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Lasting Impressions
Be careful what you pick up on the side of the road.
In the Town of Lasting, summer is typically a time to relax and enjoy the warm weather with family and friends. That was before the arrival of Dale Hawks. He has it all: good looks, great body and a killer smile.
Unknown to the mayor’s overachieving son Jeremy Atkins, the amicable hitchhiker he gives a ride to has a horrifying past. His ability to blend in with total strangers is almost supernatural. Jeremy’s girlfriend Susan soon finds that out, as does his secret admirer Olivia and best friend Edward.
As the days get hotter, one thing becomes clear: 20- year-old Dale Hawks is much more than a sociable drifter. He’s a mystical manipulator with a plan to bring the community to its knees. The only question is if he can escape his personal demons long enough to carry it out.
For Jeremy and the unsuspecting townsfolk, this year will be one they’ll never forget, no matter how hard they try.
In the Town of Lasting, summer is typically a time to relax and enjoy the warm weather with family and friends. That was before the arrival of Dale Hawks. He has it all: good looks, great body and a killer smile.
Unknown to the mayor’s overachieving son Jeremy Atkins, the amicable hitchhiker he gives a ride to has a horrifying past. His ability to blend in with total strangers is almost supernatural. Jeremy’s girlfriend Susan soon finds that out, as does his secret admirer Olivia and best friend Edward.
As the days get hotter, one thing becomes clear: 20- year-old Dale Hawks is much more than a sociable drifter. He’s a mystical manipulator with a plan to bring the community to its knees. The only question is if he can escape his personal demons long enough to carry it out.
For Jeremy and the unsuspecting townsfolk, this year will be one they’ll never forget, no matter how hard they try.
306 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2015
222 people want to read
About the author
John Schlarbaum
17 books16 followersJohn Schlarbaum was raised in the small town of West Lorne in Southwestern Ontario. After graduating from a respected Television Broadcasting Program, he worked in the television industry for several years. It was during this period he began his professional writing career while working as a Field Director and Writer for several nationally syndicated daily television programs. He has also been a licenced Private Investigator for over 17 years.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 10, 2025
Story reminded me of Needful Things by Stephen King but not as drawn out. I had difficulty putting it down. Kept me on edge. Definitely would recommend to anyone who likes psychological thrillers/Stephen King.
June 12, 2017
I rarely ever give up on finishing a book - just about half way through I had enough...just did not hold my interest...not enough information or back stories to allow me to feel connected to the characters.
December 18, 2018
Very different story,, needed to concentrate, but pretty good.
October 23, 2015
I received this book through a Goodreads giveaway.
At first I thought this was a story of a slightly sinister stranger bent on raising hell in a small town. Then there was a shift into a mystical vein that threw me for a loop, not to say it spoiled it but it made me scratch my head a little. It wasn't something I had expected. The story is fast paced and moves well, if a trifle too well meaning for my taste. I did enjoy the book, finished it in one day but it did seem recycled, as the author states. I did object to his use of mph when his setting is supposed to be modern day Canada.
At first I thought this was a story of a slightly sinister stranger bent on raising hell in a small town. Then there was a shift into a mystical vein that threw me for a loop, not to say it spoiled it but it made me scratch my head a little. It wasn't something I had expected. The story is fast paced and moves well, if a trifle too well meaning for my taste. I did enjoy the book, finished it in one day but it did seem recycled, as the author states. I did object to his use of mph when his setting is supposed to be modern day Canada.
January 7, 2016
This is one of those tales that makes you look twice at the seemingly normal people you interact with in your life. A suspenseful thriller with a sprinkling of Stephen King make-believe.
Kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the last page.
Kept me on the edge of my seat right up until the last page.
June 20, 2020
I really liked this one. The whole story had a strong Clive Barker vibe which I dug. The writing was sharp and the plot interesting. All in all, good stuff.
April 3, 2017
From page one this story has your undivided attention and takes you on a spellbinding journey through so many twists and turns. Nothing predictable about this storyline. Schlarbaum keeps you turning page after page and guessing as to what is going to happen next. Read my whole review at http://sarahsbookcorner.blogspot.ca/
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews