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Down Wind and out of Sight
Down Wind and Out of Sight abounds with mysterious questions.
This unique novel is both a riveting thriller and a compassionate exploration of how much people reveal when they're doing their best to hide. Full of wry wit, compelling characters and unexpected twists, the adventures of this unique band of misfits race to a shocking climax, catching you up in a powerful story you won't forget.
This unique novel is both a riveting thriller and a compassionate exploration of how much people reveal when they're doing their best to hide. Full of wry wit, compelling characters and unexpected twists, the adventures of this unique band of misfits race to a shocking climax, catching you up in a powerful story you won't forget.
370 pages, Hardcover
Published January 12, 2022
3 people are currently reading
4 people want to read
About the author
Douglas Richardson
2 booksDouglas Richardson's diverse 50-year career has included positions as a federal prosecutor, trial lawyer, counsel for Pennsylvania's mental hospital, and award-winning Dow Jones columnist for over two decades. A Certified Master Coach, he holds a J.D. Degree from Harvard Law School, a Master's in Communications from Penn's Annenberg School of Communications, and a B.A. in American Culture from the University of Michigan. He is the author of several successful nonfiction business books. Down Wind and Out of Sight is his debut novel and winner of three literary awards.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 13, 2023
When invited to be in charge of an estate called Bohemia Manor, in the Chesapeake Bay area on the east coast of the United States, Accountant Hugh Ullam, decides to leave his aboriginal homeland of Australia and take on this new challenge. In doing so, he leaves behind a painful past.
Upon arrival, he discovers that it is more complicated that he expected as one of the family members in the manor is a capricious teenage daughter who frustrates her father and keeps the staff on his or her toes. When the father announces his plans to travel the world, Hugh and the rest of the staff are left to manage his daughter. Hugh adds a few more employees to help run the place, all individuals looking to escape from mainstream society, doing whatever it takes to live in seclusion on this property. Hugh refers to the group as “The Hole in the Wall Gang.”
Trying to appropriately care for the teen is a huge challenge for all. Giving in to her whims of creating a huge scientific experiment results in a catastrophic incident, which the gang must cover up. Unfortunately, it draws unwanted attention from the authorities. Some of these individuals have already proven themselves belligerent racists. The gang has to get extra creative to avoid the truth being uncovered.
“Down Wind and Out of Sight” is an amazing novel that is full of complexities. I found myself completely caught off guard as I delved deeper into the pages. Richardson skillfully blends in several themes, topics that I would have previously assumed to be too unrelated to be able to connect together into a story. Not only does he make it work, he creates a masterpiece by doing so. He incorporates racism, autism, systemic abuse of aboriginal people, and how marine life are impacted by technology. These are just to name a few. The technology used in this story actually goes much further than affecting marine life; it also drastically affects humans, but still readers gain some insight into marine events that have actually taken place.
Early on in my reading, I checked a couple of times to make sure that I was not reading a non-fiction book. Towards the end, I found myself checking to see if some of these places actually existed. Having spent much time on the Chesapeake Bay, I can concur that the descriptions are quite realistic. I was excited to see that the Bohemia Manor actually exists! Even though the story was created in the author’s imagination, I enjoyed seeing the actual photos of the place.
The eccentric cast of characters makes for more interesting reading. While not always likable, they are endearing. These are people who were brought together to protect a family empire, and the life of a teenager who is on the spectrum. This quirky young woman adds so much to the drama! In addition to the typical teenage hormonal angst, they are also trying to figure out how to work best with her neurodivergent traits. This aspect of the story was completely realistic. The catastrophe created by the teen added a thrilling dimension to the plot.
“Down Wind and Out of Sight,” is a must read for readers who enjoy unique thrillers, suspense, and mystery. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to future works by Douglas Richardson.
Upon arrival, he discovers that it is more complicated that he expected as one of the family members in the manor is a capricious teenage daughter who frustrates her father and keeps the staff on his or her toes. When the father announces his plans to travel the world, Hugh and the rest of the staff are left to manage his daughter. Hugh adds a few more employees to help run the place, all individuals looking to escape from mainstream society, doing whatever it takes to live in seclusion on this property. Hugh refers to the group as “The Hole in the Wall Gang.”
Trying to appropriately care for the teen is a huge challenge for all. Giving in to her whims of creating a huge scientific experiment results in a catastrophic incident, which the gang must cover up. Unfortunately, it draws unwanted attention from the authorities. Some of these individuals have already proven themselves belligerent racists. The gang has to get extra creative to avoid the truth being uncovered.
“Down Wind and Out of Sight” is an amazing novel that is full of complexities. I found myself completely caught off guard as I delved deeper into the pages. Richardson skillfully blends in several themes, topics that I would have previously assumed to be too unrelated to be able to connect together into a story. Not only does he make it work, he creates a masterpiece by doing so. He incorporates racism, autism, systemic abuse of aboriginal people, and how marine life are impacted by technology. These are just to name a few. The technology used in this story actually goes much further than affecting marine life; it also drastically affects humans, but still readers gain some insight into marine events that have actually taken place.
Early on in my reading, I checked a couple of times to make sure that I was not reading a non-fiction book. Towards the end, I found myself checking to see if some of these places actually existed. Having spent much time on the Chesapeake Bay, I can concur that the descriptions are quite realistic. I was excited to see that the Bohemia Manor actually exists! Even though the story was created in the author’s imagination, I enjoyed seeing the actual photos of the place.
The eccentric cast of characters makes for more interesting reading. While not always likable, they are endearing. These are people who were brought together to protect a family empire, and the life of a teenager who is on the spectrum. This quirky young woman adds so much to the drama! In addition to the typical teenage hormonal angst, they are also trying to figure out how to work best with her neurodivergent traits. This aspect of the story was completely realistic. The catastrophe created by the teen added a thrilling dimension to the plot.
“Down Wind and Out of Sight,” is a must read for readers who enjoy unique thrillers, suspense, and mystery. You will not be disappointed. I look forward to future works by Douglas Richardson.
December 8, 2022
Down Wind and Out of Sight by Douglas Richardson is an unexpectedly riveting and compelling novel that exceeds expectations. Hugh Ullam has had a complicated life since his childhood. As an Aboriginal child born in Australia, he faced horrific discrimination and mistreatment from an early age. However, his life would eventually follow an unforeseen journey with many ups and downs. Landing a new job at Bohemia Manor as its General Manager, he gets to share a living with a peculiar mixed group of people, among them Rickey Bayard, an autistic kid and the central focus at the manor: the group’s intention is to guide her and protect her under her father’s directions.
During the first chapters, time seemed to pass by, just as time passed by at Bo Manor. This gave the book’s first quarter slow pacing that made it hard to figure out where the plot would eventually lead to. However, after a while, unprecedented events started to happen, and the story reached a high level of intrigue. The plot becomes quite suspenseful, and every chapter brings the reader closer to the familial bond that inevitably is created between the residents of the manor. Time builds affection among the characters, bringing to light their unique traits and depth of thought.
The entire storyline is an enjoyable ride full of twists and turns. The plot became thicker after every chapter and allowed the book to develop into a unique thriller that was hard to stay away from. A page-turner, the novel builds tension and presents complex characters with distinctive personalities, and one inevitably grows attached to them. The book also showcases relevant societal problems that make people’s lives more difficult. For example, there are realistic depictions of racism at many levels, following specific historical events and shedding light on problems of the present and past that have setback the lives of many. There’s also a detailed and accurate portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that was showcased in a strangely beautiful manner.
The secluded group at Bo Manor soon has to devise a master plan to avoid trouble. Still, racial discrimination and excessive abuses of power might make their journey a lot harder than anticipated, relying entirely on each other’s wit, intelligence and determination.
Down Wind and Out of Sight is a thrilling mystery with intricate plot points providing readers with edge-of-your-seat suspense. As this action-filled story plays out, the characters work their way into your heart, and you start to question the lines between right and wrong, and do the ends justify the means?
During the first chapters, time seemed to pass by, just as time passed by at Bo Manor. This gave the book’s first quarter slow pacing that made it hard to figure out where the plot would eventually lead to. However, after a while, unprecedented events started to happen, and the story reached a high level of intrigue. The plot becomes quite suspenseful, and every chapter brings the reader closer to the familial bond that inevitably is created between the residents of the manor. Time builds affection among the characters, bringing to light their unique traits and depth of thought.
The entire storyline is an enjoyable ride full of twists and turns. The plot became thicker after every chapter and allowed the book to develop into a unique thriller that was hard to stay away from. A page-turner, the novel builds tension and presents complex characters with distinctive personalities, and one inevitably grows attached to them. The book also showcases relevant societal problems that make people’s lives more difficult. For example, there are realistic depictions of racism at many levels, following specific historical events and shedding light on problems of the present and past that have setback the lives of many. There’s also a detailed and accurate portrayal of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) that was showcased in a strangely beautiful manner.
The secluded group at Bo Manor soon has to devise a master plan to avoid trouble. Still, racial discrimination and excessive abuses of power might make their journey a lot harder than anticipated, relying entirely on each other’s wit, intelligence and determination.
Down Wind and Out of Sight is a thrilling mystery with intricate plot points providing readers with edge-of-your-seat suspense. As this action-filled story plays out, the characters work their way into your heart, and you start to question the lines between right and wrong, and do the ends justify the means?
April 23, 2022
This book is thoroughly enjoyable - it offers a unique storyline, with many fun, unexpected twists and turns. Characters are very well developed, contrasting with each other in ways that lead to fascinating interactions between them, with enough surprises to really keep the reader engaged. Not every book can "pull you along" successfully, wanting to read more and more. I found it difficult to put this book down!
I highly recommend Down Wind and Out of Sight, and look forward to reading more from the author.
I highly recommend Down Wind and Out of Sight, and look forward to reading more from the author.
June 5, 2023
I gave this book 5 stars because it is so beautifully crafted. I finished it a week ago and it still haunts me.
This intriguing tale takes place on a large estate, owned by a very wealthy man who entrusts a unique group of people to take care and protect his teenage autistic, savant daughter, while he travels the world.
After a number of mysterious events, the group tries to remain “Downwind and Out of Sight”. This book excels in the dialogue of its characters. These are people who really moved me. I was sad when the book ended and look forward to Douglas Richardson’s next novel.
This intriguing tale takes place on a large estate, owned by a very wealthy man who entrusts a unique group of people to take care and protect his teenage autistic, savant daughter, while he travels the world.
After a number of mysterious events, the group tries to remain “Downwind and Out of Sight”. This book excels in the dialogue of its characters. These are people who really moved me. I was sad when the book ended and look forward to Douglas Richardson’s next novel.
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April 21, 2022My intention as this novel's author was to craft a genre-bender combining playful action, a heady dose of suspense, and a lot of surprises with a compassionate exploration into the minds and moods of marginalized characters experiencing lives of pain and isolation. I have come to think of the book as a colorful painting, a tapestry of unconventional places and people, all wrought with small, careful brushstrokes. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing it.
April 23, 2022
Down Wind and Out of Sight has an improbable cast of characters bonded by the drive to survive, and is told so engagingly that you suspend disbelief and immerse yourself fully in the fun. The story takes you from the Australian Outback to the peaceful rivers of upper Chesapeake Bay, with visits to a sweeping country estate, a secret government research facility, and the mysterious electronics laboratory of an autistic adolescent savant. What a trip!
March 26, 2022
Down Wind and Out of Sight is a unique novel. It’s both a riveting thriller and a compassionate exploration of people who are different. Full of wry wit, compelling characters and unexpected twists, the adventures of people bound together by extraordinary circumstances race to a shocking climax, catching you up in a powerful dynamic you won't forget.
April 15, 2022
Evocative descriptions, a highly creative plot, authentic personalities, and original characterizations. I could hardly put down Down Wind and Out of Sight. Doug Richardson’s next book will accompany me to some desert island where I can read it without interruptions. A remarkable read! — Pamela Bridwell Cain
April 26, 2022
I absolutely loved Down Wind and Out of Sight. It requires a bit of patience to set the stage for the unique story and characters, but is well worth it. Once the action begins, I couldn’t stop reading. When I had to actually, you know, eat and sleep, I couldn't wait to get back to the book. Great story. I enthusiastically recommend it.
March 24, 2022
Remarkable debut novel! Richardson has a way with words—dialogue, drama and humor. This is an exciting and sophisticated read.
February 22, 2024
This is outside of what I usually read but I thought it was an amazing, face paced read and I loved the representation all throughout!
April 12, 2022
From this startlingly original debut novel, emerges a story about an aboriginal boy from the Australian outback who is taken from his family and sent to an internment camp. There, he is shaped by extraordinary events (this is a thriller, so I don’t want to reveal too much), that ultimately lead him to the quiet backwaters of Maryland. On the shores of Chesapeake Bay, he manages the financial affairs and the country of estate of a wealthy scion, who spends his time elsewhere, leaving his savant autistic daughter and a small staff behind. Though they want peace and quiet and to be left alone by the outside world, they will end up in the midst of mayhem and the focus of national security breaches. The action is exciting and non-stop: a plane will crash, the energy grid is disrupted, dead bodies pile up, and a whale will swim up the Chesapeake Bay in search of a mysterious sonar sound. The book is beautifully written with snappy dialogue and compelling prose. It is unlike anything I have ever read, and I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews