Perpetual Care (Author House 2009 www.authorhouse.com)
Review by G.L. Giles
Story by Laura Beth Caldwell

It’s hard to believe that Perpetual Care is Laura Beth Caldwell’s debut novel because she masterfully wields her words in this book of 359 pages. I attribute this partially to the fact that she’s a freelance writer as well. Plus, she clearly knows her settings of primarily Savannah, Georgia and surrounding Lowcountry areas well. In addition, she manages to capture many Southern mannerisms, dialects and people (like the Geechees) to a tee. As yet, this is one of the best novels I’ve read in accurately depicting Savannah and the Lowcountry (landmark-wise as well), even though it’s a fictional story! The plot centers around the cursed Talbot family. Their plight is examined through centuries of horror as one family member after another is killed off by a menacing presence. And, along with a couple of vampires in the story, there are other intriguing nasties that go bump in the night as well, including a horrific haint. As Caldwell explains, a haint is, “The worst kind of spirit. She is neither Damned nor Innocent…She will move amongst the living, seeking revenge” (p.45). Being haunted by a haint is a terror that generations of Talbots must endure, amongst other things. Other things like family secrets that won’t stay buried, prejudice against same-sex coupling, reincarnation, etc. Yet, with all the horror, suspense and mystery that make up this novel, it’s really a great love story as well: One of literally and figuratively undying love. Caldwell has a great command of the English language, and parts of her rendering were almost Anne Rice-esque. Set primarily from 1923 (with some flashbacks before that) to the present, it’s also a glimpse at the changes Savannah has undergone. In fact, the city of Savannah is almost personified throughout as its own distinct character. In “A Note from the Author” at the end of the novel, Caldwell seems to suggest this as well with, “It is Savannah’s spirit that draws folks to her. That fills her cemeteries with poets, and artists, and song writers. It is a spirit which speaks of simpler times, when hospitality was the order of the day and good manners were something to be coveted” (p.359). Yet, don’t be fooled into thinking that this is some kind of a period romance novel merely masquerading as vampire literature, as some of the scenes are quite, refreshingly, brutal. I give it a 9 out of 10.
It’s available as an e-book, hardcover and softcover at www.authorhouse.com and www.amazon.com