Caffeinated Reviewer

The Hermit Next Door by Kevin Hearne is a short story released by Subterranean Press and is also available in audio. I read along as I listened to Annalee Scott deliver this fun, science fiction tale in a world I want more of. Whether you read or listen, I encourage you to come meet the neighbor.

Kevin Hearne, author of the acclaimed Iron Druid Chronicles, returns with an otherworldly new novella!

Newly widowed and trying to cope with her grief, Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will let them both heal and move on. She’s warned when buying their new home that the next door neighbor, Mr. Fisher, is a famous recluse and no one has seen him in years, but that’s fine with her—she’s looking for quiet.

She’s not going to get it, however, because when Pax meets the neighbor, he discovers that the reason Mr. Fisher hides from the world is that he isn’t actually from this world. He’s been stranded for decades and he’s trying to get home, and he could really use some help.

Abruptly part of the best-kept secret on the planet, Winnie Mae and Pax have to protect Mr. Fisher from a nosy neighbor who would ruin his work and doom him to die among aliens, but they also have to ask themselves: How far would they go to escape their grief? Would another world be far enough?

Widow Winnie Mae Chisholm moves from Tennessee with her teenage son, Pax, to Oregon, hoping the change will allow them to heal. When Winnie buys their lakefront property, the realtor warns her about her recluse neighbor Mr. Fisher, and the elderly woman next door who travels frequently. This is exactly what Winnie Mae wants… peace and quiet. Hint… that isn’t exactly what she gets.

I loved the tale Mr. Hearne delivered and hope we get more. As with all of Hearne’s works, I went into this one completely blind with no expectations. Pax is glum about the move until he returns from the backyard, all excited about having met the neighbor. That’s right, that neighbor, Mr. Fisher. Pax seeks permission to help him with a project. Being an exemplary mother, Winnie insists on meeting Mr. Fisher and the tale that unfolds was simply brilliant.

Mr. Fisher is from another world and has been secretly working towards building a vessel to take him home. I loved the story Hearne created from where Mr. Fisher is from to the crazy neighbor across the street. The story, while whole, wasn’t nearly long enough. The author does a great job of giving us a complete story, but also kicked the door wide open for more tales. I am hoping that he and Subterranean Press bring us more and soon.

Admittedly, it was odd not having a book narrated by Luke Daniels. However, with a female protagonist, it made sense to select a female narrator. Be assured that Mr. Hearne made a spiffy choice. Annalee Scott was fantastic. She captured both the characters and tone of the tale, bringing everything to life.

The Hermit Next Door is the PERFECT audio for a family road trip or flight at just under three hours.

Amazon | Audible

About Kevin Hearne

Kevin is the NYT bestselling author of the Iron Druid Chronicles, as well as two forthcoming series: The Seven Kennings, an epic fantasy trilogy, and Tales of Pell, a fantasy series co-authored with Delilah S. Dawson.

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About Annalee Scott

Annalee is an LA based actor known for her ability to disappear into characters across the spectrum from historical dramas to haunting immersive performances. A storyteller by nature, she brings her literary bonafides and a BA in Theater to create fully embodied performances on stage and behind the mic.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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