The Walshes: The Coming of Eve

by Joe Clark

Attempted murders, intrigue, and scandal are all in a day’s work for Eve, one of DC’s most sought-after escorts. Her admirers include corporate executives, DC cops, and other smitten johns who have seen her dance at the Tahiti men’s club.

None of them know her secret.

When Eve isn’t flirting with danger, she is packing school lunches and checking homework. Eve is really April Walsh, a housewife and writer who has gone deep undercover to investigate DC vice from the inside.

April has always considered herself an ordinary housewife. Her marriage to her husband, Joe, has had its ups and downs, but April loves being a wife and mother. April is also a writer, and she hasn’t been able to find a good story in a very long time.

That all changes when April is given an assignment to go undercover as a prostitute. Her editor tells her that if her story doesn’t feel real, it won’t sell.

Exit April, and enter Eve. She’s a glamorous dancer and escort who won’t back down from a fight. Her wit and charm make her highly desired at the local men’s club, and April enjoys feeling sexy and wanted. She even makes some new friends: a former call girl, a wise cab driver, and a hard-nosed cop.

As April ends up more fully embracing her Eve persona, she finds more and more to like about the new life she is living. Will she be able to find her way out, or is April destined to sacrifice herself and her family for the sake of a story?

April believes in the work she’s doing, but her family isn’t so understanding. As the relationship between April and her husband begins to break under the pressure of her undercover assignment, April must decide what is worth fighting for. Will the good wife or the firebrand emerge victorious?

Genres: Fiction

424 pages, Paperback

Published October 25, 2019

About the author

Joe Clark’s Demented got him Long-Listed for the Book Viral Millennium Book Award in 2020. His novels, The Walsh’s: the Coming of Eve, Demented, and MacGregor’s Final Battle are Book-of-the-Month selections. He writes Contemporary Drama and Urban Adventure. His “deliciously flawed characters” face moral and ethical dilemmas as they battle through challenging times. April Walsh, a suburban housewife and struggling writer, puts it all on the line in her undercover investigation of sex work. She and friend, PI Nickey Arnold, fight for the prickly, often abrasive, Cindy Foster when her porn past threatens to destroy her. Nurse’s Assistant, Kate Graham crosses lines when she falls in love with an elderly patient in MacGregor’s Final Battle.
Joe is a family man who had a forty-year career as a Communications Systems expert. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering after serving in the Army including an extended tour in Vietnam. When he married Anita in 1986, they had four children, four cats and three dogs between them. Somehow it all worked out. They’ve added six grandkids and four great-grandkids. They make their home with their two lab-border mix rescue dogs in Maryland on the outskirts of DC in the house they’ve occupied for most of the last forty years.
Joe is currently working to tell the story of the Civil War from the perspective of his great-grandfather who served in the Union army from the first Battle of Bull Run in 1861 to the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain in 1864.

Reviews

[K D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Update: I'm pretty sure the author has made major re-writes to this book, perhaps more than once.
So anyone reading the reviews, should pay attention to the dates of those reviews, because the book being reviewed in 2018 (when I read it), is not necessarily the same book being reviewed in 2020 or 2022. Which doesn't mean the book is better or worse, just different.
******
This book has problems. I'm not sure where to file it for one. The writing is stilted and formal and consists of too much telling. Stuff like "Eve and Joe talked. It was not a pleasant conversation."
The characters' behaviors seemed to be random at times with no appropriate motivation for the choices that they made. But the grammar was pretty solid! Just an inappropriate "sight" for "site".

[Ron Kenworthy · Rating 1 out of 5]

While the plot of this book offered real promise, the book was a total disappointment. The book’s characters were little more than cardboard cutout walking from chapter to chapter, with simple dialog and very little emotional or character development. The real kicker is the book is written under the premises of an author doing research, something the real author should have done.

The way I see it, if you’re going to write about sex work, you should know how to write at least some erotica. If you’re going to write about a marriage falling apart, you should know and express the struggles, conflicts, and self-doubt that these spouses go through. This book falls flat on these and so many other levels.

[M.A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read! Very entertaining. Amazon says it's about 5 hour read but I found it was for me a little more than 6 hours. Just the right amount of exposition (the story takes place during financial meltdown or the Great Recession when the housing market collapsed). The rising action is scintillating as the FMC outmaneuvered a publisher and two senators against a backdrop of a family with a laid off husband and mortgage payments due. The climax is breathtaking and captured historic moment of that time. Two thumbs way up and 5 stars!

[Renée Gendron]

I found this book very interesting. I have to admit I didn't enter the book expecting to read about prostitution...but found the premise very intriguing.

I didn't know what to expect when a reporter went undercover to investigate the sex industry, but I found the story and the situations presented both realistic and well presented. There was a mix of characters with plausible background stories as to how they entered the industry and a mix of customers/clients, their motivations, and degree of non-violence to violence when hiring a sex worker.

The interactions with the judge were also telling and realistic and portrayed many of the contradictions and societal perceptions of the industry.

Overall, the book was very engaging. The romantic relationship between the FMC and her husband also illustrate the differences of perceptions around the sex industry and fidelity, and many readers will be able to relate to the couple's dynamics.

This book contains consensual sex scenes and rape scenes (but not erotica). It is well written, takes a comprehension approach to the industry, and provides a nuanced and complex series of characters navigating through relatable situations.

It's a very challenging subject to take on, and I applaud the author's sober, realistic, and nuanced interpretation of the matter.

[James Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Greatly developed characters

It was slow to start, but gathered momentum to a sizzling climax. April is a good soccer/swim mom with an out of work husband and bills. She is determined to be her own person writing for a living. DC is a hot bed of intrigue and power especially for the sex industry. April grows to become Eve a strong willed power player that could destroy her family. Wow it’s a hot read.

[henry smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good. Not like I would normally read. A reporter takes an assignment to write about prostitution and hopes of a book. She got involved with the ladies and their lifestyle becoming an escort. Her whole life changed. She sacrificed her family and her reputation. The horror the excitement and the money. Her life would never be the same again

[E Ironsides · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing Plot and Characters

The plot was prickly and delicious. It bounded around like tree tops in gusty winds, and the characters kept up admirably. And then it just ended. I wasn't even aware I was there until there wasn't another page to flip to. I didn't quite feel like it was all wrapped up, but well worth the read.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (1/27/2023)! 🎁

[Eve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Needs a good editor and revision. That said, the premise of the story is interesting and I had a hard time putting it down. TW: sexual assault

[Jennifer Bandzi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a Goodreads giveaway. I started reading it with high hopes, but was really disappointed with the ending. There was no wrap up at the end and it left me feeling like something was missing. Up until that point I thought it was a pretty well written book and I had a hard time putting it down. The content definitely pulled me outside of my normal comfort zone.

[Tony Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Walsh (nee Yvonne A. MacMahon, mother, author/writer) & Joe (husband/father, Johns Hopkins U) were discussing her future job opportunities.
Joe Walsh was unemployed but claims he was looking for a job.
There 2 kids are Becky Walsh (daughter), & JJ Walsh (son).

Craig Robertson (Times-Herald) informed April (Mount St. Mary’s U; MS; biotechnology) prostitution is big time in Northern VG.
Next stop April went to see Senator Anna Muehlberg.
She was presenting a bill to legalize prostitution.
Chevy Chase Playground. April was doing her best to understand Bridget Allen (professional entertainer) point of view.
The Many Lives of Bridget Allen will begin.
Beaver Dam bar (strip club). Ed, & Jeff accompanied Bridget to meet with Yvonne (former Hooters).
Eve (aka April, dancer/escort) was now prone to the business.
Joe had caught Eve in the act, so he knew what was going on.
Sexy Ladys’ Dance Studio (Wilson Ave, Arlington). Nailah Shafaq (f, Middle Eastern, dance class instructor) was going to teach April how to pole dance.
She had her interview with Mr. Adrien Gautier (DC Artists & Entertainment business partner).
April (waitress) was now working at the Tahiti club.
Senator Andy Edwards (family friend) told April he was not pleased with her decision.
Carla Russo (Tahiti club mgr.) introduced Eve Sinful to the rules & tricks of the trade.
What was Nickey Arnold (escort) going to do?

Lena Johnson (escort) was shot.
Lea Bell (Tahiti club dancer/stripper) quit to take care of her ailing mother.
What did April catch Becky & Owen doing?
What did Grif (customer) tell April at the Marriott Hotel?
Adrien called April to the office.
Carla escorted her out.
Sergeant Jack Edward called April.
Detective Bill Andrews & Detective Elizabeth Smith were taking Yvonne April MacMahon’s statement about Amos Goethels.
Eleanora Bailey is April’s lawyer.
Dante Hopkins is Joe’s attorney. He wants full custody of their 2 kids.
Judge Leroy “Roy” Smith was presiding.
Rebecca MacMahon (grandma) later attended the divorce proceedings.
How will the court case turn out?

Warning: This book contains extremely graphic adult content, violence, or expletive language &/or uncensored sexually explicit material which is only suitable for mature readers. It may be offensive or have potential adverse psychological effects on the reader.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. A very well written book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great movie, or better yet a mini TV series. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Making Connections discussion group talk; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

April is a wife, mother, and writer struggling to make ends meet. In order to provide for her family in times of economic crisis, she agrees to take on a potentially risky assignment. Tasked with writing an article that considers the case for the legalization of sex work, April’s traditional values clash with her work — yet she is determined to do what she needs to. In order to get close to the women whose stories she intends to tell, April has no alternative but to experience the lifestyle she wants to write about. But her husband, Joe, is far from approving, and April is left to grapple with the question: how far is too far?

Joe Clark’s The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a domestic drama with adult themes. It follows April’s exploration into the world of sex workers and explicit entertainment, discovering more about herself as she does so. This novel effectively portrays a comfortable family life thrown into jeopardy, raising questions of sexual empowerment and liberation — such as whether sex work truly is the last resort for most women or whether there is sometimes power in upsetting the status quo. In addition, Clark displays how engagement with this taboo lifestyle — in terms of what is deemed acceptable — often varies between men and women; husband Joe is outraged at his wife’s attempts at erotic dancing when he himself frequented strip clubs while they were engaged.

Though social concerns are explored to some extent, the text can sometimes feel uncomfortably voyeuristic. April’s foray into stripping involves graphic descriptions which seem aimed at titillating the reader rather than a wholehearted attempt to deconstruct the expectations for married women. This adds a disconcerting element to the sense of liberation April is reported to feel. Nevertheless, Clark successfully shows how for April, what started out as a way to support her household in troubled times gradually undermines the family unit.

The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a new take on urban fiction combined with a romantic thriller. Through examining the world of sex work, the author has brought to light the complex dance women face between being a dutiful wife and an alluring sexual being and knowing when and where each role should be presented. This novel showcases the double standards between men and women while providing a strong female protagonist who still battles social judgments despite her strengths.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walshes is a very interesting book with a fresh subject. Eve is April in real life, when she takes on the task of researching the topic of prostitution for a meaty 6-part series for the newspaper. At first Eve is not sympathetic to the issue. Being a wife and mother of 2 children, she cannot relate to what these women do or why they do it. A contact that her brother the attorney sends her way will not talk to Eve until she walks a mile in her moccasins because she doesn't want a "soccer-mom" to write about what she does. Eve's husband is out of work and she is fired from her day job, so when the prostitute suggests that she could strip at amateur night at a local strip-club, she reluctantly does it. She opens to door to a whole new world that is at once, frightening, exciting and potentially disastrous as she falls deeper in the life of exotic dancer and paid escort. As her life spirals out of control, she also learns a lot about herself, her husband and what she wants out of life. The book is a bit long, but it covers a lot of ground and it feels like a realistic portrayal of life even if it doesn't cover all aspects of the sex trade. I thought the book was refreshing and original.

[Destiny Unlocked · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very interesting and not at all what I had thought it would be. The Glimpse it shows you on how sex workers lives are was educational in a way. It brought up a lot of things you would never think of on why women go into that business.

What I really enjoyed was how the family was super close at the start. Right up til April Walsh goes undercover for a book and creates "Eve" her other identity. This book drives home how career choices can change the course of your life. It can alter your course. It also makes you understand that sometimes decisions are based more on what you need to do to survive.

I love how she went in this undercover life style and how much of it opened even her eyes. The characters in this story are all well written and very believable. The emotions that this story made me feel was something i want a story to do.

Now the first couple of chapters start out kinda slow. The Author really works on flushing out the family. But then the ride begins and never stops til the end. Though once you do reach the climax it will leave you wanting more.

[Joy Promise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walshes: The Coming of Eve by Joe Clark is a deeply engaging and emotionally rich story that pulls you in from the very first page. The introduction of Eve adds a fresh dynamic that reshapes the entire family narrative in a compelling way. Clark’s writing feels authentic and immersive, with characters that are layered and believable. The pacing is steady, allowing the emotional moments to truly land without feeling rushed. What stands out most is the way relationships evolve naturally, reflecting real-life complexity. The themes of identity, belonging, and change are handled with care and depth. Every chapter adds something meaningful to the overall story. It’s a book that lingers in your mind long after finishing. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy character-driven fiction with heart.

[Precious Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walshes: The Coming of Eve by Joe Clark is a thoughtful and well-crafted novel that offers a strong focus on family and transformation. The character of Eve brings an interesting shift to the storyline, adding tension and curiosity. Clark does a great job developing the personalities within the Walsh family, making them feel real and relatable. The writing style is smooth and easy to follow, though at times the pacing can feel slightly slow. Still, the emotional depth and attention to detail make up for it. The story explores meaningful themes around identity and connection, which many readers will appreciate. Some parts could have been a bit more concise, but overall it remains engaging. A solid read for those who enjoy introspective and character-centered stories.

[Louise Triance · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Walshes: The Coming of Eve by Joe Clark is a beautifully written novel that captures the quiet complexities of family life. Eve’s arrival brings a refreshing and sometimes unsettling shift that keeps the story engaging. The characters feel real, with emotions that are honest and relatable. Clark has a way of drawing you into the inner world of each character without overwhelming the reader. The storytelling is thoughtful and layered, revealing deeper meaning as you go. There’s a strong sense of emotional realism throughout the book. It’s not just about events, but about how those events shape people. The writing is smooth and reflective. A truly satisfying and memorable read.

[Hank · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just Plain Awful

My gosh I wish I had never read this drivel. The story is depressing on every level. No love, understanding, loyalty, penance or resolution to be found here. Just deception, cheating, lying, and everyone ending up unhappy. The writing is wrought with plot gaps, plot leaps and confusing narrative. I’m not sure what genre this is but it’s certainly not hotwife or erotica. The sex scenes are routine, boring and detached from reality. So…..I guess you can tell I didn’t like it. Haha

[Carolyn C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly didn’t expect this book to get into my head the way it did. April’s journey into becoming Eve felt intense and very personal. You can almost feel her confusion as she balances her family life with this dangerous new world. At some points, I was uncomfortable, but in a good way because it felt real. The writing pulls you into her emotions deeply. It made me question what I would do in her situation. The story is not simple, and that’s what makes it stand out. I kept thinking about it even after I finished.

[Michael F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really explores identity in a way I didn’t expect. April and Eve feel like two sides of the same person, but also completely different. Watching her slowly change and adapt to that lifestyle was both fascinating and scary. The author did a great job showing how easy it is to lose yourself. I liked how the story didn’t rush her transformation. It felt natural and believable. There’s a strong emotional layer throughout the book. I would definitely recommend this to readers who enjoy deep character development.

[Amelie Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had mixed emotions reading this, and I think that’s exactly what the author intended. Sometimes I supported April’s decisions, and other times I really questioned them. The tension between her responsibilities and her desires is very real. It shows how complicated life can get when you step outside your comfort zone. The book doesn’t try to make everything look perfect. Instead, it gives you the raw truth of her choices. That honesty made the story powerful for me. It’s not just entertaining, it’s meaningful too.

[Louie Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I loved most about this book is how bold it is. It talks about topics that many stories avoid, and it does it without holding back. The world April steps into is shown from both sides, the attraction and the danger. I appreciated that balance because it didn’t feel one-sided. The supporting characters also added a lot to the story. Each one brought a different perspective to her journey. It made the whole experience richer and more engaging. I would say this is a very thought-provoking read.

[Kat Brownell · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book seems to be just words thrown at a page, with no feeling or motivation or emotion or ANYTHING behind them. No one can even get a consistent POV. The characters are 2 dimensional. I'm not sure why she is even written with kids, especially JJ, who does absolutely nothing in the book. Then there's the husband, whose entire persona is pissed that he is no longer the bread winner, pissed that is wife isn't listening when he demands she quit her job (2 unemployed people are better than 1!!), pissed that men might be ogling his wife, and as if those weren't cliche enough, screwing everything that moves. Barf.

The entire thing is very crude, all pussies and butt fucking, which, look, I have no problem writing or reading, but am I just reading bad porn here? It's just not really my genre.

The writing style found its grove at around the 30% mark, and it became imminently more readable, but still didn't make a whole lot more sense. I made it to 60%, but I just can't do it any more. This whole unemployed housewife turns sex goddess vigilante hero warrior thing...I mean what? You took one self-defense class.

I won this book in a Goodreads ARC giveaway and felt guilty not reading it.

[Naomi Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story really kept me hooked from beginning to end. There’s always something happening, and the tension keeps building. I liked how the author slowly revealed different layers of April’s life. It made me more invested in her outcome. At some point, I started to worry about how far she would go. The emotional conflict is very strong throughout the book. It teaches that every choice comes with consequences. I’d definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something intense and different.

[Marie B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I took from this book is how easy it is to justify risky decisions when you’re chasing something bigger. April starts with a clear purpose, but things slowly become more complicated. I found that very realistic. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and this story shows that perfectly. The writing makes you feel like you’re right there with her. You understand her, even when you don’t agree. That’s what made this book special to me. It leaves you thinking long after you finish.

[Joshua J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the emotional depth in this story. It’s not just about what happens, but how it affects the characters. April’s inner struggles felt very real and relatable. Even though her situation is extreme, her feelings are something many people can understand. The author did a great job making her human and flawed. That made me connect with her more. It’s a story about choices, identity, and consequences. I would recommend it to readers who like meaningful stories.

[Florence J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gave me a lot to think about. It shows how people can change when they are exposed to new environments. April’s transformation into Eve was both exciting and unsettling. I liked how the author didn’t rush the process. It felt gradual and believable. The story also highlights the importance of knowing your limits. Sometimes she crosses lines that made me pause. That’s what made the book feel real. It’s definitely worth reading.

[Marie Švecová · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I thought this would be a straightforward story, but it turned out to be much deeper. The emotional tension is strong from the beginning. I liked how the author explored both the external drama and the internal struggle. It made the story more complete. There were moments that felt very intense and personal. It’s the kind of book that makes you reflect on your own values. I appreciate stories that do that. I would recommend it without hesitation.

[Barbara J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is not for readers looking for something light and simple. It deals with complex issues and emotional struggles. But that’s exactly why I liked it. It felt honest and unfiltered. April’s journey shows how difficult it can be to balance different parts of your life. Sometimes she makes choices that are hard to understand. But that makes her more real. I respect the author for telling such a bold story. I would recommend it to mature readers.

[Charlie Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book pulls you in with a bold premise and refuses to let go. Watching April transform into Eve is both thrilling and unsettling in the best way. The tension between her double life and her family creates a constant emotional pull. It’s not just about the world she enters, but what it does to her identity. The story feels raw, daring, and surprisingly thought-provoking. Definitely one of those books that lingers after the final page