Asperger Sunset

by Carol Shay Hornung

Diagnosis: Asperger's Syndrome. Symptoms often only apparent when under stress. Witnessing a murder qualifies as stress. Russ Dante—math teacher, older brother, hobby artist—has a passion for sunsets and finds comfort in his ritual of capturing the striking colors in his sketchbook with oil pastels. That changes one August evening on a secluded park hilltop when—instead of the sunset he came to sketch—he sees a murder. Before the smoky-blue of twilight falls, Russ is running for his life...

There’s a lot of nonfiction written about Asperger Syndrome, but very little fiction. In Asperger Sunset, Russ has to deal with the twin challenges of solving a murder and learning more about Asperger’s Syndrome, the diagnosis that finally explains the quirks and challenges he’s lived with all of his life. While Russ provides the Aspie take on the world, his sister, Misty, reflects the neurotypical. Readers are able to experience both worlds, and, ideally, will come away with a better idea of how each side thinks.

Available at http://www.amazon.com/Asperger-Sunset...

Genres: Mystery Thriller

268 pages, Paperback

First published July 8, 2013

Reviews

[Carol Hornung · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok, writing your own review is exceedingly pretentious, but I'd like to think it's a fun book! Murder, mayhem, Madison, WI... an inside look at what it's really like to be on the autistic spectrum, and the frustrations and challenges of being a close friend or relative of someone affected.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

will need to do this late but i promise to do it!!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I read The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, and then I started to search for other books related to the topic of Asperger syndrome/autism. This is how I found Asperger Sunset, and I have to say that I like this one more. Asperger syndrome is a very intriguing topic and a murder always makes things more interesting)

[Scott Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Asperger Sunset Shines

I found this book very enjoyable. The characters are all well written and had no idea what Asperger Syndrome really is. Very informative as well as enjoyable read.

[Connie Giese · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great murder mystery that kept me turning the pages and staying up late! Very interesting to learn about Aspergers from the mind of the main character too. Completely recommend this one and going to look for more from this author now!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful read!

This was a great mystery, took lots of twists and turns. Also loved the insight into how people with Asperger’s think and react to things.

[Arlene Gellerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and a really informative education about people with Asperger syndrome. It was a page turner. Great character development. I loved this book.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read. Finished in a couple of sittings. It provides a helpful insight into the difficulties experienced by people with Aspergers syndrome. The book would benefit anyone who lives with a family member or is a partner of someone with Aspergers syndrome. Thank you to the author for raising awareness of the difficulties this can present for individuals on the spectrum and for some helpful strategies. I think I need to invest in a weighted blanket. The storyline isn't half bad, it is essentially a good old fashioned murder mystery. simple plot line, interesting characters well handled central characters. The story zipped along at a good pace and a very satisfying ending. All in all an easy, fun yet informative read.

[Amy Frohwirth horgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Not only was it very informative for a reader who knows very little about Asperger's Syndrome, the story is one that kept me wanting to read more and more without putting it down. Being from Wisconsin, I loved the references to Madison, as well. Asperger Sunset is a great book and one that I will definitely recommend, especially to someone who loves a good mystery!!

[Kitty · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Characters I cared about an a plot that kept me sucked in. The main character, who has Asperger's Syndrome is very intriguing. Reminds me of some of the books I've read by folks like Diane Chamberlain and Lisa Scottoline. Plus the references to Madison, WI provided an added bonus!

[Nels Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Shay Hornung has written an excellent first novel with a mystery that is engaging and educating. The protagonist's struggle with how to relate to the world around him in a meaningful way that makes a difference in their lives as well as his own -- was something that kept me turning the pages of this novel. I'm looking forward to a series!

[Susan Wachowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting murder mystery. Hornung shows the inside and outside of Aspergers, that has you cheering and crying, turning pages, and hoping Russ can get his life back together and solve the crime at the same time, without becoming another victim. Excellent read!

[Maggie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book it was easy to read with engaging storyline. The main character has Asperger's syndrome so through the story the author conveys many helpful strategies and perspectives .A worthwhile read.