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Cicada Spring
A brutal sexual assault, a serial killer, and a shocking accusation rock the small New England town of Heartsridge, Massachusetts. . .
On a warm May evening in the spring of 1979, the people of Heartsridge, Massachusetts, are living the American dream. Families are gathered for barbecues. Kids are playing in front yards. Gardens are being kept. Meanwhile, Kara Price stumbles home through the woods, raped and beaten, her life shattered by a wicked act of violence, perpetrated by one of the town’s most beloved and public figures.
Surrounding Kara is a cast of compelling and nefarious characters—a violent-tempered mayor who can do no wrong in the eyes of the town, a sheriff bound by the rules and plagued by a guilty conscience, a father bent on revenge, a serial killer in the midst of an identity crisis. And at the center of it all there's Kara, who just wants to move on with her life and forget everything that happened to her. But how can she do that when everyone thinks she is a liar who is only out for attention? With plot and emotion braided together by a careful hand, this haunted group of people all acting on behalf of their own interests begs the question: How far would you go to protect your own?
On a warm May evening in the spring of 1979, the people of Heartsridge, Massachusetts, are living the American dream. Families are gathered for barbecues. Kids are playing in front yards. Gardens are being kept. Meanwhile, Kara Price stumbles home through the woods, raped and beaten, her life shattered by a wicked act of violence, perpetrated by one of the town’s most beloved and public figures.
Surrounding Kara is a cast of compelling and nefarious characters—a violent-tempered mayor who can do no wrong in the eyes of the town, a sheriff bound by the rules and plagued by a guilty conscience, a father bent on revenge, a serial killer in the midst of an identity crisis. And at the center of it all there's Kara, who just wants to move on with her life and forget everything that happened to her. But how can she do that when everyone thinks she is a liar who is only out for attention? With plot and emotion braided together by a careful hand, this haunted group of people all acting on behalf of their own interests begs the question: How far would you go to protect your own?
368 pages, ebook
First published March 18, 2015
2039 people are currently reading
3891 people want to read
About the author
Christian Galacar
9 books399 followersChristian Galacar grew up in Ipswich, Massachusetts, a small suburb north of Boston. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst, where he received a BBA degree in Finance.
He still resides in Massachusetts with his wife and is always working on his next book.
To receive updates on future releases and other announcements, subscribe by email here: www.christiangalacar.com
He still resides in Massachusetts with his wife and is always working on his next book.
To receive updates on future releases and other announcements, subscribe by email here: www.christiangalacar.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 432 reviews
September 9, 2016
Galacar certainly impresses with his debut novel. I was sucked in from the first page, trust me you won't be able to put this book down.
The narrative is exciting, plenty of action with loads of uneasiness. The fast pace undoubtably holds your attention and interest. Multiple story lines intersect joining together with great impact. Riveting until the turn of the last page. Galacar demonstrates competence in handling fragile subject matter (rape). He expertly explores the aftermath both emotionally and mentally as well as the inescapable pain post rape trauma. We are privy to the psychological wounds suffered by rape survivors no matter their age, or time passed from attack, very affecting for the reader via Galacar's keen eye and perspective.
Fantastic characters, all fully developed. Each character's strength and weakness exposed. Kara will grab hold of your heart as she desperately tries to deal with her challenge. Her courage is admirable. Harry is despicable, you hope for his loathsome side to be discovered for the entire community to see his true colors. Catherine is memorable due to her quiet strength and compassion, a secondary character with a very strong presence along with an intricate part in the narrative.
Looking forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author. Fabulous debut effort.
The narrative is exciting, plenty of action with loads of uneasiness. The fast pace undoubtably holds your attention and interest. Multiple story lines intersect joining together with great impact. Riveting until the turn of the last page. Galacar demonstrates competence in handling fragile subject matter (rape). He expertly explores the aftermath both emotionally and mentally as well as the inescapable pain post rape trauma. We are privy to the psychological wounds suffered by rape survivors no matter their age, or time passed from attack, very affecting for the reader via Galacar's keen eye and perspective.
Fantastic characters, all fully developed. Each character's strength and weakness exposed. Kara will grab hold of your heart as she desperately tries to deal with her challenge. Her courage is admirable. Harry is despicable, you hope for his loathsome side to be discovered for the entire community to see his true colors. Catherine is memorable due to her quiet strength and compassion, a secondary character with a very strong presence along with an intricate part in the narrative.
Looking forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author. Fabulous debut effort.
February 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book that was set on a small town in 1979. a 15 year old girl is raped(no details). She says it is the town's beloved mayor and it is about to tear this small town apart.
….did you know Brood IV cicadas emerge from underground every 17 years? I never knew that….
http://www.cicadamania.com/where.html
….did you know Brood IV cicadas emerge from underground every 17 years? I never knew that….
http://www.cicadamania.com/where.html
July 11, 2018
My original Cicada Spring audiobook review and many others can be found at Audiobook Reviewer.
“People protect their own. It’s human nature.”
Cicada Spring by Christian Galacar surprised me. This was far more than the standard mystery that I had expected. Hard to believe this was Mr. Galacar’s debut novel. Set in the spring of 1979, the author draws a meticulous picture of life in small-town America with its politics and allegiances and the “monsters” that live among us. This wasn’t an easy listen. At times, it was downright depressing. In particular, with respect to the rape culture it addressed. In addition, there was a depiction of animal cruelty at the beginning of the book that was hard to stomach, and I actually started wondering whether this would be the right book for me. But I’m so glad I didn’t stop at that point.
Aside from that horrible scene, the plot and the characters pulled me in from page one. In no time at all, I felt fully immersed in this poignant story of small-town America and couldn’t stop listening. There is a lot going on with a serial killer on the loose as well as the alleged rape of a fifteen-year-old girl which splits the community.
For me, the strength of this cross-genre novel was firstly the extremely well-defined characters – even the subsidiary characters were really well drawn – and secondly, the complex plot with its thoughtful exploration of the intricate relationships within families and small communities.
If you are looking for something a bit deeper than your standard crime novel or serial killer thriller, give this one a go! The characters and their experiences remained with me long after finishing this audiobook. I look forward to exploring Christian Galacar’s other books.
The book is read by Kevin Clay whose narration – in my opinion – was of the no-frills, straightforward variety. There was just about enough variation between the characters to keep it from being confusing while some of the female voices were slightly off from the way I was imagining them. But there was nothing that I particularly hated or particularly loved about the reading. Hence, my in-the-middle 3-star rating for the narration. There were no issues with the production of the audio.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 3 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
“People protect their own. It’s human nature.”
Cicada Spring by Christian Galacar surprised me. This was far more than the standard mystery that I had expected. Hard to believe this was Mr. Galacar’s debut novel. Set in the spring of 1979, the author draws a meticulous picture of life in small-town America with its politics and allegiances and the “monsters” that live among us. This wasn’t an easy listen. At times, it was downright depressing. In particular, with respect to the rape culture it addressed. In addition, there was a depiction of animal cruelty at the beginning of the book that was hard to stomach, and I actually started wondering whether this would be the right book for me. But I’m so glad I didn’t stop at that point.
Aside from that horrible scene, the plot and the characters pulled me in from page one. In no time at all, I felt fully immersed in this poignant story of small-town America and couldn’t stop listening. There is a lot going on with a serial killer on the loose as well as the alleged rape of a fifteen-year-old girl which splits the community.
For me, the strength of this cross-genre novel was firstly the extremely well-defined characters – even the subsidiary characters were really well drawn – and secondly, the complex plot with its thoughtful exploration of the intricate relationships within families and small communities.
If you are looking for something a bit deeper than your standard crime novel or serial killer thriller, give this one a go! The characters and their experiences remained with me long after finishing this audiobook. I look forward to exploring Christian Galacar’s other books.
The book is read by Kevin Clay whose narration – in my opinion – was of the no-frills, straightforward variety. There was just about enough variation between the characters to keep it from being confusing while some of the female voices were slightly off from the way I was imagining them. But there was nothing that I particularly hated or particularly loved about the reading. Hence, my in-the-middle 3-star rating for the narration. There were no issues with the production of the audio.
Story: 5 stars
Narration: 3 stars
Audiobook provided for review by the audiobookreviewer.com
July 14, 2018
The book is easy and fun to read. And there are a lot of meaningful, touching quotes (I have highlighted more than 20 of those myself)!
The story itself is gripping, and keeps one yearning to know what follows next. This is true for 2/3rd of the book. Sadly, the ending is predictable to such an extent that I was sure there'll be one last twist up the author's sleeve, only to be disappointed not to be caught off-guard. (Only reason I gave it 3 and not 4 stars).
Verdict: Recommended.
The story itself is gripping, and keeps one yearning to know what follows next. This is true for 2/3rd of the book. Sadly, the ending is predictable to such an extent that I was sure there'll be one last twist up the author's sleeve, only to be disappointed not to be caught off-guard. (Only reason I gave it 3 and not 4 stars).
Verdict: Recommended.
December 21, 2018
Already finished this book. Having lots of pain and not being able to sleep did help me finish it so quickly. I am also participating in a Read a Thon which means me and other bookworms try to read more than normal which in my case means also reading during the day. I have been reading 7 books in the last 11 days so a last push to reach my reading goal of 103 books.I have read 102 as of now.
Anyway I can't wait for this author's next read. I very much enjoyed this book as I did Gilchrist. (Iwas trying to add the link for the book but something is wrong. )
This is a story which I think more people will enjoy compared to Gilchrist.Probably and here I go again because this is more a mystery/thriller and Gilchrist more horror/thriller. Well one thing is sure that I will definitely read Christian Galacar's next book.I have become a big fan of his.
What he does very well is create great characters. He did that in Gilchrist and did it too in Cicada Spring. I wanted to hug the girl in this book, kick her father and talk to the mother. I also loved the 2 cops in this story and the waitress. He managed to make them real.
Yes I highly recommend
Anyway I can't wait for this author's next read. I very much enjoyed this book as I did Gilchrist. (Iwas trying to add the link for the book but something is wrong. )
This is a story which I think more people will enjoy compared to Gilchrist.Probably and here I go again because this is more a mystery/thriller and Gilchrist more horror/thriller. Well one thing is sure that I will definitely read Christian Galacar's next book.I have become a big fan of his.
What he does very well is create great characters. He did that in Gilchrist and did it too in Cicada Spring. I wanted to hug the girl in this book, kick her father and talk to the mother. I also loved the 2 cops in this story and the waitress. He managed to make them real.
Yes I highly recommend
November 10, 2018
I enjoyed this. I found it very readable and horribly possible. Yes, it did veer off into - what the heck - a couple of times but compared to some I've read recently, this is one I'd recc - provided you can cope with violence and not just to people!
December 3, 2015
That's it, I'm done reading bad books to the end only because I should finish everything. I had enough patience for 40% and the further, the worse it gets.
September 17, 2015
We are proud to announce that CICADA SPRING: A NOVEL by Christian Galacar is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
May 20, 2022
Engaging, taut story about a local teen raped by the town's mayor with no one but her parents believing her. All the classic elements making for a great read including well-developed characters, believable story line and plenty of twists and turns making for a quick read that didn't even last me thru the following afternoon. Ending might wrap up a bit too nice and neat for some, but given the author's ability to pull you into the story line by putting real flesh and bones on his characters such that you can feel their angst makes this one I would definitely recommend and am certainly looking forward to reading more of his works!
April 21, 2015
I got in contact with the author, Christian Galacar, and I was given the book in exchange of an honest review.
The pain and suffering Kara went through after confessing her rape was undeniably great as many seemed to doubt her confession. She was labelled as a liar who wanted attention from all the lies she said. Her parents were in denial when she first professed made it difficult for her as they were someone she found comfort from. The aftermath of the accident made her uncomfortable to be around men including her father which tore his heart apart. Kara’s character changed and she turned into someone who was depressed. She was constantly using physical pain to feed the void inside her; the unbearable emotions of disgust, anger and hopeless. The agony was extreme that she wanted to find comfort in the eternal darkness she felt deserving. The raw emotions reading from her scenes allowed me to be feeling just as vulnerable as she was. I felt naked and the entire process of feeling those emotions were a roller coaster ride.
David Price was envious of his wife as she was the one that Kara confided in times after the incident. He was not able to be around Kara due to her traumatic experience led to his rage and nonsensical behaviour. He felt unwanted from his family and his wife tender touch made him felt unfair. I felt that he should behave more rationally and understand from Kara’s perspective to the reason of her recent change of character. He acted liked a child when his family needed him to be patient in this process. Despite of his irrational conduct, I felt that he was frustrated of not being able to protect his daughter from sexual assault. He felt lost as he was the one who was supposed to be her guardian angel. He felt that he needed to do something to protect his own. That justified his attitude towards the end of the book.
The book was slow at the start with many different characters introduced in each chapter. It was confusing at first when it switched between those characters. The pace pick up after the introduction of each character and their links to the plot in this book. The characters were well written with each have their own back story to make the readers understand their actions. The pure and raw emotions were surreal when reading as the readers would able to experience living in the bad dreams.
The pain and suffering Kara went through after confessing her rape was undeniably great as many seemed to doubt her confession. She was labelled as a liar who wanted attention from all the lies she said. Her parents were in denial when she first professed made it difficult for her as they were someone she found comfort from. The aftermath of the accident made her uncomfortable to be around men including her father which tore his heart apart. Kara’s character changed and she turned into someone who was depressed. She was constantly using physical pain to feed the void inside her; the unbearable emotions of disgust, anger and hopeless. The agony was extreme that she wanted to find comfort in the eternal darkness she felt deserving. The raw emotions reading from her scenes allowed me to be feeling just as vulnerable as she was. I felt naked and the entire process of feeling those emotions were a roller coaster ride.
David Price was envious of his wife as she was the one that Kara confided in times after the incident. He was not able to be around Kara due to her traumatic experience led to his rage and nonsensical behaviour. He felt unwanted from his family and his wife tender touch made him felt unfair. I felt that he should behave more rationally and understand from Kara’s perspective to the reason of her recent change of character. He acted liked a child when his family needed him to be patient in this process. Despite of his irrational conduct, I felt that he was frustrated of not being able to protect his daughter from sexual assault. He felt lost as he was the one who was supposed to be her guardian angel. He felt that he needed to do something to protect his own. That justified his attitude towards the end of the book.
The book was slow at the start with many different characters introduced in each chapter. It was confusing at first when it switched between those characters. The pace pick up after the introduction of each character and their links to the plot in this book. The characters were well written with each have their own back story to make the readers understand their actions. The pure and raw emotions were surreal when reading as the readers would able to experience living in the bad dreams.
June 18, 2021
The Real Monsters Are Humans
"He didn’t have to start killing. He just didn’t see why he shouldn’t."
The cicadas have come out in the small town of Heartsridge and along with them came two evil men. One has been operating under the guise of heroic mayor maintaining a smiling and caring mask. The other has been lurking, hunting, relying on his skill and wit to evade the consequences of his deeds. Innocent lives have crossed their paths, swiftly becoming their victims. Even more lives, innocent and otherwise, are becoming tangled in their webs.
This novel speaks of modern horrors and the demons behind them. The difficult decisions that dictate the outcomes of their sins and the futures of their victims. Decisions so insurmountable, so unfathomable they are ignored, set aside from fear, made wrong for all the wrong reasons, and very rarely deciphered by careful, honest, caring, non discriminate eyes, minds, and hearts.
I loved this book. This author sings of King and I gobble it up like a starving . . . constant reader. I have to admit though, this was a tough read, and I had to break it up and read other books in between. I'm no stranger to the crimes in this book and it triggered a lot of heavy emotions. But, damn, he got it all spot on. He ripped into me with the horrors, the monsters, the everlasting scars. A damn fine read. I won't hear a cicada the same way, that's for sure.
"He didn’t have to start killing. He just didn’t see why he shouldn’t."
The cicadas have come out in the small town of Heartsridge and along with them came two evil men. One has been operating under the guise of heroic mayor maintaining a smiling and caring mask. The other has been lurking, hunting, relying on his skill and wit to evade the consequences of his deeds. Innocent lives have crossed their paths, swiftly becoming their victims. Even more lives, innocent and otherwise, are becoming tangled in their webs.
This novel speaks of modern horrors and the demons behind them. The difficult decisions that dictate the outcomes of their sins and the futures of their victims. Decisions so insurmountable, so unfathomable they are ignored, set aside from fear, made wrong for all the wrong reasons, and very rarely deciphered by careful, honest, caring, non discriminate eyes, minds, and hearts.
I loved this book. This author sings of King and I gobble it up like a starving . . . constant reader. I have to admit though, this was a tough read, and I had to break it up and read other books in between. I'm no stranger to the crimes in this book and it triggered a lot of heavy emotions. But, damn, he got it all spot on. He ripped into me with the horrors, the monsters, the everlasting scars. A damn fine read. I won't hear a cicada the same way, that's for sure.
May 28, 2018
4.5 stars
Another good one to round out my weekend. I really loved the character development in this one against the backdrop of a small town. I don't know why small town mysteries fascinate me. I felt like the emotions of the characters were genuine, the topic of rape handled sensitively.
Another good one to round out my weekend. I really loved the character development in this one against the backdrop of a small town. I don't know why small town mysteries fascinate me. I felt like the emotions of the characters were genuine, the topic of rape handled sensitively.
June 17, 2016
I've spent 5 days wading my way through this and tonight I'm calling it a day. It started off SO well and had no mistakes at all and then it's like the editor took a hike once we got 26% in and after that there were loads. They just wore me down altogether so I had to jack it in at 58% !!
Firstly, speechmarks were suddenly missing on one page, then we had this-"...didn't need to involve him in this in anyway", we lost the from a sentence (more than once), used discrete and not discreet, jealously and not jealousy and then all of a sudden apostrophes were always misplaced yet, as I said, it was fine till over a quarter of the way in so in some ways it made it more irritating since you know he CAN write and get it correct. I got to alibi's being used and not alibis and switched off in exasperation. I should have realised I really wasn't enjoying it as the last few nights I've listened to podcasts in bed instead of reading.
I had no idea what a guinny was and neither did Google ! Such a shame the editing was so poor as things were looking good till the errors came thick 'n' fast. It was a good story, albeit a little slow-going.
Firstly, speechmarks were suddenly missing on one page, then we had this-"...didn't need to involve him in this in anyway", we lost the from a sentence (more than once), used discrete and not discreet, jealously and not jealousy and then all of a sudden apostrophes were always misplaced yet, as I said, it was fine till over a quarter of the way in so in some ways it made it more irritating since you know he CAN write and get it correct. I got to alibi's being used and not alibis and switched off in exasperation. I should have realised I really wasn't enjoying it as the last few nights I've listened to podcasts in bed instead of reading.
I had no idea what a guinny was and neither did Google ! Such a shame the editing was so poor as things were looking good till the errors came thick 'n' fast. It was a good story, albeit a little slow-going.
June 14, 2018
I love those 'accidental' readings that turn out to be great book, as was the case with this
'Cicada Spring'. I chose to read this one just now because it perfectly fit into my season reading challenge as a story that takes place in spring. I was rewarded with a great character-driven story that sucked me in right from the beginning. All characters were described with such depth that you could easily envision them standing right in front of you (though I would have preferred not to with some of the characters).
It was heartbreaking to see what horrible trauma Kara had to endure and what it led her to, worst of all being accused of lying when all she did was telling the truth. It was frightening to see how easily people believe - or rather want to believe - what is best for them, instead of digging for a dirty truth that may inconveniently affect their own lives. It was satisfying to observe how at the end justice was dealt both in the case of the rape and the serial killings (and in a way that pleased my gleeful streak very much). Recommended.
'Cicada Spring'. I chose to read this one just now because it perfectly fit into my season reading challenge as a story that takes place in spring. I was rewarded with a great character-driven story that sucked me in right from the beginning. All characters were described with such depth that you could easily envision them standing right in front of you (though I would have preferred not to with some of the characters).
It was heartbreaking to see what horrible trauma Kara had to endure and what it led her to, worst of all being accused of lying when all she did was telling the truth. It was frightening to see how easily people believe - or rather want to believe - what is best for them, instead of digging for a dirty truth that may inconveniently affect their own lives. It was satisfying to observe how at the end justice was dealt both in the case of the rape and the serial killings (and in a way that pleased my gleeful streak very much). Recommended.
August 17, 2015
Like the song of the cicada in the title, this story started on page 1 calling me louder and louder to read the next page...and then the next and the next.
I read this novel over the course of a weekend, stopping only to eat, sleep, bathe, attend church, and a few other family obligations that had to be attended to. I couldn't wait to tie Bill Sexton to Harry Bennett...then I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. I eagerly continued reading in search of these answers all while getting to know and relate to the other main characters that played their parts in this engrossing tale. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller but also wants to know the characters and doesn't need a lot of boiled, guts and Gore to hold their interest. Looking forward to reading more of Christian Galacar's work.
I read this novel over the course of a weekend, stopping only to eat, sleep, bathe, attend church, and a few other family obligations that had to be attended to. I couldn't wait to tie Bill Sexton to Harry Bennett...then I had to keep reading to see how it would all play out. I eagerly continued reading in search of these answers all while getting to know and relate to the other main characters that played their parts in this engrossing tale. I would recommend this book highly to anyone who enjoys a good mystery/thriller but also wants to know the characters and doesn't need a lot of boiled, guts and Gore to hold their interest. Looking forward to reading more of Christian Galacar's work.
June 1, 2015
The author has sent me a free soft copy of this book for a free unbiased review.
Deeply disturbing story, narrated with great empathy in a truly Christian manner by Christian Galacar. The story continued to haunt me long after I finished it (2 sittings only).
Deeply disturbing story, narrated with great empathy in a truly Christian manner by Christian Galacar. The story continued to haunt me long after I finished it (2 sittings only).
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June 7, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/7/2019)! 🎁
July 26, 2025
Just finished Cicada Spring by Christian Galacar. If you’re picturing a cosy small-town tale, this isn’t it. Heartsridge, 1979— On the surface, it’s quiet and well-mannered, but Galacar wastes no time peeling that back. What’s underneath is painful, raw, and full of emotional wreckage.
We follow Kara Price, a teenage girl whose world fractures after an assault by the town’s beloved mayor. What unfolds is a tense, tangled aftermath with broken cops, confused killers, and neighbours hiding more than secrets. It’s heavy—animal cruelty, trauma, and moments that genuinely ache—so fair warning, it’s not light reading.
But Galacar doesn’t just pile on darkness for drama’s sake. The characters are sharply drawn, the wit is unnervingly clever, and the narrative—though sprawling—feels true to the way real life spirals, messily and without neat bows.
If you want something that leaves a mark, something you’ll turn over in your mind for a while—this is it. Solid 4 out of 5. Just… maybe keep an eye on the cicadas if you live anywhere near them.
We follow Kara Price, a teenage girl whose world fractures after an assault by the town’s beloved mayor. What unfolds is a tense, tangled aftermath with broken cops, confused killers, and neighbours hiding more than secrets. It’s heavy—animal cruelty, trauma, and moments that genuinely ache—so fair warning, it’s not light reading.
But Galacar doesn’t just pile on darkness for drama’s sake. The characters are sharply drawn, the wit is unnervingly clever, and the narrative—though sprawling—feels true to the way real life spirals, messily and without neat bows.
If you want something that leaves a mark, something you’ll turn over in your mind for a while—this is it. Solid 4 out of 5. Just… maybe keep an eye on the cicadas if you live anywhere near them.
November 12, 2018
"Life was easier for folks when they believed monsters were only the children of imagination, not walking among them in the flesh."
This book is set in small town Heartsridge, Massachusetts in 1979. It is a tale of rape, of a serial killer, and of small town mentality.
I read this author's second book GILCHRIST, an excellent horror novel, and I'm glad that I looked and found this first novel. It's a different genre but still pretty horrific.
Readers find out who the antagonists are in this story towards the beginning of the book but that's okay because then author Galacar spins an intricate web building up to a smashing finale.
This has characters to like, characters to despise, and a bunch that fall in between. I grew up in a lot of small towns and the author is spot-on with so many of his perspectives of small town dynamics.
I heartily recommend this book and the second novel too.
Oh, and I loved that it was cicada time in the book. They only come out every 17 years and I can remember being on my grandparent's farm in Nebraska when I was a young girl during one of those times and listening to the concert they perform.
This book is set in small town Heartsridge, Massachusetts in 1979. It is a tale of rape, of a serial killer, and of small town mentality.
I read this author's second book GILCHRIST, an excellent horror novel, and I'm glad that I looked and found this first novel. It's a different genre but still pretty horrific.
Readers find out who the antagonists are in this story towards the beginning of the book but that's okay because then author Galacar spins an intricate web building up to a smashing finale.
This has characters to like, characters to despise, and a bunch that fall in between. I grew up in a lot of small towns and the author is spot-on with so many of his perspectives of small town dynamics.
