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by David Scott Richardson (Author)
"Richardson's characters leap off the page and will capture the hearts of all who enjoy a fast-paced historical war story about a struggling family and the boy who helps save his neighborhood."-Chanticleer Book Reviews
"Richardson masterfully portrays the day-to-day life of a teenager in 1943, blending humor and warmth with the serious issues of the era."-Literary Titan
"Richardson has a knack for just the right word."-Kirkus Reviews
"An adorable little romp...up all night until I finished..."-Virginia Adair
"...most remarkable are the novel's nuanced responses to the war, from heroic to pacifist, delivered in a non-judgmental and empathetic way, providing its intended young audience with a means of forming their own opinions."-BookLife
"Richardson vividly delivers a stirring coming-of-age tale set in a time period preserved only in history books, handed-down family stories, and fictional tales. Family dynamics feel authentic, capturing a slice of life in all its mundane glory."-R.C. Gibson for Indies Today
"...an absolute must-read for all who cherish nostalgia of ancient times and historical fiction..."-Wajeeha Bashir for Book Nerdection
"...Richardson skillfully navigates themes of loyalty, trust, and the moral complexities faced by adolescents thrust into adult dilemmas..."-Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
"...filled with both danger and self-discovery...a thought-provoking reflection on the consequences of war and how it can tear apart communities and individuals in unexpected ways. But ultimately, it is a story about hope and resilience, showing that even in the darkest times, there is always a glimmer of light and goodness to be found."-James B. for Authors Reading
"A well-researched novel that captures an era really well...emotional enough to bring tears..."-DJ McCready
Seattle, 1943. Fifteen-year-old Scotty Johannsen knows the war is everywhere-ration books on the kitchen table, blackout curtains drawn tight, and his father's stern voice calling for lights out. But when a string of fires erupts during the nightly blackouts, fear creeps into the quiet streets of Ravenna Park. Rumors swirl: saboteurs, spies, and traitors lurk among the neighbors. Scotty's older brother Erik, already haunted by the draft and the forced internment of his girlfriend's family, becomes the target of a bully's accusation: Erik is the firebug.
Torn between loyalty to his brother and the duty pressed on him by his father, the local air raid warden, Scotty is thrust into a world of suspicion and secrets. As he and his friends scramble to uncover the truth, the lines between childhood games and real danger blur. The stakes are no longer just about catching a culprit-they're about protecting family, confronting prejudice, and facing the cost of war at home.
An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze is a gripping coming-of-age mystery set against the tense backdrop of World War II Seattle, where every blackout hides more than just shadows, and courage means choosing who-and what-you stand for.
An Empty House Doesn't Sneeze is the recipient of the Literary Titan Gold Book Award, finalist in CIBA's Hemingway Book Awards, and runner-up winner of the PenCraft Book Award.
The novel contains no gratuitous language, but there are a few slurs that are true to the historical setting and swear words-in keeping with the characters and story.
