I look back on a wasted writing winter, the fall before it, and most of spring, with a bit of regret. Guitars and songwriting filled the creative void, but I’ll admit I temporarily lost the fire, the drive, perhaps even the confidence, that spurs one to spend a thousand-plus hours on plot, character development, conflict, twisted cruelty, love, murder, mayhem.
But, some recent and unexpected face-to-face encounters, along with the words posted below, brought both encouragement and motivation. My fire is stoked. My early summer mornings are being spent on my fourth novel, and I’m happy to report a true psychological thriller will be the eventual yield. My reading dessert is the hilarious stylings of Lance Carney and Mantis Preying, the third satirical novel in his series of four. To you, Lance, a Dunbar, West Virginia native, an S.O.S., sorry so slow.
Thanks for reading, A.S.
The Lost Lantern
Kelly L. Adkins
Engrossing storyline and excellent read to kick off the summer!
June 8, 2022
This book was such an excellent surprise!! I literally binge-read the last half of the book on my first day off for summer, as I was so into the storyline, I just could not put it down! I found the story’s flawed characters to be complex and engaging, the neatly woven storyline both compelling and full of surprises, and the coastal setting together alluring and full of mystique. Spradling’s superb character development and vivid description of the greater Myrtle Beach area bring to life this powerful story of friendship, love, murder, greed, betrayal, racism, and the ultimate triumph of the “human spirit.”
Diagram of Death: A Detective Harper Stowe Mystery
Lance Carney, Author
Mystery, Suspense, Crime Thriller and Romance
March 5, 2022
Harper Stowe is smart, athletic, stunning—and a gritty police detective. Dyeing her hair blonde, she goes undercover to offer herself as bait for a sexual predator and killer who is picking his blonde victims from the running trails of an upscale resort community. What ensues is a deadly game of cat and mouse. Unbeknownst to Harper, the suspect has left a string of unsolved murders across the country, making him possibly the most prolific serial killer in the United States.
Set on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, author Andrew Spradling has created a taut crime thriller, weaving the businesses and beautiful scenery of the locale into the story. Throughout the book, in short chapters, we enter the mind of the serial killer, which is especially chilling. And the reason for the title, Diagram of Death, is cleverly revealed as the story progresses.
Diagram of Death has it all—mystery, suspense, romance and a slam-bang ending that will leave you breathless. Highly recommended!
Diagram of Death: A Detective Harper Stowe Mystery
Matthew H.
Fascinating Plot!!!
March 23, 2022
This book will get you hooked! I’ve always enjoyed crime/detective mysteries and Andrew Spradling takes it to a higher level with the suspense! The characters are so descriptive, I felt like I was part of the novel! Andrew has a gift in creating an unpredictable plot that kept me turning the pages! Great read!
Diagram of Death: A Detective Harper Stowe Mystery
Angel Casto
Fantastic thriller that’s unpredictable!
April 12, 2022
This book had me on the edge of my beach chair! I’m a sucker for any book set in a beach town, add in suspense and murders and it can’t be beat. . This book me hooked from the beginning and the ending did not disappoint! We need more Detective Harper Stowe stories!
Diagram of Death: A Detective Harper Stowe Mystery
Shelly Catlett
Couldn’t put this down
April 25, 2022
Loved this book!!! It kept you guessing all the way through and had a surprising twist! I also felt like I was watching a movie while I read it! The details of Hilton Head Island put you right there like you were in the middle of it. Great read and can’t wait for another one!
These books, as well as The Long Shadow of Hope, my first novel, are available to order electronically or in paperback at: https://www.amazon.com/Andrew-Spradling/e/B01EYPU3RQ
Thank you for the support!
Andrew Spradling 