John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

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 […]

An inspiring and authentic autobiography, Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovered Healing, Happiness, and Love by Justin and Alexis Black tells a compelling story of resilience, lifelong healing, and overcoming unlikely odds. This deeply personal memoir details the journey of a powerful partnership, both as individuals and as a couple, to overcome childhood trauma, abandonment, mental health struggles, and societal opposition to reach a place of love and trust. Written with raw emotion and brutal honesty, the message is further backed up with hard data and stunning statistics, presented with analytical authority that understands how […]