Reviews for 1st Edition

This is a well crafted novel. It is the best book I have read for some time. I belong to a Library Book Club and lately the choices have been lacking. This book tops them all. I highly recommend it if you like a believable page turner with some surprise twists and turns. Looking forward to Findlay Ward’s next one. — Amazon Review

Findlay Ward transported me to Turtle Island along with Dorothy and her family in this bittersweet intergenerational story, making it hard to put down. Her writing is creative. Her depiction of characters and their circumstances is real; her treatment of them is sensitive and wise as she takes us inside their heads and their hearts. Ward invokes a sense of character with the sights and sounds of the island, much like the marsh in 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. I highly recommend this book. . — Amazon Review

Findlay Ward certainly knows how to captivate an audience with her words. The story of Rachael reading the journals of the matriarch of her family whilst discovering some deeply hidden secrets was truly entertaining! A must read - and cannot wait to continue the story on.. — Amazon Review

“Said the Spider to the Fly" by Findlay Ward is a fascinating family saga set on the mysterious Turtle Island, exploring three generations of women and their intertwined lives. This novel stands out for its introspective and steady-paced narrative, which places us directly in the head of Dorothy as she navigates her complex emotions and tumultuous history. The narrative is exquisite, characterized by its lyrical delivery and beautifully descriptive language. Through rich metaphors, Ward not only vividly captures the time and place but also immerses us deeply in the feelings of the main character, making it feel as if she were confiding in us her innermost being. The story combines the harsh realities of life with a touch of mystical elements, making it both compelling and enchanting. This book is beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for those who appreciate depth, intrigue, and intergenerational storytelling. . — Amazon Review

Great characterization and descriptions. Gripping story. Very well done! I love Bob, the male voice of love and reason. The island will become a refuge once again. — Goodreads Review

This book is fantastic! It’s gritty and realistic. I highly recommend it and I’m personally going to suggest it for my book club. — Amazon Review

This is a well crafted novel. It is the best book I have read for some time. I belong to a Library Book Club and lately the choices have been lacking. This book tops them all. I highly recommend it if you like a believable page turner with some surprise twists and turns. Looking forward to Findlay Ward’s next one. — Amazon Review

This was a real page turner. A romance, family saga, intrigue, suspense, it has it all. — Goodreads Review

As a debut novel goes this will be a hard act to follow. I hope the Mackenzie story continues......... . — Goodreads Review

There is a lot of depth to this book and it is difficult to classify it within a single genre. The family relationships are complex and key to the core plot line. The writing itself is excellent - descriptive without being overdone and with extremely engaging dialogue, which helps build the sense of family relations. — Goodreads Review

Great read, real page turner. The way this was written, through diary entries, was inspired and kept the story alive. — Goodreads Review