As an author of fiction I am also a reader. Of works I believe are excellent or exceptional, I provide a review following my read. The following review is for The Ancient Whisper by M.A. Appleby, a mystery of 494 pages. ISBN: 978-0996197366. This novel definitely rates five stars.
AN EXCEPTIONAL MYSTERY WELL WORTH READING:
I was immediately captured by the first chapter of THE ANCIENT WHISPER, and this mystery did not release me until I completed reading the Epilogue. The author, M.A. Appleby, skillfully portrays a mother fighting to overcome a life turned upside down by world politics, criminals and a Federal bureaucracy. Rather than accepting defeat from the hand she is dealt, this lady responds with cunning as she wages her war with Middle East royalty, Homeland Security, those who identify themselves as FBI agents and an organization of criminals. She is allowed little time to savor the victory of each battle she wins due to additional complications that keep invading her life.
As an author of fiction my-self, my standard for an exceptionally written novel requires each of the following to be present: The characters developed must make me empathetic with them, and the antagonists have to be believable. The plot has to be interesting, lacking holes and provide ample surprises. The author needs to show me the story rather than telling it to me. As a reader I need to feel the emotions of the characters; what they see, feel, hear, taste and smell are all very important. Ms. Appleby has surpassed my expectations, and this mystery is definitely a novel I classify as exceptional. It is also a very enjoyable read.
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