Review of The Dolphin and The Darker Side of Things

[Annabell Samuel]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Dolphin and The Darker Side of Things" by Edward G. Kidder.]

---

4 out of 5 stars

---

Share This Review

---

Edward George runs a small auto body shop with his brother. One day, a lady named Jessica walks into his shop with a weird complaint. She says her sister, Linda, has taken a dolphin, and she is worried about how their father will react to the situation. In trying to help Jessica solve her problem, Ed finds himself in a much more complex drama beyond his imagination.

"The Dolphin Girl and the Darker Side of Things" is Edward G. Kidder's first novel. Written in the first person, it explores the drama of dealing with the darkness within us from the perspective of a regular man trying to get his life together. Although the story mainly centers around the damaged life of Jessica, it is a nice touch to see it from the perspective of Ed. This approach does have its challenges, as some details about Jessica might not have been fully captured. However, the author presents the essential details readers need to comprehend the story without leaving plot holes. Most books written in the first person focus on the narrator. Only a few books excellently tell a character's story from another character's perspective. This book falls into that class. This is the first thing I like about the book.

I appreciate the author for creating relatable characters from this somewhat complex plot. The author achieves this by using only a handful of characters. Jessica is a psychologically damaged woman doing her best to become a better person. Ed isn't fortunate when it comes to marriage. His third marriage is already in shambles. Jackie is a psychologist grappling with ethics and doing what she believes is best for her patients. Many readers will see themselves through one or more of these characters. 

I like how the author uses narrative tools, like twists, turns, and suspense, to make the story exciting. When you think you have figured out an event in the story, the author throws in a twist that makes you think again about the possible outcome.

I enjoyed reading the book. There was nothing worth complaining about. However, the editing could have been better. As a result, I'd deduct a star and rate the book four out of five stars. Apart from the grammar issues, this book was exciting to read.

******
The Dolphin and The Darker Side of Things
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[NetMassimo]

This seems like a novel that digs deep into the protagonists' lives, which can have bits familiar for readers. The suspenseful story full of twists and surprised makes it even more engaging, so I hope the author does proper proofreading to make it excellent. Thank you for your great review!

[Laney K]

I definitely enjoy book that take a deep dive into the characters. I also enjoy the genre, so this is one I'll have to look into.

[Cynthia Pence]

The Dolphin Girl and the Darker Side of Things by Edward G. Kidder seems to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking story, blending suspense, drama, and complex character development. The first-person narrative from Ed's perspective is an interesting choice, providing readers with an intimate view of the story while allowing Jessica's psychological struggles to unfold through a secondary lens. The book’s ability to keep readers guessing with twists and turns adds to its excitement, making it a page-turner.