Grief and guilt can do terrible things to the mind, Kallista has spent a lifetime working to the point where she could tackle the famous Butcher murders as part of her thesis, her journey to solve her sister’s murders. She doesn’t believe these are the first of the Butcher murders and as she sets out to prove her theory, she starts hallucinating about one of the victims. Haunted by the figure that tormented her sister, will Kallista ignore the warning signs that Robyn wants to give her? Can Mike and Darren help her see the truth that is right in front of her? Nightmares cross into reality when they realize Kallista might be next on The Butcher’s list. A heart-thumping mind-twisting thrilling sequel to Tatum. The second Butcher Book, and sister, are something you didn’t know you needed. A third person, dual point of view paranormal murder mystery.
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.
This is the third book by Sian B. Claven and, having read all three of them, have watched her grow as an author. Kallista is a testament to how far this author has come in a relatively short time. Ensnared (her first book) and Tatum (her second book) were good but in Kallista Sian B. Claven's talent really comes to the fore. Kallista is a continuation of Tatum and, true to Sian B. Claven's style, is full of suspense, edge-of-your-seat moments and keeps you guessing right to the end. This is one of those books that I simply could not put down and read within a day. It is an easy, yet exciting, read and I definitely recommend this to any paranormal horror fans.
All I can say is a big F*CKING "WOW." Kallista is amazing... Kallista, Tatum's younger sister, is on a mission to find the killer, and what a hectic and scary journey ensues. I don't know whether to class it a horror or suspense or thriller, because there is such an array of all. I personally enjoyed Kallista's point of view best, it was interesting to see how the case developed, more of a suspense and paranormal twist building up through the pages. I did not particularly enjoy the point of view of the Butcher, only because he was so sick and twisted and his chapters conveyed this beautifully, but it's disturbing to realize this is the mind of the many killers in society, that's what freaked me out. I finished this at 1 am, and if it caused a grown man to wake up with his heart pounding in his chest after a nightmare of the Butcher,... Then I would say Sian has achieved her goal in crafting an excellent horror/thriller. Further, Sian has researched well in the area of Criminal profiling and portrayed it well. I am a happily ever after guy, so the ending is bitter sweet but I guess that's the way of horrors and thrillers. I definitely recommend this book to lovers of this genre, and I am really proud of the quality and calibre of this proudly South African author's work.
This is the 3rd book in this series so to get the full story of Kallista, first read Ensnared and then Tatum. Personally it is not necessary as Kallista could be read as a standalone but to do it justice I recommend that you read the other books first.
Kallista is all grown up now and is out to find the killer that has had free rein within the small town in which she lives. She is one brave woman who is letting no-one or anything get in her way in unraveling the truth. The 'skeleton' keeps re-appearing and trying to give vital clues but is Kallista smart enough to decipher the information.
Ms Claven could have easily taken the easy way and probably the most preferred ending to this story but as a true Horror writer she went one step further. Bravo. I loved the ending.
All my reviews can be found at: http://jessicasreadingroom.com ~~~~ This review will appear on my site on May 24, 2022. ~~~~ I have the whole Butcher series on kindle, but Claven was wonderful enough to send me Kallista on audio as I can get to audiobooks much quicker than kindle or physical books due to my daily commute.
Kallista is the second in the Butcher series and takes place 10 years after the events of Ta-tum. Kallista (Kalli) is determined to find the Butcher and is working to become a profiler and we go on this journey with her! We have two pov: Kalli and The Butcher himself! I was in-vested in the whole story, and cannot decide which pov I preferred! I was rooting for Kalli but loved getting into the disturbing and depraved mind of The Butcher. And I was dying of curi-osity the whole novel: Just WHO is The Butcher?!!??!!?
Besides the mystery of The Butcher, we have a horror and thriller novel with paranormal take on it that will keep you reading. I also enjoyed this as we see that the skeleton girl is back! Just an FYI: This series deals with an extremely disturbing serial killer and Claven doesn’t hold back with the violence and goriness as she tells us her tale, so reader prepare yourself. But I can’t help that I enjoy the dark and disturbing!
I really enjoyed everything about this continuing story. Kallista kept building to a very intense climax and just when you think the story is over, Claven comes back with one more “gotcha” moment! I can’t wait to see where the series goes next, and thankfully Claven also sent me the audio of the third novel: Sylvana, so I can start it right away!
Kallista is a continuation of Tatum... and what a story Kallista is it is full of suspense it will keep you turning the pages and guessing till the very end. I was hooked from the start and could not put it down. Kallista is Tatum younger sister and with the help of two friends Mike and Darren.. they are trying to solve murders that happen in their hometown and to find out who the butcher really is? I didn't see that twist at the end coming. Another amazing book by Sian.
I really can't wait to see what she brings us next.
Wow wow wow!!! I was really intrigued where this was going to go with the ending of the last book. The development of the story and the continuation is brilliantly done. I don’t want to spoil the ending but it is amazing. It sets up really well for the last book. I was literally screaming along whilst listening to this. It got me that involved that I was cheering certain characters on. I really like the way that the author doesn’t hold back with the grim and brutal descriptions of the butchers actions. Can’t wait to see what the third book holds in store
Sian B Claven is the mistress of the twist. You know a book is good when it invokes emotions. My heart was racing at several points within the story and the end... Oh My Word... Chills!!! Sian B Claven just keeps growing as an author, every book has improvements and it’s wonderful to be part of this authors journey. I can’t wait for what she brings us next
Absolutely loved this book. Chilling and terrifying from beginning to end and excellently written. I loved the way story switched from the perspective of the killer to the investigation. The killer was written extremely well, really giving the reader an insight into his mind. Can't say enough good things about this book and I'm waiting impatiently for the third installment!
Sian Claven does not disappoint. The prequel was brilliant, this book left me speechless. It is well told and keeps you at the edge of your seat, hanging on every word. This is a page turner. I cannot wait for more from this author.
Great read for horror lovers. Paternal guidance suggested because of the violence and gore. Book 1 was creepy and left us hanging. Now we have book 2 that's creepy and tells us how the psycho is, but I don't think the story is quite done. This book is well written with lots of "eewww" in it. It kept this reader interested from page 1. I'll be watching for a book for Sylva next.
Ok wow now I have a few questions answered in Kallista. But it is still a mystery the way the story ended but you can't have a Sian B Claven story without that twist to the plot definitely took me by surprise. Can't wait to see what will happen next it just gives me the chills how the story ended and what will come up next.
this book had me trying to guess at every page who the killer was. I could only read during the day it was so creepy!!! I felt like I was right there with Kalli trying to keep her away from danger along with Robyn! I was a little concerned with the ending though, like how do you beat that????
I was hoping this was the end but turns out there is one more. And things are becoming more and more supernatural. I really enjoyed book 2 because the supernatural stuck to the fringes (until the end). Not sure how much book 3 will appeal but I do have a strong desire to know how it all ends now!
Ok. I am creeped out! Book 2 of this cliffy series. Kallista has come back to solve her sister Tatum's murder. She is now an investigator. Her murder was the last of a serial killer's murders. "The Butcher." The story is told from dual POV. Butcher's and Kallista's. I really like hearing both. The Butcher is very sick. Be prepared to cringe and gag. And then we get this bizarre twist at the end that makes you want to scream and curse and yell for the next book! I received a complimentary Audible version of this book from the author through Story Origin. The narrator was excellent. She performed both male and female voices very well. She was able to keep her cool through all the violence, gore and sick thoughts.
okay this is one creepy a$$ series, but heck dose it keep you on your feet. to be honest I like this one better but all good horror and mystery book or movie start off like this. man I would really like to see this one on the big screen. it is really good I can't wait for the next book.
Sian B Claven. Being one of your big fans and reading all your books, Kallista was one of the best books you have written so far! The follow up from Tatum to Kallista was so intense for me and I could picture the whole story on every page i read and turned. It took me one whole day to read your book finished. I could not put it down for one second.! I am so proud of you, and you are so talented! At the end of your book I was so relieved that the butcher died by all his victims who he had murdered for the last few years and then BOOM!!! There was a twist and he's ghost finished off Kallista and Mike! What a awesome twist to the story. They way you wrote Kallista and the butcher's story in each chapter everything worked perfectly! I understood from beginning and end of your book and it was darn well AWESOME!!!!! I can't wait for your new book to be published! Love you Sus*!! xx
I was not prepared for what transpired in this book. Or that ending. This book left more questions than answers. Now onto the next book. Let's hope I am more prepared this time...
Wow what a second book in series, you don’t want to put it down. Loads of great details and twisted and turns. Omg can’t wait to read third book. Ending completely threw me, well done author. I love a book when you feel The characters are speaking to you in the room.
This was definitely a story that pulled you in from the beginning and didn't let go. What a twist at the very end. Wow! A very sadistic serial killer and the sister of one of the killer's victims. Kallista is determined to find The Butcher who killed her older sister. She's smart enough to piece together several killings and realize it is a serial killer. Meanwhile, the killer knows she's there and just may be the next victim. Good characters, action, plot and suspense. I didn't read the first book in the series, but plan to.