Publication Date: March 1, 2025
Finding the body of a young woman on the North York Moors creates a dilemma for Eddie, a reclusive homeless man who would rather commune with wildlife than tolerate humans. Ada, a feisty widow living nearby with a secret past, comes to the rescue. Together they embark on a mission to discover the identity of the young woman –Â a pursuit that unwittingly brings them towards a collision course with political corruption, murder, and betrayal.
Written from Eddie’s point of view, the many conflicts are seen through his naive and simplistic view of the world around him. In contrast, Ada brings a more realistic, assertive approach to the perilous twists and turns they encounter while the presence of a deeply entrenched mole within their group of confidants keeps the reader guessing his identity. Ultimately, Ada, Eddie, and their cohorts successfully bring down an unscrupulous British government official, and in a shocking finale, the enemy’s unthinkable retribution is disclosed
Ada and Eddie by Barry Harden is a mystery with several layers and unexpected connections.
A multitude of characters from all walks of life are involved in different scenarios and activities. There are more bad guys than good, but so many show a different face to those whose paths they cross.
The story starts unexpectedly with a murdered body found by Eddie, who experiences a deep connection with the victim even though he doesn’t know her. Ada and Eddie meet unexpectedly on her property, although she’s been watching him for a while while he forages the land, cares for animals and birds, and thinks he’s off the grid.
Eddie is wary of Ada initially, but then he comes to care for her and follows her lead and instincts when situations come to light that will affect his life in more ways than he ever imagined. He and Ada seem to have nothing in common, but things change the more time they spend together.
The story held my interest throughout and moved at a quick pace. But there are so many details to keep track of that I often had to look back to refresh my memory. Many of the characters appear to be different from what they seem, and there are more layers to the story and characters than seems possible. A land grab is part of the plot, and things aren’t going to plan, especially for those trying to do so.
Some of the bad guys get what they deserve, but not all. Â Eddie and Ada meet a surprising end, but there are definitely loose ends and bad guys still in power. Will there be another book to continue the story?
Ada and Eddie is set in Scotland on the moors with murders, crimes, bad cops, and those in influential positions as well as people on the take. Eddie’s life takes an unexpected turn on many fronts, but will he be better off than when he lived incognito?
Barry Harden is the author of a memoir, four fiction novels, two books of poetry and two collections of short stories in the genres of memoir, political thriller, fantasy, and satire. An animal rights and environmental protection proponent, he often injects his affinity for such in his writings. He lives in Kissimmee, FL.
