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Bessie: The Monster in Lake Erie
Port Stanley has a feature that no other town on earth has, its own sea monster. Bessie lives in a cave on the other side of Picnic Hill and calls Lake Erie her home. She hides from those who would harm her, yet she is close enough that her two keepers can come to her aid when she's in danger. Mason Brooks didn't realize that he was one of them until he met the man some would call the devil.
Mason had inherited the ring, known as the bloodstone, from his father. No one told him about the powers it had or about the connection to Bessie. Black Tom wears the second ring, called the sky ring. His sudden appearance keeps the people on for there is no record of him before this summer. It soon becomes clear that Tom is mistreating Bessie, giving her meat when she's a vegetarian and injecting her with powerful drugs.
There are several deaths out on the lake, which they blame Bessie. But no one can condemn her for the murders that take place on Picnic Hill. Mason suspects Tom. Yet Tom knows how to beat the system and is never convicted of any of them. And Mason has to prove one thing, that Black Tom is not his brother. The two rings need to work in harmony to keep Bessie alive. She eats the algae that grows in the lake and helps to balance the ecosystem. If she doesn't die a natural death, Lake Erie will perish.
Mason had inherited the ring, known as the bloodstone, from his father. No one told him about the powers it had or about the connection to Bessie. Black Tom wears the second ring, called the sky ring. His sudden appearance keeps the people on for there is no record of him before this summer. It soon becomes clear that Tom is mistreating Bessie, giving her meat when she's a vegetarian and injecting her with powerful drugs.
There are several deaths out on the lake, which they blame Bessie. But no one can condemn her for the murders that take place on Picnic Hill. Mason suspects Tom. Yet Tom knows how to beat the system and is never convicted of any of them. And Mason has to prove one thing, that Black Tom is not his brother. The two rings need to work in harmony to keep Bessie alive. She eats the algae that grows in the lake and helps to balance the ecosystem. If she doesn't die a natural death, Lake Erie will perish.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 9, 2019
3 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Tadema
27 books18 followersDeborah Tadema received a diploma in “Short Story and Fiction Writing.” Following this, she completed three levels of a creative writing course. She currently belongs to a writing group and has her work critiqued on a regular basis.
Deb grew up in Port Stanley, Ontario, the eldest of six children. She met her first husband in high school, moved to St. Thomas and had two daughters. Many years later she gained two stepsons when she married her current husband. They have nine grandchildren and live near the village of Bayfield.
Deb grew up in Port Stanley, Ontario, the eldest of six children. She met her first husband in high school, moved to St. Thomas and had two daughters. Many years later she gained two stepsons when she married her current husband. They have nine grandchildren and live near the village of Bayfield.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 17, 2020
I am a sucker for any book with a sea creature or lake monster, and locked on Bessie: The Monster in Lake Erie as soon as I saw it. Deborah Tadema does a terrific job evoking a sixties era Ontario lakeside town, telling a summertime story about family, regret, the environment and hidden malice. Bessie, the titular monster with the not so scary name is arguably a little too human in outlook but nevertheless creates a solid centre for people coming to terms with the past, and trying to do the right thing. Recommended with ice tea on the deck.
February 6, 2021
This was the worst book ever.
It has everything...sea monster, love triangle, long lost brother, sabotage, time travel, super duper powerful gemstones.
The grammar and syntax is atrocious, the dialog is something out of a B-movie horror film, and the typos...
It's like the author had a list of plotlines and threw a dart at it and started randomly writing shit.
And the names keep changing...Jason to Justin back to Jason
And one character is named Troy. Except when he goes by Todd.
Plus I don't think you can overdose on LSD.
Luckily this was a library book.
It has everything...sea monster, love triangle, long lost brother, sabotage, time travel, super duper powerful gemstones.
The grammar and syntax is atrocious, the dialog is something out of a B-movie horror film, and the typos...
It's like the author had a list of plotlines and threw a dart at it and started randomly writing shit.
And the names keep changing...Jason to Justin back to Jason
And one character is named Troy. Except when he goes by Todd.
Plus I don't think you can overdose on LSD.
Luckily this was a library book.
December 10, 2025
Bessie: The Monster in Lake Erie is an engaging blend of mystery, folklore, and environmental themes. Deborah Tadema brings the legend of Lake Erie’s sea monster to life in a way that feels both magical and grounded. Bessie isn’t just a creature—she’s part of the lake’s delicate balance, and that adds real depth to the story.
Mason’s journey is compelling, especially as he learns the truth about the bloodstone ring and his unexpected responsibility. The tension between him and Black Tom creates strong conflict, and the mystery surrounding Tom’s past adds suspense throughout the book. The way the author connects family secrets, danger, and the lake’s ecosystem keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
What makes this book stand out is how human the story feels, even with a mythical creature at its heart. Bessie is treated with empathy, and the message about protecting what we don’t fully understand comes through clearly.
A unique and thoughtful read for anyone who enjoys folklore, light fantasy, or stories built around nature and responsibility.
Mason’s journey is compelling, especially as he learns the truth about the bloodstone ring and his unexpected responsibility. The tension between him and Black Tom creates strong conflict, and the mystery surrounding Tom’s past adds suspense throughout the book. The way the author connects family secrets, danger, and the lake’s ecosystem keeps the story moving at a steady pace.
What makes this book stand out is how human the story feels, even with a mythical creature at its heart. Bessie is treated with empathy, and the message about protecting what we don’t fully understand comes through clearly.
A unique and thoughtful read for anyone who enjoys folklore, light fantasy, or stories built around nature and responsibility.
September 30, 2025
A captivating blend of mystery, folklore, and environmental intrigue. Bessie: The Monster in Lake Erie draws you into a world where legends are real, secrets run deep, and the fate of an entire ecosystem rests on two unlikely protectors. Mason’s journey, the dark presence of Black Tom, and the misunderstood creature at the heart of it all make this a thrilling and imaginative read from start to finish.
October 12, 2025
Mason Brooks journey was especially gripping watching him slowly uncover the truth about the bloodstone and his unexpected bond with Bessie kept me turning pages late into the night. The emotional tension between Mason and Black Tom was so well written; I could feel the unease every time the two characters crossed paths. The contrast between Mason’s compassion and Tom’s cruelty toward Bessie made the stakes even higher.
November 24, 2025
Atmospheric, Haunting, and Beautifully Told
This book pulled me in from the very first line. The blend of folklore, mystery, and emotional depth is absolutely stunning. Bessie isn’t just a creature, she’s a symbol, a myth, and a mirror reflecting humanity’s choices. I couldn’t put it down.
This book pulled me in from the very first line. The blend of folklore, mystery, and emotional depth is absolutely stunning. Bessie isn’t just a creature, she’s a symbol, a myth, and a mirror reflecting humanity’s choices. I couldn’t put it down.
July 28, 2025
A thrilling and imaginative eco-fantasy, this tale blends myth, mystery, and environmental stakes into a gripping story of guardianship, dark secrets, and the fate of a legendary lake monster.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 5, 2025
Deborah Tadema crafts a gripping story of loyalty, legacy, and the fragile bond between man and nature. Bessie: The Monster in Lake Erie will pull you into its depths and never let go.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews