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Appalachian Mountain Mysteries #2
The Roads to Damascus
He got what he'd always wanted ...
... then lost it.
Trying to find it again could cost him everything.
Abit Bradshaw finally made it back to school—only to be thrown out when a trio of con artists fleeced his school and blamed him.
His neighbor Della Kincaid can help. A former crime reporter, she knows how to chase down leads ... but she can't chase these crooks. Only one person can do that.
Will Abit find the courage to fight for the one thing that really matters to him?
Follow Abit as he travels the twists and turns of the Virginia mountains seeking payback from the desperate trio. His life-changing journey brings him face-to-face with menacing characters who conspire to stop him ... and fellow victims who yearn for justice too.
Can he go it alone ... or will he find help along the way?
But who can he trust?
You'll love this suspenseful mystery because everyone loves a battle against all odds.
Find out why so many readers are raving about Lynda McDaniel's unique voice in suspenseful mystery writing.
... then lost it.
Trying to find it again could cost him everything.
Abit Bradshaw finally made it back to school—only to be thrown out when a trio of con artists fleeced his school and blamed him.
His neighbor Della Kincaid can help. A former crime reporter, she knows how to chase down leads ... but she can't chase these crooks. Only one person can do that.
Will Abit find the courage to fight for the one thing that really matters to him?
Follow Abit as he travels the twists and turns of the Virginia mountains seeking payback from the desperate trio. His life-changing journey brings him face-to-face with menacing characters who conspire to stop him ... and fellow victims who yearn for justice too.
Can he go it alone ... or will he find help along the way?
But who can he trust?
You'll love this suspenseful mystery because everyone loves a battle against all odds.
Find out why so many readers are raving about Lynda McDaniel's unique voice in suspenseful mystery writing.
- GenresFiction
333 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 1, 2022
About the author
Lynda McDaniel
32 books62 followersEight suspenseful mysteries. Two beloved characters. Scores of twists and turns. Take an Appalachian adventure on the path to justice.
I draw inspiration for my Appalachian Mountain Mysteries series from my years living on a farm in the mountains of North Carolina. I made mistakes by the wheelbarrow-load, but I wouldn’t take anything for the experience. I met fascinating people who taught me so much, and you’ll get to meet them as this series follows the life of Abit Bradshaw from age 15 to 47 (and counting!), as he and his best friend, Della Kincaid, seek justice for those who need their help.
Hard to believe, but while on the farm near a town of only 200, I got my start as a writer. It launched a career that includes more than 1200 magazine articles, 15 nonfiction books, and my mystery series.
"Reminds me of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ You are a treasure of a writer." ~J. M. Grayson
My mystery series is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Sue Grafton, and Cheryl Bradshaw (no relation to Abit that we know of!). Learn more and read excerpts of all eight novels in the series online at LyndaMcDanielBooks.
What's next? I'm working on the ninth book in the series that takes Abit into the big city for a life-threatening investigation.
I love hearing from my readers, so don't be a stranger. I hope you'll let me know your thoughts and questions. I'll get back to you ASAP.
And I hope you'll follow me on BookBub to keep up with all the series' latest developments and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lynda...
Thanks and best wishes,
Lynda
I draw inspiration for my Appalachian Mountain Mysteries series from my years living on a farm in the mountains of North Carolina. I made mistakes by the wheelbarrow-load, but I wouldn’t take anything for the experience. I met fascinating people who taught me so much, and you’ll get to meet them as this series follows the life of Abit Bradshaw from age 15 to 47 (and counting!), as he and his best friend, Della Kincaid, seek justice for those who need their help.
Hard to believe, but while on the farm near a town of only 200, I got my start as a writer. It launched a career that includes more than 1200 magazine articles, 15 nonfiction books, and my mystery series.
"Reminds me of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’ You are a treasure of a writer." ~J. M. Grayson
My mystery series is perfect for fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Sue Grafton, and Cheryl Bradshaw (no relation to Abit that we know of!). Learn more and read excerpts of all eight novels in the series online at LyndaMcDanielBooks.
What's next? I'm working on the ninth book in the series that takes Abit into the big city for a life-threatening investigation.
I love hearing from my readers, so don't be a stranger. I hope you'll let me know your thoughts and questions. I'll get back to you ASAP.
And I hope you'll follow me on BookBub to keep up with all the series' latest developments and reviews: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/lynda...
Thanks and best wishes,
Lynda
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 2, 2024
The continuing adventures of Della and Abit with VJ (Abit) taking the central role in this story. Very enjoyable!
July 20, 2021
I've been trying to expand my reading selections and came across Lynda McDaniels A Life for a Life and The Roads to Damascus, the first two books in her Appalachian Mountain Mysteries and I recommend this series. The characters are intriguing and likeable. The plots are well written and will keep you reading past your bedtime.
May 5, 2019
The Roads to Damascus takes place four years after A Life for A Life. Abit (or VJ) is home after being expelled from The Hicks. A family of con artists takes his school for a large amount of money. They also set Abit up to take the fall. Abit decides that he needs to find them and their other victims. His journey leads him through Virginia and back to North Carolina. During this journey, Abit learns that not all smarts come from the brain and that there was a place in the world for people like him. It is up to him to embrace who he is.
The plotline for The Roads to Damascus was straightforward. It follows Abit as he pursues the family of con people who took his school for a lot of money. It was well written with memorable characters. I didn’t like that the book was told only from Abit’s POV. The back and forth between Della and Abit in the first book was lacking here. But, I could see why the author decided to only write from Abit’s POV. It was his journey that needed to be told. And what a journey it was!!
I loved Abit in this book. I loved watching his character grow in this book. I knew that I was in for something special when he went to Washington D.C. to with Della and started on his journey. The bumbling, childish manchild morphed into a mature man who knew his worth. I loved it. Of course, he made mistakes along the way. He learned from them and moved on. His journey, which first started being about him, ended up being about other people.
I was a little afraid for Abit at points in the book. He didn’t exactly keep it on the down-low that he was after Mama, Clarice, and Clayne. Some of the situations that he got into scared me. There were points in the book where I kept saying to myself “Abit, GO home.” Of course, I knew that he couldn’t.
I wouldn’t call The Roads to Damascus a mystery. There was next to no mystery in the book. The only mystery was when Abit was going to catch up with Mama, Clarice, and Clayne. But there was plenty of adventure and plenty of action. I would say that it was a good fit in those genres instead.
There was romance in The Roads to Damascus!! I wasn’t expecting it, and I loved it. I thought that Fiona was a perfect match for Abit. After what Clarice put him through, I was worried that he wouldn’t be able to trust anyone again.
The end of The Roads to Damascus was pretty typical. I knew that what happened was going to happen. I liked seeing Abit show up everyone who had doubted him.
The plotline for The Roads to Damascus was straightforward. It follows Abit as he pursues the family of con people who took his school for a lot of money. It was well written with memorable characters. I didn’t like that the book was told only from Abit’s POV. The back and forth between Della and Abit in the first book was lacking here. But, I could see why the author decided to only write from Abit’s POV. It was his journey that needed to be told. And what a journey it was!!
I loved Abit in this book. I loved watching his character grow in this book. I knew that I was in for something special when he went to Washington D.C. to with Della and started on his journey. The bumbling, childish manchild morphed into a mature man who knew his worth. I loved it. Of course, he made mistakes along the way. He learned from them and moved on. His journey, which first started being about him, ended up being about other people.
I was a little afraid for Abit at points in the book. He didn’t exactly keep it on the down-low that he was after Mama, Clarice, and Clayne. Some of the situations that he got into scared me. There were points in the book where I kept saying to myself “Abit, GO home.” Of course, I knew that he couldn’t.
I wouldn’t call The Roads to Damascus a mystery. There was next to no mystery in the book. The only mystery was when Abit was going to catch up with Mama, Clarice, and Clayne. But there was plenty of adventure and plenty of action. I would say that it was a good fit in those genres instead.
There was romance in The Roads to Damascus!! I wasn’t expecting it, and I loved it. I thought that Fiona was a perfect match for Abit. After what Clarice put him through, I was worried that he wouldn’t be able to trust anyone again.
The end of The Roads to Damascus was pretty typical. I knew that what happened was going to happen. I liked seeing Abit show up everyone who had doubted him.
February 8, 2021
I wanted to read a book set in Appalachia with characters from Appalachia and a plot best set for Appalachia. I hadn't read the first story, so all of this was new territory for me.
Abit, a young man whose very father characterized him as 'a bit' slow, had been expelled from his college called The Hicks. The college had been swindled in a con, so they decided Abit would take the fall for it. He is home, confused, so his first stop is to his friend's house. Della listens to him and asks him to go with her to DC to visit a couple of friends. She and her friend do the research and then they convince Abit he needs to find the family of cons and their many victims in order to prove his claims.
Reluctantly, he does. But he has to do it alone, calling on his friends only when absolutel necessary. (he calls to update them, but the night in the jail was his saving call, thanks to Della.) Abit learns a lot about human nature and much, much more about himself and how he feels. By the end, he finds out many things, but mostly, he discovers who he really is.
Abit, a young man whose very father characterized him as 'a bit' slow, had been expelled from his college called The Hicks. The college had been swindled in a con, so they decided Abit would take the fall for it. He is home, confused, so his first stop is to his friend's house. Della listens to him and asks him to go with her to DC to visit a couple of friends. She and her friend do the research and then they convince Abit he needs to find the family of cons and their many victims in order to prove his claims.
Reluctantly, he does. But he has to do it alone, calling on his friends only when absolutel necessary. (he calls to update them, but the night in the jail was his saving call, thanks to Della.) Abit learns a lot about human nature and much, much more about himself and how he feels. By the end, he finds out many things, but mostly, he discovers who he really is.
April 10, 2018
Goodreads kindle giveaway
I was excited to win this book, as I liked the premise and was happy to be introduced to a new set of characters, in a trilogy no less! I read the first book and liked it very much, so anticipated being equally enthralled with this one. Sadly, it did not grab me in the same way.
I enjoyed the book, and might recommend it. I do want to read the final book in the trilogy (I'm no quitter!) But I just felt that there were too many circumstances that didn't seem believable to me.
The characters were colorful, the writing is good. I'm interested to see how the author winds up the series.
However, I won't be surprised to hear myself saying 'oncet' every now and then.
I was excited to win this book, as I liked the premise and was happy to be introduced to a new set of characters, in a trilogy no less! I read the first book and liked it very much, so anticipated being equally enthralled with this one. Sadly, it did not grab me in the same way.
I enjoyed the book, and might recommend it. I do want to read the final book in the trilogy (I'm no quitter!) But I just felt that there were too many circumstances that didn't seem believable to me.
The characters were colorful, the writing is good. I'm interested to see how the author winds up the series.
However, I won't be surprised to hear myself saying 'oncet' every now and then.
October 31, 2020
This is the second book in The Appalachian series by Lynda McDaniel. I enjoyed them both and will read the third book soon. The story continues with the main character Della enjoying her new life in a small town. She left the Washington D.C to have a new start. She purchased the general store and was enjoying the interaction with the locals. A young man named Abit became her friend in the first book and now was a part of her life. The story centers around Abit who got swindled out of his life savings. There was a family going from town to town and stealing money from gullible people. Abit is determined to find them and get justice.
January 18, 2022
Beautiful story!
I enjoy Abit, his honesty, kindness to others and hopefully more kindness to himself. His ability to accept most others for who they are. Abit has come a long way in this story, gaining self-confidence in his intelligence and feelings. Della remains the other favorite with her ability to guide Abit without “mothering” him. Alex has been a great mentor to Abit in his learning how to dress, drive and “be a man”. The intertwined story with love, mystery and happiness is a great choice to read!
I enjoy Abit, his honesty, kindness to others and hopefully more kindness to himself. His ability to accept most others for who they are. Abit has come a long way in this story, gaining self-confidence in his intelligence and feelings. Della remains the other favorite with her ability to guide Abit without “mothering” him. Alex has been a great mentor to Abit in his learning how to dress, drive and “be a man”. The intertwined story with love, mystery and happiness is a great choice to read!
March 21, 2018
Goodreads Kindle Copy Win
A thrilling read as it quickly moves along.
Abit Bradshaw finds himself searching what he is meant to do. As he tries on his journey with is friends through the District of Columbia to Virginia, and to his hometown of North Carolina7 . He will meet up both saints and sinners along his path, he must learn to navigate around them.
A thrilling read as it quickly moves along.
Abit Bradshaw finds himself searching what he is meant to do. As he tries on his journey with is friends through the District of Columbia to Virginia, and to his hometown of North Carolina7 . He will meet up both saints and sinners along his path, he must learn to navigate around them.
June 13, 2018
I received a Kindle edition of this book in a Goodreads giveaway. It is the 2nd book in a trilogy, and I will definitely go back and read the first. I don't know if I would quite call it a mystery; it was more of a coming of age story. I really enjoyed the narrator's voice. The characters were richly drawn, and the story was well-paced. I'm looking forward to the next book.
March 24, 2019
Another good story about the Appalachian country, people, craftwork, cooking, and music with another bit of crime and the law (this time a nasty con job). I’m enjoying this series (including a short prequel) and just downloaded Book 3, Welcome, Little Children . . . I know I’m going to miss these characters.
January 14, 2023
Self-esteem depends on what you tell yourself
I love the way Abit Bradshaw tells how he spoke to other victims of the 3 grifters who ripped off him and his community. Lynda McDaniel skilfully shows how he and his self-esteem grow from meeting new people and new experiences. How lucky he was to have good friends like Della and Alex to push him out into the world!
I love the way Abit Bradshaw tells how he spoke to other victims of the 3 grifters who ripped off him and his community. Lynda McDaniel skilfully shows how he and his self-esteem grow from meeting new people and new experiences. How lucky he was to have good friends like Della and Alex to push him out into the world!
December 19, 2019
This second book in the Appalachian Mystery series kept me turning the pages. The characters are so real I feel like I know them. You need to start reading the first one before reading this one though. That was "A Life for a Life". Looking forward to more in the series.
February 9, 2020
As well-written as the first, "A Life for a Life".
Great characters and well developed plot that holds together and pulls you into the next book. Highly recommended from someone who does a lot of reading.
Great characters and well developed plot that holds together and pulls you into the next book. Highly recommended from someone who does a lot of reading.
September 18, 2020
Pleasurable Road Trip
I am making my way through Lynda McDaniel s fiction. She has memorable characters, just enough suspense without murder, interesting dialogue woven together in her stories . Join me on my journey. You won't be disappointed.
I am making my way through Lynda McDaniel s fiction. She has memorable characters, just enough suspense without murder, interesting dialogue woven together in her stories . Join me on my journey. You won't be disappointed.
April 9, 2022
Touching, story of a young man,s transformation
Loved all the characters, especially Abit, and his dear friends who influenced him to be who he really was inside. Touches everyone who has ever been downtrodden and discouraged with hope of new beginnings, refreshing!
Loved all the characters, especially Abit, and his dear friends who influenced him to be who he really was inside. Touches everyone who has ever been downtrodden and discouraged with hope of new beginnings, refreshing!
April 25, 2022
Abit Bradshaw is a lovely character - uncomplicated, kind. I always enjoy being in his world, travelling on his journey with him. A very much appreciated escape from the way the world is in 2022. Received as a complimentary copy from the author in return for an honest review.
May 17, 2022
This series of books is amazing. The stories take you in and you feel like you are right there with them and can see the sights they are describing. Glad that they were able to find the con artists. Looking forward to the next book in this series.
March 31, 2023
Liked Book One better
Although I liked this book, I did no like the change in Abit a bit after he went away to school. He left home a sweet , somewhat innocent boy and came home a foul mouthed hothead. I took away one star for foul language that did not enhance the story a bit.
Although I liked this book, I did no like the change in Abit a bit after he went away to school. He left home a sweet , somewhat innocent boy and came home a foul mouthed hothead. I took away one star for foul language that did not enhance the story a bit.
August 3, 2023
Good read
This is the second in the Appalachian
Mountain Mysteries and it was just as good as the first. I suggest you read the first before reading this one. I really enjoyed Abbit's story and can't wait to start the third book in this series.
This is the second in the Appalachian
Mountain Mysteries and it was just as good as the first. I suggest you read the first before reading this one. I really enjoyed Abbit's story and can't wait to start the third book in this series.
September 24, 2023
great 2nd book
Love the series. Keeps moving and the characters and their lessons are precious. I usually like more mystery but this is just a perfect mix of mystery and people books. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
Love the series. Keeps moving and the characters and their lessons are precious. I usually like more mystery but this is just a perfect mix of mystery and people books. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
June 21, 2019
Just plain disappointed...not that much of a mystery...more of a coming of age story.
July 29, 2023
He was thrown out of school??? Who was behind it and why??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 18, 2026
I think it’s the style of writing that is throwing me off. It doesn’t pull me in. It also isn’t a Christian suspense story so that usually throws me off. I stick to what I know normally.
March 23, 2025
LK's book Book #2
June 9, 2020
I was totally smitten by the first novel in this series. Abit, Della and Alex cocooned me in the Appalachian backdrop, and no sooner had I finished their first 'case', I was more than a little eager for their company again.
We've moved on four years, and Abit has returned to education, previously curtailed by his father due to Abit's 'slowness'. It all goes well until a spot of bother with a girl. Not the 'bun in the oven' sort of bother. Something a bit more serious: fraud and con artists. And this 'nice' young girl, with her partner and mother-in-law, cunningly put Abit in the frame. His first port of call for help is Della and Alex, who arm their fledgling with a car, some intel and a 'you can do this on your own' shove. Abit is twenty years old, he's smart, he's resourceful: as far as they're concerned, he can find the lowlifes who have been ripping people off left, right and centre, but they'll be on call if things get tough.
The first novel was narrated by Abit and Della in equal measure. Here, Abit takes the helm throughout: a sort of a nod to his maturity and schooling. And he's a good storyteller! His solo journey to seek justice and prove his innocence results in an experience of learning, revelation…and a rather pretty little Irish colleen.
Book 2 is always tricky when its predecessor is a five-star act to follow. But McDaniel has cracked it with flying colours. Book 3 is already on my Kindle, at Chapter 1, ready to be devoured!
We've moved on four years, and Abit has returned to education, previously curtailed by his father due to Abit's 'slowness'. It all goes well until a spot of bother with a girl. Not the 'bun in the oven' sort of bother. Something a bit more serious: fraud and con artists. And this 'nice' young girl, with her partner and mother-in-law, cunningly put Abit in the frame. His first port of call for help is Della and Alex, who arm their fledgling with a car, some intel and a 'you can do this on your own' shove. Abit is twenty years old, he's smart, he's resourceful: as far as they're concerned, he can find the lowlifes who have been ripping people off left, right and centre, but they'll be on call if things get tough.
The first novel was narrated by Abit and Della in equal measure. Here, Abit takes the helm throughout: a sort of a nod to his maturity and schooling. And he's a good storyteller! His solo journey to seek justice and prove his innocence results in an experience of learning, revelation…and a rather pretty little Irish colleen.
Book 2 is always tricky when its predecessor is a five-star act to follow. But McDaniel has cracked it with flying colours. Book 3 is already on my Kindle, at Chapter 1, ready to be devoured!
January 25, 2021
Love this series
Here it is, 4:30 on a Monday morning, less than five hours from another busy workday, but I couldn’t let the clock come between me and this story.
Living in the western North Carolina mountains, the setting is very familiar, and I’ve known some of characterizations of the people in the story.
Being a mother hen type had my heart racing for Abit along his journey, and my Mama bear instinct battled with the fear involved.
I’m looking forward to the prequel novella and the next book in this series.
Here it is, 4:30 on a Monday morning, less than five hours from another busy workday, but I couldn’t let the clock come between me and this story.
Living in the western North Carolina mountains, the setting is very familiar, and I’ve known some of characterizations of the people in the story.
Being a mother hen type had my heart racing for Abit along his journey, and my Mama bear instinct battled with the fear involved.
I’m looking forward to the prequel novella and the next book in this series.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews