Review of A Walk Through the Grapes

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 13 Feb 2023, 01:50

[Following is a volunteer review of "A Walk Through the Grapes" by David Jackson.]

5 out of 5 stars

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What's it like to return to your hometown after a failed attempt to make it in the big city, only to find that things aren’t quite how you expect them to be? This feeling is exactly what happens to Jace Grazer when he moves back to Willowcreek from New York City.

Almost from the moment he arrives home, he’s involved in a series of mishaps. Were they staged? Is his family behind them? Or is he just always in the wrong place at the wrong time? And what exactly is under the trapdoor hidden deep in the woods? Finally, a chance meeting at the lake sets him off on a rollercoaster ride of horrors, right through to the unexpected ending that nobody saw coming.

David Jackson’s first book A Walk Through the Grapes is exceptionally well written. He paints pictures with his words so intricately that the town of Willowcreek came alive in my mind. The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

There’s no time to waste with this novel. By the end of Chapter 3, he’s introduced most of the main characters and the first part of the mystery. From there, the action continues right through to the gripping final page. The story had me so hooked I finished it in two days.

If I had to find any fault with it, it would be with some of the dialogue formattings. A mix of using and not using contractions made some sentences sound formal and others informal, which was slightly distracting. As, in everyday life, we mostly speak informally using loads of contractions, I found some conversations a little stilted at times.

Despite that personal quirk, I cannot possibly give this book any less than 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment you begin until the very end, you’ll be kept guessing just how it’s all going to pan out.

There is zero swearing and only one very mild and interrupted sex scene, so this novel would suit readers from older teens and up. Anyone interested in mystery or hometown-style family drama will love this book. I’m already excited to read his next one.

******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Hazel Mae Bagarinao · Post by **Hazel Mae Bagarinao** » 25 Feb 2023, 00:34

I'm curious about what would happen to Jace Grazer for going back to his hometown. I'm intrigued by the title, and how it reflects the story! Wonderful review!

HeyMissCarter · Post by **HeyMissCarter** » 26 Feb 2023, 09:00

This is an excellent review, if read this while searching for a new book to read, i would be compelled to buy it. I am brand new to this site and reading through reviews to assimilate to the formatting requirements. I am glad i picked yours to read first, well done.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 26 Feb 2023, 22:25

Hazel Mae Bagarinao wrote: ↑25 Feb 2023, 00:34 I'm curious about what would happen to Jace Grazer for going back to his hometown. I'm intrigued by the title, and how it reflects the story! Wonderful review!

Thank you for reading my review. If you get to read the book, let me know what you think about all the things going on in the family

.

Eckhart Aurelius Hughes · Post by **Nisha DSouza** » 10 Apr 2023, 05:06

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 01:50
The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

It definitely is an amazing writing style for a new author. After reading your review, I am intrigued and want to know more. Thank you for an engaging review, Stephen.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 10 Apr 2023, 21:34

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑10 Apr 2023, 05:06
Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 01:50
The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

It definitely is an amazing writing style for a new author. After reading your review, I am intrigued and want to know more. Thank you for an engaging review, Stephen.

As a first book, his writing style was really impressive. If you get to read it, let me know your thoughts.

Post by **MAHAD BAIG MIRZA** » 30 May 2024, 00:57

This review maintains coherence by consistently addressing key aspects of the book, such as its plot, characters, writing style, and pacing, while offering a balanced perspective that acknowledges both strengths and minor flaws.

Harshitha G B · Post by **Harshitha G B** » 30 May 2024, 06:47

Coming back to family, after leaving it for better cause and later realising the grass isn't greener other side and taking steps towards mend is good redemption arc book. Along with grieving, changing there is mysterious elements means, it will be treat for readers. Great review.

Kshitija Sonawane · Post by **Kshitija Sonawane** » 22 Oct 2024, 18:13

I have reviewed the book before but it got rejected because of PRQ issues. Anyways, I can agree. I loved everything about this book too and it was pretty engaging.

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 01:50 [Following is a volunteer review of "A Walk Through the Grapes" by David Jackson.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

What's it like to return to your hometown after a failed attempt to make it in the big city, only to find that things aren’t quite how you expect them to be? This feeling is exactly what happens to Jace Grazer when he moves back to Willowcreek from New York City.

Almost from the moment he arrives home, he’s involved in a series of mishaps. Were they staged? Is his family behind them? Or is he just always in the wrong place at the wrong time? And what exactly is under the trapdoor hidden deep in the woods? Finally, a chance meeting at the lake sets him off on a rollercoaster ride of horrors, right through to the unexpected ending that nobody saw coming.

David Jackson’s first book A Walk Through the Grapes is exceptionally well written. He paints pictures with his words so intricately that the town of Willowcreek came alive in my mind. The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

There’s no time to waste with this novel. By the end of Chapter 3, he’s introduced most of the main characters and the first part of the mystery. From there, the action continues right through to the gripping final page. The story had me so hooked I finished it in two days.

If I had to find any fault with it, it would be with some of the dialogue formattings. A mix of using and not using contractions made some sentences sound formal and others informal, which was slightly distracting. As, in everyday life, we mostly speak informally using loads of contractions, I found some conversations a little stilted at times.

Despite that personal quirk, I cannot possibly give this book any less than 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment you begin until the very end, you’ll be kept guessing just how it’s all going to pan out.

There is zero swearing and only one very mild and interrupted sex scene, so this novel would suit readers from older teens and up. Anyone interested in mystery or hometown-style family drama will love this book. I’m already excited to read his next one.

******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 23 Oct 2024, 00:15

Kshitija Sonawane wrote: ↑22 Oct 2024, 18:13 I have reviewed the book before but it got rejected because of PRQ issues. Anyways, I can agree. I loved everything about this book too and it was pretty engaging.

this was one of the first books I reviewed and I enjoyed it. I hope you can get the PRQ issues sorted.

Chi Chiu Michael Mak · Post by **Chi Chiu Michael Mak** » 01 Jun 2025, 00:17

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 01:50 [Following is a volunteer review of "A Walk Through the Grapes" by David Jackson.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

What's it like to return to your hometown after a failed attempt to make it in the big city, only to find that things aren’t quite how you expect them to be? This feeling is exactly what happens to Jace Grazer when he moves back to Willowcreek from New York City.

Almost from the moment he arrives home, he’s involved in a series of mishaps. Were they staged? Is his family behind them? Or is he just always in the wrong place at the wrong time? And what exactly is under the trapdoor hidden deep in the woods? Finally, a chance meeting at the lake sets him off on a rollercoaster ride of horrors, right through to the unexpected ending that nobody saw coming.

David Jackson’s first book A Walk Through the Grapes is exceptionally well written. He paints pictures with his words so intricately that the town of Willowcreek came alive in my mind. The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

There’s no time to waste with this novel. By the end of Chapter 3, he’s introduced most of the main characters and the first part of the mystery. From there, the action continues right through to the gripping final page. The story had me so hooked I finished it in two days.

If I had to find any fault with it, it would be with some of the dialogue formattings. A mix of using and not using contractions made some sentences sound formal and others informal, which was slightly distracting. As, in everyday life, we mostly speak informally using loads of contractions, I found some conversations a little stilted at times.

Despite that personal quirk, I cannot possibly give this book any less than 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment you begin until the very end, you’ll be kept guessing just how it’s all going to pan out.

There is zero swearing and only one very mild and interrupted sex scene, so this novel would suit readers from older teens and up. Anyone interested in mystery or hometown-style family drama will love this book. I’m already excited to read his next one.

******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Willowcreek is filled with danger! Really makes me interested with the mystery. I hope the author does a second round of editing to get rid of the formating errors.

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 01 Jun 2025, 21:12

Chi Chiu Michael Mak wrote: ↑01 Jun 2025, 00:17

Willowcreek is filled with danger! Really makes me interested with the mystery. I hope the author does a second round of editing to get rid of the formating errors.

This was one of the first books I reviewed, I haven't checked to see if there's been a new version released.

Gerry Steen · Post by **Gerry Steen** » 10 Jun 2025, 05:05

Stephen Christopher 1 wrote: ↑13 Feb 2023, 01:50 [Following is a volunteer review of "A Walk Through the Grapes" by David Jackson.]

5 out of 5 stars
Share This Review

What's it like to return to your hometown after a failed attempt to make it in the big city, only to find that things aren’t quite how you expect them to be? This feeling is exactly what happens to Jace Grazer when he moves back to Willowcreek from New York City.

Almost from the moment he arrives home, he’s involved in a series of mishaps. Were they staged? Is his family behind them? Or is he just always in the wrong place at the wrong time? And what exactly is under the trapdoor hidden deep in the woods? Finally, a chance meeting at the lake sets him off on a rollercoaster ride of horrors, right through to the unexpected ending that nobody saw coming.

David Jackson’s first book A Walk Through the Grapes is exceptionally well written. He paints pictures with his words so intricately that the town of Willowcreek came alive in my mind. The book is hard to put down as the cliffhanger-style ending of most chapters compels you to keep going. This action is a very skilled writing tactic, especially for a first-time author. I like how most chapters begin with a paragraph that is a phrase or a saying, which sets up what’s coming. It’s a clever touch.

There’s no time to waste with this novel. By the end of Chapter 3, he’s introduced most of the main characters and the first part of the mystery. From there, the action continues right through to the gripping final page. The story had me so hooked I finished it in two days.

If I had to find any fault with it, it would be with some of the dialogue formattings. A mix of using and not using contractions made some sentences sound formal and others informal, which was slightly distracting. As, in everyday life, we mostly speak informally using loads of contractions, I found some conversations a little stilted at times.

Despite that personal quirk, I cannot possibly give this book any less than 5 out of 5 stars. From the moment you begin until the very end, you’ll be kept guessing just how it’s all going to pan out.

There is zero swearing and only one very mild and interrupted sex scene, so this novel would suit readers from older teens and up. Anyone interested in mystery or hometown-style family drama will love this book. I’m already excited to read his next one.

******
A Walk Through the Grapes
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

After reading this review, why would I not want to read this book?? Well-developed characters, a fast pace, a suspenseful plot, and descriptive writing are reasons to congratulate David Jackson for writing a great story. Thank you for this review!

Post by **Stephen Christopher 1** » 10 Jun 2025, 22:44

Gerry Steen wrote: ↑10 Jun 2025, 05:05
After reading this review, why would I not want to read this book?? Well-developed characters, a fast pace, a suspenseful plot, and descriptive writing are reasons to congratulate David Jackson for writing a great story. Thank you for this review!

This was one of the first books I reviewed, and I still stand behind it as an excellent story.