Chapter 26:
As dawn broke, Tom was wide awake, in strange, embellished surroundings - an expansive bedroom with high ceiling and tall portrait windows. He didn’t sleep well. This, the third room he had laid his young head in three months. He was troubled, fearful, uncertain as he peered through the window across the sprawling heathland he cherished, the landscape beyond an outspread blanket of beauty. Never had he been granted such perfected comfort, but a feeling of belonging was nowhere to be found. The warmth of his mother’s breast, the beating heart of his father, a memory.
ISBN: 978-1-7398145-1-9
Number of pages: 384
Dimensions: 242 x 162 x 34 mm
Language: English
Price: £18.99
Also available to purchase from the following:
eBay: click here
The Aldeburgh Bookshop, 42 High Street, Aldeburgh, Suffolk. IP15 5AB. Copies on display and available to purchase within the bookshop. Website: www.aldeburghbookshop.co.uk
Harris and Harris Books, 3a High Street, Clare, Sudbury. Suffolk. CO10 8NY. Copies on display and available to purchase within the bookshop. Website: www.harrisharris.co.uk
Halesworth Bookshop, 42 Thoroughfare, Halesworth, Suffolk. IP19 8AR. Copies on display and available to purchase within the bookshop. Website: www.thehalesworthbookshop.co.uk
Woodbridge Books, 66 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge. IP12 1AL. Copies on display and available to purchase within the bookshop. Website: www.woodbridgebooks.co.uk
Waterstones: click here
Foyles: click here
Hatchards: click here
When The Cuckoo Cries Reviews:
FEATURED
Buyer 7th June 2026:
‘Excellent Rural Life Drama.’
When The Cuckoo Cries is a departure from my usual Scandic Noir and action thriller reading genres. I was not disappointed.
Set in rural Suffolk during the Great War period, it is a simple tale of mystery and family life. I found the book to be a very enjoyable read. The characters are well thought out and come to life in your mind pulling you into the story, making it hard to put down. The use of olde Suffolk dialect added to the authenticity of the local drama and made it all the more enjoyable.
This is a really well written and researched book which I enjoyed tremendously and would recommend to anyone.
Buyer 19th June 2026:
When The Cuckoo Cries is a captivating work which manages to recreate its historical setting very effectively, and integrates an involving narrative with characters that are expertly drawn. At once moving and gripping, it's hard to believe that this is Andrew’s first novel, and I certainly hope it will not be his last.
I truly enjoyed the book, and it really felt like this was the work of a professional.
Buyer 19th May 2026:
When the Cuckoo Cries.
The story is masterly and sympathetically woven into the backdrop of the Great War. The best read for me so far this year and deserving of high praise. The characters, the locations, the absorbing story line, captured my attention to the very end. A highly recommended read.
Buyer 2nd March 2026:
Part way through reading When the Cuckoo Cries and it has me captivated. The measure of a good book for me is when I totally forget I’m reading words and become completely immersed in the characters and the drama. Fascinated to see how the story unfolds…
28th May 2026 Follow up:
I just wanted to follow up my previous message now that I have completed the book.
You have written a fabulous story and it's hard to believe it's your first novel.
I enjoyed everything about the book. The characters, the descriptions of the area and the storyline kept me engrossed throughout.
I was lost in that place and time and felt the full tug of emotions relating to the heartache of young Tom and the loss of his family.
The fact that the ending was a happy one but tinged with plenty of sadness too, felt authentic and believable.
One could easily imagine a movie or TV series of your tale as it has all the ingredients of a captivating drama!
The story was great. One is left wondering what’s going to happen at the end.
FURTHER REVIEWS:
Buyer 5th August 2026:
I read this wonderful book in approximately two weeks - which I hasten to add is a first for me. It completely had me hooked from beginning to end. It was touching and enthralling with so many twists and turns, just excellent!! I particularly was impressed with the way Andrew portrayed the Suffolk dialect in the book.
I would recommend ‘ When The Cuckoo Cries’ as a must read for one and all. In my opinion I think this book truly deserves to be flying off of any book stores shelf.
Buyer 31st July 2026:
The book really held my attention. Often when I have finished reading a book I couldn’t really tell you how the story went, but that definitely isn’t the case with When The Cuckoo Cries. This is a brilliant read, after reading the first paragraph I was totally captivated, I literally could not put the book down.
Buyer 7th July 2026:
I thoroughly enjoyed reading the book. I have my own imaginary picture of the village ... some based on reality.
I did cry at certain parts and at the end.
It was brilliant. Thank you.
Buyer 4th July 2026:
This is a lovely story about a family in a small village during the Great War. I wanted to keep reading so I could see how the story unfolded. I loved the ending reading about the characters in their later years . A really good book.
Buyer 25th June 2026:
I just wanted to write you a note to thank you so much for giving me such a good read. All I can say is… Wow. You are very talented to have written such an enthralling book, with twists and turns, and to be honest I couldn’t put your book down. It was touching, it was gripping, just excellent! I mean that from the bottom of my heart. I’m already looking forward to you next novel !!
Buyer May 2026:
I have just finished reading an excellent book by a Suffolk author, Andrew Ridgeon, entitled 'When the Cuckoo Cries'.
This is a book which was a real page-turner. It is based on village life during the Great War. The characters are very well-drawn and kept my attention from the beginning.
A very well researched and written book which captured my imagination from the start...I hope there will be another book from this Author…
Buyer 17th April 2026:
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this. Really like the way you have used familiar family names and places.
Buyer 7th April 2026:
I had to call and tell you. What a wonderfully captivating story you have written. It was an almost non stop read for me. I really related to the locations and scenes, the Suffolk dialect and the characters. How I felt for Tom. A brilliant book and you must write another novel.
Buyer 20th March 2026:
I’m an avid reader and can read up to three books a week. I thoroughly enjoyed When the Cuckoo Cries. If I kept every book I have read I would have a mountain, so once I have completed reading books I give them to charity. Only a special few I keep. I shall be keeping When the Cuckoo Cries, such a good read and one I shall no doubt return to.
Buyer March 2026:
Loved your book Andrew, especially all those lovely Suffolk accents.
Pre-Publication:
A compelling mystery loaded with emotional twists and turns that held me hostage. A great story from a first time novelist.
Piercingly poignant at times. Engaging cover to cover. A must for those who love a tear-jerker.
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