I heartily recommend this book and the second novel too.
Oh, and I loved that it was cicada time in the book. They only come out every 17 years and I can remember being on my grandparent's farm in Nebraska when I was a young girl during one of those times and listening to the concert they perform.
August 21, 2015
Great, excellent book.
Two evils in a small town, raised by evil mothers. Maybe they inherited the gene. Debut novel, thought provoking, interesting and engaging story. But one very disturbing act, this pages will make cat lovers sick. It was written to make us how evil this character is.
Two evils in a small town, raised by evil mothers. Maybe they inherited the gene. Debut novel, thought provoking, interesting and engaging story. But one very disturbing act, this pages will make cat lovers sick. It was written to make us how evil this character is.
June 17, 2016
WOW!!! I LOVED THIS BOOK! I won this book in a goodreads giveaway and am so glad I did. I started this book yesterday and could NOT put it down. There were so many twists and turns...from a rape to a serial killer to a corrupt mayor. I loved so many of the characters and hated others. I WILL read more from this author.
August 22, 2015
"The bets we dare to make when the odds are against us are what define us. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But that’s life. We can’t always protect ourselves. And as long as you do your honest best with what you have, everything else is just noise.”
February 29, 2016
Great Book
I loved it. I picked it up and could not put it down. This book is intriguing and page by page have you wondering what s going to happen all the way to the end.
I loved it. I picked it up and could not put it down. This book is intriguing and page by page have you wondering what s going to happen all the way to the end.
September 8, 2018
Unexpected twist and turns.
Even in the small town of Heartsridge, no one is immune to the ugliness of the world. The worst part of small town living is that when something of this level happens, they protect their own. Can you be unbiased when the accusations of a teenaged girl are against the all powerful, apparent saintly, mayor?
Sheriff Gaines is tested to the limit with this monstrous case and nothing is turning up in Kara Prices' favor. At the tender age of fifteen, she has already suffered cruelty at a level no person should experience. Things are only bound to get worse trying to cope with this trauma in her own way. Deputy Catherine lends some wise advice based on personal experiences and is stuck in an uphill battle trying to fight for justice for Kara.
In the midst of all the devastation, a killer is on the loose and just in time for the Festival that the little town of Heartsridge, so looks forward to. The cases are becoming intermingled and the outcome is sure to upturn the lives of small town Heartsridge residents.
I loved the writting style and the twists came precisely when needed to turn the heat up on the plot. The emotional outpour in the wrong direction sent my blood boiling over and the amount of bullying brings light to the cruel reality is in real life situations. This book is sure to get a rise out of the reader and keep their blood boiling. There were a few editing issues that I caught and that is why I deducted a star from my rating.
Even in the small town of Heartsridge, no one is immune to the ugliness of the world. The worst part of small town living is that when something of this level happens, they protect their own. Can you be unbiased when the accusations of a teenaged girl are against the all powerful, apparent saintly, mayor?
Sheriff Gaines is tested to the limit with this monstrous case and nothing is turning up in Kara Prices' favor. At the tender age of fifteen, she has already suffered cruelty at a level no person should experience. Things are only bound to get worse trying to cope with this trauma in her own way. Deputy Catherine lends some wise advice based on personal experiences and is stuck in an uphill battle trying to fight for justice for Kara.
In the midst of all the devastation, a killer is on the loose and just in time for the Festival that the little town of Heartsridge, so looks forward to. The cases are becoming intermingled and the outcome is sure to upturn the lives of small town Heartsridge residents.
I loved the writting style and the twists came precisely when needed to turn the heat up on the plot. The emotional outpour in the wrong direction sent my blood boiling over and the amount of bullying brings light to the cruel reality is in real life situations. This book is sure to get a rise out of the reader and keep their blood boiling. There were a few editing issues that I caught and that is why I deducted a star from my rating.
October 26, 2017
Page Turner
The connection between the characters was very engaging, and the plot's twists and turns were intriguing making it hard to not read this in one sitting.
The connection between the characters was very engaging, and the plot's twists and turns were intriguing making it hard to not read this in one sitting.
June 28, 2018
Fabulous Read
Excellent story that kept me interested from page one. Towards the end I couldn't put the book down. I will look for this author's next book!
Excellent story that kept me interested from page one. Towards the end I couldn't put the book down. I will look for this author's next book!
January 8, 2024
Once I got going with this book, I couldn't stop reading, and left the kindle page open so I can jump online and read a few pages during the day and evening whenever the chance presented itself. Had I known how good the story is, I would have dedicated some reading time to it as soon as I downloaded it.
It was easy to read and follow. Most of the characters are likeable except for the ones not meant to be. I hope the author does a book 2, if there isn't one already.
It was easy to read and follow. Most of the characters are likeable except for the ones not meant to be. I hope the author does a book 2, if there isn't one already.
December 30, 2015
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Cicada Spring: A Novel is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree.
Cicada Spring: A Novel is a moving book about a small town in which the lives of a serial killer, a corrupt mayor, a devastated family and a young girl all intersect.
As with most evil people, Mayor Harry Gaines has two faces - a loving respected community man and a vile evil selfish man. Bill Sexton is a man with several identities. He keeps them all secret but as with most serial killers who think highly of himself, he does not give credit to the local law enforcement. Then again, neither does Harry Gaines!
Kara Price is a young teenager who falls onto the radar of both Gaines and Sexton but for different reasons. Gaines violates her violently after hearing her dish on his community festival. Kara is determined to keep it a secret but like most when faced with a mother's loving smile and open arms secrets burst forth. Dad is devastated more so because his princess is hurting and he wasn't there to protect her nor does she want him around.
The sheriff is ill prepared to handle a case of this magnitude and his dilemma of what to do keeps him second guessing himself. Does he protect his own or pursue a case without evidence? It seems Gaines might just get away ....
"He watched the body language of everyone he walked near, met the eyes of every person he spoke with, reading faces, looking for tells like a poker player who'd just bluffed and wanted to know if he was going to be called. But it was quickly becoming clear that he was home free, and it was all thanks to his wife's well-placed seeds of gossip."
Through a series of well thought out twists and turns, justice is delivered in more ways than one. A thriller that takes a real life situation and turns it inside out for all to see.
Christian Galacar does an excellent job of weaving emotions and actions into a carefully constructed plot. The vivid imagery used by Galacar keeps the pain of Kara and her father alive and the smugness of Gaines leaves the reader feeling his oily persona. Glacier forces the reader to experience every aspect of this book - the reader feels the pain of the serial killers victims, Kara's and her family's pain, the anticipated pain of Gaines' wife when the truth bursts forth and more. This book is very moving and one that should not be missed.
it is not gratuitous in it's descriptions of violence, rather it is done tastefully and with such impact that the reader is haunted by the book for days after reading it. Without actually asking, Galacar leaves his readers with a haunting question "how far would you go to protect someone you love?" The characters were well developed and vivid. The plot was executed perfectly and clearly with very realistic dialog and action.
WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star rating.
Cicada Spring: A Novel is a moving book about a small town in which the lives of a serial killer, a corrupt mayor, a devastated family and a young girl all intersect.
As with most evil people, Mayor Harry Gaines has two faces - a loving respected community man and a vile evil selfish man. Bill Sexton is a man with several identities. He keeps them all secret but as with most serial killers who think highly of himself, he does not give credit to the local law enforcement. Then again, neither does Harry Gaines!
Kara Price is a young teenager who falls onto the radar of both Gaines and Sexton but for different reasons. Gaines violates her violently after hearing her dish on his community festival. Kara is determined to keep it a secret but like most when faced with a mother's loving smile and open arms secrets burst forth. Dad is devastated more so because his princess is hurting and he wasn't there to protect her nor does she want him around.
The sheriff is ill prepared to handle a case of this magnitude and his dilemma of what to do keeps him second guessing himself. Does he protect his own or pursue a case without evidence? It seems Gaines might just get away ....
"He watched the body language of everyone he walked near, met the eyes of every person he spoke with, reading faces, looking for tells like a poker player who'd just bluffed and wanted to know if he was going to be called. But it was quickly becoming clear that he was home free, and it was all thanks to his wife's well-placed seeds of gossip."
Through a series of well thought out twists and turns, justice is delivered in more ways than one. A thriller that takes a real life situation and turns it inside out for all to see.
Christian Galacar does an excellent job of weaving emotions and actions into a carefully constructed plot. The vivid imagery used by Galacar keeps the pain of Kara and her father alive and the smugness of Gaines leaves the reader feeling his oily persona. Glacier forces the reader to experience every aspect of this book - the reader feels the pain of the serial killers victims, Kara's and her family's pain, the anticipated pain of Gaines' wife when the truth bursts forth and more. This book is very moving and one that should not be missed.
it is not gratuitous in it's descriptions of violence, rather it is done tastefully and with such impact that the reader is haunted by the book for days after reading it. Without actually asking, Galacar leaves his readers with a haunting question "how far would you go to protect someone you love?" The characters were well developed and vivid. The plot was executed perfectly and clearly with very realistic dialog and action.
WordsAPlenty gives this book a 5 star rating.
July 21, 2019
Trigger warning: This book deals extensively with rape and there is also a scene where an animal is deliberately and cruelly killed.
As Christopher Galacar says at the beginning of this novel, "As adults, we find solace in the knowledge that monsters do not exist. This is true because it’s what we choose to believe. That is the privilege of the practiced mind. But the terrifying reality is that monsters are real. They do exist. They are us. And that is more horrifying than anything I ever imagined as a child."
Galacar portrays many kinds of monsters in this novel. One committed both acts mentioned in the trigger warning above. There is also a serial killer. But do one's actions have to be that extreme to make someone a monster? The idea of cowardice, of doing what is easiest and most politic instead of what is right, is also explored. Perhaps that does not make someone a monster, but those are certainly flaws that can allow monsters to continue with their heinous behavior.
I particularly liked the way Galacar balanced the character studies with the action in this novel. Even though it was fairly long (340 pages), I only stopped reading once, and that was to finish reading a novel I had stopped reading about three times, not because I was tired of this book. Also, admittedly, at that particular moment I was reading in bed and some of the events in this book are definitely not conducive to peaceful dreams.
The thing that Galacar points out is that humans act like humans, whether you live in a big city or a small hamlet. The rapes and murders may be less frequent in the hamlet, but that doesn't mean they can't happen. Witness the state of our country today, much of which was brought about by people who do not live in large cities. Just sayin'.
Looking forward to reading more of Galacar's books - just not too soon. They are a little intense.
As Christopher Galacar says at the beginning of this novel, "As adults, we find solace in the knowledge that monsters do not exist. This is true because it’s what we choose to believe. That is the privilege of the practiced mind. But the terrifying reality is that monsters are real. They do exist. They are us. And that is more horrifying than anything I ever imagined as a child."
Galacar portrays many kinds of monsters in this novel. One committed both acts mentioned in the trigger warning above. There is also a serial killer. But do one's actions have to be that extreme to make someone a monster? The idea of cowardice, of doing what is easiest and most politic instead of what is right, is also explored. Perhaps that does not make someone a monster, but those are certainly flaws that can allow monsters to continue with their heinous behavior.
I particularly liked the way Galacar balanced the character studies with the action in this novel. Even though it was fairly long (340 pages), I only stopped reading once, and that was to finish reading a novel I had stopped reading about three times, not because I was tired of this book. Also, admittedly, at that particular moment I was reading in bed and some of the events in this book are definitely not conducive to peaceful dreams.
The thing that Galacar points out is that humans act like humans, whether you live in a big city or a small hamlet. The rapes and murders may be less frequent in the hamlet, but that doesn't mean they can't happen. Witness the state of our country today, much of which was brought about by people who do not live in large cities. Just sayin'.
Looking forward to reading more of Galacar's books - just not too soon. They are a little intense.
September 12, 2020
Movie material. I was blown away!
May 7 1979. Fifteen year old Kara Price is on her way home from work when a man stops to give her a lift. Recognizing him as Harry Bennett, the Mayor of Heartsridge, she gets into his car.
Enroute, he tells he has to stop and drop a check off at the water department. But then he parks the car and sexually molests Kara in the backseat.
When Kara’s father, David Price hears about this, he immediately calls the sheriff, Calvin Lee Gaines with the Heartsridge Police Department and asks him to come down to his house along with Deputy Catherine Carlisle.
Heartsridge is gearing up for the thirtieth anniversary of the Heartsridge Spring Festival and the Mayor hopes this event will attract lots of tourist and of course, money. To this effect he meets with Eddie Corbett to ask him for a favor.
Eddie owns a parking lot attached to the strip mall he owns in West Elm. Harry needs the parking lot for extra parking for three days for the festival. So Harry offers Eddie three grand for the trouble, but Eddie turns him down saying that he’d be violating his rental agreements with his tenants.
So Harry resorts to blackmail—he shows Eddie pictures of him getting frisky with a young woman in the back of her hair salon and threatens to leave copies at his doorstep for his wife, Jeannie to find. Eddie seeing no other way out agrees to let Harry use his lot.
Meanwhile, there’s been a recent spate of killings which make the authorities believe there’s a serial killer on the loose whom they’ve now dubbed The Highway Hunter.
The events in this book take place during the cicada spring when the cicadas feed for seventeen years and then emerge when the weather gets warm. There’s also an interplay between the characters and two recurrent themes: cicadas and the Heartsridge Motel.
Definitely movie material. Literally blew me away. Highly recommend.
May 7 1979. Fifteen year old Kara Price is on her way home from work when a man stops to give her a lift. Recognizing him as Harry Bennett, the Mayor of Heartsridge, she gets into his car.
Enroute, he tells he has to stop and drop a check off at the water department. But then he parks the car and sexually molests Kara in the backseat.
When Kara’s father, David Price hears about this, he immediately calls the sheriff, Calvin Lee Gaines with the Heartsridge Police Department and asks him to come down to his house along with Deputy Catherine Carlisle.
Heartsridge is gearing up for the thirtieth anniversary of the Heartsridge Spring Festival and the Mayor hopes this event will attract lots of tourist and of course, money. To this effect he meets with Eddie Corbett to ask him for a favor.
Eddie owns a parking lot attached to the strip mall he owns in West Elm. Harry needs the parking lot for extra parking for three days for the festival. So Harry offers Eddie three grand for the trouble, but Eddie turns him down saying that he’d be violating his rental agreements with his tenants.
So Harry resorts to blackmail—he shows Eddie pictures of him getting frisky with a young woman in the back of her hair salon and threatens to leave copies at his doorstep for his wife, Jeannie to find. Eddie seeing no other way out agrees to let Harry use his lot.
Meanwhile, there’s been a recent spate of killings which make the authorities believe there’s a serial killer on the loose whom they’ve now dubbed The Highway Hunter.
The events in this book take place during the cicada spring when the cicadas feed for seventeen years and then emerge when the weather gets warm. There’s also an interplay between the characters and two recurrent themes: cicadas and the Heartsridge Motel.
Definitely movie material. Literally blew me away. Highly recommend.
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