On the Edge of the Loch: A Psychological Novel set in Ireland - Softcover

Cummins, Joseph Éamon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0993545203 ISBN 13: 9780993545207

Publisher: Moon Abbey Media, 2016

Synopsis

‘Compelling! Each chapter a literary or visceral delight. I could neither wait for nor predict the sublime outcome.’ 

        Jack Engelhard, Author of Indecent Proposal

A masterpiece of obsession, conspiracy and intrigue, this gripping tale is about two impassioned people and the life-or-death risks they take for new lives.

At 27, Irishman Tony MacNeill is free. After ten years in American prisons life is hazardous — but intoxicating. On a brief retreat to Ireland a chance encounter with radiant Lenny Quin feels like a drug in his veins. 

She’s odd, villagers warn, a castle-dwelling recluse. But his soul knows better.

When she disappears whispers emerge of heroics well beyond his own ordeal. On her return, despite the warning signs, their passions fuse intimately. To each other they represent a final chance at redemption.

Then two eccentric strangers enter and a string of chilling events pushes Tony to breaking. But delusion or dream, his obsession with Lenny will not yield. 

He’s certain he can defeat the enemy. 

Except, who is the enemy? And will Lenny's secrets allow?

What he doesn’t yet know will lead to nerve-tingling encounters and a huge unpredictable ending.

REVIEWS:

‘Dark and frightening and brilliantly bright; I'll read it again for rhythms of other Dubliners, like James Joyce.’ Dick Noble, Author of The Adventures of Mousco Polo. (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Like a great movie that you feel is real, I’ll never forget this story. I knew nothing about this book until I started reading then I couldn’t stop, especially the three end chapters, you don't want it to end.’ Amazon Customer, USA (Verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Cummins' gift is solemn and resplendent, as cinematic as the sweep of Ireland itself.’ James Rutherford, Author of Trumped! The Inside Story of the Real Donald Trump. (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Storytelling at its best but not for timid souls,’ Karen, USA (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘You are almost part of their souls . . . I was captivated.’ Amazon Customer, USA (Verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Riverdance in my ears, words dancing off the page, beautiful poetic language, nothing short of startling,’ Amanda Clowes, UK (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Immensely enjoyable. Could not put this book down! Believable characters, all of whom I became very fond of. Highly recommended,’ Jan McCulloch, UK (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘A delightfully edgy work of fiction, don’t wait for the film version! Highly recommended,’ Amazon Customer (Verified purchase) 5 stars

‘From start to finish I was captivated. You think you know where the writer is bringing you, then you realise you don't have a clue!’ Janet Mooney, Ireland (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘The author has brilliantly interwoven contemporary realism with classic romanticism. Kept me turning pages for hours -- one of the most satisfying reads of the year,’ Ronaldo Silvo, USA (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Full, rich, mature, seasoned with love, compassion and warmth,’ Chris Meredith, USA (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘Fascinating. If you liked The Goldfinch you’ll like this story of love. I highly recommend it.’ Wanda L. Pyle, USA (Amazon verified purchase) 5 stars

‘I was immediately captivated by his authentic Irish eloquence. Read entire novel with my HS seniors,' Maritza Ascorbe, USA (Verified Amazon Purchase) 5 stars

About this title

About the Author

Unlike many writers, Irish author Joseph Éamon Cummins has carved out a life of diversity and adventure, living in three continents and earning qualifications in different fields.

He was first published at seventeen and the writing bug never left. In his early twenties he travelled extensively 'on the road' in America, living and working where he stopped while also documenting his adventures. During long spells with a touring carnival he developed a love of photography, bought a Nikon camera, and captured thousands of images of a continent that fascinated him. 

This 'real world' education provided him significant advantage, he believes, when he returned to academic study, and subsequently in the business world and in teaching.

An award-winning non-fiction author, Joe (as he's known to most people) taught creative writing and psychology for ten years, earning multiple Best Professor citations. Today he leads workshops internationally in the area of organisational psychology, personal achievement and resilience, and occasionally speaks on psychology in fiction writing. He lives in Ireland with his wife, Kathy, a noted stained glass artist and teacher. This is his first novel.

From the Back Cover

.

A fleeing man, a woman trapped in long-gone love,
a covenant demanding irrational courage . . .

Ten years ago, 17-year-old Tony MacNeill went to the penitentiary for a
crime he denied; Lenny Quin was queen of Manhattan art circles,
soon to succumb to a mind that stopped working.

They meet in a tiny seafaring village in Ireland.
Both are obsessive, both exceptional.
Tony's oath is sworn: become who he was meant to be, belong again to a
place, maybe to someone. For Lenny, the future lies entombed
in the past; she's elegant and odd, some say dangerous.

Together, their fire is intimate . . .
But unnerving events force them apart, and secrets and silence fog what's true.
A strange disappearance and spine-chilling drama draw out old woundings: his
taking to the streets at fourteen, soul-deep scarring, compulsive courage; Lenny's
walkout on celebrity in NY, heroic zeal in wartime Iraq, her reclusiveness.

Against all that divides them . . . for all they together might be,
Tony MacNeill will once again turn unstoppable.

From Ireland to America to the underbelly of Baghdad, this deeply moving story
spins with surprises as it unveils two impassioned people, the extremes
they'll go to, and the frailty and resilience of the human heart.

Edition details

• Publisher: Moon Abbey Media
• Publication date: 2016
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0993545203
• ISBN 13: 9780993545207
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 404