A dead uncle, an ordinary house and a summer in a far-off place–they all come together and change Riley’s life forever. Riley Barnett is a second year student at the University of Toronto. Early in April of 1978, the postman brings a letter that lures her to Newfoundland where she spends the summer vacation. It is a friendly place for those who come from away, but a dark conspiracy soon rears its ugly head and almost destroys her.
Professional Reviews
Midwest Reviews (Laurel Johnson)
I was privileged to review Bradley’s Harry’s War trilogy and am delighted to report that this exceptional story teller has not lost his touch with She Came from Away. Once again, Bradley takes his readers on an exciting literary adventure, written with style and imagination.
Riley Barnett is doing well on her own in Toronto. She’s in her second year at University and shares an apartment with a friend. Riley is a frugal, sensible girl whose life is mapped out through careful planning when an unexpected letter delivers action, adventure, and romance into her predictable life. An uncle she did not know has died in Newfoundland, leaving his property to Riley. The comfortable bungalow on Conception Bay is a dream home set in a beautiful, natural acreage. Before a week has passed while visiting her inherited home, Riley can’t imagine living anywhere else. Doris Fudge, owner of a small country store, and her brother Charlie, a first class mechanic, are friendly and helpful. Jean Collins, a nearby neighbor, soon forges a fast friendship with Riley. And Paul Sutherland, who works for the local weather office, soon becomes much more than a friend. Friendship, passion, and natural wonders. Sounds idyllic, right?
Life on Conception Bay takes a dark turn soon after Riley settles into her new home. First, someone tries to shoot her. Then, intruders prowl her basement in the middle of the night. An anonymous person offers a huge amount of money for her property through a suspicious realtor. Riley is not easily intimidated, but before summer’s end she’s tempted to return to the relative safety of Toronto.
Several mysteries unravel before book’s end. These revelations are not without surprises as Riley and Paul discover who really caused her uncle’s death and what he was hiding on his property to inspire such greed and violence. Readers who love mystery, action, and adventure should relish this book. As with all Bradley’s novels, the characters are deliciously defined and the narrative well-written. I consider the works of D. Edward Bradley to be gems, well worth discovering.
Laurel Johnson, Senior Reviewer, The Midwest Book Review
