| Title | : | Messages From Henry |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781476300085 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | ebook |
| Number of Pages | : | 30 |
| Publication | : | First published June 17, 2012 |
Evelyn Bury becomes the unlikely victim in a random kidnapping. Henry, her loyal homing pigeon, flies to the rescue.
Tammy, Evelyn’s next-door neighbor,the lackadaisical authorities, and Evelyn's son assist in Evelyn’s rescue.
Henry hurdles many obstacles to the point of endangering his own life in order to save his dear master.
You will find yourself routing Henry on, cheering his progress and praying for Evelyn’s safe return.
Read MESSAGES FROM HENRY and lose yourself in a fun, fast-paced suspense thriller written for age twelve up, but many adults find this book extremely entertaining.
Messages From Henry Reviews
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It's no secret that the ways in which readers consume books has changed drastically in the last few years. The introduction of e-readers has allowed people to purchase, store, and read books in new and exciting ways. This technology has also changed the way in which authors publish and connect with their readers. More specifically e-books allow independent authors, those who are not affiliated with one of the main publishing houses, to produce and share stories that might otherwise never have been available. Rebecca Scarberry is one such author. She has published several works in varying genres and has helped to promote other indie authors through her large following on social networks. When she reached out to me about reading and reviewing one of her works, I was happy to oblige.
Tammy and Evelyn are widows whose life-long friendship has blossomed even more in the years following their husbands' deaths. Evelyn and her husband made a comfortable living raising homing pigeons. The birds are trained to return to their home after they are released. Tammy has helped her friend to care for the animals and has grown fond of them in the process. Although Evelyn cares deeply for each of her creatures, she has a unique connection to one of the birds named Henry. All of the pigeons are confined to their hutch, but Henry is allowed to roam freely as he keeps his human companion company.
One day, as she walks onto her front porch, Tammy finds Henry perched on her banister. Tied to the foot of the bird is a note with the startling message, "Help, kidnapper is going to kill me, Evelyn." After an unanswered phone call to Evelyn's house, Tammy dials the number of Sheriff Warren Kincaid and relays the troubling news. An investigation of Evelyn's home confirms Tammy's worst fears. Someone has kidnapped her best friend and Henry, the loyal homing pigeon, may be their only hope to find her.
The idea of having a pigeon be the only tangible contact between victim and investigators is a highly original take on this genre. As investigators continue to receive correspondence from Evelyn, a rapid chase of cat and mouse ensues. The novella focusses on Tammy and her commitment to locating her friend. Scarberry avoids the common pitfalls of indie works by presenting a well edited and easy to read story.
In this case, the narrative does not truly live up to the promise of its unique concept. Messages From Henry is advertised as a novella for young adults, but it struggles to own this identity. With main characters who are elderly women and with content that explores more adult ideas, younger readers may find it difficult to connect with the story. The action soon stalls in a tedious repetition of Tammy receiving messages from Evelyn, relaying them to the authorities, and waiting to hear about their investigation. Because Tammy is merely an observer of the case, readers remain on the sideline for the majority of the action. By solely focussing on Tammy's perspective, the book lacks the depth it could have achieved with accounts of Evelyn's captivity. Messages From Henry is a very short work that would benefit greatly from being fleshed out into a larger story. Rebecca Scarberry demonstrates a natural ability for placing characters into original situations that will only continue to flourish as her writing progresses. -
Messages From Henry by Rebecca Scarberry is an enchanting tale for all ages to enjoy. This original and imaginative story captured my heart from page 1 and never let go even after finishing it.
The author has created a magical world where a woman's life depends on the love she has for Henry her homing pigeon. The pace is fast as each note Henry brings to the woman's neighbour creates a new scene of frantic action by the police to discover her kidnapper's location.
The star of this wonderful story is Henry, the bravest pigeon you ever did see and the author lovingly describes him with sheer joy in her heart. And it is this joy of writing that exudes from every page.
This FIVE STAR Mystery-thriller is a must read and highly recommended. -
This was a sweet little story, over too quickly. If it is any indication of what she could do with a full length thriller, hope that Ms Scarberry develops these characters into a full novel.
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Take an elderly neighbor in a quiet township, where the pace of life revolves around watching daily the birds in the garden and ensuring her cat doesn’t use the wildlife as lunch, throw in the sudden disappearance of her best friend, another widow, introduce an unlikely hero in the form of a beautiful white homing pigeon, and what do you get? A superb story, spun at a pace that keeps the reader anticipating chapter by chapter. The delicious spinning out the morsels of information, almost like the feeding program of the birds, builds the tension beautifully.
Almost daily visits from Henry, the pigeon, with snippets of notes tethered to it’s leg, give clues as to where the by now obviously abducted neighbor is being moved around. The local law officers, old friends with the narrator, is a perfect foil for bouncing off the perpetually revised theories of the kidnapped widow’s whereabouts.
With a history of oppressive gambling debts, the appearance of the widow’s son as the supposed kidnapper’s means of ensuring ransom, plays well into the evolving intrigue.
Henry is the central character in the entire story, and his struggle to continue to get the messages through are core to the ultimate denouement. Like any good hero, he overcomes the odds that are stacked against him, despite injury and exhaustion, even with the attention of his own avian sweetheart (every hero needs a female counterparty) in a finale that is as punchy as it is gratifying.
A splendid read.
Five stars from me. -
Messages From Henry, is a fast paced young adult mystery with an uncommon hero--Henry, a homing pigeon! I got hooked on this story when I read a couple sample chapters on the author's blog and had to find out what happened. When I discovered the completed novella had been published I bought it and read it in an hour!
When Evelyn, Henry's mistress, is kidnapped, the bird goes to great lengths to save her, including following the kidnapper and transporting notes from the victim to Tammy, Evelyn's neighbor, dear friend, and the story narrator. Henry's devotion to Evelyn is touching, as is Tammy's concern for, and dedication to, her missing friend. Neither falter in their determination to save Evelyn, risking personal safety and injury to do so.
The story captures the essence of a close knit, small town and its residents and country ways. Anyone familiar with these will easily be able to picture a Tammy, or Warren, the town Sheriff, as they go about their daily lives. The reader quickly becomes invested in the mystery of what happened to Evelyn and whether her friends will be able to find her in time.
Tension packed, and full of twists and turns I didn't anticipate, this is a short, very fast read, perfect to have on your e-reader for all those times you want/need something that will keep you interested and entertained, and that you can read to a satisfying conclusion in one sitting. -
'Messages from Henry' is a delightful and highly original short story about a homing pigeon who takes to the wing to help rescue his owner, Evelyn, when she is kidnapped. Henry follows the kidnapper and carries messages from Evelyn back to her deeply worried neighbour, Tammy,who is also the narrator. This warm and endearing short story (just 34 pages) by Rebecca Scarberry showcases her fluent writing style and vivid imagination to great effect.
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This was, boring, unbelievable and very disappointing...
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Heroes come in all sizes and shapes. In Messages from Henry a teen/young adult mystery by Rebecca Scarberry, the hero is Henry, the homing pigeon. Henry’s mistress is kidnapped and his devotion to her may be her only chance for freedom, ferrying notes back and forth from the elderly Evelyn to Tammy, her neighbor, the authorities always seem to be one step behind the crafty villains, but at least they know Evelyn is still alive. Why would someone kidnap Evelyn? Is there ransom involved? Will Evelyn’s son pay to get his mother back? How did Henry know to go to Tammy?
Simply delightful with a little quirkiness, a little mystery and characters that are warmly memorable as they personify small town caring and concern for one of their own. Henry is brilliant, definitely the star in his own quiet and determined way, flying through exhaustion to deliver his clues.
Short, fast-paced and elegantly simple, Rebecca Scarberry’s Messages From Henry is a light and entertaining read for all ages, all reading time schedules with just enough intrigue and twists to feel like a much longer read. Ms. Scarberry writes with a light touch, no angst-driven drama and puts the pleasure back in stealing away for a fast flight into another world. The perfect read for younger readers to learn the joy of books!
Publication Date: June 14, 2012
Publisher: Rebecca Scarberry
Genre: Teen/YA Mystery
Print Length: 28 pages
Available from:
Amazon |
Barnes & Noble
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Imagine: you're in between headline acts at The Mystery Saloon--full-length novels by known names--when something astonishing happens. An unknown author takes the stage and belts out a very short, beautiful song: 8 bars, 8 bars, bridge, 8 bars. No wailing sax solo, no flights on the drums. A lovely but simple arrangement and a voice that you cannot forget. Then she's gone.
Rebecca Scarberry has pulled off something a little like that in Messages From Henry, a short but not slight tale that can be read in one sitting but which demands a second. Young adults and adults alike will enjoy the story of a homing pigeon whose owner has been kidnapped. The readers' pleasure will work on three levels: 1) Henry's limits as a pigeon are respected and carefully rendered. He never suddenly breaks into song or taps out warnings in Morse code--when extremely frustrated, he may screech or peck at the hands of a neighbor he loves. His courage and cleverness are both conveyed--while at the same time he must tell what he's able to tell in his fashion. 2) Tammy, the narrator, has a distinctive and likable voice--the hardest thing for any new writer to nail, as any agent will tell you. Given the brevity of this tale, she has no time to ramble, but her tone remains uniquely hers and we'd like to hear more of it. 3) The mystery is a good one. Though performed in the short form, the beats are all there and the pacing's just right.
I'm glad this book wasn't padded for length. And I'm pleased as punch that I dropped by The Mystery Saloon to catch this short, knockout debut. -
A homing pigeon helps to rescue his owner from a kidnapper.
This was a nice, fun little novella. It seems like it would be best for a younger reader though. The story is clean without much violence despite it being a kidnapping mystery. The editing is excellent which is a nice change from most ebooks from indie authors.
There were three things that did bother me about the story. The first is that I know homing pigeons are pretty amazing about finding there way home, but I am not sure how Henry was able to keep tracking down his owner as the kidnapper kept changing locations. The second thing is the characters keep saying they put Henry in a container but is suddenly bringing them another message. Were they trying to keep him or not? The final thing was the kidnapper seemed a little too good at getting away, especially when you consider how many times he was spotted while doing so.
Still not a bad story for younger readers especially. I would consider reading more by the author. I would give this 3.5 stars. -
Overall, I really liked this one and I'm really not sure why I waited so long to read Messages From Henry. It was a very quick read (I think it took me maybe an hour to get through) and a book I enjoyed.
The author does a great job of telling a story without wasting words. I almost wish this were more of a full-length novel with more room to develope each character. But even so, there is suspense, there is mystery, and there is heart in this story.
Not sure what to expect, I was surprised to be sucked into the story so quickly as we learn the main character's long-time friend and neighbor has been kidnapped and her pet bird, Henry, is bringing messages - clues - to where she is being held. I liked the suspense as the characters are led into a guessing game of 'who is the real kidnapper?' As the reader, I too was caught up in the game, trying to figure it out before the characters did. -
Verified Purchase
This review is from: Messages From Henry (Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Messages from Henry is a fast-paced suspense novel. Though I am not an animal lover, I found the author's use of a pigeon to be a refreshing change from the usual characters in these types of books. The story was interesting and well told, especially for its length. (Personally, I enjoy a short novel that can be read in one sitting, since I rarely have time to delve into a 50,000 word document).
The characters were likeable and fairly well-developed. I felt that the story could have been made stronger if the author had added more background information on the suspect. That would have allowed the reader inside his head a little deeper to connect with the plot.
In conclusion, it was a very enjoyable, short read, and I would recommend it to anyone. In fact, I have already started the sequel, Where Love Takes You. Great job, Rebecca! -
In reading the book description before ‘flying into’, Messages from Henry, it states the story is an “edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller.” I disagree.
It’s about a homing pigeon, named Henry, who tries to save his kidnapped owner, Evelyn. A neighbor, a cop, and Evelyn’s son, depend on Henry’s notes to locate Evelyn.
A very short book of ‘thirty something’ pages, a child would enjoy the short tale. In the book
description it declares, Messages from Henry, for the twelve and above age group, however, I think it is better suited to the twelve and below age group. There is minimal drama for the twelve and over reader.
Rebecca Scarberry does a wonderful job writing in present tense. I appreciate her writing style.
Messages from Henry, is not an “edge-of-your-seat suspense thriller.” However, it is a harmless,
cute, little story for young children. -
I just downloaded this short story from Smashwords.com I started reading it and could not put it down. An older neighbor lady, Evelyn,is suddenly kidnapped and the police have no clues. Evelyn keeps pigeons that her deceased husband had raised. She has two 'pet' ones, Henry and Cecilia. Henry hangs around Tammy's home and she discovers that Henry carries a message...written by Evelyn. She and the police seek out where Evelyn has been taken to. By the time they get to the place, she's been moved, again, and again. This is a great tale for YA or anyone who wants a fast paced, humane, mystery story. I thoroughly enjoyed it. And I hope that Douglas Wickard (author of "A Perfect Husband" enjoys it, too!
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A small homing pigeon just landed on my windowsill...wait, there seems to be something tied to its leg. Hold on... this is what the note says:
I have been privileged to read MESSAGES FROM HENRY early on it its development so I am slightly biased. Plus, how often do you get to actually be a character in a novella? Exactly! Rebecca Scarberry has created a magical world and cast as the hero -- a homing pigeon named Henry -- as the unlikely rescuer. This novella was written for young adults, but I was charmed by its rendering -- suspenseful, fun, full of 'good-old-boy' characters -- I smiled throughout the entire read. Great job, Rebecca and I will await Henry's next outing...
Oops, he just flew away... -
Devotion drives this fast-paced crime story about the bizarre kidnapping of Evelyn, an ordinary person just like you or me, and the depths this devotion goes to bring her home.
Homing pigeon Henry’s devotion to his ‘mom’ Evelyn will yank at your heart strings from beginning to end. This little guy’s love and determination to save her find him performing amazing feats of heroics time and time again.
Add the devotion of Tammy and Warren, Evelyn’s long-time friends, to the mix and the efforts of 3 unlikely heroes takes flight (pun intended). You’ll find yourself rooting for these characters while sitting at the edge of your seat! I recommend that you put this fine short story at the top of your TBR list. Skip that; read it now! -
The plot device of Henry the carrier pigeon was original and imaginative. Not sure how Henry could always find Evelyn, but since he did, I accepted it. Tammy and Warren seemed like comfortable old friends that I'd known for a long time.
I also liked the unhurried pace of the book. Rebecca lets events unfold in their own time, in between cleaning the chicken coop, weeding the garden and relaxing in the recliner. Life does go on, even when we're worried about friends.
So who writes a perfect book? Rebecca has penned a gentle character-driven mystery with a highly original premise. Not a breakneck-speed-adrenaline thriller by any means. Just a nice, quiet, satisfying story. In strident times such as ours, that makes Messages from Henry worth reading. -
A short 34 page novella and very captivating story.
Henry is a homing pigeon who proves his loyalty and saves a woman who has been kidnapped. I won't say how this very special bird does the seemingly impossible, but I will say that Henry and his actions will keep you rooting and cheering for his safety in this dangerous mission.
I especially love tales that are written in first person and I believe you will enjoy reading Messages from Henry as much as I did, even though it is for Young Adults.
Jeannie Walker- Award Winning Author of "Fighting the Devil" - A True Story of Consuming Passion, Deadly Poison, and Murder -
I loved this book it was such an original idea which shows what a great imagination the writer possesses. I presume it is aimed at a teenage type audience but even then it has something for us adults too. The book starts with a kidnap of the main characters best friend. Henry her friends pigeon carries messages from her friend to her of her whereabouts. As the kidnapper moves her friend around from place to place. It finishes in a dramatic showdown. I fell in love with Henry he is such a lovable little character with a huge personality. This book was written by a young lady who I am sure we are going to hear a lot of in the future. Well done Rebecca.
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A Fluttering Little Tale (or 'Tail'?)
'Letters From Henry' flies along at a cracking pace (pun intended). This short novella can easily be read in a single sitting: that's how I read it. Rebecca Scarberry's style is sparse but compelling, and has real charm. The author gives just enough description to set the scene or to convey a mood, but then moves the action along quickly. Definitely worth your time as a good introduction to Scarberry's work. My only quibble is that I would have preferred the title 'Letters BY Henry', but you'll have to read the story to understand this. So go read it ... NOW would be a good time! -
I'm not a pigeon lover, but I sure loved this story. Growing up on a farm in Iowa, the pigeons I encountered were pests. But this wonderful story, which employed a rock pigeon carrying messages from a kidnap victim, hooks the reader into a magical mystery. The writing is dazzling. Characters were carefully drawn out and plot lines were turned and twisted like delicious, red licorice Twizzlers. Don't think it's just for youngsters, either. This author sketches out identifiable and realistic characters and scenes that create a fine diversion for both young adult and adult readers. Get it. You'll love that darn bird.
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This story has a good mixture of heartfelt moments and a little suspense. I loved the premise of Henry the pigeon helping Tammy and the police find his owner, Evelyn, who's been kidnapped. You'll be touched by Henry's loyalty to Evelyn throughout the story.
As I read the story I kept wondering what was going to happen to Evelyn and if they'd ever find her. The author has plenty of plot twists throughout the novelette that'll keep you guessing right up until the end. One thing I would've liked is more details about the kidnapper and his reason for taking Evelyn.
The best thing about this novelette is that it's suited for people of all ages. -
I loved this book it was such an original idea which shows what a great imagination the writer possesses. I presume it is aimed at a teenage type audience but even then it has something for us adults too. The book starts with a kidnap of the main characters best friend. Henry her friends pigeon carries messages from her friend to her of her whereabouts. As the kidnapper moves her friend around from place to place. It finishes in a dramatic showdown. I fell in love with Henry he is such a lovable little character with a huge personality.
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Ms. Scarberry's novella Messages From Henry is a charming and emotionally packed tale in first person pros. I was enchanted by the journal like format of the text and the excellent and innovative plot motifs. I feel this is a story that would appeal to most age ranges. Children I believe would enjoy this book read to them; a good family oriented tale. My hat is off to Ms. Scarberry for touching my heart with this story of love, friendship, and devotion. Hurrah!
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This is a sweet feel good kind of book about a Pigeon named Henry and his unconditional love for his owner. It's a sweet story of saving a life. As with most short books, I could have used more of it. The basics were there and it was easy to understand, I just wanted to know more about Henry and Evelyn, but over all I thought it was well written and I am glad I had the opportunity to read it.
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Evelyn has been kidnapped and her homing pigeon Henry is out to save her. His devotion, loyalty, and determination are heart-warming. Messages from Henry is a terrific, fast-paced read that will leave you wanting more from Rebecca Scarberry. Filled with twists and turns around every corner, this short story was a joy to read. Excellent!
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Okay, I have a bird phobia and when I started reading about this bird, Henry I almost didn't continue. But the characters are so real and the story is so human that I really enjoyed it. I have been seeing this author on twitter and had been meaning to read her and now I'm glad I did. I would like to see a full novel by this author. She is excellent
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This is a short story that can be read at one sitting and moves at a pace. This is a first novella by this author who will engage readers through the single-minded loyalty of a pet pigeon. An endearing and easy to read book.
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A lovely story. I picked this up because it was free, but I was very pleased I had. I loved it, even though it isn't at all the kind of thing I'd normally read. Maybe I should get out more. Five stars, and a medal for Henry.
