Description
Nero's Fiddle, Chapter 38
This novel is political satire, written as an engaging, yet darkly comic, mystery/suspense thriller.
Some stories just can’t be told straight up – they hit too close to home. For this one, the names and locations have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent; still, some may seem oddly familiar.
Welcome to Nero’s Fiddle, the crown jewel of Narcissus County, Arkansas.
Most of the people here are all about the simple country life.
A hunting and fishing paradise wrapped in Mother Nature’s splendor, far from the distractions of the big city. Friendly neighbors who think, worship, and vote the same as anyone else. A big-box store as good as anywhere.
Heavenly, really.
Still, the county judge and sheriff want you to know that it’s not easy keeping things the way they’ve always been.
For those who live here, there are expectations; residents must do their part. Living the perfect life requires the right attitude, beginning with accepting that which has been given them.
Praise, humility, and a little gratitude go a long way towards letting those who make all this possible know they’re appreciated.
And yes, that means a little sacrifice now and then.
Should that sacrifice include your oldest daughter, the local pastor will happily help you through it. When eight years later, they take your youngest, too… well, who are any of us to challenge God’s will?
But Fred Freeman is a grieving father willing to do the unthinkable, the impermissible – he begins to question everything. Desperate when he can’t get the answers he needs, he turns to his cousin from the West Coast; Debra Ann Wynn is an investigative reporter and a damned fine one.
Debra Ann understands how to get to the truth. But here, that’s not easy. The bigger challenge for which she’s not prepared? What to do with it once she has it.
In Nero’s Fiddle, you have to be careful what you wish for.
Nero’s Fiddle is written for readers who enjoy:
- bold political fiction
- dark humor and satire
- investigative thrillers
- mysteries with something to say about the world
Perfect for readers who enjoy the political satire of Joseph Heller, Carl Hiaasen, and Christopher Buckley.
Scroll up and grab your copy today.
Editorial Reviews
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“Avril Serene shows us her absolute mastery of written emotion – I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I worried… and the ending has to be the most satisfying I’ve ever read…” – RWC, Rockford, IL
“Think Dr. Strangelove meets a rural crime thriller.” – RWW, Portland, OR.
“The scene with the drain auger alone was worth more than what I paid for the book.” – JJS, Seattle, WA.
“The most quotable book I’ve read in ages…” – BMM, Des Moines, IA.
"Nero's Fiddle" on Amazon
Akenga Evanson (professional reviewer, Online Book Club)
[This reviewer has posted their full review online at https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=744968=22&t=744968]
Review of Nero’s Fiddle
Post by AKENGA EVANSON » 11 May 2026, 05:16
[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of “Nero’s Fiddle” by Avril Maria Serene.]
5 out of 5 stars
An investigative journalist, Debra Ann Wynn, travels to Nero’s Fiddle in Narcissus County, Arkansas, to try to investigate the circumstances leading to the deaths of two teenagers, Liberty Belle and Innocent Grace, daughters of Fred Freeman, who is Debra’s cousin. Fred had lost his two daughters in the most unimaginable ways. The eldest, Innocent Grace, couldn’t bear the trauma and depression after a rape incident, and so she had opted for suicide, leaving no clues about the perpetrator. Eight years later, Liberty Belle’s body was found mutilated in the most gruesome way, with signs of torture and rape evident. The body bore bullet wounds in both kneecaps, the elbows, and the arches.
As Fred seeks justice for what had happened to his daughters, he understands that justice is a fallacy in Nero’s Fiddle. These weren’t the only instances of sexual offenses in this area—there were multiple, and all had been swept under the rug; no investigations or convictions were made—malfeasance attributed to a rot in the leadership of Nero’s Fiddle. As Debra Ann sets out to uncover the truth, the task is complex, and the truth lies deeper than it seems—in Nero’s Fiddle, justice and truth are a mirage.
Nero’s Fiddle mirrors a festering leadership system, and as the title suggests, just as Emperor Nero capitalized on the crisis in Rome, so do the leaders in this plot. The author, Avril Maria Serene, on the surface, has crafted a fictional plot that in every way portrays the moral rot that societies and states are grappling with. The novel feels more like an expose than a work of fiction. The systemic corruption in Nero’s Fiddle under the leadership of county judge Trance and sheriff DeRump in so many ways portrays the decay of U.S. governance and social systems. A murder mystery with plentiful political satire and dark humor, all skillfully crafted to challenge complacency, refusing to paint a picture of false harmony.
I find it hard to directly point out the issues addressed in this novel because of the gravity of the matters at hand, but I’m certain readers can relate, especially U.S. citizens and anyone with an interest in global trends and politics. Sexual offenses, systemic corruption, religious hypocrisy, and tainted diplomacy are all a part of this. It’s a wake-up call challenging a normalcy that’s devouring the innocent citizens—a call to action.
I enjoyed every aspect of this book, and there’s absolutely nothing to criticize. From the narration’s structure, the use of flashbacks, the simplicity of the language, and the use of humor and metaphors in a way that made it easier to relate to what the author is pointing out. The pacing is deliberate, slow at first but gaining momentum halfway through, with suspense heightened by the unpredictable ending. My favorite character was Alex Hamilton; through him and with humor, the author blatantly highlights the core issues. Also, the pictures at the start of every chapter helped spice up the story. For the above reasons, the book deserves a perfect rating: I rate it 5 out of 5 stars. Considering this book is part of a series, A Debra Ann Wynn Mystery, I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
The editing was exceptionally well done, as I did not note any typos. It features profanity and some minor sexual content. I’d recommend this to readers who enjoy political satire and murder mysteries. A disclaimer: just as the author puts it, your perception of this book depends on which side you’re inclined toward.
Scott Deaver (as reviewed on Amazon, originally posted 4/17/2026)
[This reviewer has posted their full review online at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT5M4JPR]
5 out of 5 stars
Contemporary, relevant, balanced, sometimes humorous – and an excellent thriller
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2026
Format: Kindle
This is a remarkable book in several ways. First, I should say this is the fourth book of Ms. Serene’s that I’ve read, and I’d have to admit I’ve become a fan. I walked the Debra Ann Wynn series backward from “Aunt Tik’s,” and have circled back around to “Nero’s Fiddle.”
Each book has its merits, and each has a different approach. “Nero’s Fiddle” stands out for its courage. I don’t care much for authors in it just for the money; their work becomes formulaic and their purposes transparent. Not so with Ms. Serene’s work. I imagine it’s hard for an writer to take sides in a polarized world knowing that half the audience will hate her for nothing more than being Latina and standing up to a bully.
That said, she’s done it well. Using Alex Hamilton to express the things a lot of us would like to say, she puts it all out there. The amazing thing is that it’s well-balanced – the proof is in the fact both sides will claim she’s biased. The satire is obvious, but she delivers it in low doses, so the story comes out as authentic. As in all of her novels, the emotion certainly comes off as real and heartfelt. I related especially to Alex’s shame in the behaviors of the loved ones he was once proud of, and wants to bring back to their former glory.
For all that, this is a great suspense thriller, with one of the best endings I’ve ever read. Regardless of your political leanings, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy, and certainly, to talk about – which seems to be Ms. Serene’s point.
R.F.C. – Garland, TX.
I’d come back so mad from shopping when I saw what the dotard’s done to gas and food prices. Now, when I get home, I re-read my favorite chapters of Nero’s Fiddle. Doesn’t save me any money, but I sure do feel better!
B.K.S. (professsional reviewer)
Nero’s Fiddle by Avril Maria Serene is a complex murder mystery that intertwines dark humor, political satire, and social commentary to explore themes of power, justice, and corruption in modern America. The novel follows investigative journalist Debra Ann Wynn as she uncovers systemic corruption in rural Arkansas, critiquing the normalization of cruelty and the failure of accountability in power structures. Through its satirical lens, reminiscent of works like Dr. Strangelove, the book challenges readers to confront authoritarian behavior and societal complacency.
The plot of Nero’s Fiddle is intricate, weaving together multiple storylines and a large cast of characters. The narrative is filled with twists, revealing layers of corruption and deceit that keep readers engaged. The setting of rural Arkansas is vividly portrayed, highlighting the stark contrast between natural beauty and societal decay, reminiscent of the atmospheric settings in other successful mystery novels like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.
The characters in Nero’s Fiddle are complex and multifaceted, with Debra Ann Wynn standing out as a determined and resourceful protagonist. The supporting cast, including locals like Fred Freeman and Alex Hamilton, adds depth to the story, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and justice.
The writing style of Nero’s Fiddle is sharp and witty, with a penchant for dark humor and satire. This approach sets it apart from other books in the mystery genre, which often focus more on suspense and tension than on social commentary… its bold use of satire to critique societal issues, the well-developed protagonist, and the intricate plot… keeps readers guessing.
D.J.T. (adult diaper consumer) – Washington, D.C.
She BLEEDS ALL OVER! And they say she’s a MEXICAN – one of those people who comes here to rape us!!!
D.F.A. – Ft. Lauderdale, FL.
Serene turns crime fiction into a weapon against corruption.
A.R.R. – Toledo, OH.
How can I get a 36″ x 48″ poster-sized image of Musky Mellons from Chapter 19? I am absolutely in love with her…
E.T.R. – San Diego, CA.
Dark humor, righteous anger, and a mystery that exposes more than a killer.
R.W.W. – Portland, OR.
Think Dr. Strangelove meets a rural crime thriller.
C.G.T. (professional reviewer)
Savage, fearless, and darkly hilarious.
Nero’s Fiddle is a murder mystery with a mission. When investigative journalist Debra Ann Wynn travels to rural Arkansas to expose a brutal crime, she uncovers a corrupt county where power protects itself, truth is dangerous, and silence is the price of survival.
Part thriller, part political satire, and part moral reckoning, Avril Maria Serene’s novel delivers sharp humor, unforgettable characters, and a story that refuses to pretend everything is normal.
Not for the faint of heart—but impossible to ignore.
B.M.M. – Des Moines, IA.
The most quotable book I’ve read in ages…
J.J.S. – Seattle, WA.
The scene with the drain auger alone was worth more than what I paid for the book.
D.J.T. (remedial reader) – Washington, D.C.
How was I supposed to know it was HIS island?!? And BLACK PEOPLE in AFRICA make babies with girls A LOT YOUNGER than Jeffrey’s. REVERSE DISCRIMINATION!!!
S.R.K. – New York, NY.
Excellent writing! I wish I had the stones to say some of the things she’s put out there!
R.W.C. – Rockford, Il.
Avril Serene shows us her absolute mastery of written emotion – I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I worried… and the ending has to be the most satisfying I’ve ever read…
F.S.D. – Springfield, MO.
Everything you ever needed to know about where we are as a country is in this book.
Writer’s Guild – San Diego, CA
The book California readers voted “Most Likely to be Banned by an Illiterate Sitting President.”