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A Peculiar Symmetry
"A Peculiar Symmetry’ is a beautifully written thriller… I found Aiden and Minnie to be surprisingly relatable as they get caught up in a ‘Spy vs Spy’ world… This novel was a joy to read.” ~ Jenny Dee
Aiden and Minnie. Two of the least ordinary people you’re likely to meet.
Aiden’s missing the first eight years of her life, yet she can play Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto without ever having been taught. Minnie can see people’s emotions, in vivid colour, no less. That doesn’t help much when she meets Aiden, who doesn’t seem to have any.
When British Intelligence sweeps in, along with belligerent spies and a half-brother Aiden never knew existed, Minnie soon discovers that whatever Aiden might lack, she more than makes up for in intrigue. Getting to know one another will have to wait, though; when bullets start to fly, and the bodies begin to pile up, the two young women find themselves caught up in a clandestine war for control over the human psyche…and their own lives.
About the When not writing, Tanah Haney divides her time between playing the Celtic harp, teaching music, gardening and cat wrangling. She is a published poet and is co-author of Where the World Bleeds Through with her husband, photographer and digital artist Mark A. Harrison.
The character of Aiden in Tanah’s debut novel, A Peculiar Symmetry, was inspired by Tanah’s own experience with neurodiversity. Late diagnosed with ADHD at age 50 but neurodivergent from day one, Tanah is determined to be a more vocal champion of everyone who has ever felt different, and for the free expression of same in a diverse, inclusive, and compassionate society.
Tanah lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with her husband Mark and a small but vocal menagerie.
Aiden and Minnie. Two of the least ordinary people you’re likely to meet.
Aiden’s missing the first eight years of her life, yet she can play Beethoven’s Emperor Concerto without ever having been taught. Minnie can see people’s emotions, in vivid colour, no less. That doesn’t help much when she meets Aiden, who doesn’t seem to have any.
When British Intelligence sweeps in, along with belligerent spies and a half-brother Aiden never knew existed, Minnie soon discovers that whatever Aiden might lack, she more than makes up for in intrigue. Getting to know one another will have to wait, though; when bullets start to fly, and the bodies begin to pile up, the two young women find themselves caught up in a clandestine war for control over the human psyche…and their own lives.
About the When not writing, Tanah Haney divides her time between playing the Celtic harp, teaching music, gardening and cat wrangling. She is a published poet and is co-author of Where the World Bleeds Through with her husband, photographer and digital artist Mark A. Harrison.
The character of Aiden in Tanah’s debut novel, A Peculiar Symmetry, was inspired by Tanah’s own experience with neurodiversity. Late diagnosed with ADHD at age 50 but neurodivergent from day one, Tanah is determined to be a more vocal champion of everyone who has ever felt different, and for the free expression of same in a diverse, inclusive, and compassionate society.
Tanah lives in Peterborough, Ontario, with her husband Mark and a small but vocal menagerie.
- GenresThriller
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
December 27, 2024
Full disclosure. This is not my genre. When I think back on my past reading I’m not entirely sure if I can recall more than a small handful of books similar to Tanah Haney’s ‘A Peculiar Symmetry’.
That being said it is a testament to her ability as a writer that I remained intrigued with the story right through to the end. The pace is brisk after a decent set-up with well drawn characters and some exciting action. I must confess the larger international plot remained a bit hazy to me even at the end quite likely due to the many seasonal distractions that were buzzing around my head while I read the book in several substantial chunks. If anything the resolution seemed a bit abrupt but I’ve found that happens when I don’t have a good chunk of clear time to read a book to conclusion.
I particularly liked how geographically clear the action was without the sense that often accompanies such fare of ‘how exactly did we get from here to there?’. I happen to know the city in question but this observation is related to the sense of place in the book and how all the movement makes sense and feels natural. I’ve read more than a few books where geographical action feels distinctly ‘hand wavey’ and leaves you, as a reader, somewhat dissatisfied with how the world of the story held together. Not so here.
So, not my genre but still eminently readable. I look forward to more writing from Haney.
That being said it is a testament to her ability as a writer that I remained intrigued with the story right through to the end. The pace is brisk after a decent set-up with well drawn characters and some exciting action. I must confess the larger international plot remained a bit hazy to me even at the end quite likely due to the many seasonal distractions that were buzzing around my head while I read the book in several substantial chunks. If anything the resolution seemed a bit abrupt but I’ve found that happens when I don’t have a good chunk of clear time to read a book to conclusion.
I particularly liked how geographically clear the action was without the sense that often accompanies such fare of ‘how exactly did we get from here to there?’. I happen to know the city in question but this observation is related to the sense of place in the book and how all the movement makes sense and feels natural. I’ve read more than a few books where geographical action feels distinctly ‘hand wavey’ and leaves you, as a reader, somewhat dissatisfied with how the world of the story held together. Not so here.
So, not my genre but still eminently readable. I look forward to more writing from Haney.
February 11, 2025
I really enjoyed this!! I think the total highlight of this book for me was the relationship/dynamic between Aiden and Minnie. It was so sweet and tender, and I loved how they were so different yet they complimented each other so well.
Another highlight of this book was the writing style. I was able to visualize everything so clearly, and I loved the general sentence structure/prose. It “scratched my brain” so to speak. I also liked the pacing and I was pretty intrigued the entire way though. Great stuff Tanah!!! ❤️
Another highlight of this book was the writing style. I was able to visualize everything so clearly, and I loved the general sentence structure/prose. It “scratched my brain” so to speak. I also liked the pacing and I was pretty intrigued the entire way though. Great stuff Tanah!!! ❤️
December 22, 2024
Haney’s first novel publication is a page-turning thriller with double and triple agents running around causing some havoc in a pre-pandemic Toronto. The hook is the inadvertent involvement of two young ladies, who spend most of the book getting to know each other, themselves, and at the same time, try desperately to figure out how they got wrapped up in such bizarre circumstances. A great read, I devoured it in just a few days.
December 1, 2024
Full Disclosure: I am a friend of Tanah's and the publisher of this book. So I might be a bit biased. :-) But I have no qualms about recommending this book. It's superbly written psychological thriller with an intriguing neurodivergent protagonist. If that's your cup of tea, then this book is for you! It has spies and car chases and just a soupcon of the fantastical about it. A budding love story adds a gentle grace note. This is Tanah's first published novel, suggesting she has a great future in publishing ahead of her!
August 31, 2025
Wow! An Excellent read! Aiden and Minnie are two very different characters thrown into an exciting thriller. Set in downtown Toronto and moving at a fast pace. For anyone who has worked with people "on the spectrum" Aiden's personality traits are typically atypical. I would recommend it to anyone who likes a story line with lots of unexpected twists and turns.
January 27, 2025
This is such a fun and intriguing read! I was regularly surprised, which was refreshing. Twists and turns had me constantly thinking and trying to anticipate. It’s one of those books that you re-read because you know you will notice new things the second go-through.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews