The Book Of The Summer: Season One

by Edgar D. Jackson

The Book Of The Summer is a unique take on the coming-of-age genre, woven with mystery and the supernatural. It’s the eighteenth of June 2073, and Daniel Ottoman is telling the story of his childhood summers. But not by choice. There were dark things that happened during those summers that he’s always tried to keep hidden. Even to himself. But now a stranger has turned up on his doorstep, and he wants to hear the whole tale. The book of the summer must be told, and Daniel Ottoman must be the one to tell it…

229 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2026

About the author

Edgar D Jackson is an author based in Edinburgh, Scotland. He has three books out so far. The most recent is ‘The Book Of The Summer: Season One’ — the first of a three-part supernatural coming-of-age series.

His other two books, ‘Seeing Dead’ and ‘The Secret Cuckoo Cabaret Club’, are also in the supernatural genre. ‘Seeing Dead’ has been described as a ‘Scottish Stranger Things’ — a unique take on the Scottish ghost story, full of twists, turns, emotions, and horrors that will keep you up at night. ‘The Secret Cuckoo Cabaret Club’ revolves around identity and the LGBTQ+ experience, twisting the horror genre in a way that hasn’t been done before.

All three of his books are available to buy as a paperback or eBook now. To get exclusive info on upcoming releases, you can follow his Instagram account, or subscribe to his newsletter on the IolandaPress website.

Instagram: www.instagram.com/edgar.d.jackson/
Website: www.iolandapress.com

Reviews

[Priscilla BookaddictNL · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a big fan of his first two books, I could not wait to dive into Edgar D. Jackson’s newest novel. I had the opportunity to read the book before its release and I was incredibly curious. New books from authors you already love always come with a certain level of expectation, and I was especially eager to see what kind of story Edgar had created this time.

In The Book of the Summer: Season One we follow Daniel Ottoman, who in the year 2073 lives a fairly secluded life as an eighty year old man. One day a mysterious stranger appears at his doorstep with a request: he wants Daniel to tell the story of his life and to leave nothing out. This unexpected visit forces Daniel to look back on one particular summer that changed his life forever. His memories take him back to the summer of 2004 in the small village of Deanshire, where he grew up as a boy. What begins as a seemingly innocent summer filled with friendship, curiosity and youthful adventures slowly develops a darker undertone as Daniel and his friends become increasingly fascinated by the stories surrounding the abandoned Ogle House.

Let me start by saying that Edgar D. Jackson is truly a fantastic storyteller. His writing style is engaging, smooth, and he effortlessly pulls you into the story. The summer vibes in this book were very noticeable and I found the characters absolutely likeable. You can really tell that he has a talent for creating atmosphere. The village, the group of friends, and that typical feeling of a long summer where anything seems possible all come vividly to life. At times it genuinely felt as if you were joining the group on their adventures.

The story itself reminded me somewhat of It by Stephen King, particularly because of the unexplained elements, the group of friends, and the two bullies who reminded me of Henry Bowers. However, that is where the similarities ended for me. While It quickly moves into horror and supernatural tension, this story remains much more subtle and mysterious.

Although the story reads very easily and the shifting timeline certainly makes you want to know what exactly happened during that one summer, I personally felt that a certain level of tension was missing. I cannot fully pinpoint why. Perhaps the lack of clear supernatural elements played a role for me. The story moves forward with a mysterious undertone, but for me it never truly becomes suspenseful. That does not mean the book becomes boring, quite the opposite, but I did find myself waiting for a moment where the tension would really peak.

What does work very well is the way the story is structured. The alternation between the present day in 2073 and the events of 2004 keeps you curious. After all, you know that something significant must have happened, since that summer still casts such a long shadow over Daniel’s life. This structure keeps you turning the pages, even though the mystery unfolds at a fairly slow pace.

I did think the ending of the story was strong, and it definitely made me curious about the sequel. It feels like there is much more to discover than what we were given in this first book. In a way that also makes sense, because this clearly feels like the beginning of a larger story. The ending leaves enough questions unanswered to make you wonder what will happen next.

The biggest strengths of this book are the writing style and Edgar’s ability to tell a story. That is truly where the book shines for me. He creates a world that is easy to get lost in, and his style of writing makes the pages fly by.

Conclusion:
The Book of the Summer: Season One is an atmospheric and smoothly written start to a series that focuses on summer nostalgia, friendship, and an underlying mystery. While I personally would have liked a bit more tension, Edgar D. Jackson still managed to keep me engaged with his storytelling. The strong ending also leaves me curious about what is still to come, and I am definitely interested in reading the sequel.

[long2 -`♡´-]

The Book of the Summer: Season One feels less like a straight horror novel and more like opening an old memory box filled with long summer afternoons, scraped knees, local legends, and the strange feeling that something is slightly wrong beneath it all. The shifting timeline between 2073 and 2004 worked really well for me because it constantly reminded me that whatever happened that summer stayed with Daniel for the rest of his life. I especially loved the atmosphere of the small village and the friendship between the boys. Their conversations felt natural and nostalgic without trying too hard, and it captured that very specific childhood feeling where boredom can suddenly turn into adventure.

The story is definitely a slow burn, but I think that style suits the book. Instead of relying on nonstop scares, it focuses more on memory, growing up, and the unsettling mystery surrounding the Ogle House. The supernatural elements stay subtle for most of the novel, which made the tension feel quieter but still compelling enough to keep me reading.

[Megan Magee · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it comes to summer, there is nothing I think of in relation to the season more than time spent with my friends roasting in the sun, scraping our knees over and over on our bikes, and being forced to come back home before the lights turn on. As a horror fan, add a few nostalgic slasher/ mystery elements, and I'm sold. Jackson delivers on turning this spooky formula into something heartwarming in this genre bending, coming of age tale. This is written beautifully, and is perfect for fans of a literary thriller/ horror. While it does have so many elements and several timelines, the demarcation there is quite clear. Moving with ease through Daniel's stories and years is perfectly superfluous, alternating between 2004 and 2073. If you're in the mood for early days King or Stand By Me, please pick up this delightful book. Thank you so much for the eARC, Edgar! All opinions are entirely my own.

[Jarvis Duthie-Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is giving Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, but better!!
Absolutely loved it, nostalgic, mysterious, funny, creepy, enthralling. Any fantasy is seamlessly grounded with reality. Complete, but leaves you wanting more! Can not wait for season 2!!

[Lorrie Ness · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

If you ever wondered what the story would look like if Goonies, The Body & Something Wicked This Way Comes had a baby, this would be it. Firmly rooted in the magic of a childhood summer with a gang of friends, the writing was deeply nostalgic. The author writes adolescent banter with the ease of a native speaker and the quips between the pack of boys in this novel continuously made me chuckle. Don't go into this expecting gruesome horror. At it's heart, this is a story that touches on threads of identity, parent-child relationships, self-reliance, the importance of friendship and, most importantly, coming of age. Fans of Hampton Heights would adore this one!

The book is framed with short, alternating chapters that take place in 2073 when the narrator is in his 80s. A man shows up at his home asking about the events that took place in 2004. The narrator tells the tale and as a reader, we relive the summer that he and his teenage friends become obsessed with "The Ogle," a mysterious creature thought to live in the village and occasionally commit mayhem.

This isn't a swift-moving action tale. It's more interior and there's a slower unfolding as the characters and dynamics are built out. The book doesn't end with a full conclusion either. There are clearly going to be sequels. There's "enough" of a wrap-up to be satisfied, but not everything is set in stone. Don't let this turn you off, Dungeon Crawler Carl did this to us too and we're all along for the ride with that one!

Lastly, the writing was incredibly smooth, polished and easy to read. Great balance of character building, atmosphere and plot. Nothing....NOTHING felt clunky. The author was top notch and I'll absolutely be reading more of his work!

[Laura Acock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book by Edgar D. Jackson that I’ve had the privilege to review. I was provided with an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Book of the Summer tells the story of coming of age coupled with mystery and supernatural elements. The protagonist Daniel recollects his memories of a summer that he’d never spoken about but was asked to recollect by a mysterious stranger.

For me The Book of the Summer was a well written story that blended the timeline of 2073 and 2004 well. It didn’t feel as though the prose was disjointed in anyway and it was clear where one timeline began and another finished. The novel is not fast paced but more gentle as befits the type of novel it is, a reminiscence. The pace of the novel and the escapades the characters encounter, reminded me of my ever long summer holidays when I was a child.

The novel deals with childhood sensitively as it outlines significant themes that shape and change a child and their perception of self and the world. The Book of the Summer places emphasis on introspection, rumination and memory and is a gentle burn. The way the prose is written it doesn’t need the fast paced, dramatic scenes that other novels in similar genres do. This way of storytelling is what stands it apart from the likes of Stephen King and Ray Bradbury.

I read the book in one sitting and then read it again as I wanted to know more. Another excellent book from an amazing author.

[Jasmine Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of the Summer: Season One is full of nostalgia for the summers of youth.

We meet our main character, years in the future when he's 80 years old and a stranger attends his home wanting to hear about a particular summer of his youth. Edgar's descriptions really throw you into the heart of that summer with the boys, having not been much older than the main characters myself in 2004, I connected deeply with the descriptions of long summers spent looking for things to do when the boredom sets in.

This is definitely a slow-burn, with plenty of time taken to really steep you in the experience of a long British summer holiday. I couldn't help thinking of Ray Bradbury's 'Something Wicked This Way Comes' as I read this for that same sense of kids finding things to do in a seemingly uneventful town.

I could hardly put the book down, wanting to know what came of Daniel's summer, and the mysterious Ogle. I loved the twist towards the end of the book, though I'm left with so many questions at the end and desperate for book 2 to give me some of those answers!

The representation of neurodivergent characters was refreshing and extremely well integrated within the story - overall a thoroughly enjoyable read and I cannot wait for the next installment (please don't let us wait too long!🤞)

[Kez Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel was 5 when he learnt about the mysterious entity 'The Ogle' as his local village legend. Now bouncing between past and present, he is forced to retell the story of his childhood, starting at age 11, where he and his friends explore The Ogle House, leading to a summer of danger, desperation and horror.

This has a nostalgic British atmosphere, and explores the imagination and naivety of childhood, with a creepy supernatural atmosphere.
It also explores shifting family dynamics, a coming of age journey, and a relatable friendship group that is adventurous and daring.

The narration alternates between Daniel in 2073 recounting the events from his childhood, to the memories occurring in 2004. What starts off as innocent storytelling to a curious stranger begins to turn sinister, with traumatic events revealed, and the strangers insistence on digging up old history.

For a short book it has a lot of depth, with rumination, selfless acts, neurodivergent characters, and the group of friends investigating a missing child, tackling teenage bullies, and facing imminent danger.

This was easy to read, tense and immersive, and leaves plenty of mystery and questions for future books in the series, leaving you curious for more of Daniel's memories, and the fallout from their summers.

[Grada (BoekenTrol) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance reader copy of this book through BookSirens, with the request to leave an honest review.

The first few chapters of this book made me question whether I wanted to continue.
An old man, Daniel Ottoman, reminiscing a summer from his childhood, where a group of friends enters a haunted house because they're bored after school ended for summer break? How could that possibly be something for me? Even when the genre was right, I wasn't convinced.

The turning point for me was, that a child went missing. That the whole village stood on end, starting search parties trying to find it.
The friends also do their share and from that point it really gets interesting.
The story gains speed and the characters come to life. That's when young Daniel learns about feelings, complicated relationships between adults, about troubled young people and how valuable honesty is.

In this book a minor character is autistic and one of the more prominent ones has Tourette's.
That was a surprise, I have never read a book of fiction where a disability was naturally woven into the narrative.

I liked this book, the first in a series. May even come back for more, because it got me quite curious how young Daniel's next summer(s) have been.

[cosylittlereadingcorner · Rating 4 out of 5]

“… the light of the sun travelled ninety-three million miles to reach earth, and so it was only natural that its warmth could linger, could seep into the skin and reawaken the soul of a senile old fool who thought he’d never feel it again.”

Daniel Ottoman is eighty years old when a stranger, who reminds him of his father, pulls up outside his house and asks him about a summer sixty-nine years earlier. Daniel is not the nostalgic type but as they share a cup of tea, Daniel is transported back to those hot days when, aged 11, the long summer holidays stretched ahead of him. When, with his three friends, bored and looking for an adventure, they decided to investigate whether the local rumours about the beast, who lived at The Ogle House, were true. Little could they imagine what that one decision would mean for them all. It was the best of days but also the worst of days that followed.

This book is a coming of age story with a hint of mystery and local folklore. It touches on many aspects of what it means to be growing up, to be on the cusp of one’s teenage years. At just 229 pages long, it can be read relatively quickly and personally I think, to enjoy it the best, it is the kind of story you want to immerse yourself in rather than read in shorter instalments.

[Boshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read, and it kept me guessing the entire time. I couldn’t tell whether there was a supernatural element at play or whether everything had a more grounded explanation, and that uncertainty created a steady, creeping tension.

The author is a fantastic storyteller. The way he frames the narrative and reveals details gradually is so well done. Each new piece of information reshapes what you think you know.

This book captures that moment a child realizes their parents are people not gods, and how parents’ behavior (and the way they fight, judge each other, and speak about each other) can quietly shape a child’s worldview and self-esteem.

It also digs into just how important the friends and friendships a child has can be, as well as the danger of assuming kids aren’t telling the truth. Add in the fallout of divorce and remarriage, a community that’s quick to judge but slow to help, and the consequences of unchecked bullying, and you’ve got a story that’s disturbing in places, but hard to put down.

I’d absolutely read the second one.

Thank you so much to the author and Book Sirens for this digital ARC!

[ay_ay_sanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW FROM ADVANCED COPY! (From NetGalley)

RATING: 3.75 out of 5

believable characters | memorable | strong relationships | fast-paced | gripping/exciting | well-structured | easy to read

_____________________________________________________

I gobbled this book up like it was my Easter brunch. ‘The Book of the Summer’ is a fast-paced book, one that grips you from the very first page and doesn’t let you go until you’ve finished the entire book in one day (true story).

The author has an addictive writing style, taking turns and twists that kept me engaged and made me wonder where the story would go and where it would end.

However, the reason I’m not giving this book the full 4 stars, is because something was missing. I think the story was great and gripping, but a certain connection was missing for me. Had the book been longer and had it delved into a bit more character-building (also for the side characters), I think this would have gotten its full 4 star rating.

But don’t fret, 3.75 stars is still an amazing rating, and I would certainly recommend this book — it’s absolutely the ‘book of the summer’!

[BRADLEY S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to start by saying that the storytelling was top notch. The story was interesting and well told. However, the story itself hasn't yet revealed itself to have a specific point to it. No moral lesson, no reimagined fables and no good triumphs over evil. And there was definitely no climactic conclusion to this saga….at least not yet.

Now I say not yet because this story isn't laid out like most other multi part book series. With most you get three distinct sub-stories that all lead to a greater conclusion/meaning/ending. With this series you get the first part of the book, and that's it. It cuts off where the next book picks up. It almost as though all of the books in this series could have been combined into one more meaningful tale.

Don't let that discourage you. This review is simply meant to prepare you for what you're about read and experience. I don't think a true review can be given until the story has been fully told. So far I'd say, buy the ticket, take the ride.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Milt Theo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb storytelling, tightly plotted, a great beginning to what is bound to be a really interesting series! Don't let the cliffhanger ending (or the awful cover, which I hated) discourage you from picking up the book: there's just so much here to pay back the investment - from the neurodivergent characters and the deceptively cozy English setting to that feeling of nostalgia about summer holidays, a beautiful blend of Stephen King and Ray Bradbury! A warning though: don't expect noisy action scenes or wildly outrageous situations, this is a book that puts huge emphasis on introspection, rumination, and memory. The mystery takes time to build up, but the twists toward the end are worth it. Recommend!!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Valentina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is such an easy, addictive read. The writing flows really naturally, and before you know it, you're completely pulled into the story.

It follows Daniel in his 80s, who's being questioned by a stranger about one specific summer when he was 11
—and you can already tell there's more to that story than he's saying.

The friendships feel real, the banter is actually funny, and there's this tension that keeps building as the story goes on.
Overall, it's a really enjoyable, engaging read with just the right amount of mystery to keep you hooked until the end.

And that ending definitely leaves you wanting more-I'm already curious to see where the next book goes and what's really behind everything happening in this town!

[Claire K · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨In 2073, Daniel Ottoman is visited by a stranger who insists that Daniel tell him all about the summer of 2004. That was the summer Daniel’s little sister Daria went missing, *seemingly* captured by a bogeyman the local children call The Ogle.
As the town of Deanshire searches for her, Daniel and his friends form their own search, helped along by a blue-haired girl with Tourette’s named Terry.
But this Stranger seems to know these things already, and as Daniel retells the story of the summer of 2004, it’s clear that’s not the only thing the stranger wants….✨

This was a fun, spooky, coming of age romp that has a little bit of Stranger Things, a little bit of Stand By Me, and a whole lot of swearing. Fucking strawberries! 🍓
(you’ll get it if you read the book)

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

80 year old Daniel is just trying to have a peaceful morning when a strange man appears and wants to hear the story of Daniel's 2004 summer. Split between the years 2073 and 2004, we learn the events of that summer, when Daniel and his friends became consumed with learning more about local legend, The Ogle. When Daniel's sister goes missing, he is adamant she has been taken by the Ogle as punishment for the boys having broken into his house. There is a much simpler explanation, although the reality was equally heart-breaking. We learn that parents are just humans after all, and are flawed just like everyone else.

I couldn't make my mind up whether there was really something supernatural going on, or whether the children were doing what children do best and letting their imaginations run wild over the seemingly endless summer. I did audibly gasp at the twist at the end, and am looking forward to book 2!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is warmth and the whimsical bliss of childhood summers magically translated into print. “The Book of the Summer: Season One” will make you feel nostalgic in every way, even if you were not a child in England in 2004. Jackson’s writing is truly a marvel to experience, wrapping the reader in the most beautiful prose and realistic dialogue, through characters that you can’t help but love.
What a fantastic start to the “Book of the Summer” trilogy; I cannot wait to read Season Two (and Three)!

Also, make sure to read this sitting in the warmth of the sun for ultimate effect.

❗️Content warnings: animal harm, missing child

[Kirsty Diggory · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚📚 Book Review 📚📚
The Book of Summer: Season 1
Edgar D Jackson

Well it's been a while since I did a book review as a lot has been happening and reading has been impossible.
This book had me intrigued and I didn't know where it was going. I certainly didn't expect that ending and I am now wanting to know more.
The Ogle sounds like the nightmare I think everyone has had at least once in their life.
I want to know what the summer after brings and I want to know who the stranger is.
Recommend if you like suspense and fantasy mixed in with real lives

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superb book!!!

This story is narrated in 2073 with the story teller being in his 80s. He is visited by a mysterious man who asks him to tell him about his summer holidays in 2004. The narrator then dives into what you think is going to be a typical mundane boys summer, but oh was I wrong!

The narrator tells the tale of a gang of lads who decide to visit the Ogle who is a creature thought to live in the village. A series of unfortunate events the take place and the boys are thrown into the thick of it.

The book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger and it’s left me NEEDING to read the next volume to find out what happens next!

This is a straight horror or gore book but it is definitely on the creepy side!

Regardless of the actual story, the writing is brilliant and I read this is pretty much one sitting! Please don’t make me wait long for the next one and thank you for giving me the privilege of reading this book! 🐯 ☀️