Must-Read Cold War Mystery for Teens and Adults: Turning Toward Eden

INTRODUCTION

Most of you know that I rarely post two blog posts about the same book. But, every once in a while I come across a book that deserves extra press. Cate Touryan‘s coming-of-age novel, Turning Toward Eden, is one of those.

SYNOPSIS

A 1971 California Coming-of-Age Mystery

Eden Lewis knows two things for certain: family’s a whole mess of trouble, and someone in the sleepy beach town is out for revenge.

For most fourteen-year-olds, California summers in the early 1970s mean sun and surf, despite the Cold War chill. Not for Eden. Her AWOL father has sent her life into a tailspin, crashing her in a shabby seaside bungalow. Now she’s stuck caring for her severely disabled brother, Dex.

Caught in her parent’s own cold war, Eden ditches Dex at every chance—pier fishing with Hollis, playing poker with the grizzled card sharks, and caterwaulin’ in the church choir. Never mind she’s not on speaking terms with the Almighty.

Then Raven arrives, an elusive Soviet girl whispered to be behind a rash of petty crimes. When the mischief escalates to bloodshed on the beach, rumors point to the “commie,” giving Eden a mystery to crack and a jailbreak from her duties—until suspicious eyes fall on her.

Desperate to prove herself innocent and Raven guilty, Eden embarks on a reckless game of chase—one that draws danger to her doorstep, where uncovering the truth means betting Dex’s life.

Will she go all in, no matter the cost?

BACKSTORY, AWARDS, & ACCOLADES

I interviewed Cate last year when she released her audio book. If you haven’t read the interview or are new to my blog, I encourage you to take the time to read it. Cate shared how her personal story permeates the novel. She also discussed why the book appeals to adults as well as to teens–her original audience.

Speaking of YA books that appeal to adults, make sure you read my Writer’s Digest article, “Crossing Over: Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels with Adult Appeal.” I quote Cate in several places; her suggestions made the article stronger.

Here are the awardsTurning Toward Eden won:

• Winner of the 2025 IAN Book of the Year Award (Cross-Genre Fiction)

• 2026 Illumination Award, Gold Medal (General Fiction)

• 2026 IPPY Awards, Silver Medal (Best First Book)

• Finalist, 2025 IAN Book of the Year Award (General Fiction)

• Finalist, Next Generation Indie Book Awards (General Fiction)Finalist, The Wishing Shelf Book Awards (Audio book, Readers’ Choice, UK)

And portions of two reviews:

“Touryan’s skill at crafting characters who linger is what sets this book apart. . . . The descriptions of Eden’s California town deserve attention: they are evocative, detailed, and immersive. . . . Eden and Raven both are outliers in an insular community, and the book’s analysis of how that can lead to rejection and exclusion is gripping, particularly midst the novel’s Cold War background.” —The BookLife Prize

This is storytelling at its most atmospheric—brimming with quirky, well-drawn characters, razor-sharp prose, and the kind of setting you can almost smell. The writing is lyrical, grounded, and often laugh-out-loud funny—even in the midst of deeply poignant moments. With a cast of endearing misfits and a tone reminiscent of Southern Gothic charm, this story lures you in from the very first line and doesn’t let go. Cate Touryan has a truly original voice, a rare gift for language, and a special ability to render a world so vivid you feel baptized in it.” —Zena Dell Lowe, Screenwriter, Story Coach, and Founder of The Storyteller’s Mission

BOOK CLUBS AND HOMESCHOOL PARENTS

If you are in a book club or are looking for an historical novel that sheds light on the Cold War, then check out Cate’s bookclub kit. It is suitable for older teens; teachers can easily skip over the questions for adults. Cate will also be happy to Zoom into your book club or home school co-op for a Q&A.

GIVEAWAY

If you’d like to win my gently-read copy of Turning Toward Eden, please leave a comment by September 17. If you share this blog on your social media or recommend it to your book club, I’ll enter your name twice. Just let me know in the comments. U.S. addresses only.