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Aspen Winkleman Mysteries #1
Saving Worms After the Rain: A Novel of Central Pennsylvania
Saving Worms After the Rain is a novel of life in the West Branch of the Susquehanna River Valley, in central Pennsylvania. It includes local history, and a bit of mystery. Aspen Winkleman, a young autistic man with psychic abilities, comes to the town of Renfro, Pennsylvania to help the local police solve a troubling missing persons case.
150 pages, Paperback
Published October 3, 2017
260 people are currently reading
562 people want to read
About the author
Paul C. Nelson
9 books45 followersI'm a retired middle school teacher, widower, proud autism dad and advocate. I write simple fantasy fiction, mostly for a young adult audience. I include many characters with "disabilities" and attempt to stress their abilities, and super abilities. I believe it's time to include people with all levels of disabilities in fiction, film and television.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 8, 2018
I want to thank Paul C. Nelson, author and Goodreads First Reads Giveaway for the eBook Kindle Copy I won of Saving Worms After the Rain: A Novel of Central Pennsylvania that I won in the Giveaway.
Aspen Winkleman is a very special young man with autism. He visits the town of Renfro in the Susquehanna River Valley to help local law enforcement in a missing person's case of Emily, a young teenage girl. The depth of understanding of the personality characteristics of people with autism is awesome. As an educator trained to work with special needs children, the authentic descriptions of the behaviors and the way Aspen could use his gifts to help others made the story very realistic.
The history of the isolated area of Pennsylvania was well done and the descriptions gave a graphic idea of how people lived, resisting change and keeping to old ways. I live in such a rural area and some people here live much the same way and stuck with old ways and ideas. Saving Worms After the Rain was a great book with a sweet romance too.
Aspen Winkleman is a very special young man with autism. He visits the town of Renfro in the Susquehanna River Valley to help local law enforcement in a missing person's case of Emily, a young teenage girl. The depth of understanding of the personality characteristics of people with autism is awesome. As an educator trained to work with special needs children, the authentic descriptions of the behaviors and the way Aspen could use his gifts to help others made the story very realistic.
The history of the isolated area of Pennsylvania was well done and the descriptions gave a graphic idea of how people lived, resisting change and keeping to old ways. I live in such a rural area and some people here live much the same way and stuck with old ways and ideas. Saving Worms After the Rain was a great book with a sweet romance too.
July 20, 2018
All the time I was reading this all I kept thinking Sheldon Cooper (with psychic abilities) meets Archie Bunker .
Parts of the book were very enjoyable while other parts were al little to far fetched for my liking.
Parts of the book were very enjoyable while other parts were al little to far fetched for my liking.
July 7, 2018
'Saving Worms After the Rain: A Novel of Central Pennsylvania' by Paul C. Nelson is the perfect mini-mystery based in a small town of Renfro, Pennsylvania. Renfro, PA is a rural town that resists change. In fact it has been the same for generations. When a teenager goes missing in Renfro, police chief Warren Dale asks Aspen Winkleman, a young autistic man who is a psychic for help. Aspen's new and unusual way of looking at the world helps Chief Warren solve the crime.
I liked this book because the author describes Aspen with understanding and acceptance in spite of all his quirks. His profundity into autistic behavior is perceptive and accurate. This engaging mystery is an enjoyable read that I recommend to everybody especially young adults. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Mr. Paul C. Nelson and NetGalley, I loved this book.
I liked this book because the author describes Aspen with understanding and acceptance in spite of all his quirks. His profundity into autistic behavior is perceptive and accurate. This engaging mystery is an enjoyable read that I recommend to everybody especially young adults. I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks Mr. Paul C. Nelson and NetGalley, I loved this book.
May 5, 2018
I am unsure who the audience is for this book. It is written in such a way that there isn't much attention to the actual story but lots of background and tangent information. I really like the concept of a psychic detective with autism, and I think this story would be much better to focus on that and really focus on that character. I would love to see more of him. We need more voices like Aspen in our fiction.
I received a copy for review; all opinions are my own.
I received a copy for review; all opinions are my own.
September 12, 2018
Wonderful book
Very touching story that has a message for everyone ! The story was simple but enjoyable to read. People are all different, you never know their true talents. Amazing!
Very touching story that has a message for everyone ! The story was simple but enjoyable to read. People are all different, you never know their true talents. Amazing!
October 23, 2017
A quick read based in Clinton County.
January 3, 2020
Ok
Many words were strung together making reading awkward . It needs a proofreader to edit text. A fair short story & not a novel.
Many words were strung together making reading awkward . It needs a proofreader to edit text. A fair short story & not a novel.
August 6, 2025
I don't remember how this book came to my attention, and I'm not sure how to classify it now that I've read it - it's not a history of the area, it's not a coming-of-age story, and it's not a mystery, although it has elements of all three. I wish it hadn't been quite so short - it's only 150 pages - because I would have enjoyed spending more time with (most of) the characters.
I love the way the author depicts Aspen, a young autistic man asked to help locate a missing teenaged girl. Although his personality clearly shows his autism, he's not written as a freak or even a curiosity, just a young man who isn't quite like everyone else. I like that he was accepted by almost everyone in the town he's visiting, with a few notable exceptions.
The portrayal of a small town in central Pennsylvania, sadly, is probably more accurate than most of us want to admit. Those who have been here for generations don't like change, and distrust anyone who tries to implement new ideas. Despite this, the area is moving forward, although slowly... sometimes very slowly.
I love the way the author depicts Aspen, a young autistic man asked to help locate a missing teenaged girl. Although his personality clearly shows his autism, he's not written as a freak or even a curiosity, just a young man who isn't quite like everyone else. I like that he was accepted by almost everyone in the town he's visiting, with a few notable exceptions.
The portrayal of a small town in central Pennsylvania, sadly, is probably more accurate than most of us want to admit. Those who have been here for generations don't like change, and distrust anyone who tries to implement new ideas. Despite this, the area is moving forward, although slowly... sometimes very slowly.
September 4, 2018
After starting with the history of a small town in Pennsylvania, with far too many people to keep track of, we finally get to the story of an autistic boy, who also happens to be psychic. As the book goes along and the boy grows up, I see some of the reasons for the long winded opener, though not all of them.
There are some really interesting touches with Aspen’s character that are thoroughly unexpected. I’d definitely fist bump him.
It’s a short book, but all the better for it. The only part where a longer story would have helped was the rushed romance, but other than that I’m quite satisfied.
I look forward to reading more of Aspen’s adventures, and I hope many families of autistic people read this too.
There are some really interesting touches with Aspen’s character that are thoroughly unexpected. I’d definitely fist bump him.
It’s a short book, but all the better for it. The only part where a longer story would have helped was the rushed romance, but other than that I’m quite satisfied.
I look forward to reading more of Aspen’s adventures, and I hope many families of autistic people read this too.
December 14, 2018
I save worms
I really enjoyed this story about Aspen. He was very lucky that he had loving parents.
The way he recognized Owen as being autistic , the way he accepted his differences , the way the people reacted to him was a good part of the story.
I liked the way the writer depicted the small town of Renfro. I’m sure there are quite a few towns like that in Pa.
I especially liked that Aspen accepted his abilities.
All in all this was short but very good.
I really enjoyed this story about Aspen. He was very lucky that he had loving parents.
The way he recognized Owen as being autistic , the way he accepted his differences , the way the people reacted to him was a good part of the story.
I liked the way the writer depicted the small town of Renfro. I’m sure there are quite a few towns like that in Pa.
I especially liked that Aspen accepted his abilities.
All in all this was short but very good.
May 6, 2018
"Saving Worms After the Rain" is a remarkable book. This was a giveaway book provided by Goodreads. I loved the interaction of the town and the people. I look forward to reading more books by Paul C. Nelson. It took me only a few hours to read it.
September 13, 2019
Good story, but needs a whole lot of proofreading and editing. It has too many words left out, and words running together.
Good story, but needs a whole lot of proofreading and editing. It has too many words left out, and words running together.
Good story, but needs a whole lot of proofreading and editing. It has too many words left out, and words running together.
August 28, 2019
A heartwarming story.
Well thought out, and sensitively written. Believable characters. Needs a thorough proofreading, and editing. An excellent beginning effort and an author worth following.
Well thought out, and sensitively written. Believable characters. Needs a thorough proofreading, and editing. An excellent beginning effort and an author worth following.
February 11, 2019
I won this book in a giveaway. It is the second book I have read by this author, and I admire his commitment to introducing characters on the Autism Spectrum. I am a teacher and throughout my career I have focused on students with Autism and other developmental and behavioral disorders. I thought Aspen was charming and the author's depiction of a young man with Autism was very well done. I enjoyed reading about Aspen's thoughts, quirks, and his way of looking at the world. That being said, the story itself was a bit unpolished. It was very short, and perhaps would have been better if longer to allow for more development. It really jumped around in the beginning, in order to provide background for the main story. I get why, but the earlier portions just seemed disjointed. The Kindle version that I have also needed a bit of editing.
July 10, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It is about Aspen a autistic young man. Who lost both his parents and had to go to a foster home. The family really enjoyed Aspen being with them. The book tells things of how autism effected Aspen. Some of the things mentioned also effect other ones with autism. Aspen got involved in a case that the police were investigating. Aspen had some ways with physic abilities. He helped them with what he envisioned, and the case was solved. Some autistic people dont like to be hugged and Aspen was one of them. But guess what he met a girl whom he liked and eventually got a hug .Follow him in his life and learn about autism while enjoying this story.
April 22, 2019
This was the first book I had read by Paul C. Nelson. An autistic main character written by an author who has personal experience with someone with autism is a great way to enlighten others. The story introduced the history of the town of Renfro and the history of the main characters before diving into the plot. I wasn't sure at first where it was going but I ended up liking the style the author used. I have already downloaded the author's autism set and will be starting it as soon as I finish this review. I have already recommended this book to a friend.
April 27, 2020
Enjoyed this book!
The writing drew me in right away. It was refreshing to read a story that portrayed two young autistic men as the heros. All the stories in this book: the missing girl; a town struggling to move out of their past; the crippling effects of prejudice and hate; the power of compassion and acceptance were woven together with skill and authenticity. Reading this book I felt hope and joy and a celebration of those who are different. A message we truly need today. Thank you, Paul Nelson and please keep on writing!
The writing drew me in right away. It was refreshing to read a story that portrayed two young autistic men as the heros. All the stories in this book: the missing girl; a town struggling to move out of their past; the crippling effects of prejudice and hate; the power of compassion and acceptance were woven together with skill and authenticity. Reading this book I felt hope and joy and a celebration of those who are different. A message we truly need today. Thank you, Paul Nelson and please keep on writing!
September 12, 2020
Worth the quick read!
Being very familiar with Central Pennsylvania, I was curious about the story's description of "history." Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I was anxious to dig into this one. It is a very quick read with a somewhat believable plot, but is more a caricature of central PA. Read and enjoy, but don't expect to learn many factual tidbits about the area....since Renfro doesn't exist by name. It definitely represents an attitude and character of many small towns in the area.
Being very familiar with Central Pennsylvania, I was curious about the story's description of "history." Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres and I was anxious to dig into this one. It is a very quick read with a somewhat believable plot, but is more a caricature of central PA. Read and enjoy, but don't expect to learn many factual tidbits about the area....since Renfro doesn't exist by name. It definitely represents an attitude and character of many small towns in the area.
August 21, 2019
This was a very easy read. Well thought out with lots of warmth. I would read more from this author. This is a short read but would love to see longer books with aspen involved he is a very warning character.
Enjoyed this book very much. Would love to see more with this character involved with longer stories. It was short but covered a lot and made you aware of all that is going on a round the characters.
Enjoyed this book very much. Would love to see more with this character involved with longer stories. It was short but covered a lot and made you aware of all that is going on a round the characters.
April 2, 2021
Not at all what I was expecting. I was expecting, due to the name, a book about some lesser unknown mystery or even a little history in Pennsylvania. While this assumably fictional story is placed in PA, if it were true then the town names would not have been so awkwardly changed. In fact, mowing those areas, it was a stumble to keep reading the town names.
The story itself was also unbelievable on so many levels. All in all, I’m glad it was a short story and that my insomnia had kicked in.
The story itself was also unbelievable on so many levels. All in all, I’m glad it was a short story and that my insomnia had kicked in.
May 26, 2019
An Autistic Hero
An enjoyable take about Aspen, a highly functioning young man who has autism and psychic abilities. He helps the police solve the case of a missing teenage girl. He is an endearing, lovable character who you can't help cheering for!
Great characters & plot, this is a book worth reading. I would have given 5 stars except for some proofreading issues.
An enjoyable take about Aspen, a highly functioning young man who has autism and psychic abilities. He helps the police solve the case of a missing teenage girl. He is an endearing, lovable character who you can't help cheering for!
Great characters & plot, this is a book worth reading. I would have given 5 stars except for some proofreading issues.
January 10, 2020
A story set in rural, central PA. The characters are sweet, some quirky, but rather one dimensional. The story is interesting because of the use of a psychic in solving the mystery of a missing girl.
The book has potential, but is in desperate need of editing and formatting. It reads as the rough draft in a high school writing class. Clean it up, flesh it out, it could be very good.
The book has potential, but is in desperate need of editing and formatting. It reads as the rough draft in a high school writing class. Clean it up, flesh it out, it could be very good.
May 1, 2020
Very short, simple story that fails in more ways than it intended, I'm sure. It's like The Good Doctor returns into some kind of clairvoyant in a town that is still so backwards the KKK is still ruling it.
Just too predictable; could have been written for grade school level with the exception of a few rough words thrown in for effect.
Just too predictable; could have been written for grade school level with the exception of a few rough words thrown in for effect.
May 12, 2020
I expected a pretty wild ride-gangsters, moonshine, and psychic powers, what I got is an wonderful story of a small town dealing with the change. This "young autistic man with psychic powers" is certainly not handicapped, in fact he demonstrates that common sense is the key life.
Thanks for a good read
Thanks for a good read
June 24, 2020
An autistic psychic helps the police solve cases ina small Pennsylvania town with a troubled history.
this book is unbelievable and simplistic. The interweaving of the racist, criminal history of the town and the contemporary story is inartful and clumsy. The writing is juvenile. There is little mystery and no suspense. Pass.
this book is unbelievable and simplistic. The interweaving of the racist, criminal history of the town and the contemporary story is inartful and clumsy. The writing is juvenile. There is little mystery and no suspense. Pass.
September 3, 2020
An entertaining book
A short witty and outlandish story. Lots of twists and turns as the story begins then it takes a turn into a fairly touching tale of an autistic boy as he grows up. He was a very intelligent young man when he grew up. He loved helping people and helped to solve a crime. Lots of trash language at the beginning then that eased up.
A short witty and outlandish story. Lots of twists and turns as the story begins then it takes a turn into a fairly touching tale of an autistic boy as he grows up. He was a very intelligent young man when he grew up. He loved helping people and helped to solve a crime. Lots of trash language at the beginning then that eased up.
April 5, 2021
AUTISTIC CRIME SOLVER
This is a very touching storyline about how a person with autism is often highly gifted in certain areas of life... Although some area of their lives may seem a bit quirky, Aspen is able to use his psychic abilities to help solve a kidnapping case. A quick story that is highly recommended!
This is a very touching storyline about how a person with autism is often highly gifted in certain areas of life... Although some area of their lives may seem a bit quirky, Aspen is able to use his psychic abilities to help solve a kidnapping case. A quick story that is highly recommended!
August 5, 2023
Brilliantly written
A well thought out and portrayed mystery with an autistic main character. Brilliant. An easy read for an evening. Entertaining and educational for the reader who is unaware of the autistic traits of the affect. I enjoyed Aspen and his abilities, especially the endearing scenes with Caty. Definitely a 15 year old plus reading level.
A well thought out and portrayed mystery with an autistic main character. Brilliant. An easy read for an evening. Entertaining and educational for the reader who is unaware of the autistic traits of the affect. I enjoyed Aspen and his abilities, especially the endearing scenes with Caty. Definitely a 15 year old plus reading level.
November 12, 2019
Unique but not odd
Enjoyable, quick read. Provides some understanding of how minds process information. Conclusion missing one key component. Guess the rest of the story in the next book.
Enjoyable, quick read. Provides some understanding of how minds process information. Conclusion missing one key component. Guess the rest of the story in the next book.
February 17, 2020
Unexpected delight
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I got a mystery wrapped in a lesson. It's a very good easy read. The characters are true to life and the town is familiar. You will love it.
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I got a mystery wrapped in a lesson. It's a very good easy read. The characters are true to life and the town is familiar. You will love it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews