Sandman

by Tammy Bird

A group of EMTs with the Emergency Medical Services of Buxton Beach, NC, are among the first to respond after a hurricane rips through the small island community. As they search for survivors, they discover an evil that will haunt  the residents of the tight community for years to come.

Lurking beneath the dunes is a sandy grave not connected to the storm, a grave hidden beneath their feet for over thirty years. 

For one EMT, Katia Billings, it's personal. She is intimately connected to one of the killer's victims. Now she must enlist help from K-9 search expert Paige, and her own on-and-off lover, Zahra, to find the killer, dubbed Sandman, and stop him from killing again.

Genres: Crime, Thriller, Lesbian, Fiction, Book Club, Mystery, LGBT

238 pages, Paperback

Published December 15, 2018

About the author

Some people buy a fancy sports car or fly to far away lands when they hit middle age. Tammy started writing fiction. A literature professor by trade, she deemed it fitting to write about the kaleidoscopic prisms of human nature in her thriller/suspense stories and novels.

Be warned, her work is psychologically hard and gritty and real. Her second novel, THE BOOK OF PROMISES, a YA suspense set in Denver, CO, is currently available for pre-order on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B07MFG1YP1.

You can connect with Tammy here:
https://www.Instagram.com/tammybirdau...
https://amazon.com/author/tammybird
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/tammy...
https://www.facebook.com/tammybirdaut...

Reviews

[Farah · Rating 2 out of 5]

As this is another negative review in a week, a month? I apologize if this review comes off as abrasive or terse. I'm just sick of writing negative reviews and finishing books feeling unsatisfied as I'm always looking for books that'll make me think and really feel, and this was not for me.

This book surprised me...in a bad way. I really enjoyed reading the reviews written by the lesfic warriors so I was expecting myself to love it too. However, to enjoy this book required a major suspension of disbelief (which I’m not capable of) and an acceptance of a horrific plot twist near the end of the story (which I still can’t accept by the way), so sadly, this book didn’t quite work for me. To be honest, I was so angry when I finished, I thought about slapping a 1 star on the book and calling it a day. But after taking a few storylines/elements to mull things over, there were a few things about the story I liked which is why I went with a 2↉ stars rating instead.

The story certainly grabbed my attention from the very first page – it was fast-paced, nerve-wracking, and immediately transformed me into one of the personnels working at the picturesque bodies dumping scene but as quick as a quicksand, things began to turn bad.

There were a lot of things that made me question the believability of the story. First, Katia went on and on cursing everyone who claimed to love her yet left her alone in this big, bad, wolfy world. Second, as the story progressed, there was no sense of urgency, like "oh, this is bad, more bodies are found, who's killing all these women?" - Instead, I read more about Katia's 'lonely, I am Ms.Lonely, I have nobody for my own' life and the other lead's insecurities about her looks/her feelings towards Katia on repeat mode. Plenty of talks/discussions about the murders but < O investigation as they were more busy reminiscing about their past/present baggage.

In my opinion, Frankie the dog saved the day/solved the case. If it weren't for the four-legged cutie, I would probably forked out another 5 bucks to read the sequel. Bloody basket, another book bites the dust 😭.

[JulesGP · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author bares the most heinous ulcers of the soul of those walking amongst us. She tells the story that she wanted to tell and so go in if you’re ready for a tale of humans at their worst. This is one of those books that you can’t reveal too many details because it would all be spoilerish. I do want to mention triggers: child sexual abuse, explicit violence against women, death over and over again, the pov of a killer. Even the few happy moments seem like an overcast sky.

When a hurricane hits a small town in North Carolina, the gruesome remains of murder victims are revealed in the dunes. As the investigation begins, we meet three close friends, Katia, Zahra, and Paige who are all part of the discovery process one way or another as first responders. There’s a lot of tense moments through the book but the ending had me clenching my teeth. That’s how much the author makes us care about the mains because otherwise what would it matter. Katia and Zahra have history and good chemistry but in no way is this a romance.

Yes, I recommend the book, 4.5 stars, for the sheer force of will that it must have taken to face the worst and then to write about it in such an unflinching way. Half a star off for some spots where I got lost in the narrative, not sure if it was the built-in complexity or some disconnect in the transitions. If you do decide to read, be aware of what you’re signing up for, a remarkable telling but gut wrenching.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25☆
A captivating story about a gruesome serial killer with a surprising twist in the end.

[Bugs · Rating 5 out of 5]

One word. Sandman. On the book cover. The text almost translucent, as if trying to hide in plain sight with its colour melding into the sandy beach with an ominous-looking sky looming above the troubled waters. 

What is Sandman? 

When I first heard about Tammy Bird's debut novel, "Sandman," I was immediately curious. First, the cryptic title, which set my mind whirling trying to ascertain its meaning or symbolism. The aesthetically unsettling cover closed the deal for me. SOLD.

Then, the fact that the revealed plot from the blurb was twofold - a search-and-rescue effort post-hurricane and what was lurking in the sand dunes. I thought that was a fascinating approach to writing in the crime thriller genre in lesfic. Needless to say, I utterly enjoyed the story as a whole. I was glad to discover that there were more than met the eye, beyond the twofold-plotline blurb! Truth be told, I actually didn't read the blurb before I read the book because I was so intrigued by the title that I wanted to find out for myself including what the case would entail. I must say, I was surprised when I went back to read the blurb afterwards when I saw the revelation of the title's meaning! I wish the blurb didn't mention that, though. Oh well, it didn't affect me because, thank goodness, I didn't read the blurb before delving into a book this time!

Full commentary here.. In Bugs' Own Words

[T.J. Dallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this, I couldn't put it down! This was my first book by the author, and the About the Author section highlighted that they were all about "psychologically hard, gritty and real" and truer words have never been spoken, lol. This was all of those things, and fairly graphic. Somethings are a little harder than others (not sure whether there should be content warnings? It's highlighted as a thriller, and 'thrill' it did, but the blurb doesn't give much away about what the book contains. The "sandy graveyard" is just the beginning!) I liked the characters, although I have to admit Frankie was my favourite.

[susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness.

I love thrillers. And Tammy Bird hit a home run. Normally I like a fast pace thriller, but this one was the right pace. There were so many twist and turns going on. At one point I thought we weren't going to find out who the killer was. The characters were well developed and believable. I hope there is a sequel coming. I definitely recommend this book.

[Martha Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspenseful, kept my interest throughout. The novel had well-developed characters that one soon cares a lot for, which adds to the suspense. Even though I guessed “whodunnit”, it still came as a shock to me, contradictory as that may seem — you’ll understand if you read the book, which I highly recommend!

[Marina DelVecchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

A psychological thriller that brings to light how childhood abuse by a trusted figure can twist the insides of a human being, this book had me turning the pages, refraining from going to the end to see who the Sandman really was. The ending was unexpected and thrilling. First of all, we don’t know who the serial killer that slashes the throats of “bad” women is until the very end, and this made the book exciting and unpredictable. Secondly, I loved that the women are the heroes in this novel. They are the cop, the EMT, and the forensics scientist who save the day, and it shows the need that we have as contemporary readers for female models to do the saving and the investigating for once. All in all, this was a beautiful read as well, because the writing was strong, evocative, and moving. Definitely recommend this book and author, and I cannot wait to read the next one.

[Tootie Strain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book in one day - could not put it down! Tammy is a awesome upcoming author! If you love mystery thrillers this is a great read!! Will have you guessing until the end!

[Tzipora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are so real and the story engaging.

[Jen Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sandman is sure to please any reader with a taste for dark, twisted thrillers. This novel threatens the very idea of safety- even in an idyllic beach town. The characters are raw- some deliciously, others disturbingly so. Don't start reading until you're ready to see it through. You won't want to stop until you've turned the last page; but even then you'll be upset that it's over.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This psychological thriller will make you think twice about your simple familiar surroundings and those you thought you knew. From the very beginning you will be drawn into the turmoil that this quiet little beach town finds itself in and the secrets that lie just beneath their feet. Page after page you will stay engaged and won't want to put it down, because just when you think you know the answers, you will find yourself questioning your theory.

The author draws you into the characters and their lives in such a vivid way that you will be asking, just as I am, when do we get more.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

great first novel with interesting characters taking place in NC. wonderful meeting the author too. I'm not into mysteries but this one holds you to the very end. looking forward to future writings.

[Kristin Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book is a page turner for sure. This mystery is told from many different view points. Although it’s theme is very dark (especially at times), it also shows that there is life after tragedy. I would recommend to anyone that likes mystery and psychological thrillers with just a bit of romance thrown in.

[Elizabeth Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Tammy Bird, a North Carolina writer, is as suspenseful and thrilling as it is touching to read. As a native North Carolinian who has spent many a summer, fall, and winter at the Outer Banks, I found that Bird gets Hatteras Island (and its villagers) spot on. What she gets even better, though, is drawing the reader into caring about a character so deeply that you hurt for her losses. And there are many. Katia is a complex young woman with a small circle of friends (and a CSI girlfriend) who want to both love her and protect her from Buxton's long-practicing but recently discovered serial killer. There are twists and turns aplenty, with a tension that's original James Patterson (think Kiss the Girls or the more recent Butterfly Collection) and the science of Patricia Cornwell's sharp Kay Scarpetta. No grain of sand is left unturned here. The murders are gruesome, incredibly realistic, and immensely sad. There are few murder mystery writers who can still keep a reader interested in the dead while balancing the quick pace of solving their murders, and Bird manages all of it at once.

[Renee Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant story, Tammy Bird! I loved the suspense! I couldn’t put it down but did to savor the ending. I loved how Tammy wove Autism and spoon theory into CSI and crime scene stuff! Absolutely brilliant!

[Katie Lovin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely captivating. I couldn't put it down. Well developed characters that I cared about. Can't wait for the next book from Tammy Bird!

[Melissa Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

As most of you know I’m a huge fan of thrillers. When I was given the opportunity to read Sandman by Tammy Bird I jumped at the chance. I mean who doesn’t love a strong group of lesbians fighting against time to bring a serial killer to justice.

I was drawn into Sandman from the very start. Katia is everything I love in a main character. She is cool in the face of danger and willing to do anything to help protect the ones she loves. When a hurricane rips through the Outer Banks of North Carolina Katia’s life changes forever. The woman who was like a mother to her growing up was found dead in the dunes with her throat slashed. This gruesome discovery leads the team of investigators to find several more bodies and the discovery that there was a serial killer in their small town.

Zahra is an investigator on the case of the Sandman serial killer. She is also Katia love interest. Before the story starts, they had fooled around a little bit but nothing serious. The case brings them closer together. I liked that the romance element didn’t overpower the thriller aspects of the book.

The book uses points of view from all of the characters involved. For me, this really made the book interesting. It really transformed the story into something spectacular. Marco was one of my favorite points of view. Marco is Katia’s brother and is non-verbal autistic. Marco knows who the killer is, but he struggles to communicate who the killer is.

What really made this book standout is that you never truly know who the Sandman is until the very end of the book. When I found out who the Sandman truly was my jaw dropped. It was such an amazing twist. It is by far my favorite book of the year so far.


I would recommend Sandman to anyone who likes mysteries and thrillers.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first book this year...yes this year....that truly pulled me in. I couldn't stop reading this. The beginning is just fantastic. Lots of action and interesting characters. The author builds a lot of suspense and tension. The middle becomes even better as there are some emotional and romantic issues swirling as well. Then the end. Well ,obviously the end. But I found it rushed and extremely anti-climactic. One of the central-minor, but still central- storylines is just completely dropped.
No idea what happens there.
I gave it 4 stars. It's really superb until the end.

[Em Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars of totally scaring the crap out of me. This book is not for the faint of heart, very well writing, keeps you on the edge and guessing all the way through.

[Beth Burnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I should note first that I don't normally read thrillers. I read this one because I heard the author read a five-minute snippet from this book at a reading and it was visceral enough to make me want to check out the book. Once I was in, I was deeply in. The characters are well-rounded and interesting with their individual foibles and their real human conversations. I love how the author delved into the psyches of the different characters, especially when dealing with people who don't normally get a voice in fiction. The book gave me several gasp-out-loud moments. There were enough twists to keep it interesting and, without giving anything away, a couple of times when I was sure the author was going to do one thing and they took it another direction instead. I liked the bits of comic relief and the human stories behind the mystery. One important aspect of this book is the very real look into a character with autism - something we need more of by authors who do so with the same sensitivity, insight, and love that this author did. I look forward to more from this author.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book by Tammy Bird was heart-warming, creepy, frightening, surprising, and hard to put down. Characters were well defined and I was rooting for them, not only to solve the mystery before any more bodies piled up, but to work through their own issues. I found myself worrying about the characters after the book ended, which I consider one sign of a really good book. I gave the book four stars instead of five because (a) I'm a tough grader, and (b) I want Tammy Bird's next book to be even better. The only bad news is that it may have ruined the Outer Banks of North Carolina for me. I'll have to find a new vacation spot.

[Candace · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. It was obvious that the author put a fair amount of research into it (in one case a factoid she dug up was so interesting that she managed to work it into the text twice, appropriately the first time, a bit less so the second). The mystery wasn't hard to unravel. The red herrings were so red they looked like boiled lobsters. There was a bit of what I call "churning," by which I mean characters pacing around spewing angst, rather than doing much of anything. I didn't find the primary love story very interesting or compelling. And near the end somebody makes a shot that, based on the author's descriptions, should have gone through one of the good guys. However, my biggest complaint is the extensive backstory the author gives her serial killer. It doesn't really provide any justification or explanation for what the murderer does, and whenever we were in the killer's head, I just cringed. Bad pop psychology mixed with no real understanding of psychopathy or sociopathy. The guy was a cartoon. I took a chance on this book because it came in an email of recommended books from Curve magazine/website. It would appear that this is a marketing gimmick rather than any attempt to promote quality fiction. I would guess that the book could have been written in crayon on cardboard and still have gotten a "recommendation." Caveat emptor.

[Cindy Brookshire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the riveting storytelling, and the information I gleaned about crime scene investigations and how crime dogs do their tough jobs. But I admit I had to skim over some of the queasy stuff in the head of the killer - definitely not cozy. Characters were real and human. What I'll remember a year from now will be Marco. I liked being inside his head. And how benign beaches hold so many secrets. I look forward to reading the author's next book.

[Bubblegum · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book quite a lot! Nothing like a beach town murder! It's well written and thought out. Each character was unique and I connected with them all. As a dog lover, I enjoyed the different uses of dogs in the book and how helpful canines can be in many situations.


This is a dark and twisted sort of story and I was pretty shocked by the end. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers or murder mysteries!

[P. Rhapsody O'Brien · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow. Tammy Bird hit the nail on the head with this book.

If you like a well-written, well-executed thriller/murder mystery/serial killer book, I can recommend Sandman.

The writing is top-notch, the pacing is great, characters are full and nuanced, and my gawd...the way she gets into the head of the serial killer is fabulous (albeit a bit creepy lol).

Don't take my word for it. Grab a copy and see for yourself. :)

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did not see the end coming at all. 4 stars because I felt like the story really dragged in the beginning and because I felt that "fuck" was used ENTIRELY too much throughout the book...it made the writing seem a bit amateur to me. (And yes, I do use it as part of my vocabulary, as needed, so I am not overly sensitive about it.)

[Melanie Gregor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy Bird’s debut novel, Sandman, is a twisted psycho-thriller from start to finish, and I mean that in the best of ways! I found the characters relatable and genuine. The killer isn’t revealed until the end and it was mind blowing! I’ll never be able to be at the beach now without looking very carefully at the dunes and imagining what they might be hiding! Well done, Ms Bird! Keep ‘em coming!

[Margaret L. Hedman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great.

Is it improper to say you liked a book based on a serial killer? I liked Sandman. But there is quite a bit of violent death. Some is seen directly, other deaths are only referred to, but described in vivid detail. Yes, it’s lesfic because the main character is a lesbian. But there is not much else that makes this a lesfic novel.

[W. Tinkanesh · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sandman' left me baffled.
When I started reading it, I liked the style. I felt there was something unusual about this book. It is lesfic, but it is more focused on the crime investigation and the characters. I liked that. But the style and the story had a coldness about them that I had never found in lesfic before. It is not a cozy novel. The easy-reading feel is an illusion.
Well done.