Patch Lane

I found S.F. Barkley on r/nosleep and really enjoyed her writing. From there, I bought the book on Kindle and it DID NOT disappoint! Story is believable, pace is excellent, and characters are multi-dimensional and very well done. I hope we see these characters again!!

Sarah Hastings is a rookie cop who works the night shift in Amber Forest, a small rural town nestled in the Western Pennsylvania mountains. After repeatedly responding to an abandoned and allegedly haunted farmhouse for 911 hang up calls, she discovers a dead body in a secret room. The forensic investigators determine that the body has only been dead for three to four days, but the case takes an unexpected turn when Sarah runs the victim's fingerprints and learns that her Jane Doe actually died 20 years ago.I really enjoyed this book a lot! It was just the right amount of creepy without being over the top. I love stories with female police/investigators. I hope the author continues stories with all these main characters. Thank you S.F. Barkley!

What I LOVE about this book is that is straight forward to the point, everything you read it’s leading to the plot, it doesn’t give you unnecessary information.I will totally recommend this book and it was well written. The Only thing that lefts me empty is that there are a couple things the book doesn’t explain, there are a few unanswered questions and I guess I will never know.

Fast pace plot with depth immersion seemingly with all characters. Plot was well tied together throughout 'til the end. Loads of so wonderfully different active paths; all tied together nicely. There were grammatical errors, but brought those to the attention of the writer and/or editor. But don't let those few slights put you, the reader, off reading this very engaging book. Thank you S. F. Barkley for an splendid fascinating read with a little red wine on the side. PottsvillePA_TUE; 03152022.

I found this Mystery quite intriguing, admiring the strong female heroine who combines intuition with determined perseverance. I really hope this will become a series: I'd like to read more about Officer Sarah Hastings, and I'd really like to learn more about the historical backdrop of the eponymous farmhouse on Patch Lane.

I loved this first novel by S.F. Barkley. The author's narrative style is easy and conversational, written in the first person, you feel like you're there with Officer Sarah Hastings. After searching a creepy, abandoned house that was the mysterious source of 911 hang up calls, she discovers a dead body behind a locked door in the cellar. This leads her deep into an investigation that eventually results in threats to her own life and her family. There are more than enough twists and turns to keep you reading, and it's easy to feel for the very realistically portrayed characters in this novel, including Sarah, her fellow officers, her family and best friend. There's also a blossoming relationship with a fellow investigator on the case. Besides the captivating mystery in this book, the author deals very sweetly with details from Sarah's personal life.

This book was beyond amazing!!!! I was hooked from the first couple of pages. Being a mom of 3, 3 and under I don’t have a ton of time to read. This book was finished in a day! Such a great length. Each chapter kept you wanting to read more. I hung on ever word I read. I hope she writes more like this cause this is one of the best books I’ve read.

I do not know S. F. Barkley. Our only tenuous connection is that we share the same last name. I am confident that those readers who like the works of Sue Grafton will like Barkley's style and story. Both are first person with a woman MC. As the story unfolds we are treated to an intricate mystery, accurate police procedures and the professional and private life of Officer Hastings. Bit by bit a whole and appealing person is revealed. The cast of characters is well developed and creates a complete picture of her life in the small town of Amber Forest. It seems to me that Barkley has, probably deliberately, created book one of a series. It works for me.

While the story line could have been intriguing the writing style was so simplistic that it missed the opportunity of being a good read.

When a former cop turns to writing you know the detail will be on the button. I can't fault the police procedural aspect and the basic premise of this thriller is solid and well-presented. The downside is that the characters all speak in the same cop-structured voice; if that makes sense. They're trained to behave in a certain way and follow strict procedures which leaves little room for individuality. If this writer can crack that then they'll be laughing.

This was a great read; the author's background in law enforcement is evident from her writing and the main character is relatable.

An interesting storyline rather clumsily written. This book would have flowed better without all the extra info explaining police processes, and occasional grammatical error.

It’s great to have a book that’s hard to put down. Loved the way the storyline wound around picking up strands along the way. All in all, a thoroughly good book.