Tatum

The Butcher Books #1

by Sian B. Claven

Everyone has nightmares, but when they cross into your reality, and someone dies, you ask yourself why.
There are secrets that Tatum keeps close to her chest because she is sure she is losing her mind. The ghost girl from her dreams, she sees her everywhere.
The problem isn’t that the ghost girl haunts her, it’s that whenever she sees her, a person she loves dies.
The murders rock the community but only Tatum can make the connection.
Once is a coincidence.
Twice is suspicious.
Three times leaves Tatum begging for answers.
Is she next?
This short first Butcher book is the perfect first-in-a-series novella to get you warmed up for the Butcher Book Series. A unique paranormal thriller collection.

Genres: Horror

206 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 15, 2017

About the author

Born in South Africa, in the heart of Johannesburg, Sian Claven grew up with a vivid imagination. When she wasn't immersing herself in books, she was actively creating her own stories.

At 29 years old, left to her own devices after her sister immigrated, Sian, wrote her first horror book Ensnared and dared to publish it under the guidance of indie authors Toni Cox and Ashleigh Giannaccaro.

Now she has released more than ten books including a thriller and sci-fi fantasy.

In 2019, Sian took up the challenge of publishing 11 books in 11 months.

Sian came second place in the First Annual Indie Awards for Favourite African Author.

Sian's book, Sylvana, the final book in her Butcher series, made the Amazon top 100 best sellers list in several categories across three countries.

In her spare time, Sian is an avid Harry Potter fan, pop collector and Bingo addict. She resides in Johannesburg with her 2 best friends, their daughter, their 6 dogs and 2 cats.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a 4.5 star read.

This is creepy ...... just flat out CREEPY!! I found myself reading a few pages, taking a break, then reading a few more. Not because it was bad ....... no, because it was so damn good and chilling I was trying to stretch it out so it wouldn't end. But end it did, and while it did involve a sort of cliffhanger, I didn't feel cheated at all, only desperate to read the next book in this new series to find out what would happen next - which is always one of the signs of an excellent read.
While the author has listed this as horror, which it most definitely is, it also involves the paranormal and a deep mystery that you want to solve. Altogether an awesomely scary read from a burgeoning author, perfect for the Halloween period.

I received an ebook of this novella from the author via Bookfunnel. I have voluntarily chosen to review the book and the gifting in no way influences my review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion.

[Mimiorphee · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this books because I wanted something different from my usual genres. Horror is not my cup of tea, let's just say that I spook real easily!!! Anyhow, desperate times call for desperate measures: I needed strong emotions. Unfortunately Tatum and I didn't really connect...

It's a short read, nicely paced and with mystery and intrigue, but I found it very predictable, and somehow very cliché. The heroine was the epitome of the girl who makes poor choices and acts stupid  in a horror story.

All in all, I made it to the end safe and sound and though I felt a bit of the emotions I was looking for, the ending left me disappointed, I'm going to stop that series here.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tatum is going insane. At least, that seems to be what everyone thinks. Because when the woman from her nightmares starts appearing in her waking life, that can’t be sane. Can it? Certainly the eerie murders are real…

Claven is starting to establish herself as the Queen of the Twisted – ‘Tatum’ is another hard-core, old-school horror from this exciting new talent. This, combined with a zing of an ending that turns the reader on their head, makes this a must-read for all horror and thriller fans.

[Karen - Kazza's Books Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off how awesome is this cover. It's perfect.

There is no way I would want to be in Tatum's shoes. When seeing is believing and only Tatum is privy to the 'seeing', everyone in which she confides in really start to question her sanity.

Sian certainly added the angst to this horror story and had me turning the pages with so much anxiety I just needed to know how this story was going to end. And oh boy, did it end with so much of a shock I didn't see it coming. LOVED IT...

Thanks Sian for another spectacular read. I look forward to your next book.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read for ages 14 and up.
This story was creepy, but I couldn't put it down. There is a mystery under the creepy skeletal girl that I really wanted to know the ending to and that's what kept me turning the page. Poor Tatum thought she might be losing her mind. Her friends were pretty sure she was losing her mind. Her mom wanted to put her into therapy until the person she tried to warn ended up murdered.
This has blood and gore scenes, but it just adds to the creepy factor. The author does an excellent job tying the skeleton girl into the big picture with coming right out with "this is why she is here" explanation, which is great, because readers aren't clueless. So if you like horror, ghost, and creepiness....This is a great one. This book does not reveal all, but I am hoping the next book, KALLISTA, will! RECOMMENDED

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Claven has such a good way with building tension. This is a great start to the series and I’m looking forward to seeing where the stories go. Loved this book. The story builds and makes it seem like the MC is losing her mind but little does everyone know………

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com
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This review will appear on my site on January 28, 2022.
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Tatum is the first in the Butcher series by Sian B. Claven. Though it can be defined as horror, for me it was more of suspense with a toss of paranormal added in. We have Tatum, a teen who keeps seeing what she calls ‘skeleton girl’ which is a girl with slicked back hair and dressed as skeleton. Then murders start happening and Tatum tries to connect the two. It seems we have a serial killer and I enjoy books with those!

This is the first in a four-book series with maybe more to come? So, the first part is set up for the series. Tatum started a bit slow for me, but I was still interested and then about halfway through it picked up. The murders happen and the way the bodies are found is gruesome. I do look forward to the rest of the series to see what happens.

I have the kindle versions of the whole series, but was sent an audible copy from Claven. The narrator is Jacq Ainsworth and she did a great job! She also returns to narrate the second in the series.

[✰ Charlie ✰ Chisholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

Once I started I couldn't put it down I needed to know. I didn't want it to end. I got right into the story. the writing was good and the story pulls you in till the very last page.

I can't wait to see what Sian brings us next

[Ash Holmquist]

I absolutely loved this book. It went from spooky to scary before the end. After losing those closest to her, Tatum is seeing a skeleton girl who seems to be giving her a warning. Every time she shows up, someone dies. I was not expecting the ending - talk about a twist!

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Haunting. Gruesome. Insanity? Paranormal. Serial killings. Apparitions. Nightmares. Teenage friends. Sisters.
Tatum lost her father. Now is she losing her mind? Nightmares. Apparitions. Then people start dying. They are murdered. Will she be next?
A creepy story. A surprise ending. More to come in the next book.
I was gifted an Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narrator is excellent. Easy to listen to and understand.

[Bambi Goggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

While on the shorter side, this story really packs a punch and leaves you wanting more.

[Jennifer Shepard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I read from this author and let me tell you that I loved it! Such a good book with great characters that keeps you obsessed with every page since the first one. The ending of this book.. come on! I just didn´t expect it! Can´t wait to read other books from this great writer! Amazing job! a must-read!. A fantastic book that has it all!

I happily endorse this story to any and all who are looking for a Thriller enjoyable read and a completely different experience than anyone could imagine on their own. I highly recommend Sian Claven Books. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I looking forward to reading the other books 🥰

[Toni Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

After having read ENSNARED, I thought I knew what to expect from Sian B. Claven, but she just keeps getting better.
After the first few chapters, you think to yourself "ok, I know what's happening", and then it all falls to pieces. Claven has a knack for throwing in the unexpected and keeping you guessing until the very end...or until the next book.
I loved Tatum and cannot wait for the next book!

[Ed Bar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Tatum is an endearing character, and I couldn't help but feel everything that happened to her. Sian Claven is a talented writer who knows how to keep her readers attention. This book has an easy flow and intricate plot that had me turning pages relentlessly to see what happened next. The ending was surprising and well thought out. I would recommend this book to any true horror fan.

[Brian Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tatum was an intriguing book, easy to read and flowed quite well. An excellent mix of suspense, thriller, horror!!!! Tatum is troubled by her recurring nightmares and starts to notice a pattern in events when mysterious tragedies start happening in her neighborhood to people close to her. She seeks to find out what it all means. It truly keeps the suspense going, even at the end and certainly lives up to its "prequel" status as I am now anxiously awaiting the follow on book Kallista. Overall an excellent read to anyone who enjoys suspense, thrillers and horrors, it's difficult to put down.

[LORRIE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Creepy, chilling and downright scary

[Diane Box · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant short story

Better go and download soon 3 as I need to know what happens. Loved the flow. Great characters. Enjoyed and will recommend this book

[Ania Kiplan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel a little cheated

We spent the whole book with our protagonist just to lose her like that!

I enjoyed the mystery of the book, and being a quick read with quick pcing, it made for some suspense and kept me going on the promise that things would get pieced together a little more as we went. I'm still debating on whether we were given sufficient answers enough to read book two or if we really were cheated.

Ultimately, if you like paranormal murder, you my like this. Not really horrific to me like I hoped, but perfect for someone looking for just that.

[Shan Dinnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like with Ensnared, I couldn't put Tatum down and finished it in one sitting. Held my attention throughout and kept me guessing the entire time!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tatum was an amazing book. It was a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat with suspense and twists and turns and that ending was so unexpected. Now off to read the second book in the series.

[Tony Duxbury · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a creepy, but an entertaining tale. Poor Tatum thinks she is going crazy after her nightmares become reality. When her secret is out, everyone else thinks she is crazy too. Unfortunately, she is tied to a series of murders. Tatum tries to find answers, but that leads to tragedy too. This first book sets the scene for a series. Great for horror fans.

[Rebecca Milstead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Don't read or listen to the audiobook when it's night! Super creepy! I loved it, and plan to read the rest of the series!

[Christy O'Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tatum has suffered a loss and is still adjusting. She is your average teen with friends a crush and parties to attend. When Tatum is suddenly plagued with horrible nightmares and visions of a girl no one else can see she thinks she has finally lost it. When people start dying she is convinced it is all connected. Believing that the girl is haunting her she takes control and makes contact trying to find out just what the girl wants to tell her. Tatum knows she isn't crazy, but no one believes her.

Tatum was a good short read. I sat down with this book this morning and knocked it out in a couple of hours. It was fast paced and a well put together story. The ending took a turn I didn't see coming! This is a short prequel to Kallista (Tatum's sister). I am anxious to read it as well and find out just who is behind the gruesome murders!

I received a copy of this book for an honest review.

[Jo-Anne Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and it will not be my last. The story is dark, gripping and intriguing and makes for a brilliant read. I had trouble sleeping after reading it which is a sign of an incredible horror read. Sian has a way of sucking you in from the very first page.

[Mary S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness I don't know why I have take this long to start this series. Tatum was a very scary read I even felt that someone was watching me well I was reading it. It was just so scary on still not know what,whom and the hell it's really going on. So I hope with the next in the series I might get some answers if not I will still be looking for more.

[Sandra Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast, interesting read

Young girl, keeps seeing a skeleton girl. Each time the skeleton appears, someone dies. Tatum, also dreamed about the dead people.

[Maria Barra · Rating 5 out of 5]

what the heck did I just listen too. Holy moly was this book something else. it's my 1st mystery book series. and I really don't know how I feel about it. lol but hot damn did I like this book. I wounder who the heck is the killer. maybe we'll find out in the next book.

[Kimberly #Audiofile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough start to a series
Ends in a hook that makes me want to continue the series. Fmc is quite young and still in school. I would say this is a YA thriller.
Trigger warnings of ghosts and death.
Gifted audio in exchange for an honest review.

[Bradford Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic book! I'm a fan of horror, thrillers and a good supernatural story and this covered all of these wonderfully!

My only criticism is that it is too short and I was able to read it in 2 sittings.

Luckily I do have the sequel bought and ready 😀

[Samarium Gibson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!!! What a great, spooky book! The narration was just amazing!!! The content and story development is just superb!!! Definitely a fan!!