AWARD FINALIST: THE SLITHER QUEEN 2025

 

• Congratulation Tamera Lawrence!

"The Slither Queen"
is a 2025 Readers' Favorite Finalist in the Young Adult - Paranormal genre!

THE SLITHER QUEEN: READERS FAVORITE REVIEW

 https://readersfavorite.com/book-review/the-slither-queen

Book Review

Reviewed by David Jaggart for Readers' Favorite

Tamera Lawrence's The Slither Queen is a dark fantasy narrative that centers on Rachel Garth, an 18-year-old girl with the supernatural ability to transform into a serpent. Her life is anything but uneventful and predictable. Already, Rachel has discovered love, struggles to control her shapeshifting powers, comes from a troubled past, and has chosen her path in a battle between good and evil. Yet, quite unexpectedly, her complicated life is interrupted when an infant with similar powers telepathically sends her a distress call. The child in question is Prisca, a hybrid shapeshifter who has more in common with Rachel than both of them could ever imagine. Blake, the charismatic and dangerous leader of a serpent cult, is holding Prisca and her mother hostage. He intends to use the infant in a dark ritual unless Rachel can disrupt his vile plans first.

The Slither Queen offers an invigorating narrative that will have you hooked till the end. The character dynamics are what make this book a stellar read. Each character's development is bold, unflinching, and contains depth. For instance, Rachel and Ariel's 'frenemy' dyad, Rachel and Gabe's romantic connection, Prisca's noticeably advanced powers despite her age, and the full extent of Blake’s ruthlessness are just some of the intriguing story arcs that Tamera Lawrence masterfully explores in the book. Adding to this is the novel's flawless pacing—there isn’t a single stagnant moment. Every chapter reveals scenarios meticulously constructed to immerse readers further into a plot. In summary, The Slither Queen is a well-written, imaginative, and utterly engaging story, with just enough suspense and plot twists to keep readers on their toes. It will leave fans of dark fantasy fiction wanting more.

Order at: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, Target and other fine retailors. 

Tamera Lawrence 

THE REAPING BOOK REVIEW

 

Agent Harry Steinbeck and Evangeline Reed are on a mission to solve a cold case. The duo both have tainted pasts that help mold them into the agents that they are. But they are in for a lot of trouble from the local residents living in Alku. This secretive town forces their residents to live in the old Alku traditions stemming from the original family lines. They faithfully practice their religion and pay homage to a witch, who will not be denied her blood lust.  These secrets are carried around in their gloomy lives, while their children suffer in hopes from a release into normalcy.

THE REAPING by Jess Lourey is a well written journey into a town’s superstitions and secrets. Harry with his grief over his lost sister and Evangeline, who deals with her own childhood traumas are the perfect pair to unravel the hidden clues as their own pain and grief aid them in solving the mystery of Alku and the hideous murders taking place.

Highly Recommended! 

 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

COMING MARCH 10TH 2025 

THE SLITHER QUEEN 

By Tamera Lawrence 

WINTER BLUES?

 Winter blues? Snap out of it with this scary tale. Take a peek into the MAYFLOWER HALL Building, Pennhurst to see what it was like to work in an actual haunted building. 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER I & II: AMAZON AND OTHER FINE RETAILEs

https://outskirtspress.com/GHOSTSOFMAYFLOWER

Author Tamera Lawrence 

COMING MARCH 10th

  THE SLITHER QUEEN 

THE NOVEL TOURIST: ASYLUM

 

Lunch with the Novel Tourist of Philadelphia

October 2021

"The Novel Tourist" chose my book "Asylum" to read & review. After this group toured the old Pennhurst State School & Hospital in Spring City, we met up at the Spring Hollow Golf Club for an author's luncheon and lively chat. 

We discussed how a stolen pair of "Boots" sets off an unexpected chain of events, that leads the main character back into the asylum of his birth, where hidden secrets takes a deadly turn. 

 Here is an Asylum excerpt: 

"Don't go back there. You You have no idea how it's affected you. Just you bringing the boots here has me on edge. I think you should get rid of them. Burn them or something." 

"Seriously?" 

"Seriously." 

"No."

"Why not? She crossed her arms, mouth firmly set.

"Because I like them." He shoved a forkful of pancake into his mouth, chewing it slowly. 

"I was scared last night," she said. "Afraid in my own house and you were downstairs without a care in the world. You could hardly wake up."

"Well you still managed to wake me, didn't you?"

"Barely. If there had been a real emergency, I would've been on my own, or I would've had to call the cops."  

"I'm not getting rid of my boots," he said. Enough was enough. So much for keeping the peace.  "You're being paranoid."

Her sour expression changed to disbelief. Score one point for Kyle.

Author Tamera Lawrence

ASYLUM 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER: A PENNHURST HAUNTING

PENNHURST GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER 11

THE POND 

All the above books are available online at Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Target, Walmart and other fine retailers. 

Readers Favorite Book Award Contest: Asylum Review

 Reviewed By Ankita Shukla for Readers’ Favorite

Tamera Lawrence's Asylum is a nail-biting thriller whose story revolves around Kyle. Like all the other resident kids of the Rose Hill Asylum, Kyle also silently wished to get adopted. This was the only way to escape the violent bullying and darkness of the asylum. When he turned nine, his wish was granted. However, this blessing came with a complication: his new parents were unable to adopt his younger brother, Roy. As much as he wanted to take care of his brother, he could not pass on this opportunity to finally have a family. After many years Kyle got married and had a baby daughter but the guilt of leaving Roy behind in that dingy and dark place gnawed at him. Therefore, when his friend, Randy, proposed the idea of exploring the abandoned Rose Hill Asylum, he couldn't resist the temptation. Unbeknownst to him, he brought back from that daunting asylum something more than mere memories. And this "something" will stop at nothing to get revenge.

Since the entire plot of Asylum rests on the Rose Hill Asylum, it was important to create an unsettling image of the place that holds the plot together. Everything from the tunnels to the dark and damp rooms instills a fear of the unknown in readers. Whenever Kyle crawls inside the tunnels, it is impossible to breathe. Tamera Lawrence has used the right words and emotions to hold her audience. Her storytelling captivates and dares the reader to put down the book. Kyle and Beth's arguments that go from zero to infinity in a matter of minutes will resonate with a majority of married couples. There is no lack of love between the couple, yet the marital responsibilities and Kyle's need for a break from these duties produce arguments that are quite entertaining.

The characters, whether side or main ones, have certain unique attributes that make them memorable. The antagonist, with his quirky dialogues, strange expressions, and dangerous mood swings, has come out as a spine-chilling villain. The psychology of an orphan child, especially their fear of not getting adopted, could not have been described any better. A married man's jealousy over his bachelor friend's free lifestyle and vice versa is another absorbing inclusion in Asylum. Without giving away spoilers, I can surely say that after reading Asylum, the phrase, "if you twist, you'll get stitched," will never be the same.

https://www.amazon.com/Asylum-Tamera-Lawrence/dp/1509235221

ASYLUM book review

 

The Reviews are coming in for ASYLUM. Here is a recent one. 

KarnagesMistress rated it it was amazing

Shelves: giveaways, 2021-wcpl-reading-challenge

This book properly belongs in the horror section. Humans are the biggest monsters of all, and Asylum is full of them. There is an intensity to this story, and I did have some disturbing dreams after my second late-night reading session. The descriptions of the various parts of the old asylum left me with the need to take a shower. I thought that the story flowed nicely, carrying you right along with it. A quick read, but not an easy one-- Tamera Lawrence's characters are far too real. Rose Hill isn't real, but it is based on reality. Even without a traditional serial killer thrown in the mix, what happened in places such as these is the stuff of nightmares. That's another thing that Tamera Lawrence accomplished with Asylum: while this isn't quite a book about social justice, she make me think about these issues.

THE HAUNTING OF MADDY CLARE Book Review

 

The Haunting of Maddy Clare

Review 

NOT YOUR AVERAGE GHOST STORY 

 

Three ghost hunters go on a quest to bring about evidence to prove ghosts do exist at a historical time where ghost hunting is anything but normal. None, however, are prepared as to what they encounter, a spirit unlike any other, haunting the very barn in which a young woman had hung herself. The entity, Maddy Clare, has been having tantrums, her rage knowing no bounds. What follows is a play of wills between a ghost and a young woman, whose life up until then had been pretty mundane. Sarah Piper had considered herself plain and boring. She is anything but - surprising not only herself but the two men who have underestimated her.

Over the years, I have read plenty of ghosts stories and have written a few of my own. What I like about Simone St James’s ghostly tale is that it is different from the normal bump-in-the-night ghost story.  Maddy Clare is terrifying and yet at times woeful. This ghost story kept me guessing as to what happened to Maddy Clare in real life, the story heartbreaking, and her revenge a soothing balm. Sarah Piper was a great character and the love story between she and Matthew was well played.  

I highly recommend this read.

Tamera Lawrence 

Author of GHOST OF MAYFLOWER, PENNHURST GHOST OF MAYFLOWER II, THE POND & ASYLUM (March 10, 2021) 

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS Book Review

 

Review

 

Billy Wheatley is not your average kid. A bit on the loner side, Billy likes to explore Silverlea beach and likes to do research on hermit-crabs at a place he calls the rock-pools. Living with his dad, Billy feels he can’t measure up to his dad’s expectations, especially when it comes to surfing. Young Billy hates the water. He has an unnatural fear of surfing, a bit of discourse between father and son. Things get stranger when a teenage girl goes missing. Billy becomes his own detective, trying to solve the case, but trouble is just around the corner as he begins pointing the finger to a suspect. Things get crazier as Billy’s dad becomes more obtrusive. As Billy unravels the mystery and gets himself into trouble with the law, Billy’s dad has a new mission – force Billy to surf and face his fears. But does Billy have a right to be afraid of the water. Things are not what they seem.

THE THINGS YOU FIND IN ROCKPOOLS by Gregg Dunnett was a good read with a few unexpected twists. I thoroughly enjoyed this fishy tale.

 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

Author of GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER I & II, THE POND & coming soon ASYLUM

MISSING: EXTRAORDINARY RELATION OF ORDINARY PEOPLE

Heart-broken Zia Quiser, a Pakistani born American national has been hit hard with the loss of several family members, including his beloved daughter. In an effort to console himself, he decides to learn several languages, something she had wanted to do. When Z signs up on the internet to learn a language, he uses a username dedicated to his daughter. A similar username replies to his inquiry. Intrigued by this coincidence, Zia reaches out to the Russian woman, behind the name. Charmed by her silky voice, Zia and Lena Volkova hit it off as they share their language skills and discover a bond between them. Then Lena goes missing, setting off a chain of events that will send Zia back to the roots of his heritage.

Mian Mohsin Zia has a fresh voice that is easy to discern. I enjoyed this book. 

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

HISTORICAL HOUSE TOUR: BOYERTOWN PA

My parents enjoyed the evening.

On Friday, December 6^th I attended the Boyertown Historical Holiday tour - a 2-day event. In the past, I have been on other tours in other townships but think I have found my new favorite. 

And to think it was right in my own neck of the woods!

The weather was perfectly chilled for a December evening, cool and a bit blustery but our hearts were warmed by opening doors and welcoming smiles. 

Numerous businesses and homes participated.

People touring with us were in a festive mood.  Houses popped in color and displays. The homeowners were kindhearted and loved sharing the history of their homes. Treats were plentiful. Hot chocolate a must. I enjoyed the yummy cheeses and wine. Then of course, there was the shuttle buses toting us around – most welcome for my weary feet. The drivers were thoughtful and most had Christmas music echoing throughout the drive.

The Festival of Trees stood out, memorable for the beautifully displayed trees also raffled off at the end of the event. (The Boyertown Area Multi-Service sponsored this charity event.)

All-in-all, it was an enjoyable evening – one I eagerly look forward to repeating next season!

Here are a few highlights from our tour.  

Beautiful trees 

Generous treats for guest!

This bedroom was located at a farm in Gilbertsville

A favorite books sits on this chair

   

The reason for the season! 

Farm in Gilbertsville - a favorite of the night

This homeowner was a gracious host. 

A charming porch sit and wait for the shuttle's arrival

               

Wishing You and Yours a Very Merry Christmas! 

Author Tamera Lawrence 

THE SILENT GIRLS

                                                    

When teenage girls begin to turn up missing, its up to Frank Rath to link their connection. This former detective finds himself swept back into the line of duty, though he’s physically beat and mentally drained. But someone knows the good detective is seeking clues and is watching his progress. When his adoptive daughter begins her own detective work, the danger to Frank’s family takes a turn for the worse. Now time becomes of the essence as Frank works to solve the mystery before its to late.

THE SILENT GIRLS By Eric Rickstad is a gritty down to earth mystery. Frank Rath is only to likable and with his imperfections, a true saint on the march towards justice. This book gives new meaning to Teens in Crisis. I enjoyed this creepy tale of hometown secrets. A good read.

          Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence

http://tlawr66.wixsite.com/authortameralawrence

JAKE LUCID DREAMER BOOK REVIEW

JAKE LUCID DREAMER BOOK REVIEW by Author Tamera Lawrence

The teen years are a time of growth and change. It’s one of the hardest times for some kids, especially those who are bullied by their peers. And twelve-year old Jake is on the receiving end. After losing his precious mother, Jake has withdrawn into himself, struggling with his feelings and awkward family life. His dad is trying to play both parent roles, while his younger sister seems to be unaffected by their mother’s loss. Jake finds solace deep in the night in his animal dream world, where he is an active participant. He prefers this world where he can be in control but like any healthy child, dreams must end, and with the rising sun, reality begins. School life is hell. Awkward and small, Jake is ostracized by his classmates. This he can handle. It’s the threat of being beaten by the class bully that keeps him on edge. But Jake is slick, and it takes a cunning mind to stay one step ahead of a flying fist.

JAKE LUCID DREAMER by David J Naiman is a heartfelt tale bringing one face to face with memories of their own teen issues while doing so in an entertaining way. Jake is a likable teenage, who one can only admire. The bullying scenes were cringe worthy with one hoping for a resolution. David does a fantastic job of bringing this wonderful boy to life. I highly recommend this tale for teens and young adults.  

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

HAPPY HALLOWEEN. HOPE EVERYONE STAYS SAFE! 

Author Tamera Lawrence 

VENOM: MOVIE REVIEW

VENOM

 Journalist, Eddie Brock, finds himself in a heap of trouble, when he follows up on a tip to investigate a research facility, who is using human beings for experimentation. Parasite aliens are kept contained at the lab as they are introduced to their human hosts for future alteration. But these hostile aliens have their own agenda and eating humans seems more a likely scenario. So, when Eddie attempts to rescue an old friend, one alien (Venom) takes the opportunity to merge with Eddie, causing a strange, yet oddly fascinating result. When a voice begins to speak to Eddie, this tale only increases in depth, leading a viewer down a path of destruction as the two avoid capture. The spurt of humor between beast and prey is highly effective as they forge a common bond to survive.

Marvels new movie VENOM is highly entertaining. The special effects are great. Venom's voice hits the mark as he tries to control, Eddie. Being a fan of Tom Hardy, its easy to love and feel for his character, who isn’t sure if he’s been cursed or blessed. But these oddball counterparts, come together in heated display that draws one into their crazy world.

This movie received a thunderous hand clap at my local theater. As well it should. I loved it!

Author Tamera Lawrence

Halloween Season 2018

Despite the seemingly endless rain in Pennsylvania, I manage to decorate my house. 

Found these two cuties in a Walmart in MD

Author Tamera Lawrence 

HEREDITY Movie Review

HEREDITY: Movie review 

Heredity starts out with a family in turmoil. Their grandmother just died and each family member is dealing with the fact that they don't feel that bad. They weren't close with the eccentric woman. But then another unexpected tragedy takes place. This one more profound than the last. The family falls apart, especially the mother, who seeks out grief counseling. But the troubled mom meets a strange woman, who offers to help her deal with her grief and leads her into a way to connect with the deceased.  Excited, the mother engages her remaining family members into a ritual.

Then the movie falls apart. 

HEREDITY did a find job of setting the scene for this tale. I was pulled in. At least till about the half way point. 

As the family comes under the threat of evil influences, one hoped that the family would rise up and fight. Instead we deal with a father, who is quiet and unassuming. A son who is the target of unexplained phenomena. A mother, now overprotective and yet excited to be able to connect with the dead.  Things get weird. Then weirder. There is no real battle between good and evil. Just a decay (literally) of the characters. 

The last part of the movie leaves more questions, little answers.

 I left the theater saying, "What the heck was that?" 

Wish I could say better things about this tale. I like a good scare. But I'd wait to see this flick on cable. Not worth the dough.

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR Book Review

                                                       

Did you ever lose sight of your child? I did at my local mall. I was in the women’s clothing aisle, shifting through the assorted items. Bored, my four-year-old hovered around my legs, chattering away. Suddenly I noticed the silence.  I pivoted around. My son was gone. Panicked, I yelled his name. I moved around the racks, searching the aisles. My son was nowhere in sight. I asked a woman walking by if she had seen a red headed boy. No, she hadn’t. I was sure someone abducted him. I watched Unsolved Mysteries. America’s Most Wanted. The news. Rapid scenarios rushed through my mind. I panicked, yelling his name. Then a voice called, “Mom.” The voice sounded far away and yet so near. I moved towards a clothes rack, shoved the dresses aside and there he was, staring up at me with enormous eyes. He giggled, delighted by his prank. I was furious but relieved. I wanted to choke him (not really) but you get the idea. It took a while for my heart to return to its normal beat.

