orleans magickal culture, Carrington-Smith draws readers into mystery as much as enlightenment.

Her knowledge and treatment of Obeah are impressively w...more

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Aug 13, 2012 Mochalove rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Obeah by author Sandra Carrington- Smith is a tale steeped in the supernatural that is ripe with mystery, intrigue, spirituality and self-discovery. This is a story that grips the reader and takes a look into the world of Voodoo (also known as Obeah) and where it may intersect with other organized religions. This is nicely written story that is chock full of action, emotions, and greed as Melody Bennet, the story’s heroine has to carry out her deceased grandmother’s wishes that event...more The Book of Obeah by author Sandra Carrington- Smith is a tale steeped in the supernatural that is ripe with mystery, intrigue, spirituality and self-discovery. This is a story that grips the reader and takes a look into the world of Voodoo (also known as Obeah) and where it may intersect with other organized religions. This is nicely written story that is chock full of action, emotions, and greed as Melody Bennet, the story’s heroine has to carry out her deceased grandmother’s wishes that eventually leads her to the discovery of a supernatural family legacy.
Melody Bennet, while mourning the loss of her beloved grandma is charged with the normally innocuous task of spreading her ashes however before spreading her ashes Melody also has take a trip to Louisiana to a root worker deep in the swamps and have the ashes blessed through a special ceremony. As it turns out, for Melody, it is the completing of the ritual that leads to her experiencing events, the likes of which she has never seen nor believed in. During the course of the story, Melody discovers facts about herself and her family that changes her spiritual belief system forever.
While trying to fulfill her executor duties Melody also uncovers the answer to a year’s old family mystery, which is - the real reason behind her grandmother Giselle’s abrupt flight many, many years ago from her home in Louisiana to a farm in North Carolina. She discovers that Grandma Giselle Baton ran away to save the lives of herself and her innocent children from her be-spelled husband and his powerful and evil witch/ root worker lover. Giselle discovered that her life and the lives of her children were in grave danger. When Giselle ran, she also took a very powerful manual from her husband’s lover “The Book of Obeah”.

It is not long after scattering Grandma Giselle’s ashes that Melody soon discovers the coveted book buried on her grandmother’s farm in North Carolina. She also finds out just how powerful and important the book is and unfortunately, for Melody there are others (including the Cardinal of the Catholic Church) that know that the book has resurfaced, the powerful information that the book contains and will not stop to gain possession of the book at any price even if it costs lives.

This book was a great read that kept me completely interested until the very end of the book. It is an adeptly written story concerning an interesting topic that deals with the supernatural and spirituality that seems to have been well researched by the author. Melody is a resilient and interesting character that keeps you rooting for her throughout the story. I recommend this book for a great summer read.

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Apr 01, 2011 Adela rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 line...more

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Aug 05, 2010 Leslie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever had the feeling that there was more to life then what you were experiencing. That there are more Universal truths then those we are trained from childhood to believe. Melody is soon to find herself on this very journey when her beloved GrandMama dies and leaves her legacy in the hands of her only granddaughter. Following the wishes of the woman who has been there for her for her entire life, Melody soon finds herself in very unfamiliar territory. It is all so familiar and yet so ve...more

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Apr 25, 2010 Julie Wall rated it 5 of 5 stars

I started this book on Thursday afternoon, while in the waiting room during one of my son's appointments. I got about 15-20 pages in and it was time to go home. Later that night, I picked it up again for a little while, right before bed, and got a few pages further. I took the day off on Saturday and decided while I was relaxing and doing nothing, I would get the book out again. I finished it Saturday night. I couldn't help it. It wouldn't let me put it down!

This story is a wild ride into the pr...more

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Jan 05, 2011 Joey Dye rated it 5 of 5 stars

Review of The Book of Obeah by Sandra Carrington-Smith

I bought this book on a whim not knowing what to expect but I started it and immediately got wrapped up in the story. There are so many things that I enjoyed about this book that I’ll have to make some generalizations. The first thing that I thought was that the book was like The Celestine Prophecy in terms of plot structure in many ways, but differed in that an actual religion formed the underlying philosophy of the book. Sandra Carrington-S...more

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May 08, 2011 Betty rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: atmospheric, bayou, louisiana, murder, mystery, new-orleans, obeah, paranormal, voodoo

Published by O Books

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...more Published by O Books

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.(less)

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Apr 18, 2010 ccqdesigns rated it 4 of 5 stars

Last Friday night I came home from work and found The Book of Obeah by Sandra Carrington-Smith in my mailbox. I had selected this book from Review the Book based on the out of the ordinary synopsis. I decided to pick the book up after supper and read a little before bedtime; at least that was the plan. This book captured me from the start and would not let me go. I kept looking for a stopping point, a place I could relax and take a breath, set it down and go to sleep, but there was none. I was p...more Last Friday night I came home from work and found The Book of Obeah by Sandra Carrington-Smith in my mailbox. I had selected this book from Review the Book based on the out of the ordinary synopsis. I decided to pick the book up after supper and read a little before bedtime; at least that was the plan. This book captured me from the start and would not let me go. I kept looking for a stopping point, a place I could relax and take a breath, set it down and go to sleep, but there was none. I was physically attached to the characters and the prose and I could not stop until it was over, at 4:30 am. The last time a book took hold of me this way was a long time ago. And I have delayed writing this review because I have not wanted to scrutinize why this story touched me the way it did. But, review it I must.

Melody Bennet’s beloved Grandmama Giselle dies and leaves her one last request. She is to take her grandmother’s ashes to New Orleans, have them blessed by a Voodoo Priestess and spread them on Bear Bayou. Melody has lived her entire life in North Carolina with no awareness of her family history on the Bayou, the culture or practice of Voodoo or of any living relatives on the Bayou. What she finds is more than she bargained for and changes everything in her life forever.

This book is steeped in mystery, spirituality, lessons, love, loss and traditions. It makes you question your assessment of Voodoo and other religions and I kept wondering how much was fact and how much was fiction. It has led me on a quest for more information. And, I’ve had a wonderful conversation with the author herself who I have found open and delightful to talk to. I have already questioned her about more books to come and as I had guessed, this is the first book in a series so look for more great reading to come.

I see that I still have not told you why this book affected me in such a way, and this I cannot answer. You must read it for yourself, and see if it reaches up for you. But beware; you may want to wait till Saturday morning to start it!
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Mar 25, 2010 Stephanie Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

Hailing from suburban North Carolina, Melody is thrown into, what is for her, the mysterious and exotic world of voodoo by her Grandmama, a white practicing voodooist. Melody encounters many well developed characters along her journey of finding the powerful Book of Obeah. As a first novel for Sandra Carrington-Smith, "The Book of Obeah" is a shinning achievement. Though not derivative, Carrington-Smith's work has some of the mysticism, pace and suspense of "DaVinci Code." "The Book of Obeah" is...more

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Oct 22, 2012 Tara rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: first-reads

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...more

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Jul 07, 2012 Kate Felton rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Book of Obeah is a marvelous novel laced with lots of intrigue and danger for Melody Bennet, whose grandmother has died at the beginning of the story. Melody travels between North Carolina and New Orleans and learns about her background, and is immersed in another culture of voodoo magick, and a special book that is secret. I would highly recommend this novel, as it is the best I have ever read, and has some wonderful paranormal aspects to it. It is tops, and amazing!l

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Feb 13, 2013 Diogenes Ruiz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I thoroughly enjoyed The Book of Obeah. It gripped my attention and took me on a suspenseful journey into the world of Voodoo. The characters were well developed and it was fascinating to meet the folk in New Orleans. As soon as I finished reading the book, I lent it to my daughter. She is the book snob in the family and usually recommends books to me. With Obeah, I was able to return the favor. I'm looking forward to reading "The Rosaries" by the same author.

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Jun 06, 2010 Scott Schulz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, mystery, thriller

This is one of those one-sitting books that catches you early on, pulls you in quickly, and will not let go until you have finished it.

I sat down to read this one weekend afternoon and, except for the interruption for dinner, was still sitting there several hours later completely unable to put it down.

If you are looking for a good Southern tale of suspense, passion, and voodoo, give this one a try.

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Feb 27, 2013 Leslie Borghini rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book shows Voudou in a postive manner. It is a well written depiction of the Spirit. The negative connotations associated with Voudou that have traversed time and generation are dispelled. The fashion in which Sandra creats this land of, "Old World Ways," keeps the reader spellbound.

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Jul 07, 2012 Angela Cross rated it 5 of 5 stars

I read a variety of genres but I love books set in north Carolina and that have something out of the ordinary. This has both. If you're looking for suspense, a little romance, and something that will take you on a journey out of your comfort zone, I recommend The Book of Obeah.

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May 28, 2011 Kerry La rated it 3 of 5 stars

The story was compelling enough but I did find the style of writing to be quite immature. This seemed to improve the further into the book I got.

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May 19, 2010 Sandra Carrington-Smith added it · (Review from the author)

The Book of Obeah is a novel of paranormal suspense. It recently won the International Book Award for the multi-cultural fiction category.

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May 27, 2010 Nancy marked it as to-read

I do not have this book yet but it is on my list to purchase!

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Apr 15, 2013 Jo McAlpine rated it 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this ....great story, strong characters

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May 09, 2012 Sherrill Craig rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am prejudiced. I know the author.

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Apr 05, 2013 Robert rated it 4 of 5 stars

The story had me from the beginning, weaving mystery with secrets of voodoo. I was quite impressed with the way spiritual themes intertwined in the book. A great read...

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May 18, 2013 Jerry Guinn is currently reading it

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Shelves: have

May 11, 2013 Rachel Hilton marked it as to-read

Shelves: ebooks, kindle-paperwhite, not-categorized-yet, on-kindle-to-read

May 11, 2013 Debra marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: __ebk, _afree, thriller

May 10, 2013 Denise Oliver rated it 5 of 5 stars

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About Sandra Carrington-Smith

Sandra Carrington-Smith is an Italian-born author who relocated to the United States in the late 80’s after marrying a US soldier who was serving overseas. Although writing was Sandra’s deepest passion since childhood, her dream of becoming a published author had to be placed on hold for several years. Moving to a new country provided several challenges, the biggest one being the language barrier...more

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The Book of Obeah (Crossroads #1)

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