When Marcus Ramsay left his strange experience in Texas, his marriage was nearly on the rocks. He and his wife moved to California for her new job and his new career as an advertising photographer and owner of a large studio. At the outset of “Latent Image,” Marcus is surprised when his wife Kathy says she wants a divorce. Marcus is encouraged by his new studio neighbor to risk it all and parlay his new lighting style into a burgeoning business. But unknown to Marcus, photographers envious of his new lighting techniques, are already scheming to undermine his new venture. Within a few days, he simultaneously has his studio vandalized and meets hand model Jesse Dasher, who is obviously quite enamored of him. In fact, she soon invites him to her place where they have a romantic nighttime swim in her apartment pool. Marcus cuts the episode short, however, when memories of his former marriage return.

Latent Image

Jack Eadon
Eloquence Press (2005)
ISBN 0975330047
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (10/06)



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This, another of Jack Eadon’s American Drama novels, features young Marcus Ramsay, an idealist, trusting and naďve, in business and relationships. Marcus is opening a specialty advertising photography studio in Tustin, California. Before he has even signed the lease on his studio, or officially opened for business, an unscrupulous group of competitive studios owners begins a campaign to ensure that Ramsay’s business fails.

Eadon uses dialog to provide detailed information on photography, photographic equipment, lighting techniques, and photo shoots. This adds to the authenticity and genuineness of his character, Marcus, who again finds himself on the cutting edge in an extremely competitive cut throat market.

Vandalism, embezzlement, and arson force Marcus to near defeat.  Encouraged by counseling from friends and peers, Marcus accepts the challenge to rebuild his business. 

However, still feeling failure in his earlier corporate career and devastated by his failed marriage, Marcus arranges to meet the twin sister of Jessica, one of his models.  Her sister Suzanne is a Grand Canyon park ranger who is steeped in Hopi Indian lore and ancient Indian healing tradition.

As the narrative unfolds and the cast of characters is introduced, Eadon generates a sense of romance, mystery, mistrust, and intrigue. His characters become real, complex, and at risk.  Eadon skillfully weaves a question of motive, loyalty, and mistrust as Marcus openly avails himself to them, exposing his vulnerability.

Influenced by the writing of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eadon has dedicated this book to him.  Much of the subtleties of plot structure and character are attributed to the inspiration and examples learned from Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Eadon’s descriptions of the Grand Canyon, its grandeur, beauty, and enormity, are breathtaking.

Eadon’s writing is strong in plot and subplot, and all the elements of good story telling.  I savored every page as I journeyed with Marcus Ramsay in his search for purpose and meaning in his work and in his relationships.

A fast moving plot with unexpected twists and turns, Eadon takes the reader on a roller coaster ride of romance, drama, and suspense, with a stunning climactic surprise finish.