The Silver Sting

by Angela Dandy

And ebook

324 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2019

About the author

Born in Grantham, I attended school in Newton Abbot before departing for a career in London. Majoring in IT in the 70s, exploring sales, marketing, training and communications along the way, I completed my first career managing major projects.
I then embarked on my second career – writing. I wrote Lakeside while relaxing in California’s National Parks. I have since published The Silver Sting and its sequel, The Silver Dollar, and now The Gypsy Killer. My stories draw on people I have come to care about and minorities whom I believe should have a voice. The characters in my book have their own unique lives. They represent the richness and diversity of life. They are a part of me.
I live in Stratford-upon-Avon and naturally love theatre. I now write plays as well as novels and short stories. In between times I make time to enjoy and entertain my family, travel, and potter in my garden.

Visit my website and sign up to my newsletter angeladandy.com


My books are available to order from Silverwood bookstore, Amazon, and all good bookshops. eBooks are available through Amazon.

Reviews

[autumnal_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did find the first few chapters slow but after a while I was hooked. You know when you read book and then all of sudden it's been like an hour and you've read like half the book and haven't realised that was me. These characters have a special place in my heart. The older people's back stories, love and friendship had me smiling and teary. Gabby on the other hand is amazing and we should all be more like Gabby.

I love how everything is connected. Every small moment, or small gesture is some how connected to another person or a memory, and I love how the author is trying to normalise disabilities and diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer's so people won't be afraid or feel like outcastes If they have it or know someone who does.

This book had so many unexpected twist and turns and I was constantly shocked at the new revelations that kept apprearing! Such great writing!

What a cliff hanger of an ending cannot wait to read the next book on the series: the silver dollar

[Miriam Smith (A Mother’s Musings) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having fell in love with the characters in ‘California Dreaming’ and knowing how slyly they were conned out of their hard earned cash, has the reader personally applauding for them to seek justice and redemption. Again each character plays their recognised parts perfectly and after being introduced to them in the novella, you feel like you know each one intimately. Knowing there’s a second book to follow - ‘The Silver Dollar’ keeps the interest and intrigue piqued, wondering what mystery they will encounter next.

#TheSilverSting - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Stace · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The Silver Sting’ is an unconventional story from British-based author, Angela Dandy. Gabby Fairbrother is a journalist who makes contact with her aunt and uncle after many years of estrangement. The couple live at a retirement village known as Magnolia Court and
Gabby’s visit puts in place a chain of events which lead to some deep wounds being re-opened.

There are a lot of participants in this tale as would be inevitable with a story set in such an environment and we spend time getting to know several of the residents. Once organised by Gabby, a variety of talent enables the group to tackle a conman who cheated them. This
involves delving into his history with a second thread running parallel to the main plot.

This story has a dynamic set of characters taken predominantly from an age group which is often underrepresented, considering readers stretch across all generations. Yet these senior citizens prove they have plenty of life and spirit and I compliment the author for giving them an engaging adventure. The story has a steady pace for the most part but arguably did get a bit bogged down in some of the residents’ backstories.

Gabby is a strong believable character and Greg proves to be a competent foil for her. The descriptive passages work well but the dialogue is slightly hampered at times in double handers by the participants using each other’s names in almost every exchange. This can
make the conversation seem a little stilted.

Obviously, pulling off a sophisticated sting requires putting together specialist knowledge and skill sets. I had no difficulty in suspending reality and accepting that such people would all be living in the same community. There are lots of happy coincidences along the way and, for an accomplished conman, our villain seemed to be less than diligent in his research. I’m also not sure evidence collected via the method employed by one of our heroes would be admissible in court. Nevertheless, I’m glad the judge disagreed with me and I was very pleased to see our miscreant get his comeuppance. It was also a nice twist that in true sting style, he didn’t realise he’d been duped.

It can confuse the reader to share the thoughts of more than one character in a segment so I think it is better to avoid head-hopping where possible but apart from that, I thoroughly enjoyed the story. In the tried and trusted good versus evil tradition, anyone reading this can be confident of a feel-good escapist tale with a happy ending and I award 4 well-deserved stars.

[B.R. Maycock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I knew from the second I heard about this book that it was right up my street. Anything that involves getting some form of justice for a wronged group is totally me! So in this book we not only follow the story of what has happened to Magnolia Court,  where residents were scammed, it also takes us through each of the individuals we need to meet to piece the story together. I warmed to and loved some of the characters, wasn’t too fond of others, and took pleasure in others being inconvenienced.

The settings were great, putting us right there, not only as we read past articles and went through the history of events but also in the present day. In some cases the surroundings mirrored the decay that had taken place in lapsed time, while in other we found ourselves in luxury. The pacing suited me well, in particular when jumping from person to person, you felt you had to read on.  Thanks so much to Anne Cater for allowing me to be part of this blog tour and for the book in return for an honest review.

Rating: 4/5

[Lel Budge · Rating 4 out of 5]

The residents of Magnolia Court had been scammed some years before, by a developer who then disappeared with their funds…..and this is the story of how with teamwork these elderly ‘grifters’ can get justice…….

I loved the insight into the characters and their individual stories and how each of them were involved…will they get retribution? Never underestimate the elderly, with their life experience they can overcome any obstacle….can’t they?

There are some great twists and surprises, poor Gabby, and also some lovely heartwarming moments with these lively senior citizens in this entertaining cosy crime mystery by Angela Dandy.

Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour and for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

[Jinxy_Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When the residents of Magnolia Court are scammed out of a comfortable retirement by a crooked property developer they almost give up. Twists of fate give them an opportunity they never expected, can they possibly have the retirement they all dreamed of.

A great read. Somehow it was a mix of Jeffrey Archer and Richard Osman. I love the way the book starts with different chapters focusing on different characters and situations that gradually all weave together wonderfully. Definitely recommend.

[Rebecca Hills · Rating 5 out of 5]

When an estranged niece discovers her elderly aunt and uncle have been swindled out of their retirement dream, she decides its time to make amends for her absence and seeks revenge for the residents of Magnolia Court.

It’s a humorous tale of scheming and settling scores but what I really loved was the empowerment of the older characters.

If you’re looking for a light read that’ll steal your heart, this could be the next book for you.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most enjoyable book to read, and once started, very hard to put down. The characters were developed in a way that really added to the pleasure of this feel-good story. I’m looking forward to Angela’s next book!

[Mary Parry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It’s a real page turner keeping you wanting to know what will happen next. I look forward to reading more of Angel Dandys publications.

[Karen Heming · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real page turner. Great characters and plot and a real feel good ending. A pleasure to read.