Book reviewed by Allan Edmonds

If you have ever wondered what was living below you in your favorite swimming hole, you may want to read this book with caution. In “Bottom Dwellers,” the first novel released by Cumming author A. Shane Etter, Patrick Dylan gets a surprising answer to that question in his favorite diving spot on Lake Lanier. Although the book is short (159 pages), it actually has an entire second plot based in the underground areas of New York City. Tying the two together are the main characters — Patrick and Trudy — who have to deal with “bottom dwellers” in both locations. 

As a 21 year resident of the Lake Lanier area of North Georgia, it was very entertaining to read about my stomping grounds in a science fiction novel. I have heard stories about when the Corp of Engineers dammed the Chattahoochee river to make Lake Lanier, so this novel’s precept of creatures living down at the bottom of the lake seemed like another local legend. Many of the places the author describes in the novel I have frequented, but now I look at some of them in a different light. 

Etter also does a good job of describing real life places in both Georgia and New York that I haven’t been to, but now would like to see or experience in person. Now on my bucket list is one of the north Georgia wineries I haven’t yet visited (Frogtown), a haunted Dahlonega cafe (Crimson Moon), a charming New York hotel (The Hotel Beacon), another of New York’s museums (The Cloisters), and even the Bronx Zoo. Be prepared to add some items to your own list as well, as there are many other real-life places that make appearances in this book.

My only complaint is that the book is too short. I would have liked a little more detail of how something like this —inhabitants on the bottom of the lake — could possibly happen. Etter does touch on a possible explanation, but leaves a lot up to the reader’s imagination. I don’t necessarily need 100 pages of background prelude that some science fiction authors offer, but somewhere in between would be fine.

The main characters, Patrick Dylan and Trudy Price, make a good team that the reader comes to pull for, fighting against the bad guys and up against tough odds. As for the story line of “Bottom Dwellers,” don’t expect any jaw-dropping twists or “OMG” suspense, but just a good read. I look forward to more of Patrick and Trudy (and their trusty pet poodles) in the future.

“Bottom Dwellers” is available online at Amazon.com.

Staying connected to your children doesn't always require a Facebook account, although social media sites couldn't hurt, particularly if you'd like to really know what's going on with them. My wife and I conversed about spending quality time with our three youngest children before the school year starts and we discussed a number of ways and venues to accomplish that late last week.

We didn't want to spend a lot of time in the car to get to our destination, nor did we want to take a chance with the ever-changing weather patterns we endured for most of this summer. Enter Chateau Elan, located just north of the Mall of Georgia off I-85!

While we had spent a few weekends at the winery and resort during the past several years, unlike my wife and me, the girls never really had to a chance to experience a chef's demonstration, extended time in the spa, nor did they have an opportunity to sample the resort's high-end dining offerings in the past.

We swung into action late on Friday afternoon, making a last-ditch effort to secure room, spa and dining reservations. While we got shut out of Saturday evening's Steakhouse favorites cooking class that sounded fabulous, we managed to arrange — with the assistance of Chateau Elan's always helpful sales staff — a spot for all of us for a Noon culinary demonstration with chef Jake Orr. In addition, we arranged facial appointments for the girls in the late afternoon and then dinner reservations at Café Elan for 7:30 p.m.