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The Cornbread Letters
Sam Abernethy plays by the rules, but his sister Alex does not. When Sam, an uptight insurance investigator, begins channeling letters from dead people after his daredevil sister's untimely death, Sam's eerie new ability may be the only thing that saves his loved ones from a deadly serial arsonist. Sam and Alex are as close as siblings can get, and unknown to Sam, their connection transcends the grave. As Sam and his deaf niece Hannah struggle to recover from Alex’s sudden death, Sam begins transcribing letters from the dead, while Hannah paints a single image over and over. As these strange events unfold, Sam gets drawn more deeply into a dangerous arson case, which turns personal. With lives at stake, Sam’s connection to his sister may be his only hope. This other-worldly mystery will have readers on the edge of their seats . . . and craving some plain, old cornbread.
269 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 12, 2025
5 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
T.E. Lane
2 books78 followersT.E. Lane enjoys writing commercial fiction with a mystical twist. Hailing from the Southeast United States, the author enjoys weaving in locales, characters, and situations that feel familiar with just a touch of magic or otherworldly influence.
A fan of action, thriller, mystery, and literary fiction, the author enjoys blending aspects of many genres into a single work, creating a unique reading experience that will keep you turning the pages. From the shores of south Florida to the mountains of the Carolinas, T.E. Lane creates worlds you want to inhabit with characters that make you feel right at home.
A fan of action, thriller, mystery, and literary fiction, the author enjoys blending aspects of many genres into a single work, creating a unique reading experience that will keep you turning the pages. From the shores of south Florida to the mountains of the Carolinas, T.E. Lane creates worlds you want to inhabit with characters that make you feel right at home.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 10, 2023
This book was not exactly what I expected,
and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice break
from what I usually read. It was a very quick
read and it’s definitely not who you think it
is. I love Lane’s writing style and the
paranormal aspect was…”chef’s kiss”. The
characters were relatable and the plots keeps
you pulled in that you just have to know how it ends.
Definitely recommend giving this a read!
and I really enjoyed it. It was a nice break
from what I usually read. It was a very quick
read and it’s definitely not who you think it
is. I love Lane’s writing style and the
paranormal aspect was…”chef’s kiss”. The
characters were relatable and the plots keeps
you pulled in that you just have to know how it ends.
Definitely recommend giving this a read!
July 1, 2023
This was much better than I had hoped it would be. I enjoyed the dual POV, insight on the characters and their dynamics with one another felt well fleshed out, and the paranormal aspect of this pulled on my heart strings. The grief in this felt real and it was interesting watching our characters go through it together. A solid 4 stars.
September 7, 2024
Very good book
Great storyline, well thought out characters. If you like mysteries, and a little bit of paranormal mixed in, this one kid for you! It keeps your interest, and makes you want to keep reading.
Great storyline, well thought out characters. If you like mysteries, and a little bit of paranormal mixed in, this one kid for you! It keeps your interest, and makes you want to keep reading.
October 10, 2024
What kind of legacy do we want to leave behind after we are gone? Maybe its our cornbread recipe, maybe it’s the key to finding our buried treasure, maybe it is that of a 9/11 hero. Author T.E. Lane’s book “The Cornbread Letters” gets readers thinking about the concept of legacy, death, and the finality of all that is lost. Yet, this read poses another question, what if our bond to our recently departed sister is so strong that she can write through us, send messages to her daughter, and point them towards solving her own death.
Sam works within the special investigative unit of the Adelaar Insurance Corporation. Investigating fires for arson or fraud. Things like an empty picture frame or a bag of potato chips hinting at foul play as those planning to set fire to something often take items of personal value out of harms way, and the fat in the potato chip is a natural accelerant. These brilliant educative nuggets are placed throughout this read, lending a sense of reality to the supernatural events playing out within.
Sam’s sister, Alex, is an adventure seeker. We first meet Alex as she is about to jump into a stock car for an article she’s working on for the paper. It is clear her drive, desire, and motivation to achieve higher profile pieces as she raises her daughter Hannah. However, on what would have been Alex’s first article with some serious impact she is caught in a blaze and falls victim to the flames. Now, stuck in this in between space, Alex watches over Hannah and Sam while being closely supervised by someone else stuck in between with her, someone she labels “Big Gray.”
Thrillers, suspense, paranormal, and mystery don’t frequently go hand in hand, and never have they so seamlessly combined like this! “The Cornbread Letters” is a high octane, serial arsonist investigation, mingled with the recent death of a loved one, and a group of characters heavily intertwined. Beginning with a 9/11 hero, and ending with a fiery standoff, Lane has penned a formidable read.
Peppered with quick bursts of Alex’s perspective from the construction zone and in-between place, the kaleidoscope of emotions is exhilarating. Feeling Sam’s personal struggles, Hannah’s grief, and Jack’s friendly banter, readers will quickly become immersed in this thrilling paranormal suspense. “The Cornbread Letters” and particularly T.E. Lane’s style of writing is an award-winning combination. Creating a spectrum of characters, bonded in unique ways, with various personal traumas, legacies, and connections, made for an extraordinary read.
Sam works within the special investigative unit of the Adelaar Insurance Corporation. Investigating fires for arson or fraud. Things like an empty picture frame or a bag of potato chips hinting at foul play as those planning to set fire to something often take items of personal value out of harms way, and the fat in the potato chip is a natural accelerant. These brilliant educative nuggets are placed throughout this read, lending a sense of reality to the supernatural events playing out within.
Sam’s sister, Alex, is an adventure seeker. We first meet Alex as she is about to jump into a stock car for an article she’s working on for the paper. It is clear her drive, desire, and motivation to achieve higher profile pieces as she raises her daughter Hannah. However, on what would have been Alex’s first article with some serious impact she is caught in a blaze and falls victim to the flames. Now, stuck in this in between space, Alex watches over Hannah and Sam while being closely supervised by someone else stuck in between with her, someone she labels “Big Gray.”
Thrillers, suspense, paranormal, and mystery don’t frequently go hand in hand, and never have they so seamlessly combined like this! “The Cornbread Letters” is a high octane, serial arsonist investigation, mingled with the recent death of a loved one, and a group of characters heavily intertwined. Beginning with a 9/11 hero, and ending with a fiery standoff, Lane has penned a formidable read.
Peppered with quick bursts of Alex’s perspective from the construction zone and in-between place, the kaleidoscope of emotions is exhilarating. Feeling Sam’s personal struggles, Hannah’s grief, and Jack’s friendly banter, readers will quickly become immersed in this thrilling paranormal suspense. “The Cornbread Letters” and particularly T.E. Lane’s style of writing is an award-winning combination. Creating a spectrum of characters, bonded in unique ways, with various personal traumas, legacies, and connections, made for an extraordinary read.
December 27, 2024
When I started reading this book, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew it had elements of mystery and the supernatural, but what surprised me was how much heart this story has. It’s not just a suspenseful tale—it’s also an exploration of grief, family connections, and how people find strength in the most unexpected places. From the first chapter, I found myself completely drawn in by the characters and their struggles.
What makes this book special is how well it balances the eerie with the emotional. The supernatural elements are compelling, but they’re grounded by the very real emotions of the characters. Sam, the protagonist, is written with so much depth. You feel his pain, confusion, and determination as he navigates the strange events in his life. His niece, Hannah, is equally captivating. The way her journey ties into the story adds an extra layer of meaning that really stuck with me.
The pacing of the story is perfect. It never feels rushed, but it also doesn’t drag. The twists and turns come at just the right moments, keeping you on edge without feeling overdone. I appreciated how the mystery unfolds gradually, giving you time to connect with the characters while still keeping you hooked. The writing itself is clear and vivid, making it easy to immerse yourself in the world the author has created.
What I loved most about this book is its emotional depth. Yes, it’s a mystery, and yes, it has a paranormal edge, but at its core, it’s about relationships and how we deal with loss. The bond between Sam and his sister is central to the story, and even though one of them is no longer alive, that connection drives so much of what happens. It’s beautifully done and incredibly moving.
By the time I finished the book, I realized it’s the kind of book that stays with you. It’s suspenseful and intriguing, but it’s also thoughtful and full of heart. If you’re looking for a story that combines mystery, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural, this is one you don’t want to miss. It’s an engaging read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys stories with depth and a bit of an otherworldly twist.
What makes this book special is how well it balances the eerie with the emotional. The supernatural elements are compelling, but they’re grounded by the very real emotions of the characters. Sam, the protagonist, is written with so much depth. You feel his pain, confusion, and determination as he navigates the strange events in his life. His niece, Hannah, is equally captivating. The way her journey ties into the story adds an extra layer of meaning that really stuck with me.
The pacing of the story is perfect. It never feels rushed, but it also doesn’t drag. The twists and turns come at just the right moments, keeping you on edge without feeling overdone. I appreciated how the mystery unfolds gradually, giving you time to connect with the characters while still keeping you hooked. The writing itself is clear and vivid, making it easy to immerse yourself in the world the author has created.
What I loved most about this book is its emotional depth. Yes, it’s a mystery, and yes, it has a paranormal edge, but at its core, it’s about relationships and how we deal with loss. The bond between Sam and his sister is central to the story, and even though one of them is no longer alive, that connection drives so much of what happens. It’s beautifully done and incredibly moving.
By the time I finished the book, I realized it’s the kind of book that stays with you. It’s suspenseful and intriguing, but it’s also thoughtful and full of heart. If you’re looking for a story that combines mystery, emotion, and a touch of the supernatural, this is one you don’t want to miss. It’s an engaging read that I’d happily recommend to anyone who enjoys stories with depth and a bit of an otherworldly twist.
August 2, 2023
"The Cornbread Letters" by T.E. Lane is a captivating and suspenseful novel that takes readers on a journey filled with mystery, supernatural elements, and the power of familial connection.
The story revolves around Sam Abernathy, an uptight insurance investigator, and his daredevil sister Alex. Their contrasting personalities and deep sibling bond create a compelling dynamic that serves as the foundation for the events that unfold in the book. Sam, who always plays by the rules, finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of a serial arsonist after Alex's death. As Sam grapples with the loss of his sister, he discovers an unexpected ability - the ability to channel letters from the dead. This eerie new gift becomes Sam's lifeline as he delves deeper into the arson case, determined to uncover the truth and protect his loved ones. With the help of Jack, Sam's friend and partner with a wild sense of humor, and Hannah, Sam's deaf niece with an artistic talent that holds a deeper meaning, the trio embarks on a thrilling quest full of mystery and danger.
I enjoyed reading The Cornbread Letters because I found myself captivated by the intricate and unique storyline woven by T.E. Lane. The characters were so well-developed that I felt I connected with them on a much deeper level, and the dual POV of Sam and Alex Abernathy allowed for a dynamic exploration of their sibling relationship, showcasing both their similarities and differences in a relatable and compelling way. This book was a page-turner that kept me reading late into the night. And by the end, it left me craving some plain, old cornbread.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the supernatural/thriller/mystery genre because it has all the elements that make for a gripping and suspenseful read.
(Thank you, R&R Book Tours and T.E. Lane for the physical copy you entrusted to me for my honest review.)
The story revolves around Sam Abernathy, an uptight insurance investigator, and his daredevil sister Alex. Their contrasting personalities and deep sibling bond create a compelling dynamic that serves as the foundation for the events that unfold in the book. Sam, who always plays by the rules, finds himself drawn into the dangerous world of a serial arsonist after Alex's death. As Sam grapples with the loss of his sister, he discovers an unexpected ability - the ability to channel letters from the dead. This eerie new gift becomes Sam's lifeline as he delves deeper into the arson case, determined to uncover the truth and protect his loved ones. With the help of Jack, Sam's friend and partner with a wild sense of humor, and Hannah, Sam's deaf niece with an artistic talent that holds a deeper meaning, the trio embarks on a thrilling quest full of mystery and danger.
I enjoyed reading The Cornbread Letters because I found myself captivated by the intricate and unique storyline woven by T.E. Lane. The characters were so well-developed that I felt I connected with them on a much deeper level, and the dual POV of Sam and Alex Abernathy allowed for a dynamic exploration of their sibling relationship, showcasing both their similarities and differences in a relatable and compelling way. This book was a page-turner that kept me reading late into the night. And by the end, it left me craving some plain, old cornbread.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the supernatural/thriller/mystery genre because it has all the elements that make for a gripping and suspenseful read.
(Thank you, R&R Book Tours and T.E. Lane for the physical copy you entrusted to me for my honest review.)
December 1, 2022
Sixth Sense meets Backdraft in this heartfelt quick mystery read. I'm a big fan of thrillers, investigation, and mystery novels and The Cornbread Letters delivers better than the USPS! Forgive the pun, but I was pleasantly surprised by this debut novel's quick pace, quirky mystery, and family ties. When an uptight insurance investigator's sister is met with unexpected tragedy, Sam is thrown into an investigation that hits close to home. As he undertakes caring for his deaf niece, Hannah, Sam is thrust into a perfect storm--he begins channeling letters from the dead, and he and his partner (comic relief Jack) are drawn into a serial arsonist case at work. This is a supernatural tale for sure, but one grounded in reality as Sam--who is a realist--comes to grips with what these letters are telling him. It's well-written with well-drawn characters and a tricky mystery, ultimately resolving in a satisfying conclusion. I highly recommend this to mystery, thriller, and procedural readers for a quick, cozy read.
July 13, 2023
This was a unique mystery with a nice paranormal twist. Sam and Jack make a great investigating duo - Sam is serious, straight-laced, down to Earth, and Jack likes to let loose a little more while being the comic relief (of sorts). I enjoyed getting to know all the characters, and seeing Sam change as his life changed made for an interesting journey. Lane did an excellent job of building tension and drawing the reader into the story from the first page, and making it hard to set down. The imagery is vivid enough that it feels like you're watching a movie unfold before you. If you're looking for a fun paranormal mystery, then you'll want to grab this one. And maybe some cornbread and milk to snack on while reading...
August 6, 2023
I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I started this one. The summary sounded good, but the title threw me a bit, but everything started to make sense once I started reading, and it was an easy story to fall into. This Paranormal Suspense/Mystery story turned out to be right up my alley, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a quick read with some unexpected twists and done beautifully. I liked the dual POV in this, they overlapped well and complemented the story as a whole. I also enjoyed how one of the POVs showed how the character keeps an eye on the others (no spoilers). I haven't read a story like this in a long time and I would gladly read more of Lane's work in the future.
Thank you to RR Book Tours, T.E. Lane, & IngramElliott Publishing for a digital copy to read and review.
Thank you to RR Book Tours, T.E. Lane, & IngramElliott Publishing for a digital copy to read and review.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews