Silencing the Siren

I have been waiting for this book for a long time and boy, this debut author did not disappoint one bit.

My thoughts

Silencing the Siren was a joy to read. The building romance softens the reader until “WHAM!!” you are hit with this mystery and agony. What a ride. Ms. Barela weaved this story together masterfully and authentically (I know that is a weird word to use for this, but I’ll get to the why). She took a beloved story and made it even better.

The Little Mermaid had two versions–the Disney version and the Han’s Christian Anderson version. That said, I have to say a big thank you to Ms. Barela for keeping the story a little closer to the Anderson version. Yes, it is a little sadder, but as a lover of originality, it’s the best. Silencing the Siren also reminded me of the 1952 classic, Milliondollar Mermaid starring Ester Williams and Victor Mature. Not so much in the story but the location of a circus-like act. Of course in the movie, the mermaid show was glorified and not looked down upon. As I read Silencing the Siren, the bright technicolor of old Hollywood and this movie, came to life in my mind. I love that.

The most beautiful and heartwrenching scene though is when Andrew is told the news of Annabel’s demise. Oh, my heart. Ms. Barela did such a beautiful job showing us that pain that I wanted to reach into my tablet and hold Andrew as he cried. Bravo, my dear.

I will end with this. Silencing the Siren is a beautiful addition to the Ever After Mysteries and has solidified Denise L. Barela’s place at the writerly table. If this is what readers are getting for her debut, I expect great things from this point forward. The book was clean, entertaining, depictive, and enjoyable to read. Again, bravo.

**I was given a copy of the book from the publisher so that I may offer an honest POV.

About the Book

Book: Silencing the Siren

Author: Denise L. Barela

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: January 4, 2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.

Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

More from Denise

Hello Readers!

I’m so excited to share Silencing the Siren with you! This book was so much fun to write and research. I learned so many fun facts about old cars, old New York, and even doorbells!

Yes, you read that correctly. Doorbells.

These noisy items were such a novelty in the 1920s that they were often given as Christmas gifts!

Crazy, right?

I wanted both Andrew and Annabel to represent that feeling we have all experienced at least once in our lives. That feeling of not belonging. It looks different for each person, but it’s a uniting feeling.

Annabel will never be accepted by those outside her family, but they more than make up for that. Andrew is popular and well-off in society, but as he comes to know the Lord, he starts to feel that rift with his superficial friends and family. It’s with other believers, Annabel’s family, that he finds that deep relationship he desires. They are more than willing to provide.

This is the beauty of the body of Christ. When we are sick or in need, the body of Christ comes together to support you in that time of need and extend Christ’s love to all corners of the globe.

I hope you enjoy reading Silencing the Siren as much as I enjoyed writing it!