In June of last year I flogged the first novel in a bundled series of four, the Forgotten Coast series by Dawn Lee McKenna, and I finally got around to reading it a couple of weeks ago. The post is here. 86% of FtQ readers voted no, including me. Turns out, for me this was a case of a failed first page that almost stopped me from reading a series that I’ve grown to like a lot.
I’m reading on . . . and on.
Always hungry for reading material, I often read past a first page that doesn’t make it on the strength of the blurb and reviews. In this case, I did, and I’m glad.
The author takes her time in getting to the crime part of this mystery series. In fact, I was beginning to wonder about it ever appearing before I got there. It did show up, and that part was fine.
What has turned out to be even finer, four novels later, is Dawn Lee McKenna’s writing and storytelling. She has a gift for creating characters you come to care about and stay with. Her dialogue is particularly snappy at times and always fun to read.
The twists and turns in her stories keep the narratives moving and interesting. There’s humor slyly sprinkled through the book—this won’t mean anything to you, having not read the books, but whenever the primary protagonist returns home she is greeted by a rooster in a way that is always comical and, eventually, endearing.
I’m staying with the series, too
I’ve signed up for book five in the series and am looking forward to being involved with the further lives of these characters. They have become more important than the crimes in terms of keeping me involved. I guess that’s why I wanted to give these books a shout-out today—they are well worth reading to see how to develop strong characters that a reader can connect with. That and the lively language, too.
Bottom line, I recommend the Forgotten Coast series by Dawn Lee McKenna. Definitely a good read. The set of the first four books is here. They’re priced at $7.99 for the Kindle version, but free if you have Kindle Unlimited.
For what it’s worth.
Ray
© 2017 Ray Rhamey
My books. You can read sample chapters and learn more about the books here.
Writing Craft Mastering the Craft of Compelling Storytelling
Fantasy (satire) The Vampire Kitty-cat Chronicles
Mystery (coming of age) The Summer Boy
Science Fiction Hiding Magic
Science Fiction Gundown Free ebooks.