Featured books

Featured Websites

.: Reader Views Kids

Provides book reviews, by kids, for kids

.: Inside Scoop Live

Provides live author interviews for podcast

.: Authors Access

Provides interviews with experts in the publishing industry

.: Midwest Book Review

Provides post-publication reviews

.: Reader Views

Provides book reviews and author publicity

.: LR Communication Design

Provides professional website design and development

.: Blogging Authors

Provides a place where writers and readers meet

.: Review The Book

Provides 5 books reviews on 10 different sites

.: Best Sellers World

Provides book reviews and author features

.: Feathered Quill Book Reviews

Provides book reviews and author features

reviews

Darress Theatre

R. O. Palmer
Virtualbookworm.com (2009)
ISBN 9781602643536
Reviewed by Jeneke Lesak for RebeccasReads (5/09)

In R. O. Palmer’s excellent new novel “Darress Theatre,” poor unsuspecting Ryan Dylan is thrown for a loop when newcomer Cynthia James enters the small, peaceful town of Boonton, New Jersey.  Ryan is a man with much insecurity, namely his lack of confidence around women, never having been in a relationship worth noting as his age creeps into the forties.  He lives a predictable life as a part-time parking enforcement officer, takes care of his feeble live-in mother, and keeps pretty much to himself.  His one outlet is acting at the local Darress Theatre, run by a fiery woman who keeps the place alive by will and a lot of elbow grease. 

All of the mundaneness of Ryan’s life is stirred up when Cynthia enters the picture, a striking woman with a fabulous walk.  She brings out a confidence in Ryan that he never knew he possessed, but a streak of danger leaves him unsure of his possibilities with such a volatile woman.

The setting of “Darress Theatre” is a real place, making the story that much more enjoyable, and grounds the novel into reality, that maybe the real Darress theatre has some secrets similar to those written by Palmer.  Old and full of history and mystery, the Darress serves as the ideal backdrop for the many intertwining stories: Cynthia and Ryan’s newfound affection, the murder of a homeless man, and, of course, the play “Cable’s Out” that runs its course throughout the novel, put on by an egocentric former TV star.  The development of the characters in the play falls perfectly in synch with the growth of Ryan’s character. 

Palmer is an excellent storyteller and writes with an amusing and playful dialogue.  With just the right amount of suspense, an exciting storyline, and likable, humane characters it is impossible to put this book down.  I would recommend this novel to those who enjoy seeing a character go through profound change, similar to a coming of age novel.  Mystery, suspense, and drama are all mixed into one entertaining story that is “Darress Theatre.”

.: Author website
.: Blog