Tag: suspense

The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf 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 couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly in author Heather Gudenkauf’s “The Perfect Hosts.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

A couple’s gender reveal party turns deadly and everyone is a suspect in this gripping thriller from the New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest.

Is it a boy or a girl? They would die to know…

Madeline and Wes Drake have invited two hundred of their closest friends and family to their sprawling horse ranch for the most anticipated event of the year: a “pistols and pearls” gender reveal party so sensational it is sure to make headlines. But the party descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.

As the aftershocks of the bloody party ripple across the small town, Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? As the shadow of a killer looms, the happy parents-to-be must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

kickstarter

The Review

What a compelling and dynamic read. The author did a marvelous job of layering this story with mystery and intrigue, first by shocking the reader with hidden secrets and explosive and deadly events that set off a chain of events that will rock the cast of characters to their core. The tension that mounts from the beginning is palpable, and the harrowing way the mystery unfolds leaves a lasting impression on the reader thanks to the strong use of imagery in the author’s writing style.

The heart of this narrative is in the dynamic characters the author brings to life on the page and the charged themes that bring this story to life. The story delves into themes of domestic violence and twisted family dynasties, and the corrupting power that wealth can bring to life in a person. The way this impacted the characters in shocking ways, from the surprising revelations behind Agent Jamie Saldano’s backstory and connection to the setting to the emotional struggles of the protagonist, Madeline, and the multiple POVs that the story captures, greatly enhanced the novel’s narrative flow.

The Verdict

Harrowing, thrilling, and compelling, author Heather Gudenkauf’s “The Perfect Hosts” is a must-read domestic thriller. The shocking twists and turns in the narrative, the haunting realities the story explores in wealthy and elite society, and the far too often overlooked world of domestic abuse and the evil that usually lurks where we least expect it made this story enthralling to engage in. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Heather Gudenkauf is the critically acclaimed author of several novels, including the New York Times bestsellers The Weight of Silence, The Overnight Guest and Everyone Is Watching. She lives in Iowa with her husband and children. 

Social Links:

Website: https://heathergudenkauf.com/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather-Gudenkaufs-Books-259685275092/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathergudenkauf/ 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/hgudenkauf/ 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/heather-gudenkauf 

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Hosts-Novel-Heather-Gudenkauf-ebook/dp/B0DQQ9BRLR 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-perfect-hosts-heather-gudenkauf/1146709766?ean=9780778360049 

Bookshop: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-perfect-hosts-original-heather-gudenkauf/22162822?ean=9780778360049&next=t 

Libro.fm: https://libro.fm/audiobooks/9781488236150-the-perfect-hosts 

Books-A-Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Perfect-Hosts/Heather-Gudenkauf/9780778360049 

Target: https://www.target.com/p/the-perfect-hosts-by-heather-gudenkauf/-/A-94483956?preselect=94481317#lnk=sametab 

Indigo: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/otherwise-engaged-a-novel/9780778387268.html  

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-perfect-hosts?sId=7c9b6427-a9f0-4dbf-824b-e63babdb3880 

AppleBooks: https://books.apple.com/us/book/the-perfect-hosts/id6739534386 

Advertisements

Please Enjoy this Excerpt from “The Perfect Hosts“

MADELINE

“Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice, tinny and faraway-sounding. “Are you okay?”

She is lying flat on her back, the air still hazy with smoke. Is she? Is she okay? The ringing in her ears is fading, and she can hear again. In the distance she can hear sirens. Help is coming. Madeline does a mental scan of her body. Nothing seems broken, but her head is pounding. She touches her hairline, expecting her fingers to come back with blood, but instead they find an egg- sized lump. She tries to remember exactly what happened. Wes pulled the trigger, and the truck exploded. An explosion, that’s what it was. Something had gone wrong with the reveal. The baby. Oh God, is the baby okay? She presses her palms against her belly.

“Madeline, Madeline,” comes Wes’s voice again, this time more insistent. His frantic face comes into view.

“Shhh,” Madeline orders. “Please be quiet.” She needs to lie completely still, has to concentrate so she can feel the baby move. She. The baby is a girl, Madeline thinks, remembering the wisps of pink smoke she saw among the fiery black cloud. Her little girl will kick her in the bladder, one of her favorite moves, any second now. There is nothing. No cartwheels or wiggles. Nothing.

Wes kneels beside her and slips his hand into hers. “Help is coming. Stay put. Don’t move.”

Madeline nods as hot tears roll down her cheeks. “What happened?”

“It must have been the truck,” Wes says. “It must have triggered a bigger explosion.”

“But how?” Madeline asks. “You said it was safe . . . Is anyone hurt?”

“It was. It was supposed to be.” He shakes his head, be- wildered. “I don’t know what happened.”

Madeline struggles into a sitting position and looks around. Charred lumber litters the lawn. The canopy over the dining tables has collapsed and is covered in dancing flames that a handful of guests and waitstaff are trying to smother with what- ever is handy: cowboy hats, table linens, an old horse blanket. Other guests are gathered in small, tight clusters, holding on to one another. Some sit in the grass crying, others stand slack- faced, as if in shock. Through the smoke a rodeo clown appears, his brightly colored clothing now blackened with soot and his makeup running down his sweaty face. The clown is helping the photographer, who is bleeding from the head. But it is the old storage barn that Madeline finds herself fixated on. Huge f lames shoot from the hayloft window and the roof. Someone pulls a hose from one of the horse barns, and suddenly buckets and containers of all sizes appear. Others, including Johanna’s husband, Dalton, are running toward the burning barn and tossing water onto the structure. They know that one wayward spark could ignite the house or, worse, the barns filled with her beloved horses.

“Can you walk?” Wes asks. “We have to get you away from here.”

Madeline nods, and Wes helps her to her feet. She is barefoot. The blast had lifted her in the air and knocked her flip-flops clear off her feet. Madeline, leaning against Wes, winces with each step, the rough ground pricking at the soles of her feet. He leads her to the meadow, a safe distance from the burning barn, but still close enough for her to see what’s happening. Some of Madeline’s earlier numbness is beginning to wear away, and the enormity of what has happened begins to descend.

“Go,” Madeline says, knowing they need as many hands as possible.

Wes shakes his head. “No,” he says. “I’m not leaving you.” “I’m fine,” she says, but is she? She fell hard, and still the baby hasn’t moved.

Madeline scans the crowd. “Where’s Johanna?” she asks. “Have you seen her?”

“I haven’t,” Wes says. “But I’m sure she’s around here somewhere. Have you seen Dix?”

“No,” Madeline says. The last she saw Dix was just before he handed the microphone to Wes. “Go,” Madeline repeats. “Really, I’m fine. I just have to get my bearings,” she assures him when he turns his gaze to her doubtfully. “Go help, find your brother. And check on the horses.”

“You wait here,” Wes says. “Don’t move from this spot, and I’ll come back and find you.” He squeezes her hand and kisses her cheek before darting away and disappearing into a cloud of black smoke.

Madeline continues to eye the property for any sign of Johanna’s long dark braid, her suede skirt. In the distance the wail of sirens grows closer. Help is coming. The meadow to the left of the house was being used as a makeshift parking lot for the guests’ vehicles. One wayward spark from the fire landing on the stubbled field could set off a chain reaction where upward of a hundred cars and trucks, tanks filled with gasoline and diesel, sit idly.

The air is filled with inky smoke blotting out the face of the mountain and the setting sun. A fire truck pulls through the side yard, crushing Madeline’s lavender and Russian sage, its massive tires carving deep ruts in the soil. Madeline barely notices—it’s what she sees as a group of guests part to let the truck through that causes her breath to lodge in her throat. A woman lies on the ground, her arm thrown over her face, while someone presses a blood-soaked cloth to her abdomen. One by one, Madeline registers the carnage. Someone is doing CPR on Gary Wilson, the president of the bank that holds their mortgage. One of her equestrian students is wandering aimlessly through the smoke, tears running down her face. A fifteen-hundred- pound bull has escaped the rodeo paddock and is trotting toward the mountains. She sees Mellie, the young waitress, running and screaming, fire dancing up the front of her legs. A partygoer tackles her, smothering the flames with his body.

This is bad. So very bad. Madeline fights the urge to vomit. She wants to help. But how? Water, Madeline thinks. She can pass out bottles of water, try and keep the guests calm and reassure them that help is here, that everything is going to be okay. On unsteady feet she moves toward the party barn, where she knows there is plenty of bottled water, but someone grabs her arm. Mia. “Have you seen Sully?” she asks tearfully, her arm hanging at an odd angle. “I can’t find him.”

Madeline shakes her head. “I’ll help look for him,” she promises. “You’re hurt. Sit down.”

Mia shakes her head. “I need Sully,” she says thickly and stumbles away. There are too many injured and not enough emergency personnel.

The fire truck has come to an abrupt stop. Two firefighters are urging those guests who jumped in to try to put out the fire to move away from the blaze. With machinelike efficiency, they unroll the hoses.

Madeline is mesmerized by the flames that roll across the roof of the barn, the dense cloud of smoke, the roar of lumber being eaten by the flames. She moves closer, unnoticed by the firefighters, her face growing pink from the heat. Madeline vaguely becomes aware of more sirens and shouts of “Over here” and “Please help!” More help has arrived. The spray of water hisses and snarls as it strikes flames and wood. The barn turns into a living thing then, twisting and groaning until it collapses in on itself, turning to a big heap of charred lumber with sooty farm equipment peeking out here and there.

Excerpted from The Perfect Hosts by Heather Gudenkauf, Copyright © 2025 by Heather Gudenkauf. Published by Park Row Books

PRESS RELEASE: IMMUNE: RISE OF THE INFLICTED: A new spin on post-apocalyptic suspense by new up-and-coming dark fiction author Seth Voorhees

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

The book is available worldwide in paperback format 

This is not your parents’ apocalypse story.

My Titles – Home

More from Seth Voorhees:

            

Advertisements

About Seth

Seth Voorhees is a Black Hills author who lives in Rapid City, South Dakota. He describes himself as a writer of dark fiction. He draws on his experience as a counselor and educator in adolescent development and mental health to develop his characters and their journeys through morality and life’s challenges. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and Psychology from Black Hills State University. He lives with his partner and stepdaughter. More information can be found about Seth at: Home – A Black Hills Author

She Looks Like Fun by Constantinos Koumontzis 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 schoolteacher hiding a dark secret finds her two worlds colliding in author Constantinos Koumontzis’s “She Looks Like Fun.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Ann Bonny hides beneath the façade of an innocent schoolteacher in Chicago but spends her nights a call girl. She masquerades herself through an online escort service to carry out her violent desires. Her two worlds collide one night as her dark tendencies cross paths with her ‘normal’ life. Miss Bonny is about to spiral into madness while trying to keep her two lives from combusting.

The Review

This was a compelling, gripping psychological thriller. The suspense and drama of the narrative create a sense of tension from the get, allowing readers to feel as if they are hanging over the edge of a rooftop, their heart in their throat, with every twist and turn in Ann’s story. The vivid imagery in the author’s writing style and the haunting atmosphere the storyline brought to life were very cinematic, keeping the reader engaged with this cast of characters throughout the narrative.

The powerful, driven character arcs and the novel’s dynamic themes really brought the whole thing together. Ann is a complex character, often balancing her work and social life to maintain her cover, with her nightlife activities a constant struggle. In one breath, she can be completely dumbfounded by the idea of a “happy hour” hang while easily able to plan out a gruesome crime. The concept of hidden secrets and of not fully knowing a person or their motives, while also exploring morality and justice in a society that often overlooks those who need them most, made this thriller stand out.

Logo 480x120

The Verdict

A haunting and chilling blend of horror, thriller, and suspense that evokes a tone similar to Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Killing Eve, author Constantinos Koumontzis’s “She Looks Like Fun” is a must-read psychological thriller for the fall season. The twists and turns this story takes and the cliffhanger finale are perfectly set up thanks to strong characters and complex narratives and themes that challenge the reader’s perspective several times throughout the novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Constantinos Koumontzis graduated from DePaul University Chicago with a Creative Writing bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. He was awarded the Mary Zavada writing endowment and honed his craft while studying abroad in London at the University of Westminster. He produced the short film “Touch” in 2024 and currently lives and writes in Los Angeles. “She Looks Like Fun” is his first novel.

https://www.constantinoskoumontzis.com/

https://www.instagram.com/kosmocosta

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/she-looks-like-fun-constantinos-koumontzis/1147001094?ean=2940203516862

https://amzn.to/4qbwsjm

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.

Like Water For Weary Souls by Liisa Kovala 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 young woman must discover the secrets of a small town while looking for the truth behind her sister’s death in author Liisa Kovala’s “Like Water For Weary Souls.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In Nolin Creek, the water runs deep and the secrets run deeper.

In the harsh landscape of a Depression-era Northern Ontario mining town, Finnish immigrant sisters Hanna and Essi Kivi scrape together a living as domestic workers, sharing a room in a disreputable boarding house owned by a protective madame.

When Hanna’s body is discovered in the icy waters of Nolin Creek, the police call it a tragic accident. But Essi knows better. Her sister would never have risked crossing unstable ice—not after they lost their youngest sister Martta to drowning years before.

Haunted by guilt and driven by loyalty, Essi begins to unravel the secrets Hanna kept hidden. As Essi digs deeper into her sister’s final days, she discovers that in a town built on desperation and dreams for a better future, everyone has something to hide.

A gripping tale of love, family, sisterhood, and the search for truth.

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping historical fiction mystery thriller. The author brilliantly wove together the narrative with rich character development, culture, and deep-seated mysteries. The writing itself felt poetic in a way, with the imagery found in the writing style so detailed and the flow incredibly powerful. The tension that built from the beginning with the discovery of her sister’s death and the twisted path the protagonist found herself on investigating the death herself kept readers on the edge of their seats.

What stood out to me was the amount of history that played well into the narrative and the emotional core of the main story itself. The impact of the Depression Era and its effects on the people of that time made the lies and secrets uncovered by the protagonist even more poignant. The emotional struggle that the protagonist felt not only for her sister’s loss but the loss of her younger sister years earlier, and the way it impacted her relationship with her mother in the years that followed, made this book both harrowing and devastating was the story began. The protagonist’s strength of will and determination in the face of so much adversity, as well as the infusion of romance and intrigue into the main plot, made this a phenomenal read.

Grafton Mini Pen

The Verdict

Harrowing, entertaining, and compelling, author Liisa Kovala’s “Like Water For Weary Souls” is a must-read historical fiction meets mystery thriller novel. The haunting atmosphere, blend of culture and history into the fabric of the setting, and twists and turns galore that will keep readers guessing until the book’s final revelations, helped elevate the deep emotional toll of the narrative. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Liisa Kovala is a Finnish-Canadian author and book coach. Like Water for Weary Souls is her second historical novel. Sisu’s Winter War was her debut (Latitude 46, 2022). Surviving Stutthof (Latitude 46, 2017), recounts her father’s experiences as a Finnish merchant marine imprisoned in a Nazi concentration camp in Poland. It was short-listed for a Northern Lit Award in 2018 and was translated into Finnish. Liisa is a member of The Writers’ Union of Canada and the Canadian Authors Association. Liisa also writes the Hygge House Cozy Mystery series as A. L. Jensen (debuting in early 2026). Her work explores her Finnish heritage and celebrates the northern landscape she calls home.

https://www.liisakovalabookcoach.com/

https://amzn.to/46ZJnw4

The Never Witch (A Thorn Witch Novel) by JP McLean Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews1 Comment

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

A former witch finds herself fighting for her life when deadly warlock magic is forced upon her in author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In her witch’s blood, a warlock’s power awakens . . . and it could destroy her.

Adeline Thorne was born to a witch. But when the magic that should have been her birthright never came, rage and humiliation drove her into a reckless rebellion. She lost everything: her coven, her pride, and her marriage.

Years later, she’s built a quiet life in the Pacific Northwest, distant from all things magic. She’s a portrait painter, a big sister, loving aunt, and ex-wife. And that was enough. It had to be.

Until a convicted warlock, desperate to escape his fate, forces his magic into her. But warlock magic is lethal to witches, a slow death. As the power manifests, Adeline knows she’s running out of time. With no other option, she turns to the last person she ever wanted to face again: the priestess who exiled her. A woman she despises.

But the priestess’s help comes at a price. Assigned to protect her is Luke Churchwell, a brooding runecaster with his own secrets—secrets that tie him to the warlock who cursed her. The deeper Adeline is pulled into the coven’s hunt for the rogue warlock, the more she realizes her greatest threat may not be the magic inside her… but the man assigned to guard her.

If you love the dark magic of Rachel Griffin, the sharp dialogue of V.E. Schwab, and the emotional landscapes of Alix E. Harrow, you’ll be spellbound by The Never Witch.

Grafton Mini Pen

The Review

This was such a gripping and compelling urban fantasy meets occult suspense novel. The author did an incredible job of crafting a world set in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and yet still felt otherworldly and cultivated in its own separate world. The author’s carefully curated use of imagery in the writing style of this book really brought each scene to life so eloquently, such as scenes in which the protagonist found herself being tested for this newly forced upon warlock power that quickly took an explosive turn. 

Immediately, this book set itself apart with a nice balance of rich mythos and character development. The politics and tension that the author built both amongst the witches and warlocks and within their own individual ranks were thrilling to read, keeping readers on the edge of their seats on who they could trust. The bond between Adeline and Sarah as sisters is powerful, and the chemistry she develops with warlock Luke, as well as the return of an old flame, adds a bit of romance and will-they, won’t-they moments for the characters as the narrative develops without sacrificing the main plot. 

The Verdict

Action-packed, thrilling, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “The Never Witch” is a must-read occult suspense and urban fantasy read. The first in what is hopefully a great new series, the book brings a unique spin on the contentious history between witches and warlocks, as well as their own unique approaches to magic, and the dynamic character development and multiple POVs will keep readers heavily invested in this fantastic author’s latest fantasy series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is an Eric Hoffer Award winner and was a finalist in the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the Chanticleer International Book Awards, and the Independent Author Network Awards. She is a B.R.A.G. medallion honouree and a three-time Literary Titan award winner. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.

JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an exploratory chef, and an avid gardener.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP now lives with her husband on Denman Island, which is nestled between the coast of British Columbia and Vancouver Island. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her cooking dishes that look nothing like the recipe photos or arguing with weeds in the garden.

Home

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-never-witch-jp-mclean/1147561467?ean=2940181844520

https://amzn.to/4nigimo

Not Here Anymore by Sienna Ross 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 woman must learn not only to survive but thrive in the aftermath of trauma and a haunting past in author Sienna Ross’s “Not Here Anymore.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

Not Here Anymore tells the compelling, emotional journey of Katherine, a woman who escapes a violent past, only to realize that unresolved trauma will continue to haunt her. After enduring toxic relationships, she embarks on a journey across several countries in search of healing from trauma and a new life. As she confronts her deepest fears, Katherine discovers that survival is not just about running; it’s about empowerment, rebuilding and self-discovery.

Through heartbreak, loss and life-altering challenges, including the tragic death of a loved one and the painful reality of a miscarriage, Katherine must navigate the scars of her past. