Amy L. Bernstein

Maryland author Amy L. Bernstein writes stage plays, short stories, poetry, and novels in addition to her contributions as a journalist and a nonfiction book coach. Her insights into journalism prove invaluable in composing this excellent novel that steps in to the dystopian realm with ease. Her ability to capture attention is present as she opens the portal of this at times very realistic story: ‘Missing: A teenaged girl with lanky blonde hair and a sunburst tattoo on her cheek. The holographic posters, brighter than day itself, lit up the air on every block of Main Street. They were the first things Rags Goldner noticed as she and her partner, Flint Sten, arrived in Canary. The girl’s name was Effie and she was sixteen. Effie’s pixilated image beamed down at Rags like a celebrity unaware that her fifteen minutes of fame were up…’ A further view of what these characters will discover - ‘Journalist Rags Goldner is battle-scarred and heartbroken after covering a devastating pandemic that rages in Baltimore for five years. She leaves the city with her partner in search of a simpler life in small-town Maryland—only to discover nothing in Canary is simple. A teenager is missing, and it falls to Rags to fight the forces of apathy, paranoia, and creeping fascism to learn the shocking truth about Effie Rutter's fate—and the fate of thousands like her.’

In addition to being a well-scribed suspense story, the events that take place in this near future post-pandemic little town describe many of our current anxieties and frustrations that fill social media as well as newspapers and television journalism as we traverse the disruption to ‘ordinary life’ and environmental changes. That aspect of Bernstein’s novel encourages introspection and reevaluation of analyzing the ‘now’ as it could become. Food for thought as well as a penetratingly fine new novel. Highly recommended… (plus d'informations)

Amy L. Bernstein narrates the tale of journalist Rags Goldner in "The Potrero Complex," who is wounded and heartbroken after spending five years reporting a horrific pandemic that rages in Baltimore. Rags and her partner decide to move to a tiny town in Maryland in hopes of a simpler life, but they quickly discover that nothing is straightforward in Canary.

When a teen goes missing as soon as they get there, Rags is left to battle indifference, paranoia, and nefarious fascism in order to uncover the horrific truth about Effie Rutter's fate and the fate of hundreds of others. You will be on the edge of your seat the entire time you read this book since it is that dramatic and captivating. Bernstein's creation of the characters is one of this book's merits. Rag is a compelling lead character who is easy to root for, and the supporting cast members are also well-rounded and give the narrative depth. The plot is cleverly devised and full of surprises that keep the reader guessing right up to the very end.

The book's setting is also quite well done. The location of a little Maryland town is both recognisable and unsettling, and the community and its residents are vividly and emotionally described. The book's examination of the themes of indifference, paranoia, and fascism is both thought-provoking and unsettling because they are all too current in today's world. The Potrero Complex is a compelling book that will keep you wondering right up to the very end. The descriptive language of Bernstein and the skillfully developed characters make for a thoroughly enjoyable book. This is a book you won't want to miss if you're seeking one that will keep you on the tip of your seat.… (plus d'informations)

I really enjoyed reading this. Bernstein did an excellent job of bringing to life a world where mermaids are real, and believed to be extinct by most of the population. Ell is a great character, and following her journey was captivating. She had such great depth, and there's a bit of mystery surrounding her. Not knowing much about her past, only that what she is must be kept secret. Bernstein really built up the suspense and mystery around Ell, and did a great job building that aura, implying an unseen danger was lurking about. I absolutely cannot recommend this enough for anyone who loves mermaids or sapphic fiction.… (plus d'informations)

With its compelling plot, vivid setting, and likable characters, I think this story would make a great film.

The Potrero Complex was a puzzling and compelling mystery set only a few years into the future after a viral pandemic had decimated the country’s population, economy, and way of life. The randomness and the magnitude of the virus, for which no vaccine or cure was ever found, combined with real-life current events, made for a very dark, frightening, and realistic plot and setting.

I liked and was readily engaged by the main characters, Rags and Flint. They came to town relieved for a fresh start, and as events unfold, both they and their relationship undergo some very realistic changes. Each takes different and exciting paths to deal with what’s happening in Canary.

The truth behind the mystery of the missing teenagers is revealed from Effie Rutter’s point of view, and there was a twist I never anticipated. However, questions remained unanswered at the story’s end and may set up a series featuring Rags, Flint, and the aftermath of the events in Canary. I would most assuredly stand in line for more.

With its compelling plot, vivid setting, and likable characters, I could easily visualize this story, and I think it would make a great film. I recommend THE POTRERO COMPLEX for speculative fiction, dystopian, and mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.… (plus d'informations)