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A Deeper Dive
Retired and widowed librarian Merrill Connor is ready to fade quietly into the sunset. But her persistent friends refuse to let her give up on life. Because of their belief in her, she reinvents herself as a podcaster who eventually gains a passionate fan base. With her audience spurring her on, she resurrects the cold case of a local woman who vanished 20 years before. Merrill’s “deeper dive” into that mystery turns into a nightmare when her research leads her into the direct path of a killer.
- GenresMystery
232 pages, Paperback
Published May 15, 2023
7 people are currently reading
2448 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Madar
5 books44 followersI am a life-long avid reader, a retired English teacher (high school and college),wife, mother, grandmother, and a later-in- life published author. I never aspired to be a writer, but one summer day in 2013, inspiration came calling and nine months later (can't resist the metaphor!) Convergence was born! In May of 2020 NFB published my second novel, Dark Riddle. My third book, A Deeper Dive, Book #1 in the Merrill Connor Mystery series came out in May of 2023. Book #2 in the series, Boulder Point, will be available in June of 2024.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
March 24, 2023
A widow, Merrill Connor, has mourned her husband for years. She is beginning to see that life must go on, with the help of her three close friends Merrill chooses to use her skills as a researcher to start a podcast called, "A Deeper Dive". A topic for one of her podcasts is to look into a 20 year old cold case of a young mother who went missing. There are plenty of suspects but Mrs. Madar keeps you guessing to who could be involved, with lots of twists and turns. Not only are we treated to a compelling mystery but we also are witness to wonderful friendships between "mature" women. The reinvention of oneself after marriage and raising a family is something many women grapple with. Merrill's friend Jenna, Kate, and Sherry all have the freedom to pursue their true career passions and see their successes. Finally, Mrs Madar exposes us to the real place called "Lily Dale", a home for mediums and spiritual healing. Do they have a role in solving mysteries? Merrill was skeptical at first but in the end she may have changed her mind. "A Deeper Dive" is a wonderful read, great characters, many relationships and a VERY good mystery.
April 29, 2023
Spoiler Alert: The end is just the beginning...
Go ahead, take this free fall and let let the lure of something beneath the surface pull you into A Deeper Dive. True to her style, author Deborah Madar will net you right in.
When you meet widowed protagonist Merrill Connor she is wading in the tepid flow of her research librarian retirement. But life in a small town west state New York will curiously prod and then plunge Merrill into a 20 year old cold case mystery of well kept secrets. Toss in a launched podcast, a measured quantity of male ego, a support cast of enterprising women friends, a revealing touch of the mystic and you're caught in this whirlpool of Who, How, and Where...
Call it relentless intuition. Call it the suggested power of a Medium. Merrill Connor's aimed critical nature won't let you down. "A Deeper Dive" is after all, not a free fall, but instead a Deborah Madar point-blank lead to something more just about to begin...
Go ahead, take this free fall and let let the lure of something beneath the surface pull you into A Deeper Dive. True to her style, author Deborah Madar will net you right in.
When you meet widowed protagonist Merrill Connor she is wading in the tepid flow of her research librarian retirement. But life in a small town west state New York will curiously prod and then plunge Merrill into a 20 year old cold case mystery of well kept secrets. Toss in a launched podcast, a measured quantity of male ego, a support cast of enterprising women friends, a revealing touch of the mystic and you're caught in this whirlpool of Who, How, and Where...
Call it relentless intuition. Call it the suggested power of a Medium. Merrill Connor's aimed critical nature won't let you down. "A Deeper Dive" is after all, not a free fall, but instead a Deborah Madar point-blank lead to something more just about to begin...
April 25, 2023
Mystery novels can be tricky. Our suspicions are up from the start and our desire to pick a culprit in the first five pages is inevitable. Between the Boxcar Children and Nancy Drew, you could say many of us have been training for this since we learned to read. Thus, rendering us always ready to sleuth out a killer, and to also know the difference between a well-woven story and a total bust.
Deb Madar’s newest novel, A Deeper Dive- A Merrill Connor Mystery, does the mystery/crime genre proud. Merrill, a retired college research librarian (and widow) reinvents herself into a crime podcaster, through the encouragement of her longtime friends. As she gains locale notoriety and a passionate fanbase, she decides to take on a 20-year-old cold case. As Merrill gains information on the case, her safety is put into jeopardy.
Madar created a split timeline from the disappearance of a mother, Grace, in the late 90s with Merrill’s storyline. As soon as signs of Grace’s disappearance hit the proverbial pavement, Madar doesn’t let her foot off the gas. The twists and turns of who could have been responsible for a mother to disappear in broad daylight kept me from putting the book down.
I don’t want to give any of the story away, but I can say she does a beautiful and honest job of addressing the realities of teenage life, behaviors that teens can fall victim to, and the difficulty that can present in a small town. For some, there are lasting effects. It is also well-researched and Madar clearly draws on her decades in Secondary Education to make you feel a roller coaster of emotional hardships in teenage life.
Merrill is a strong and curious woman- something I’d like to think a lot of women would like to say they aspire to be in their retirement. I personally appreciated reading her journey as it is like getting some words from the front lines of wiser, more experienced women fighting the fight 20+ years my senior.
The book has a great ending – not too tied in a bow - so you can expect more fun mysteries to come with Merrill.
I highly recommend this book- I read it while waiting for my kids at sports practices, but it would make a great beach read or just blow off the rainy weekend pick. The pacing and intrigue make it a page-turner, so you probably want to carve out the time to read it.
Deb Madar’s newest novel, A Deeper Dive- A Merrill Connor Mystery, does the mystery/crime genre proud. Merrill, a retired college research librarian (and widow) reinvents herself into a crime podcaster, through the encouragement of her longtime friends. As she gains locale notoriety and a passionate fanbase, she decides to take on a 20-year-old cold case. As Merrill gains information on the case, her safety is put into jeopardy.
Madar created a split timeline from the disappearance of a mother, Grace, in the late 90s with Merrill’s storyline. As soon as signs of Grace’s disappearance hit the proverbial pavement, Madar doesn’t let her foot off the gas. The twists and turns of who could have been responsible for a mother to disappear in broad daylight kept me from putting the book down.
I don’t want to give any of the story away, but I can say she does a beautiful and honest job of addressing the realities of teenage life, behaviors that teens can fall victim to, and the difficulty that can present in a small town. For some, there are lasting effects. It is also well-researched and Madar clearly draws on her decades in Secondary Education to make you feel a roller coaster of emotional hardships in teenage life.
Merrill is a strong and curious woman- something I’d like to think a lot of women would like to say they aspire to be in their retirement. I personally appreciated reading her journey as it is like getting some words from the front lines of wiser, more experienced women fighting the fight 20+ years my senior.
The book has a great ending – not too tied in a bow - so you can expect more fun mysteries to come with Merrill.
I highly recommend this book- I read it while waiting for my kids at sports practices, but it would make a great beach read or just blow off the rainy weekend pick. The pacing and intrigue make it a page-turner, so you probably want to carve out the time to read it.
April 24, 2023
Seventeen-year-old Brad is reportedly having an affair with Grace. The object of his passion is a teacher’s aide, the married mother of his science classmate Joanna. Oh, and Joanna is also in love with Brad.
What could possibly go wrong?
One day Grace and her daughter stop by a local mall for what Grace says is a 15-minute errand on the way to Joanna’s school musical rehearsal. Grace mysteriously disappears and is never seen again.
For two decades the cold case languishes. Enter Merrill Connor, a grieving widow and retired librarian who begins redefining her life through her increasingly popular podcast that focuses on missing persons. In the process, she finds new purpose after her devastating loss.
In her third book, Deb Madar shines a light on a form of sexual abuse seldom acknowledged while weaving a mystery that casts Merrill in grave danger as she seeks answers to the disappearance.
Good news for fans of A Deeper Dive and Madar’s earlier books, Convergence and Dark Riddle. Merrill Connor will continue her popular podcast. There are more missing person cases to be solved in her home area. Merrill already has an idea for the next one.
What could possibly go wrong?
One day Grace and her daughter stop by a local mall for what Grace says is a 15-minute errand on the way to Joanna’s school musical rehearsal. Grace mysteriously disappears and is never seen again.
For two decades the cold case languishes. Enter Merrill Connor, a grieving widow and retired librarian who begins redefining her life through her increasingly popular podcast that focuses on missing persons. In the process, she finds new purpose after her devastating loss.
In her third book, Deb Madar shines a light on a form of sexual abuse seldom acknowledged while weaving a mystery that casts Merrill in grave danger as she seeks answers to the disappearance.
Good news for fans of A Deeper Dive and Madar’s earlier books, Convergence and Dark Riddle. Merrill Connor will continue her popular podcast. There are more missing person cases to be solved in her home area. Merrill already has an idea for the next one.
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April 23, 2023Check out some early reviews of A Deeper Dive, coming out on May 15th You can pre-order the Kindle version from Amazon.
Here is my new website. It's got all kinds of info about my books.
https://www.deborahmadar.com
Here is my new website. It's got all kinds of info about my books.
https://www.deborahmadar.com
March 23, 2023
📚NOVEL THOUGHTS📚
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just like her newest character Merrill Connor, author and retired teacher Deborah Madar is following the advice of her newly minted true crime podcaster and opening a new door in this new venture with A Deeper Dive. When Merrill's husband succumbs to his long struggle with ALS, she is upended emotionally and for 3 years after his death, is floating through life like an unmoored boat. While her 3 grown children and her closest friends try to help her find her way, it is not until she sees how those friends have pivoted and turned hobbies into lucrative businesses, does she realize that her background as a research librarian can open a new world for her. With her son's technical help, she begins a podcast she names Deeper Dive and becomes a local "must listen to" program after she helps find a missing Amish girl. The local sheriff takes notice and hires her to help in their department as a researcher and archivist. Merrill's skills will be put to the test when a woman named Joanna contacts Merrill asking for her help in finding out what happened to her mother Grace who went missing 20 years ago. She takes this on with a gusto, sharing updates with her listeners and as the investigation progresses, enlists her listeners to come forward if they have any information that the police 20 years ago may not have obtained. Using her researching skills, interviews and help from the public, she is going to cross some very powerful people!
At the same time, she is ready to honor her late husband's legacy as a well loved professor at an area college. She invites several of his students to join her podcast and tell their stories about him. This was such an important part for her healing and acceptance of his loss. It was one of his paintings which he called A Deeper Dive that gave her the title to her podcast. She describes the genesis of this piece and it is a metaphor for what her podcast becomes. I also noticed that if I turned the book on its side, the diver looks like she is running forward which also goes to the new life that Merrill is creating for herself.
This is a very compelling story, easily drawing the reader in and shows that even at a certain age, people can continue to be fulfilled and contribute as they take on new projects. It was especially fun to have the story set in Western NY on the shores of Lake Erie and mention many places that I am personally familiar with. Madar also introduces Lily Dale which has its own history as a spiritualist community founded in 1879. Merrill isn't 100% on board with talking to spirits at first but by the end of the book, her mind is more open and in a way, gives her a sense of peace.
The author does a great job building tension and believable characters and leaves the door open for Merrill Connor to take a "deeper dive" into future cold cases. I am already looking forward to those sequels. I thought the cover art of the book was dramatic and eye-catching also.
Uncomfortable themes in this story: domestic abuse, kidnapping, inappropriate teacher/student relationship, corruption, body shaming, drug and alcohol use.
I want to thank Ms. Madar for the opportunity to read her latest novel. All opinions here are my own. I have also read and thoroughly enjoyed her previous two books Convergence and Dark Riddle.
4.5⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just like her newest character Merrill Connor, author and retired teacher Deborah Madar is following the advice of her newly minted true crime podcaster and opening a new door in this new venture with A Deeper Dive. When Merrill's husband succumbs to his long struggle with ALS, she is upended emotionally and for 3 years after his death, is floating through life like an unmoored boat. While her 3 grown children and her closest friends try to help her find her way, it is not until she sees how those friends have pivoted and turned hobbies into lucrative businesses, does she realize that her background as a research librarian can open a new world for her. With her son's technical help, she begins a podcast she names Deeper Dive and becomes a local "must listen to" program after she helps find a missing Amish girl. The local sheriff takes notice and hires her to help in their department as a researcher and archivist. Merrill's skills will be put to the test when a woman named Joanna contacts Merrill asking for her help in finding out what happened to her mother Grace who went missing 20 years ago. She takes this on with a gusto, sharing updates with her listeners and as the investigation progresses, enlists her listeners to come forward if they have any information that the police 20 years ago may not have obtained. Using her researching skills, interviews and help from the public, she is going to cross some very powerful people!
At the same time, she is ready to honor her late husband's legacy as a well loved professor at an area college. She invites several of his students to join her podcast and tell their stories about him. This was such an important part for her healing and acceptance of his loss. It was one of his paintings which he called A Deeper Dive that gave her the title to her podcast. She describes the genesis of this piece and it is a metaphor for what her podcast becomes. I also noticed that if I turned the book on its side, the diver looks like she is running forward which also goes to the new life that Merrill is creating for herself.
This is a very compelling story, easily drawing the reader in and shows that even at a certain age, people can continue to be fulfilled and contribute as they take on new projects. It was especially fun to have the story set in Western NY on the shores of Lake Erie and mention many places that I am personally familiar with. Madar also introduces Lily Dale which has its own history as a spiritualist community founded in 1879. Merrill isn't 100% on board with talking to spirits at first but by the end of the book, her mind is more open and in a way, gives her a sense of peace.
The author does a great job building tension and believable characters and leaves the door open for Merrill Connor to take a "deeper dive" into future cold cases. I am already looking forward to those sequels. I thought the cover art of the book was dramatic and eye-catching also.
Uncomfortable themes in this story: domestic abuse, kidnapping, inappropriate teacher/student relationship, corruption, body shaming, drug and alcohol use.
I want to thank Ms. Madar for the opportunity to read her latest novel. All opinions here are my own. I have also read and thoroughly enjoyed her previous two books Convergence and Dark Riddle.
April 29, 2023
I received an ARC from the publisher in return for an honest review.
A retired librarian who uses her newly created podcast, research skills, and visits to Lily Dale to solve a 20-year-old cold case? Sign me up! After the passing of the love of her life, Merrill starts her next chapter in retirement by starting her own podcasts. With the support and coxing of her amazing friends and tech-savvy son, Merrill gains a small listener fanbase by interviewing local personalities and telling the almost forgotten history of her small town. The day a fan shows up at her door, asking for help to solve the case of her missing mother from 20 years prior, changes the course of the podcast. Merrill discovers that a deeper dive into this case uncovers more questions, twists, and a past that wants to stay hidden. Deborah Madar is a master storyteller and weaved a compelling and enjoyable novel in Deeper Dive. Her characters draw you into the story, and her cozy descriptions of Westfield make you feel like you're riding along with Merrill trying to solve the cold case together. Madar handles tough topics with care and nuance, pulling you into the story even more. I can't wait to hear more from Merrill!
A retired librarian who uses her newly created podcast, research skills, and visits to Lily Dale to solve a 20-year-old cold case? Sign me up! After the passing of the love of her life, Merrill starts her next chapter in retirement by starting her own podcasts. With the support and coxing of her amazing friends and tech-savvy son, Merrill gains a small listener fanbase by interviewing local personalities and telling the almost forgotten history of her small town. The day a fan shows up at her door, asking for help to solve the case of her missing mother from 20 years prior, changes the course of the podcast. Merrill discovers that a deeper dive into this case uncovers more questions, twists, and a past that wants to stay hidden. Deborah Madar is a master storyteller and weaved a compelling and enjoyable novel in Deeper Dive. Her characters draw you into the story, and her cozy descriptions of Westfield make you feel like you're riding along with Merrill trying to solve the cold case together. Madar handles tough topics with care and nuance, pulling you into the story even more. I can't wait to hear more from Merrill!
August 25, 2023
Merrill Connor is a retired librarian and a widow. With the urging of her son and close friends, Merrill decides to turn a new page in life as a podcaster. She names it “Deeper Dive” and with her son’s technical help and her librarian research expertise - she quickly has an audience.
What really gets Merrill noticed by listeners is when she visits the spiritualist community of Lily Dale and has a vision that leads her to help find a missing Amish girl. A local woman asks Merrill to help find her missing mother - a 20-year-old cold case. Merrill’s podcast has listeners calling in tips on the case that were never brought forward before. She’s definitely doing a deep dive, heading toward the truth, but Merrill may be in danger if someone is out there who wants the truth buried.
Not only is this an incredibly intriguing mystery, but I love how Merrill’s process of healing and growth is woven into the narrative. Having experienced more of life, I appreciated how Merrill questioned witnesses and handled her callers; she had maturity as well as empathy.
I’m excited to see where this series is headed!
Thank you @Suzyapprovedbooktours and @debmadar for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
What really gets Merrill noticed by listeners is when she visits the spiritualist community of Lily Dale and has a vision that leads her to help find a missing Amish girl. A local woman asks Merrill to help find her missing mother - a 20-year-old cold case. Merrill’s podcast has listeners calling in tips on the case that were never brought forward before. She’s definitely doing a deep dive, heading toward the truth, but Merrill may be in danger if someone is out there who wants the truth buried.
Not only is this an incredibly intriguing mystery, but I love how Merrill’s process of healing and growth is woven into the narrative. Having experienced more of life, I appreciated how Merrill questioned witnesses and handled her callers; she had maturity as well as empathy.
I’m excited to see where this series is headed!
Thank you @Suzyapprovedbooktours and @debmadar for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.
March 19, 2023
A DEEPER DIVE, author Deb Madar’s new entry into the world of female detectives, is a deftly written page-turner with a compelling protagonist, delightfully sketched environs, and a pitch-perfect narrative arc. One can easily imagine Emma Thompson doing a star turn in the movie version of this compact mystery! The book showcases retired librarian Merrill Connor as she transforms from grief-wrecked widow to tentative podcaster to tenacious (if somewhat naïve) detective. I’ve no doubt that readers of this genre will inhale this book, as I did, and wait eagerly for its sequel. Ms. Madar has laid the groundwork for a series that will allow Merrill, and her wonderful tribe of women friends, to stretch in many directions as they confront cold cases as well as current dilemmas in their lives. Don’t miss this gem!
March 20, 2023
Having read Deborah's earlier novels, Covergence (2014) and Dark Riddle (2020), I was ready for her ability to combine current themes with a human touch that keeps both her narrative and characters relevant and believable. She didn't disappoint. She does it again in creating Merrill Connor and her evolution from grieving widow, college librarian and interesting friend to strong and successful podcaster and amateur detective. By the time Merrill solves the mystery of a long cold case, you're already thinking "this could be a series". Throw in Deborah's understanding of families and knowledge of music and literature; evoke a medium for a curious twist; and you have a whodunit worth your time. Deborah always gives her characters personalities and this reader hopes she'll do an even "deeper dive" into the people in Merrill's new world in her next case. Bravo.
July 18, 2023
There was so much to love about this book! Merrill Connor is an incredible character and I have a ton of respect for her - - a wonderful woman who honed her impressive research skills to develop a compelling podcast while grieving the loss of her beloved husband to ALS. The cold case she tackled was one that had shaken the community when it happened and most definitely needed to be revisited. This page turner kept me guessing from beginning to end and I couldn’t be happier that this was only the first in Merrill’s mystery series! Loved, loved loved this book!
July 29, 2023
A Deeper Dive by Deborah Madar is the first in the Merrill Connor Mystery series..
I am a huge mystery lover and I really like the main character, Merrill Connor.
The emotional aspect of Merrill having lost her husband to ALS was seamlessly integrated into the book.
I like that the character was talking a cold case.
The mystery was fantastic, and I really had no idea who the culprit was.
I hope there are more books in this series!
I am a huge mystery lover and I really like the main character, Merrill Connor.
The emotional aspect of Merrill having lost her husband to ALS was seamlessly integrated into the book.
I like that the character was talking a cold case.
The mystery was fantastic, and I really had no idea who the culprit was.
I hope there are more books in this series!
August 12, 2023
𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨!
There’s so much to talk about this book, a widow trying to reinvent herself, a podcast, a group of female friends, a murder-mystery to solve. It’s one of those stories that once you start reading you won’t be able to stop.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 by Deborah Madar released May 15, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
There’s so much to talk about this book, a widow trying to reinvent herself, a podcast, a group of female friends, a murder-mystery to solve. It’s one of those stories that once you start reading you won’t be able to stop.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours for this tour invite.
𝗔 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 by Deborah Madar released May 15, 2023.
https://www.instagram.com/booksandcof...
August 17, 2023
Retired librarian Merrill reinvents herself as a podcaster with her "Deeper Dive" show. When she dives into the cold case of a missing local woman it brings danger. I really loved the mysticism elements added in and her poking around for answers kept me glued to it this. This was a good mystery but it was also about family and changing your course later in life. I really enjoyed it. Everyone knows librarians make good sleuths.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valle
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valle
July 14, 2023
excellent story from an amazing author. if you like mysteries, you will like this, the first in a trilogy.great characters, women friendship and re inventing your life after retirement..cant wait for the second!!
August 2, 2023
I read this book in one day. It’s a mystery which is kind of cozy but it does have a little darker tone.
It has a supportive group of friends all older that have reinvented themselves in this chapter of their lives.
Merrill has been grieving the loss of her husband who was a professor and artist. She is encouraged by her friends and son to begin a podcast. Since she was a research librarian she feels like this could be fun and within her wheelhouse.
She calls her podcast “A Deeper Dive” inspired by her husband’s painting of a free diver. She plans to dive deeper into elements of her town’s history. A woman begs for Merrill’s help to find out what happened to her mom who disappeared 20 years ago in the town’s mall.
Merrill’s deeper dive suddenly becomes dangerous as she digs into the disappearance.
There is also an air of the paranormal as Merrill (at first unwillingly) goes to the nearby town of Lilly Dale. Lilly Dale is a town of mediums where Merrill gets a few shocks and real leads from one of the mediums there.
I look forward to more Merrill mysteries because not only was this mystery solid, Merrill’s character is one I want to keep enjoying.
It has a supportive group of friends all older that have reinvented themselves in this chapter of their lives.
Merrill has been grieving the loss of her husband who was a professor and artist. She is encouraged by her friends and son to begin a podcast. Since she was a research librarian she feels like this could be fun and within her wheelhouse.
She calls her podcast “A Deeper Dive” inspired by her husband’s painting of a free diver. She plans to dive deeper into elements of her town’s history. A woman begs for Merrill’s help to find out what happened to her mom who disappeared 20 years ago in the town’s mall.
Merrill’s deeper dive suddenly becomes dangerous as she digs into the disappearance.
There is also an air of the paranormal as Merrill (at first unwillingly) goes to the nearby town of Lilly Dale. Lilly Dale is a town of mediums where Merrill gets a few shocks and real leads from one of the mediums there.
I look forward to more Merrill mysteries because not only was this mystery solid, Merrill’s character is one I want to keep enjoying.
August 22, 2023
It’s not often that I find myself connecting to the characters in a mystery. It’s more about the feels and the way information is revealed that I love about then. I loved not only the mystery and podcast but also the characters. It was told through Merrill’s perspective, but I loved the whole friend group. They supported one another in their discovered passions and helped whenever needed. Merrill was a great researcher and knew the right questions to ask to get people to open up to her. I loved following along as she was determined to solve a decades old cold case and the situations she got herself into. I flew through the ending as the pieces started coming together.
Thank you @debmadar and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @debmadar and @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
May 29, 2024
A Deeper Dive was an enjoyable, cozy and unique mystery. I thought the characters were written well with realistic characteristics and personalities. Perfect read for anyone wanting to get into mystery or anyone who already enjoys them ! The storyline was very creative !
August 22, 2023
Absolutely delightful book. I can't wait to read more of Merril Connor's adventures.
December 24, 2023
So cool to read a book set in your home town! Great mystery. Local author that deserves support! Looking forward to the sequel!
May 13, 2023
Merrill Connor is a protagonist who stays with you long after you reach the deeply satisfying conclusion of this literary, female-empowerment, who-dun-it. Days after finishing A Deeper Dive, I find myself still thinking about her story, her role in her community, her insightful observation, and her first tentative and powerful steps to reinvent herself and help reshape her town’s narrative. I am very thankful that this is only the first book in her journey!
One of the many things I loved about this novel was that Deborah Madar pursues answers to questions far more subtle and far-reaching than the usual who-dun-its: how do you find meaning in life after the death of a beloved husband? How do small town communities embrace a variety of subcultures, each with their own conflicting values? How do the inner lives of teenagers both reflect and subvert the values of society? How do long-lasting friendships support, challenge, and provide room for growth? How do individuals, specifically middle-aged women, reinvent themselves, especially as they transition away from caretaking roles? How do the secrets people keep serve to both protect and undermine their relationships? How can individuals make peace with their pasts? How can we use technology as a vehicle for positive personal and societal growth?
Deftly curating details from her many years as a high school English teacher and resident of Chautauqua County, New York, Madar creates a world imbued with local color and authentic observations of many varied cultures: teenagers, high schools, the Amish, small rural towns, spiritualist communities, podcasts, and adult female friendships. Into this world she places interesting, multi-layered characters –all with their own distinctive voices and perspectives – who interact in simultaneously believable and surprising ways. Add colorful side characters, witty banter, timeless themes, a well-crafted plot, and memorable scenes, and you have a recipe for a thoroughly enjoyable, insightful, and, in the best way possible, haunting experience.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed.
One of the many things I loved about this novel was that Deborah Madar pursues answers to questions far more subtle and far-reaching than the usual who-dun-its: how do you find meaning in life after the death of a beloved husband? How do small town communities embrace a variety of subcultures, each with their own conflicting values? How do the inner lives of teenagers both reflect and subvert the values of society? How do long-lasting friendships support, challenge, and provide room for growth? How do individuals, specifically middle-aged women, reinvent themselves, especially as they transition away from caretaking roles? How do the secrets people keep serve to both protect and undermine their relationships? How can individuals make peace with their pasts? How can we use technology as a vehicle for positive personal and societal growth?
Deftly curating details from her many years as a high school English teacher and resident of Chautauqua County, New York, Madar creates a world imbued with local color and authentic observations of many varied cultures: teenagers, high schools, the Amish, small rural towns, spiritualist communities, podcasts, and adult female friendships. Into this world she places interesting, multi-layered characters –all with their own distinctive voices and perspectives – who interact in simultaneously believable and surprising ways. Add colorful side characters, witty banter, timeless themes, a well-crafted plot, and memorable scenes, and you have a recipe for a thoroughly enjoyable, insightful, and, in the best way possible, haunting experience.
Do yourself a favor and read this book. You will not be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews