John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

In his third powerful Tony Valenti Thriller, A Case of Betrayal, author Neil Turner puts his charming and brilliant defense attorney back into the fray, where his loyalties to old friends will be tested against his passion for justice. Diving into tough subjects – from the deeply rooted racism in America to the struggles of single fatherhood – this installment stands out from other thrillers; there is real heart in this prose, as well as nuanced character development that keeps the read continually engaging. The narrative occasionally slips into stilted dialogue, but this formidable police and legal procedural is […]

In a world that is increasingly in need of grassroots advocacy, Make a Different With Mental Health Activism by Terri L. Lyon and Trish Lockard is a timely, well-structured, and insightful read. Directed towards potential advocates and activists for mental health, as well as those who wish to better advocate for themselves, this is an on-the-ground guide for those who want to get involved in a measurable way. Importantly, it is also a historical and data-driven record of mental health policy and the legacy of America’s failings in this area. Overflowing with facts, quotes, resources, and access points for achievable […]

A provocative meditation on family, growth, and our capacity for second chances, The Cyclist: A Love Story for the Ages by A.W. Stripling is a heartfelt novel of leaving home, and the things we leave behind. At times reminiscent of Kerouac’s The Town and the City in its reflections, but far more pared-down in its prose, there are strong sentiments at play here, but the execution could be improved. There is a limited amount of description, and the matter-of-fact tone of the storytelling robs some of the emotional impact. That said, the story also touches on relevant themes of political […]

Remarkable in its immediacy and emotional complexity, Night and Fog by Sebastian Rizzo shines a poetic spotlight on an inspiring, but often overlooked piece of World War II history. A tale of selfless courage and ultimate sacrifice, the resistance efforts of Dedee and her bold allies are summoned in vivid detail, pulling readers between the nuanced horror of the war effort, on both sides, watching the life-or-death decisions playing out in even the simplest decisions. The pace is inconsistent, at times, and some of the dialogue can feel stilted, but the ever-present tension and richly painted world make this novel […]

Author Emma Bennett delivers an accessible, gentle, and grounded guide with Written Into Reality: The Art of Co-Creating Your Dreams to Life. Delving into the difficulties of self-help struggles, personal alignment with a purpose, the power of poetry, the pain of failure, and countless other nuanced details of existence, this is an anecdotal journey of universal wisdom. There are many books about self-actualization and unlocking one’s full potential, but this patient gathering of thoughts stands apart in its allusion-heavy prose, linguistic diligence, and artistically-minded approach to personal growth. Peppered with inspiring quotes and unexpected rabbit holes for future exploration, Bennett […]