John Staughton, Senior Reviewer | Self-Publishing Review

A Mountain Leads Home by Shelley Kassian

A classic story of the heart coming to life, A Mountain Leads Home by Shelley Kassian is a stylish and engrossing second installment of her Places in the Heart series. Loosely based on real events, this is a charming tale of unexpectedly crossed paths on the slopes of life, the ethical dilemmas of undeniable desire, and the sacrifices that real people make to take a chance on love. Taylor is far from the cliché snowboarder, despite his hunger for sick tricks, and Sarah is a three-dimensional protagonist, not just a damsel desperate for companionship. Putting her unique spin on the […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-16T14:05:55+02:00November 15th, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

Review: The Noble Exiles (Ocean Black Book 1) by E.J. Wedge

The Noble Exiles (Ocean Black Book 1) by E.J. Wedge

Author E.J. Wedge plunges readers into the dark and unknown ocean of the future with his first novel, The Noble Exiles, the first installment of the Ocean Black series, a sprawling and visionary sci-fi debut.

Unknown centuries in the future, with Earth long ago abandoned, the scattered seeds of humanity have spread to dozens of other stars and planets across the galaxy. However, the details of how the interstellar Nation was finally united, and how the Forging War saved our species, may not be the true origin story of cosmic peace.

The tale is told largely from the perspective […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-28T11:22:48+02:00November 14th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Science Fiction Book Reviews|

The Black Swan Killer by Daniel McKay

The Black Swan Killer by Daniel McKay A refreshingly unique and cerebral take on the eccentric detective archetype, The Black Swan Killer by Daniel McKay is a fast-paced crime novel with an unforgettable protagonist.

When it comes to solving heady and head-scratching cases, John Consequent is the philosophical key for any bizarre lock, and the police have once again come knocking at his door. Putting his circuitous wit and wisdom to the test, this brainy sleuth must outmaneuver a wickedly sharp intellect whose existentialism has turned to murderous nihilism.

Celebrating the beauty of that which cannot be tested empirically, this is a clever thriller, and surprisingly light, […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-10T17:14:25+02:00November 10th, 2022|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Detective Fiction Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Review: Derelict by Tracy Grogan

Derelict by Tracy Grogan

Author Tracy Grogan plunges readers into mysterious new depths with Derelict, the second book in the Divemaster Ricky Mystery series.

After taking a job as a dive instructor in Egypt, it doesn’t take long for the unshakeable Ricky Yamamoto to be caught up in another maritime mystery, when her job prospects literally blow up in her face. On top of that, the local authorities are far too occupied with civil unrest to properly investigate the disappearance of a fellow diver on her team. Unable to shake the feeling that her life has once again stumbled into something sinister, Ricky […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-10T12:45:40+02:00November 10th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews, Lead Story|Tags: Thriller Book Reviews|

The Secrets She Buried by Neil Turner

A gripping tale that feels ripped from today’s darkest headlines, Neil Turner’s The Secrets She Buried is a page-turning thriller with a building number of twists and surprises. Tony and Penelope are looped into a desperate woman’s case of deadly negligence in the midst of a global pandemic, but between shady hospital records and a sinister puppet master willing to kill to keep their secrets, this case is anything but open and shut. Driven by fast-paced dialogue, snap decisions, and a perpetual sense of urgency, this dark, fast-paced thriller is one of the strongest installments in the perennially entertaining Tony […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-09T16:56:45+02:00November 9th, 2022|Categories: Editorial Reviews|

A Darling Obsession by S.R. Murray

A Darling Obsession by S. R. Murray Pulling back the shadowy corners of history and exposing unsettled spirits, A Darling Obsession by S.R. Murray is a psychological, character-driven thriller with a sharp, dark edge.

When a young boy disappears from the small town of Sandy Beach, everyone fears the worst, but there may be older and more dangerous forces at work than a mere kidnapping. Months later, Detective Bobby Justice is still on the case, and follows a lead to the Sand Beach Hotel, a haunting testament to a horrific beachside crime. The mysterious Marina Kerrigan, looming like a ghost over her hotel, is just one of […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-09T16:28:58+02:00November 8th, 2022|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Horror Book Reviews, Thriller Book Reviews|

Review: Broken Souls by Troy Calkins

Broken Souls by Troy Calkins

Crafting a spectacular new fantasy world with an unforgiving edge and two unforgettable heroes, Broken Souls by Troy Calkins is a sprawling, Viking-inspired epic.

Lura is an unassuming young woman trying to survive in a hard world, one where the unlicensed use of magic is prohibited, so she must keep her skills hidden – or at least muffled. Avenging those she loves will require all the craftiness and tenacity she can muster, but she has heart in spades. Bothvar meanwhile comes from a proud lineage of warriors, but is forced into the painful soul-searching and isolation that comes with separation […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-12-20T17:30:32+02:00November 8th, 2022|Categories: Book Reviews|Tags: Fantasy Book Reviews|

Infinite Sea of Stars by Shannon Crossman

Infinite Sea of Stars by Shannon Crossman Guiding readers through negative emotions towards a higher resonance with the universe, Infinite Sea of Stars by Shannon Crossman is an inspiring, spiritually charged collection of poetry.

Divided into three thematic sections – “You,” “Me,” and “Us” – these lyrical verses are journeys into the arms of the divine, along with all the comfort and deliverance one might find along the way. The language is carefully chosen and laden with wisdom, asking readers to challenge themselves and their own ideas of satisfaction, becoming something of a work of self-help. Exploring the relationships we have with ourselves, our loved ones, and […]

John Staughton, Senior Reviewer2022-11-07T13:40:36+02:00November 6th, 2022|Categories: New Releases|Tags: Poetry Book Reviews|