John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

Review: The Curs of Curzon County by Thea Verdak

The Curs of Curzon County by Thea Verdak

Thea Verdak unleashes a swirling storm of a story in The Curs of Curzon County, a rapid-fire tale of acute dangers and chronic pain, growing up and leaving home, and all the obstacles along the way that can derail a young life. Richly layered with an original and unforgettable narrative voice, this gritty short story will leave your heart pounding.

All the crises and conditions of Lucretia’s young life distill themselves in this well-penned crucible; the ramshackle pound at the end of the airstrip is the closest thing she has to a home, yet it is also a source […]

Five Short Stories by Steve Amoia

Steve Amoia delivers an engaging collection of heartfelt, deeply human tales in Five Short Stories. From exorcising a long-held fantasy through a disappointing slice of romance, to seeing the world from the rougher edge of the map, these stories criss-cross the country, exploring the perceptions and prejudices we experience, as well as those we quietly hold. Amoia carefully dissects the pain of unexpected loss, the unpredictable nature of cruelty, and the toxic addiction of greed and wealth, in stories with gradual momentum and a straightforward, thematically clear tone. There is strength in the simplicity here, and this is a […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-05T03:36:21+02:00October 4th, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: The Commander by Dan E. Hendrickson

Author Dan E. Hendrickson unleashes a wild and exhilarating ride with The Commander, an unpredictable high seas thriller in the Gulf of Mexico. Armed with enough action to satisfy those seeking a fictional adventure, but also plenty of rich character development and well-penned relationships, this is an unexpectedly complex read.

At the helm of this novel is Commander Jacob Edwards, a tough-as-nails captain of the First Responder, who suddenly finds himself deadheading into an international crisis. Juggling loyalties, national secrecy, and the lives of his men, this Coast Guard captain has a full plate of action that never seems […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-02T02:42:47+02:00October 1st, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|

Review: Was Michael Jackson Murdered? You Be the Judge by Everett Watson

Was Michael Jackson Murdered? You Be the Judge by Everett Watson

Author Everett Watson peels back the mysterious events surrounding the King of Pop’s death in Was Michael Jackson Murdered? You Be the Judge, suggesting in no uncertain terms that foul play was undeniably involved.

Despite this globe-shaking death being classified as a drug overdose, the case is complicated by the involvement of Dr. Conrad Murray, the star’s trusted at-home doctor and the administer of MJ’s treatments. The author lays out his belief, based on extensive personal research and the synthesis of court documents and trial testimony, that Murray perpetrated premeditated murder after his underhanded, self-serving manipulation of Jackson was discovered.[…]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-10-06T03:08:58+02:00September 30th, 2020|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Biography Book Reviews|

What’s That Coming Over the Hill by Raido Teagan

What's That Coming Over the Hill by Raido Teagan Raido Teagan unfurls a dark, emotionally raw story of personal struggle, brutal suffering, resilience, depression, unrequited love and mental collapse in What’s That Coming Over the Hill.

Part fictional memoir, part surreal nightmare, with perspective jumps and a flexible take on reality, this novel demands a strong heart from readers. Navigating the tortured recollections of the protagonist, from a childhood of isolation and abuse to the painful mysteries of sex and the opposite sex, and the uncontrollable urge for violence, this is a chilling tale of a young man on the brink. Revenge, savior complexes, twisted relationships, and self-deception […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-29T07:41:49+02:00September 29th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Contemporary Fiction Book Reviews|

Stepping Out the Other Side by Peter Bell

Part memoir, part self-help guide, and part philosophical treatise, Stepping Out the Other Side: Finding Purpose Through Adversity by Peter Bell is the engrossing story of the author’s journey through mental illness, which could have stalled or shattered his life, but instead drove him to new levels of purpose and fulfillment.

The journal style of writing at the start of the book is a visceral dive into the emotions and processes of mental illness and professional counseling, while the recovery and resurgence segments of the book are written in a more traditional narrative. The storytelling is unique in its raw, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-28T08:55:43+02:00September 28th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Memoir Book Reviews, Psychology Book Reviews, Self-Help Book Reviews|

Demons of Divine Wrath by Edward Izzi

Demons of Divine Wrath by Edward Izzi Edward Izzi delivers a sharp, smart, and wickedly unpredictable novel in Demons of Divine Wrath, his latest literary shot across the Roman Catholic bow.

Mobsters with money on the mind and a pope who will stop at nothing to restore his reputation – and the coffers of the church – make this a globe-spanning thrill ride of violence and shadowy conspiracies. Add to that a dauntless, wise-cracking reporter, and a slick art dealer named Wolfgang with Nazi ties, and you have a complex tangle of money, power, history, and deception that will thrill loyal readers of a wide range […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-28T08:04:44+02:00September 28th, 2020|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|

Only Our Destiny by A.G. Russo

Steeped in authenticity, rich descriptive language, and immersive storytelling, Only Our Destiny by A.G. Russo is a transatlantic tale of persistence, family, and the dreams of freedom that fuel our lives. Diving deep into the Italian experience – both the 20th century struggles in the homeland and the very different type of survival in America – this book is a visceral love note to the past, but also a sharp reminder of the systemic prejudice and predatory leaders that remain empowered today. The writing flows from succinct historical exposition to emotional, tender passages, giving readers an intimate and believable peek […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2020-09-28T05:23:39+02:00September 28th, 2020|Categories: Editorial Reviews|