John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

About John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Providing exceptional writing, editing and publishing services to hundreds of international clients, ranging from nutritional copywriting and long-form ghostwriting to substantive editing, assessment/analysis of academic texts and structural/content editing for bestselling novels.

Alpha Beta Gamma by Malabika Ray

Alpha Beta Gamma by Malabika RayA bookish physicist taps into her sleuthing skills in Alpha Beta Gamma by Malabika Ray, the engaging first book in The Diary of a Sloppy Sleuth series.

When Sri’s respected colleague mysteriously dies in his university lab, this curious and independent scientist lends her impressive brain and true-crime obsession to the hunt for justice. Half a world away but tangled in the mess of this case, the murder of a young Iranian protester has sparked an unlikely plot for revenge that could plunge the country into chaos. As Sri digs into the professor’s death, and butts heads with an arrogant […]

2024-10-28T17:04:39+02:00October 28th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

Review: Cutting-Edge Ideas by Laura Fienor

Cutting-Edge Ideas by Laura Fienor

A bold and visionary proposal for a better world, Cutting-Edge Ideas: Empowering Agents of Positive World Change by Laura Fienor is a wide-ranging treatise on what’s wrong with modern society and what we as individuals can do about it. Revolutionary change is intimidating for many reasons, but Fienor defiantly and articulately argues that we are collectively approaching too many points of no return, and that drastic measures must be taken.

Unapologetically pointing the finger at capitalism and consumerist society, as well as militarism, colonialism, misogyny, racism, and other ideological divides, Fienor’s voice is brazen, righteous, and refreshing, fearlessly laying out […]

2024-11-07T18:41:38+02:00October 25th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: |

Review: A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell

A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell

A small-town Texas mystery with a dizzying array of twists, A Hush at Midnight by Marlene M. Bell is a cleverly crafted thriller that will keep you guessing.

Returning home to East Texas to be near her parents and leaving her job as a celebrity chef behind, Laura Harris is struggling to find her new niche. After visiting her mentor and dear friend, Hattie Stenburg, a fearless WWII ferry pilot and community legend, Laura is shocked to return only hours later to find her friend brutally murdered. Determined to dig into the crime and uncover the truth, the tables turn […]

2024-11-05T08:58:33+02:00October 24th, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: |

A City of Ashes by Nick Snape

A City of Ashes by Nick Snape

The second chapter of Nick Snape’s shadowy saga, A City of Ashes continues the epic clash of science, scripture, and the dark-fantasy monsters of a shattered realm. The Seven Houses are still reeling from revelations of divine deception for the past millennia, but remain desperate to retain control of their people, as the Fleshmaster and his spirit-sucking legions advance ever closer. Laoch, bent but unbroken beneath the weight of the god’s weapons, must find a way to empower a new draconian ally for an inevitable showdown with the world-ending Constructors. Bursting with immersive sci-fi detail and imaginative fantasy twists, this […]

2024-10-24T16:04:55+02:00October 24th, 2024|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Santa and the Mariachis by D.R. Capp

Santa and the Mariachis by D.R. Capp

A festive and creative story for the holidays, Santa and the Mariachis by D.R. Capp is a whimsical caper of crystal balls, out-of-place elves, and the unifying power of music. Up in the Far North, Santa’s “Music Meister” is feeling the pressure to deliver a thrilling new program for the big Christmas concert. Down in San Antonio, the Annual Mariachi Festival has attracted talent from all over the world, including Chuy, Paco, and the rest of Los Mariachis del Norte. Their creative debut of a Mexican Christmas Carol intrigues the big-bellied boss of the North Pole, leading the band […]

2024-10-24T17:14:12+02:00October 24th, 2024|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: I Paid to Play the Game by Russell Rosen

I Paid to Play the Game by Russell Rosen

Tracing the unexpected journey of an aspiring baseball star, I Paid to Play the Game by Russell Rosen is a touchingly honest memoir, reflecting on growing up, following your dreams, and embracing even the hardest truths.

As a child, the author loved every facet of America’s pastime, following the local teams’ exploits in the newspaper and eagerly awaiting the next time his family would catch a game. Playing on an organized team wasn’t an option until his late teens – well past the typical age for a serious pursuit at going pro.

Even so, Rosen dedicated himself to the dream, […]

2024-11-04T18:34:17+02:00October 23rd, 2024|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: , |

Cake, Lemonade and Sprinkles by Aishah Hight

Cake, Lemonade and Sprinkles by Aishah HightA quick and charming children’s book about being yourself, Cake, Lemonade and Sprinkles by Aishah Hight offers a bright burst of wisdom for young readers.

It’s London’s birthday, and while all of her friends have come up with great ideas for costumes to wear to the party, London doesn’t feel particularly inspired. Debating whether to imitate her friends or choose a costume that will please her mother, London is worried that she’ll be embarrassed at her own celebration. London’s mom encourages her to dream up a costume that feels true to her identity, and not necessarily what other people may […]

2024-10-18T15:18:01+02:00October 18th, 2024|Categories: New Releases|Tags: |

Review: The Keepers of the Light by Trevor A. Dutcher

The Keepers of the Light by Trevor Dutcher

A coming-of-age adventure shining a light on the goodness and grace that makes the world go round, The Keepers of the Light by Trevor A. Dutcher is a riveting new YA read, and an entertaining first book in the Logan LeVec series.

Logan LeVec is navigating all the perils of sixth-grade life, from persistent bullies and paralyzing crushes on his neighbor to clumsy lunchroom disasters and embarrassing oral reports, but his seemingly normal life is about to change in ways he never expected. Though Logan’s parents would never believe or approve, the wild stories that his grandfather has been telling […]

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