The Solar Eclipse: A James Anderson Mystery

by Samantha Sudol

It is 1925, a year after James Anderson was cast out from his position with the Conway Police in New Hampshire. Starting a new life in New York, he gets a call that makes him return home to face the unsolved mystery and demons he tried to leave behind. The first night aboard the private train, The Blue Star, the young matriarch of the Cross family was found passionately stabbed and murdered with the number 71200 carved into her arm. This mark, as well as notes laced in Greek mythology left behind for Anderson to follow, causes him to investigate alongside the controversial journalist, Martin O’Reilly. Soon he finds that not everything is as it seems as societal expectations, greed, and pride become the undercurrents of the once esteemed Cross family.

Genres: Mystery

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 25, 2023

About the author

Samantha Sudol is a recent graduate of the University of Maine, where she earned her bachelor's degree in English and Psychology. During her studies, Samantha was honored with several awards, including the Abby Sargent Neese Kelly Creative Writing Scholarship, the Nellie Ruth Pillsbury King Memorial Scholarship, and the Center for Undergraduate Research (CUGR) Fellowship. In addition to her love of writing, Samantha is an avid reader with interests in history, mythology and folklore. Besides her passion for literature, Samantha enjoys traveling and watching the latest true crime shows. She currently resides in New Jersey and will soon be pursuing a Master's degree in Literary Studies at the University of Exeter.

Reviews

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It was fast paced and fun fun page-turner. As for the plot, I loved the twists and turns. Example, double murder kept me confused.

Great characters that are well defined. James, the main character was easy to fill especially since the story was mostly told through his eyes.

A great read that I highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Deity World · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this a great historical murder fiction book that will have you guessing

[♥ Sandi ❣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars Thanks to Book Siren for the privilege of reading this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Publishes on June 25, 2023.

This book reminded me of the Poirot series. Maybe it was because the majority of the action happened on a train, I am not sure, but all through the story it just had that feeling of upper crust British aristocracy.

This was not a bad book, it just was not quite up to par with a really good mystery. People seemed to drop in from out of nowhere and as a reader you were expected to accept them and just carry on. Too much confusion, especially at the end of the book bringing back in a new mystery that went unsolved.

I was able to guess the culprit early on in the story. The majority of the story was good and clean, however there were parts, especially at the end, that just did not seem to belong to this book. And I thought the ending needed help. I was not a fan of how it ended. I never like a book that ends with the indication of a new mystery.

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. James Anderson leaves his New Hampshire home for a job in New York City. He gets a call to return home to help solve a murder mystery of a young woman who was well known in the community. Her murder makes him deal with many skeletons and things from his past. His move was supposed to bury these demons. The book is short but has many descriptive passages. There are numerous ties to Greek mythology which is a welcome change. It also has a fair share of surprises. A perfect afternoon read.

[Olivia Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Solar Eclipse is often a phenomena that is anticipated by many people for many different reasons.

Boarding a private rail car in the early 1900's was something that not everyone could afford to do. Yet James (who is on his way back "home") finds that he has been "invited" to join "The Anderson" family, all eight of them for the trip to North Conway. But there is a murder that has just happened and someone on board is guilty. But Who? and Why?

These are the questions and everyone being a suspect is now looking over their shoulders to see if Inspector James is on their case.

This book brings us so many things to think of regarding eclipses and what they entail along with the interests in Solar "signs", Greek Gods and Goddesses and how they affect the lives of the family.

Family secrets and a love of the stars all play a part in this novel and it is quite an enjoyable read.

The Solar Eclipse needs just a little more focus on eclipses and how they were viewed in the early 1900's.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had a lot of promise, but ultimately did not deliver, unfortunately. I wish the author had trusted herself and the readers to stick with her through more character building, so we would have had a better feeling for who these people were, before thrusting us into the murder investigation. As it was, everything felt rushed and haphazard, and I didn't really believe any of her characters.

I received a free copy of this book from BookSirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily, if reluctantly. I don't like to leave discouraging reviews, but I know this author can do a lot more, so I hope she'll take this as encouragement to keep writing, as all of the ingredients for a great novel are there.

[Kaitlin Kornachuk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book but I just struggled to get through it. I love North Conway and mystery’s that’s what initially drew me in. It kind of reads like a slow escape room murder mystery in the sense you get clues one at a time (which is fine if you enjoy that but super slow for me). Then the end goes into the story of Anne which just feels oddly rushed and thrown in. Dean being the killer was also an odd choice, I’m all for plot twists but I don’t feel like he was a developed enough character for me to care about it.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from Book Sirens and this is my voluntary honest review.
A well written, great historical fiction!
A fast paced page turner with lots of twist and turns!
Amazing characters and interesting plot!
Don't miss!

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book the first of the series. There is a murder mystery to solve and the story is set up for future books. All set in the nineteen twenties.

[Darlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

James is summoned back to Conway, New Hampshire and thus finds himself on a private train owned by Alexander Cross. The train becomes the background of a double murder causing James to "investigate" despite the protests of the Cross family. Once he starts peeling pack the secrets of the Cross family I understood why. This page-turning, fast-paced murder mystery kept me guessing to the end. The conclusion leaves us hanging regarding Anne's death ( another mystery involving James) and I look forward to reading more about her. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1925, James Anderson has a lot on his mind. Over a year ago he left the Conway Police under less than ideal circumstances and his personal life is in tatters. However, he was persuaded to return home to New Hampshire. En route on the private train The Blue Star he meets several intriguing characters. Journalist Martin O'Reilly is aboard as are members of the known Cross family of old money fame, yet not all family members share the wealth or close relationships. Clara, a maid of sorts, is also present. When one of their own is murdered on the train with a numeric calling card, James and Martin pool their expertise to find out who on the train is the culprit. But crime doesn't stop there. The characters exchange both subtle and obvious love (and hate) glances and grimaces.

As a train fiend, what initially drew me in is the train setting. I adore trains and felt the jolts, clicks and whooshes in the best way possible. The Greek mythological tidbits add another layer of interest (I yearn to learn something from my reading experiences). Skeletons in closets abound, we meet fascinating characters and the social mores of the era felt in keeping. So much to enjoy here.

In spite of the fabulous writing and interesting plot, I was inexplicably not as engaged as I longed to be and at times felt my mind wander a bit. However, my brain is piqued enough to read more about the life and cases of James Anderson.

My sincere thank you for the free advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Teri Radogna-linquist · Rating 3 out of 5]

The premise of the story was good and the main character of James Anderson was well written and someone you wanted to root for. The difficulty I had with this book was that many of the other characters were very difficult to like and the story line was slow to start so staying engaged through the first chapters made it a sometimes tedious read. James' flashbacks came at the wrong times and while usually this works to provide you with the carrot needed to continue reading to get to the end, his were intersected at spots that made them slow the story line down instead of enhancing it. It was almost like some of the chapters were out of order although based on the story arc you know that isn't true. Martin, Fiona, Clara, Alexander, Roger , Elizabeth and Dean were all hard to like characters in part because they didn't have depth in their story or character at the right times which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall the book rated a solid three stars as the premise was solid and ongoing mystery kept you wanting more. My hope is that in the next book there is greater depth in the writing of the characters stories and backgrounds.

Thanks to BookSirens and the author for allowing me an opportunity to read this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually, 3 1/2 stars…. I enjoyed this book, the style is very reminiscent of some of the turn of the century murder mysteries. I assume that is what the author was going for as that is the setting of this book. And perhaps there was less respect for police officers as no one seems to give James, the officer on the train where two murders took place while en route to its destination, any respect whatsoever. The plot revolves around a train ride, two murders committed while during travel, the wealthy train owners and a starlet traveling with them, an officer, James, and a reporter, Martin. Frankly, I do not understand why Martin was allowed to insert himself into the investigation. And as much as I liked James, the only character I found likable, he’s a bit of a dolt. Did not have an inkling as to the identity of the killer until it was thrust under his nose. I presume there will be another addition to the series as a separate plot was left dangling. Fun to read, but could have been a bit tidier.

My copy of this book was provided by BookSirens and the publisher; the opinions expressed herein are my own.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Booksirens and Etnath publishing for providing a copy of this book for my review.

James Anderson is a cop in NYC. He left New Hampshire because of the death of someone close that he loved. Unfortunately for him he is told to return to investigate a death. He also has to take a private fancy blue train owned by the cross family. He is told he is going with a news reporter, Martin OReilly. Martin is following the story of Elizabeth Kingston a singer.

The family Cross plays a big part of the plot of the story. There is Alex and Rodger Cross , Alex has money Roger has none. Alex is married to Fionia but their relationship has much to be desired. Sleep in different rooms on the train.

There is also a Clara a maid of sorts to the Cross family. She is aware of discontent. But, she knows more than she can say.

There is jewelry involved in the plot. Who bought it and what purpose does it have in the story.

Then finally this is a double murder mystery story. So who is murdered. And why? For me it got a little confusing but you have to keep track of who is who and it is an interesting twist at the end which totally makes sense!

If you like murder mystery take a chance on this one!

[Pam Watmore · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This story takes place in 1925 and James Anderson, a Policeman was transferred back to North Conway to assist with a murder of his friend. Chief of Police Michaels arranged for him and a journalist to hitch a ride on a private train called The Blue Star. During the journey there are two murders and James tries to gather evidence but he is a very weak wishy washy character and does not appear to be keen to do his job nor to do it throughly. Can he discover who the Murderer is before anybody else is killed and before they reach their destination. What will he find when he reaches his destination and why has he been transferred back to his home town? It has the makings of a short story but it lacks a strong character. A bit disappointing.

[Kymm · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of mystery series', I jumped on "The Solar Eclipse" by Samantha Sudol. It had everything I enjoy, a complicated cast of characters, a suspicious death and a proper setting. The cop investigating has a secret and when he is tasked to go back to his former position, a train ride becomes a setting for murder.

For some reason, I just couldn't get into this book. I read it through but never felt the thrill of finding out what's next. I was just reading words and paragraphs. I enjoyed the story, but it just didn't work for me. I'm not saying it isn't a good book for all. It just wasn't for me. I will say the writing was very good and the dialogue, which I put a lot of pressure on to engage me was well done. Happy Reading!

[Karen Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The dialogue and conversations did not feel natural. I was confused about the relationships of some of the characters. There was a tone of familiarity yet apparently some didn’t know each other. It just didn’t seem to fit together. And the main character is a detective but he took evidence from the train that he picked up with his bare hands? Needed some realism. The storyline got more intriguing to me, though, closer to the end. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Sabine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This mystery is incredibly well written; it reminds me of the way C.S. Lewis articulates his stories. It includes a great knowledge of history, many intricately placed details, and strong character developments. It was a refreshing take on a murder mystery as the detective doesn’t claim to be the smartest, he’s a regular man that is very relatable. If you are into subtle hints and details, symbolism, the 1920s, and murder mysteries, this book will not disappoint!

[Caryn Sims · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read! Really enjoyed this mystery, can’t wait for the next!