Sacred Prey

by Vivian Schilling

In an abandoned cabin in a Louisiana bayou, loan shark Adam Claiborne and his brother Kyle have cornered a young couple with a big debt to settle. But their collection doesn't go according to plan and Charlie Sinclair and his wife Monique end up dead. Unfortunate—but to Adam Claiborne, it's just business. Until Adam makes his weekly confession and the stern, unfamiliar voice in the confessional refuses to absolve his sins. Until he awakens in the morning and finds himself in bed with Monique Sinclair, the woman he's murdered. Until it sinks in that it's three days before the killings and he is somehow trapped in the body of Charlie Sinclair. And if Adam doesn't find a way to change the events of the next three days, he will be hunted down and murdered...by Adam Claiborne

SACRED PREY is a powerful and heart-pounding glimpse into the soul of New Orleans, into the colorful lives of its rich and poor, black and white, Christian and Vodoun—a riveting tale that reveals universal truths and the power of perspective.

Genres: Horror, Mystery

279 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2004

About the author

Vivian Schilling is the award-winning author of the novels Quietus and Sacred Prey, as well as a screenwriter, producer and director of independent films. She recently completed work as co-writer and producer of the documentary "Bonobos: Back to the Wild" and is currently at work on her third novel.

Review Quotes:
“Quietus is a great gothic raven perched somewhere between Anne Rice and Iris Murdoch. It’s a spooky, sweeping book of death, dreams and psychosexual intrigue. Schilling herself—in her deft melding of mythic animus and modern anxiety—seems like the bastard daughter of Carl Jung and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley.” —James Ireland Baker, Time Out New York

Reviews

[Nancy Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting premise - body jumping and time travel. Schilling’s book Quietus is one of my favorite books ever, so was excited to read others from her.
I won’t lie, this didn’t measure up to Quietus but few do, in my opinion. But I liked the premise, and the characters were realistic. It got confusing sometimes because when Adam is in Charlie’s body, she will still say “Adam said”. When Adam is there too that sometimes makes you have to think about which one is talking or which one she’s talking about.
Some characters could use more background, Wilton, Monique’s adopted father, for example. He’s mixed up in everything but we don’t hear much about him or how or why. That background may have been interesting. And Father Jacob- and his “replacement” isn’t explained well. But it wraps up nicely, albeit not fairy tale-ish.

[Audra Minor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being from New Orleans, I really loved the realistic way that Schilling paints the city. I also enjoy a "full circle" kind of book, and felt quite satisfied with the ending.

[Rob Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A killer is put in another man's shoes and his life depends on what he does. Good read.

[KimberlyDawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It takes a little work to follow the author's flip/flop writing between the original main character and the newly embodied one. Once you recognize the slight writing style difference, it becomes easier. You may have to backtrack to double check which "main character" is sharing his story. Once you get going it is a slightly twisted, interestingly confusing, well written book. Wasn't as good as Quietus by the same author. A very good book, though, and I wish she would write more!

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast read, but I really thought it was good.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book! i would recommend it to anyone that loves to be confused. lol. seriously i loved this book so much i bought it after i had borrowed it from a friend.