I always love to hear how readers react to my work and what patterns emerge from their feedback. And let’s face it, it’s even better when the feedback is as positive as the initial comments on my new novel, Beneath Madrid.
“Fast-paced” is definitely the word I hear most. Would you believe it? I was worried that the third person limited point of view would slow it down a little too much. But it looks like the short chapters and raw, sparse prose are paying off.
In terms of style and pacing, I’ve heard some comparisons to Dan Brown, Sidney Sheldon, and Chad Harbach, none of whom I’ve read before, so I can’t say I was emulating them. All three, however, are now on my to-read list.
Despite its fast pace, many readers have called Beneath Madrid a character study, making reference to personal demons and self-destruction. One reader even compared the main character’s self-destructive behavior to Switters in Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins, another book I haven’t read but would now like to one day.
Based on what I’ve heard so far, there’s reason to believe Beneath Madrid manages to bundle character depth (I’ve never been a big fan of paper-thin characters…so hooray!) with the addictiveness of a page-turner. If so, so be it. You, the reader, are the ultimate judge, so grab yourself a copy and post an honest review when you finish.
Here a few of Beneath Madrid‘s early reviews:
“I had read & enjoyed the short stories Guilt Trips so was pleased to learn of the first full novel by the same author. As an ex-pat living in the same city it had caught my attention & it didn’t let me down. There seem to be many facets, twists & layers to this well-written story. I read it in 3 sittings & thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a story of relationships, decisions, deception & the battle with your inner demons with a back-drop of some of Madrid’s unique history. In many ways this also could have been titled Guilt Trips too! A very impressive first novel.”
– pfwmadrid (Amazon)
“An enjoyable mix of genres: part character study of a flawed protagonist, part psychological thriller, and part mystery novel…with just enough wry humor to lighten an otherwise-dark tale. The narrative flows smoothly throughout, but really shines in the author’s depiction of Madrid — so much so that Madrid itself becomes a fully realized character within the story. The story itself is tightly wound, with few detours — despite this being his debut novel, Barker writes with the self-assurance of a seasoned novelist.”
– Anonymous Customer (Amazon)
“In an impressive first effort, Barker uses local history, conspiracy, and corruption as the backdrop to tell the tale of an outsider at a crossroads. A man pulled between what he wants, what is expected, and his own personal demons. I highly recommend Beneath Madrid. It makes for a great, quick, weekend read. I am also looking forward to what is coming next from this up-and-coming author.”
– B. Jones (Amazon)
“This was an easy reading, fast paced thriller that used history, social expectations, and a raw humanistic viewpoint to take you on a ride that will have you reading to find out what happens next.”
– Mark A Nickerson
Get Beneath Madrid on Amazon