Such is life with a small child. By nature, they can be pranksters. Some more than others.

But what if your child was missing from his or her bedroom, an infant who couldn’t possibly get out of their crib? And, it’s your fault because you did something dumb. You left your baby home alone. And now the police think you might’ve killed your own child.

Marco and Anne Conti try to have the perfect life, the perfect home. Married, the couple have a beautiful baby, who they both adore. But Anne is suffering from the baby blues. Her hormones are a mess and she is emotional. Marco on the other hand is trying to hold their life together. His business has issues and it doesn’t help that his wealthy in-laws despise him. The childless couple next door offers the struggling couple a night out. So, the Conti’s leave their daughter home alone and bring along the baby monitor, taking turns checking on the sleeping baby. But then the baby disappears, and the parents become the prime suspects. Everyone is hiding secrets and the lies begin to unravel in a twisted display of self-servitude. 

And the search for the baby begins…

Want a terrific book for that summer read? THE COUPLE NEXT DOOR by Shari Lapena does not disappoint. I eagerly devoured this book looking for the end in sight. I was not disappointed by the climax. Great read for those who seek suspense and mystery.

Reviewed by Author Tamera Lawrence 

COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD: EERIE TOUR REVIEW

In the bustle of our everyday lives, Boyertown residents might not realize the treasure we have right in the midst of our town – The Colebrookdale Railroad: Secret Valley Line 

COLEBROOKDALE RAILROAD: DINING CAR

Riding the Colebrookdale Railroad during the Eerie Limited tour was a special treat indeed. The dining car was beautifully decorated with the added touch of table lit lamps and floral décor. Overhead, the speakers came alive with the tale of the 1908 Rhodes Opera House Fire. This story touched upon the tragic night of January 13th when 171 men, women and children were horrifically killed in an accidental fire during the 2^nd floor stage play of The Scottish Reformation. A kerosene lamp had lit upon a stage curtain, spreading like wildfire. Exits weren’t properly marked. People panicked. Doors were blocked by the throng of people seeking escape, tragically trapping those inside. Approximately 400 people had attended the play. Also, in the realm of this vicious night, fireman John Graver was killed in another freak accident. 

Cozy tables with large viewing windows 

In 1908 Boyertown was a small town and in one sweeping moment, 10% of the town was tragically lost. The aftermath was hard to bear. Most of the victims had been burned above the waist, fused in one torrent moment. Families suffered as they laid their love ones to rest. The abundance of bodies had to be gingerly handled, identified and then laid to rest, a grim prospect indeed. 

Rolling down the Tracks

Today superstition still holds true with some residents of Boyertown. Apartments located at the old Rhode’s site are said to be haunted. Numerous sightings have been claimed over the years. Durangos is another hot spot for ghost enthusiasts.

The Eerie Limited trip lasted approximately two hours. Surprisingly the train for the most part was a smooth ride considering its age. The food was delicious. Equally fantastic was the serving crew, who did their best to accommodate the slightest need. The evening was topped off with a slice of cake and a few more ghostly tales from local residents. All in all, it was a pleasant change from a normal Friday night. 

Tickets Please!

I’d highly recommend taking a trip on the rails. If ghosts aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other up and coming themes to choose from. So, support the Colebrookdale Railroad.

 It is well worth helping save a piece of history and add to the pride of Boyertown. 

Reviewed by: 

Author Tamera Lawrence

Books: 

GHOSTS OF MAYFLOWER

Amazon.com

HIDE YOUR FEAR: Book Review

When a mother of two moves into a new house, she has no idea that she just stepped into her worst nightmare. Besieged by a cunning stalker, she begins to tap into the house’s tainted past. And worse yet, her daughter, an avid swimming competitor is being difficult – a bit of a brat. The teenager is angry with her mother for separating from her father, demanding they reunite.  But despite all the turmoil, local teens are disappearing at an alarming rate – their connection –swimming competitors with promising futures. But someone else is watching, deciding just who will step into his own brutal forum.  

Hide Your Fear will leave you feeling breathless as you anticipate the next move of a deranged killer. Well written, page turner. 

Held my attention to the very end.  

Author Tamera Lawrence