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Sandusky Burning
He’s desperate to come back home. But a sinister force will stop at nothing to keep him wrapped in a corrupt spider’s web…
Brady Sullivan isn’t living at a Lake Erie campground by choice. Temporarily estranged from his family, the dedicated army vet longs to see his kids and be back in his wife’s arms. But a local’s invitation for a friendly drink turns ominous when he wakes from being drugged to discover he was photographed in a compromising position with a prostitute.
Despite blackmail threatening his marriage, he refuses to compromise his security clearance by giving up government secrets. But when the vicious crime lord endangers his family, Brady faces a terrible choice between his loved ones and his honor.
Will this former soldier stand up to evil, no matter the sacrifice?
Sandusky Burning is a rollercoaster ride of a crime thriller novel. If you like complex characters, devious plans, and high-stakes excitement, you’ll love Bryan W. Conway’s gritty tale.
Buy Sandusky Burning to fan the flames of fear today!
Brady Sullivan isn’t living at a Lake Erie campground by choice. Temporarily estranged from his family, the dedicated army vet longs to see his kids and be back in his wife’s arms. But a local’s invitation for a friendly drink turns ominous when he wakes from being drugged to discover he was photographed in a compromising position with a prostitute.
Despite blackmail threatening his marriage, he refuses to compromise his security clearance by giving up government secrets. But when the vicious crime lord endangers his family, Brady faces a terrible choice between his loved ones and his honor.
Will this former soldier stand up to evil, no matter the sacrifice?
Sandusky Burning is a rollercoaster ride of a crime thriller novel. If you like complex characters, devious plans, and high-stakes excitement, you’ll love Bryan W. Conway’s gritty tale.
Buy Sandusky Burning to fan the flames of fear today!
ebook
First published December 10, 2020
12 people are currently reading
3945 people want to read
About the author
Bryan W. Conway
4 books93 followersBryan W. Conway was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. He has been an author, soldier, factory worker, lawyer, project manager, and personal fitness trainer. His hobbies include writing, reading, fitness, scuba diving, and chess. He currently resides in the suburbs of Cleveland, Ohio.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 1, 2021
A slow burn til about 40% then WHOOOSH! Fabulous crime syndicate drama. The setting is a tangible force in the book. And the characters are not just well formed but people I could run across at any point in real life. I’m in awe and anxious for more from this new author.
August 25, 2022
Unusual and unpredictable
A combination I couldn't resist in a novel: an amusement park and an RV park. Having worked my way through college at the amusement park this book is modeled on in the very real town of Sandusky, Ohio, (where I once lived) and now -- as a full-time RVer -- familiar with the ways of RV parks and their lively inhabitants, I couldn't help reading Bryan Conway's "Sandusky Burning" with a sharp eye. I've read so many books featuring RVing characters that got basic details wrong that it's always tricky business to pick up another one.
This time I was rewarded. Bryan Conway knows his RVs and can craft a fine bit of drama around fictional RV campfires. Though he errs on the side of excess (his characters do an inordinate amount of drinking; though maybe I just avoid those fellow campers) the types of shenanigans portrayed in the novel have an air of possibility around them, and that's what's needed for readers to suspend their disbelief, plunge into the world of Gravity Junction, and enjoy this book.
With a bang-up ending that wasn't entirely predictable, characters you love to hate and others you can't help rooting for, a realistically-drawn setting and plot, Conway has all the elements of a terrific novel.
That said, the story does take awhile to get going (post-prologue). I would have preferred character backgrounds sprinkled along the way, and the detailed descriptions of what each character was wearing every time they appeared didn't add to the storyline. A few telling details would have been sufficient. While a strong draft can carry a lot of detail for the writer, knowing how to trim the excess for the reader's benefit -- without marring the story -- is something that comes with practice.
For a first novel, this is a strong outing, and I'll be looking for Conway's next book.
A combination I couldn't resist in a novel: an amusement park and an RV park. Having worked my way through college at the amusement park this book is modeled on in the very real town of Sandusky, Ohio, (where I once lived) and now -- as a full-time RVer -- familiar with the ways of RV parks and their lively inhabitants, I couldn't help reading Bryan Conway's "Sandusky Burning" with a sharp eye. I've read so many books featuring RVing characters that got basic details wrong that it's always tricky business to pick up another one.
This time I was rewarded. Bryan Conway knows his RVs and can craft a fine bit of drama around fictional RV campfires. Though he errs on the side of excess (his characters do an inordinate amount of drinking; though maybe I just avoid those fellow campers) the types of shenanigans portrayed in the novel have an air of possibility around them, and that's what's needed for readers to suspend their disbelief, plunge into the world of Gravity Junction, and enjoy this book.
With a bang-up ending that wasn't entirely predictable, characters you love to hate and others you can't help rooting for, a realistically-drawn setting and plot, Conway has all the elements of a terrific novel.
That said, the story does take awhile to get going (post-prologue). I would have preferred character backgrounds sprinkled along the way, and the detailed descriptions of what each character was wearing every time they appeared didn't add to the storyline. A few telling details would have been sufficient. While a strong draft can carry a lot of detail for the writer, knowing how to trim the excess for the reader's benefit -- without marring the story -- is something that comes with practice.
For a first novel, this is a strong outing, and I'll be looking for Conway's next book.
December 14, 2021
Bryan Conway’s Sandusky Burning begins with a bizarre scene no one would expect, but one readers won’t soon forget. Readers also wouldn’t likely anticipate that this thriller will be told by twelve separate narrators, all in first person. It takes some talent to juggle all this for thriller fans who may have something more formulaic in mind. But Conway has enough of that talent to pull it off.
The good guys are Brady and Mike who find themselves the target of mini-crime kingpin, Randy, and his five henchmen. It’s a complex plot that’s full of twists and turns and a completely unanticipated ending. And when you think it’s all over, there are more surprises. I’m not going to tell you any of it. You’ll have to read this highly recommended novel yourself.
Telling the tale through the eyes of so many different narrators allows Conway to maintain, even ramp up the tension as the story progresses, and it also allows the reader to get a strong feeling for these narrators as real, believable people. The characterizations seem accurate and insightful for the types of people they are, and that sometimes gives us a strong empathy for them—even a little for some of the thugs and hard-core criminals.
All that is a testament to Conway’s skill as a writer, but just as importantly, Sandusky Burning is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of “Oh, my God” moments. You’ll find yourself pushing aside everything else to see how it’s all going to end. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
The good guys are Brady and Mike who find themselves the target of mini-crime kingpin, Randy, and his five henchmen. It’s a complex plot that’s full of twists and turns and a completely unanticipated ending. And when you think it’s all over, there are more surprises. I’m not going to tell you any of it. You’ll have to read this highly recommended novel yourself.
Telling the tale through the eyes of so many different narrators allows Conway to maintain, even ramp up the tension as the story progresses, and it also allows the reader to get a strong feeling for these narrators as real, believable people. The characterizations seem accurate and insightful for the types of people they are, and that sometimes gives us a strong empathy for them—even a little for some of the thugs and hard-core criminals.
All that is a testament to Conway’s skill as a writer, but just as importantly, Sandusky Burning is an edge-of-your-seat thriller, full of “Oh, my God” moments. You’ll find yourself pushing aside everything else to see how it’s all going to end. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
April 8, 2023
Awesome book. I loved this book not only because it has to do with my hometown and the exact area that I grew up. I was raised at the trailer Park right behind the campground. So this book has a very special meaning to me. Knowing some of the things that actually happened at this campground made this story all the more believable.
June 13, 2021
A unique novel. The plot is super captivating and the characters are so well written that you might think you know them. At moments I felt as if the story actually happened. Well done to the author. I hope he'll keep writing.
June 14, 2021
A novel worth your time and money. Sandusky Burning is what a thriller should be - thrilling, captivating, and a page-turner. The setting is a bit unusual and I was intrigued by it. The reason I'm not giving it 5 stars but 4 is that the beginning was a bit slow for my taste. I recommend the novel.
September 24, 2021
Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway is a compelling read. The setting is interesting, unusual. The plot moves at a brisk pace and it is packed with suspense. The characters are very well developed, engaging and likable. Overall, it is a nice thriller. I recommend it.
May 29, 2023
Received as a review copy from Story Origin, this is an honest review. While this runs a bit slow in introducing so many characters at once and yet these characters spice up this fiery story once things really get going due to how complex the author has made these people by making them so realistic. It's bat crazy fun of a story making it a good summer read.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 7, 2023
The story caught my interest from the first page to the last page. I started to read for a hour before bed at 10 PM and at 2 AM I put the book down, having finished it.
Though there is a foreign element to the story the main intrigue comes from the fact these seem like regular joes. The type you could recognise at some of the campgrounds around you. That one camper or camp attendant that gives you that uneasy feeling but you usually just stay out of their way and ignore it. The peanut oil is completely doable as I experimented with it. That makes this even more scary knowing even an inept unexperienced person could easily murder and possibly get away with it.
The book reminded me of the Don Pendleton, Mack Bolan and the Murphy/Sapir ,Remo Williams books I read as a young teen in the early 70's. ( yes I had odd reading habits as a female).Not sure why as it's been years since I read one. I definitely would like to read book 2 of Sandusky.
I had come across a place that offered this book for free and so glad I took the chance on reading it. I completely enjoyed it.
Though there is a foreign element to the story the main intrigue comes from the fact these seem like regular joes. The type you could recognise at some of the campgrounds around you. That one camper or camp attendant that gives you that uneasy feeling but you usually just stay out of their way and ignore it. The peanut oil is completely doable as I experimented with it. That makes this even more scary knowing even an inept unexperienced person could easily murder and possibly get away with it.
The book reminded me of the Don Pendleton, Mack Bolan and the Murphy/Sapir ,Remo Williams books I read as a young teen in the early 70's. ( yes I had odd reading habits as a female).Not sure why as it's been years since I read one. I definitely would like to read book 2 of Sandusky.
I had come across a place that offered this book for free and so glad I took the chance on reading it. I completely enjoyed it.
July 13, 2023
So good! Cannot wait for the second one!
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February 15, 2023MWSA Review
Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway is a thriller set in an RV campsite and recreational park an hour away from Cleveland, Ohio. The author creates an interesting plot by having the owner of the campsite spy on and blackmail several of the guest residents in the RV park. A natural tension develops between the main antagonist and his team of thugs and those being blackmailed. Bring in an outsider who sees what is going on and you have a protagonist for whom you start rooting. The tensions rise as the bad guys resort to violence and even attempted murder to control their victims. The point has come where the protagonist knows he must take a stand, and with the help of one of the victims, they plan their move. The concluding confrontation will be deadly.
Review by Bob Doerr (January 2023)
Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway is a thriller set in an RV campsite and recreational park an hour away from Cleveland, Ohio. The author creates an interesting plot by having the owner of the campsite spy on and blackmail several of the guest residents in the RV park. A natural tension develops between the main antagonist and his team of thugs and those being blackmailed. Bring in an outsider who sees what is going on and you have a protagonist for whom you start rooting. The tensions rise as the bad guys resort to violence and even attempted murder to control their victims. The point has come where the protagonist knows he must take a stand, and with the help of one of the victims, they plan their move. The concluding confrontation will be deadly.
Review by Bob Doerr (January 2023)
May 27, 2022
Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Sandusky Burning" by Bryan W. Conway.
4 out of 4 stars
Sandusky Burning is a fictional crime novel by Bryan W. Conway. Based in Sandusky campground, it follows several different characters over six days where all their lives change forever.
Ex-Army, Brady, decides to live full-time in his trailer at the campground to give his marriage space to recover. Working from his temporary home gives him the flexibility to ponder where his life went so wrong. A private person, he gradually gets to know his fellow campground inhabitants, Chris and Mike, each with a sad story of their own. He also becomes aquatinted with the daily staff, especially Chuck, Patrick, Victor, and Data.
However, his instincts tell him that something isn’t right, and he discovers firsthand the sinister underbelly of what appears to be a very average campground. Together with Mike, another Army veteran, they find themselves becoming more enmeshed in the criminal activities of the staff. Will they be able to break free and save themselves or will they be sucked into the quagmire of deceit, unable to escape?
Written in the first person, each chapter follows a different character. The two main characters, Brady and Mike, share the story with stoner and alcoholic Chris, lazy Chuck, tech-savvy Data, mastermind Randy, and his bullying employee, Sam. Other characters also make appearances for varying durations. While it was confusing at first keeping track of all the characters, the author’s writing style changes enough to distinguish between them. This gives them an identity of their own, as well as a specific personality which makes them more believable as individual characters.
Based over a short span of days, I found the story was somewhat slow to get started as each character and their place in the plot was explained. However, in contrast, the end made a fast-paced and unpredictable climax where I found it difficult to put the book down .
One small negative aspect of the story was that almost every female mentioned was portrayed in a somewhat negative light. They were either described as lazy, over-protective, anxiety-ridden, or pawns in criminal activities. I’m not sure if this was intentional or was just a coincidence due to the nature of the story and setting.
I liked the setting of the campsite as it painted a very realistic picture of daily life as well as the mixing pot of people that all find themselves thrown together in such a place.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was an exceptionally edited book and I found no errors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and found myself getting drawn further into the story as it progressed. It would appeal to those readers who enjoy crime fiction and who are not put off by stories that switch between multiple characters. Overall, a thoroughly good read.
4 out of 4 stars
Sandusky Burning is a fictional crime novel by Bryan W. Conway. Based in Sandusky campground, it follows several different characters over six days where all their lives change forever.
Ex-Army, Brady, decides to live full-time in his trailer at the campground to give his marriage space to recover. Working from his temporary home gives him the flexibility to ponder where his life went so wrong. A private person, he gradually gets to know his fellow campground inhabitants, Chris and Mike, each with a sad story of their own. He also becomes aquatinted with the daily staff, especially Chuck, Patrick, Victor, and Data.
However, his instincts tell him that something isn’t right, and he discovers firsthand the sinister underbelly of what appears to be a very average campground. Together with Mike, another Army veteran, they find themselves becoming more enmeshed in the criminal activities of the staff. Will they be able to break free and save themselves or will they be sucked into the quagmire of deceit, unable to escape?
Written in the first person, each chapter follows a different character. The two main characters, Brady and Mike, share the story with stoner and alcoholic Chris, lazy Chuck, tech-savvy Data, mastermind Randy, and his bullying employee, Sam. Other characters also make appearances for varying durations. While it was confusing at first keeping track of all the characters, the author’s writing style changes enough to distinguish between them. This gives them an identity of their own, as well as a specific personality which makes them more believable as individual characters.
Based over a short span of days, I found the story was somewhat slow to get started as each character and their place in the plot was explained. However, in contrast, the end made a fast-paced and unpredictable climax where I found it difficult to put the book down .
One small negative aspect of the story was that almost every female mentioned was portrayed in a somewhat negative light. They were either described as lazy, over-protective, anxiety-ridden, or pawns in criminal activities. I’m not sure if this was intentional or was just a coincidence due to the nature of the story and setting.
I liked the setting of the campsite as it painted a very realistic picture of daily life as well as the mixing pot of people that all find themselves thrown together in such a place.
I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. It was an exceptionally edited book and I found no errors. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and found myself getting drawn further into the story as it progressed. It would appeal to those readers who enjoy crime fiction and who are not put off by stories that switch between multiple characters. Overall, a thoroughly good read.
December 16, 2022
I would like to Thank GoodReads as well as the author, Bryan W. Conway, for my complimentary Kindle Edition of Sandusky Burning.
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a detail-oriented… page-turning… one-of-a-kind story written by a beyond talented author!
You won’t be disappointed… Promise!!
I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a detail-oriented… page-turning… one-of-a-kind story written by a beyond talented author!
You won’t be disappointed… Promise!!
December 18, 2021
I'll start off by saying this story had potential--the intriguing setting by taking place in a campground and the bad guys had a good thing going--but it needs a lot of work to make it a good thriller.
As others have stated, the beginning is REALLY slow with backstory of nearly every character bogging it down. It didn't get exciting until the last third of the book, but by that time, I wasn't invested in the story anymore.
The reason why they targeted the MC needed some explaining. He had access to classified gov't files/secrets or whatever, okay, but what would the baddies get? What were they after?
Same thing for Chris. I know it's suggested that he could possibly move illegal cargo, like drugs or prostitutes, but is that really what he would've been doing? It's left up in the air.
Another major issue I had while forcing myself to finish this was the abundant use of 'was'. Using 'was' too frequently makes the writing monotonous and can usually be swapped with a stronger verb. It wasn't a big problem, but the formatting needs to be looked at, too.
This may just be me, but every character having a military background also made it irritating. That tidbit didn't seem to give any character an advantage until the end, and it was only one. It got to the point where as soon as a new character was introduced, I knew he had a military background NOT because of how they presented themselves, but because that was the pattern. Different backgrounds could've been given to add a little more flare.
As others have stated, the beginning is REALLY slow with backstory of nearly every character bogging it down. It didn't get exciting until the last third of the book, but by that time, I wasn't invested in the story anymore.
The reason why they targeted the MC needed some explaining. He had access to classified gov't files/secrets or whatever, okay, but what would the baddies get? What were they after?
Same thing for Chris. I know it's suggested that he could possibly move illegal cargo, like drugs or prostitutes, but is that really what he would've been doing? It's left up in the air.
Another major issue I had while forcing myself to finish this was the abundant use of 'was'. Using 'was' too frequently makes the writing monotonous and can usually be swapped with a stronger verb. It wasn't a big problem, but the formatting needs to be looked at, too.
This may just be me, but every character having a military background also made it irritating. That tidbit didn't seem to give any character an advantage until the end, and it was only one. It got to the point where as soon as a new character was introduced, I knew he had a military background NOT because of how they presented themselves, but because that was the pattern. Different backgrounds could've been given to add a little more flare.
October 5, 2021
Well this novel hit home hard. The setting is my family’s happy place. We camp, at a different camp ground but I have seen the one the author is referring to as well as the amusement park, the bowling alley, the island, the airport, the indoor water park, and sports complex and of course the train!
Bring a camper I see so clearly the characters the author describes from the employees to the seasonal campers to the kids running around and the young foreigners who work at the park. Interesting plot. I couldn’t help but feel the traumatic darkness of the 3 vets, Brady, Mike and Chris. The military had a huge impact on their lives regardless how long each one of them served. I recommend this book to anyone that likes camping, the Sandusky tourist scene or thrillers.
Bring a camper I see so clearly the characters the author describes from the employees to the seasonal campers to the kids running around and the young foreigners who work at the park. Interesting plot. I couldn’t help but feel the traumatic darkness of the 3 vets, Brady, Mike and Chris. The military had a huge impact on their lives regardless how long each one of them served. I recommend this book to anyone that likes camping, the Sandusky tourist scene or thrillers.
March 6, 2021
I thoroughly enjoy this book. I also will never look at a campground the same way again. An interesting cast of characters as well as a great plot. I kept reading to see how every twist in the plot would unfold. I really was looking forward to a certain character to get his, and he did eventually. Bryan Conway is quite the story teller, and I highly recommend this book.
June 12, 2021
Sandusky Burning is a very well-written and very well thought out book. I'm a big fan of crime thrillers but it is hard for me to find a good one but I'm glad I've found Sandusky Burning! This book will stay in my virtual library!
March 22, 2025
When I picked up Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway, I had no idea I was about to embark on an emotionally charged journey through the lives of those at a seemingly ordinary campground. Conway's masterful storytelling draws you in from the prologue, capturing the reader's attention and not letting go.
The overlapping narratives of characters such as Todd and Brady are poignant and compelling. As they navigated through their dramas, I felt an intimate connection to their struggles—whether it was the struggle of late-night workers in an amusement park or the impact of their actions on their relationships. The prose is crisp and engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.
As I followed the unfolding drama, I was struck by how Conway manages to blend humor with tragedy. Some moments made me laugh out loud, and others left me reflecting deeply on the nature of human relationships and the complexity of life. I pondered our choices that can lead to unexpected outcomes, much like the sparks that fly in the novel.
Sandusky Burning is about the characters’ external conflicts and highlights their internal struggles. Through vivid descriptions and insightful dialogue, Conway offers a deep look into the hearts and minds of his characters. This book is a vivid reminder that every summer has its stories, and within those stories lies a profound exploration of human nature that is entertaining and thought-provoking.
The overlapping narratives of characters such as Todd and Brady are poignant and compelling. As they navigated through their dramas, I felt an intimate connection to their struggles—whether it was the struggle of late-night workers in an amusement park or the impact of their actions on their relationships. The prose is crisp and engaging, making it impossible to put the book down.
As I followed the unfolding drama, I was struck by how Conway manages to blend humor with tragedy. Some moments made me laugh out loud, and others left me reflecting deeply on the nature of human relationships and the complexity of life. I pondered our choices that can lead to unexpected outcomes, much like the sparks that fly in the novel.
Sandusky Burning is about the characters’ external conflicts and highlights their internal struggles. Through vivid descriptions and insightful dialogue, Conway offers a deep look into the hearts and minds of his characters. This book is a vivid reminder that every summer has its stories, and within those stories lies a profound exploration of human nature that is entertaining and thought-provoking.
March 22, 2025
Sandusky Burning by Bryan W. Conway is a captivating read that brilliantly captures the atmosphere of summer life within a vibrant campground setting. The intertwining lives of the characters—each with their history and secrets—create a beautifully complicated canvas that kept me hooked from the very first page. In this novel, Conway captures the ups and downs of characters like Todd, Brady, and Chuck, painting vivid images of their struggles and triumphs as they navigate through a world of late-night shifts and chaotic encounters. I especially appreciated how Conway humanizes these characters; they are flawed, relatable, and engaging. For instance, I connected with Brady's longing for peace and stability in his family. He misses his wife and kids but is caught in serious trouble as he is manipulated into spilling secrets he can’t disclose. The stakes get bigger when his family is threatened.
The narrative is complex yet flows smoothly, with moments of tension followed by introspection. The writing is tinged with nostalgia and longing, evoking that bittersweet feeling of fleeting summer days. Conway's ability to intertwine plotlines seamlessly left me breathless as I sought to uncover how their stories would intersect.
The narrative is complex yet flows smoothly, with moments of tension followed by introspection. The writing is tinged with nostalgia and longing, evoking that bittersweet feeling of fleeting summer days. Conway's ability to intertwine plotlines seamlessly left me breathless as I sought to uncover how their stories would intersect.
March 23, 2023
Sandusky Burning, #1 - It took awhile for all the character introductions to get over with but the book became interesting real quick. Typical criminals with their poor schmuck victims but with rather interesting story lines. The criminals make a terrible mistake and open a big can of woes when Army buddies take care of their own. Entertaining story. 4*
Sandusky Reckoning, #2 - Picks up right where Burning ends. Good story full of reckonings with good characters and story lines. I enjoyed both books, and while Burning was slow with the players intros, Reckoning continued the pace set when Burning finally took off running. So much of this story is told under the book's page, I won't say more. 4*
Sandusky Reckoning, #2 - Picks up right where Burning ends. Good story full of reckonings with good characters and story lines. I enjoyed both books, and while Burning was slow with the players intros, Reckoning continued the pace set when Burning finally took off running. So much of this story is told under the book's page, I won't say more. 4*
November 3, 2022
Story was OK, but way too much time spent on describing how much people were drinking and their resulting hangovers. Very repetitive.
November 28, 2022
Thank you Goodreads Giveaways and to the author Bryan W. Conway.
April 12, 2023
Told from the perspectives of 12 different people at a campsite, this book is unique. Most of the 12 are criminals and alcohol addicted, but 2 soon emerge as “good guys.” The last part of this are full of action and suspense as the good guys get revenge on the other 10.
Thanks for the free ebook to review.
Thanks for the free ebook to review.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews