Second Time Around

by: Linda M. Faulkner

Published by: ePress-online, Inc.

Reviewed by Kathy Johnson

Mysteries abound in Second Time Around. The story begins when the body of Timmie Campbell’s father rolls down the hillside and lands in the creek next to her driveway. He had abandoned her over thirty years ago and now makes a dramatic entrance back into her life. Soon more bodies make their way to Timmie’s home. She is stalked, the sheriff’s deputy investigating the murder is a former boyfriend who would like to reconnect, and Timmie finds out her mother has lied to her. There is a mystery to solve, truth to be sought, and love to be shared.

The use of humor through witticism and sarcasm is done well. You will root for Timmie to remain independent and come through with all her senses intact.

Linda Faulkner use of the first-person narrative makes for an exciting read and draws us quickly into the story, but Timmie gets ahead of her story a number of times. It is difficult to know if the author is dropping clues for us, confusing the time element, or possibly stepping over into an omniscient role.

The inconsistencies within the language usage were stark. A character is introduced as a “flaming redhead,” yet a few sentences later she is described as having “carrot-colored hair.” The main character states that the sheriff’s deputy knows she “wouldn’t lie,” and yet a few pages later she is thinking that she hardly ever lies–but when she does there is a purpose. These incidences made me and take time from reading to revamp what I thought or how I have viewed the character. It slows the reading down.

The emotional level of Timmie often appeared out of sync with herself. Over and over Timmie states her dislike for her murdered father but early in the book also claims the murderer “had more to fear from me than the other way around,” in regard to her father’s death. It was difficult to understand why this would be the case.

Armchair Interviews says: A tighter editing of the book would have made the difference for this unique story.

Author’s Web site: http://www.LindaMFaulkner.com