Tag: mystery

BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die by Marina Osipova Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A Russian-American writer on a journey of discovery unearths dark secrets tied to WWI and WWII in author Marina Osipova’s “BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die.”

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The Synopsis

What if rediscovering your birthplace unearthed a secret so powerful it could rewrite history—and your own identity?

A Russian-American writer obsessed with her birthplace – a ghostly derelict German military hospital near Berlin

Her Austrian husband, who pines for the father he never met

A passionate young doctor destined for darkness

A demonic figure who changed the course of history

Interrogation reports stolen from the Soviet secret police

What mysterious force connects them all?

This genre-bending time-slip narrative bridges 2018 to the haunting eras of WWI and WWII, interweaving together the ghosts of history and a shocking secret that threatens the present.

The story will appeal to fans of Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden and Kristin Hannah’s The Nightingale.

The Review

What a profound and moving read! The author did a remarkable job of finding a unique balance between the rich history set during both world wars and the thriller and romance settings with a paranormal time-bending twist. The characters feel dynamic and vivid, harkening back to eras long gone yet familiar in their motivations and emotional depth, drawing readers further into the narrative. 

The almost rhythmic nature of the author’s writing style was a significant draw into the story more and more. The imagery brought these settings to life so eloquently, highlighting the stark contrast between the desire of the protagonist to understand her birthright and the horrors of war and the growing hostility that grew for certain marginalized groups amongst the people of Germany at the time. The honesty and depth for which the author explores both teh highs and lows of humanity as a whole, from the emotional connection the protagonist and narrator forms with the figures of the past she comes into contact with, to the haunting realities of Nazi experimentation and heinous acts they committed during WWII, allowed the reader to connect with the protagonist on a more personal level.

The Verdict

Memorable, heartfelt, and engaging, author Marina Osipova’s BEELITZ-HEILSTÄTTEN: Where Ghosts Never Die is a must-read historical fiction meets thriller and paranormal mystery novel. The narrative’s twists and turns and the complex emotional journey the narrator finds themselves on speak to the questions of identity, being honest with oneself, and learning from the past that this book’s themes explore easily. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Marina Osipova was born in East Germany into a military family and grew up in Russia, where she graduated from the Moscow State Institute of History and Archives. When she was five, she decided she wanted to speak German and, years later, she earned a diploma as a German language translator from the Moscow State Institute of Foreign Languages. In Russia, she worked first in a scientific-technical institute as a translator, then in a Government Ministry in the office of international relations, later for some Austrian firms. For many years, she lived in New York, working in a law firm, and then in Austria for several years. In the spring of 2022, after spending ten months in Russia, some unfortunate world events brought her back to the United States.

A long-standing member of the Historical Novel Society, she is dedicated to writing historical fiction, especially related to WWII. Her books garnered numerous literary awards, including a 1st Place WINNER of the 2021 Hemingway Book Awards novel competition for 20th Century Wartime Fiction (a division of the Chanticleer International Book Awards). At some point or another, all her books hit the Amazon Top 100 lists in Historical Russian Fiction and Historical German Fiction and How Dare the Birds Sing even #1 or #2 in War Fiction in Canada, the UK, and Australia.

Her readers praise her books for “emotional realism,” for “taking on a subject that few authors have touched,” for “writing with heart and compassion while not holding back from hard cold realities of war,” for “giving an authentic and in-depth look at a culture that tends to baffle westerners.”

To learn more about Marina Osipova and her captivating books, visit her website at marina-osipova.com.

You can find her also on

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marina.osipova.14/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4701687.Marina_Osipova

Twitter: https://twitter.com/marosikok

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-osipova-65b81418/

Shafted (Nemesis Series Book 1) by John Mahaffey Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A rising superstar in the world of golf must reclaim his self-worth amid a criminal investigation that threatens to tear his family apart in Luthor John Mahaffey’s “Shafted,” the first book in the Nemesis series.

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The Synopsis

Trey McCall, an up-and-coming superstar on the golf circuit, staggered past a mirror and gasped at his reflection; horrified, he froze and stared at his pathetic image—sweating profusely through a torn and faded Bob Seger tee shirt, eyes blood red and glazed, hands shaking, mouth dry and scratchy as sandpaper. The disciplined essence of an athlete, a thing of the past—each intoxicated day mirrors the last and the next—lured from his principled sheltered life on The Circle M Ranch by unscrupulous forces in the real world.

Suddenly fully aware—he must escape this highway to nowhere—to regain purpose in and for his life. The obstacles were infinite—four truths, his only vehicle:

He would need significant help to get there.

He must own his past to have a future.

Karma is real.

Trust is earned.

Lucky Richards, his nefarious business manager—a catalyst for disaster—vanishes, leaving in his wake an international trail of egregious felonies implicating McCall and his family. Survival becomes Trey’s primary concern, as golf takes a backseat.

Find out who steps in to help set Trey straight. Can McCall reclaim his self-worth on his journey back from rock bottom and come out on top in the unfamiliar territory of organized crime investigation?

The Review

As far as mystery and suspense novels go, this book took the cake. I was thoroughly surprised and engaged in the direction this story took. The character development of this book, especially the protagonist, showcased his arc from up-and-coming popular pro golfer to disgraced athlete to head of a heroic company, which was unique and creatively done. It showcased a more extraordinary world-building and mythos developed by the author for this series, which will instantly draw readers in.

The powerful themes running through this book, from the toxicity that can come from pursuing money and fame to the need for resilience in the face of failure and hardship, kept me as a reader invested in these characters. The balance the author found in really honing in on the struggles and temptations that those in professional athletics find themselves with, the mystery and suspense surrounding organized crime, and the formation of a force for good made this such a compelling novel.

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The Verdict

Remarkable, highly creative, and thoroughly entertaining, author John Mahaffey’s “Shafted” is the grand opening narrative in the Nemesis series and a must-read mystery. The twists and turns in the story and the affluent journey readers are treated to as the protagonist evolves and grows throughout the novel make the book feel accessible and engaging. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Version 1.0.0

John Mahaffey is a professional golfer on the PGA Tour. Between 1973 and 1999, he won ten events on the PGA Tour. His last PGA win was on the Champions Tour, at the 1999 Southwestern Bell Dominion.

Two of John’s most exciting years on the PGA tour were 1978 and 1979. In 1978 he won back-to-back tour events: the PGA Championship followed by the American Optical Championship. He also won the World Cup individual that year, plus the team event paired with Andy North at Princeville on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. John played on the victorious 1979 Ryder Cup team and the World Cup team that same year in Athens, Greece, with Hale Irwin as his partner.

In 2003, John was successful in making the challenging transition from pro golfer to announcer/analyst on Golf Channel covering the Champions Tour.

Off the course John released his first book Hogan’s Boy: A Journey In Golf, plus he hosts a monthly radio show called A Glimpse of Greatness, on Sirius 208 XM 93 PGA Tour Radio.

John also delivers motivational keynote speeches filled with great stories about golf and life.

In his spare time John enjoys fishing and writing, and he always enjoys promoting the game of golf.

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The Tunnels of Buda (Soul Catcher Book 2) by Don Sawyer Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Don Sawyer’s The Tunnels of Buda, the second book in the Soul Catcher series, a deadly conspiracy finds a cabal of masters using magic and sorcery to enslave the populace, and two people fighting an unimaginable power under the Buda Castle.

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The Synopsis

Don Sawyer’s THE TUNNELS OF BUDA, the second romantic fantasy thriller in the Soul Catcher series, in which a magical gem maker and an empath struggle against a hideous conspiracy of evil headquartered in a maze of fantastic tunnels deep below Hungary’s Buda Castle.

The Mester is dead or maimed and the black stone used to control his network of gem makers is in Barbara and Zoltan’s hands. But as Zoltan discovered in the ruin bars of Budapest from a former associate, who turned up beheaded and his hands cut off, the Mester was just a small part of a much larger cabal, an ancient Order dating back to Aristotle and beyond. The Order has one goal: to convince the populace that there are masters divinely intended to rule and slaves meant only to obey.

Using magic and sorcery, both ancient and modern, they will stop at nothing to protect the rule of the aristoi.

But this time the “slaves” are fighting back, drawing on the knowledge and skills from many traditions and backgrounds, including magic of their own, to battle this shadowy cabal and its message of fear, division and hopelessness.

In The Tunnels of Buda Zoltan, the 110-year-old gem maker and Barbara, empath and gem wielder, veer in new and terrifying directions, facing evil on an unimagined scale. They are drawn to the lair of the Justin, so powerful he controls the minds of all around him and who commands the Company, a hidden underground futuristic complex that serves as the hub of the Order’s monstrous conspiracy to enact the darkest of Nietzsche’s Weltanschauung.

Barbara and Zoltan find new allies and diabolical enemies as they fight for their lives in the mines and ancient tunnels deep below Buda Castle in Budapest.

