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Evelyn Marsh
Everyone agreed Evelyn Marsh wouldn’t hurt a fly, but they didn’t count on a mother’s ferocity, nor the fury of a woman scorned. Written in the spirit of Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train; The Talented Mr. Ripley), Evelyn Marsh begins with the provocative statement that “Evelyn’s first murder was an accident.” The rest of the book exists to explain the implication embedded in that first line. A psychological character study, it’s a why-done-it and how-done-it, instead of a who-done-it.
184 pages, Paperback
Published March 10, 2017
25 people are currently reading
352 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Clemens
4 books292 followersSW Clemens has a Master's degree in English Literature. As a writer, editor, publisher, and newspaper columnist, he has written more than 500 articles on wine, food and travel. He is the author of the novels WITH ARTISTIC LICENSE; TIME MANAGEMENT; Kindle Scout Winner EVELYN MARSH; and THE SEAL COVE THEORETICAL SOCIETY. He lives in Moss Beach, California.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 31, 2017
Evelyn Marsh by S.W. Clemens is a hidden gem behind a dull book cover. I was cruising the Kindle Scout books, most of these are good gems not noted, and came across this. Wow, I was impressed. It wasn't anything I would normally pick up but it was good. It wasn't really a mystery really, but about a woman and her life. It drew me in and held me. How can you ignore ,"Evelyn’s first murder was an accident." Makes you want to know more, right? Not my regular read unless she was a vampire, lol, but she wasn't. Still a good book.
June 26, 2020
Not sure how I came across this one but it was a pleasant surprise! It’s a super short listen too, at just under 6 hours.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Everyone agreed Evelyn wouldn't hurt a fly…but they didn't count on a mother's fierce love, nor the fury of a woman scorned. Written in the spirit of Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train; The Talented Mr. Ripley), Evelyn Marsh begins with the provocative statement that "Evelyn's first murder was an accident." The rest of the book exists to explain the implication embedded in that first line. It's a why-done-it and how-done-it, instead of a who-done-it.
Highly recommend- listened via Scribd.
𝐒𝐲𝐧𝐨𝐩𝐬𝐢𝐬: Everyone agreed Evelyn wouldn't hurt a fly…but they didn't count on a mother's fierce love, nor the fury of a woman scorned. Written in the spirit of Patricia Highsmith (Strangers on a Train; The Talented Mr. Ripley), Evelyn Marsh begins with the provocative statement that "Evelyn's first murder was an accident." The rest of the book exists to explain the implication embedded in that first line. It's a why-done-it and how-done-it, instead of a who-done-it.
Highly recommend- listened via Scribd.
November 17, 2017
I've never panned for gold, but I can imagine my delight at finding a nugget or two amid the rocks. Similarly, given the substantial number of books I read each year - some wonderful and some not so much - it's a treat to find a gem like this one.
The story is, if I may borrow the title of another novel and motion picture, an anatomy of a murder; after all, readers know from the start that the title character isn't new to the game ("Evelyn's first murder was an accident," the description reads). That at least one more follows, then, comes as no big surprise.
Discovering the who and why is what kept me reading almost nonstop (which didn't take long; at 185 pages, the book is closer to a short story than a novel). It's well thought out, riveting and reminiscent, at least to me, of Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." And that's a good thing.
Evelyn Marsh can lay claim to being a "normal" housewife; at age 49, she's been in a somewhat boring but comfortable marriage for 25 years. Now that their two children are grown and out of the house, she's looking into selling the artwork she's been giving away all those years - encouraged by friends and family (except perhaps for her successful lawyer-husband, who's content to have a stay-at-home wife with a nice hobby).
What follows is a story of betrayal and awakening of inner emotions that most likely lie within all of us. Are we all capable of following a course of action as Evelyn did? Probably. Would we? Probably not - at least I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. But on the other hand, I'm willing to concede that anything is possible.
Just because I know folks who would be upset by sexually graphic language, I'm compelled to note that there's a little of that in here. As one who's way too old not to have heard those words before, I'll call this one a winner and thank the author for sending me a copy to review.
The story is, if I may borrow the title of another novel and motion picture, an anatomy of a murder; after all, readers know from the start that the title character isn't new to the game ("Evelyn's first murder was an accident," the description reads). That at least one more follows, then, comes as no big surprise.
Discovering the who and why is what kept me reading almost nonstop (which didn't take long; at 185 pages, the book is closer to a short story than a novel). It's well thought out, riveting and reminiscent, at least to me, of Hemingway's "The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber." And that's a good thing.
Evelyn Marsh can lay claim to being a "normal" housewife; at age 49, she's been in a somewhat boring but comfortable marriage for 25 years. Now that their two children are grown and out of the house, she's looking into selling the artwork she's been giving away all those years - encouraged by friends and family (except perhaps for her successful lawyer-husband, who's content to have a stay-at-home wife with a nice hobby).
What follows is a story of betrayal and awakening of inner emotions that most likely lie within all of us. Are we all capable of following a course of action as Evelyn did? Probably. Would we? Probably not - at least I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. But on the other hand, I'm willing to concede that anything is possible.
Just because I know folks who would be upset by sexually graphic language, I'm compelled to note that there's a little of that in here. As one who's way too old not to have heard those words before, I'll call this one a winner and thank the author for sending me a copy to review.
October 26, 2017
This book starts with the seriously great opening line "Evelyn's first murder was an accident." From that moment on, you are drawn ever deeper into the story, into the world of Evelyn, the kind of woman who you might well know - in her late forties, charming, well-liked by everyone. The kind of woman about whom you might say "She wouldn't hurt a fly!"
Except, of course, the reader knows that Evelyn is very capable of hurting. It's how she gets to that point which is an intriguing, thoughtful and thoroughly absorbing tale.
This book was a Kindle Scout program winner, and after reading it, I can certainly see why. The author has a beautiful turn of phrase and that happy knack of description which helps the reader feel as though they can truly visualize the story.
While I'm not sure I'd call it a thriller or even a suspense, really - there was never a moment at which I was on the edge of my seat - this is a seriously good book. It's hard to sympathize with a murderous protagonist, yet I found myself doing just that; as a mother, I understand all too well Evelyn's tigress instincts to protect her children and just what a woman can be capable of when her offspring is threatened.
This is a great read and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
Except, of course, the reader knows that Evelyn is very capable of hurting. It's how she gets to that point which is an intriguing, thoughtful and thoroughly absorbing tale.
This book was a Kindle Scout program winner, and after reading it, I can certainly see why. The author has a beautiful turn of phrase and that happy knack of description which helps the reader feel as though they can truly visualize the story.
While I'm not sure I'd call it a thriller or even a suspense, really - there was never a moment at which I was on the edge of my seat - this is a seriously good book. It's hard to sympathize with a murderous protagonist, yet I found myself doing just that; as a mother, I understand all too well Evelyn's tigress instincts to protect her children and just what a woman can be capable of when her offspring is threatened.
This is a great read and I'm really looking forward to seeing what the author comes up with next!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review from the author.
July 6, 2017
Evelyn and Howard Marsh were now empty nesters and their relationship seemed to be headed toward non-existence. Connie, a friend of Evelyn's encouraged her to open a shop to sell her artwork. When their pool man retired, Evelyn hired The Pool Boy, Ramon. He was young and attractive and she liked flirting until he went too far. Ramon suggested she go into business with him and gave her a prospectus. When Howard left his cell phone at home one day, Evelyn discovered he was cheating with Connie. Ramon showed Evelyn a porn video of him and her daughter, then tried to blackmail her. Evelyn, who felt guilty about killing a gopher in her garden had to do something, but what? Clemens writes an ending that is beautiful.
December 31, 2017
Clemens starts his book with the kind of first line that grabs the reader. What's intriguing about what follows is that we know Evelyn Marsh will kill again, but we don't yet know why, when or whom. The novel begins as a seemingly sweet story about a reasonably content woman. When wrinkles appear on the smooth surface of her life, she unleashes mayhem with horrifying ease.
Evelyn Marsh's descent intrigued me enough to keep me up while I read to the end. What surprises me about that is Clemens's ability to captivate in spite of characters who are universally unlikeable. For me novels rise or sink on the strength of their characters. This book rises on the strength of the storytelling.
For readers who want their guilty pleasures wrapped in literate language, with a sly sensibility, Evelyn Marsh is a good choice and a pleasure to review.
Evelyn Marsh's descent intrigued me enough to keep me up while I read to the end. What surprises me about that is Clemens's ability to captivate in spite of characters who are universally unlikeable. For me novels rise or sink on the strength of their characters. This book rises on the strength of the storytelling.
For readers who want their guilty pleasures wrapped in literate language, with a sly sensibility, Evelyn Marsh is a good choice and a pleasure to review.
January 18, 2020
Wow. This book hooks you from the very first line and doesn't let you go until you are finished. It definitely took a direction I didn't see it going, and I found myself thinking Evelyn really knows no limits, and that becomes more clear the further you read. Great book with a surprisingly satisfying ending.
June 8, 2019
Review
Fast read! Keeps you entertained and is not super predictable. A good beach or summer read. Not too dark but still a bit of a mystery.
Fast read! Keeps you entertained and is not super predictable. A good beach or summer read. Not too dark but still a bit of a mystery.
November 7, 2017
I was given a copy of this book by the author, asking to write an honest review. To start, I did enjoy the writing style of SW Clemens. At times, I did find the book to be a bit too wordy. I do appreciate descriptive writing but I felt it went a tad bit overboard.
The plot was decent. The character building was done well. However the husband was such an unlikeable character, I found myself really irritated that Evelyn stuck around with him to begin with. I also don’t agree that the situation Evelyn found herself in, warranted murder. (Not that I ever agree with murder, but for the sake of argument) The video blackmail was very weak. I felt like Clemens was searching for the perfect type of blackmail for the plot, but he missed the mark. Let the stupid pool boy post the video...then move on. I think the blackmail needs to be more gripping to make the rest of the story cohesive.
I did enjoy the ending. Those who deserved it got their “just deserts”.
All in all- I give the book a 3/5. A better blackmail story would’ve bumped the rating up.
The plot was decent. The character building was done well. However the husband was such an unlikeable character, I found myself really irritated that Evelyn stuck around with him to begin with. I also don’t agree that the situation Evelyn found herself in, warranted murder. (Not that I ever agree with murder, but for the sake of argument) The video blackmail was very weak. I felt like Clemens was searching for the perfect type of blackmail for the plot, but he missed the mark. Let the stupid pool boy post the video...then move on. I think the blackmail needs to be more gripping to make the rest of the story cohesive.
I did enjoy the ending. Those who deserved it got their “just deserts”.
All in all- I give the book a 3/5. A better blackmail story would’ve bumped the rating up.
November 7, 2017
Evelyn Marsh is a middle aged suburbian woman - she has a great life - successful artist, great children, lovely home, attorney husband - and even though it is a bit of a boring life, it is good just the same. Then one day she kills a gopher in her garden - and things begin to change for Evelyn. She's a killer now.
Soon Evelyn's life begins to unravel. She discovers her husband is cheating, she is being blackmailed by a young attractive man, and she realizes that her life is not her own. She decides to take things in her own hands and let the chips fall where they may!
Evelyn Marsh starts out slow, and this is the chance the reader gets to really know who Evelyn is. Quickly the pace picks up and you hold your breath because you are not quite sure what Evelyn will do when push comes to shove.
This is really a good book - I read it in one day - could not put it down.
Highly recommend - different and gets you thinking what you might do yourself if you were Evelyn Marsh.
Soon Evelyn's life begins to unravel. She discovers her husband is cheating, she is being blackmailed by a young attractive man, and she realizes that her life is not her own. She decides to take things in her own hands and let the chips fall where they may!
Evelyn Marsh starts out slow, and this is the chance the reader gets to really know who Evelyn is. Quickly the pace picks up and you hold your breath because you are not quite sure what Evelyn will do when push comes to shove.
This is really a good book - I read it in one day - could not put it down.
Highly recommend - different and gets you thinking what you might do yourself if you were Evelyn Marsh.
November 4, 2017
Wow! One of the best novels I've read in a while! I just want to read more by this talented writer. It had all of the best elements of a page-turner, one you race to get to the end and yet hate for the book to end. The main characters were so completely believable in that deep and shallow way real people are. It takes all kinds, ya know? Well, this book had all kinds. I loved the main character, Evelyn, hated her foes and at times cheered on the revenge-taker. I was hooked from the first line of the book. You will be, too. I highly recommend this book, and any other by this talented writer. I will be reading everything I can find by Scott Clemens in this genre. Or maybe any genre. He's that good.
December 29, 2017
A Fun Quick Read
When I read the first sentence, “Evelyn’s first murder was an accident,” captured me instantly. Evelyn Marsh is an upstanding housewife, well liked, respected, and a gentle soul; “she wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Only, the first glimpse into Evelyn Marsh is just scratching the surface of who she is.
The storyline is an intriguing take on the betrayed lover, revenge, and one’s idea of how justice, or perhaps, karma is defined and carried out. A quick and fun read for those of you who like this genre.
NOTE: I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
When I read the first sentence, “Evelyn’s first murder was an accident,” captured me instantly. Evelyn Marsh is an upstanding housewife, well liked, respected, and a gentle soul; “she wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Only, the first glimpse into Evelyn Marsh is just scratching the surface of who she is.
The storyline is an intriguing take on the betrayed lover, revenge, and one’s idea of how justice, or perhaps, karma is defined and carried out. A quick and fun read for those of you who like this genre.
