Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Visits with Mary

"A Unique Page Turner If you like a good mystery with plenty of twists and turns, colorful characters, and a touch of the mystical, you will not be disappointed. The author weaves a tale with a surprise at every turn as he takes us on a daring ride to the fringes of reality where the improbable is possible and up is down as in the world of Alice's Wonderland -- the classical work that inspired the story."

"I love all genres of mystery. I love the cozies and the police procedurals, the titled gentleman sleuths, and the classics. Visits with Mary is one of the most unique (in a very good way!) mysteries I've ever read. It's a treat that stretches your mind with intricate storytelling and layers of plot, not unlike a particularly good cake. Try it. You'll thank me."

"I could not put this book down! This is a unique story with an unpredictable plot. Very personable, yet intriguing and mysterious. I loved it. David Stockar is a talented writer and I hope he writes many more!"

"A gripping read, with a new twist and turn in every chapter. Beautifully written with characters who come alive on the page. Thoroughly enjoyed!"

"David is a gifted author, effortlessly weaving together multi-faceted characters to create a mystery that is tough to put down..."

"I LOVED this story - quite unique and very intriguing..."

"Fabulous book. Incredibly well-written and very enjoyable and entertaining story. Highly recommended."

"I have no idea how the author intertwined so many interesting characters, but he did it impeccably. I love the melding of mystery and the supernatural that most people don't take the time to appreciate. Definitely admire the author's talents, especially in creating characters and a story that felt realistic yet entertaining. Well done!"

"You will be there until the end, engrossed, trying to piece together a complex plot containing a wide range of possible suspects..."

"Visits with Mary is a page-turner with a new twist waiting on every page. You'll never know who the murderer is until the very end. The book has many characters--some delightfully quirky--but the author gives each a unique voice, so you'll have no trouble distinguishing which is which. Set in a college town, this at first seems like an everyday mystery--until you learn some characters may be meeting for a less than savory purpose. A must-read!"

"This is a fun combination of mystery, mysticism, and crime-solving. The story moves fast and ... it twists and turns all the way through ... A really good read."

"Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The cast of characters brought the story together with an interesting twist. Well written. I couldn't put it down..."

"Visits With Mary is both captivating and thought-provoking. I really enjoyed the characters and suspense in the storyline ... great read and hard to put down..."

"Suspenseful story with twists that keep you on edge. Looking forward to the next book."

"Just finished "Visits with Mary" and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a great mystery with many well-developed characters."

"Fun read - Mr. Stockar has filled the book with a lot of colorful "characters"

"David Stockar does a great job of introducing characters and numerous storylines challenging your deductive reasoning as you search for the answer to the riddle."

"The book keeps the reader guessing as to whether a crime was committed and if so, by which character."

"I read this book on Kindle in one day. Very engaging. Lots of twists and turns like any quality mystery."

"I picked up this book because I was intrigued by the mystical angle, and I wasn't let down. The author mixes the human experience with "the other,"

bringing everything together only at the last so I was kept guessing throughout. It's difficult to write a review of a who-done-it without giving away the answer, so I'll only say that once I was about halfway through, I was stumped and hooked. The writing style is almost lyric and written in 3rd party omniscient. The unusual style brought me back to a calmer past, which may have been the author's intent, especially as the omniscience matches the idea of interconnections. Minor characters are all given their own backstory so that by the end the reader sympathizes more with their individual plights. Very interesting read!"

"I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the author's writing style, which I can describe as poetic while also exciting and intriguing. The story was very unique, and captivating, and I was on the edge of my seat while reading and following along with the dialogues and storyline. It was a wild ride! I usually don't read too many fictional or mystery books, but this one was definitely TOP-NOTCH! I can't wait to read David Stockar's other books. Highly recommend!!!"

"Loved the storyline and enjoyed the book immensely. Can't wait to start reading the rest of the series."

Rated 4.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Eden Crossing

"Haunting, Brilliant and Inspiring! This novel has it all: mystery, thriller, science, history, romance, suspense, philosophy, and spirituality. A serial killer stalks victims in the quiet, serene setting of the Eden Valley where the Amish and the English have settled for centuries. The ensuing battle of good versus evil crosses into a haunting Eden where nothing is as it seems. Inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe -- Beware the Raven who holds the key to the mystery of Annabel Lee."

