When Riley Cotswald, a writer at work on her second novel, finally leaves her husband, she gets way more than she bargained for. Her characters' lives echo her own dilemmas, and she feels a kinship to them as they come alive on her desktop. Her best friend Jennifer does not understand this but loves Riley. Maybe too much. After a particularly infuriating conversation with her husband Cameron, Riley impulsively gets involved with Edward, a socially-challenged man who had asked her out once, only to be rejected. When Riley runs into him again, she takes out her rage and frustration in a way that delights and intoxicates Edward but was a one-time event for Riley. Edward looks for ways to pursue the relationship but is frustrated at every turn. He begins to stalk Riley and then resorts to the Dark Web to find ways to retaliate against her. What follows is complicated, intense, and completely unforeseen. Riley is a work of art in many ways, not the least of which is Paul Martin Midden's ability to get under the skin of surface connections and patterns to probe not just Riley's characters and writing, but how it mirrors her own relationship with her estranged husband Cameron and the undercurrents of her life . . . Midden excels at crafting a story that carefully juxtaposes fantasy and reality. Midwest Book Review There is a subtle nuance to Mr. Midden's writing style that I liken to the suspense of a Stephen King novel. You know something is about to happen. You think you know what it is and wham! All bets are off and the thrill of what happens gives way to goosebumps and the immediate desire to continue forward because this just keeps getting better and better. Midden has written a book within a book given main character, Riley, is a writer and working on her next great American body of work. Midden, with precision craft, pens a stylistic back and forth between the book he has written, and the book character Riley is writing and together, the stories intertwine to make one great read. The characters are richly developed, and the dialogue is absolutely credible. The anticipation in scene set-up is superb and beckon the reader to hold on because this next turn is a doosey. This was a most enjoyable read and I look forward to Mr. Midden's next book. Indeed, I am a fan. The Feathered Quill . . . a perspicacious character study . . . An insightful examination of relationships, both loving and potentially volatile . . . Kirkus Reviews Midden's subtle, complex characterizations result in a cast of well-rounded, believable characters. . . the exploration of the psychological factors surrounding [Edward's] obsession with Riley is outstanding. . . this is a nuanced portrait of pain, rage, and slow progress toward inner peace. Takeaway: This nuanced exploration of troubled relationships and the pain of rejection will appeal to readers who want to dig deeply into characters' minds. BookLife Reviews Paul Martin Midden is the author of five previous novels covering a variety of topics: political and psychological thrillers; contemporary fiction; and deep dives into the personal lives of his characters. He draws on his long experience as a psychologist, consultant, and observer of people up close to draw compelling narratives of humans in ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.