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Soft Hearts
A Halloween Murder, a Dragon Suspect-and a Neighborhood Secret.
Harriett "Rett" Swinson is trying to rebuild her life after a failed marriage when a group of Halloween trick-or-treaters discovers her neighbor, retired English professor and poet Wanda Hightower, dead on her porch, stabbed in the back and through the heart. Was her killer a random psychopath in search of blood on All Hallow's Eve-or one of the neighbors who helped with her lawn's makeover gone wrong? Wanda claimed to have dirt on nearly everyone in their Downtown Raleigh neighborhood, so the list of suspects is long.
Finding the killer will require Rett to reconstruct Wanda's turbulent past while weighing her growing attraction for Homicide Detective Darryl Schmidt against a desperate need for independence-and a growing feeling that an innocent man is being singled out by the police for the murder.
The first installment in the Rett Swinson Mystery Series, Soft Hearts explores how the fragile vulnerability of human beings can become their greatest strength.
Harriett "Rett" Swinson is trying to rebuild her life after a failed marriage when a group of Halloween trick-or-treaters discovers her neighbor, retired English professor and poet Wanda Hightower, dead on her porch, stabbed in the back and through the heart. Was her killer a random psychopath in search of blood on All Hallow's Eve-or one of the neighbors who helped with her lawn's makeover gone wrong? Wanda claimed to have dirt on nearly everyone in their Downtown Raleigh neighborhood, so the list of suspects is long.
Finding the killer will require Rett to reconstruct Wanda's turbulent past while weighing her growing attraction for Homicide Detective Darryl Schmidt against a desperate need for independence-and a growing feeling that an innocent man is being singled out by the police for the murder.
The first installment in the Rett Swinson Mystery Series, Soft Hearts explores how the fragile vulnerability of human beings can become their greatest strength.
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 22, 2021
5 people are currently reading
2709 people want to read
About the author
Eric Lodin
2 books38 followersI was born in the Midwest and grew up in the South. I've lived abroad and now reside in North Carolina in striking distance of mountains and beach. Nature is important to me. Continually in search of a moral universe, I think mainly about philosophy, ethics, and religion. Writing is how I coalesce my thinking and cope with uncertainty. It’s also fun. Long walks and jogs while listening to poetry, music, and podcasts help keep me sane. A former journalist, I get energy from talking to people in a room (one reason the pandemic was difficult for me). I write in the mornings for no more than two hours. The year I took off to write full time was a disaster; I got pretty good at horseshoes and feeling depressed. Writing is an important part of my life, but it is not more important than the other elements. Family time, communing with nature, and collaborating with co-workers to serve others are just as important. I believe that art should serve life, and, for that to happen, life must be at the center of it all. In May 2021, I released my first mystery novel: Soft Hearts: A Rett Swinson Mystery. Book Two, Slumbering Beasts, is due out in 2022, and I’m already thinking about Book Three.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
August 15, 2021
Soft Hearts has been on my reading list for a while now, but it ended up being the perfect cozy mystery to get me in the mood for all things Fall! A murder that takes place on Halloween has Rett Swinson sleuthing about her neighborhood to determine who the killer is. It has a cast of characters that are memorable and quirky. Two of my personal favorites being Lydia and Wo. This book is filled with so many references to Raleigh that it was entertaining reading about all these places from my childhood city! The mystery keeps you on edge and I had to know which neighbor might be the culprit. It’s a fun book all the way until the end filled with southern charm.
This book is now my go to mystery recommendation for all and especially even more so now with Halloween right around the corner! You will not want to miss out on Rett Swinson’s neighborhood adventures!
This book is now my go to mystery recommendation for all and especially even more so now with Halloween right around the corner! You will not want to miss out on Rett Swinson’s neighborhood adventures!
May 22, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed the story. What I loved is that the mystery began right from the beginning and then, I was hooked. The narrative is smooth and precise. The plot, absorbing. I thought I had the criminal zeroed-in, but no. I was surprised and the reveal is worth the wait.
I liked how inclusive and relatable the characters were. The light romance between Rett and Darryl ties the story nicely, so it is not all grim and heavy. I wish I had Needless Necessities in my city. As a crafty person myself, I can imagine happily spending hours there, sigh!
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read that I did not want to put down until I finished it!
What I Did Not Like
Nothing not to like here.
Other Details
This is the first book of the Rett Swinson series and I am eagerly awaiting the next. This is my first time reading the author’s work and I am pleasantly surprised. Another author added to the watch-out list!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes! If you are mystery buff, then pick this one up. You will not regret it.
I liked how inclusive and relatable the characters were. The light romance between Rett and Darryl ties the story nicely, so it is not all grim and heavy. I wish I had Needless Necessities in my city. As a crafty person myself, I can imagine happily spending hours there, sigh!
All in all, a thoroughly enjoyable read that I did not want to put down until I finished it!
What I Did Not Like
Nothing not to like here.
Other Details
This is the first book of the Rett Swinson series and I am eagerly awaiting the next. This is my first time reading the author’s work and I am pleasantly surprised. Another author added to the watch-out list!
Would I Recommend It?
Yes! If you are mystery buff, then pick this one up. You will not regret it.
June 9, 2021
“Soft Hearts” is an impressive first effort by Eric Lodin. He checks all the boxes in a who-done-it mystery.
He tells a good story and keeps you up late turning pages to the end. His character development in a large and varied cast is top-notch, especially the protagonist, Rett Swinson: He makes it easy to like and root for her as she grows into the role of amateur sleuth.
Beyond that, Lodin further elevates his narrative by demonstrating a literary flare in the mold of Robert B. Parker in his Spenser series. He also adds a touch of wit and deftly addresses current social issues without preaching.
It’s clear the series has potential, and it will be interesting to see where Lodin takes us next.
He tells a good story and keeps you up late turning pages to the end. His character development in a large and varied cast is top-notch, especially the protagonist, Rett Swinson: He makes it easy to like and root for her as she grows into the role of amateur sleuth.
Beyond that, Lodin further elevates his narrative by demonstrating a literary flare in the mold of Robert B. Parker in his Spenser series. He also adds a touch of wit and deftly addresses current social issues without preaching.
It’s clear the series has potential, and it will be interesting to see where Lodin takes us next.
November 21, 2021
I absolutely loved this book! I related to Rett so much. I felt her frustration but also her determination to do and be better. I really loved her friends and her neighbors.
I thought the story was completely original and the ending was handled really well. I can't wait to read the next book. This book has so many funny parts.
I really loved the very end. This author has a new fan in me!
I highly highly highly recommend this book.
I thought the story was completely original and the ending was handled really well. I can't wait to read the next book. This book has so many funny parts.
I really loved the very end. This author has a new fan in me!
I highly highly highly recommend this book.
May 24, 2021
A thoroughly immersive read, and one which had me hooked to the very end!
Harriet Swinson, known as Rett, is trying to piece her life back together after a failed marriage. She lives in a small community and there is palpable shock when, on Hallowe’en, a near neighbour is found stabbed to death on her porch. Was it a random killing or is the murderer closer to home? The deceased woman, a retired English professor, had a falling out with the majority of her neighbours and had indicated that she had dirt on most, if not all, of them so suspicion falls on the community as a whole. Rett has the feeling that the police are jumping to conclusions and fears for the young man they have in their sights for this crime – can she solve the case and save an innocent?
This is an accomplished piece of writing which belies the fact that it is the author’s debut; an imaginative mystery, this is well-paced and full of surprises hidden in the many twists and turns and I relished each and every one. As with all the best books, there is a lot happening – and not just relating to the mystery. There is a spark of romantic interest going on, but finding out who the killer is takes precedence and there is no shortage of suspects; I had almost everyone in the frame at some time or another but even then I didn’t get it right! When it was all done and dusted I was rather in awe of the author’s skill at dishing up misdirection. A thoroughly satisfying read and, hopefully, the first of many. My only criticism is that perhaps a sharper title to reflect the contents and a more impactful cover would possibly get this one the attention it fully deserves. A real humdinger of a mystery which I’m happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
Harriet Swinson, known as Rett, is trying to piece her life back together after a failed marriage. She lives in a small community and there is palpable shock when, on Hallowe’en, a near neighbour is found stabbed to death on her porch. Was it a random killing or is the murderer closer to home? The deceased woman, a retired English professor, had a falling out with the majority of her neighbours and had indicated that she had dirt on most, if not all, of them so suspicion falls on the community as a whole. Rett has the feeling that the police are jumping to conclusions and fears for the young man they have in their sights for this crime – can she solve the case and save an innocent?
This is an accomplished piece of writing which belies the fact that it is the author’s debut; an imaginative mystery, this is well-paced and full of surprises hidden in the many twists and turns and I relished each and every one. As with all the best books, there is a lot happening – and not just relating to the mystery. There is a spark of romantic interest going on, but finding out who the killer is takes precedence and there is no shortage of suspects; I had almost everyone in the frame at some time or another but even then I didn’t get it right! When it was all done and dusted I was rather in awe of the author’s skill at dishing up misdirection. A thoroughly satisfying read and, hopefully, the first of many. My only criticism is that perhaps a sharper title to reflect the contents and a more impactful cover would possibly get this one the attention it fully deserves. A real humdinger of a mystery which I’m happy to recommend and give 4.5*.
August 7, 2022
EU AMEI ESSA OBRA EM INUMERAS PARTES!
Sinceramente, estou apaixonado pela escrita do autor, a construção de personagens e situações estremamente reais e sentimentais. Contudo, achei o plot com pouca força, o fato da revelação do assasino me surpreendeu muito pouco,pórem, foi bem estruturado e tudo no livro foi devidamente fechado.
Parabens, estou logo começando Slumbering Beasts, mal esperando para o terceiro livro da Rett! S2
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I LOVED THIS WORK IN MANY PARTS!
Honestly, I'm in love with the author's writing, the construction of characters and situations that are extremely real and sentimental. However, I found the plot with little force, the fact of the assassin's revelation surprised me very little, however, it was well structured and everything in the book was properly closed.
Congratulations, I'm just starting Slumbering Beasts, can't wait for Rett's third book!
With love from Brazil! S2
Sinceramente, estou apaixonado pela escrita do autor, a construção de personagens e situações estremamente reais e sentimentais. Contudo, achei o plot com pouca força, o fato da revelação do assasino me surpreendeu muito pouco,pórem, foi bem estruturado e tudo no livro foi devidamente fechado.
Parabens, estou logo começando Slumbering Beasts, mal esperando para o terceiro livro da Rett! S2
------------------
I LOVED THIS WORK IN MANY PARTS!
Honestly, I'm in love with the author's writing, the construction of characters and situations that are extremely real and sentimental. However, I found the plot with little force, the fact of the assassin's revelation surprised me very little, however, it was well structured and everything in the book was properly closed.
Congratulations, I'm just starting Slumbering Beasts, can't wait for Rett's third book!
With love from Brazil! S2
November 14, 2022
This book is a quick read with enough uncertainties to keep you turning the pages! I really enjoyed the story, and I love the main character; she’s a gritty fireball, and I can’t wait to read more books about her. I gave the book 3 stars because I felt like some of the diversity and socio-political commentary detracted from the storyline (but that could be because I’m a Christian conservative). I also thought some of the literary references were over-explained. (If readers don’t get an allusion, they should research it!) Overall, I enjoyed the story, and appreciate the author giving us a little mystery to work out. Will definitely read more of his books!
September 27, 2021
Such an entertaining read. Wonderful whodunit storyline with an abundance of interesting characters, with a little bit of romance splashed in for good measure. Am eagerly awaiting the second book in the series!
October 29, 2021
I loved this book! The characters draw you in quickly, but figuring out who did it will keep you reading. Yes there is a murder and lots of drama, but there are also laugh out loud scenes too. A very enjoyable read!
May 29, 2021
Really fun and exciting mystery. You think you know the truth and then it changes. Amazing first effort from Eric!
July 17, 2021
This was a wonderful mystery that had me captivated till the very end and just when I thought I had it figured out, it took a turn. I’m amazed that the author was able to capture the heart and souls of the two main female characters from two different ethnicities and backgrounds and still be spot on and true to both. I’m looking forward to what ever comes next from Eric in the future.
August 17, 2022
Fun read. Straight forward writing. Great mystery with lots of suspects. I didn’t see the ending coming but it tied everything in nicely. Fun to be from Raleigh and get some of the references! Great book.
September 24, 2022
Great first installment of a new mystery series! Love the main character Rett and all the character development!
April 20, 2022
A page-turning mystery, set near Halloween time in Raleigh, North Carolina. Engaging characters and well-paced. It weaves in so many of the themes we've all been facing in recent years around racial bias and inequity and divisiveness, without being preachy or at any expense of the storytelling. It is a thoughtful, empathetic, and hopeful take on the grief of divorce, too. All that said, it is a truly fun mystery that had me hooked the entire way through.
June 9, 2021
What a great book! Excellent character development, great story line, and an unpredictable ending. What more can you ask for.
June 10, 2021
An entertaining, light page turner of a mystery story. I enjoyed solving this mystery with Rett and following her on all of the twists and turns as she uncovered each clue.
July 12, 2021
I love a good murder mystery and this one doesn’t disappoint. Clues are layered in from the beginning but it keeps you guessing until the end.
October 25, 2021
Got the book on kindle from Goodreads giveaway. Really enjoyed the book. Couldn’t put it down.
January 24, 2025
This book was quite the page turner! (As much as i could do with two littles at home lol) the mystery to this book was amazing and had me eager to read more! This was an easy read for me since I’m just now starting again since having our baby! I definitely recommend reading this book!
March 8, 2022
I thought this book was very well written. It had a great storyline and kept me entertained.
December 3, 2023
Christmas present from my hubby. I enjoyed this story! Relatable main character and fun, full-bodied side characters. The ending exposition could have been a little simpler, but tied up the loose ends well.
May 20, 2021
Just finished this page turner - an easy and fun murder mystery read. Set in Raleigh, NC too which I really enjoyed. Highly recommend.
June 6, 2022
3.5 Stars, rounded up.
*** Spoiler Alert*** I wanted to love this cozy mystery set in my hometown of Raleigh, NC, but ended up just liking it. It was a quick, fun read, but I sometimes got the large cast of characters confused. I would have loved a neighborhood map with houses identified by their occupants! Maps are seriously underrated in books! I liked the main character, Rett, and was rooting for her every success, but I question if a detective would truly share murder investigation details with someone not on the police force. As the book progressed, I felt it got too preachy at times... the author was telling the reader what to think instead of showing the reader through actions. Unfortunately, this book is the same as most TV shows & movies out today in that it tries to cram alcohol abuse, homophobia, racial injustice, divorce, and environmental conscientiousness all in one cozy mystery where, of course, the christian is the guilty party. I will probably read the sequel that is due out this month, but if that book is preachy, too, then it will be the last one for me by this author.
*** Spoiler Alert*** I wanted to love this cozy mystery set in my hometown of Raleigh, NC, but ended up just liking it. It was a quick, fun read, but I sometimes got the large cast of characters confused. I would have loved a neighborhood map with houses identified by their occupants! Maps are seriously underrated in books! I liked the main character, Rett, and was rooting for her every success, but I question if a detective would truly share murder investigation details with someone not on the police force. As the book progressed, I felt it got too preachy at times... the author was telling the reader what to think instead of showing the reader through actions. Unfortunately, this book is the same as most TV shows & movies out today in that it tries to cram alcohol abuse, homophobia, racial injustice, divorce, and environmental conscientiousness all in one cozy mystery where, of course, the christian is the guilty party. I will probably read the sequel that is due out this month, but if that book is preachy, too, then it will be the last one for me by this author.
July 6, 2022
Tries too hard
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.
This is an easy to read whodunit that was fairly predictable and dripping with social justice.
If you like your stories filled with a disproportionate number of gay and lesbian characters as well as some racist cops and white people, black activists who understand implicit bias of the whites as well as a good 'ol apology from the main character at the end for her ignorant white view of the world then this is the book for you.
Sure, I could peg who the guilty party was when first introduced to them, although not sure how the author was going to do it, but it was still a well-crafted storyline.
What bothers me is the insertion of current politics. I have no issue with any of the topics present in the story but I'm literally inundated with identity politics, racism etc. on a daily basis. When I sit down for a nice murder mystery I'm looking for an escape from that. The last thing I want is another lecture. It started out ok but by the ending was basically slapping you in the face. It was unnecessary and ruined the book for me.
I received this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.
This is an easy to read whodunit that was fairly predictable and dripping with social justice.
If you like your stories filled with a disproportionate number of gay and lesbian characters as well as some racist cops and white people, black activists who understand implicit bias of the whites as well as a good 'ol apology from the main character at the end for her ignorant white view of the world then this is the book for you.
Sure, I could peg who the guilty party was when first introduced to them, although not sure how the author was going to do it, but it was still a well-crafted storyline.
What bothers me is the insertion of current politics. I have no issue with any of the topics present in the story but I'm literally inundated with identity politics, racism etc. on a daily basis. When I sit down for a nice murder mystery I'm looking for an escape from that. The last thing I want is another lecture. It started out ok but by the ending was basically slapping you in the face. It was unnecessary and ruined the book for me.
May 28, 2021
READ FULL REVIEW HERE: Soft Hearts | THE BIBLIOPHILIC WORLD
The core of the story, the mystery, is well planned. It is not a plot where just the investigation is kept in focus, ignoring all the other things. Here, the investigation is woven into Rett’s normal life.
The climax is surprising, and the author cleverly ties all the clues to the storyline from start to finish. Every episode in the novel reveals something and keeps the reader interested.
The mystery moves at a steady pace and intensifies as we progress through the pages. Each chapter has some hints, but they do not allow you to predict who is responsible. Crazy! Isn’t it?
This is worth your precious time. GIVE IT A READ. I can’t wait to read the next part of the series!!!
The core of the story, the mystery, is well planned. It is not a plot where just the investigation is kept in focus, ignoring all the other things. Here, the investigation is woven into Rett’s normal life.
The climax is surprising, and the author cleverly ties all the clues to the storyline from start to finish. Every episode in the novel reveals something and keeps the reader interested.
The mystery moves at a steady pace and intensifies as we progress through the pages. Each chapter has some hints, but they do not allow you to predict who is responsible. Crazy! Isn’t it?
This is worth your precious time. GIVE IT A READ. I can’t wait to read the next part of the series!!!
October 12, 2021
Rett Swinson is going through a divorce, which she deals with by drowning her sorrows nightly with wine and other alcoholic beverages. During this time, she meets her neighbor’s son Detective Darryl Schmidt and finds she is becoming attracted to him. A murdered neighbor, Wanda is found by Trick or Treaters on Halloween night. Rett finds herself at odds with Detective Schmidt when she becomes involved in trying to find the real killer in order to free a young black man who has been arrested and falsely accused of Wanda’s murder. Soft Hearts is an entertaining Halloween who-done-it. The author also touches on some of the issues facing our nation today such as racial injustices and homophobia.
March 25, 2021
Soft Hearts by Eric Lodin is the first instalment in The Rett Swinson Mystery Series. I liked the plot as it focused not only on the murder but also on some critical social issues like Racism, Freedom and Mental Health Issues. The book is, definitely worth a one time read. Also, the mystery deepens more and more when we go further in the story. At a point of time, I was also confused about the murderer. The climax is also on the unexpected side.
Read full review on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
Read full review on bibliophileverse.blogspot.com
April 10, 2022
This is an excellent cozy-style mystery. All of the characters are very compelling, the neighborhood acts as a kind of character unto itself and adds to the ambiance, and Rett is a great heroine. It’s realistic, while still being twisty and keeping you guessing. I couldn’t put this down, and was really disappointed to see that there haven’t been any other entries in this series yet. I sincerely hope they’re coming because I genuinely cannot wait to dive back in.
November 14, 2021
Drew me in
From the beginning, this book drew me in and held my attention. I recommend it to those who love mystery.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
From the beginning, this book drew me in and held my attention. I recommend it to those who love mystery.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway
May 27, 2022
I received a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews