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Lake People #1
Veiled Eyes
A vivid waking dream of giant cypress trees dripping with Spanish moss haunts Anna St. Thais. The trees sit on a black lake that resembles a dark Louisiana bayou with an evocative aura. The dream includes the presence of a man who seems to know Anna all too well and a group of people with strange telepathic powers, sometimes called veiled eyes.
An orphan from Texas, she is on her way east to help out a friend when she encounters two terrifying things. Psychically, she begins to see and hear things through the eyes of an unknown individual, a man who knows more about her than she ever would have imagined. The second thing is that she has been kidnapped by a sociopathic trucker intent on making her his latest victim.
When she is rescued by Gabriel Bergeron, a member of the elusive Lake People in Northwestern Louisiana, Anna doesn’t realize that he is her psychic counterpart and she has been inexplicably pulled to the area. She shares their strange colored gold eyes and their distinctive mental powers. They are a reclusive lot and know that Anna is one of them, but has been isolated by unknown circumstances. She is drawn into their incomparable world, something between that of the Creoles and Cajuns, and much in addition to those.
There Anna finds a romantic link with Gabriel and the spine-tingling fear of not knowing who to trust. Her return has disturbed the inner workings of the group and threatens to expose secrets long concealed in the murky Louisiana bayous. There are secrets to be divulged about her past and why she was spirited away as an infant. Anna isn’t safe until she discovers the answers she so desperately requires.
An orphan from Texas, she is on her way east to help out a friend when she encounters two terrifying things. Psychically, she begins to see and hear things through the eyes of an unknown individual, a man who knows more about her than she ever would have imagined. The second thing is that she has been kidnapped by a sociopathic trucker intent on making her his latest victim.
When she is rescued by Gabriel Bergeron, a member of the elusive Lake People in Northwestern Louisiana, Anna doesn’t realize that he is her psychic counterpart and she has been inexplicably pulled to the area. She shares their strange colored gold eyes and their distinctive mental powers. They are a reclusive lot and know that Anna is one of them, but has been isolated by unknown circumstances. She is drawn into their incomparable world, something between that of the Creoles and Cajuns, and much in addition to those.
There Anna finds a romantic link with Gabriel and the spine-tingling fear of not knowing who to trust. Her return has disturbed the inner workings of the group and threatens to expose secrets long concealed in the murky Louisiana bayous. There are secrets to be divulged about her past and why she was spirited away as an infant. Anna isn’t safe until she discovers the answers she so desperately requires.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 11, 2010
607 people are currently reading
2954 people want to read
About the author
C.L. Bevill
44 books485 followersC.L. Bevill has been in the U.S. Army, cleaned floors, a graphic illustrator, a therapist, and a stay at home mother. She lives in the Alabama area with her husband and daughter and keeps plugging away at the next great American novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 341 reviews
May 13, 2011
I really, really want to give this book four or more stars. But I can not. For one they're too many editing issues that break up the flow. There are missing words, extra words, out of place words, it's a little ridiculous. Eventually I became good at ignoring it but it definitly ruins the flow. Secondly, who are the Lake People? We never really get an explanation or full back ground on them.
Other than that I loved it. The Lake People are great, I really like them. I found myself connecting with the characters quite easily. At the beginning it had a horror feel which hooked me right away. Especially since there was a little romance mixed in. Then it flowed into a mystery type plot. Which surprisingly I didn't guess the ending of. Lol I was close but didn't quite have it. I really liked the little bits of info at the beginning of each chapter.
In the end I really loved this book and would love to read more about the lake people. Just needs to be more in depth with background info. Not to mention the romance needs a boost. If your going to have characters with a deep mental connection that's unavoidable and for life it needs to feel a little more convincing.
Other than that I loved it. The Lake People are great, I really like them. I found myself connecting with the characters quite easily. At the beginning it had a horror feel which hooked me right away. Especially since there was a little romance mixed in. Then it flowed into a mystery type plot. Which surprisingly I didn't guess the ending of. Lol I was close but didn't quite have it. I really liked the little bits of info at the beginning of each chapter.
In the end I really loved this book and would love to read more about the lake people. Just needs to be more in depth with background info. Not to mention the romance needs a boost. If your going to have characters with a deep mental connection that's unavoidable and for life it needs to feel a little more convincing.
May 1, 2015
The writing style is engaging and I really liked the story, but it could use an editor for formatting and word usage issues. For example, the word palatable was used instead of palpable. It was an error that got a good laugh, as the meaning using the word palatable would have not been what the author intended. The author repeatedly made a statement and then went back in time by minutes or hours, which was confusing. First one thing happens, then we are suddenly back to before that happened. I don't know if this was intentional, but it was definitely something to get used to. Probably not a good way to construct paragraphs. This seemed to be less common in the later parts of the book. The biggest detractor from my enjoyment, personally, was the erratic use of italics. I don't know if this was an e-book formatting issue, but the italics just made no sense. I think they were supposed to indicate thoughts, but all thoughts were not italicized, even in the same sentence. Also, many "non-thoughts" WERE italicized.
So, why four stars? Despite these issues, I did think that the story was generally well written - the pacing was well done (although the point at which she fell into his arms did seem a bit sudden for all the resistance up to that point), and I found the story engaging. Will likely read the next books in the series. I give the author a HUGE thumbs up for actually wrapping up the story instead of leaving it hanging like so many series do. This is a stand-alone book, not just the first part of a story that's been spread over three books.
So, why four stars? Despite these issues, I did think that the story was generally well written - the pacing was well done (although the point at which she fell into his arms did seem a bit sudden for all the resistance up to that point), and I found the story engaging. Will likely read the next books in the series. I give the author a HUGE thumbs up for actually wrapping up the story instead of leaving it hanging like so many series do. This is a stand-alone book, not just the first part of a story that's been spread over three books.
April 11, 2012
I had no idea what to expect with this book as it was a free book I got several months ago. I started it on a whim and couldn't hardly put it down! I absolutely loved the characters, the many layers of plot and the suspense! I really loved this book!
I would suggest reading the book without reading a summary about it.
Anna was raised in an orphanage with little idea where she came from. On a terrible streak of bad luck, she is hitchhiking cross-country only to be abducted by a deranged serial killer. At her breaking point, she concedes to a voice inside her head, answering its many questions. However, the voice turns out to not be imaginary, but that of her savior, the man destined for her, born of the Lake People with second sight and characteristically unusual amber dyes. After she is rescued, she learns she is kin to the Lake People, who are very leery of outsiders, yet they claim they will help her discover the truth of her family. In the pursuit of truth, Anna discovers more mystery as those with answers are either killed or disappear. Who is she really? Are these people really trustworthy? Is Gabriel really her soulmate? What secrets are worth dying for?
There were a few places where there were minor contradictions and editing errors. I could have used a little more relationship development. Also, while the book was long, it could have been extended to a trilogy to offer a bit more Lake People development. Loved the book anyway!
I would suggest reading the book without reading a summary about it.
Anna was raised in an orphanage with little idea where she came from. On a terrible streak of bad luck, she is hitchhiking cross-country only to be abducted by a deranged serial killer. At her breaking point, she concedes to a voice inside her head, answering its many questions. However, the voice turns out to not be imaginary, but that of her savior, the man destined for her, born of the Lake People with second sight and characteristically unusual amber dyes. After she is rescued, she learns she is kin to the Lake People, who are very leery of outsiders, yet they claim they will help her discover the truth of her family. In the pursuit of truth, Anna discovers more mystery as those with answers are either killed or disappear. Who is she really? Are these people really trustworthy? Is Gabriel really her soulmate? What secrets are worth dying for?
There were a few places where there were minor contradictions and editing errors. I could have used a little more relationship development. Also, while the book was long, it could have been extended to a trilogy to offer a bit more Lake People development. Loved the book anyway!
September 6, 2013
I really liked this scary para-mystery set in the swamps of LA. It was scary, really hit all my EEEKKK points. It was romantic with the connection that was always there. It was mystical with the black Lake, the Catfish and the yellow eyed people. It was also had a good mystery with her parentage, and the voices. My only complaint is that the MC had few big TSTL moments, but it was expected with her background and the chip she carried on her shoulder. I would love to see more from this series/author
A really good read from a self published author to watch.
A really good read from a self published author to watch.
May 12, 2014
eiled eyes is a peculiar book. It’s not quite 100% romance, it’s not quite 100% mystery, it’s not quite 100% paranormal. It’s an odd mix of conventions that, often, pays off.
The story revolves around Anna St. Thais – an orphan who knew little of her father or her mother. She was, instead, raised in an orphanage of her namesake. When a trucker kidnaps her to rape and murder her, Anna is rather surprised to hear voices in her head – voices which respond and manage to rescue her. It turns out that Anna, and her lineage, are telepathic and she managed to communicate with a small, hidden community of similarly powered individuals that live in the South. From there, Anna learns to be a part of the community while still trying to understand the people she shares blood with as well as answer some nagging questions about her abilities – and her past.
Anna is an interesting narrator and protagonist. The author does an excellent job working her out to be both realistic and interesting. She is fun to experience the world through as well as to delve in to in depth. Anna’s innate sense of curiosity is accented by her doggedness to answer the questions that she develops about the community.
The author’s true love, however, is with the Cajun culture and the land of the south. You are literally swimming in it throughout the novel and it quickly becomes evident that the author is an expert – either through life experience or extensive research. She clearly loves the culture and land of the south and it shows in her exploration of it through Anna’s eyes. She even makes Anna an outsider to start with so that you get that feeling of what it might be like to be exposed to such a diverse place through the eyes of a similar outsider. I have no idea how a reader from the south might react to the descriptions and ideals explored in this novel, but, as a Michigander, I enjoyed it immensely when I could understand.
That being said, sometimes the descriptions of the local flavor are too extensive or mired in their imagery, making it hard for a non-native to track precisely what the author is going for. This does not happen often, but it happens often enough so as to detract from the reading experience.
The only major obstacle that I experienced in reading the book is the pacing. Things move quickly, which in a thriller or a mystery can be a good thing. Unfortunately, this backfired at the climax of the story – we got to the Climax and it appeared as though the individual responsible for the crimes Anna is pursuing came out of nowhere. There were a few hints, but not a lot of development on that end of the mystery part of the novel which made it feel a bit rushed and a bit too extended.
On the whole, veiled eyes is a lot of fun to read and worth it’s current price point (free) up to the ‘discount’ kindle rate of $2.99.
Writing: 4/5
Characterization: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Flow: 3/5
Value: 3/5 (At Free)
Total rating: 3.6/5
The story revolves around Anna St. Thais – an orphan who knew little of her father or her mother. She was, instead, raised in an orphanage of her namesake. When a trucker kidnaps her to rape and murder her, Anna is rather surprised to hear voices in her head – voices which respond and manage to rescue her. It turns out that Anna, and her lineage, are telepathic and she managed to communicate with a small, hidden community of similarly powered individuals that live in the South. From there, Anna learns to be a part of the community while still trying to understand the people she shares blood with as well as answer some nagging questions about her abilities – and her past.
Anna is an interesting narrator and protagonist. The author does an excellent job working her out to be both realistic and interesting. She is fun to experience the world through as well as to delve in to in depth. Anna’s innate sense of curiosity is accented by her doggedness to answer the questions that she develops about the community.
The author’s true love, however, is with the Cajun culture and the land of the south. You are literally swimming in it throughout the novel and it quickly becomes evident that the author is an expert – either through life experience or extensive research. She clearly loves the culture and land of the south and it shows in her exploration of it through Anna’s eyes. She even makes Anna an outsider to start with so that you get that feeling of what it might be like to be exposed to such a diverse place through the eyes of a similar outsider. I have no idea how a reader from the south might react to the descriptions and ideals explored in this novel, but, as a Michigander, I enjoyed it immensely when I could understand.
That being said, sometimes the descriptions of the local flavor are too extensive or mired in their imagery, making it hard for a non-native to track precisely what the author is going for. This does not happen often, but it happens often enough so as to detract from the reading experience.
The only major obstacle that I experienced in reading the book is the pacing. Things move quickly, which in a thriller or a mystery can be a good thing. Unfortunately, this backfired at the climax of the story – we got to the Climax and it appeared as though the individual responsible for the crimes Anna is pursuing came out of nowhere. There were a few hints, but not a lot of development on that end of the mystery part of the novel which made it feel a bit rushed and a bit too extended.
On the whole, veiled eyes is a lot of fun to read and worth it’s current price point (free) up to the ‘discount’ kindle rate of $2.99.
Writing: 4/5
Characterization: 4/5
Plot: 3/5
Flow: 3/5
Value: 3/5 (At Free)
Total rating: 3.6/5
August 9, 2013
While hitchhiking, Anna is taken captive by a serial killer. She hears a man's voice inside her head. The story is set in a Louisiana small town on the banks of a dark, mysterious lake supposedly inhabited by a giant catfish. The people there have dark hair, golden eyes, speak Cajun, and are telepathic. The book develops into a wonderful paranormal mystery and suspense. There is a great deal of mistrust, riddles, secrets, and ancient murders. I was sucked right in.
Some readers may be thrown by the French words but I enjoyed them. It was easy to decipher the meanings and it gave the book an authentic flavor. For example, the name of the hero's dog's is Phideaux (Fido).
I was not overly thrilled with the hero; he was a bonehead. When there was finally a sex scene, it was lame. However, the overall story telling made up for those weaknesses. The ending was very dramatic.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars rounded up to five, and will be continuing the series.
Some readers may be thrown by the French words but I enjoyed them. It was easy to decipher the meanings and it gave the book an authentic flavor. For example, the name of the hero's dog's is Phideaux (Fido).
I was not overly thrilled with the hero; he was a bonehead. When there was finally a sex scene, it was lame. However, the overall story telling made up for those weaknesses. The ending was very dramatic.
I give this book 4 1/2 stars rounded up to five, and will be continuing the series.
July 6, 2015
This was the kind of book I like to read and wish I had written. There was a blend of fantasy, reality and mystery that was enthralling to read.
At times the severity of events were almost beyond belief but the characters were believable and their reactions sound. The small community we are introduced to was intriguing, so I was glad to find there were other books based in the same community. It was also a good set up as I found I could believe a backward area would isolate themselves this way and possibly hide more abilities than is widely termed 'normal'.
The brewing romance was developed well without any unrealistic jump-on-the-opposite-sex scenes. (Thumbs up!)
I also did not even get close to guessing the 'bad guys' until they were revealed, so I would highly recommend this read.
At times the severity of events were almost beyond belief but the characters were believable and their reactions sound. The small community we are introduced to was intriguing, so I was glad to find there were other books based in the same community. It was also a good set up as I found I could believe a backward area would isolate themselves this way and possibly hide more abilities than is widely termed 'normal'.
The brewing romance was developed well without any unrealistic jump-on-the-opposite-sex scenes. (Thumbs up!)
I also did not even get close to guessing the 'bad guys' until they were revealed, so I would highly recommend this read.
March 17, 2017
The pages practically turned themselves in this book. While not exactly earth shattering, it was compelling and had such nice flow that it flew by. Enjoyed the character, the world, and the pacing.
July 25, 2012
Veiled Eyes – CL Bevill
Anna St. Thais always heard a voice in her head giving her advice, warning her away from harm. She calls it her little helper. In addition to the voice, she has dreams of a whistling man on a boat and a large, black lake. Not knowing the implications of all this, she strikes out for Louisiana from Texas, knowing that it's what she must do.
Unfortunately for Anna, she meets the wrong trucker along the way. Fortunately for her, the little helper is far more than she ever dreamed. After a daring rescue, Anna finds herself among a group of people who call themselves The Family and all of them have the same golden eyes – just like she has.
Although she's assured she's one of The Family, she doesn't feel welcome. Bad things are going on and someone is watching her. After meeting a strange man who claims to be her father, her curious mind leads her to investigate.
"Veiled Eyes" is a moderately paced thriller full of lies, betrayal, murder and deception. It's also full of love. The setting in Louisiana Bayou Country, adds to the eeriness and mystique. To Anna, the setting is completely foreign, making her feel even more like an outsider.
The author captured the musicality of the characters' accents without layering dialog with unreadable dialect. Their personalities are infused by who they are as individuals – or by their place in the family.
I highly recommend "Veiled Eyes" for anyone who likes a good mystery. Five Golden Acorns.
© 2012 Dellani Oakes
Anna St. Thais always heard a voice in her head giving her advice, warning her away from harm. She calls it her little helper. In addition to the voice, she has dreams of a whistling man on a boat and a large, black lake. Not knowing the implications of all this, she strikes out for Louisiana from Texas, knowing that it's what she must do.
Unfortunately for Anna, she meets the wrong trucker along the way. Fortunately for her, the little helper is far more than she ever dreamed. After a daring rescue, Anna finds herself among a group of people who call themselves The Family and all of them have the same golden eyes – just like she has.
Although she's assured she's one of The Family, she doesn't feel welcome. Bad things are going on and someone is watching her. After meeting a strange man who claims to be her father, her curious mind leads her to investigate.
"Veiled Eyes" is a moderately paced thriller full of lies, betrayal, murder and deception. It's also full of love. The setting in Louisiana Bayou Country, adds to the eeriness and mystique. To Anna, the setting is completely foreign, making her feel even more like an outsider.
The author captured the musicality of the characters' accents without layering dialog with unreadable dialect. Their personalities are infused by who they are as individuals – or by their place in the family.
I highly recommend "Veiled Eyes" for anyone who likes a good mystery. Five Golden Acorns.
© 2012 Dellani Oakes
October 28, 2011
What a great book with all the suspense and just the right amount of paranormal. This book was beautifully written with non of the editorial issues that many books are prone to. Some issues I have about this book: wish there were more romantic scenes between Anna and Gabriel, and secondly, there were a lot of loose ends. I'm hoping the author will write a followup book to explain this one. I want to know more about what exactly happened to Anna's mom and the history of her heritage. I get that the Lake people are a group of extended family converging on the surrounding lake properties living together by their paranormal pull towards the lake and the catfish. It's almost like a tall tale told by the elders neither believed nor discredited by the family. I think if Bevill would have retold some scenes about Ana's mom, Gautier and Sebastian, the whole feel of this book would have felt more finished. But who knows there could be more and this was just an intro? Great book all around! Cover needs help though. If this book wasn't free on kindle I would have never even tried it because of the lack of interest from cover!
July 11, 2012
4.25 This was a freebie on Amazon and I enjoyed it. It starts out & ends with a bang. It's not your typical paranormal book and I was surprised at the twists and events that happened. Most books can be predictable this one was not.
Anna is an orphan who has always had strange visions of a black lake and sometimes she feels herself inside the mind of one man. She's living in El Paso & feels the need to move to Louisiana. She ends up in the town of Unknown LA where everyone has the same strange gold eyes as her and the man who's mind she's been in lives there. Anna discovers her powers and tries to find out where she came from and how she ended up being an orphan. While uncovering the biggest secret of the "Lake People" & falling in love with her mystery man. I will read the next in this series. I do think if you didn't understand/appreciate Cajun culture there might be parts that don't make sense, IMO.
Anna is an orphan who has always had strange visions of a black lake and sometimes she feels herself inside the mind of one man. She's living in El Paso & feels the need to move to Louisiana. She ends up in the town of Unknown LA where everyone has the same strange gold eyes as her and the man who's mind she's been in lives there. Anna discovers her powers and tries to find out where she came from and how she ended up being an orphan. While uncovering the biggest secret of the "Lake People" & falling in love with her mystery man. I will read the next in this series. I do think if you didn't understand/appreciate Cajun culture there might be parts that don't make sense, IMO.
July 14, 2012
I am quickly becoming a fan of C.L. Bevill! This is the first in the "Lake People" series set in Louisiana bayou country.
Engaging, good characters, and a story that moves along at a wonderful pace...it is a great read if you are looking for a mixture of thriller, suspense, mystery, and a bit of the paranormal along with a little bit of reluctant romance.
The author does explain a bit about the history of the bayou and "the family" along the way and adds wonderful flair - from the Cajun/Acadian French to the superstitious tidbits used to introduce each chapter.
I've always enjoyed reading about Louisiana in general and this book will definitely go on my list of "Louisiana Good Reads".
Great price too for a nice long read on my Nook!
Engaging, good characters, and a story that moves along at a wonderful pace...it is a great read if you are looking for a mixture of thriller, suspense, mystery, and a bit of the paranormal along with a little bit of reluctant romance.
The author does explain a bit about the history of the bayou and "the family" along the way and adds wonderful flair - from the Cajun/Acadian French to the superstitious tidbits used to introduce each chapter.
I've always enjoyed reading about Louisiana in general and this book will definitely go on my list of "Louisiana Good Reads".
Great price too for a nice long read on my Nook!
October 24, 2011
If you're on the edge of deciding on this book, don't give it another thought. IT'S A FREEBIE (last time I checked) AND IT IS FANTASTIC! The author does an amazing job of bringing the reader into the odd town of Unknown, Louisiana and opens their eyes to the mysterious secrets that have been hidden so well.
There is a very Hitchcock-like quality to the writing in this story, and I'll be the first to admit, I was a little spooked at where I thought the story was going to go. And then the story took a turn and the ending was completed unexpected.
Now, stop reading this review and download this book while you're thinking about it. You won't be disappointed in this paranormal mystery.
There is a very Hitchcock-like quality to the writing in this story, and I'll be the first to admit, I was a little spooked at where I thought the story was going to go. And then the story took a turn and the ending was completed unexpected.
Now, stop reading this review and download this book while you're thinking about it. You won't be disappointed in this paranormal mystery.
March 14, 2012
One of the things I like about this book is the unpredictible predictibility of it. Yes there is a love interest and they do break the tension between them finally. Yes, there is a bit of mystery with a great twist towards the end. Yes, there is some fascinating mind melding. Yes, there's even some very funny times. That's what I love about this author. She manages to make things interesting by adding a bit of humor along with the tension of the mystery. Oh, yes, there is the heroine who goes where no normal person would go voluntarily. I'll be looking for more by this author. They're easy reads that keep the mind engaged and the sense of humor intact.
July 31, 2011
This was free on my nook reader, so I would definitely say it was worth my money :) I thought the story was creative. I couldn't decided if the characters were grown up or immature. There would be adult themes and then they would go around acting like a teenager. I also with there was more development, but I was interested in the story and couldn't put the book down so I will give it 4 stars. Also, people has stated the gramatical errors and editing problems- I would agree with them.
December 28, 2014
I can't praise it enough. This is more 4.5 and with multiple readings could move up. I enjoy the mental link that Anna has with the Family but this story is more of a romantic thriller than a paranormal. The psychic link does add wonderfully to the story.
I look forward to reading other Lake People books. That series title made he hesitate to read this book until I had read her Moon books. Loved those too but this one is ever better and is longer.
I look forward to reading other Lake People books. That series title made he hesitate to read this book until I had read her Moon books. Loved those too but this one is ever better and is longer.
March 27, 2012
Great book! Supernatural mixed with mystery. Loved it and highly recommend!
May 3, 2015
Good paranormal thriller! Love that giant catfish!
June 20, 2017
This is the first book in the Lake People series. I really enjoyed it.
Anna St. Thais is a character I wanted to like. Unfortunately, I found her to be rather naive and annoying at times. She does some really idiotic things. She is an orphan living in Texas and working as a mechanic, but has had visions of a strange place and a young man she has never met with similar coloured eyes as herself. Drawn by the pull of the visions, she finds herself travelling across the country in an attempt to locate him.
Gabriel Bergeron is an interesting character and I liked him a lot more than Anna. He works as a fishing guide on the bayous near to the town of Unknown that houses the clan of Lake People. Psychically linked to Anna since her puberty, he is intrigued by her life in a land completely different to his own. As their link draws her closer to him, he is horrified when she is kidnapped by a psychotic truck driver.
Amazon actually recommended this book to me way back in 2012. I downloaded it, but didn't read it until recently due to my large reading list.
I started to read it and was quickly hooked. However, as I said above about Anna's character, I found myself wanting to either shake her or smack her for being so idiotic. Okay, I get she didn't have much money, but hitch-hiking is risky, especially for a lone woman. What I don't get is that she has a psychic link to Gabriel, but not any type of clairvoyance? What about woman's intuition? However, I think you don't have to be psychic to know that hitch-hiking across the country is a bad idea. Having said that, this part of the story was well written and I connected to Anna emotionally as she faced the harsh reality of her situation.
This story takes the reader on a huge emotional roller coaster ride. There is mystery, danger and romance aplenty. There are several twists to keep a reader guessing and the story had a dark feel to it at times, which had shivers creeping over my skin. There is a thrilling mystery surrounding the Bayou, the citizens and Anna's mother's past. The citizens of Unknown are wary of strangers, even one that looks much like them. I must admit that I did like Camille, Gabriel's sister, and her family. As the story reached its climax, I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Goujon, the giant catfish that haunts the lake and protects the Lake People. However, he may appear later on in the series. I did feel that the story plot near the end was not as strong as it should have been, though other readers may disagree. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I enjoyed the story, but am not sure if I will continue with the series.
C.L. Bevill has written an intriguing start to the series. I loved her writing style, which is not particularly fast paced, but it still had me turning the pages to find out what happened next. The flow felt a little jerky at times as scenes transitioned, but for the most part it flowed well.
Due to mention of some violence (although not graphic), I do not recommend this book to young readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love reading supernatural/paranormal thrillers/romances. - Lynn Worton
Anna St. Thais is a character I wanted to like. Unfortunately, I found her to be rather naive and annoying at times. She does some really idiotic things. She is an orphan living in Texas and working as a mechanic, but has had visions of a strange place and a young man she has never met with similar coloured eyes as herself. Drawn by the pull of the visions, she finds herself travelling across the country in an attempt to locate him.
Gabriel Bergeron is an interesting character and I liked him a lot more than Anna. He works as a fishing guide on the bayous near to the town of Unknown that houses the clan of Lake People. Psychically linked to Anna since her puberty, he is intrigued by her life in a land completely different to his own. As their link draws her closer to him, he is horrified when she is kidnapped by a psychotic truck driver.
Amazon actually recommended this book to me way back in 2012. I downloaded it, but didn't read it until recently due to my large reading list.
I started to read it and was quickly hooked. However, as I said above about Anna's character, I found myself wanting to either shake her or smack her for being so idiotic. Okay, I get she didn't have much money, but hitch-hiking is risky, especially for a lone woman. What I don't get is that she has a psychic link to Gabriel, but not any type of clairvoyance? What about woman's intuition? However, I think you don't have to be psychic to know that hitch-hiking across the country is a bad idea. Having said that, this part of the story was well written and I connected to Anna emotionally as she faced the harsh reality of her situation.
This story takes the reader on a huge emotional roller coaster ride. There is mystery, danger and romance aplenty. There are several twists to keep a reader guessing and the story had a dark feel to it at times, which had shivers creeping over my skin. There is a thrilling mystery surrounding the Bayou, the citizens and Anna's mother's past. The citizens of Unknown are wary of strangers, even one that looks much like them. I must admit that I did like Camille, Gabriel's sister, and her family. As the story reached its climax, I was a little disappointed that we didn't get to see more of Goujon, the giant catfish that haunts the lake and protects the Lake People. However, he may appear later on in the series. I did feel that the story plot near the end was not as strong as it should have been, though other readers may disagree. I reached the end of the book with mixed feelings. I enjoyed the story, but am not sure if I will continue with the series.
C.L. Bevill has written an intriguing start to the series. I loved her writing style, which is not particularly fast paced, but it still had me turning the pages to find out what happened next. The flow felt a little jerky at times as scenes transitioned, but for the most part it flowed well.
Due to mention of some violence (although not graphic), I do not recommend this book to young readers. I do, however, recommend this book if you love reading supernatural/paranormal thrillers/romances. - Lynn Worton
January 23, 2018
I liked the plot of this book. The setting was interesting in that it took place in the bayous of Louisiana. The author did a good job of making the reader feel as though they were there. The main characters were pretty well drawn. However, I thought the author didn't take much time with the development of the relationship between Anna and Gabriel. I just didn't feel much chemistry between them.
I also thought that for someone who had been recently kidnapped by a serial killer, Anna didn't seem to have any lasting effects. She constantly took off on her own to places that seemed dangerous to her. She'd been warned by an anonymous voice in her head to not go to certain places, but she went anyway, usually not informing anyone of where she was going. And Gabriel wasn't very good at figuring out that Anna didn't make up things. He really didn't seem to have much trust in her. Otherwise he would have believed her and she wouldn't have been forced to find things out on her own.
I also thought that there were too many characters introduced in this book (the first in a series). By the time the killer was revealed, I couldn't remember his just who he was in the Family Tree and when Anna had previously talked to him.
So I did end up enjoying the book - mostly because of the action near the end of the book. I liked that there was an epilogue. I'm not sure that I'll read any more books in the series.
I also thought that for someone who had been recently kidnapped by a serial killer, Anna didn't seem to have any lasting effects. She constantly took off on her own to places that seemed dangerous to her. She'd been warned by an anonymous voice in her head to not go to certain places, but she went anyway, usually not informing anyone of where she was going. And Gabriel wasn't very good at figuring out that Anna didn't make up things. He really didn't seem to have much trust in her. Otherwise he would have believed her and she wouldn't have been forced to find things out on her own.
I also thought that there were too many characters introduced in this book (the first in a series). By the time the killer was revealed, I couldn't remember his just who he was in the Family Tree and when Anna had previously talked to him.
So I did end up enjoying the book - mostly because of the action near the end of the book. I liked that there was an epilogue. I'm not sure that I'll read any more books in the series.
May 11, 2017
Mysterious community and Giant Catfish
I don't know where this author has been but she's now one of my favorites. She is so unique. I love reading anything set in Louisiana. Anna is hitchhiking and gets a ride with a truck driver. Little does she know he is a serial killer. She goes through hell. But there's a voice in her head communicating with her. She feels drawn to him and has had dreams and visions all her life of a beautiful lake with black water. Her mysterious man rescues her. Being an orphan all her life with no family at all has been lonely and hard. Now she is staying with her rescuer and his friends and family who surround them in the town Unknown that has a huge lake and bayou. The people of this town all have an ability where they can communicate with each other. But there are a few who are keeping secrets. Some go missing and some are killed. Who is responsible? This was so suspenseful and mysterious. I couldn't guess even until the end. This is a review for both the ebook and audiobook as I have both and switched back and forth. The narrator is superb with a wonderful Louisiana accent. I felt like I was there with the community.
I don't know where this author has been but she's now one of my favorites. She is so unique. I love reading anything set in Louisiana. Anna is hitchhiking and gets a ride with a truck driver. Little does she know he is a serial killer. She goes through hell. But there's a voice in her head communicating with her. She feels drawn to him and has had dreams and visions all her life of a beautiful lake with black water. Her mysterious man rescues her. Being an orphan all her life with no family at all has been lonely and hard. Now she is staying with her rescuer and his friends and family who surround them in the town Unknown that has a huge lake and bayou. The people of this town all have an ability where they can communicate with each other. But there are a few who are keeping secrets. Some go missing and some are killed. Who is responsible? This was so suspenseful and mysterious. I couldn't guess even until the end. This is a review for both the ebook and audiobook as I have both and switched back and forth. The narrator is superb with a wonderful Louisiana accent. I felt like I was there with the community.
August 3, 2018
After a slow-ish start, this story soon picked up, and while not action packed and full of tension, it captivated me and drew me into the story, so that I hated any interruption (like work etc......).
Anna grew up in an orphanage in Texas and had always had some sort of sixth sense, and dreams about a stranger. On her way to a friend, she is rescued from danger by this stranger, Gabriel - and finds that the people in the little village he brings her to all have the same golden-coloured eyes as she has, and that they seem to know something about her parents. And something weird is going on, or how would you describe being able to sense thoughts of other people? There are secrets to be discovered, and Anna's courage and determination soon brings Gabriel to despair.
Absolutely great characters, well developed and realistic (in spite of the strange goings-on), an equally great plot with twists and turns enough to keep the tension, and a brilliant narration style make this a mix of paranormal romance with a bit of crime thrown in - I would love to get my hands on the second volume in this series!
Anna grew up in an orphanage in Texas and had always had some sort of sixth sense, and dreams about a stranger. On her way to a friend, she is rescued from danger by this stranger, Gabriel - and finds that the people in the little village he brings her to all have the same golden-coloured eyes as she has, and that they seem to know something about her parents. And something weird is going on, or how would you describe being able to sense thoughts of other people? There are secrets to be discovered, and Anna's courage and determination soon brings Gabriel to despair.
Absolutely great characters, well developed and realistic (in spite of the strange goings-on), an equally great plot with twists and turns enough to keep the tension, and a brilliant narration style make this a mix of paranormal romance with a bit of crime thrown in - I would love to get my hands on the second volume in this series!
November 3, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this book. It amazed me, the writing was awesome, it flowed really well. I couldn’t put the book down. I did feel that at some points there was too much filler, but overall it was a really great read.
Set in Unknown, LA, Anna is an orphan from SW Texas who is headed east to help a friend. On her way there, she’s kidnapped by a serial killer who drives a big rig. She’s eventually rescued by a group of people she’s never met, including a man she had seen only in her mind’s eye. This particular group share things in common with Anna including rare gold colored eyes and telepathic powers.
Anna’s appearance in Unknown has upset the balance that has been in place for many years and reveals secrets that have been hidden from everyone.
Ms. Bevill has written a great book and I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys reading Paranormal Romance.
Set in Unknown, LA, Anna is an orphan from SW Texas who is headed east to help a friend. On her way there, she’s kidnapped by a serial killer who drives a big rig. She’s eventually rescued by a group of people she’s never met, including a man she had seen only in her mind’s eye. This particular group share things in common with Anna including rare gold colored eyes and telepathic powers.
Anna’s appearance in Unknown has upset the balance that has been in place for many years and reveals secrets that have been hidden from everyone.
Ms. Bevill has written a great book and I would definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys reading Paranormal Romance.
December 7, 2020
I was very pleased and more than pleasantly surprised with this book. The plot line was not one I have come across before and it was refreshing to read a story that didn't feel like a fanfiction-turned-pseudo-original.
There were a few spots I grew bored, particularly in the middle where Anna (main female character) is living in her new community and trying to learn how to control her psychic powers. There is also quite a bit of confusion during the text where some thoughts are italicized and other's aren't, even though the characters are still speaking or hearing telepathically in the same paragraph.
There were no sharp cliff hangers or edgy plot cutoffs at the end; a much welcomed closing considering there are other books to this series but about different and new characters. I was happy I read it and would be willing to reread the story again at a later date.
There were a few spots I grew bored, particularly in the middle where Anna (main female character) is living in her new community and trying to learn how to control her psychic powers. There is also quite a bit of confusion during the text where some thoughts are italicized and other's aren't, even though the characters are still speaking or hearing telepathically in the same paragraph.
There were no sharp cliff hangers or edgy plot cutoffs at the end; a much welcomed closing considering there are other books to this series but about different and new characters. I was happy I read it and would be willing to reread the story again at a later date.
December 12, 2019
This was a fascinating story of a group of people living isolated lives in the bayous of Lousiana, who had a genetic trait for telepathy and clairvoyance. My main quibble is that it needed a good editor, as the author had put the telepathic communications in italics, but it wasn't consistent. Also the chapter headings were dates, and one chapter was dated the day before the previous chapter, even though it was set the day after. If the author gets a good proof-reader to look at it it will be worth 5 stars.
January 28, 2024
Magical Realism
I purchased this several years ago and remembered it when I saw this prompt for the 52Books prompt. Well written double mystery set in Bayou Country. The residents in the town if Unknown have some big secrets. But they are leading ordinary lives. Enter Anna St. Thais, an orphan raised in a Texas location far away. She was rescued from a kidnapper by several of the residents of zunkniwn, who heard her cries in their minds. In particular Gabriel, whose presence she has known from childhood.
I purchased this several years ago and remembered it when I saw this prompt for the 52Books prompt. Well written double mystery set in Bayou Country. The residents in the town if Unknown have some big secrets. But they are leading ordinary lives. Enter Anna St. Thais, an orphan raised in a Texas location far away. She was rescued from a kidnapper by several of the residents of zunkniwn, who heard her cries in their minds. In particular Gabriel, whose presence she has known from childhood.
October 23, 2017
I love the Lake People books, because I find the entire premise of Unknown and La Famille to be just fascinating. These books never fail to get you right in the feels. Anna and Gabriel are an interesting couple, and I love how you get inside both of their heads. This book is full of twists and well-developed characters - the plot turns in ways that I never saw coming, right up until the very end! A+, would definitely recommend.
December 28, 2018
She is Stalked by Trouble
Wow! This story was a blast! It started off slow and had me wondering where the author was going... Then I was hanging on to a freight train and it didn't matter because I wasn't getting off/putting this down until it ended! It was like eating the last slice of pizza that is still warm and gooey with cheese...mmm good! ! ! P.S. No age restrictions, if you can read it, ENJOY!!
Wow! This story was a blast! It started off slow and had me wondering where the author was going... Then I was hanging on to a freight train and it didn't matter because I wasn't getting off/putting this down until it ended! It was like eating the last slice of pizza that is still warm and gooey with cheese...mmm good! ! ! P.S. No age restrictions, if you can read it, ENJOY!!
June 15, 2019
3.5 stars
This is a decent book. It's a romance too, which I didn't expect. There are some grammatical issues and also just...issues I have in general. This family is obviously quite serious about their Catholic faith and yet are insanely superstitious and then within a week of meeting each other, two people have sex.
Not a bad book and not bad writing, but it wasn't enough for me to want to read the next book.
This is a decent book. It's a romance too, which I didn't expect. There are some grammatical issues and also just...issues I have in general. This family is obviously quite serious about their Catholic faith and yet are insanely superstitious and then within a week of meeting each other, two people have sex.
Not a bad book and not bad writing, but it wasn't enough for me to want to read the next book.
December 31, 2022
I'm honestly shocked that this book doesn't have a higher rating because it is fantastic! The characters are fully developed, there are mysteries and wild rides, and it is such a great story. This is one of the first books I go to when asked for book recommendations because it hits so many things: fully developed characters, romance, suspence, mystery, happy ending, and so much more. Please give this book a chance because it is absoletly worth the read!
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