Farnham skillfully delves into the intricacies of Boothbay Harbor's lobstering families and unveils the hidden facets of their close-knit society with an insider's perspective—for all the story’s lived-in detail, Farnham takes pains to invite in readers who don’t know a snatch block from a pot hauler. Through nuanced storytelling, Farnham paints a vivid picture of Jack and Melissa's unlikely connection, exploring themes of grief, redemption, and the transformative power of love. From beginning to end, Melissa and Jack's romance feels natural and not forced into the story.
Subtle tension powers the story as the crew uncovers why a solitary lobster boat departs long after others have returned to shore, but what makes Red at Night—named for a beloved but “typical” Maine lobster boat—stand out is Farnham’s deep feeling for the milieu, especially his portrayal of characters navigating life's complexities amid the rugged beauty of Maine's coast. At times readers may wish for greater insight into the characters’ hearts—as well as another round of editing polish. Still, this is an engaging read for readers drawn to romance, intrigue, and convincing portrayals of rugged ocean work.
Takeaway: Heartfelt exploration of love, loss, and second chances on Maine's maritime culture.
Comparable Titles: Barbara Kent Lawrence’s Islands of Time, K. Stephens’s The Ghost Trap.
Production grades
Cover: B+
Design and typography: A
Illustrations: N/A
Editing: A-
Marketing copy: B+
Very nice read. Good character development, story line with a perfect blend of romance, suspense while depicting the area its set in as well as the lifestyle of people who live there. Enjoyed it very much.
Finished Red at Night this weekend cruising on our boat. Great read and storylines... Enjoyed the local Maine setting, vivid descriptions and great characters to really make you feel like you were there...
Really fun read.... great job and look forward to your next book Jerry !!
I was hooked from the beginning. I'm familiar with Boothbay so that part was cool. Great characters and story line. A little twist towards the end, I didn't see coming, but the ending was perfect.
Well done story line. Character development was good. It was hard to put down once I started reading. I know the area well, so as I was reading I could see it in my minds eye. I look forward to this authors next book.
Ever longed to get away? Ever wondered what life might be like in the shoes of others? Jerry Farnham brings these two questions together with intrigue and romance in this debut novel. An easy page-turning read with an ending that beckons a sequel.
