Wake the Neighbors

by Richard Adamson

The good folk of Perpetuity Valley, Wyoming, have a secret. These modern-day citizens aren't just descended from the original settlers -- they actually are the original settlers. They trekked here by wagon train in 1846, and for some mysterious reason, none of them has aged a day since. Of course, if word ever gets out about a miracle like this, the valley might get a wee bit crowded. So about a hundred years ago the townsfolk agreed to keep the secret to themselves and never allow any property to change hands.

But somebody at city hall has screwed up. Seems Phil and Carol Hodworth, from Chicago, have somehow inherited the town's Chinese restaurant, a greasy little joint called Shangri-La Gardens. Phil hates the place, but Carol wants to give the business a try. She thinks Perpetuity Valley will be a nice place to raise their two kids.

Big mistake.

Phil and Carol learn they have moved into the rudest, most unwelcoming town in America. And yet Phil will soon threaten murder to save it.

325 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 26, 2023

Reviews

[Sublime Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall Rating = 4.92

Storyline & Concept = 5
Writing & Delivery = 5
Editorial = 4.75


Phil and Carol Hodworth from Chicago, under bizarre circumstances, inherit a Chinese restaurant in a small, unknown town in Wyoming. Phil, accustomed to big city life, has no intention of moving, but he goes along with Carol’s wishes to pack up the kids and visit the place. They are welcomed with closed arms as the long-time residents of the town do everything they can to drive the family away. After performing a heroic act, the mayor decides to let the couple in on the town secret. Initially resistant, Phil eventually believes them and fights to save the future of Perpetuity, Wyoming.

This novel was a page-turner from the beginning. With laugh-out-loud humor, witty dialogues, and situational comedy, it has everything a reader needs to relax and enjoy. The settings are wonderfully described, giving a feeling of reality to an otherwise unreal existence. The author makes it easy to get inside the heads of all the characters, no matter how eccentric or peculiar they may seem, making it impossible to choose a favorite. From the eight-year-old son to the “oldest” resident, they all have endearing quirks and qualities. This was a difficult novel to put down and is a highly recommended read.

Sublime Line: “An original twist to stories of eternal life, delivering an action-packed, hilarious punch with unforgettable characters.”

[Neil & Elaine Barton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot. This author clearly has talent. Ending is weak.

An interesting novel. Full of humour and is fairly fast-paced. There is some confusion in parts and the tenses wander. However, it’s an entertaining and enjoyable read. The end is weak and lets it down. Characterisation is archetypal but full. Far too many idioms exist in short spaces, so the reader is exhausted and somewhat exacerbated.
Writer is talented.

[Greg S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A departure from Adamson's Tanager Mysteries gems, "Wake the Neighbors" is a cleverly concocted tale of a family that finds themselves visiting a small town where their host residents seem more than a little "off". This is an enjoyable read that is quite unlike any other I have come across - in a good way. Highly recommended.

[jim burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thouroighly enjoyed the largest novel by Richard Adamson. Went into the book not knowing what to expect but bought it based on how much I enjoyed his first novel Blues of Autumn.
Let me tell you I was not disappointed although a much different genre. Richard Adamson has a comfortable reading style and has a knack at making a person read “just one more chapter”.
Cannot wait to read what Richard Adamson writes next.