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Cheryl
A sudden tragedy. A family torn asunder. A woman disillusioned with the formerly comforting, now cloistering, confines of suburbia. Cheryl Decker's life is forever changed by the death of her eldest daughter, as are the lives of her husband, Scott, and surviving daughter, Melinda. Spiraling into multiple addictions, her level-headed best friend Beverly and the chaos loving fellow addict Matilda each comfort her in their own unique ways. Navigating blackmail, PTA meetings and her own demons, Cheryl is forced to do worse and worse things in the pursuit of appeasing crazed blackmailing divorcees, her dead daughter's mystery contact, and discovering why her daughter leapt off the balcony.
How well do you really know your neighbours? The suburbanites of Cheryl are sophisticated on the surface, but beneath that thin veneer, there are addictions, hedonism, and ever more sinister predilections...
A dark, though at times humorous, story that captures the grim side of living in the "perfect" suburb where not everyone is as prim and proper as they appear to be, nor are they nearly as moral. Contains possibly disturbing scenes and substance abuse.
How well do you really know your neighbours? The suburbanites of Cheryl are sophisticated on the surface, but beneath that thin veneer, there are addictions, hedonism, and ever more sinister predilections...
A dark, though at times humorous, story that captures the grim side of living in the "perfect" suburb where not everyone is as prim and proper as they appear to be, nor are they nearly as moral. Contains possibly disturbing scenes and substance abuse.
185 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 11, 2021
7 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Michael Parkes
2 books100 followersMichael Parkes is a Canadian multi-genre author. He has written two books so far: Cheryl, a novel, and Gnomes and Knights, a short story collection. Both of his books are available on Kindle, including Kindle Unlimited, and as both paperback and hardcover on Amazon. Both books can also be purchased paperback through various other retailers. He also has two free-to-read short stories, Portraits and Eternity, accessible through his website or on his Buy Me a Coffee page.
Outside of writing, Michael is a graduate of Saint Lawrence College and Nipissing University; he holds a diploma in business administration and a degree in accounting. Michael also occasionally paints, enjoys hiking and nature, and freelances. Follow his social media accounts to learn more about him or his books!
Michael also has an active blog on his Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s a great place to learn more about Michael’s books, their backstories, and explore unique content! Author interviews go up every Monday and Friday too, so be sure to check back often! Authors interested in having a written author interview on Michael's blog are invited to contact him through his website.
Outside of writing, Michael is a graduate of Saint Lawrence College and Nipissing University; he holds a diploma in business administration and a degree in accounting. Michael also occasionally paints, enjoys hiking and nature, and freelances. Follow his social media accounts to learn more about him or his books!
Michael also has an active blog on his Buy Me a Coffee page. It’s a great place to learn more about Michael’s books, their backstories, and explore unique content! Author interviews go up every Monday and Friday too, so be sure to check back often! Authors interested in having a written author interview on Michael's blog are invited to contact him through his website.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 23, 2024
Looks can be deceiving and that is absolutely the case with Cheryl. A sudden unthinkable tragedy completely tears a family apart. Can you ever really trust your neighbors? Do you really want to know what goes on behind closed doors?
October 23, 2021
With Friends Like These...
I agree with another reviewer who characterized this novel as 28 Days meets Desperate Housewives and I have yet to come up with a more fitting comparison. Cheryl, the debut novel by Michael Parkes is an impressive tome weighing in at 510 pages. It grabbed me from the tragic beginning, and from there I strapped into the roller coaster ride, committed to the twists and careening turns, rises, and falls.
Cheryl is a tragi-comic character who makes every bad decision possible. It’s her humanness that causes me to stay with her and root for her success, although time and again, she spirals downward, a little lower with each revolution.
The tone of this novel is light despite the serious and sometimes dark subject matter. A family is broken by tragedy, frayed by continued substance abuse and neglect by the matriarch. But Cheryl’s turbulent antics are so self-destructive as to occasionally provide some comic relief from the otherwise bleakness of this suburb rife with drug abuse and shallow residents. That Cheryl’s husband and daughter hang on and don’t follow her down their own subversive paths is miraculous and what may save her from herself. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a loved one attempting recovery from addiction won’t be surprised by the bouncing back and forth from rehab to using and back again.
I am most amazed by the fact that throughout the protracted pages (which I emphasize because I’ve never read such a lengthy novel before) the author maintains tension as well as the reader’s interest and engagement. Although Cheryl is a trainwreck, we want to see where she lands. I am very curious about the author’s choice of character foibles and subject matter for his first novel, and what or who served as his inspiration. He is at the very front end of his writing career and I look forward to seeing what sorts of narratives and personalities spring to life for him on his future book projects. I just saw that he's published his second book, a collection of short stories called Gnomes and Knights, an easily consumable 80 pages. I will add that to my reading list!
I agree with another reviewer who characterized this novel as 28 Days meets Desperate Housewives and I have yet to come up with a more fitting comparison. Cheryl, the debut novel by Michael Parkes is an impressive tome weighing in at 510 pages. It grabbed me from the tragic beginning, and from there I strapped into the roller coaster ride, committed to the twists and careening turns, rises, and falls.
Cheryl is a tragi-comic character who makes every bad decision possible. It’s her humanness that causes me to stay with her and root for her success, although time and again, she spirals downward, a little lower with each revolution.
The tone of this novel is light despite the serious and sometimes dark subject matter. A family is broken by tragedy, frayed by continued substance abuse and neglect by the matriarch. But Cheryl’s turbulent antics are so self-destructive as to occasionally provide some comic relief from the otherwise bleakness of this suburb rife with drug abuse and shallow residents. That Cheryl’s husband and daughter hang on and don’t follow her down their own subversive paths is miraculous and what may save her from herself. Anyone who has experienced or witnessed a loved one attempting recovery from addiction won’t be surprised by the bouncing back and forth from rehab to using and back again.
I am most amazed by the fact that throughout the protracted pages (which I emphasize because I’ve never read such a lengthy novel before) the author maintains tension as well as the reader’s interest and engagement. Although Cheryl is a trainwreck, we want to see where she lands. I am very curious about the author’s choice of character foibles and subject matter for his first novel, and what or who served as his inspiration. He is at the very front end of his writing career and I look forward to seeing what sorts of narratives and personalities spring to life for him on his future book projects. I just saw that he's published his second book, a collection of short stories called Gnomes and Knights, an easily consumable 80 pages. I will add that to my reading list!
March 27, 2024
I do love an unreliable narrator, and Cheryl's perspectives while under the influence of various substances is amazingly confusing and understandable at the same time. Nevertheless I feel like there are too many plot holes that weren't addressed, as I had to flip back and forth many times to understand parts of the plot. It also didn't help that one of the parts I was really curious about ended up unanswered. The writing was quite repetitive (using the word "slurred" very often), and there was some missing punctuation, which made it a little difficult to read. Overall, I liked the concept (suspense with unreliable narrator), but this one was a little hard to get into.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2023
Not your everyday housewife, or is it?
Cheryl is the story of a housewife, who from the outside looks like she has the perfect life, but as so often in real life, things aren’t always as they appear. Cheryl has a problem, a big problem. The story deals with alcohol and drug abuse and how it ruins families, friendships, and then it gets worse from there.
This book will take you on Cheryl’s journey that has many twists and turns, ups and downs, and at times makes you want hug Cheryl and at other times shake her back to sanity.
If you like drama, dark comedy, check out this page turner.
Cheryl is the story of a housewife, who from the outside looks like she has the perfect life, but as so often in real life, things aren’t always as they appear. Cheryl has a problem, a big problem. The story deals with alcohol and drug abuse and how it ruins families, friendships, and then it gets worse from there.
This book will take you on Cheryl’s journey that has many twists and turns, ups and downs, and at times makes you want hug Cheryl and at other times shake her back to sanity.
If you like drama, dark comedy, check out this page turner.
June 8, 2023
great book
I enjoyed reading this book. The author was able to portray that living in a nice house in a good neighborhood does not insure that everybody is happy or even ok. He shows that drugs and murder and even mental illness can hit anywhere anytime. It is a gripping page turner.
I enjoyed reading this book. The author was able to portray that living in a nice house in a good neighborhood does not insure that everybody is happy or even ok. He shows that drugs and murder and even mental illness can hit anywhere anytime. It is a gripping page turner.
June 24, 2021
This is Desperate Housewives meets 28 Days. The reality of addiction and its affect on family and relationships rises to the top of this page-turner.
November 26, 2024
"A sudden tragedy. A family torn asunder. A woman disillusioned with the formerly comforting, now cloistering, confines of suburbia. Cheryl Decker's life is forever changed by the death of her eldest daughter, as are the lives of her husband, Scott, and surviving daughter, Melinda. Spiraling into multiple addictions, her level-headed best friend Beverly and the chaos loving fellow addict Matilda each comfort her in their own unique ways. Navigating blackmail, PTA meetings and her own demons, Cheryl is forced to do worse and worse things in the pursuit of appeasing crazed blackmailing divorcees, her dead daughter's mystery contact, and discovering why her daughter leapt off the balcony.
How well do you really know your neighbours? The suburbanites of Cheryl are sophisticated on the surface, but beneath that thin veneer, there are addictions, hedonism, and ever more sinister predilections...
A dark, though at times humorous, story that captures the grim side of living in the "perfect" suburb where not everyone is as prim and proper as they appear to be, nor are they nearly as moral. Contains possibly disturbing scenes and substance abuse."
Lots of suspense in this book, book is engaging throughout. If you like suspenseful and thrilling stories, this is the book for you. I really loved this book. I give this book 4 stars.
How well do you really know your neighbours? The suburbanites of Cheryl are sophisticated on the surface, but beneath that thin veneer, there are addictions, hedonism, and ever more sinister predilections...
A dark, though at times humorous, story that captures the grim side of living in the "perfect" suburb where not everyone is as prim and proper as they appear to be, nor are they nearly as moral. Contains possibly disturbing scenes and substance abuse."
Lots of suspense in this book, book is engaging throughout. If you like suspenseful and thrilling stories, this is the book for you. I really loved this book. I give this book 4 stars.
April 5, 2024
Cheryl is about a housewife who lives in a perfect house in a perfect neighborhood with perfect friends and a perfect family. Or so it seems. After a life changing event, she ends up spiraling and turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. Turning her family and friends against her with her addictions, she realizes she needs help but doesn't think she can ever recover.
I'm amazed this is a debut novel because of how well written it is. After every chapter, I was left wondering "what in the world would Cheryl get herself into next?!". Most of the time I was not expecting what came next, as Cheryl would dig herself into a situation it seemed she wouldn't make it out of. The ending had a twist I was also not expecting but it was the perfect ending for this book. I wish I could go back and read it again without knowing what happens.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
I'm amazed this is a debut novel because of how well written it is. After every chapter, I was left wondering "what in the world would Cheryl get herself into next?!". Most of the time I was not expecting what came next, as Cheryl would dig herself into a situation it seemed she wouldn't make it out of. The ending had a twist I was also not expecting but it was the perfect ending for this book. I wish I could go back and read it again without knowing what happens.
Thanks to the author for a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
December 14, 2024
I finished this book in two days. Parkes first lengthy novel grabs the reader immediately with dark humor. His development of characters provides us an insider look into one wealthy suburb and the varying disconnect of families. He carefully walks us through the connectivity of characters in a subtle way, while showing us the internal grief and challenges faced by each. The depth at which Parkes addresses desperation through addiction, takes the reader on an icy, shocking ride through the domino effects stemming from one painful event. While dark and disturbing at times, the addition of light humor keeps you wanting to unravel this book in one sitting.
August 30, 2025
When Cheryl Decker's daughter dies, her world is turned upside down, exposing the addiction, blackmail, and secrets that lurk behind the closed doors of her suburban neighborhood.
This gripping mystery expertly balances darkness and humor, featuring a relatable protagonist in Cheryl. The situations she encounters are eerily plausible, making this a compelling page-turner.
This gripping mystery expertly balances darkness and humor, featuring a relatable protagonist in Cheryl. The situations she encounters are eerily plausible, making this a compelling page-turner.
January 10, 2024
This was such an interesting read. A peek inside the perfect life of a suburbia housewife just to see its anything but perfect. Through grief, addiction, and other life problems, the mask falls, and we meet the real Cheryl. This story is a balance between humor, heartache, and trauma. It's raw and real. By the end, it has you thinking, do you ever really know a person?!
September 11, 2021
A Must Read!
A drama filled thriller to take your breath away.
Readers will find an amazing and absorbing thriller with more twists than ever. The way in which the author gives details is outstanding. With Cheryl's drug and alcohol addiction in it's peak, seemingly out of control, will she ever find a way to come out of the chaos she is part of? Read this exciting novel to know more. The narrow escapes and close calls leave us breathless.
What should she stand for? This creates a dilemma in the reader too.This is an evocative story of family ties, aspirations and class divide. The plot twists make 'Cheryl' a pacey and interesting read.
Cheryl is a novel of tragedy, adventure, overcoming it all and a heart pounding thriller to top it all off!
Cheryl has been described as having "Breaking Bad vibes" by a fan and as "Desperate Housewives meets 28 Days" by a critic. Either way it's a novel worth checking out!
This family drama will keep you hooked till the very end!
A drama filled thriller to take your breath away.
Readers will find an amazing and absorbing thriller with more twists than ever. The way in which the author gives details is outstanding. With Cheryl's drug and alcohol addiction in it's peak, seemingly out of control, will she ever find a way to come out of the chaos she is part of? Read this exciting novel to know more. The narrow escapes and close calls leave us breathless.
What should she stand for? This creates a dilemma in the reader too.This is an evocative story of family ties, aspirations and class divide. The plot twists make 'Cheryl' a pacey and interesting read.
Cheryl is a novel of tragedy, adventure, overcoming it all and a heart pounding thriller to top it all off!
Cheryl has been described as having "Breaking Bad vibes" by a fan and as "Desperate Housewives meets 28 Days" by a critic. Either way it's a novel worth checking out!
This family drama will keep you hooked till the very end!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews