Red at Night Series
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Red At Night
Book 1 of the series
In the coastal town of Boothbay Harbor, Maine, the line between summer tourists and hardened locals is clearly drawn. Jack Finn, a hardworking lobsterman, is merely going through the motions of life, haunted by the tragic loss of his girlfriend. He isn't looking for a change—until he crosses paths with Melissa Andrews.
A world-famous actress and singer, Melissa has fled the suffocating glare of the Hollywood paparazzi to reclaim her soul and rethink her future. But as two worlds collide, a new mystery emerges: Why is a lone lobster boat heading out to sea just as the rest of the fleet returns? Written with the authentic detail only a true local can provide, Jerry Farnham delivers a gripping tale of suspense, hidden community secrets, and unexpected romance.
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Red in the Morning
Book 2 of the series
The dust hasn’t even settled from the events of Red At Night before Jack Finn and Melissa Andrews are swept into a new storm. As they navigate the sudden complexities of a surprise pregnancy and the challenges of merging their vastly different lives, the safety of Boothbay Harbor begins to fracture.
An empty chair at the Finn family table signals a new heartache, while a mysterious figure shadows Melissa’s every move. With Agent Ross missing and a medical emergency pushing the family to the brink, the quiet Maine coast feels more dangerous than ever. Jerry Farnham returns with an authentic, white-knuckle tale of loyalty, survival, and the secrets that refuse to stay buried.
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First Light
Book 3 of the series
Every legacy has a beginning.
What happens when the wholesome roots of a coastal Maine family collide with the high-gloss world of Hollywood? First Light is the origin story of the Red at Night series, taking readers back to the very foundation of the Finn and Andrews families.
Trace the journey of Jack Finn and Melissa Andrews long before they met—starting with the fateful stories of how their parents fell in love and the childhood experiences that forged their adult lives. From heartwarming family traditions to the comical happenstance that finally brings two vastly different worlds together, this prequel offers a rich, layered look at the characters you love. Whether you are meeting them for the first time or looking to uncover the secrets behind their development, First Light is a charming, must-read blend of tragedy, comedy, and suspense.
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Last Light
Four years after the harrowing conclusion of Red in the Morning, the Finn family is finally finding their moorings. Jack Finn is looking toward the future, pouring his soul into the construction of his new vessel, Red at Night. But peace is a fragile thing. When Jack risks everything to face a treacherous storm—one that carries the echoes of his darkest memories—the fallout leaves Melissa feeling adrift.
Her insecurity only deepens with the arrival of a slick Hollywood upstart determined to overshadow her life. Feeling sidelined in her own world, Melissa finds an unlikely anchor in a new friendship with a reserved, older stranger.
But as the Finns navigate the choppy waters of marriage and parenthood, a shadow is falling over Boothbay Harbor. A lethal architect of chaos known as The Archer has a vendetta that threatens to tear their lives apart. Now, a fractured team—including the enigmatic Agent Andy Roberts, Carla Rand, and a rookie with hidden ties to the Finns—must race to stop a villain who hits every mark.
Release is TBD
I met author Jerry Farnham at a book event around Christmas a couple of years ago. We were placed at the same table. He might not think I listen, but I do.
I am lucky. A lucky guy to have found a venue where people found my writing. Some, for no explicit reason, liked it enough to follow my postings, then buy and read my books.
I found a publisher. Actually, they found me. And that's no easy task—Timmy has been blessed.
This is not a life I chose; I fell into it. I am inherently lazy, frankly. Self-centered, too, at times. I saddled up to writing, and I've found a place where I'm comfortable. I don't deserve the minor successes, and I'd be fine without them. I'd still write; I love to download stories into fine print. I have many more in me that need to come out.
Some days I need inspiration. Jerry's story gives me some. Much more than the big names with big contracts. They don't impress me much. Am I envious? Sure.
Jerry had stories, too. So many and so much that without a computer at home, he went into his blue-collar job far earlier than everyone else. He used the company PC to write his first novel, "Red at Night."
It takes a lot of drive and a lot of chutzpah to work full-time, take care of your family, and get just enough sleep to show up at your job four hours early so you can put your stories into print.
Jerry loves his family, doesn't miss events, and still, he's at it again; this is his third novel. Self-published, carrying his books around in a bin, selling where he can (and on all the online sites, too). All of them are available at Sherman's bookstores scattered around the state.
If you have ever written a book, you can embrace how difficult it is to write three full-length novels. I hear a lot of folks tell me that they are going to write a book. 99.9% will never lay down one sentence before realizing that writer's block is an affliction that can strike all of us. It's far tougher than it appears.
I can't say he'd consider me a friend, but we are, I think. We've spoken a little outside of being a couple of mopes from Maine, writing in our separate ways.
Jerry came to my book launch in South Portland this summer, taking time out of his life to support me, and I wanted to do the same today.
I cannot be there in person, but he did invite me personally. That means a lot to me. My connections to people are what drive me forward. Without the minor success, I'd still have the people. Jerry is one of those people. He inspires me.
As Labor Day came on, out of nowhere, I realized that we would be in Washington County this weekend. I am going to miss Jerry's third novel kick-off at Brady's in Boothbay Harbor. I wanted to go, but family is family, and Jerry understands this more than most.
When I told him that I wouldn't be able to make it, he said, "Well, that means more crusted codfish balls for me!"
That's Jerry. If you want to buy a few good books, uniquely written, with humor and heart, drop by Brady's this afternoon and support Maine's Blue Collar Writer, Jerry Farnham.
— Tim Cotton
https://www.timcottonwrites.com/
I am the real deal.
I’m Jerry Farnham, and I’m as blue-collar as you can get. Growing up in Boothbay Harbor, I learned the value of hard work from my father, a dedicated lobsterman. My mother worked at the Boothbay Harbor YMCA, and she taught me the importance of community and support.
I started my journey in the fishing industry as a sternman, and I fished my own traps from a 12-foot skiff. Those early experiences instilled a deep love for the sea and a strong work ethic that has guided me throughout my life. After proudly serving my country, I found my way into the construction industry, where I developed a diverse skill set. I’ve also worked at boatyards and taken on part-time jobs at Cabela’s, Home Depot, and Hannaford’s, showcasing my versatility and drive.
Currently, I maintain CNC machines at machine shop here in Maine, putting in 50 hours a week to ensure everything runs smoothly. It’s a challenging and rewarding job that keeps me engaged and learning.
Outside of work, I’m a dedicated father of two incredible kids and a husband to a very supportive wife. When I’m not at work or typing away, you can often find me in my shop, working on my Jeep or collaborating with my kids on various projects. I love teaching them how to build with their hands, sharing the knowledge and skills I’ve gained over the years.
Books available in all Shermans Bookstores and on Sherman’s online store. Also available on Amazon, Books-A-Million, Barnes and Noble and many other online outlets.