John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

Prolific children’s author Michael A. Brown takes readers on a new journey of self-discovery in his latest book, Ships: Where Do You Want To Go? Embarking on an allegorical quest of youth, Dave wanders amidst a port of chatty boats, trying to find the ship that will take him to Life Island. Along the way, he meets sneaky submarines and brash aircraft carriers, as well as feisty cargo ships and humble tugboats, all of which teach young readers about a variety of marine vessels, as well as the framework and fit of a good relationship. The illustrations could use a […]

Author Morgan James delivers another masterful and colorful whodunit in The Havana Story, the playful and creative third installment of The Beyond Mysteries. Paula Vega is desperate to write the romance novel of her dreams, but her waking life as the manager of a B&B in North Carolina is as good as any thriller, particularly when the coastal escape turns deadly. Despite some heavy-handedness in the exposition and narration, the scene-building is beautifully done, and James has a keen ear for sharp dialogue. Boasting evocative characters, an unpredictable plot, and the perennially pleasing premise of a writer turned […]

Blending mystical folklore with real-world terror, Quiet Fury by Morgan James is the latest genre-blending installment in her Promise McNeal Mysteries series. Sheriff Allen and Promise McNeal are once again on a psychologically twisted hunt, staying one step ahead of sinister forces, and one step behind a rash of inexplicable crimes in the North Carolina mountains they call home. This tightly penned book is a fast read, with quick-moving action scenes and intriguingly dark settings. From fiery infernos and haunted dreams to backcountry conspiracies and secrets buried in shallow graves, this macabre whodunit is another strong chapter of a continuously […]

Another explosive thriller from federal agent-turned-author Stan Comforti, Finding Ena is a gritty read that puts this series’ grim hero squarely between predator and prey. Agent Sam Caviello is once again pulled outside his job description and into a dangerous web of political power after witnessing a mysterious encounter later linked to a vicious abduction. The level of detail, natural dialogue, and authenticity in the unraveling of this mystery is evidence of the author’s professional expertise, and it’s easy to get lost in the manic pace of this novel. While the prose can occasionally be stilted and declarative, Comforti excels […]

Boasting an electrifying romance at the center of a near-future thriller, So Into Her by D.L. Yoder is a genre-blurring ride not to be missed. Overcoming a freshly broken heart, Yakiesha is determined to expose the truth of the fringe Excelsior Project, but ends up on the lam with the HATT-wearing researcher who replaced her murdered lover on the project. Sinister corporate power struggles collide with undeniable romance and a desperate quest for the truth in this fast-paced novel, which will satisfy readers of both thrillers and romance for its original story of love persevering in the face of high-stakes […]