VALDOSTA — The Book Review Club of Valdosta met March 5 at the Valdosta Country Club. President Sherry Wetherington welcomed members and guests and thanked the luncheon Hostess Committee, chaired by Becky Griffin, for the St. Patrick’s Day themed table decorations. Lynn Fletcher, Review Chair, introduced her brother and author John B. Edwards, who is a witty, captivating speaker and an accomplished writer.

Edwards enjoyed a long career in law enforcement, most of which was with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. He worked as an undercover agent, narcotics investigator and general investigator for over 10 years before being promoted to Assistant Special Agent in Charge where he served at several Georgia locations prior to his retirement in 2008. Many of his characters and storyline events are drawn from his days working for the GBI.

Edwards is currently an adjunct professor at the Georgia Law Enforcement Command College at Columbus State University and has written a number of technical books on law enforcement leadership and investigations. Most recently, Gov. Brian Kemp appointed him to the Georgia Board of Corrections.

A synopsis and background for his latest book, “Darkness Under the Oaks,” was shared with members of the Book Review Club. This is a suspenseful thriller featuring mafia activities, romance, and a murder investigation set in Savannah and Statesboro, Georgia, during the late 1970s. A bad guy’s daughter and a good guy’s son fall for each other at college. A call girl’s body is found and an investigation ensues that threatens more than one life. Two families are changed forever as they discover the going price for love and loyalty.

This is Edwards’ second novel and he has already been approached about the possibility of making it into a movie. His first crime novel was “Sunlight Over the Marshes” and his third book should be released later this year. Both his current novels can be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.