I Wake the Dead in Westerlin Park

by Ayden Lockwood

284 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2025

About the author

From the moment Ayden could string sentences together, storytelling became second nature—spinning wild mysteries and daring adventures for anyone who would listen. What began as childhood fun evolved into a powerful tool for self-expression through high school and college, eventually shaping a career rooted in communication and creativity.

Ayden’s writing is driven by a deep curiosity about the human experience and a hopeful vision of what the world could be. Whether exploring themes of friendship, courage, justice, or the unknown, Ayden invites readers to imagine, reflect, and feel.

Today, Ayden continues to craft stories that blend thought experiments, anthropology, and emotional insight. A proud South Florida native, Ayden finds inspiration in the splendor of the ocean, the magic of film and theater, and the joy of lifelong learning. When not writing or spending time with family, you’ll likely find Ayden volunteering, camping under the stars, or cheering on a hockey game.

Reviews

[Jeff Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not too many things are better than well done paranormal fiction, and I Wake the Dead in Westerlin Park delivers. It’s sharp and well-paced. There are no lags in the pace of the story. The added atmosphere of the old south (think Fried Green Tomatoes) is rich with a South Florida flavor. It’s spooky without needing a bloody hand reaching out of a cabinet. I think that the subtle humor adds a nice balance. The main characters, Holly and Nick, feel like old friends, and have a believable chemistry. As they are cleaning the tombstones of Holly’s family graveyard in Florida, they are noticed and come under the protection of two of Holly’s family ghosts. Ayden inserts his love for the splendor of the ocean, the magic of film and theater, and the joy of lifelong learning into his stories. I mean anybody that likes Hockey can’t be all bad. Five full stars.