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Autumn of '82 (The GLOE Program: Book 1): A Sci-Fi Mystery Thriller
It's the fall of 1982... And a complete disaster for a small town built on an island. What was once considered a vacation spot, is now a prison for its locals. Until the town's police force can solve the case that has been going on for months, no one's going anywhere. But when a new case arises after what starts out as another typical Friday, things only get worse.
Told from the first-person perspectives of a few different locals, the truth of an otherwise normal town is gradually found out. Things are seen from different eyes, ranging from teenagers, one unlike the next, to a detective. Can anyone get to the bottom of what's really going on? Or is it better that the truth remains unknown?
Meet The
It starts with James Kraus, a 17-year-old quiet guy who prefers to stand on the sidelines at school, stay out of the jocks' way, and just finish high school. He has a little group of friends, and each of the guys are different, but that's what keeps it interesting. James has been hosting movie nights at his house every other Friday night for his friends for a while, but something about this Friday night ends up being different... and not in a good way.
Then there's Lonnie Garcia. He's 16, comes from Brooklyn, and hangs out with James and the rest of his friends when he feels like it. Except, these days, at the start of the new school year, Lonnie seems to be keeping to himself. His older brother, Tony, captain of the football team, is the only jock that hangs out with James and his friends on a regular basis. Even he doesn't understand why Lonnie is acting distant this year.
Carson Bell, the 17-year-old captain of the cheerleading squad, could be considered any guy's dream. Except she knew James long before she ever got that title. They were good friends for years, growing up on the same street. Then Tony Garcia moved to town during junior year. She met him through James, and they dated for an entire year. Things went sour, and it changed everything, including her friendship with James.
Detective Briar De Luca is 32 years old, and he's been the one handling the case that's been going on for five months. The case affects everyone on the island, letting no one in or out until it's solved. He seemed like the best fit for it, considering his experience of almost ten years as a cop in New York. Needless to say, he's frustrated that he can't solve it. But when the new case arises on Friday night, he's expected to set the first one aside because of the new one's importance.
Told from the first-person perspectives of a few different locals, the truth of an otherwise normal town is gradually found out. Things are seen from different eyes, ranging from teenagers, one unlike the next, to a detective. Can anyone get to the bottom of what's really going on? Or is it better that the truth remains unknown?
Meet The
It starts with James Kraus, a 17-year-old quiet guy who prefers to stand on the sidelines at school, stay out of the jocks' way, and just finish high school. He has a little group of friends, and each of the guys are different, but that's what keeps it interesting. James has been hosting movie nights at his house every other Friday night for his friends for a while, but something about this Friday night ends up being different... and not in a good way.
Then there's Lonnie Garcia. He's 16, comes from Brooklyn, and hangs out with James and the rest of his friends when he feels like it. Except, these days, at the start of the new school year, Lonnie seems to be keeping to himself. His older brother, Tony, captain of the football team, is the only jock that hangs out with James and his friends on a regular basis. Even he doesn't understand why Lonnie is acting distant this year.
Carson Bell, the 17-year-old captain of the cheerleading squad, could be considered any guy's dream. Except she knew James long before she ever got that title. They were good friends for years, growing up on the same street. Then Tony Garcia moved to town during junior year. She met him through James, and they dated for an entire year. Things went sour, and it changed everything, including her friendship with James.
Detective Briar De Luca is 32 years old, and he's been the one handling the case that's been going on for five months. The case affects everyone on the island, letting no one in or out until it's solved. He seemed like the best fit for it, considering his experience of almost ten years as a cop in New York. Needless to say, he's frustrated that he can't solve it. But when the new case arises on Friday night, he's expected to set the first one aside because of the new one's importance.
450 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2024
10 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Elena Rex
3 books2 followersElena Rex's goal as an author is to write vivid stories in the mystery/thriller genre with characters that people can relate to, while also adding some sci-fi and fantasy elements to her style where she often mixes the past with the present. You can find her on Instagram: @writer.elenarex or sign up for her newsletter by clicking on the link to her website above.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 9, 2025
This book sounded very interesting and I thought I would give it a try. The cover of the book is beautifully done (love the colors) and the storyline interesting.
As I started reading the book it began with a very YA feel with the setting in a high school. I felt there were a lot of characters introduced very quickly in the beginning of the book within a very short timeframe but as the story unfolds, you get a better grasp of who the characters are. As additional characters are introduced into the story it is easy to become confused if you aren’t tabbing or keeping track somehow.
I did like the twists at the end as the story began to unfold with the detective as he put the pieces together and the wild ride that he goes through in the process. The book ends on a complete cliff hanger. It appears part II comes out later this year.
As I started reading the book it began with a very YA feel with the setting in a high school. I felt there were a lot of characters introduced very quickly in the beginning of the book within a very short timeframe but as the story unfolds, you get a better grasp of who the characters are. As additional characters are introduced into the story it is easy to become confused if you aren’t tabbing or keeping track somehow.
I did like the twists at the end as the story began to unfold with the detective as he put the pieces together and the wild ride that he goes through in the process. The book ends on a complete cliff hanger. It appears part II comes out later this year.
March 9, 2026
This was a very interesting concept for a book, and I agree with the statement that it gives a Stranger Things vibe.
The book follows multiple people from a small town called Lavender as they try to uncover a mystery that surrounds them, it slips into a more murder/mystery vibe and then at the end it does graduate into sci-fi.
It was definitely more YA for me, you get to know several of the teenagers (James, Lonnie, etc.) and their relationships with other characters and it does start to immerse you.
This is a book that you can cozy up and immerse yourself into, the mystery and thrill of it gets you hooked and you want to start to solve all the questions the characters have before they get there themselves - I will tell you, you won’t be able to!
I will have to read the next books as it ends on a small cliffhanger, I want to know more about where they’ve ended up and if they’ll get reunited - it did hook me!
That being said, it was a little slow to start and perhaps a few too many POVs than necessary ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to #NetGalley for my e-copy ❤️
The book follows multiple people from a small town called Lavender as they try to uncover a mystery that surrounds them, it slips into a more murder/mystery vibe and then at the end it does graduate into sci-fi.
It was definitely more YA for me, you get to know several of the teenagers (James, Lonnie, etc.) and their relationships with other characters and it does start to immerse you.
This is a book that you can cozy up and immerse yourself into, the mystery and thrill of it gets you hooked and you want to start to solve all the questions the characters have before they get there themselves - I will tell you, you won’t be able to!
I will have to read the next books as it ends on a small cliffhanger, I want to know more about where they’ve ended up and if they’ll get reunited - it did hook me!
That being said, it was a little slow to start and perhaps a few too many POVs than necessary ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to #NetGalley for my e-copy ❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2026
📚Autumn of 82
✍🏻Elena Res
Blurb:
It's the fall of 1982... And a complete disaster for a small town built on an island. What was once considered a vacation spot, is now a prison for its locals. Until the town's police force can solve the case that has been going on for months, no one's going anywhere. But when a new case arises after what starts out as another typical Friday, things only get worse.
Told from the first-person perspectives of a few different locals, the truth of an otherwise normal town is gradually found out. Things are seen from different eyes, ranging from teenagers, one unlike the next, to a detective. Can anyone get to the bottom of what's really going on? Or is it better that the truth remains unknown?
Meet The
It starts with James Kraus, a 17-year-old quiet guy who prefers to stand on the sidelines at school, stay out of the jocks' way, and just finish high school. He has a little group of friends, and each of the guys are different, but that's what keeps it interesting. James has been hosting movie nights at his house every other Friday night for his friends for a while, but something about this Friday night ends up being different... and not in a good way.
Then there's Lonnie Garcia. He's 16, comes from Brooklyn, and hangs out with James and the rest of his friends when he feels like it. Except, these days, at the start of the new school year, Lonnie seems to be keeping to himself. His older brother, Tony, captain of the football team, is the only jock that hangs out with James and his friends on a regular basis. Even he doesn't understand why Lonnie is acting distant this year.
Carson Bell, the 17-year-old captain of the cheerleading squad, could be considered any guy's dream. Except she knew James long before she ever got that title. They were good friends for years, growing up on the same street. Then Tony Garcia moved to town during junior year. She met him through James, and they dated for an entire year. Things went sour, and it changed everything, including her friendship with James.
Detective Briar De Luca is 32 years old, and he's been the one handling the case that's been going on for five months. The case affects everyone on the island, letting no one in or out until it's solved. He seemed like the best fit for it, considering his experience of almost ten years as a cop in New York. Needless to say, he's frustrated that he can't solve it. But when the new case arises on Friday night, he's expected to set the first one aside because of the new one's importance.
My Thoughts:
This story pulls you right into 1982, blending nostalgia with suspense as a simple night spirals into something unforgettable. Autumn of ’82 is a gripping sci-fi mystery set in a small town cut off from the world. What starts as a regular Friday night for a group of teenage boys quickly spirals into something much darker and more mysterious.readers slowly piece together what happened in that fateful night. The pacing of the narrative starts a bit slowly but then it builds tension throughout as the story and naturally unfolds and the mixture of both nostalgia and sci-fi elements effectively helps in the build up of a quite intriguing and chilling atmosphere that feels a bit reminiscent of the classic 80s thrillers. I liked it, it's quite an interesting read.
Thanks NetGalley, Independently published and Author Elena Rex for the complimentary copy of 'Autumn of 82" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Autumnof82
#ElenaRes
#IndependentlyPublished
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Elena Res
Blurb:
It's the fall of 1982... And a complete disaster for a small town built on an island. What was once considered a vacation spot, is now a prison for its locals. Until the town's police force can solve the case that has been going on for months, no one's going anywhere. But when a new case arises after what starts out as another typical Friday, things only get worse.
Told from the first-person perspectives of a few different locals, the truth of an otherwise normal town is gradually found out. Things are seen from different eyes, ranging from teenagers, one unlike the next, to a detective. Can anyone get to the bottom of what's really going on? Or is it better that the truth remains unknown?
Meet The
It starts with James Kraus, a 17-year-old quiet guy who prefers to stand on the sidelines at school, stay out of the jocks' way, and just finish high school. He has a little group of friends, and each of the guys are different, but that's what keeps it interesting. James has been hosting movie nights at his house every other Friday night for his friends for a while, but something about this Friday night ends up being different... and not in a good way.
Then there's Lonnie Garcia. He's 16, comes from Brooklyn, and hangs out with James and the rest of his friends when he feels like it. Except, these days, at the start of the new school year, Lonnie seems to be keeping to himself. His older brother, Tony, captain of the football team, is the only jock that hangs out with James and his friends on a regular basis. Even he doesn't understand why Lonnie is acting distant this year.
Carson Bell, the 17-year-old captain of the cheerleading squad, could be considered any guy's dream. Except she knew James long before she ever got that title. They were good friends for years, growing up on the same street. Then Tony Garcia moved to town during junior year. She met him through James, and they dated for an entire year. Things went sour, and it changed everything, including her friendship with James.
Detective Briar De Luca is 32 years old, and he's been the one handling the case that's been going on for five months. The case affects everyone on the island, letting no one in or out until it's solved. He seemed like the best fit for it, considering his experience of almost ten years as a cop in New York. Needless to say, he's frustrated that he can't solve it. But when the new case arises on Friday night, he's expected to set the first one aside because of the new one's importance.
My Thoughts:
This story pulls you right into 1982, blending nostalgia with suspense as a simple night spirals into something unforgettable. Autumn of ’82 is a gripping sci-fi mystery set in a small town cut off from the world. What starts as a regular Friday night for a group of teenage boys quickly spirals into something much darker and more mysterious.readers slowly piece together what happened in that fateful night. The pacing of the narrative starts a bit slowly but then it builds tension throughout as the story and naturally unfolds and the mixture of both nostalgia and sci-fi elements effectively helps in the build up of a quite intriguing and chilling atmosphere that feels a bit reminiscent of the classic 80s thrillers. I liked it, it's quite an interesting read.
Thanks NetGalley, Independently published and Author Elena Rex for the complimentary copy of 'Autumn of 82" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#Autumnof82
#ElenaRes
#IndependentlyPublished
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 2, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley and the author for the eARC. All the opinions are entirely my own.
Closer to the end, I was thinking to rate this book as 4/5, but decided to stay at 3/5, while planning to read the next book in the series once it is available.
Lavender Town is isolated due to the unknown bomber. The blow destroyed all the communication with the outside world; there is no phone line to it, and there is no escape. And why would anyone consider escaping? Everything is promised to be repaired soon.
James is recovering after an incident a few months back.
Lonnie is getting too close to a bad company.
Tony is recovering after the breakup with his girlfriend of one year.
The school year is going on as it has to be. The town is making plans, and life goes on.
James has a tradition. Once in a while, he hosts movie nights with his friends. Everything goes as usual till Lonnie brings his new friends along. A fight breaks out, one of the kids is leaving on his bike... Seems like the beginning of Stranger Things, but it's so much more...
Why does James keep looking tired and avoid his long-time friend? What was the incident that influenced his life? Is it somehow connected to the bomber who isolated their island?
Why is the bomber still on the loose? Is anyone looking for them?
The kid goes missing. And a mystery after mystery keeps appearing. How much can keep going on in one small town? Oh, you would definitely be surprised.
Sometimes, for me, the book seemed too slow-paced, and at other moments, closer to the end, too fast. I preferred the latter :)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but even that wasn't the main reason why I would like to have a chance to read the second one. The story was interesting, and the different POVs were handled brilliantly. It is hard to do, but Elena Rex succeeded here.
There are no clearly good or bad characters; everyone has a deep story behind them.
Try this book out. You will get both mystery, thriller, detective, and... sci-fi. An unexpected combo, isn't it?
Closer to the end, I was thinking to rate this book as 4/5, but decided to stay at 3/5, while planning to read the next book in the series once it is available.
Lavender Town is isolated due to the unknown bomber. The blow destroyed all the communication with the outside world; there is no phone line to it, and there is no escape. And why would anyone consider escaping? Everything is promised to be repaired soon.
James is recovering after an incident a few months back.
Lonnie is getting too close to a bad company.
Tony is recovering after the breakup with his girlfriend of one year.
The school year is going on as it has to be. The town is making plans, and life goes on.
James has a tradition. Once in a while, he hosts movie nights with his friends. Everything goes as usual till Lonnie brings his new friends along. A fight breaks out, one of the kids is leaving on his bike... Seems like the beginning of Stranger Things, but it's so much more...
Why does James keep looking tired and avoid his long-time friend? What was the incident that influenced his life? Is it somehow connected to the bomber who isolated their island?
Why is the bomber still on the loose? Is anyone looking for them?
The kid goes missing. And a mystery after mystery keeps appearing. How much can keep going on in one small town? Oh, you would definitely be surprised.
Sometimes, for me, the book seemed too slow-paced, and at other moments, closer to the end, too fast. I preferred the latter :)
The book ends with a cliffhanger, but even that wasn't the main reason why I would like to have a chance to read the second one. The story was interesting, and the different POVs were handled brilliantly. It is hard to do, but Elena Rex succeeded here.
There are no clearly good or bad characters; everyone has a deep story behind them.
Try this book out. You will get both mystery, thriller, detective, and... sci-fi. An unexpected combo, isn't it?
February 26, 2026
Really, really frustrating read.
We're dropped into a story where we are not on even footing. There has been some sort of unnamed incident that has cut off the inhabitants of an island off of Lake Erie from the rest of the world. It is the year 1982, so pre-wifi, pre-internet, etc, cut off is cut off. And yet they still have school dances and football games with the opposing team helicoptered in on game day.
One Friday night, the Mayor's son leaves his friend's house after a fight and disappears. He's eventually found in a tunnel, fearing for his life, and hinting about some big mystery. He ends up in the hospital, were a man in a clown mask kills him. This happens almost immediately and is sort of the catalyst for the rest of the story.
This book is convoluted as hell. Everyone is suddenly revealed to be surprisingly related or connected to a bunch of other side characters; everyone hates each other and have endless unexplained grudges and weird alliances. The lead Detective is named Briar Deluca and judging by the names of his very Italian American parents, siblings and nephew, he has that really unusual name for a man only so the author can have his high school nemesis mock him by calling him Brian instead of Briar.
Everything is finally coming to a head, virtually every single character that we've encountered thus far are now all in the same room and cliff-hanger. Apparently, this was just book one of a series. What an absolute waste of time.
We're dropped into a story where we are not on even footing. There has been some sort of unnamed incident that has cut off the inhabitants of an island off of Lake Erie from the rest of the world. It is the year 1982, so pre-wifi, pre-internet, etc, cut off is cut off. And yet they still have school dances and football games with the opposing team helicoptered in on game day.
One Friday night, the Mayor's son leaves his friend's house after a fight and disappears. He's eventually found in a tunnel, fearing for his life, and hinting about some big mystery. He ends up in the hospital, were a man in a clown mask kills him. This happens almost immediately and is sort of the catalyst for the rest of the story.
This book is convoluted as hell. Everyone is suddenly revealed to be surprisingly related or connected to a bunch of other side characters; everyone hates each other and have endless unexplained grudges and weird alliances. The lead Detective is named Briar Deluca and judging by the names of his very Italian American parents, siblings and nephew, he has that really unusual name for a man only so the author can have his high school nemesis mock him by calling him Brian instead of Briar.
Everything is finally coming to a head, virtually every single character that we've encountered thus far are now all in the same room and cliff-hanger. Apparently, this was just book one of a series. What an absolute waste of time.
March 20, 2026
This was such a slow-burn, eerie read that really crept up on me. I went into it expecting a mystery, but it ended up being so much more layered with that underlying sci-fi edge and constant sense of unease.
The setting was one of my favourite parts — a small, isolated town cut off from the rest of the world already feels unsettling, and the way that tension builds over time was done so well. You can really feel the frustration and fear growing within the town, especially as more questions start to surface and nothing seems to add up.
I loved the multiple POVs because it gave a fuller picture of what was happening while still keeping that mystery alive. Everyone has their own perspective, and it made the story feel more immersive and complex. It also kept me guessing the whole time because you’re constantly trying to piece everything together.
The pacing is definitely more of a slow burn, but it works for the atmosphere. There’s this steady build of tension and unease that makes you want to keep reading to figure out what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Overall, this was an intriguing and atmospheric read with a mix of mystery and sci-fi that keeps you questioning everything. If you like small-town secrets, multiple perspectives, and a slow unraveling of something much bigger, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
The setting was one of my favourite parts — a small, isolated town cut off from the rest of the world already feels unsettling, and the way that tension builds over time was done so well. You can really feel the frustration and fear growing within the town, especially as more questions start to surface and nothing seems to add up.
I loved the multiple POVs because it gave a fuller picture of what was happening while still keeping that mystery alive. Everyone has their own perspective, and it made the story feel more immersive and complex. It also kept me guessing the whole time because you’re constantly trying to piece everything together.
The pacing is definitely more of a slow burn, but it works for the atmosphere. There’s this steady build of tension and unease that makes you want to keep reading to figure out what’s really going on beneath the surface.
Overall, this was an intriguing and atmospheric read with a mix of mystery and sci-fi that keeps you questioning everything. If you like small-town secrets, multiple perspectives, and a slow unraveling of something much bigger, this is definitely one to pick up.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
February 11, 2026
I was craving more Stranger Things vibes, so I decided to give this a go.
I definitely wanted more from it. I did struggle to really connect with this story and its characters.
I'm not exactly sure what age demographic this was made for or categorized as, but it read as rather YA to me. Not necessarily in a bad way, that's just who it felt like it was for. Just an observation. (If that sort of thing matters to you.)
I did find this story to be a bit confusing to follow at times. The blurb made it seem super interesting and intense, but I just felt a bit lost at times, waiting for that interest to occur. But, at least confusing means I couldn't predict the ending!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I definitely wanted more from it. I did struggle to really connect with this story and its characters.
I'm not exactly sure what age demographic this was made for or categorized as, but it read as rather YA to me. Not necessarily in a bad way, that's just who it felt like it was for. Just an observation. (If that sort of thing matters to you.)
I did find this story to be a bit confusing to follow at times. The blurb made it seem super interesting and intense, but I just felt a bit lost at times, waiting for that interest to occur. But, at least confusing means I couldn't predict the ending!
Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
February 21, 2026
This book was so good that as soon as I just finished it just now I went to see if it the sequel was available. It’s a trilogy- and the sequel at least is on kindle unlimited. This very much gave Stranger Things vibes (for someone who has only seen season 1). The 80s nostalgia was embedded in a way that felt like it honored it instead of making it campy. I appreciated the pacing and the character development, with character decisions feeling age appropriate. I’m really glad I tried this one out!
November 28, 2025
The story itself was catching and kept me involved. It wasn't easy to figure out what or who was creating the mayhem, but the writing was mundane at best. I have never read a book that used the words "brow" and "gulp" so prolifically. Every description of character interaction included the "raising, furrowing or pinching of brows," and every time a character learned something new, there was a "gulp." It was distracting and felt lazy.
Read
February 13, 2026I personally couldn’t get into this book. It kind of felt cliche in some spots. I’m sure a lot of people love this but I’m just not sure it’s for me!!
March 15, 2026
Prior to reading the book, I found the summary very intriguing. I was especially interested in the fact that it was described as a slow burn.
At first, the book does a great job introducing each character. There is constant mention of something that happened five months ago, which really kept me on my toes. In between, we get to learn about each character’s background and how they are all connected to one another.
We only begin to understand what actually happened toward the end of the book, and the twist was a good one. I appreciated the character development and the buildup of anticipation surrounding both the past and the present. Now, I am curious to see which direction the story will take next.
I was glad to hear that the second book is already out, and I plan on reading it shortly—especially since this is a trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At first, the book does a great job introducing each character. There is constant mention of something that happened five months ago, which really kept me on my toes. In between, we get to learn about each character’s background and how they are all connected to one another.
We only begin to understand what actually happened toward the end of the book, and the twist was a good one. I appreciated the character development and the buildup of anticipation surrounding both the past and the present. Now, I am curious to see which direction the story will take next.
I was glad to hear that the second book is already out, and I plan on reading it shortly—especially since this is a trilogy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews