Under the Blood Tree

By: PJ Grondin

Narrated by: Steve Carlson

Severe drought ravages the Southeast. There is no end in sight as residents of Central Georgia brace for more unbearably hot, dry weather.

The fears of four young men are realized when the shrinking water level of Cypress Lake exposes a dark secret, hidden under the lake’s surface for 16 years. Long ago, when they were best friends, they made a pact to never speak of the secret to anyone. Now their livelihoods, their marriages, and possibly their very lives, hinge on keeping a childhood promise.

Will they be able to maintain their silence, or will the pact be broken under the blood tree?

©2017 Peter J. Grondin (P)2023 Peter J. Grondin

Fantastic Who Done It!

This is an intriguing story with many twists and turns that kept me listening and anticipating the next chapter and clue. Great job! 👍👍👍👍

Wickedly Intriguing Mystery

A coming-of-age story about four young boys rescuing their friend and sealing their silence forever in a pact of blood. Their past agreement comes back to haunt them when the area of Central George suffers an unbearably hot and dry spell that lowers the water level in Cypress Lake. Now their past deed has come to the surface, and they are faced with maintaining their pact of silence or losing everything they have including their lives. What they didn’t know back then, they learn now discovering making their decision even deadlier!

The author, PJ Grondin, crafts a wickedly intriguing mystery! Grondin details the storyline and mystery in rich and vivid detail bringing the story to life. The dialogue, flow, and character development feel authentic and natural. In a way, this is a coming-of-age story with each character still evolving throughout adulthood until their secret is out. The story drives home the reality of being human and how easily things can go from normal to bizarre instantly. I liked the twist of the weak link and the cattiness of the elderly bitter women in the trailer park. Grondin skillfully and subtly drives home the effects of the long-term suffering of a victim and the necessity of mental health.

The narrator, Steve Carlson provides a strong performance while vividly portraying the nature of each character. Carlson also speaks in a clear and concise manner allowing the listener to follow the story closely and accurately. His tonal inflections were spot on!

I was surprised at the twists and turns, most of which I was not expecting. The storyline is well crafted, building the relationships and mystery to peak appropriately.

There were no issues with the quality or production of this audiobook.

Excellent

I didn't really know what to expect. This is the first book I've read by this author. But it was great! The characters are excellent, the story line is almost perfect. I feel like I know these characters, they're so well developed. And until the very end I had no idea how it was going to play out.

Highly recommended. You WON'T be sorry.