"If you find yourself in a mystery drought, you need to try David Stockar. His blend of mystery and mysticism, combined with the unlikely setting of Amish Country, will leave you craving more and excited that you've found something truly unique in the world of mystery novels. (Pro tip: There are others in the series, you'll want to get them both and do the pre-order so you don't have to wait.)"

"I would recommend this book to mystery lovers like myself. With all its twists and turns I couldn’t put it down. It was full of so many possible suspects that it kept me guessing. Didn’t figure it out until the very end. Good job. Looking forward to your next book."

"You wouldn't expect to find science, mysticism, and the Amish all in the same story--but the author melds them beautifully! The author also keeps the reader guessing until the very end--characters you thought might be villains might be innocent, and vice versa. Plot twists abound, and I never saw them coming--brilliant! But what I loved most about the story were the mots of wisdom strewn through character dialogue and narration. I highly recommend this book!"

"I highly recommend this edge-of-your-seat page turner and am looking very forward to David’s next!"

"As a murder mystery, like any really good one, there are enough twists and turns without being improbable. But what's a real treat is that the author has a facility for dishing out some interesting observations, often with a way to align the goals of science and religion. One I liked enough to write down: "To see the truth and, ultimately, the higher purpose for all that surrounds us.""

"The suspense and twists and turns make you want to read each novel from beginning to end. Once I am fully retired I look forward to hiding myself away so I can reread David Stockar's books!!!!"

"The attention to detail in the rural hills of PA were so well done and an intriguing backdrop for the story. Suspense mixed with beautiful imagery and intriguing characters made it hard to put down."

"I like character development and this book is filled with them. From the accurate depiction and language of the Amish, to the detectives, to the bad guys, to the mystical Ariella, there are many great characters."

"An intriguing book with a little bit of everything from romance to mystery to spirituality to geology and more. I can’t wait til the next book in this series!"

"This book was really good. A real page turner. I recommend it to all my mystery loving friends."

"What a great story! So many twists and turns. I loved the characters and the various story lines."

"Characters/settings/storyline so well developed you could easily believe these were based on true life stories."

"An absolute page-turner!!!! Highly recommend to all who-done-it fans!!"

"...something for every reader: passion, romance, mystery, metaphysics, suspense, good character development, and you’ll even learn about geology and the Amish!"

"I’m not sure what I was expecting when I requested this book. What I got was a wild ride, complete with the slightly paranormal, Amish folk, murders, stalking, terror, a drug ring and a set of great investigators. The best part was the surprises aplenty! I can’t say enough about this book. Hardly anything is what it seems. Just when the reader has an idea of what’s going on, it changes into something else. I truly enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone who loves to read about various cultures, the paranormal, serial killers, murder and mayhem, and fantastic investigators. The book was very well written and plotted. The characters are so well drawn that I felt I personally knew them."

"Who done it? No idea until I got to the end of the book, in spite of numerous possibilities. The fun part is being led into the diversion of many interesting characters while navigating the fascinating Amish community with the specter of mysticism lurking in the background. Good luck finding boredom. It’s not in this book. But there is intrigue and an enjoyable trip toward solving a complex mystery. Do yourself a favor and read on."

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Adeline's Garden

"What a tour de force! This story connects with me on many levels, as it is so much more than a simple murder mystery. It explores family ties, friendships, and the consequences of our choices, along with the resonance of ancient myths. It even asks readers to examine their own core beliefs. Plus, well-loved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales provide the backbone for the story, a clever and effective conceit. And I am delighted that the story begins and ends with Addie and her grandmother reading together. The characters are layered and their dialogue is realistic, interesting, and witty. The interplay among the detectives is almost a story in itself. The plot has numerous twists and turns that keep you guessing, and the settings—riverboat, mansions, forest, garden—are so richly drawn that you will feel like a fly on the wall in each scene. One of my favorite aspects of the story is when a character or the narrator launches into a short spiritualistic soliloquy. Rather than being hokey or evangelical, these little surprises open the novel beyond a simple murder mystery, inviting the reader into a deeper contemplation of the human condition. You will turn the final page feeling entertained, satisfied, and enlightened."

"What a great read. This is the author’s third book, and the best of all. It is a mystery (was it an accident, murder or suicide?). We see the investigative team introduced in the earlier novels. Watch them mature and each brings their own strengths to solve the mystery. Very fast pace, with unique twists right up to the end. A quick read that will hold your interest to the very last page. Characters to love as well as villains, with interesting fairy tale parallels."

"With Adeline’s Garden, we start with a mystery (murder? Suicide? Accident?) and again see the delightfully eclectic investigative team seen in Mr. Stockar’s previous novels. This time the story moves fast, with short, eventful chapters. You are taken in a dozen different, seemingly logical directions. You’re ready to say, “yes, this is what happened”, and then it veers in an entirely new track. It’s a fun ride. As in his other novels, Mr. Stockar uses language in a way that I find distinctive. “Most of us turn out fine, following proven recipes under the watchful eyes of our parents, guardians, teachers, and friends. But a few sour of their own inner rot.” Love that! Bringing back his investigative squad, one doesn’t have to have read his previous novels, but you will see how they have gelled into a more effective, cohesive, and irreverent (in a good way) team. Great character development, and realistic interactions as they learn more and more about the protagonists. You’ll like this novel for its fast pace, unique twists, and the visceral distinction of good vs. evil. Mr. Stockar, keep them coming."

"Adeline’s Garden is an absolute delight to read. The outlines of this mystery are revealed near the end of Chapter 1, and from there, the reader is taken on a journey of plot twists revealing an intriguing group of characters the author brings to life. To me, every great story requires a villain and, boy, does the author deliver on that score. Almost as important, I found a number of characters – including the title character – to absolutely fall in love with. At 208 pages, this book is an easy read but one that will have you anticipating the various fates of the characters you hate and of those you pray will succeed!!"

"Adeline's Garden is another gem by author David Stockar. The colorful cast of characters and mystical events combine to create a fun whodunit (or rather a why-hasn't-anyone-dunit-already) with a reminder that money doesn't buy happiness. With a look into the lives of the wealthy elite, including the dysfunctional Pierces, the storyline twists and turns through their extended family's devious machinations to gather more riches and wield the power that comes with them. The investigation of the murder of a truly-deserving victim uncovers many suspects with various motives, some well-intentioned and some, not so much. A quick and playful read!"

"If a murder mystery and a modern- day twist of tales of old had a baby, it would be Adeline's Garden. Which is beautufully weaved with ribbons of wisdom and metaphysical perspectives throughout.The author's whit, eloquence, and ability to bring to life a cast of characters-- that you feel immediately invested in or love to despise--is masterful. Another work of art from an extremely talented author."

"Murder, mystery and mysticism and a wealthy family sets the stage for a journey full of secrets and surprises which is told within a framework of fairytales. The author creatively leads you down a twisting and perilous path while refusing to give up the unexpected truth until the very end."

"Adeline’s Garden is a great read, full of suspense and drama. You think you know what will happen next but I admire how the author uses twists and turns to surprise and keep you guessing. His craft is very creative to apply old tyme fairytales to each chapter."

"Wow! If you like a fast-paced tale with lots of unpredictable plot twists right to the end, read this book!"

"David has crafted yet another mystery that I couldn’t put down! Twists and turns abound! His characters have many layers and I found their likability to change throughout the story. I highly recommend this book (in addition to the first two in this series) for those who enjoy a great mystery!"

"Another really great read from David Stockar! Love all my of the plot twists and turns. A real page turner for sure!"

"What a read! As a literature teacher who soaks up many a great murder mystery in her downtime, this was right up my alley. I loved the connection to the PA State Police as well since my husband recently retired as a detective of many years with them and my brother-in-law was on their boat division. I am a picky reader of mysteries and love an engaging protagonist, and this one did not disappoint. I enjoyed the connection to the seven Hans Christian Andersen fairytales as they were woven in seamlessly to make this unlike any other mystery series I have come across. Well done!"

"I love Adeline's Garden, particularly because David Stockar created the mystery using fairytale parallels. A compelling read with memorable characters and some of the author's Czech heritage, too. I've loved each book in this series. Each one is a unique addition to my shelf and reminds me that there are a million ways to solve a mystery."

"Did wealth, greed and abuse leads to murder? Did a little girl’s secret talks with her dead Papa help solve a crime? Read this delightful story to find out. Keeps you wondering who could have committed the crime until the very end. Mystery and mysticism combine for an interesting adventure. If you like mysteries this book is for you. Enjoyable read. Looking forward to more of the same from author David Stockar."

"Collection of villains with conflicting goals and motives trying to outdo each other. Twists and turns. Fairytales and family. Money, murder, mystery, and maybe magic. Fun read that will keep you guessing."

Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars on Amazon

Red Carnation

"Ingenious plot--keeps the reader turning pages to the surprising end. Interesting characters including the boss who is skeptical but supportive. The plot even leads readers to take a look at their own values."

"Intriguing, multilayered, and original. I love a mystery that keeps me guessing, and Red Carnation holds its secrets close until it’s ready to reveal them. Encountering familiar, engaging characters from the author’s other mysteries is equally enjoyable, as is watching them interact with a new, varied, and—at times—surprising cast. One of my favorite themes in this mystery collection is the author’s skillful interweaving of everyday life with the otherworldly, and that thread shines in this book. Red Carnation has so much to offer, and I relished every bit!"

"Once again, David Stockar delivers a mind-bending plot with other-worldly undertones. Detective Molly Dvorak is drawn personally into a thirty-five-year-old murder mystery and questions her own sanity as she works the clues that lead to her psychiatrist, Dr. Faust, and the duplicitous Benjamin Wagner. A surprising complication is Faust’s nefarious connection to the one-and-only Mephistopheles. The story’s characters are engaging and their dialogue is superb. You’ll love solving the clues along with the detectives and discovering the truth behind Hazel Faust’s death."

"The motives are ambiguous and endgames are elusive as the author weaves a tale not unfolding until the very end. Only through the unorthodox efforts of Stockar’s characters, some of which have been carried forth from his earlier works, is the mystery finally revealed to the reader."

"The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Along the way there are clues however, it’s challenging for the police and the reader to put it all together as the story unfolds."

"An intriguing adventure into a mysterious murder. A real page-turner until the murderer is revealed. Can hypnosis solve this crime or good old police work. As a lover of a good mystery this book was over the top. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Could not put it down. Highly recommend it for mystery lovers."

"I have all his books and they get better and better. “Red Carnation” brings back our familiar detectives, Molly and Kelly, with the support of James, Bob and Chen. The combination of “Who done it” and the paranormal will keep you page turning from beginning to end. Characters are richly developed, with plenty is suspect (if there was a murder)."

"I was not expecting to be sucked in as quickly as I was. This book is a great escape and will keep you guessing with a twisty plot! Well done!"

"The author David Stockar once again leads his readers on a journey that has us willingly and happily suspending our disbelief with supernatural events that take place in an everyday setting. How is it that our old friend Detective Molly Dvorak is reliving the final day of a woman who died almost 40 years earlier? What kind of eerie connection is there between her and the hypnotist, who may also be the man who brought about the woman's demise? Can we really believe that the devil walks among us, making bargains? This quick read will have you believing that anything is possible as it pulls you out of the ordinary crime story realm into an imaginative adventure. Nicely done!"

"There is so little we know about our individual and collective journey through this life and beyond. This fast-paced page-turner takes us on a trip to the edge of what it is to live and live again if we embrace the possibilities. It contrasts the evil lurking in a self-centered ego against the grace of acceptance and the power of an open mind. Reincarnation (Red Carnation) is the spiritual theme that is masterfully woven into a detective mystery, yet it remains the primary mystery, -- the timeless journey of countless chapters, our chapters, our lives. The author envelopes his deeper message in lightness, humor, and impeccable character development, including the resurrection of such timeless villains as Mephistopheles and a reimagined version of Dr. Faust. It is a fun, enticing read that is sure to cut into your sleep."

"Mysticism and mystery haunt Detective Dvorak as she tries to crack a cold case that has her wondering if she's losing her mind. Can what she's seeing truly be real? Can she trust her senses or the people she's consulting to help her untangle this web of lies that have buried the truth for over 30 years? Maybe. Maybe not. It depends on if she's willing to believe that something otherworldly could be at play..."

"The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. Along the way there are clues however, it’s challenging for the police and the reader to put it all together as the story unfolds."

"Having read Mr. Stockar's other books, which I love because I always learn something while enjoying the unraveling of a great mystery, Red Carnation takes a slightly different turn. His prologue gives the background for Regression Therapy (which sounds "out there", but is actually a real thing.) Then he creates a fun, very quick page-turning story using favorite characters from his previous novels. You don't have to have read his previous books, but I recommend them highly, my favorite being Eden Crossing. Red Carnation on it's own is a fun ride."

"I was not expecting to be sucked in as quickly as I was. This book is a great escape and will keep you guessing with a twisty plot! Well done!"

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