Tatia's Tattoo

Author: Linda Brendle
Genre: Mystery/Suspense
Series: Tatia's Story #1

As a successful D.C. lawyer, Tatia's mission in life was to destroy the sex trafficking trade in small-town America. She knew where to find it. She'd been there. 

With only apathetic foster parents to protect her, she fell prey to the local pimp. Trapped in the sordid underbelly of a small Texas town, she survived by sheer will. Her friendship with her fellow victim Cindy was the only light of humanity in the darkness until she saw a familiar face.

Would Mrs. G, a mama bear of an attorney, still think she had strength and potential? Would Jesse, the young Christian tattoo artist and biker, still look at her with a twinkle in his eyes? Or would they both see only the mark of shame Eric had etched onto her forearm?

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Reviewer: Martha Robinson

Warning: From the book blurb, I knew the subject was a fictional account of sex trafficking. This book is definitely not for the faint-of-heart. I almost stopped reading several times because the treatment of Tatia, the main character, was so horrible, even violent. But I also knew this subject is a hot topic in today’s world, so I persevered.

At the beginning, Tatia Robins, approximately 25 years old, was a successful advocate for victims of sex trafficking. The novel immediately flashed back to Tatia at age 5 when her father died and her mother committed suicide. Tatia became a ward of the state of Texas and went from one foster home to another. At age 11 Tatia was the one who actually took care of the other children instead of Josie, the foster mother.

Then Eric Hall, age 25, entered the picture. He was so handsome and kind to Tatia, complimenting her on her beauty, giving her small gifts, treating her to ice cream. Tatia began to lie and sneak out of the house to meet him.

In Chapter 9, “Birthday Dreams,” Eric planned a special surprise dinner for Tatia’s 12th birthday, which ended in . . . unspeakably horrible acts. From that point on to Chapter 24, “A Cry for Help,” the terrible things continued and worsened.

But Tatia did have several positive influences in her life. The first was the Royal Children’s Summer Camp, where she first met Mrs. G and Jesse. Also Cindy, Eric’s administrative assistant, seemed to look out for Tatia. Lastly, Mrs. G and her husband’s ministry was a welcome turn of events. The Refuge was a wonderful place for Tatia and the other girls to heal.

The scenes in the police station and the court room were realistic. Tatia, age 15 or 16, on the witness stand, was unbelievably brave. The Christian message of God’s love for all His children was loud and clear throughout the novel.

​While this novel was not easy to read, it was definitely worth the effort! As responsible Christians living in today’s world, we need to be know about all the Tatias who are trapped in this tragic and often deadly business.