The Town That Never Was...


Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
150 Pages
Reviewed on 12/12/2024
Buy on Amazon

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Author Biography

Lee M Cooper is a new UK fictional writer, based in Derbyshire. He has had a passion for fantasy & sci-fi based projects from an early age. His first book, 'Might & Magic: A Tale of the Ages', was released in early 2024 and is a short story set in a fictional world where military technology is mixed with magic, and is the beginning of a trilogy. His main influences growing up have been from works such as Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, Marvel, DC to name but a few. Popular authors he also followed include R.L Stine, J.R.R Tolkien, Stephen King and more. His main genres include fantasy, science fiction, mystery and thriller. A sequel to his first book titled 'Lair of Darkness: A Tale of the Ages Part 2', also released mid 2024 with a finale released in the Autumn. Also, 'The Town that never was...' was similarly released to very favourable reviews. More works are currently in production, so stay tuned for more in the near future.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Yvonne Akinyi for Readers' Favorite

The Town That Never Was... by Lee M. Cooper takes readers on a chilling investigation into the mysterious disappearances of more than a dozen individuals in a small town in Norway. Officer Christian Hawk returns to work shortly after a traumatic experience, wanting to take his mind off things. His boss, wanting to help him with the grief, sends him on a case out of town. The case is outside their jurisdiction, but Hawk accepts it, hoping that helping someone will keep his mind occupied. Upon arriving in the small town, Hawk realizes that the cases are all mysterious, the townspeople are cold and uncooperative in helping with the case, and the superstitions about the town’s history make solving the case even more challenging. Nothing, however, deters Hawk from finding the culprit behind the disappearances.

Lee M. Cooper mixes the bizarre elements common in mythology with science to create this gripping and stomach-lurching tale. The narrative is organized in a diary format with short but adequate entries that end with a level of suspense, encouraging you to keep reading. Hawk investigates the case while discovering one mystery after another, with each one leaving you shaken and eager to know what will happen next. Tension in the form of gut-wrenching suspense punctuates the pacing and I was thoroughly impressed by Cooper’s cunning in unraveling the plot. Hawk’s courage in the face of a town that seems disinterested in solving the case, the mystery surrounding its history, and the grim atmosphere propels the plot forward in a fashion that horror and thriller readers will love. I highly recommend The Town That Never Was... to mystery and horror fans.

Angela Smitheringale

Oh my god wow this book kept me on the edge of my seat couldn’t put it down I’m sure I will be reading this again was written so beautifully it’s a must read.

Mr C.

This is the 3rd novel I have read from this new young author Lee M. Cooper, and can honestly say, this man is an incredibly talented writer. He has this rare ability to keep you wanting more, and I found myself just not wanting to put the book down. The story is broody, mysterious, full of character, and hits you with a very unexpected ending. Please don't just take my word for it, read it!!! you'll be hooked!

John Marsden

I have listened to the Audible version
A most interesting short listen from Lee Cooper, I'll be keen on listening to more of his work in the future. This one is well paced with a plethera of intriguing characters. It is sometimes a little confusing as things happen unexpectedly but overall a great story. Highly Recommended. Timothy H Fielder did a great job of the narration bringing the story to life.

Siobhan D

Christian Hawk, is an Chicago policeman. Having lost the person he has loved in car accident, he accepts an internal call for help in Holberg, in Norway. Where he his tries to uncover why multiple people have gone missing, with no obvious traces left behind except strange markings.
A great mystery.

Fredrik Danielsen

Well written, intense and dark short story

Sharron Davis

Great Story! Very different to my usual reads, but thoroughly enjoyed it

Kindle Customer

I listened to the audiobook. This Audiobook is a great example of the perfect marriage of author and narrator styles, they compliment each other so wonderfully and it makes for a wonderful audiobook experience. The author has a wonderful writing style that just flows and maximises the sentences perfectly, painting a vivid tapestry in your mind and the the narrator I could listen to all day such is his captivating and comforting voice. The story reminded me of an old school noir and had it not been for some of the references to modern tech, it would have been easy to imagine it set in the times of the classic pulp detective stories. The story itself goes into an interesting direction which I won't spoil, yet doesn't feel forced l which is often a trap many authors fall into when attempting ambitious twists. Lee Cooper is a great discovery and one who I hope finds a wide audience as his writing style is a genuine joy, and I am also keen to hear more from this narrator.

Trudie Lawson

This started off as an American detective story but turned into something completely different. not my usual kind of listen but I actually really enjoyed it it leads you down a route of a little bit of sci-fi and government cover up with a sad back story following side by side. nicely done

Tempestdale

I listened to the audio version. This short thriller has a few twists and turns that I didn't see coming!
The main character, Hawk, is a Chicago police detective who has recently lost his wife and is given the opportunity to go to Norway to help local police investigate the mysterious disappearances of multiple people over a few months.
I dont want to leave spoilers so sorry ifits vague but at least three times I thought I had figured out what was going on and the direction it was going in and was proven wrong each time! The ending threw me for a loop and had me questioning everything I'd just read, so much that I had to register to the last couple of chapters!
The narration was well executed - kudos for the Norwegian pronunciations!
Overall an enjoyable short read!

Big Bob

Fabulous listening this, very gripping and superbly read, very talented Author, hopefully be another similar to this in the future, highly recommended and 5 stars for everything.

Victoria Layver

I really enjoyed the story line! I found it intriguing and a nice change of pace from my normal books! I hope it's expanded!

Karenique

An awesome thank you to author Lee M. Cooper for a free code to his “The Town That Never Was.” {{INSIDIOUS}} Narrator Timothy H. Fielder is one of the best with his audictive deep resonating vocal tones. Unique! Brilliant! Creepy! This curiously wicked missing persons’ investigation had me hooked from the very start. Chicago police officer Christian Hawk’s journey to the cold, desolate town of Holberg, Norway is full of twists and turns. {{ENGROSSING}} What the hell was happening here? Keeping my attention, I anxiously continued to find out and what a jaw-dropping surprise I never would have guessed. {{PERILOUS}} Highly recommended and worth a treasured Audible credit

Chris S.

After a devastating personal blow, Chicago police officer Christian Hawk thinks that a change would be helpful to his emotional recovery. His commander sends Det. Hawk to Holberg Norway to help in the baffling case of multiple missing persons. Once there, Det. Hawk encounters all sorts of strange people and situations that seem to multiply as he continues his investigation. The narration is wonderful and adds to the spooky, unsettling and sinister vibe of the story. I made sure to listen to the book in the day time. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.

Los W.

Edge of my seat listen! Certain parts gave me a bit of The Shining vibe! Nice twist. Glad I listened during the day!!! Great short story! My first time listening to this author. If you’re up to a quick creepy listen, this is it!!!