A dead man defies logic when some part of his Essence remains in his deceased body, so two determined doctors backtrack through his life, eager to find what makes him quite so special. With an eccentric sci-fi tone and the tension of a psychological thriller, readers follow Lester’s fate on his revelatory journey, one that raises more questions than it answers. This cerebral adventure is challenging, but rewarding, and is expertly […]
Boasting a powerful cast of complex female characters that will stretch a reader’s idea of morality and the lines of the law, Crooked by Bronwen John is a bold and unforgettable thrill. With flashes of YA informality and easy reading, but also offering up nuanced ideas about art, criminality, human development, and ethics, this swirling heist novel is both unpredictable and highly polished. There is the occasional tendency to over-explain the significance of a plot point, or an interaction, but these subtle flaws don’t undercut the impact of the story, nor the unique perspective of this book’s feisty and fearless […]
Descend into the fantastic and untamed realm of purgatory in The Last Breath World of Souls: The Grave Robber’s Despair by David H. Brumfield II, the first book of a unique series. Unfurling a fantastic world of ghosts, ogres, stone giants, witches, lost souls, and the mysterious powers of a king’s last breath, this novel sparkles with creativity and flair. Packed with detailed history, exposition, and world-building from the very first page, this is an immersive and richly layered story, but one that also boasts allegorical and philosophical elements as well, touching on mortality and morality in equal measure. Despite […]
A shocking and multi-layered thriller, Perilous Last-Minute Christmas Shopping by Annie de Muynck is an unpredictable tale of terror, freedom, perseverance, and the occasional horror of the holidays. Written with a matter-of-fact, methodical tone that still pumps suspense into every scene, the plot moves quickly, giving readers a relentless ride through one woman’s seemingly endless nightmare. The dialogue is snappy and keeps the pace moving, although more emotion in the relationships and interactions could give the story more appeal. Despite the choppy writing and largely procedural narration, this is an expansive and spine-chilling read, and a perfect guilty pleasure for […]
A colorful, inspiring and heartwarming children’s book, Mommy, Daddy Please Teach Me! by Michael A. Brown is a treasure trove of wisdom for young children. From their very first lessons in life to more abstract ideas of self-esteem and joy, parents provide critical support for a child’s view of the world. Exquisitely illustrated by Zoe Ranucci, this vivid storybook touches on some of the countless opportunities for learning and growth that parents can share as their children grow. The simple language makes this a great starter book for early readers, while the images make it a stimulating experience, regardless of […]
A NY detective falls from grace into the crosshairs of a deadly conspiracy in Rats in a Maze by Peter Bailey, a disturbing and timely thriller.
Ray Fisher is the grizzled detective at the center of this story, a man bearing the immense weight of his own sins and self-doubt, until he realizes that someone is playing a dangerous game – with his mind. After a slow-burning, mood-setting first half of this novel, the true darkness of the plot comes into focus, leading to a furious, action-fueled reckoning, along with some heavy commentary on American politics and power.
While the […]
Readers are thrown into two fascinating futures on a convergence course in author T.A. Bruno’s multifaceted new sci-fi novel, In the Orbit of Sirens (The Song of Kamaria Book 1).
Humanity’s last shreds of hope lie in interstellar lifeboats sailing towards Kamaria, a planet of endless possibility and mystery. Advanced alien races and desperate humans inevitable clash, but must ultimately compromise, if peace can ever be maintained. Denton Castus, a rugged everyman who rises to extraordinary challenges, and Eliana Veston, a proud and brilliant researcher, are forced into the middle of life-or-death negotiations, and a violent crossroads for the […]
A brother and sister duo find themselves at the heart of their family’s oldest mystery in Summer in Gettysburg, a paranormal, time-jumping whirlwind by Evelyn Landane.
More than a century earlier, Summer Walker is trying to find some sense of peace in the bubbling cauldron of the Civil War, while also navigating the blushing waters of youthful romance. This richly written novel is set in two primary timelines, but the narrative arcs are tied closely by blood and family and an ancient house that holds many secrets, and more than a few ghosts.
The present-day plot feels like a […]