One year after a brutal, racially motivated attack and the trial that followed, he is trying to rebuild a life from the wreckage. But the past refuses to stay buried. As long hidden secrets rise to the surface, Don is pulled back toward a forbidden desire he cannot escape–Chaya Abrea.
Around him, everything begins to fracture. Alicia harbors a devastating illness. Their son, Shawn, lingers between life and death. And then, without warning, the unthinkable happens–Scott Bradley returns.
But a light shines on the darkness of past trauma and pain when Don encounters a forgotten man struck and hanging onto utter devastation, traveling a road to redemption.
A Cloud Over Southampton is a gripping, twist-laden sequel to A Cry Among Men–a story of trauma, vengeance, and the high cost of survival.
I just finished “A Cloud Over Southampton” and this book took me on a ride. It was the kind of story that kept making me stop and think, “Wait… what?” because there was always another layer waiting to be uncovered.
First, if you haven’t read “A Cry Among Men” I highly recommend starting there. Reading “A Cloud Over Southampton” after the first book gives you a deeper understanding of the characters, their history, and the weight they carry into this story.
What I appreciated most was how much trust the author puts in the reader. There’s no need to over-explain everything or spell out every detail. The author lets you sit with the story, make your own connections, and experience the characters’ emotions as they unfold. And honestly, that made certain moments hit even harder.
There was a scene involving Alicia and Don where I was completely convinced of what I was seeing. I was genuinely upset with Don and believed what was happening in that moment. Then, when I realized what was really going on, I had to give the author credit — that was smooth. It takes a lot of skill to guide a reader’s emotions so naturally and then shift their perspective without it feeling forced.
The characters in this book are what truly made the story stand out for me. They are complicated, flawed, and carrying so much history. This isn’t just a story about what happens on the surface; it’s about choices, consequences, loyalty, healing, and the things people carry with them.
The ending definitely left me wanting more. So much was revealed, but there were still questions I wanted answers to. It felt like closing one chapter while knowing there is more to come, and I’m genuinely looking forward to seeing where these characters go next.
“A Cloud Over Southampton” was a book that made me think, question, and sit with the story even after I turned the last page. Definitely one that stays with you.