Missing the Mark

by John W. Ridley

Vivid memories of life in Margaret Ann’s isolated home are woven into the fabric of her life, creating a spellbinding sequence of events that alternately exhibit hope, humor, sadness, and horror, accompanied by an omnipresent atmosphere of danger lurking at every turn. Some danger is imaginary, but often, events are accompanied by dire risks with extreme consequences. Never without ambition, she bravely faces many challenges while forging security for her family. Seeking to overcome fears and dangers and doubting at times whether events are mere coincidence, she solves an accidentally discovered puzzle. Successfully insulating her family from harm until they leave home, she tries to escape danger by making a drastic move. But mysterious foes pursue her regardless of where she travels. Feeling forced to return to her roots, she miraculously learns the ultimate truth and is rewarded in the end.

310 pages, Paperback

First published September 14, 2012

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author uses fantastic imagery to help transport the reader in to the exact location that the book is taking place in. It’s a nice plot and the author takes their time ensuring all the pieces are in place from past to present. It’s a really nice paced read that has some mystery and suspense running through it. This is the first time I have read anything by this author, and I have to say I’m really pleased that I was given the opportunity to be introduced to his work. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and I am so glad that I was able to receive this book to read. I loved the storyline/plot and the characters are so real. I love the author's use of imagery. I recommend this story and this author to like-minded readers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Pifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a convoluted mystery told from a third person point of view with little active dialogue. The story line moves slowly through the younger years of the protagonist, Margaret Ann, in her Appalachian home. Surroundings and upbringing are described at length as her thoughts turn to her education and goals after high school. For me, it was too much detail and seemed to stretch on before the mystery began; I especially lost interest while reading her inner voice’s warnings about the man she meets during college. Perhaps both subjects could have been covered in fewer pages, given this writer’s talent?

The real mystery involving drugs, murder and power in high places finally appears with a fascinating and intricate reveal via Margaret Ann’s personal investigations, with high stress and excitement at every turn. You may argue this is Margaret Ann’s story, but it becomes just as much Jerry's, who is a very complicated character.

The writer definitely has a knack for detail and the plot is excellent. I am not a fan of stories with little dialogue and extensive background; however, after reaching the point at which the active mystery begins, the story is excellent.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout after seeing it on Book Buzz Reviews and am voluntarily leaving an objective review.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. The author wrote a story that was interesting and moved at a pace that kept me engaged. The characters were easy to invest in.