Tag: mystery

Eridanus (Enigma: Book Two) by Kim Idynne Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The search for a young girl in another realm brings in new allies and new challenges in author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus”, the second book in the Enigma series.

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The Synopsis

In this sequel to Enigma, Dominic and Surina travel to a mountainous region of Peru in an attempt to enter the celestial realm. Their plans seem to go awry when Surina becomes trapped in the stars alone. Surina and Hannah team up to solve the puzzle of Orion, but in order to get there, they will have to travel the Eridanus: the longest and most enigma-ridden river of the underworld.

The Review

This was a grand entry in the Enigma series. The introduction of new characters and expansion upon the mythos the author built up in the first book of the series was great to see come to fruition in this narrative. The fast pace of the plot and the mysterious atmosphere the author layers throughout the story help create the necessary tension and action that drives both Surina and Hannah forward in their journey.

What stood out, though, was the character development that this narrative took forward. Surina was a great new protagonist to take the reins from Dominic for most of the plot, and the ways that the stars and this new reality begin to change Hannah slowly, and her perspective as she becomes lost in this reality, were heart-pounding and tense. The development of Wibben as a character was equally thrilling to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and thrilling, author Kim Idynne’s “Eridanus” is an excellent entry in the Enigma series and a must-read fantasy-driven book. The twists and turns continue in this mystery-driven narrative, and the puzzles and enigmas themselves were thought-provoking and compelling as the story ends on another big cliffhanger that will drive readers to read book three easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Kim Idynne is a Minneapolis-based writer and illustrator. She is the author of several novels for adults and young adults, and she has also published a variety of short fiction. Her first short story, “Meat,” was published in the February 2015 issue of Literary Mama; the following year, Idynne received a Silver Pen award for her story “Fungus.” Her artwork has been featured in journals, books, datebooks, and at galleries around the Twin Cities area. You can check out her work at idynne.com.

Author web site: https://idynne.com

INTERVIEW: Diane Bator, Author of Diamond on the Rocks

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I’ve always been an avid reader, so writing was a natural next step. I’ve loved words and puzzles since I was a kid, as well as reading mysteries. When I came across a contest using an old Murder Mystery Party game, I thought I’d give it a try. I won the contest and my first novella, Murder on Manitou, was published. Opening a fresh box of books is totally addicting and I’ve opened many since!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Diamond on the Rocks is book 2 in my AJ Cadell Mystery series. The series was inspired by weekend summers spent at Lake Huron and the thought of a big house on the rocky shoreline, which is where I’d intended the series to take place. Flash forward a few years, and I now live in Alberta rather than Ontario. I had changed the locations to pitch to a publisher, then decided I’d keep the story in Canada. Alison (AJ) Cadell is a budding romance writer who starts off living in Toronto, then moves to the fictional town of Cedar Grove on Vancouver Island when someone makes her an offer to become a Writer in Residence. In book 1, she discovers her long lost family and solves the murders of her grandparents.

In book 2, she’s helping with an annual local event when the caterer disappears.

Book 3 will come out in 2026. Alison’s mother—who kidnapped she and her sister as children—makes a surprise visit and chaos ensues. This will be the final book in the series.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

Over the series, Alison learns the importance of family as well as not believing what everyone tells you to be true. She needs to face her own demons generated by childhood trauma in order to move forward with her new life on Vancouver Island.

When her sister and best friend join her, they become more tightly bonded as friends and begin working together to help build each other’s dreams.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved a good puzzle, a good mystery, and have become pretty good at guessing whodunnit while watching movies and so on. I chose to write cozies, which are light and clean without the blood and gore, so they can entertain on a more humorous level, as well as intrigue.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I would sit down with the caterer, Blair Diamond, who I found the most interesting since her life leads Alison on a bit of a wild goose chase. She just seemed to be a larger-than-life character who died before Alison could get to know her.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

I’m a big fan of a Facebook page called Cozy Mystery Village, as well as a small publisher called Aconite Café, which is where I got my start writing Dash Allman detective stories. With every new book, I seem to find new readers on both of those.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Don’t expect big things right from the start. It takes time to hone your craft and find your voice. Make friends with other writers and develop a thick skin. We all love to help other authors, but there will be times people give feedback or advice that you’d rather not hear. 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

Once Diamond on the Rocks comes out in September, I’m taking a brief, much needed vacation! Then I’ll be working on a new romance novel or two.

I will work on Book 3 for AJ Cadell Mysteries over the winter as well as editing Book 3 in my Glitter Bay Mystery series called All That Shimmers. I hope readers will watch for those!

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a mom of three, a book coach, and the author of over a dozen mystery novels and many works-in-progress. She has also hosted the Escape With a Writer blog to promote fellow authors and is a member of Sisters in Crime Toronto, the Writers Union of Canada, and a board member of Crime Writers of Canada. When she’s not writing and coaching authors, she works for a professional theatre. No surprise she’s written her first play, which may lead to more. 

Her website is https://dianebator.ca/ 

Her books are available through her publisher Books We Love at: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/ 

Dinked: Serenity Acres by Crystal Quast Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Secrets are unraveled and rivalries are ignited as a battle between the pickleball and tennis communities leads to deadly consequences in author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres.” 

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The Synopsis

If you love cozy mysteries, welcome to Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint, where everyone is a hot mess with a secret to hide.

Dinked: Secrets of Serenity Acres, dives deep into the deadly tensions between pickleball and tennis players in the bucolic, ball-buster neighborhood. When Margot Fields tries to push through a plan to expand the local courts, secrets start to come to the surface and residents start to unravel. It’s a death match to the end, but who will come out unscathed in this fun, feisty thriller?

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging cozy mystery thriller. The balance of wit and charm that the story brought to life, both in the humor of the character interactions and the drama as tensions rise between them all, made this a thrilling read. The Imagery in the author’s writing allowed the reader to feel fully immersed in this small community, and the author did a great job of making sure the violence and more mature content happened off-page, leaning heavily into the cozy mystery atmosphere that the genre is known for.

What drove this narrative forward so well was the character development and the theme of change that the book embraced. The ways these characters either fought against change or tried to embrace it speak to the struggle so many communities have with adopting new approaches over time. The drama and the tension between this cast of characters, whether it was protagonist Margot and her rival Daphne, each of whom have their struggles behind closed doors, or the competitiveness of those who see pickleball as a progressive step in a new sport or those who see it as the death of tennis as a whole, these dynamic character events infuse both drama and humor into the narative, which helped elevate the overall mystery of these threats and the twisted nature of the town’s secrets. 

The Verdict

Visceral, humorous, and mysterious, author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations about the town and its citizens, and the complex web of connections among the citizens of this town will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final shocking pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Written Just For You by Lincoln James Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young man falls for a young woman hidden by local legends and seeks to tell her story in author Lincoln James’s “Written Just For You.”

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The Synopsis

Some love stories are written in the stars. This one is written in blood.

Will wasn’t supposed to stay in town. Jean wasn’t supposed to meet him. And the book she gave him? It wasn’t meant to be read.

Depoe Bay is a place of whispers—where the fog clings too close and stories go unanswered. The town says Jean is a ghost, a siren, a memory that never made it out of the water. But Will knows she’s real. He’s seen her. Heard her laugh. Felt something shift.

And now that he’s read her words…He can’t let her go.

As the town turns colder, the secrets grow louder—about the past, the dead, and what love refuses to bury.

Some girls don’t make it out of their stories.

But Will’s about to make sure this one does.

The Review

This was such a compelling and captivating read. The author perfectly brought a tale of suspense and intrigue to life on the page, carefully illuminating a time of significant change and uncertainty in the world (the 60s), and hitting readers with a healthy balance of thriller action and heartbreaking emotion. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style effectively captures the tension and shocking moments that will stay with readers as they reach the climax of this tale.

Yet even with such a powerful story filled with shocking and heart-pounding thrills, the core of this narrative was in the gut-punch of emotional character growth. The heart of the story lies in the love story, which is wrapped in powerful themes of identity, grief, and finding hope. The way both Jean and Will are drawn together, and how love can be transformative, altering a person’s path in ways they couldn’t have expected, plays out perfectly here and elevates the psychological nature of this thriller.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and heartfelt, author Lincoln James’s “Written Just For You” is a must-read mystery thriller with a romantic spin. The angst and trauma that both Will and Jean represent, as well as how the author explores how expectations and quick judgments by so many can make a person feel trapped in a life not their own, were extensively represented here, and made the more shocking and twisted moments of the climax hit home a lot harder. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author



Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.

In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

When he’s not writing, James is a Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.

https://thelincolnjames.com/

Diamond on the Rocks (A.J. Cadell Mystery Book 2) by Diane Bator Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

The caterer to a Christmas Ball is found dead, and a writer and budding bed and breakfast owner must solve the case before a major ice storm hits in author Diane Bator’s “Diamond on the Rocks”, the second book in the A.J. Cadell Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

When A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell took over Thistlewood Manor, she fully intended to turn it into the bed and breakfast Grandma Bebe dreamed of before her death – except for a few minor hurdles. Not only does Alison have a new romance novel to finish, a Writer-in-Residence gig to get through, visitors coming from Toronto, and a party to help organize, the caterer has gone missing. More specifically, Blair Diamond who is catering the McKittrick Christmas Ball in less than two weeks.

Then Alison and her boyfriend, Mac, find Blair’s body on the beach behind Thistlewood and she is dragged into the rat’s nest that made up Blair’s life. Can she track down the killer before the Ice Storm of the Century hits Cedar Grove or will Alison become another target?

The Review

This was a masterful and gripping mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of balancing the suspenseful atmosphere with rich character development. The small island setting and tension added to the atmospheric nature of the story, and kept the reader invested as the novel developed.

The heart of this narrative was in the compelling mystery and the dynamic character arcs. The author was able to craft characters that felt relatable, lending a cinematic quality to the overall story. The story itself had a good balance of subplots, from the hardships Alison’s sister Roxie endured upon her arrival on the island to the stress of planning a major party, and then the draw of the murder mystery surrounding the death of the caterer. The infusion of her late grandmother’s found manuscript and its relation to the mystery of Alison’s past was an even bigger draw, drawing the reader further and further into the world the author created.

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and compelling, author Diane Bator’s upcoming mystery thriller novel “Diamond on the Rocks” is a must-read and a grand entry in the A.J. Cadel Mysteries series. The twists and turns in the narrative as Alison uncovers the truth, the hints of romance between herself and Mac, and the mystery of Alison’s past all keep the reader interested and eager for the next entry in this fantastic new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

Revenge is Not Enough (A David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery Book Two) by Angela Van Breemen Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A young girl from beyond the grave seeks the help of an investigative team to find the truth behind her disappearance in author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough”, the second book in the David Harris & Emma Jackson Mystery series. 

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The Synopsis

Revenge can’t undo what was done.

When young psychic Emma Jackson experiences a terrifying vision of a teenage girl being raped, she is shaken to the core. As her husband, David Harris, tries to comfort her, his worry increases when her shattered voice whispers, “Her name was Maggie.” David questions the wisdom of his team of investigators using the paranormal to solve cold cases.

Emma and David, and Bryan, a retired police office and his wife, Laura, have been working together with New Elgan Police Service to solve cold cases.

They learn that Maggie was a young woman who went missing twenty years ago and has moved on to the afterlife.

During a powerful séance, she takes over Emma’s body and demands the investigative team take on her case to find her children.

Except, at sixteen years of age at the time of her disappearance she had no children.

When the team uncovers a sinister baby ring where young women are kidnapped and forced to breed made-to-order children for the elite, they are shocked to learn their nemesis, the Dark Hands of Anubis is behind the human trafficking.

Emma insists on continuing the case, but isn’t Emma’s sanity and peace of mind worth more than solving a cold case from the beyond?

Revenge may not be enough … when the cost is way too high.

The Review

Right from the start, this novel was incredibly compelling and rich with world-building that readers will instantly become pleasantly lost in. The realism of the investigative aspect of cold cases was perfectly balanced by the paranormal/supernatural elements of Emma’s psychic abilities and the spirits that come forth to seek justice. The visceral nature of the crimes themselves and the haunting coldness of the criminals will chill readers to the bone as they dive deeper and deeper into this novel’s lore. 

The character dynamics and the essential themes were the heart of this novel. The love and care that David and Emma share for one another as they traverse this new business and delve into the dangerous world of cold cases, angered spirits, and shady and warped organizations for the wealthy elite, was heartwarming and inspired, and brought balance to the more mysterious and action-driven parts of the story. The way the book focused on the horrific realities of human trafficking and its connection to so many missing persons’ cases, and how the wealthy often benefit at the expense of those without the same privileges, made this a dark yet important narrative to explore without compromising the overall mythos of this series.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Memorable, haunting, and engaging, author Angela Van Breemen’s “Revenge is Not Enough” is a must-read mystery thriller this fall. The twists and turns in the narrative, the emotional complexity that cold case investigations often stir, and the heart of the two protagonists and their connection with one another, as well as their dedication to their cases, make this one book to look out for this fall. If you haven’t yet, preorder your copy today or grab a copy on November 4th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Angela van Breemen is delighted to have completed her first novel, Past Life’s Revenge, a crime thriller with a twist of spiritualism. She is an avid writer of poetry, belongs to the Wordsmiths Writers’ Groupbased out of New Tecumseth, Ontario and is a member of the Crime Writers of Canada and the South Simcoe Arts Council. Angela is a Soprano Soloist.

A firm believer in giving back to the community, she often sings for different charitable organizations. Music and poetry have been an integral part of her life, and in early 2024 she launched her debut album, In The Breeze. Celtic in nature, it includes three original pieces of music, based on her poetry.

Angela volunteers for Procyon Wildlife Rehabilitation and Education Centre, a group dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and safe release of orphaned and injured Ontario wildlife.

About Angela

The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter by D.K. Thorne Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mind extractor in a dystopian virtual world discovers a hidden secret that could hold the key to saving humanity in author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles Book 1: Splinter.”

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The Synopsis

What if reality is a relic?


What if neural decay silenced your language—and killed thought itself?

Splinter launches you into Onyros, a virtual reality dystopia where thought is currency—and extinction is everywhere.

  • Neural mercenaries dive into synthetic paradises to harvest memories before flesh decays (a true mind-uploading sci-fi thriller)
  • Logan Bochniak is a dying breed—one of the last Splinters racing toward cognitive failure in a post-human cyberpunk world.
  • An impossible signal echoes through the system: an anomaly in the system itself.

Memory is a maze. Reality is a rumor. Your only hope is a fraying mind.

For fans of Red Rising, Cyberpunk 2077, William Gibson, Peter Watts, Black Mirror and YA dystopian books —and anyone who’s ever wondered what lies beyond the end of meaning.

The Review

This was both entertaining and thought-provoking to dive into. The dark, gritty tones of this sci-fi dystopian world were immediately felt, and readers were thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery that felt chaotic and oppressive, as the mystery deepened further. The angst and the forboding nature of the larger threat to humanity are felt in every chapter, and the rich imagery in the author’s writing style captures the darker underbelly of this cyberpunk narrative. 

The heart of this story lies in the grand themes the author explores and the compelling character dynamics at play. Logan, as a protagonist, is a powerhouse, revealing depth and complexity as he navigates the tension between his cold indifference, shaped by life experiences, and the harsh reality of the impact this virtual world has on humanity, as well as the secret he uncovers. The author’s commentary on technology and science as a whole, especially virtual reality and AI, is astounding, focusing not just on world-building but on the neurological and physical impact that being immersed in a virtual setting for long periods can have on the human body.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, enthralling, and memorable, author D.K. Thorne’s “The Onyros Chronicles book 1: Splinter” is a must-read cyberpunk dystopian thriller. The connection the author makes between consciousness and its interweaving with our biology, as well as the plethora of unique characters and the epic world-building of Onyros as a whole, make this a sci-fi epic that readers won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

D. K. Thorne studied philosophy and sociology, holding a B.Sc. in Psychology. With philosophical science fiction as his first love, Thorne crafts stories that explore the complex intersection between consciousness and reality.

The Onyros Chronicles is Thorne’s labor of love—a high-paced dystopian saga spanning multiple volumes that ventures into uncharted sci-fi territory.

When not writing, Thorne can be found working in abandoned Polish cabins and quiet attics. An award-nominated writer, he enjoys collaborating with artists from all over the world.

https://www.instagram.com/d.k.thorne/

Interview with Author Barry Harden

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

I was born to a working-class couple in post-WWII London and arrived with significantly less enthusiasm than was had at my procreation. In due time, I was left to my own devices at a very young age with no guidebook for the scenic route or the pitfalls. While animals and nature offered me solace, the injustices I witnessed ignited a growing rage, one that found its voice in scribbled thoughts on pub serviettes, which later took shape as poems and stories

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

In Ada and Eddie, it was recently pointed out to me that the character of Eddie, a homeless drifter, was unconsciously created from my own experiences growing up alone from an early age. I had a home but was spiritually homeless. I wrote Ada as the character who embodied my ideal companion. Amanita Virosa: The Destroying Angel was inspired by the plight of the Romani people during the Bosnia War, in particular a female fighter, Fadila Odžaković Žuta, who was killed at age 34. She served as my inspiration for Amanita.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

My novels are rooted in a deep commitment to address issues which I’m passionate about: social inequality, the preservation of nature and wildlife, and society’s power to address the challenges of political malfeasance. In writing fact-based political thrillers, I aim to bring these injustices to light and engage readers who might not seek such information in nonfiction formats. Stories of ordinary citizens fighting for change can inspire readers to demand accountability, participate in civic life, and push for reforms.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

The political thriller genre allows me to weave serious ideas into compelling narratives, shedding light on real historical events and abuses of power while keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. It’s a way of holding up a mirror to the world while hoping people look deep enough to see what lies beneath.

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5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

I’d sit down with Eddie, the homeless man who discovers the body on the moors. His ostracization, his quiet endurance, and his humility mirror much of what I’ve experienced myself. I’d ask him how he manages to hold on to his sense of self in a world that insists on making him invisible. I’d want to know where he finds the strength to keep going when so much has been stripped away—because in truth, I’ve often asked myself the same question.

6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

Facebook and Goodreads have been somewhat helpful but reviewers and bloggers such as yourself bring invaluable exposure to readers.

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

Read as many notable authors in your genre as possible and note what makes their stories work. Ensure your work is grammatically flawless and has a clear story arc. Use reviewers or beta readers not related to you to give unbiased opinions.

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

I’ve just published a memoir, Throwaway, and completed a new thriller, Carney, about a Jamaican crusader for victims of abuse and social injustice.

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About the Author

I am the author of five political thrillers, a collection of provocative short stories, and a book of dark poetry. Sociopolitical commentary is infused into my work, whether through fictional narratives, allegorical short stories or scathing satire that exposes the absurdities of human interaction with each other, animals, and the environment.

When not writing, I find solace in a glass (or two) of a well-aged Corbières while listening to Black jazz of the 20s and 30s. Born and raised in North Harrow, London, I now enjoy the peace and comfort of nature and wildlife and the company of my feral furry friends in my cat sanctuary. A change of scenery to the seashore sparks creativity—without the distraction of my cats adding their input on the keyboard.

Website: www.barryhardenauthor.com

YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@barryharden-writer

Ada & Eddie by Barry Harden Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

TRIGGER WARNING: THIS BOOK FEATURES SOME INSTANCES OF PHYSICAL AND MENTAL ABUSE, AS WELL AS VIOLENCE AGAINST ANIMALS, WHICH MAY BE TRIGGERING TO SOME READERS. READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

The discovery of a body sends a homeless man and a widow on a journey together to discover the identity of the victim of a heinous crime and the perpetrator in author Barry Harden’s “Ada & Eddie.”

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The Synopsis

Finding the body of a young woman on the North York Moors creates a dilemma for Eddie, a reclusive homeless man who would rather commune with wildlife than tolerate humans. Ada, a feisty widow living nearby with a secret past, comes to the rescue. Together they embark on a mission to discover the identity of the young woman – a pursuit that unwittingly brings them towards a collision course with political corruption, murder, and betrayal. Written from Eddie’s point of view, the many conflicts are seen through his naive and simplistic view of the world around him. In contrast, Ada brings a more realistic, assertive approach to the perilous twists and turns they encounter while the presence of a deeply entrenched mole within their group of confidants keeps the reader guessing his identity. Ultimately, Ada, Eddie, and their cohorts successfully bring down an unscrupulous British government official, and in a shocking finale, the enemy’s unthinkable retribution is disclosed

The Review

This was a fascinating and shocking crime thriller meets mystery novel. The story is filled with twists and turns galore, with a fast and engaging pace. The development of Ada, Eddie, and their supporting cast felt realistic and allowed the reader to invest in their journey. The use of imagery in the author’s writing style made the entire book feel cinematic, as if this were a limited series playing out on TV. 

The themes of this novel matched the mystery of the story. While honing in on the murder from the first page and keeping readers engaged from the start, the author also hones in on themes such as the homelessness crisis and how debilitating isolation can be for some, as well as the power of corruption and how it impacts the world around us daily, allowing readers to become immersed in this crime-filled world the author has brought to life on the page.

The Verdict

Twisted, enthralling, and heartfelt in its delivery, author Barry Harden’s “Ada & Eddie” is a must-read crime thriller meets drama. The mystery and suspense of the narrative will stay with readers, and the pulse-pounding, at times emotional, and shocking final twists will stay with readers long after the book ends. if you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, five novels, two books of poetry and a collection of short stories in the genres of political thriller, satire, Gothic fantasy poetry, and allegorical short stories. An animal rights, environmental protection, and civil rights proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings.

“Words can be like gems or sticks. A coalition of words can become a diamond necklace or a broken picket fence, whichever way one wishes to use them, and as such, I use them for my works of fiction and poetry. Dark fantasy can be alluring but dark reality is sometimes unavoidable and can cascade one’s imagination deep into the hollowed skulls that litter the subsoil beneath our feet, to be returned once again to the world in the voice of a poet.” ~Barry Harden

Some of Mr. Harden’s poetry can be viewed in video format on YouTube: Dark Gothic Poetry and Stories.

www.barryhardenauthor.com