Any well written book is a joy to read. ‘The Ebony Enigma’ is such a book.

Its story is touted as science fiction. But, if you like love stories that elicit a good cry, they’re in there; if you like a mystery, it’s in there; enjoy reading an historic novel, it’s in there; want to increase your vocabulary, the words you need are in there; like reading about alien invasion, it’s in there.

The alien leader who influences the rest of the events in the story is introduced and developed in the first chapter. Beyond that, the book addresses how aliens influence human development through the stories of two mid-20th century English families. Characters are so well developed that you cry when they pass away.

I generally don’t read books written from a women’s perspective as I can’t relate to the feelings being expressed. There have been a few exceptions, Jean Auel comes to mind with the Earth’s Children series and now Lottie Lawrence. Lawrence writes this story from a unisex perspective; male readers can relate to the male characters; female readers will identify with the women in the story; and both sexes empathize with the other. Appealing to both in fiction writing requires good writing craft.

While the books ending seems a little rushed, it sets the stage for a sequel should the author elect to go that route. Without a sequel, the book stands on its own, unlike so many sci-fi books I’ve read lately.

I couldn’t find any information about the author, Lottie Lawrence, but I plan to follow her writing. If ‘The Ebony Enigma’ is her first book, then Lottie Lawrence is on the footpath of a very successful writing career. ( )