NOTE: I received an advance reader copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2017
After reading the opening line that Evelyn's first murder was an accident, you know something interesting is going to happen in the story. So, even though it's a slow build to the "second murder," the story also builds anticipation. You get to see mild, harmless Evelyn and wonder what could possibly make her commit an intentional murder. The book is a good character study and well written. Does she get away? Do you want her to? Read on to find out.
May 19, 2019
Boring
I got this book because of the tagline "Evelyn Marsh's first murder was an accident" and honestly I don't think the book lived up to that. It was pretty boring and wordy for 80% of the book when the murder finally happens. Overall I wasn't really a fan and the only reason I got all the way through its because the book itself is so short. The insult to Agatha Christie's writing was also a little much.
I got this book because of the tagline "Evelyn Marsh's first murder was an accident" and honestly I don't think the book lived up to that. It was pretty boring and wordy for 80% of the book when the murder finally happens. Overall I wasn't really a fan and the only reason I got all the way through its because the book itself is so short. The insult to Agatha Christie's writing was also a little much.
October 28, 2022
This story was just interesting enough to make me finish it. Evelyn didn't quite figure out that her life wasn't that great until it got really bad. I guess being able to do her art and live in a beautiful home in a lovely place made up for having an unloving and unsupportive husband. While the "case" was somewhat interesting, most of the issues presented were pretty stereotypical.
May 19, 2018
Great book!
Evelyn was an amazing protagonist! The story moved forward with the main character artfully developed and engaged the reader with anticipation. One of the best novels I've read in a while. I'm betting this one makes it to Hollywood!
Evelyn was an amazing protagonist! The story moved forward with the main character artfully developed and engaged the reader with anticipation. One of the best novels I've read in a while. I'm betting this one makes it to Hollywood!
July 22, 2018
Totally Unexpected
I am not sure what I expected but, I was definitely surprised by this book. I enjoyed the writing style and characters. The book did not end as I thought it would. But, it was a good ending and suited the story.
I am not sure what I expected but, I was definitely surprised by this book. I enjoyed the writing style and characters. The book did not end as I thought it would. But, it was a good ending and suited the story.
October 2, 2018
Fun quick read
Great easy read. A fun story that sucks you in with that first sentence. Great writing not too much unnecessary filler.
Great easy read. A fun story that sucks you in with that first sentence. Great writing not too much unnecessary filler.
October 30, 2018
Not sure what to even say .....highly recommend this quick read !
January 15, 2019
This book took a direction I didn't see coming and I loved it!
February 25, 2020
Cute?
I’m not sure how murder equates to cute... but it is written with a light hearted air that gives the story a good feeling
I’m not sure how murder equates to cute... but it is written with a light hearted air that gives the story a good feeling
June 6, 2021
I'd like to thank the author for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this story - it is well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Evelyn Marsh is a dealing with the coming of middle-age, being an empty-nester, and cohabitating in a passionless marriage. She's a talented artist and wants to pursue the hobby that she's simply never had time for. Her husband, Howard, is a prominent attorney who works long hours and simply seems put out by anything Evelyn says or does - and does NOT support her new art venture (he's a straight-up jerk).
This is a story about murder, but I won't delve any further into a summary as I don't want to give spoilers. However, the beginning foreshadows what is to come later.
I felt that the plot flowed very nicely and that the author took his time setting up scenes that needed detail and attention.
My biggest issue with the book, and really, it's minor, is that some of the character's reactions and changes (Evelyn, specifically - she is so "mild" and "calm"), didn't seem natural to me. But it's minor.
The reader was also very good. I suggest this book if you find murder mystery - stories like Dateline - interesting.
I really enjoyed this story - it is well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Evelyn Marsh is a dealing with the coming of middle-age, being an empty-nester, and cohabitating in a passionless marriage. She's a talented artist and wants to pursue the hobby that she's simply never had time for. Her husband, Howard, is a prominent attorney who works long hours and simply seems put out by anything Evelyn says or does - and does NOT support her new art venture (he's a straight-up jerk).
This is a story about murder, but I won't delve any further into a summary as I don't want to give spoilers. However, the beginning foreshadows what is to come later.
I felt that the plot flowed very nicely and that the author took his time setting up scenes that needed detail and attention.
My biggest issue with the book, and really, it's minor, is that some of the character's reactions and changes (Evelyn, specifically - she is so "mild" and "calm"), didn't seem natural to me. But it's minor.
The reader was also very good. I suggest this book if you find murder mystery - stories like Dateline - interesting.
August 8, 2021
Evelyn finds out her husband is having an affair and gets a thing going with the pool boy. Boy, was that ever a mistake. A short, entertaining story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews