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A Deadly Homecoming
When Spence Harden and Jeff, his writing partner and sometime lover, move into the house once owned by Spence's murdered parents, they have no idea what awaits them. First, they discover someone is stealing items from them, but have no clue who, or why. And then the unthinkable happens. Jeff is killed and Spence is framed for his murder.
Crime reporter Gregg Rowe wants to help Spence clear his name. All Spence needs to do is decide if he believes Gregg, or if the man himself is the killer. Once Gregg convinces Spence he's telling the truth, the pair set out to discover if there is a connection between Jeff's murder and that of Spence's parents ten years earlier ... while fighting their growing attraction to each other.
Crime reporter Gregg Rowe wants to help Spence clear his name. All Spence needs to do is decide if he believes Gregg, or if the man himself is the killer. Once Gregg convinces Spence he's telling the truth, the pair set out to discover if there is a connection between Jeff's murder and that of Spence's parents ten years earlier ... while fighting their growing attraction to each other.
150 pages, Paperback
First published November 26, 2016
About the author
Edward Kendrick
209 books207 followersBorn and bred Cleveland, I earned a degree in technical theater, later switched to costuming, and headed to NYC. Finally seeing the futility of trying to become rich and famous in the Big Apple, I joined VISTA—Volunteers in Service to America—ending up in Chicago for three years. Then it was on to Denver, where I put down roots and worked as a costume designer until I retired in 2007.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
I began writing a few years ago after joining an online fanfic group. Two friends and I then started a group for writers, where they could post any story they wished, no matter the genre or content. Since then I've been writing for publication. My first book came out in February of 2011. Most, but not all, of my work is M/M, either mildly erotic or purely 'romantic'. More often than not it involves a mystery or action/adventure, and is sometimes paranormal as well.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 17, 2017
good story, good characters. kept my interest to the end
January 10, 2017
I am absolutely sure there are a lot of people out there that would totally disagree with some of my feelings on this story, and gobble it up. Each reader has certain criteria that they look forward to in a book, and things that can make or break a book. Those little things can easily elevate a story from good to amazing, or drop it from amazing to just okay. It’s the beauty of it all, there is something out there for everyone, and sometimes there are those instances when an author’s writing style, the focus of the story, and a reader’s preferences don’t mesh. I’m pretty sure that is the case here.
The mystery seemed to be the main concentration of this story, and if my preferences ran towards more focus on a mystery, I probably would have adored this book. The plot’s attention stays with Spence and Gregg as they try to unravel the mystery of who killed Jeff and Spence’s parents. Truthfully, the mystery portion of the plot is what worked for me. It was outlined well for the length of the story. I didn’t catch glaring plot holes or anything in the timeline to throw me off. It took twists and turns, and though I figured some things out, many were surprising and I had a few “ah-ha!” moments when the pieces fit together.
Though the mystery was done well, I went into it thinking I would get more time with the MCs and their romance, and honestly, my personal preference lies more with the character development and the entire picture of the MC’s lives. Everything written did seem to be well thought out towards the progression of the plot and with regards to the mystery, but I felt the character development a little unfinished. I had a hard time really connecting to anyone in this story. Spence’s and Gregg’s individual personalities didn’t really shine through for me, and that, combined with the lack of physical description, made it difficult for me to connect. When Gregg is introduced he is described as, “A man, maybe his age or a little older.” Very little more was provided to draw me at least an outline of Gregg, or even Spence. Granted, a lot of people prefer this so they can let their imagination run wild, and for them this would be perfect. I am someone who needs a nudge. I don’t generally like to have descriptions of my characters down to the littlest detail, but I do prefer a sort of foundation to build on, or enough character traits to use as a basis to fuel my imagination.
As for the romance, I did appreciate that there wasn’t that insta-love situation going on, and they weren’t spending more time in between the sheets and getting it on everywhere while tracking down the truth. The romance was built up as Spence and Gregg spend time together researching. It did have a believable feel to the slower progression, and although there is a little bit of on page sexy times, it’s not overwhelming and definitely not the focus. Figuring out the reason for the murders remained the primary driving force of this story, and their romance more of a side aspect that sort of happens while tracking down the truth.
All that being said, I think a lot of readers will absolutely adore this mystery and find it very intriguing. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. The story was okay, but it didn’t really meet my expectations. However, as I stated, I truly feel a lot of it is just the focus of the story and the authors writing style versus my personal preferences. I could easily see how others will find this book really amazing.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach Reviews
The mystery seemed to be the main concentration of this story, and if my preferences ran towards more focus on a mystery, I probably would have adored this book. The plot’s attention stays with Spence and Gregg as they try to unravel the mystery of who killed Jeff and Spence’s parents. Truthfully, the mystery portion of the plot is what worked for me. It was outlined well for the length of the story. I didn’t catch glaring plot holes or anything in the timeline to throw me off. It took twists and turns, and though I figured some things out, many were surprising and I had a few “ah-ha!” moments when the pieces fit together.
Though the mystery was done well, I went into it thinking I would get more time with the MCs and their romance, and honestly, my personal preference lies more with the character development and the entire picture of the MC’s lives. Everything written did seem to be well thought out towards the progression of the plot and with regards to the mystery, but I felt the character development a little unfinished. I had a hard time really connecting to anyone in this story. Spence’s and Gregg’s individual personalities didn’t really shine through for me, and that, combined with the lack of physical description, made it difficult for me to connect. When Gregg is introduced he is described as, “A man, maybe his age or a little older.” Very little more was provided to draw me at least an outline of Gregg, or even Spence. Granted, a lot of people prefer this so they can let their imagination run wild, and for them this would be perfect. I am someone who needs a nudge. I don’t generally like to have descriptions of my characters down to the littlest detail, but I do prefer a sort of foundation to build on, or enough character traits to use as a basis to fuel my imagination.
As for the romance, I did appreciate that there wasn’t that insta-love situation going on, and they weren’t spending more time in between the sheets and getting it on everywhere while tracking down the truth. The romance was built up as Spence and Gregg spend time together researching. It did have a believable feel to the slower progression, and although there is a little bit of on page sexy times, it’s not overwhelming and definitely not the focus. Figuring out the reason for the murders remained the primary driving force of this story, and their romance more of a side aspect that sort of happens while tracking down the truth.
All that being said, I think a lot of readers will absolutely adore this mystery and find it very intriguing. Unfortunately, that was not the case for me. The story was okay, but it didn’t really meet my expectations. However, as I stated, I truly feel a lot of it is just the focus of the story and the authors writing style versus my personal preferences. I could easily see how others will find this book really amazing.
Reviewed by Lindsey for The Novel Approach Reviews
December 17, 2016
What a great way to spend the day by reading Edward Kendrick's 'A Deadly Homecoming' one of my favorite authors. His murder mysteries are to die for and they definitely bring you right into the middle of the action. The storyline was awesome and strong. The characters were well developed and believable. Edward's style of writing is extremely refreshing. Spence was a well known author paired with his writing partner/best friend/lover. Ten years ago his parents were murdered and the murderer was never caught. When researching his hometown as a backdrop for their next
novel, Spence finds his old family home is up for sale. They go check it out and Spence decides to buy it with his writing partner agreeing to move in with him. But
then weird things start happening, such as things coming up missing. Not sure what is going on a man calls Spence who says he was his father's good friend and he needs to talk with Spence about the murders. When he gets to the man's old home he doesn't answer. Spence decides to go back home only to find his writing partner has been murdered. Police acting as though they think Spence is the murderer. A reporter at a local newspaper wants to interview him. Since the reporter, Gregg, is a criminal journalist he is intrigued with the case and Spence. So they decide to find out who the murderer is together. The murderer is looking for something and they need to find out what. As the mystery unfolds two sinister players come to light. This is a hold on to your seat mystery. You won't be able to put it down. Don't miss this one. In great Edward Kendrick form, another great short novel has been born!!
novel, Spence finds his old family home is up for sale. They go check it out and Spence decides to buy it with his writing partner agreeing to move in with him. But
then weird things start happening, such as things coming up missing. Not sure what is going on a man calls Spence who says he was his father's good friend and he needs to talk with Spence about the murders. When he gets to the man's old home he doesn't answer. Spence decides to go back home only to find his writing partner has been murdered. Police acting as though they think Spence is the murderer. A reporter at a local newspaper wants to interview him. Since the reporter, Gregg, is a criminal journalist he is intrigued with the case and Spence. So they decide to find out who the murderer is together. The murderer is looking for something and they need to find out what. As the mystery unfolds two sinister players come to light. This is a hold on to your seat mystery. You won't be able to put it down. Don't miss this one. In great Edward Kendrick form, another great short novel has been born!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews