Hearts of Aphra

by Glenda Norwood Petz

At 3:15 a.m., the ear-splitting alarm sounded. Seconds later, the blinding white light appeared. When it was over, five hundred Antelope Creek, Arizona residents lay dead, their remains a ghostly shade of white, their bodies completely bloodless.

Survivors are left stunned by the strange phenomena. They’re scared and want answers that no one is able to provide. Not the CDC, WHO, or the EPA. This leads many of the residents to create their own theories about what transpired in their town.

Old Jedediah Hodges swears that aliens are to blame. Maizie Guthrie is convinced that the Rapture has taken place. Jimmy Ray Wheeler believes it’s a Russian nuclear attack. Others worry that a deadly plague has been released upon the world, destined to eradicate humankind.

There’s just one problem with those hypotheses.

They’re all wrong.

The extraordinary truth is uncovered inside the bodies during post-mortems, and the reality is beyond what anyone could’ve ever envisioned.

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 6, 2024

About the author

Born and raised in South Florida. Relocated to the Midwest in 2009. Retired law enforcement, now a full-time author. I've always been an avid reader with a love for horror and thrillers. I am a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and a compassionate animal lover.

Reviews

[Sahee Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book Hearts of Aphra by Glenda Norwood Petz, Maizie Guthrie is a 42-year-old widow who moves with her husband to Arizona, taking the advice of his doctors, who believe a warmer climate would benefit his rheumatoid arthritis and late-onset asthma, but instead contracts a deadly disease after five months of moving, which takes his life. Having a smoke outside the house on a Monday evening, Maizie senses the coming of darkness and something untoward heading their way.
 
The second protagonist is Jedediah Hodges, known as Old Jed, a 79-year-old who resides in the Chihuahuan Desert, ten miles outside Antelope Creek, Arizona. Ever since he was a young boy, he has felt a sense of danger about to occur, which he refers to as itchin’s in his innards. The feelings have always been accurate, and with quick intervention, they are able to save lives, but not many people believe in this, and they end up blaming him for such occurrences. For this reason, when Jedediah gets the feeling that something dark is approaching Arizona, he says no word about it to anyone and instead makes preparations to deal with the worst.
 
The book is a unique blend of mystery and suspense, as both characters find themselves in the centre of a strange occurrence resulting in the deaths of hundreds in the small city of Arizona. Lexi Brandstorm, a sheriff, is in a bind trying to figure out the entire occurrence and is soon to find out that it is more than what meets the eye.
 
Potential content warnings would be death and profanities. The book is one that leaves you on the edge of your seat despite being a bit slow-paced occasionally. I would most definitely recommend it to readers of supernatural fiction and suspense.

[Lisbeth Ivies · Rating 3 out of 5]

From Left Behind to The Leftovers and beyond, stories that feature a slate of mysterious disappearances and/or deaths have always fascinated me. The promise of the blurb that it isn't the two main culprits, a religious rapture or mass alien abduction, dragged me in. And for the most part, Hearts of Aphra did deliver on that promise pretty well.

Largely set in a small town in Arizona, a mayor trying to oust her to pave the way for nefarious schemes seems the least of the sheriff's worries. Then, a blinding light and blaring siren in the early hours of the morning land her in one of the worst situations imaginable. Almost 20% of the population dies in an instant, both the bodies themselves and the survivors separate and escalating problems. The who, the why, and the how this happens drives both characters and story.

An ensemble cast with multiple points of view that rotate with each chapter, a few of the supporting POV characters were a bit weaker than others. Many of the more main characters do make up for this in the long run, driving the narrative and making us care as the stakes ratchet higher. My favorites from the story are some of the best I've read in recent history, but I did find one character (and not the grifter mayor) hard to sympathize with. It sat strangely with me that he seems to get rewarded for some truly awful behavior and is the vehicle for readers finally learning many of the answers surrounding the central questions driving the plot.

There were a few continuity errors, as well as some slower pacing in the middle, that stemmed from juggling so many POV characters. A few explanations happen in full detail for the reader multiple times as they are relayed around town. Issues with scope and dangling threads also pulled me out of the story at points.

Readers intrigued by stories of mass disappearances or deaths will enjoy Hearts of Aphra. The answers, once reached, are rather unique to anything else I've read in the genre. A strong beginning and strong ending make the middle journey worth it.

[Favour · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story "Hearts of Aphra" by Glenda Norwood Petz delves into a mysterious and supernatural event that occurred in the little Arizonan community of Antelope Creek. The main characters in the story are Maizie Guthrie, who just lost her husband Willie and went to the desert to be with her new husband, and Jedediah "Jed" Hodges, who lives there and has a strong feeling that danger is nearby. The narrative follows the characters as they attempt to make sense of this unlikely circumstance and all that it means for the town and the planet as a whole. By fusing aspects of mythology, science fiction, and the paranormal, the book creates a thought-provoking story about the mysteries of the cosmos and the shortcomings of existence.

The book's scientific and mysterious themes were expertly blended together by the author. The examination of the mysterious deaths and the transformation of the remains into synthetic duplicates challenges the reader's view of what is and is not real and therefore stimulates contemplation. The story becomes much more complicated when Pattison's theological views and belief in Rapture are taken into account. This prompts the reader to wonder if there is a cosmic or supernatural explanation for what is occurring in Antelope Creek. I also loved the fact that the characters were well developed.

The fact that the plot occasionally progressed at an inconsistent pace was one of my biggest issues. The plot flowed far more slowly at certain points in the narrative than at others. At times, this inconsistency impedes the overall flow of the tale and might cause discomfort for the reader. All in all, This book was worth reading.i will recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mix of science and the paranormal as well as those who want to learn more about the bigger issues surrounding humanity's role in the universe.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hearts of Aphra" is a masterfully crafted novel that weaves together elements of mystery, science fiction, and suspense to create a thrilling and thought-provoking read. Set in the quiet town of Antelope Creek, Arizona, the story follows Maizie Guthrie, a widow struggling to come to terms with her loss, as she navigates a series of inexplicable events that threaten the very fabric of her community.

Glenda Norwood Petz's writing is descriptive and immersive, painting a vivid picture of the desert landscape and the characters that inhabit it. Maizie is a complex and relatable protagonist, whose inner struggles and emotional depth make her a compelling and sympathetic character.

As the story unfolds, Petz expertly builds tension and suspense, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat as they try to unravel the mystery alongside Maizie. The novel's twist in the science fiction genre adds a fresh and exciting layer of depth to the story, and the educational elements provide thought-provoking insights into the environmental threats that we face.

However, as the problem is with most novels that use the non-linear narrative style, this novel was quite difficult to get into as it started at quite a high climax. Thus, the novel requires some deliberate reading to follow. Overall, "Hearts of Aphra" is a must-read for fans of character-driven stories, environmental suspense, and science fiction. With its captivating plot, vivid descriptions, and relatable characters, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers.

[Portia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book, “Hearts of Aphra” by Glenda Norwood Petz, shows the events after hundreds of residents of the small town, Arizona, died mysteriously. Sheriff Lexi Brandstrom finds herself at the center of the knotty investigation. Maizie Guthrie, a widow, and Jedediah Hodges also find themselves in the mystery occurrence in their surroundings, and Jedediah prepares for the worst. Sheriff Lexi makes a shocking discovery that the dead bodies are not what they seem to be, but she keeps it from the people in the town. Upon confiding in the local preacher, knowledge of the ancient race of the Aphradites comes into play and Lexi better understands what they are all up against; struggling to survive earthquakes and other occurrences that threaten her life and the lives of humans.

I like the uniqueness of the story. I could tell that the author intelligently thought outside the box. Descriptions were detailed, it was like an extensive journey into another world for me. The book is a unique blend of reality and the mystic. The characters also had engaging backstories that helped the structure of the story have more depth.

However, I don't like that it felt like I was left hanging. The book was too open-ended for my liking. What happened to everybody else in the end? Should we be expecting a sequel or did they all die? Should I imagine that everyone on the earth was wiped out?

Regardless, it is a fantastic read and I really hope there will be a sequel. For every lover of depth, suspense, and mystery, I highly recommend this book

[Akinfolarin Ayomide · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Hearts of Aphra" by Glenda Norwood Petz a captivating novel combining mystery, science fiction, and suspense, weaving a tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
In the quiet town of Antelope Creek, Arizona, an inexplicable event occurs: at precisely 3:15 a.m., an ear-splitting alarm pierces the night, followed by blinding white light. When it subsides, five hundred residents lie dead, their bodies eerily bloodless and pale. The survivors are left stunned, grappling with the aftermath of this strange phenomenon.
Desperate for answers, the community launches investigations. The CDC, WHO, and EPA are baffled, unable to provide any explanation. Soil, water, and various diseases—dysentery, cholera, and Ebola—are tested, but none seem to be the cause. Panic and fear grip the town as everyone presses the media for information.
As theories abound—could it be the Rapture, an alien attack, or a deadly plague?—the townspeople face an unsettling truth during post-mortems: the Earth itself may be dying. But what can they do to stop it? Is there a solution?
Glenda Norwood Petz masterfully unravels this enigma, taking readers on a journey that defies conventional explanations. The novel's twist in the science fiction genre adds depth, and its educational elements provide thought-provoking insights.
So, if you're drawn to well-crafted writing, engaging storylines, and a blend of mystery and science, "Hearts of Aphra" is a must-read.

[Cassie Joseph · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Hearts of Aphra” is a suspenseful book by Glenda Norwood Petz, about the lives of the people in the small town of Arizona in Antelope Creek. Hundreds of people die mysteriously, leaving the Sheriff, Lexi Brandstrom in a faze; her life caught up in the web of uncertainty. After the mass death, Lexi and Lyle the examiner discover that everything is not as it meets the eye. However, Lexi keeps this information from the hearing of the public. Upon confiding in the town’s preacher, she discovers the existence of an ancient race, the Aphradites, and their beliefs, making Lexi better understand her investigation. Lives are threatened and Lexi must own her role through the storm, one that also threatens to take her life.

I like that the Author takes on a daring perspective and uniquely balances some religious beliefs in the process. I also like how complicated the lives of some characters are; the likes of Sheriff Lexi Brandstrom, Preacher Pattison, and Jimmy Ray Wheeler– making the story more realistic and engaging.

What I don't like about the book though, is how at some point it seemed as though the author went off course, to me. Why was Mayor Golden treated so violently? That was not the issue at hand. What I expected was for the author to answer the questions in my head with that same energy. Did the whole earth get wiped out? Should we expect a sequel?

For every lover of the mysterious, however, this book is a great read. You'll really enjoy it.

[Akansha Chauhan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts of Aphra by Glenda Norwood Petz is a sci-fi fictional read full of mystery, thrill, and suspense. This book takes readers to the journey where readers will never stop guessing what will happen next.

The story begins with a catastrophic event, when the town, Arizona suffers with a strange and deadly phenomenon causing over 500 deaths. Their remains a ghostly shade of white, their bodies completely bloodless. Everyone is stunned by this strange phenomenon. They all want answers that nobody has. Everyone came with their own reasons. Some says this is a rapture, some says it's an alien attack, some says it's a Russian attack. But none of them were true. The truth behind the event is far more extraordinary than anyone could have imagined.

The author has done a great work in creating proper twists and turns at proper timing. The author has introduced a wide range of characters, each having their own point of view. The book also talks about human behaviour, about how what we are doing on earth. Instead of saving it we are destroying it with our own hands. This book is so much engaging and full of mysteries that you will never wants to put it down before completing it. You will never feel bored while reading this.
For me this book is 5/5 stars, even more than that.
It is a fantastic read for those who enjoys sci-fi thriller and mystery.
Looking forward for more such great books by the author.

[Abdul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an enthralling novel based on tragedy, where the story’s plot unfolds ten miles from the Chihuahuan Desert, outside Antelope Creek, Arizona. Maizie Guthrie is the widow of the song’s subject, Willie Guthrie, who recently succumbed to an obscure ailment. The novel is built on Maizie’s experience of suffering from grieving, loneliness, and the threat associated with the desert environment.

Nevertheless, the flow resumes as the features of suspense and mystery increase and offer a good combination of internal reflection and dynamic progress.

Maizie Guthrie is a very realistic and complex character, and for that reason, the reader can identify with her deep emotions and understand her strength. Her personal history, her reasons for being a ‘grifter,’ and her inner struggles are all depicted in depth, which makes her process of grieving and finding herself accessible and quite touching.

To this end, the author is quite descriptive, and the desert becomes more of a character in the story. The author has done a magnificent job of weaving a rather emotional plot that would have one feeling somewhat claustrophobic and with a lurking sense of doom.

Thus, the audience interested in novels that combine the emphasis on the characters’ psychological experiences with the focus on environmental threats should consider reading this novel.

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story of "Hearts of Aphra" takes place in the small town of Antelope Creek, where some tragic incidents occur which led to the sudden and mysterious death of people. In the story, Sheriff Lexi Brandstrom's job is to get reports from people who have lost loved ones and figure out what led to their deaths. She is determined to find these causes before the government officials intervene and on her quest, she finds out that people died from causes that are not entirely human. The book delves into themes of grief, loss, and the search for truth.

I particularly enjoyed the character of Lexi. I liked her moral compass; she struggles with some tough decisions especially when it comes to the point of hiding the truth from the people of the town. This internal conflict makes her character interesting and adds depth to the story. Lexi reflects on her past as she continues to piece together the events that led to the disaster. She thinks about her childhood and the death of her parents. This background story gives her more depth and shows how she fights with being alone and the search for belonging.

I did not dislike anything about the book as the author did an amazing job in crafting an engaging and thought-provoking book. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy stories that blend elements of suspense with emotional depth.

[UjBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Hearts of Aphra" is a captivating and unsettling book that delves into the mysterious and unexplained phenomenon in Antelope Creek, Arizona. The author masterfully weaves together a complex and intriguing narrative that arouses curiosity right from the start of the story. The novel explores the mysteries of the unknown, the supernatural, and human existence. It delves into themes of mystery and intrigue, the desire to understand the unexplained, existential questions, and metaphorical layers. It's a captivating blend of suspense, metaphysics, and human resilience, inviting readers to explore the boundaries of reality and grapple with uncertainty.

The author's ability to craft a story that is both gripping and thought-provoking is a testament to her skill as a writer. Overall, "Hearts of Aphra" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good mystery, science fiction, or philosophical exploration. Be prepared for a thrilling and unsettling journey that will leave you questioning the unknown and the human experience.

[Emmanuel Ebinum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book "Heart of Aphra" by Glenda Norwood Petz is a captivating sci-fi mystery that explores identity, belonging, and truth. The story follows a mysterious outbreak that fills hospitals and sparks chaos. Characters like Jedediah "Old Jed" Hodges and Lexi stand out, with Jed's premonitions and Lexi's leadership driving the plot. While the book excels in character development, it sometimes suffers from heavy exposition and underdeveloped secondary characters. Despite these minor flaws, "Heart of Aphra" is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a fresh perspective on the sci-fi genre.

[Wendy Hall-Duenez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic! It takes place in the desert of our lovely state of Arizona. The characters are awesome. The setting is so perfect and the story is one you’ll never figure out. There are many places that it feels like it’s happening in our crazy world that we are living in right now. It will make you stop and think. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I’m so glad I bought a copy to have on my shelf. I’ve read 4 of Glenda’s books and each one has impressed me. Some writers write books that are all pretty similar but with a change of names. You do not get that from this author. Her imagination has more than one story. This book is very original. I was a little sad for it to come to an end.

[Giwa Fuad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can be seen particularly well in “Hearts of Aphra,” where it is rather hard to separate the show’s scientific side from gothic horror. Through the killings and the post-mortem changes of the bodies, it demotes a literal line of thought, forcing the readers to look beyond an ordinary perspective. Introducing the environmental themes as a layer is also a kind of appeal to the viewer’s critical thinking regarding mankind and its place in the environment and the universe. 

[Jelly Fink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts of Aphra by Glenda Norwood Petz is a mystery-science fiction-supernatural novel based in Antelope Creek, Arizona. The novel begins with a jarring event: 3. 15 a. m.: a loud alarm sound; then a fluorescent white flash. When it is through, five hundred citizens are cold and lifeless in their beds, their skin a waxen white. The survivors are left in shock, wanting for a type of knowledge that mainstream scientific institutions cannot offer. 

 

[Biblophi-lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book about loneliness, self-preservation, and finding life's purpose. The plot is developing slowly, but it contains deep emotions and quite honest characters. Your Interest will definitely be kept to to the end by its dark, tense atmosphere.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished reading Hearts of Aphra by Glenda Norwood Petz. I recommend that you keep an eye out for this everywhere you buy books!