Commercial Fiction/Spiritual Suspense
91,200 words
Synopsis

THE BOOK OF OBEAH

Upon the passing of her beloved grandmother, MELODY BENNET receives startling instructions that she is to take GRANDMAMA GISELLE'S ashes to southern Louisiana. Melody must step far outside her comfort zone in the suburbs of North Carolina to fulfill this dying wish. A research specialist, accustomed to finding information needed in any situation, she finds herself blindly navigating the exotic, sometimes hostile, environs of New Orleans and Bear Bayou. Aided primarily by MAMAN MARIE, an old voodooist friend of her Grandmama, and OLD PAUL, a fixture in the bayou, Melody is immersed in a subculture based on the ancient religion of Voudou. A non-practicing Catholic, Melody has thus far led an unremarkable, isolated existence. At this unexpected crossroad, she discovers new cultures and beliefs, and awakens to a new way of seeing the world and her role in it.

Part of this new role is the task of finding a mysterious religious manuscript believed to have been in the possession of her great-grandmother when she fled the bayou decades earlier. As Melody undertakes this search, she is shadowed by those willing to pay any price to attain the mystical book. Long rumored to bring tremendous power to those who possess it, The Book of Obeah is sought after by several individuals and institutions. MAURICE ABUDAH seeks the book to avenge his mother and lay claim to a family legacy; MONSIGNOR BONELLI and others at THE VATICAN want to destroy the manuscript, fearing its revelations will end the authoritative reign of The Church. Melody quickly becomes confused, as the motives of those around her are not always clear. Threats to her life, and the subsequent death of a family friend, challenge Melody physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

Finally uncovering The Book and daring to read the timeless wisdom within its pages, Melody struggles to comprehend and live the knowledge, with all the inherent dangers.  She learns that, quite often, the distinction between good and evil lies in the eyes of the beholder. Truths about her family, about humankind, about spirituality, and about herself are revealed as she travels this path of revelation. The scarred layers of our history are exposed as well.

Maman Marie receives a vision -- an omen -- and calls Melody, frantically warning of impending mortal danger, begging her to return to the swamp straight away. The lives and legacies of many swiftly culminate in violence within this raw setting. Melody faces explosive confrontations, with several key figures losing their lives. Narrowly escaping her own death, Melody loses The Book of Obeah and is devastated, fearing she has failed her Grandmama.

On the drive back to North Carolina, trying to come to grips with the traumatic events of the last few weeks, Melody is dejected and lost.  She stops at a small roadside diner and has an eerie, compelling encounter with an older black gentleman who enlightens her about things not being as they seem. He discloses details of a centuries-old prophecy tied to The Book, one affecting our collective past, present and future.  Melody walks out of the restaurant shaken, but assured that The Book is safe and that she has fulfilled Grandmama's wish. She can now find solace and strength in her new awareness, knowing it coincides with the unveiling of this grand prophecy.  The prophecy is indeed on track, with Melody its Rosetta Stone.