Eight stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to Reedsy Discovery and Scott Semegran for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Whenever Scott Semegran reaches out with a new novel, I know that I am in for a treat. His latest piece, a quirky novel tied together by a number of stories, offers the reader a great tale with quirky perspectives, about two men and their mission to catch a late-night prowler. What begins as a piece about these two neighbours, soon morphs into something larger and yet still disconnected in its own way. Semegran does well with this piece and had me hooked from the opening pages until the final reveal!
Wells Port, Texas is home not only to a bucolic suburban area, but also collection of people with unique circumstances. A number of odd events have taken place over the last few months, seemingly random in nature. However, there is something tying them all together, which will take time to uncover.
Neighbours Seff and Big Dave have long had a connection, though it does not make much sense on paper. Dave, a staunchly conservative man whose MAGA hat is always present, has made a connection with Seff, a writer who loves to spin a good yarn. Over beers and a chance to reminisce, they tell tales of the neighbourhood and those who live there. All around them, odd things have been happening, from a ferocious wiener dog that has gone missing, to odd melons that appear to grow in days, through to the well-endowed squirrel that did nothing but wreak havoc on the sanity of homeowners. However, all these pale in comparison to a streaking night prowler.
As Seff and Big Dave create a plan to catch this man, they learn that technology is not always their friend. Using video surveillance equipment, they capture the prowler in all his glory, naked as the day is long, and post it for all to see. The locals, while unable to identify the man, have dubbed him Starman, mostly because of how his nudity is covered for public posting. If only this menace could be identified, his true intentions could be determined. That mission falls on Seff and Big Dave, who will have to come up with something as they crack beers and recount stories of their time in the neighbourhood. A great story that had me reading well into the evening. Scott Semegran has a skill that is always able to pull me right in!
I always find myself in for a treat when I pick up one of Scott Semegran's novels. Each one tells its own story and keeps the reader on their toes. This piece, told through the eyes of a number of vignettes and connected with the larger narrative, is as unique as it was a pleasure to read. A strong narrative offers up a basis for the larger piece, pushing things along with curious tales of a suburban community, while never entirely making it clear what awaits the reader. As the story gains momentum, the reader is in for a wonderful experience, tossing excitement out there for all to enjoy. Strong characters and their quirks help flavour things and make the reading experience all the more enjoyable for those who take the gamble on this book.
While the surprises in the book were numerous, Semegran does well to writing in strong plot points. The story flows with ease, using those plot diversions to surprise and entertain with ease. What's always been a great thing about Semegran's standalone work is that it leaves the reader satisfied but always a little curious about hat could occur should another novel appear. I can say the same here, as Semegran dangles a number of what-if moments alongside a solid story that has some conclusion.
Kudos, Mr. Semegran, for this treat!
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