Heather’s Bookshelf: Ada & Eddie
Author: Barry Harden
Released: 03/01/25
Genre: Crime Thriller
“Morning arrived quietly. There was a slight sea mist that blocked out nearly all the sounds of passing ships and the rising tide.”
“Ada & Eddie” introduces the title characters just after Eddie finds the body of a murdered young woman. Eddie’s homeless and living in the Moors when he comes across the body. Ada is a widow living nearby who happens upon the situation, befriending Eddie and inviting him into her home.
Ada cleans Eddie up and convinces him to tell the authorities about the young woman’s body. It doesn't take long before the two friends find a connection to the body while also realizing there may be more to this whole case.
When Ada’s house is broken into by armed men, the duo know they must leave and take off in search of help. They find some friendly faces, but also some serious danger, learning more than they could have ever imagined about corruption and the lengths some people will go for money and power.
Trigger Warning: violence, murder, reference to drug use, homelessness
Overall, I was a bit torn by this one. The story is told through the POV of Eddie and in a voice that is similar to a much younger voice, but matching his life experiences. There’s an occasional cut-in from the “villain’s” voice, which I didn’t think added much to the tale and was a little jarring, pulling from Eddie’s POV. Eddie’s backstory and family history is well-woven in and plays a major role in the overall storyline. I found Ada to be a fascinating character. She’s headstrong, funny, paranoid, and determined. The dichotomy between Eddie and Ada is endearing and further develops each of their character quirks. This story feels like two distinct parts. There’s the first half on the farm and then the second half which is more like a spy story. Without giving anything away, I really enjoyed the first part, but found the second half disconnected and sometimes redundant. And I absolutely loathed the ending! There’s a definite set up for a sequel here, but the main character arcs are resolved. Again, I don’t want to give anything away, but ugh!
I received a copy of this story in exchange of a fair and honest review.
OVERALL REVIEW:
A crime thriller with 2 intriguing main characters within a plot that seems like 2 books cut into 1. An unsatisfactory ending left me wanting something more.
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