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Hidden Falls
Michael Quinn is not well equipped for his odyssey through New England's dangerous underworld. In fact, he isn't well equipped for much. Michael's only goal was to become an editorial writer at the Portland Daily, a milestone he achieved just as the paper was picking up momentum toward irrelevance. Middle-aged, romantically unattached, distant from his only child, and in search of love through the missed connections classifieds, Michael thinks these are his only problems. Returning to Boston after his father dies unexpectedly, Michael's journey home forces him into conflict with unresolved family issues, denial, and the revelation that his father had ties to organized crime. Michael inherits some unfinished family business that places him as the unwitting linchpin in a major criminal conspiracy. His journey brings danger and betrayal, but also self-discovery and the possibility of a windfall of cash.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published June 8, 2020
About the author
Kevin T. Myers
2 books27 followersKevin T. Myers is the author of Hidden Falls. He proudly hails from Peabody, Massachusetts. He is a former stand-up comic and comedy writer. He has appeared on the Comedy Channel and was featured on 20/20. His jokes have been told at colleges, clubs, on the Tonight Show, and on Broadway. His essay “The Power of Compassion” aired nationally on NPR’s "This I Believe" series. He has worked as a journalist and editor in newsrooms from New Hampshire to Alaska, where he ran the Capital City Weekly. He has worked in higher education as a speechwriter, a spokesperson, and a media, government, and public relations liaison. He is currently the spokesperson for Reed College in Portland, Oregon.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 17, 2021
I *really* enjoyed this story. If anyone is homesick for Boston / New Bedford, the author gives an entertaining, funny, realistic portrayal of the people even if you don't run with the mob-adjacent. Dialogue was great. Main character was sensitive, believable. Overall I kept turning the pages and was sad it was over but also was satisfied with the ending.
August 24, 2020
Michael Quinn is a smart, sweet, middle aged guy going through a mid-life slump in Portland, OR. His dream job is under threat, he's recently divorced, and his only child just started college. And then he gets a phone call that his father has died.
Michael hasn't been home to Boston for quite some time. His very Catholic mother runs on sarcasm and guilt, and his brother (who stayed in the neighborhood to take care of their parents and became a cop) seems to hate Michael's guts. He feels like a stranger in his own home.
As friends and family gather to celebrate his father's life, Michael tries to square what he's hearing from others with his own relationship with his Dad. They talked regularly, but never about anything substantial. Michael often wondered if his Dad was as resentful of Michael leaving home to pursue his dreams as the rest of the family (and neighborhood) seem to be. And so Michael is overwhelmed by the things people tell him about his Dad - how generous his Dad was...how proud his Dad was of him...how his Dad was involved in organized crime. Wait, what?
A long weekend at home to bury his Dad becomes a complicated, dangerous, unwanted adventure for Michael Quinn as each passing day uncovers the depths of his father's secret life. This family drama with the most unlikely hero made me laugh out loud and read way past my bedtime. I highly recommend this debut novel!
Michael hasn't been home to Boston for quite some time. His very Catholic mother runs on sarcasm and guilt, and his brother (who stayed in the neighborhood to take care of their parents and became a cop) seems to hate Michael's guts. He feels like a stranger in his own home.
As friends and family gather to celebrate his father's life, Michael tries to square what he's hearing from others with his own relationship with his Dad. They talked regularly, but never about anything substantial. Michael often wondered if his Dad was as resentful of Michael leaving home to pursue his dreams as the rest of the family (and neighborhood) seem to be. And so Michael is overwhelmed by the things people tell him about his Dad - how generous his Dad was...how proud his Dad was of him...how his Dad was involved in organized crime. Wait, what?
A long weekend at home to bury his Dad becomes a complicated, dangerous, unwanted adventure for Michael Quinn as each passing day uncovers the depths of his father's secret life. This family drama with the most unlikely hero made me laugh out loud and read way past my bedtime. I highly recommend this debut novel!
September 8, 2020
Really good read! Story of the death of a father, parenting, and so much more! Great book.
September 30, 2020
Fantastic!
October 27, 2020
Loved it!!! Great story and writing...really connected with the main character. Had everything you can hope for in a good read!
August 5, 2020
The people and places in Hidden Falls are pleasantly familiar to New Englanders or fans of Dennis Lehane or old Spenser novels. It was a perfect read and kept me turning to the next page to see what happened next.
June 2, 2023
What a fun read! I thoroughly enjoyed this book with all of its humor and twists and turns.
January 31, 2021
I'm giving this book high marks because I can relate to Kevin Myers writing! As a professor and one who loves good humor, this book held my attention and I read it straight through. I did think a whole lot happened at the end (no spoilers here) but who doesn't like the end of a firework show?
June 14, 2020
I'll borrow a remark from another reader about this novel needing "more story and less introspect." It particularly bogged down when the narrator shared a lot of his personal history with his son, Ben - much of that seemed forced conversation. I find the narrator sympathetic, and I think he handled the mob connection without overdoing stereotypes. But in the end, for me it offers uneven execution, and the dialect proves distracting.
July 12, 2020
Hidden Falls is an interesting story of family secrets and broken relationships. The love for sports and the strong link of families to the Red Socks of Boston. Coming home for Mike Quinn is not only for the funeral of his Dad but to discover many secrets. Easy to read and keeps you wanting to find out more.
September 7, 2021
Kevin's book hooked me from the beginning--great job painting scenes, introducing his characters, and telling a compelling story using humor!
Loved the New England setting.
Can't wait for the next one....
Loved the New England setting.
Can't wait for the next one....
June 22, 2023
Loved it! From the beginning to the end. This fast moving thriller had me second guessing myself. I couldn’t put it down.
February 6, 2024
Michael Quinn, an unfulfilled middle-aged writer, stumbles into a hidden world far more thrilling (and dangerous) than the missed connections ads he scours. Returning home for his father's funeral, Michael uncovers a shocking truth: his seemingly ordinary dad was entangled with organized crime. Thrust into a complex web of deceit and danger, Michael must confront his estranged family, navigate treacherous alliances, and unravel his father's secrets.
Myers masterfully crafts characters brimming with depth. Michael's journey is more than just uncovering the truth; it's a poignant exploration of self-discovery. We see his vulnerabilities, his yearning for connection, and his determination to carve his own path. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic ex-girlfriend to the gruff gangsters, are equally well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.
The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing at every corner. Myers seamlessly blends humor and suspense, creating a captivating read that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. He paints a vivid picture of New England's underbelly, immersing you in the gritty atmosphere and the high stakes of Michael's predicament.
If you're looking for a novel that offers compelling characters, a suspenseful plot, and a touch of self-discovery, "Hidden Falls" is a must-read. Be prepared to dive into a world where family secrets, hidden agendas, and unexpected dangers collide, leaving you both entertained and introspective.
Myers masterfully crafts characters brimming with depth. Michael's journey is more than just uncovering the truth; it's a poignant exploration of self-discovery. We see his vulnerabilities, his yearning for connection, and his determination to carve his own path. The supporting cast, from the enigmatic ex-girlfriend to the gruff gangsters, are equally well-developed, adding layers of intrigue and complexity to the narrative.
The plot twists and turns, keeping you guessing at every corner. Myers seamlessly blends humor and suspense, creating a captivating read that's both thrilling and thought-provoking. He paints a vivid picture of New England's underbelly, immersing you in the gritty atmosphere and the high stakes of Michael's predicament.
If you're looking for a novel that offers compelling characters, a suspenseful plot, and a touch of self-discovery, "Hidden Falls" is a must-read. Be prepared to dive into a world where family secrets, hidden agendas, and unexpected dangers collide, leaving you both entertained and introspective.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews