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The Solace of Autumn
Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
It’s October 1987, and life gets complicated for Sheriff Wade Thompson when he’s asked to assume guardianship over seventeen-year-old Lily, the daughter of his childhood best friend, Emma Parker, who disappeared just months after Lily was born.
With Lily now in his life, memories of Emma come rushing back, and Wade becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of her disappearance. When the body of a young woman is discovered on the beach of a nearby island, Wade convinces himself there’s a connection, and he decides to officially reopen an investigation into Emma’s case.
Wade suspects that Lily’s unknown father might be the man responsible, not only for Emma’s disappearance, but also for the woman on the beach. He’s determined to find the truth about Lily’s paternity and, ultimately, the truth about Emma. But the truth might not be something Wade is prepared to hear.
The Solace of Autumn is a compelling, character-driven novel about time and place, love and loss, friends and family, and a mystery born from secrets.
It’s October 1987, and life gets complicated for Sheriff Wade Thompson when he’s asked to assume guardianship over seventeen-year-old Lily, the daughter of his childhood best friend, Emma Parker, who disappeared just months after Lily was born.
With Lily now in his life, memories of Emma come rushing back, and Wade becomes obsessed with solving the mystery of her disappearance. When the body of a young woman is discovered on the beach of a nearby island, Wade convinces himself there’s a connection, and he decides to officially reopen an investigation into Emma’s case.
Wade suspects that Lily’s unknown father might be the man responsible, not only for Emma’s disappearance, but also for the woman on the beach. He’s determined to find the truth about Lily’s paternity and, ultimately, the truth about Emma. But the truth might not be something Wade is prepared to hear.
The Solace of Autumn is a compelling, character-driven novel about time and place, love and loss, friends and family, and a mystery born from secrets.
- GenresMystery
266 pages, Hardcover
Published January 14, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 1, 2025
This was overall a great fiction mystery! I enjoyed the characters and the mystery arc, and I was very interested to see what would happen, especially towards the end - I binged the last several chapters. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the back and forth time jumps as well. All in all, a great debut!
January 6, 2025
The Solace of Autumn by Michael D. Pappas is a story about a girl who went missing 17 years prior, her daughter that was left behind, and her friend - now sheriff - and their search for answers.
This book was rich with characters, and storytelling. The pacing is a little slow, but the depth of characters made up for it.
The categorization of the book did feel slightly misleading. It's marked as mystery/suspense and I don't feel like it was. Yes, the search for what happened to Emma was prevalent and a main part of the story, but I figured out who (not the why, though) halfway through the book. Overall, it was more about how Emma, and her disappearance, shaped the people around her and the ones that were left behind. It was a story of life, and trials, and finding yourself and where you belong after so much heartache.
I still rated it 4 stars because I did very much enjoy the story and the characters, but I felt it was much more a general fiction with a sprinkling of mystery.
-TW: mentions of murder and SA, drinking, smoking
-Nonlinear timeline
**Thank you BookSirens and Michael D. Pappas for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
This book was rich with characters, and storytelling. The pacing is a little slow, but the depth of characters made up for it.
The categorization of the book did feel slightly misleading. It's marked as mystery/suspense and I don't feel like it was. Yes, the search for what happened to Emma was prevalent and a main part of the story, but I figured out who (not the why, though) halfway through the book. Overall, it was more about how Emma, and her disappearance, shaped the people around her and the ones that were left behind. It was a story of life, and trials, and finding yourself and where you belong after so much heartache.
I still rated it 4 stars because I did very much enjoy the story and the characters, but I felt it was much more a general fiction with a sprinkling of mystery.
-TW: mentions of murder and SA, drinking, smoking
-Nonlinear timeline
**Thank you BookSirens and Michael D. Pappas for sending this book for review. All opinions are my own.**
January 14, 2025
One thing is certain this story does not read like a debut novel.
The other thing is that it is hard to categorise.
Like a wonderfully looking and sumptuously tasty statement cake this is a book full of delicious ingenious.
A coming of age/teenage angst bit, family loyalty within a closed knit community. An unexpected disappearance element; plus a bit of a potential serial killer theme and an “orphaned” young woman, Lily, suffering another loss.
The measure of the writing is that it reminded me of the polished storytelling of author Wiley Cash.
With beautifully crafted and memorable locations the book reads in bold colours and expansive landscapes. Clearly defined and believable characters throughout the piece the story invites you into an environment where tradition and respect govern relationships. Yet when this breaks down, a degree of tension creates a discord that hangs about the unfolding drama. This carries an ever present threat throughout this story, where a sense of magic and mystery would wish to prevail.
I received an advance review copy for free, drawn by this books sense of place and time and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in an earlier historical time, 1987 with constant references to the music and trends of that era. Allowing for earlier stories, from the 1960s onwards, to complement and clarify the book’s chronological present. The story is told in lyrical and expressive language. The writer’s craft evident here, in his knowledge of this period, locale and relationships.
The book was a joy to read and my only disappointment being, it is too short and ends too quickly.
But not a word is wasted and what needed to be told was executed with clarity and compassion.
Although the mystery is finally solved these fictional lives will stay with me for some time.
The author’s name also will be lodged in my mind to await future projects and engaging stories.
The other thing is that it is hard to categorise.
Like a wonderfully looking and sumptuously tasty statement cake this is a book full of delicious ingenious.
A coming of age/teenage angst bit, family loyalty within a closed knit community. An unexpected disappearance element; plus a bit of a potential serial killer theme and an “orphaned” young woman, Lily, suffering another loss.
The measure of the writing is that it reminded me of the polished storytelling of author Wiley Cash.
With beautifully crafted and memorable locations the book reads in bold colours and expansive landscapes. Clearly defined and believable characters throughout the piece the story invites you into an environment where tradition and respect govern relationships. Yet when this breaks down, a degree of tension creates a discord that hangs about the unfolding drama. This carries an ever present threat throughout this story, where a sense of magic and mystery would wish to prevail.
I received an advance review copy for free, drawn by this books sense of place and time and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Set in an earlier historical time, 1987 with constant references to the music and trends of that era. Allowing for earlier stories, from the 1960s onwards, to complement and clarify the book’s chronological present. The story is told in lyrical and expressive language. The writer’s craft evident here, in his knowledge of this period, locale and relationships.
The book was a joy to read and my only disappointment being, it is too short and ends too quickly.
But not a word is wasted and what needed to be told was executed with clarity and compassion.
Although the mystery is finally solved these fictional lives will stay with me for some time.
The author’s name also will be lodged in my mind to await future projects and engaging stories.
January 14, 2025
★★★★★
What a fantastic debut!
The disappearance of Emma Parker 17 years ago still haunts now-Sheriff Wade Thompson. Emma was his best friend growing up, and she vanished without a trace, leaving behind an infant daughter, Lily. Lily’s life has been far from easy. After Emma’s disappearance, her grandparents took her in, but when they passed away, she went to live with her uncle. Now, with his health rapidly declining, her uncle asks Wade to care for Lily—knowing Wade cannot refuse.
For Wade, who is married and seemingly has moved on, life suddenly becomes complicated again. Emma’s ghost has never left him, but with Lily in the house, the memories come rushing back, and he’s once again determined to solve her case. At the same time Lily joins his household, a girl is found dead on the beach in a manner eerily similar to another cold case from 14 years earlier. Could a serial killer be stalking their coastal town? Is he responsible for Emma’s disappearance?
This is a wonderfully atmospheric and character-driven story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Told across two timelines—present day (late 1980s) and flashbacks to Wade and Emma’s childhood and teenage years—each era is filled with rich nostalgia, brought to life through the cars the characters drive, the music they listen to, and the fashion of the time. I felt instantly transported into the story.
Michael D. Pappas’ character development is fantastic. He brings each character to life so vividly that I felt as though I knew them intimately. Wade, the main character, is deeply shaped by his mother’s mental health struggles, his time as a POW in Vietnam, and, of course, Emma’s disappearance. He seems like a natural fit for the role of sheriff—someone who cares deeply and will do whatever it takes to protect those around him. The group of friends spanning both generations is equally well-developed and further enhances the story. As I learned more about them, they began to feel more like family as the years went by.
The ending may frustrate some readers, but I found it fitting, considering the characters and the events that shaped their lives.
Thank you to BookSirens and Michael D. Pappas for providing an early copy of this atmospheric mystery! All opinions are my own.
What a fantastic debut!
The disappearance of Emma Parker 17 years ago still haunts now-Sheriff Wade Thompson. Emma was his best friend growing up, and she vanished without a trace, leaving behind an infant daughter, Lily. Lily’s life has been far from easy. After Emma’s disappearance, her grandparents took her in, but when they passed away, she went to live with her uncle. Now, with his health rapidly declining, her uncle asks Wade to care for Lily—knowing Wade cannot refuse.
For Wade, who is married and seemingly has moved on, life suddenly becomes complicated again. Emma’s ghost has never left him, but with Lily in the house, the memories come rushing back, and he’s once again determined to solve her case. At the same time Lily joins his household, a girl is found dead on the beach in a manner eerily similar to another cold case from 14 years earlier. Could a serial killer be stalking their coastal town? Is he responsible for Emma’s disappearance?
This is a wonderfully atmospheric and character-driven story that pulls you in and doesn’t let go. Told across two timelines—present day (late 1980s) and flashbacks to Wade and Emma’s childhood and teenage years—each era is filled with rich nostalgia, brought to life through the cars the characters drive, the music they listen to, and the fashion of the time. I felt instantly transported into the story.
Michael D. Pappas’ character development is fantastic. He brings each character to life so vividly that I felt as though I knew them intimately. Wade, the main character, is deeply shaped by his mother’s mental health struggles, his time as a POW in Vietnam, and, of course, Emma’s disappearance. He seems like a natural fit for the role of sheriff—someone who cares deeply and will do whatever it takes to protect those around him. The group of friends spanning both generations is equally well-developed and further enhances the story. As I learned more about them, they began to feel more like family as the years went by.
The ending may frustrate some readers, but I found it fitting, considering the characters and the events that shaped their lives.
Thank you to BookSirens and Michael D. Pappas for providing an early copy of this atmospheric mystery! All opinions are my own.
November 18, 2024
Really a very enjoyable read. This story unfolds linking together many great characters. The plot just keeps unfolding and it is easy to be drawn in by the great characters.
The central character Wade, a small town sheriff, faced with demons from the past has old feelings unearthed after the discovery of a body of a young girl in an apparent 'staged' murder scene.
The book runs in a 'now and then' style. As we follow the current time line occasionally we are projected into the past, which gives us insight into how many of the characters developed.
The body turns up with worrying similarities to past murders. Wade can see the similarities but the 'big town cops' can't seem to join the dots. Past prejudices can easily lead the investigations down the wrong path.
The 'flash backs' in the book are great. I live in another country to the setting of this book but can see many similarities to my youth.
Sheriff Wade is faced with many dilemmas, an unresolved disappearance of his first love, the responsibility of taking over the care of a teenage girl whose relatives are dead, keeping his current strong relationship with Ginny on track and being haunted by a possible serial killer.
Great read, this is an outstanding first novel by Michael D Pappas and if this is his first, one eagerly looks forward to his next work. I highly recommend The Solace of Autumn which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for evaluation and I freely leave this review.
The central character Wade, a small town sheriff, faced with demons from the past has old feelings unearthed after the discovery of a body of a young girl in an apparent 'staged' murder scene.
The book runs in a 'now and then' style. As we follow the current time line occasionally we are projected into the past, which gives us insight into how many of the characters developed.
The body turns up with worrying similarities to past murders. Wade can see the similarities but the 'big town cops' can't seem to join the dots. Past prejudices can easily lead the investigations down the wrong path.
The 'flash backs' in the book are great. I live in another country to the setting of this book but can see many similarities to my youth.
Sheriff Wade is faced with many dilemmas, an unresolved disappearance of his first love, the responsibility of taking over the care of a teenage girl whose relatives are dead, keeping his current strong relationship with Ginny on track and being haunted by a possible serial killer.
Great read, this is an outstanding first novel by Michael D Pappas and if this is his first, one eagerly looks forward to his next work. I highly recommend The Solace of Autumn which I feel will appeal to a wide audience.
I received a complimentary copy of this book for evaluation and I freely leave this review.
January 14, 2025
Sheriff Wade Thompson feels the past tugging at him when the teenage daughter of his childhood love needs a place to live. Emma Parker disappeared years ago, just months after giving birth to Lily. For years, Lily was cared for by her uncle, who just died, so Wade and his wife welcome Lily into their home. Around the same time, the dead body of a young woman is found on the shoreline. Everyone in town insists that the good sheriff let go of the past and keep his nose out of it, but Wade believes there’s a connection between the unsolved disappearance of Emma and the recent murder. Lily wants Wade to find out what really happened to her mother. She is also after the identity of her biological father. Wade is hesitant to share too much with Lily because her father might be the man who got away with murdering her mother years ago and he could also be the killer of the dead woman left on the beach. The Solace of Autumn is an action-backed debut novel by Michael D. Pappas. The setting is the Eastern Shore, and Pappas does a wonder job of painting this part of the East Coast. His characters are well developed and come across as real people of the area. It’s definitely a book I recommend.
December 6, 2024
I received an ARC of this book and am leaving a review voluntarily.
What a wonderful debut! This was an atmospheric book with a continuous pace that made pleasurable reading.
We have Sheriff Wade agreeing to take in Lily, the daughter of his first love Emma following the death of her uncle, her last living relative.
Wade has always loved Emma and is determined to find out what happened to her despite the rest of the town and the police wanting the case to remain closed.
The characters we were presented with are incredibly well placed and likeable. The story has the perfect flow and the steps back in time, rather than confusing us, give us some much needed background and extra layers to the story.
This is a novel about family, friends, love, loss and hope. It's an intricate yet simple storyline at the same time, demonstrating the author's skill at weaving a story.
I'd have preferred the ending to have been elaborated in a little. There was one piece of the story left unresolved and that's the only reason I'm not giving it the full five stars. Please do read. You won't regret it.
What a wonderful debut! This was an atmospheric book with a continuous pace that made pleasurable reading.
We have Sheriff Wade agreeing to take in Lily, the daughter of his first love Emma following the death of her uncle, her last living relative.
Wade has always loved Emma and is determined to find out what happened to her despite the rest of the town and the police wanting the case to remain closed.
The characters we were presented with are incredibly well placed and likeable. The story has the perfect flow and the steps back in time, rather than confusing us, give us some much needed background and extra layers to the story.
This is a novel about family, friends, love, loss and hope. It's an intricate yet simple storyline at the same time, demonstrating the author's skill at weaving a story.
I'd have preferred the ending to have been elaborated in a little. There was one piece of the story left unresolved and that's the only reason I'm not giving it the full five stars. Please do read. You won't regret it.
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December 23, 2024I am an ARC reader and this is my honest opinion. It took me a while to see where this book was going. With the love of his life mysteriously missing, although Sheriff Wade Thompson had seemed to move on with his life, years later, it was obvious he hadn't. There are some twists to this story but it comes to a head when the missing girl's - now teenage- daughter says she's ready to find out who her father is, shortly after another girl is found murdered, essentially giving Wade permission to try and find out, as he'd been wanting to for years. More details of the past are revealed and maybe more astute readers will guess who it is before Wade finds out, but I didn't. In the end the discovery wasn't a happy one but for Wade Thompson, and the reader the case was closed. The title comes from something Wade's mother said when he was a young child, but I'm not sure that it's what he gained in the end. However, the mystery, and the book, was nicely rounded off at the end, which I always appreciate
January 16, 2025
An Engaging and Heartfelt Mystery
It’s a beautifully written story that’s packed with suspense, emotion, and unforgettable characters.
The story takes place along the Atlantic coast, with its beaches and marshes creating a vivid and familiar backdrop. It follows Sheriff Wade Thompson, whose life is changed when he’s asked to take care of Lily, the teenage daughter of his childhood best friend, Emma. Emma disappeared when Lily was just a baby, and taking Lily in brings back all the memories and questions Wade had put behind him.
As he starts digging into Emma’s disappearance and Lily’s unknown father, Wade uncovers secrets that make him rethink everything he thought he knew. The book also jumps back in time to show Emma and Wade’s friendship, which was shaped by both love and jealousy. These two timelines come together to reveal a story about family, friendship, and how the truth can change lives.
The Solace of Autumn is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery that also tugs at the heartstrings. Well done!
It’s a beautifully written story that’s packed with suspense, emotion, and unforgettable characters.
The story takes place along the Atlantic coast, with its beaches and marshes creating a vivid and familiar backdrop. It follows Sheriff Wade Thompson, whose life is changed when he’s asked to take care of Lily, the teenage daughter of his childhood best friend, Emma. Emma disappeared when Lily was just a baby, and taking Lily in brings back all the memories and questions Wade had put behind him.
As he starts digging into Emma’s disappearance and Lily’s unknown father, Wade uncovers secrets that make him rethink everything he thought he knew. The book also jumps back in time to show Emma and Wade’s friendship, which was shaped by both love and jealousy. These two timelines come together to reveal a story about family, friendship, and how the truth can change lives.
The Solace of Autumn is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery that also tugs at the heartstrings. Well done!
January 21, 2025
When starting this book I had the feeling of "okay, this will take me for a good ride". I liked the setting of the story; the marsh, beaches, the town. I also liked a lot of the character's.
I have seen some reviews mentioning the pacing. I could see that, but for me it had more to do with how the book was written in some part's that made it hard for me to read it with any type of flow. I could overcome this. Where it really fell short for me was in the middle. A big portion of Lily's chapters focuses on partying and boys. It didn't particularly add anything to the story from a premise perspective.
Although Wade's chapters added more to the storyline, they didn't start picking up in the investigative aspect until the end of the book. Around the 80% mark I could feel the story again and it was pacing up to something. That something was a bit too rushed for my taste, and didn't give the story the ending it deserves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have seen some reviews mentioning the pacing. I could see that, but for me it had more to do with how the book was written in some part's that made it hard for me to read it with any type of flow. I could overcome this. Where it really fell short for me was in the middle. A big portion of Lily's chapters focuses on partying and boys. It didn't particularly add anything to the story from a premise perspective.
Although Wade's chapters added more to the storyline, they didn't start picking up in the investigative aspect until the end of the book. Around the 80% mark I could feel the story again and it was pacing up to something. That something was a bit too rushed for my taste, and didn't give the story the ending it deserves.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2025
The Solace of Autumn is a surprise for a debut author, excellence in plot, writing, shifting timelines between the 60's and 80's, and alternating POV. Ultimately it is the story of family, the one we are born into and the ones we find that take us in.
The basic story is Sheriff Wade Thompson searching for answers to the disappearance and possible murder of his friend, Emma, 16 years, a reopening of the investigation when he and his become custodians of Emma's 17YO daughter after the death of her uncle. His search also leads him to try and find the identity of her father.
The murder mystery is tangential to the story, never completely solved but probably a hook for a book 2.
However the surprise of The Solace of Autumn is how perfectly detailed the social life of high school seniors in the 80's is written. I was transported back in time and continually impressed this is a debut novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The basic story is Sheriff Wade Thompson searching for answers to the disappearance and possible murder of his friend, Emma, 16 years, a reopening of the investigation when he and his become custodians of Emma's 17YO daughter after the death of her uncle. His search also leads him to try and find the identity of her father.
The murder mystery is tangential to the story, never completely solved but probably a hook for a book 2.
However the surprise of The Solace of Autumn is how perfectly detailed the social life of high school seniors in the 80's is written. I was transported back in time and continually impressed this is a debut novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 20, 2024
This book moves along at a slow, calm pace, sprinkling in some nice description, suspense, and deeper moments throughout. I enjoyed reading it, and I was quite invested in the story and found the author did a good job of building suspense. I found the pacing fell apart at the end and there were too many unresolved plot points and questions. One of the main plot points was left unresolved and I think the ending needs more refinement. Some more character development and better pacing and development of the ending, including typing up loose ends, would have made this stronger, but I will likely read the author’s next book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s not quite 4 stars for me, but I bumped it up on potential and because I enjoyed most of it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It’s not quite 4 stars for me, but I bumped it up on potential and because I enjoyed most of it.
January 3, 2025
4⭐️ Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy of The Solace Of Autumn.
Wade is the Sheriff of his town and he and his wife are asked to be the guardians of his childhood best friend’s teenage daughter after her uncle passes away. He decides to open up his childhood best friend’s missing person file once again when a body washes up on the beach and he is convinced it is connected to her disappearance. But he may regret digging up the past when the truth comes to light.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style and the storyline. I also really enjoyed the characters in this book and how each of their stories were told. The only critique is that the ending was not my favorite but overall I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wade is the Sheriff of his town and he and his wife are asked to be the guardians of his childhood best friend’s teenage daughter after her uncle passes away. He decides to open up his childhood best friend’s missing person file once again when a body washes up on the beach and he is convinced it is connected to her disappearance. But he may regret digging up the past when the truth comes to light.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the writing style and the storyline. I also really enjoyed the characters in this book and how each of their stories were told. The only critique is that the ending was not my favorite but overall I really enjoyed this book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
The story is compelling and keeps drawing you in as past and present are linked together in waves. In past the disappearance of a girl remains unsolved and still has a hold on several of the other characters in various ways. While in the present the focus is on daughter of the missing girl and a possible serial killer. Could the killers be the Abe, connected. As the reader you have the front row seat as a detective as the layers are revealed. From that perspective I enjoyed the book
The parts I didn’t care for was the extensive focus on high school parties with drinking drugs and booking up. Additionally I felt like I was still hanging at the end with not having all my questions answered regarding present day murdered girls. Lastly the tie in from the story to the title of the book seemed like an afterthought and not part of full story in my opinion.
The parts I didn’t care for was the extensive focus on high school parties with drinking drugs and booking up. Additionally I felt like I was still hanging at the end with not having all my questions answered regarding present day murdered girls. Lastly the tie in from the story to the title of the book seemed like an afterthought and not part of full story in my opinion.
January 17, 2025
Rounded up from 3.5 stars. This is a well-written and compelling debut novel by Michael Pappas. The pacing was a bit slow, and too much time was spent on teenager Lily and her friends’ parties and general angst, in my opinion.
Wade, the main character, is sheriff in a coastal town in Maryland. The book is set in the late 1980s, but some chapters go back to Wade’s teen and early adult years. This was necessary to explain some present-day references.
This is closer to general fiction than mystery or suspense. The characters are memorable, although on the surface they seem like regular folks.
Some questions were not answered by the end of the book, so I hope there’s a second one. I would like to read more work by Mr. Pappas.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Wade, the main character, is sheriff in a coastal town in Maryland. The book is set in the late 1980s, but some chapters go back to Wade’s teen and early adult years. This was necessary to explain some present-day references.
This is closer to general fiction than mystery or suspense. The characters are memorable, although on the surface they seem like regular folks.
Some questions were not answered by the end of the book, so I hope there’s a second one. I would like to read more work by Mr. Pappas.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 28, 2025
“The sun was dropping lower in the western sky and had painted waves of purple and red as it fell behind a line of clouds right above the dunes. A shorebird darted in front of them, her wings angled back to catch the breeze. She shifted slightly and changed direction quickly, cutting across the sky and disappearing behind the dunes.”
Hard to believe this was a debut novel. It’s brilliantly written with depictions of eastern Maryland described as if the author is painting a portrait. It’s clear the he deeply loves the setting of this story. However, this novel goes beyond just the scenery and introduces us to compelling characters with intriguing backstories all wrapped up into a mystery you’ll be eager to solve along with the protagonists. Can’t wait to see what future stories Mr. Pappas will have in store for us. Highly recommend this to all.
Hard to believe this was a debut novel. It’s brilliantly written with depictions of eastern Maryland described as if the author is painting a portrait. It’s clear the he deeply loves the setting of this story. However, this novel goes beyond just the scenery and introduces us to compelling characters with intriguing backstories all wrapped up into a mystery you’ll be eager to solve along with the protagonists. Can’t wait to see what future stories Mr. Pappas will have in store for us. Highly recommend this to all.
November 29, 2024
I received an ARC copy from Book Sirens and promised an honest review.
I became truly invested in this book. I liked the smooth way the plot developed and I at first found the jumping from the 1960s to the 1980s unsettling but as the book developed those jumps made sense and added a great deal to the information the reader needed. I also liked the characters, even ones who played minor roles - Reid, Mrs. Thompson, Holly, Susan, Ginny and so on. Wade, Paul, Emma, and Lily who played more major roles were even more fully developed as individuals.
It is my first read of this author and I would gladly read another of his contributions.
I became truly invested in this book. I liked the smooth way the plot developed and I at first found the jumping from the 1960s to the 1980s unsettling but as the book developed those jumps made sense and added a great deal to the information the reader needed. I also liked the characters, even ones who played minor roles - Reid, Mrs. Thompson, Holly, Susan, Ginny and so on. Wade, Paul, Emma, and Lily who played more major roles were even more fully developed as individuals.
It is my first read of this author and I would gladly read another of his contributions.
December 2, 2024
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to BookSirens and the author for this!
A beautifully atmospheric debut novel.
Expertly written in a way that you can feel the landscape and the characters through the pages.
The pacing was spot on, building up suspense leading into a crescendo at the end, and everything was tied up neatly.
I felt Wade’s love for Emma and his turmoil deeply, and I loved the character of Lily, I really related to her losing her family and trying to find her place in the world.
Loved the setting and I could really picture it.
A really impressive debut!
A beautifully atmospheric debut novel.
Expertly written in a way that you can feel the landscape and the characters through the pages.
The pacing was spot on, building up suspense leading into a crescendo at the end, and everything was tied up neatly.
I felt Wade’s love for Emma and his turmoil deeply, and I loved the character of Lily, I really related to her losing her family and trying to find her place in the world.
Loved the setting and I could really picture it.
A really impressive debut!
January 13, 2025
I am grateful to have received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I very much enjoyed this read. It was a very smooth, well-developed story that pulls the reader into caring about each character. It also seamlessly transitions between timelines. I am left wanting additional answers to part of the story, however, feel the core plot was wonderfully wrapped up and characters left with respect, understanding, and empathy in very difficult situations. I loved this element of humanity the story. Overall, I believe this is an incredible debut novel. I look forward to reading this author's next novel!
November 11, 2024
The Solace Of Autumn is a wonderful book. The setting and characters come to life and weave around each other beautifully. I loved the characters, particularly Wade, whose connection to and constant observation of land and water and the passing seasons make his tendency to follow his "gut" seem natural and fluid. This is a well told story with a pretty cool ending. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Even so, I would gladly buy this book. I hope we get to read more from this author.
January 21, 2025
A well written story of coming to life in Ocean City and the eastern shore. Wade returns from Vietnam and finds out his childhood friend had disappeared leaving a little girl behind. Many years later still wondering about her her, he looks at a pattern of young women dying and being posed. Follow along with the investigation and the trails of Libby's life as her last living relative dies before she turns 18.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 13, 2025
Solace Post Unrest
Easily a sequel-making read for as one set of mysteries is solved, far more unsolved cases loom, cases too alike not to connect, cases suggesting a serial killer. For nearly half his life, Vietnam veteran small town Sheriff Wade has wrestled with the missing Emma, his since childhood love of his life. Haunted and protected by her spirit, he becomes custodian for his daughter whose paternity has remained unknown. Wade is convinced if he discovers the identity of the father, he will know who took and/or killed Emma.
Easily a sequel-making read for as one set of mysteries is solved, far more unsolved cases loom, cases too alike not to connect, cases suggesting a serial killer. For nearly half his life, Vietnam veteran small town Sheriff Wade has wrestled with the missing Emma, his since childhood love of his life. Haunted and protected by her spirit, he becomes custodian for his daughter whose paternity has remained unknown. Wade is convinced if he discovers the identity of the father, he will know who took and/or killed Emma.
November 15, 2024
Received as a review copy from Booksirens, this is an honest review. A breathtaking, harrowing story as they hunt for justice for one murder puts Sheriff Wade Thompson onto a road of memories of a woman he once loved is now vanished and he wants to know why. Chasing the truth thrusts buried secrets and lies back to the surface like Pandora's box that cannot be put back in once the lid has been opened and accepting the answers as now easy task.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
January 2, 2025
This was quite enjoyable. I enjoyed the links to events of the past and how it tied in with the present day. It's quite character-based also which I quite like.
I did find it slow-paced as the story unfolded and the build-up to the finale was done quite well. Wade was a good main character and I liked seeing things from his perspective. The story was an intriguing one and it did keep my attention throughout. I would have preferred though for it to have moved along a bit quicker.
I did find it slow-paced as the story unfolded and the build-up to the finale was done quite well. Wade was a good main character and I liked seeing things from his perspective. The story was an intriguing one and it did keep my attention throughout. I would have preferred though for it to have moved along a bit quicker.
January 16, 2025
A cold case of a missing young girl, now presumed dead but her body was never found. Sheriff Wade was deeply in love with her once and still does and is not prepared to leave that case closed. But sometimes, turning over stones is not always a good idea.
A brilliant debut novel; intriguing and poignant. Beautifully written, with a heart breaking and gripping plot which kept me reading into the early hours of the morning. 5 stars for sure and looking forward to more from this author.
A brilliant debut novel; intriguing and poignant. Beautifully written, with a heart breaking and gripping plot which kept me reading into the early hours of the morning. 5 stars for sure and looking forward to more from this author.
February 4, 2025
Wow. This was so good but sad at the same time. Not going to lie that I hate the way it ended though. Just too much left open. And Paul broke my heart more than Lily's story. That was a rough one. I'm hoping there will be another story, if for no other reason than I want to see what happens with the main case.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 4, 2025
I loved this book! I really enjoyed how the author weaved in the past and present so the reader could truly get a feel for the love between Wade and Emma. This book did keep me guessing until the end to find out what happened to Emma and also how Lilly fit in to all of it. I thought the writing was so descriptive and really brought me back to my own high school days. I can’t wait for the next book by Michael Pappas!
March 22, 2025
I loved that this was a character-driven novel and had characters that worked well overall and was hooked with the story going on. It had that mystery element that I was looking for and thought was really well done, I was engaged with what was happening and glad it was so well done. Michael D. Pappas has a great way of telling a story and enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2026
Very well done for a debut novel! My only complaint—it felt a bit like a hallmark movie, where they wrap up the plot in under a minute only to roll the credits faster than you can process the ending. I would’ve like a bit more resolution than was given, but arguably, that’s an artistic preference.
Otherwise, very satisfying book. I read this very quickly finding myself—a twenty-something female—enthralled with the story told by an almost forty-something man. For that alone I am impressed!
Otherwise, very satisfying book. I read this very quickly finding myself—a twenty-something female—enthralled with the story told by an almost forty-something man. For that alone I am impressed!
April 24, 2026
The Solace of Autumn
The Maryland shore is the setting for this novel. In a small town, where everyone knows everyone, there are secrets. Who is murdering young women and leaving them, posed in white nightgowns? Who is Lily’s father? Are they the same person?
Pappas has written some true-to-life 80’s high school scenes, believable dialogue, and complex characters.
I enjoyed the read, and wanted more at the ending. I recommend as a love story in a beach town.
The Maryland shore is the setting for this novel. In a small town, where everyone knows everyone, there are secrets. Who is murdering young women and leaving them, posed in white nightgowns? Who is Lily’s father? Are they the same person?
Pappas has written some true-to-life 80’s high school scenes, believable dialogue, and complex characters.
I enjoyed the read, and wanted more at the ending. I recommend as a love story in a beach town.
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