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The Connection
A drifter appears...this town will never be the same. Again...
Not much happens in the small West Texas town of Dinley, and radio DJ Sandy McAllister is fine with that. Following the tragic loss of her husband and son, she's carved out a steady, solitary existence. No more deep friendships, no more love, no more loss.
But a loud boom on the outskirts of town followed by the sudden appearance of a drifter is about to upset Sandy's carefully scripted life. His mysterious arrival on a warm summer evening coincides with the eruption of addictive and powerful feelings she cannot control or deny. And she's not the only one.
The bond, the connection, with this stranger threatens to turn her life inside out and polarize her town.
And it's not the first time this has happened in Dinley.
In the tradition of Billingsley's previous books, The Connection is an emotional ride with a few twists and turns, but this time with a little sci-fi thrown in...
Not much happens in the small West Texas town of Dinley, and radio DJ Sandy McAllister is fine with that. Following the tragic loss of her husband and son, she's carved out a steady, solitary existence. No more deep friendships, no more love, no more loss.
But a loud boom on the outskirts of town followed by the sudden appearance of a drifter is about to upset Sandy's carefully scripted life. His mysterious arrival on a warm summer evening coincides with the eruption of addictive and powerful feelings she cannot control or deny. And she's not the only one.
The bond, the connection, with this stranger threatens to turn her life inside out and polarize her town.
And it's not the first time this has happened in Dinley.
In the tradition of Billingsley's previous books, The Connection is an emotional ride with a few twists and turns, but this time with a little sci-fi thrown in...
307 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 16, 2020
3 people are currently reading
10 people want to read
About the author
David Billingsley
4 books6 followersDavid Billingsley is from Texas but now resides in Salt Lake City, Utah. His goal is to write "just a good story" for his readers. He's up to three books: The Redemption, The Switch, and The Connection, each similar in style and storytelling, yet different enough. There's plenty of genre fiction out there; if you want something unique, try one of his titles. Are they suspense? Are they mysteries? Love stories? The answer is yes.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 8, 2020
Book Reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
The Connection is a book that is filled to the brim with drama, intrigue, suspense, love, hatred, and mystery. It was in a different genre to the books I normally read as it includes a sci-fi element to it, so it made me step out of my comfort zone and I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it, in fact, I absolutely adored it and couldn’t read it quick enough. From the very first chapter, I was hooked.
Sandy McAllister had been through a tough time and was just settling into a steady routine when a stranger walks into her town and her life. The drifter, Jake Kellum, not only changed Sandy’s life but most of the town’s people too.
The characters were a delight and were so well described that they came across as real people. You got to feel every emotion and raw feeling that they had. I was mesmerised reading about all their pasts and relationships. I especially Loved Sandy, Mona, and Sheriff Swenson.
I enjoyed each chapter and all about the hidden past, it’s a great page-turner! It captures every emotion with lots of ups and downs and certainly kept me gripped.
The plot has been cleverly crafted and well written. There was a good use of language and I was left wanting more by the end, not because the book lacked anything but because I wanted it to keep going. This was one of those books where you lose time whilst reading.
Well done to author David Billingsley, this is a fabulous read and I will definitely be recommending this book and I will lookout for more books to read from you in the future.
The Connection is a book that is filled to the brim with drama, intrigue, suspense, love, hatred, and mystery. It was in a different genre to the books I normally read as it includes a sci-fi element to it, so it made me step out of my comfort zone and I can tell you I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it, in fact, I absolutely adored it and couldn’t read it quick enough. From the very first chapter, I was hooked.
Sandy McAllister had been through a tough time and was just settling into a steady routine when a stranger walks into her town and her life. The drifter, Jake Kellum, not only changed Sandy’s life but most of the town’s people too.
The characters were a delight and were so well described that they came across as real people. You got to feel every emotion and raw feeling that they had. I was mesmerised reading about all their pasts and relationships. I especially Loved Sandy, Mona, and Sheriff Swenson.
I enjoyed each chapter and all about the hidden past, it’s a great page-turner! It captures every emotion with lots of ups and downs and certainly kept me gripped.
The plot has been cleverly crafted and well written. There was a good use of language and I was left wanting more by the end, not because the book lacked anything but because I wanted it to keep going. This was one of those books where you lose time whilst reading.
Well done to author David Billingsley, this is a fabulous read and I will definitely be recommending this book and I will lookout for more books to read from you in the future.
November 21, 2020
The author of this wonderful book kindly contacted me a few months ago to ask if I would consider reading his recent book The Connection in exchange for an honest review. The premise sounded definitely like my kind of book so I gladly accepted. I am really pleased that I did as this was nothing like I had read before.
The story is a sci-fi book but it has so many layers to it. The characters emotions were written superbly. The character of Sandy I really took to. The way she was dealing with her own personal tragedies was written so poignantly. I loved how the writer was able to explain each person’s feelings and reactions when they were experiencing something they never have before. It felt very true and realistic.
The Connection has such a lot of mystery surrounding it that will keep readers eager to keep turning the pages to find out what is going on and who exactly is this stranger that has appeared in this small town who is stirring up a lot of emotions and trouble. It took me two days to read as I was desperate to see where the story would lead and what all the secrets are that the locals seemed to be keeping to themselves from Sandy. The pace of the book was perfect. It was not too fast but not too slow either. It flowed quite nicely so that before I knew it I had finished it.
A great story from an author who I will be keen to read more from in the future.
The story is a sci-fi book but it has so many layers to it. The characters emotions were written superbly. The character of Sandy I really took to. The way she was dealing with her own personal tragedies was written so poignantly. I loved how the writer was able to explain each person’s feelings and reactions when they were experiencing something they never have before. It felt very true and realistic.
The Connection has such a lot of mystery surrounding it that will keep readers eager to keep turning the pages to find out what is going on and who exactly is this stranger that has appeared in this small town who is stirring up a lot of emotions and trouble. It took me two days to read as I was desperate to see where the story would lead and what all the secrets are that the locals seemed to be keeping to themselves from Sandy. The pace of the book was perfect. It was not too fast but not too slow either. It flowed quite nicely so that before I knew it I had finished it.
A great story from an author who I will be keen to read more from in the future.
January 19, 2021
Traumatised by the death of her husband and child, Sandy McAlister keeps herself to herself. It is easier that way. Working on the local radio in the sleepy town of Dinsley, Sandys’s life is quiet and mundane and that is how she likes it. That is until everything changes when a loud boom shakes the station. That night she meets Jake Kellum.
New to the town Jake is making waves. Locals report experiencing overwhelming emotions when around him. Outraged by his presence, the men in the community can’t control themselves. Their anger spills from then in out of character acts of violence at meer mention of Jake. The consensus is that Jake is bad news and that he must be removed from the town by any means necessary immediately. Drawn to Jake Sandy is overtaken by the desire to help him. He is captivating to her. She must protect him at all costs. Billingsley successfully weaves many genres into this novel. It is equal parts sci-fi and a mystery, a thriller, and a romance. Each chapter leaves you wanting to read more. Who is Jake Kellum? What is happening in this small town? By the time I was halfway through this novel, I couldn’t put it down.
The Connection is a unique and enchanting story that would make the perfect TV adaption. Billingsley knows his characters inside out and there is so much depth to each one. The sci-fi elements of this story slide into the plot seamlessly. Without giving away any of the plot, there is so much scope in this story for further exploration. I want to know more about the strange events tied to the sleepy town of Dinsley and its inhabitants. I recommend this read.
www.penspencilsandbooks.co.uk/blog
New to the town Jake is making waves. Locals report experiencing overwhelming emotions when around him. Outraged by his presence, the men in the community can’t control themselves. Their anger spills from then in out of character acts of violence at meer mention of Jake. The consensus is that Jake is bad news and that he must be removed from the town by any means necessary immediately. Drawn to Jake Sandy is overtaken by the desire to help him. He is captivating to her. She must protect him at all costs. Billingsley successfully weaves many genres into this novel. It is equal parts sci-fi and a mystery, a thriller, and a romance. Each chapter leaves you wanting to read more. Who is Jake Kellum? What is happening in this small town? By the time I was halfway through this novel, I couldn’t put it down.
The Connection is a unique and enchanting story that would make the perfect TV adaption. Billingsley knows his characters inside out and there is so much depth to each one. The sci-fi elements of this story slide into the plot seamlessly. Without giving away any of the plot, there is so much scope in this story for further exploration. I want to know more about the strange events tied to the sleepy town of Dinsley and its inhabitants. I recommend this read.
www.penspencilsandbooks.co.uk/blog
May 28, 2022
I received an electronic copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Firstly, I’d like to apologise to the author for taking an incredibly long time to write my review. The delay was not because I wasn’t enjoying the book, but purely because of my shortcomings.
Anyway, I’m so glad that I finished this book because it kept getting more an more interesting with each chapter. Towards the end I was literally at the edge of my couch desperately wanting to know what happens next. The sci-fi element was minimal although just the right amount in my opinion to keep the plot gripping and mysterious. The characters were well thought out and Sandy almost danced on the pages coming alive. The writing was eloquent and vivid which shows the keen observations of the author. I definitely recommend this to all sci-fi and mystery lovers.
Firstly, I’d like to apologise to the author for taking an incredibly long time to write my review. The delay was not because I wasn’t enjoying the book, but purely because of my shortcomings.
Anyway, I’m so glad that I finished this book because it kept getting more an more interesting with each chapter. Towards the end I was literally at the edge of my couch desperately wanting to know what happens next. The sci-fi element was minimal although just the right amount in my opinion to keep the plot gripping and mysterious. The characters were well thought out and Sandy almost danced on the pages coming alive. The writing was eloquent and vivid which shows the keen observations of the author. I definitely recommend this to all sci-fi and mystery lovers.
February 8, 2021
Firstly, huge thanks to David for reaching out and providing me with a copy of his novel in exchange for an honest review.
The Connection is a story of the different connections people have to each other through their lifetimes, especially in the small town of Dinley in West Texas, but with a hint of sci-if thrown in. Sandy McAllister is a DJ for a local radio station and is struggling to cope with the losses she has suffered when a mysterious stranger wanders into town. Everyone in town seems to be drawn to this stranger but for some this is filled with hate and for others it’s something quite different…
Like Sandy, I felt immediately drawn to this stranger. I liked his mannerisms and I was fascinated by him, desperate to find out more about him especially as he seems to stir such powerful feelings amongst people – regardless of whether he has met them or not. I did find Sandy and AJ really interesting at the start of the novel, however I found that the more we began to discover about the stranger the less invested I was in the other characters. Even though the stories we were uncovering were interesting.
The beginning of the novel had me hooked. I was eager to see where this novel was going and even more eager to get answers to all of Sandy’s questions, whilst also getting answers about Sandy herself too. I enjoyed the way the novel would jump between characters and places and that these were clearly identified at the beginning of each chapter. It gave a great sense of time that this novel was taking place over whilst maintaining interest by changing perspectives, which I felt was very important for a novel like this where so many people are impacted by this one stranger. Although, there were times towards the end that I feel would have been better if they were shorter to maintain the same intensity as the beginning of the novel.
Whilst we are provided with several explanations throughout the course of the novel for various events that take place, which result in some very intriguing twists, I found that I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending as a whole. I think this is more down to personal preference, rather than an issue with the novel itself, as I know some readers would prefer some aspects of the mystery to remain that way so you can come to your own conclusions. However, I would have liked something a little more concrete regarding a certain part of the novel which I won’t go into detail on as I don’t want to spoil the ending!
Overall, I felt that this novel had a very strong start and it presents an interesting story with a great balance of general fiction and sci-fi elements. However, I did find a couple of chapters towards the end slightly repetitive and whilst the twists were unexpected some were a little underwhelming.
The Connection is a story of the different connections people have to each other through their lifetimes, especially in the small town of Dinley in West Texas, but with a hint of sci-if thrown in. Sandy McAllister is a DJ for a local radio station and is struggling to cope with the losses she has suffered when a mysterious stranger wanders into town. Everyone in town seems to be drawn to this stranger but for some this is filled with hate and for others it’s something quite different…
Like Sandy, I felt immediately drawn to this stranger. I liked his mannerisms and I was fascinated by him, desperate to find out more about him especially as he seems to stir such powerful feelings amongst people – regardless of whether he has met them or not. I did find Sandy and AJ really interesting at the start of the novel, however I found that the more we began to discover about the stranger the less invested I was in the other characters. Even though the stories we were uncovering were interesting.
The beginning of the novel had me hooked. I was eager to see where this novel was going and even more eager to get answers to all of Sandy’s questions, whilst also getting answers about Sandy herself too. I enjoyed the way the novel would jump between characters and places and that these were clearly identified at the beginning of each chapter. It gave a great sense of time that this novel was taking place over whilst maintaining interest by changing perspectives, which I felt was very important for a novel like this where so many people are impacted by this one stranger. Although, there were times towards the end that I feel would have been better if they were shorter to maintain the same intensity as the beginning of the novel.
Whilst we are provided with several explanations throughout the course of the novel for various events that take place, which result in some very intriguing twists, I found that I wasn’t completely satisfied with the ending as a whole. I think this is more down to personal preference, rather than an issue with the novel itself, as I know some readers would prefer some aspects of the mystery to remain that way so you can come to your own conclusions. However, I would have liked something a little more concrete regarding a certain part of the novel which I won’t go into detail on as I don’t want to spoil the ending!
Overall, I felt that this novel had a very strong start and it presents an interesting story with a great balance of general fiction and sci-fi elements. However, I did find a couple of chapters towards the end slightly repetitive and whilst the twists were unexpected some were a little underwhelming.
September 3, 2021
(Received this book for free by the author)
Our story begins in the sleepy, mundane town of Dinley in West Texas. As a small town, it’s a close-knit community. To live in this town would mean you’d know almost everyone as you move around. So, when a stranger arrives and manages to uproot the peaceful lives of the citizens, by having a strange physiological and psychological effect on them, we find ourselves in the midst of a tantalizing conspiracy that has its roots embedded in the history of our characters.
Read the full review by NightOwl and Phoenix here: https://nightowlandphoenix.wixsite.co...
Our story begins in the sleepy, mundane town of Dinley in West Texas. As a small town, it’s a close-knit community. To live in this town would mean you’d know almost everyone as you move around. So, when a stranger arrives and manages to uproot the peaceful lives of the citizens, by having a strange physiological and psychological effect on them, we find ourselves in the midst of a tantalizing conspiracy that has its roots embedded in the history of our characters.
Read the full review by NightOwl and Phoenix here: https://nightowlandphoenix.wixsite.co...
June 21, 2020
A really good take on the sci-fi trope!!! I like the twists it took!!!
October 24, 2021
This was a very complex and intriguing book with lots of twists and turns. It kept me hooked from the beginning and I'm only sad I didn't start reading it sooner! The story delves into the topics of grief, loss and trauma for our main characters, they have all had their fair share of despair over the years and many have skeletons buried deep. As the story continues its path these many skeletons begin to be unearthed and the inhabitants of Dinley realise that they will never be the same again.
I loved the originality of the storyline and found it really exciting to read and uncover the mysteries within the town. I recommend this if you are a fan of mystery, suspense, thrilling action and sci-fi.
You can read my full review on my blog.
https://www.bexbooksandstuff.com/post...
I loved the originality of the storyline and found it really exciting to read and uncover the mysteries within the town. I recommend this if you are a fan of mystery, suspense, thrilling action and sci-fi.
You can read my full review on my blog.
https://www.bexbooksandstuff.com/post...
October 12, 2021
In the town of Dinley, Texas, DJ Sandy McAllister is dealing with the loss of her husband and son. Her solitary existence is interrupted by the sudden appearance of a drifter. Along with his appearance is the eruption of addictive and powerful feelings she cannot control or deny. And she's not the only one.
Sandy has a strained relationship with her father and admits to not giving most people in Dinley any attention, but after a storm that knocks out the radio station's phones and radio feed, she sees the clean-cut stranger. She isn't the only one who sees this stranger, but the others have very different responses to him. That aggression also carries over to Sandy as well, and she's attacked on more than one occasion. The oddities in the townsfolk worsen over time; the men are increasingly abusive and agitated for the most part, while the women carry a fascination with him. For Sandy, it's almost an addiction.
The explanation for this behavior comes slowly, especially with Sandy's father actively avoiding her questions. The secrets surrounding the Walker family are intentionally hidden, and adding to this small town phenomenon is the explanation for the stranger himself. We get bits and pieces from him, and his speech is almost deliberately obtuse as well. When the full back story is dumped on Sandy (and us) at the end, it's abrupt. I almost wished for an epilogue to really explore the fallout, because it was an emotional rollercoaster that ended with no recovery. I was definitely drawn into the story, but it was almost in spite of myself.
Sandy has a strained relationship with her father and admits to not giving most people in Dinley any attention, but after a storm that knocks out the radio station's phones and radio feed, she sees the clean-cut stranger. She isn't the only one who sees this stranger, but the others have very different responses to him. That aggression also carries over to Sandy as well, and she's attacked on more than one occasion. The oddities in the townsfolk worsen over time; the men are increasingly abusive and agitated for the most part, while the women carry a fascination with him. For Sandy, it's almost an addiction.
The explanation for this behavior comes slowly, especially with Sandy's father actively avoiding her questions. The secrets surrounding the Walker family are intentionally hidden, and adding to this small town phenomenon is the explanation for the stranger himself. We get bits and pieces from him, and his speech is almost deliberately obtuse as well. When the full back story is dumped on Sandy (and us) at the end, it's abrupt. I almost wished for an epilogue to really explore the fallout, because it was an emotional rollercoaster that ended with no recovery. I was definitely drawn into the story, but it was almost in spite of myself.
May 31, 2021
This review is also featured on Behind the Pages: The Connection
Thank you to David Billingsley for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
After the tragic loss of her husband and child, Sandy McAllister has returned to her hometown of Dinley, Texas to start life over. She spends her nights working as a radio DJ for the small town and does what she can to leave the shadow of her suicide attempt behind. She stays on the outskirts, not daring to form any real relationships in the town outside of her father. Until a mysterious stranger shows up. One that puts everyone on edge. She feels a pull towards him she can’t explain. The appearance of one man is about to change the lives of everyone in Dinley.
David Billingsley’s attention to detail brought the town of Dinley to life. The history of the town and its people were flawlessly interwoven within the plot and created an atmosphere of small town life. This book is aptly named as the reader will discover the connections between people, be they friend or foe, and enjoy every minute of it.
The sci-fi within The Connection helps drive the plot forward but does not overtake the main elements of mystery. Being a reader who sometimes has a hard time with sci-fi, I loved the way it was used. As the stranger is introduced and the intrigue surrounding their being is built up, the sci-fi comes into play to enhance the mystery surrounding them. And the reader will soon find out, there is so much more to unearth within this small town.
Dinley is a town filled with a wide cast of characters, but their stories are presented to the reader in easy to retain portions. And with a combination of multiple character POVs and cliffhangers, the scenes that draw the most tension and conflict keep the reader glued to the pages. Readers who enjoy light sci-fi mysteries, and stories surrounding families will enjoy The Connection.
Thank you to David Billingsley for providing me with a copy for an honest review!
After the tragic loss of her husband and child, Sandy McAllister has returned to her hometown of Dinley, Texas to start life over. She spends her nights working as a radio DJ for the small town and does what she can to leave the shadow of her suicide attempt behind. She stays on the outskirts, not daring to form any real relationships in the town outside of her father. Until a mysterious stranger shows up. One that puts everyone on edge. She feels a pull towards him she can’t explain. The appearance of one man is about to change the lives of everyone in Dinley.
David Billingsley’s attention to detail brought the town of Dinley to life. The history of the town and its people were flawlessly interwoven within the plot and created an atmosphere of small town life. This book is aptly named as the reader will discover the connections between people, be they friend or foe, and enjoy every minute of it.
The sci-fi within The Connection helps drive the plot forward but does not overtake the main elements of mystery. Being a reader who sometimes has a hard time with sci-fi, I loved the way it was used. As the stranger is introduced and the intrigue surrounding their being is built up, the sci-fi comes into play to enhance the mystery surrounding them. And the reader will soon find out, there is so much more to unearth within this small town.
Dinley is a town filled with a wide cast of characters, but their stories are presented to the reader in easy to retain portions. And with a combination of multiple character POVs and cliffhangers, the scenes that draw the most tension and conflict keep the reader glued to the pages. Readers who enjoy light sci-fi mysteries, and stories surrounding families will enjoy The Connection.
December 22, 2020
The Connection could be about a stranger or about two strangers. This book could be about Sandy and her shattered life. It could be about secrets and lies. This book could be about the truth. The Connection is certainly about a distinct lack of people getting what they deserve.
The character of Jake is messianic in the way his arrival stirs intense passion and makes men want to crucify him. A reader can't read this book and not truly feel ‘What's Past is Prologue’ is behind the tempestuous drama. The book presents Sandy with all her heartfelt woes. The reader comes to hope that Sandy can find peace but not just through drugs and alcohol. The utter lack of true support from anyone is startling. The failure to provide even a glimmer of hope or closure for Sandy is almost irresponsible by the author. The reader invests their time in caring for Sandy and the ending leaves a dry taste in the mouth.
Those who think crazy right-wing armed nut bars committing crimes with no consequence is a good thing may enjoy this book. You are only as good as you are on your worst day. The men in this book are just simply wastes of humanity. The entire lot of them needs to be hit in the ribs with a 2x4 for eternity. The lack of a proper Old Testament judgment on every male not related to Jake is severely lacking.
The character of Sandy helps to illustrate once more how hard grief can be for people. To suffer a huge loss can be debilitating. For some, it can be six months of suffering before they can take a step forward. The Connection would work better as a dystopian novel. The reader could then be comfortable in a place that is completely unlike modern-day life.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
The character of Jake is messianic in the way his arrival stirs intense passion and makes men want to crucify him. A reader can't read this book and not truly feel ‘What's Past is Prologue’ is behind the tempestuous drama. The book presents Sandy with all her heartfelt woes. The reader comes to hope that Sandy can find peace but not just through drugs and alcohol. The utter lack of true support from anyone is startling. The failure to provide even a glimmer of hope or closure for Sandy is almost irresponsible by the author. The reader invests their time in caring for Sandy and the ending leaves a dry taste in the mouth.
Those who think crazy right-wing armed nut bars committing crimes with no consequence is a good thing may enjoy this book. You are only as good as you are on your worst day. The men in this book are just simply wastes of humanity. The entire lot of them needs to be hit in the ribs with a 2x4 for eternity. The lack of a proper Old Testament judgment on every male not related to Jake is severely lacking.
The character of Sandy helps to illustrate once more how hard grief can be for people. To suffer a huge loss can be debilitating. For some, it can be six months of suffering before they can take a step forward. The Connection would work better as a dystopian novel. The reader could then be comfortable in a place that is completely unlike modern-day life.
Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited CA.
My Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by: Mr. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...
July 9, 2020
In this almost flawless tale set in the small West Texas town of Dinley by Billingsley, a mysterious stranger’s arrival threatens to turn the townsfollks’ life upside down.
Sandy McAllister, a radio DJ, is content to live the life of a recluse after her husband and son’s tragic death leaves her permanently scarred. But the sudden appearance of a mysterious stranger in the town on a warm summer evening turns Sandy’s carefully scripted life upside down. Strange, powerful feelings take hold of Sandy’s mind, and she’s unable to do anything about it. But she’s not the only one: the stranger has this weird effect on other inhabitants of the town as well. The past, it seems has come to haunt the town residents once again.
Although the element of science fiction stays at the heart of the novel’s theme, the story is anything but dry: the characters brim with poignant emotions. Billingsley focuses on the raw feelings of his characters (mainly Sandy), who remain broken years after their personal tragedies. Sandy is a thoroughly developed character, a raw mix of intense emotion and dull goodness. AJ is equally compelling.
Billingsley develops his small Western Texas town’s culture in great detail: racial unfairness lingers, the mixed-race marriages are frowned upon; the people are shown in generally positive light, though occasionally they are ignoble. Readers will eagerly immerse themselves in this tender mix of raw emotion, high suspense, and sci-fi intrigue.
This is a novel that fans of literary SF won't want to miss.
Sandy McAllister, a radio DJ, is content to live the life of a recluse after her husband and son’s tragic death leaves her permanently scarred. But the sudden appearance of a mysterious stranger in the town on a warm summer evening turns Sandy’s carefully scripted life upside down. Strange, powerful feelings take hold of Sandy’s mind, and she’s unable to do anything about it. But she’s not the only one: the stranger has this weird effect on other inhabitants of the town as well. The past, it seems has come to haunt the town residents once again.
Although the element of science fiction stays at the heart of the novel’s theme, the story is anything but dry: the characters brim with poignant emotions. Billingsley focuses on the raw feelings of his characters (mainly Sandy), who remain broken years after their personal tragedies. Sandy is a thoroughly developed character, a raw mix of intense emotion and dull goodness. AJ is equally compelling.
Billingsley develops his small Western Texas town’s culture in great detail: racial unfairness lingers, the mixed-race marriages are frowned upon; the people are shown in generally positive light, though occasionally they are ignoble. Readers will eagerly immerse themselves in this tender mix of raw emotion, high suspense, and sci-fi intrigue.
This is a novel that fans of literary SF won't want to miss.
August 8, 2020
This is a fantastic mystery, thriller, sci-fi, love story. There is so much intrigue and mystery that you are kept on your toes from beginning to end.
Sandy is just trying to get on with her life after losing her husband and son. She works at the local radio station and keeps to herself as much as possible. An explosion one night and the appearance of a stranger in town changes everything. Sandy is drawn to the stranger with intense emotional feelings, both high and low emotions. The townsfolk also react strongly to the stranger and the story builds around these intense reactions.
I was completely hooked with this story, the characters, the atmosphere the author creates and the mystery surrounding the stranger and how it comes to light that he isn’t the only stranger to appear in the town.
A great read! I will most definitely be reading more from David Billingsley!
Sandy is just trying to get on with her life after losing her husband and son. She works at the local radio station and keeps to herself as much as possible. An explosion one night and the appearance of a stranger in town changes everything. Sandy is drawn to the stranger with intense emotional feelings, both high and low emotions. The townsfolk also react strongly to the stranger and the story builds around these intense reactions.
I was completely hooked with this story, the characters, the atmosphere the author creates and the mystery surrounding the stranger and how it comes to light that he isn’t the only stranger to appear in the town.
A great read! I will most definitely be reading more from David Billingsley!
September 19, 2020
I have another book that was very kindly gifted to me by the author to review for you. Thank you David. The following review is my unbiased, honest opinion.
Things change pretty quickly in the small southern town after the appearance of the stranger and not small changes either. It's like the entire male population has had an attitude switch turning them into hate filled lunatics.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and had me guessing all the way through. There was just something about this one that had me so intrigued, I really struggled to put it down. It just flowed and I was happy to go where it took me.
Be sure to check out my full review here - https://nevsbookcave.wordpress.com/20...
Things change pretty quickly in the small southern town after the appearance of the stranger and not small changes either. It's like the entire male population has had an attitude switch turning them into hate filled lunatics.
This book had me hooked from the very first chapter and had me guessing all the way through. There was just something about this one that had me so intrigued, I really struggled to put it down. It just flowed and I was happy to go where it took me.
Be sure to check out my full review here - https://nevsbookcave.wordpress.com/20...
July 27, 2020
I love finding a new author whose book I really like and then finding out this author has written previous books makes me very happy. I will certainly be reading David's other books. I don't normally read books with sci fi in them but the sci-fi part was very small and did not put me of the book which for me was great. After reading one chapter I wanted to keep reading and I knew the housework would just have to wait another day. It pulled me in, the writing is descriptive and every time I thought I knew what was going to happen, something else happened. It is a really good mystery story, one that I would recommend.
September 27, 2020
A fiction sci-fy book that left me wanting to know more about the characters. The book didn't under-deliver, but I could have read an entire second book about what happened next to every character. The descriptions were great and details in the perfect place. Some names were a bit confusing at times going from first names to titles and to last names, but the small town story made me relate to the setting.
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