Breakers

by Barry W. Litherland

No-one who was aware of the events of September and October 20__ will ever forget them. For those people who were directly involved, the memory will haunt them to the grave. Recollecting the storms alone is enough to cause nightmares; but recalling the events which took place under the cover of that violence, well... that is another matter altogether.

320 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2020

Reviews

[Zelda FeatzReviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Breakers by Barry Litherland is a crime mystery entwined with a paranormal thriller. The author tells the story from various character perspectives, bringing together the past and present to tell a very intriguing tale.
If you prefer a crime mystery with a little twist you will enjoy reading this book.
The author has a wonderful way with words that will transport you to the small Scottish coastal town. He leaves you feeling the chill of the coastal storm and with a taste of salt on your lips as you turn the pages.
When Billy McArdle, a struggling fisherman, gets involved with a drug gang, things quickly turn dangerous when illegal immigrants are thrown into the mix. Billy finds himself fearing for his life as his accomplices are murdered and soon discovers that he does not fully understand what he is caught up in.
After the first chapter or two, I found myself almost tempted to give up on the story, but finishing this book left me very satisfied. Only when you get to the last page do all the pieces finally fit together.
If a crime mystery appeals to you, then you will enjoy this book – just keep in mind that there is a paranormal element as well.

[Dom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been awhile since I read this but it's definitely stuck with me. It was the first time I experienced this author taking a foray into the paranormal, and while I was used to his Phil Tyler crime stories, he convinced me of his versatility. This was just as brisk and bracing a read as anything else in Litherland's canon, with indelible characters and purposeful use of atmosphere, evoking the Scottish coastline to ominous effect. It's a book that, like a pervasive chill, stays in your bones long after you've put it down.

[Becky · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just skip it. The author takes too much creative license with grammatical rules. It is a challenging read. Sad really, as a good editor could have made this shine and at least made it a 3 or 4 out of 5 stars. The story isn't unique, but it is well thought out. The characters were believable though the dialogue left something to be desired. Hope he finds a good editor and can take some constructive criticism because he has promise as an author.

[Melexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tale of crime, mystery and ghosts. It is interesting how the author pieced together what appeared to be unrelated tales into a climactic whole. I didn't give it full rating because of some inconsistencies in the narrative. But I must say that this is a professionally edited work.

If ghost tales aren't your cup of tea, then you shouldn't read this book.

[Camila Rapalino · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this book! From the very first page, "Breakers" by Barry Litherland captivated me with its eerie atmosphere and immersive narrative. Set in a small coastal town, the story follows Tom, a man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he begins to experience paranormal phenomena he can't explain.

What really impressed me was Litherland's writing style. He has a unique ability to create a constant sense of tension that feels almost palpable. The details of the coastal landscape, with its unsettling waves and gloomy skies, serve as the perfect backdrop for the unfolding mysteries. I felt as if I could hear the creaking of old wood and the whisper of the wind through the cracks in the windows.

The characters are wonderfully developed, and I found myself deeply interested in each one's motivations and secrets. Tom is not just a protagonist caught in a paranormal plot; he is a man with real fears and hopes, making him incredibly relatable.

Litherland masterfully balances the supernatural with human drama. The interactions and relationships between the characters are as captivating as the paranormal events. The story progresses at a pace that keeps the reader on edge, offering enough clues and revelations to maintain interest without giving away too much too soon.

The suspense scenes are so well-written that they create a growing sense of dread that kept me glued to the book until the late hours of the night haha. I couldn't help but feel chills down my spine while reading some passages. But beyond the fear and tension, "Breakers" also offers moments of introspection and emotion that add depth to the plot.

In summary, "Breakers" is a must-read for fans of paranormal thrillers. Barry Litherland has created a work that not only scares but also invites reflection on the boundaries between the real and the inexplicable. His writing style is so vivid and evocative that it made me feel as if I were living the story alongside the characters. I can't wait to read more from this talented author.