The Review

This was an incredible sequel to the author’s first book in the series. The wealth of world-building the author poured into this narrative was perfectly paired with the depth of character development that went into this story. Zoltan and Barbara’s connection and emotional bond as they traverse the tunnels under Budapest and the action as they face these conspirators coming for them allowed this story to shine brightly. 

The way the author was able to delve into the personal relationships of these characters and expand upon the mythos of this series while still connecting readers to more prominent themes was incredible. As the story progressed, the way the characters challenged the cynical nature of the Company and their drive to esnlave humanity for their own needs by believing in the power of love and the fight for freedom stood out, elevating the natural progression of the mystery behind this conspiracy and the rich setting of the Castle as well.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and gripping in its delivery, author Don Sawyer’s upcoming novel “The Tunnels of Buda” is a fantastic read and a great addition to the Soul Catcher series. The twists and turns this narrative faces, and the richly developed cast of characters, gave this novel the push needed to cement the universe the author crafted into place and bring readers in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 27th, 2025!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Don Sawyer, writer and educator, grew up in Michigan and moved to Canada in the 1960s.

Don has worked with youth and adults from many cultural backgrounds and in a variety of locales. A world of opportunity and experiences opened up after he left a PhD program in Modern Chinese History, from teaching in a small Newfoundland outport, to training community workers in West Africa, to teaching First Nations adults in BC, to designing a climate change action course for Jamaican youth.

Before moving to Ontario, Don lived and worked in Salmon Arm BC for more than thirty years. There he taught adult education, served as the Chair of the Okanagan University College (OUC) Adult Basic Education Department, and acted as the Curriculum Director for the Native Adult Education Resource Centre.

https://www.donsawyer.org/

The Abandoned Theater (Alderland Series Book One) by Dana Robertson Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Dana Robertson’s The Abandoned Theater, the first in the Alderland Series, a young girl goes to an abandoned theater in search of a missing teenager, only to discover an evil that threatens multiple worlds.

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The Synopsis

Deep in the woods of the Winnodov property sits the abandoned theater. Something mysterious happened during the last performance there – the same night Mr. Winnodov disappeared. Eight years later, it’s happening again. A group of mischievous teenagers sneaks into the theater. And now, one is missing. When 12-year-old Beth Shoner learns who the missing teen is, she sets off with two friends to find him. But what they discover is more astonishing than they could ever have imagined. Now, Beth must defeat an evil plan unleashed long ago that threatens to destroy countless worlds, including their own.

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The Review

What a compelling and engaging read. The author does a marvelous job of balancing the relatable, heartfelt character development with the visceral fantasy world-building that the author was able to create. The imagery in the author’s writing made the world the characters stumbled into feel alive on the page, and the mythology the author was able to drive into the narrative not only ramped up the drama quickly but honed in on some of the more personal mysteries tied to the characters themselves.

What stood out was how much this story seemed to embody the themes and nostalgia that so many projects in this genre have established beforehand while still creating a fresh and remarkable story. Whether it was Steven Spielberg’s E.T. or the modern-day Stranger Things, the idea of young people having to confront the strange and the unknown and face their own looming adulthood in the process was thoroughly presented in this narrative. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, magical, and entertaining author Dana Robertson’s “The Abandoned Theater” is a must-read middle-school/YA fantasy read. The magical world-building that the story takes on and the rich and relatable character dynamics of this novel make this a remarkable narrative that readers won’t be able to get enough of and will be eager for the next entry into the series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on May 1st, 2025 or preorder your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Dana Robertson lives in Oshawa, Ontario, Canada. She completed a bachelor’s degree in English Literature and Psychology with Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, followed by a graduate creative writing program with the Humber School for Writers in Toronto, Ontario. She writes mystery, fantasy, science fiction and middle grade. The Abandoned Theater is her debut novel and book one of the Alderland Series.

Dana Robertson Books

A Gilded Redwood Coffin (The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series by Cecelia Tichi Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A mission to save a young woman’s life turns into a twisted murder investigation in the Gilded Age in author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin,” the latest entry in The Roddy and Val DeVere Gilded Age Series.

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The Synopsis

Western silver heiress Val DeVere expects nothing but joy at an elegant Newport picnic in 1899, only to be abruptly summoned to New York by a close friend’s urgent and cryptic plea: “PLEASE HELP…THEO B.”

In New York, Theo confides in Val, begging her to save his lively cousin Phoebe from a cunning Irish manservant who, he claims, is plotting her “accidental” death in the Rocky Mountains—just as he allegedly orchestrated the death of her twin sister in Boston a year earlier.

Determined to help her friend, Val, now Mrs. Roderick DeVere, tries to convince the headstrong Phoebe to delay her trip to the Rockies. Yet the Irish servant, whom Theo accuses of murder, reminds Val of her beloved late father, an Irish immigrant and “Silver King,” whose charm and brogue are unsettlingly familiar.

When Phoebe is found murdered in her New York apartment, suspicion falls squarely on the Irishman, appearing to wrap the case up neatly. But for Val, the truth feels far more elusive. Is she blinded by sentiment, or is there another killer lurking in the shadows? As doubt creeps in, Val faces a race against time to uncover the real culprit, all while risking arrest as an accessory to murder.

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The Review

It is a genuinely tremendous and engaging read. The author does an excellent job of finding the means of balancing the high society background of Val’s character with the mystery and intrigue that the narrative provides. The imagery and atmosphere of the Gilded Age translate perfectly on the page, and the historical aspect of the setting draws the reader into the story more and more.

The character arcs in this novel were engaging. Val’s strength and resilience showcased her character’s overall growth throughout the series, yet the book allows new readers to jump into the story quickly. The haunting nature of the case and the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes will keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager for more adventures in this fantastic historical fiction thriller. 

The Verdict

A brilliant fusion of high society meets gritty murder mystery, author Cecilia Tichi’s “A Gilded Redwood Coffin” is a must-read historical fiction meets mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the author’s story and how the narrative builds upon the character development of previous entries in the series will keep readers engaged throughout the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

AUTHOR LECTURER PROFESSOR

A fresh start for every new book, and author Cecelia Tichi’s zest for America’s Gilded Age and its boldface names draws this seasoned writer to a crime fiction series while uncorking the country’s cocktail cultures on the printed (and ebook) page. Tichi digs deep into the Vanderbilt University research library to mine the late 1800-1900s history and customs of Society’s “Four Hundred,” its drinks, and the ways high-stakes crimes in its midst make for a gripping “Gilded” mystery series that rings true to the tumultuous era. The decades of America’s industrial titans and “Queens” of Society have loomed large in Tichi’s books for several years, and the titles track her recent projects:

Civic Passions: Seven Who Launched Progressive America (and What They Teach Us)

Jack London: A Writer’s Fight for a Better America

What Would Mrs. Astor Do? A Complete Guide to the Manners and Mores of the Gilded Age

Gilded Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Golden Age

Jazz Age Cocktails: History, Lore, and Recipes from the Roaring Twenties

A Gilded Death (crime fiction)

Murder, Murder, Murder in Gilded Central Park (crime fiction)

A Fatal Gilded High Note (crime fiction)

COMING SOON IN THE ‘GILDED’ CRIME SERIES:

A Gilded Free Fall.

She enjoys membership and posting in Facebook’s The Gilded Age Society. You can read more about her work by visiting www.cecebooks.com.

The Time Codes: A Historical Thriller of Ancient Secrets, Mystical Artifacts, and a Race Against Time by Angel Monge Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In Angel Monge’s The Time Codes, an archeologist discovers a history-altering secret and must decipher clues while outrunning dangerous forces.

The Synopsis

Discover The Time Codes, an enthralling historical thriller where ancient secrets, mystical artifacts, and conspiracy collide on the mysterious streets of Istanbul.

Michael Rothban, an archaeologist, makes a life-changing discovery in a forgotten library—a hidden manuscript linked to a legendary alchemist. What starts as a simple find quickly spirals into a dangerous quest, unlocking centuries-old secrets that could alter the course of history. Chased by powerful forces intent on keeping these secrets buried, Michael must decipher cryptic codes while staying one step ahead in a race against time.

As danger mounts and allies emerge from unexpected places, Michael’s journey will test his wits, courage, and heart. With a touch of romance and a sweeping narrative that blurs the lines between past and present, The Time Codes will keep you on the edge of your seat.

For fans of Dan Brown, historical mysteries, and thrillers packed with intrigue, The Time Codes is a must-read. Dive into a gripping adventure where every page brings you closer to uncovering a truth that could change everything.

Unlock the mystery today and join the adventure.

The Review

A genuinely compelling and captivating read. The author does an excellent job finding the perfect balance between historical fiction and science fiction thriller. The way the city of Istanbul and its history became its character in a sense more than just a setting allowed the reader to feel transported, engaged with the natural beauty and man-made iconic locals that helped elevate this narrative and engage in the rich imagery the author’s writing produced. 

The book’s heart was in the character development and the narrative itself. Exploring alchemy and how advanced science could have played a role in ancient history and mythology was so consuming as the story progressed. Getting to explore the secret society known as Tempus and how they evolved was fun, and yet the emotional core of protagonist Michael and how he grows after suffering a significant loss and learning to love again made this a relatable and heartfelt story at its core.

The Verdict

Author Angel Monge’s “The Time Codes” is a must-read novel, a thrilling and expansive historical fiction meets sci-fi thriller. The shocking twists and turns, the open-ended mysteries, and the cliffhanger ending for some characters will have fans eager for more entries into this fascinating new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Angel Monge is a storyteller born amidst the rich coffee lands of Costa Rica. Having journeyed across the Americas, from the bustling streets of Toronto to the welcoming embrace of Santander, Colombia, he has soaked up a tapestry of cultures that infuse his writing. With “THE TIME CODES,” Angel weaves a thrilling adventure of mystery and discovery, marking his literary debut with a story that is as breath-holding as it is soul-warming. A lover of thrillers with a deep appreciation for narrative, Angel combines his passion for history with a talent for crafting tales that traverse the boundaries of time and space. In his personal life, he is devoted to his family as a husband and father of two boys and finds his strength and guidance in his Christian faith. With a voice as authentic as the lands that raised him, Angel Monge invites readers to dive into stories that promise not just entertainment but also a window into the mysteries that have captivated humankind throughout the ages.

The Mascot: Ground Zero in the Cave Sun Series by Maria Ian Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

In author Maria Ian’s ” The Mascot, ” the first in the Cave Sun Series, a human rights attorney uncovers a secret war waging in Latin America by clandestine groups and finds himself the target of a band of assassins.

The Synopsis

Prostitution is not glamorous, but why is the undercover soldier so proud to keep up appearances?

Several contenders vie for power in the hidden, forbidden territory in Latin America. Their fighters are organized militaries; only their inner cores know the truth. To the populace, they appear as morally bankrupt criminal gangs.

Top candidates must undergo brutal training and conquer the tortuous race to destroy evil for the only livable land, the victorious state code-named Ara Pacis, or Altar of Peace. That one is led by an illusive insider. He is priceless, and not only in cash.

When Washington D.C. human rights attorney Craig Malcault’s investigations uncover connections to U.S. military intelligence and the mysterious wife of an international biochemical conglomerate’s founder, the assassins are dispatched. Craig’s job is to extract evidence from the hellish pitfall while the top candidate is en route to face and pass his final test. From the executive branch in Washington D.C. to devastating underground hide-outs, from all force of arms to one man alone, Craig is on the terror-stricken path to discover some of the world’s top intelligence secrets, while justice might be done … if Craig and his career can survive the lies and the hate.

The Review

This was a riveting and harrowing read. The author found a great balance between personal character development and conspiracy thriller. The slow-burn pacing yet thrilling events in the protagonist’s everyday life and the gripping drama that unfolds even in the earliest chapters of the narrative will stay with readers as they delve deeper and deeper into this new series.

The mix of courtroom drama, criminal investigation, and character growth will keep readers invested in this narrative. The protagonist is a compelling character, driving readers to engage not only with his legal actions but also with his personal development, from the friends and romances in his life to the clients he is willing to go the extra mile for to uncover the truth, with the truth being a prominent theme in this conspiracy thriller.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and entertaining author Maria Ian’s “The Mascot” is a must-read conspiracy and crime thriller and the perfect introduction to this new series. The twists and turns in the story and the rich character growth will keep the shocking events of this narrative embedded in the reader’s minds as the human psyche becomes the novel’s focal point. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

Maria wrote her first novel at the age of thirteen and has been writing ever since. She is the author of seventeen books, including an international bestseller. She has also served as editor of numerous books, including an Amazon health and fitness bestseller.

As a legal project manager for fifteen years, Maria assisted survivors of violence and torture from conflict zones internationally and wrote and published for trade publications. She also worked in PR and was host and producer for a regional public access TV show featuring interviews on current affairs.

Maria has a Ph.D. in political science, a JD in law, and is licensed in traditional Chinese medicine, trauma counseling, and physical fitness.

She created the crime and spy thriller Cave Sun series.

Why do I write? Listen to my interview here. 

https://caveofthesun.com/

Dash Allman, PI Volume 1 (Dash Allman Mysteries) by Diane Bator Review

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I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own. 

Private investigator Dash must contend with jewel thieves, murderers, a runaway Llamma, and more in author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman PI Volume 1”, the first in the Dash Allman Mysteries series!

The Synopsis

Meet Dashiell Allman-Dash for short. She loves long walks on the beach, Jimmy Buffet, and a good mystery, which is why she became a Private Investigator and lives in a cottage on the beach.

Join Dash as she tackles jewel thieves, killers, a runaway llama, a cat lady, boyfriends, and many more!

The Review

This was such a fun, thrilling, and engaging story. The author did a fantastic job crafting a collection of short stories that felt like a vignette of different cases from the case files of the PI. The story follows Dash, a private investigator, from the earliest days of her fascination with criminal investigations at the age of twelve to her storied career and beyond. The variety of the cases that the author brings to each story and the entertaining, fun nature of the setting itself allows the reader to get lost in these cases. 

The relatability of the protagonist and the fast pacing of the stories made for a smooth and memorable read. Dash’s stubbornness as she rushes to find the truth and the interesting dialogue between herself and the people in her sphere (police investigators and criminals alike) made her such a powerful protagonist to root for. 

The Verdict

Fast-paced, entertaining, and memorable, author Diane Bator’s “Dash Allman, PI Volume 1” is a must-read cozy mystery. The quirky and fun vibes that the author layers into each story within this volume will stay with readers and leave them wanting more from this brand-new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on November 22nd 2024 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

An award-winning author, Diane Bator began writing as a kid when she fell in love with storytelling. After ten years with various traditional publishers, she’s created her own company, Escape With a Writer Publishing to relaunch her previous work plus many new titles. She is also a member of Sisters in Crime, Crime Writers of Canada, The Writers Union of Canada, and International Thriller Writers.

Diane is a proud mom of three, a Reiki Master, a blue belt in goju-ryu karate, and an artist who loves stopping at odd places on road trips. She is represented by Creative Edge Publicity.

https://www.dianebator.ca/

Interview with Author Patrick Canning

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1) Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into writing?

-Years ago, I went to film school, focused mainly on directing. I discovered a passion for screenwriting, which later led to a love of writing in general. When I was around thirty, I figured I’d give a novel a try and haven’t looked back since! 

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

-Mostly the main character, Teddy. I wanted to write a character who is genuine and kind (though not naive), and to then place that character in the seedy and unpredictable world of a private investigator in L.A. I had also wanted to write something that critiqued advertising and disinformation. At that point it was just a matter of swirling everything together into an entertaining narrative.

3) What theme or message do you hope readers will take away from your book?

-I hope readers are more patient with people, more aware of disinformation, and less tolerant of letting advertising into their lives unchallenged. 

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

-I love twisty and somewhat weird detective stories that often keep the reader on shaky ground but (mostly) congeal by the end. I feel like detective stories provide a lot of opportunities for playful misdirection, colorful characters, and sneaky foreshadowing, all of which are fun to write.

5) If you could sit down with any character in your book, what would you ask them and why?

-Teddy! I’d ask him how he maintains the stamina to be open and accepting no matter what’s thrown his way. 

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6) What social media site has been the most helpful in developing your readership?

-I try to really limit my social media for a lot of reasons, so the only one I use is Instagram. I think it’s pretty well suited to the needs of an author since you can post new covers, text, or videos (I made a few for this book that are pretty fun). 

7) What advice would you give to aspiring or just starting authors out there?

-Try to get all the way through to finished book so you can see every aspect of the process. Also to figure out ways to combat discouragement; there’s no one path to being a writer or artist, but perseverance seems like a must-have, no matter the route 

8) What does the future hold in store for you? Any new books/projects on the horizon?

-I’m already deep into the next novel, my first sci-fi story. I’m very, very excited for this one. It’s still coming together, but broadly, it focuses on a utopian-like city, and explores what can be achieved if we’re able to control and use AI to our advantage. Things certainly go wrong, but overall I would say it’s an optimistic look at a possible future. 

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Author Bio: 

PATRICK CANNING is the author of For Your Benefit (2024), Cryptonalia (2021), Hawthorn Woods (2020), The Colonel and the Bee (2018), and Cryptofauna (2018).

His work often blends genres, combining elements of humor, adventure, fantasy, and mystery into stories with imaginative settings, quirky characters, and typos.

Patrick lives in Chicago with his Australian Shepherd, Hank. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys walks on the lakefront, being excited/worrying about AI, and eating his bodyweight in potatoes.

www.patrickcanningbooks.com

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