The Calling — Keith Rommel

Based on the Port St. Lucie Legend ...

What drives someone to kill? Is it something within them, or an outside force that influences them?

One of Florida's most overlooked serial killers (Gerard John Schaefer) wrought havoc along the Treasure Coast and Hutchinson Island in the 1970s. His reign of terror consisted of unspeakable acts of torture, rape, and murder by an ancient oak tree. He hanged people there, buried their bodies, and came back often to pillage what remained. It is believed that Schaefer's evil seeped into the tree and surrounding area, leaving a blemish on the otherwise beautiful nature walk in Oak Hammock Park in Port Saint Lucie. When night descends around the tree, the atmosphere changes completely; hundreds of stories are offered up about personal experiences of a true-life haunting.

Continuing with the legend that is pulled into modern day, Satanists commune by the tree in honor of their fallen idol. Terrible things happen around the tree, which seems to have a certain allure to it . . . making people commit unimaginable acts.

This sick and grizzly legend is so deep, so convoluted and wicked, you won't believe what you read. Whatever you do, don't visit the Devil Tree after dusk. You will never be the same. This is not just a blurb for the back of a book, but a warning from many people--including uniformed officers who have come forth to share their experiences at the tree. I have seen both confusion and truth in their eyes.

This is a must-read series for all Floridians and those intrigued by legends, the supernatural, and the occult.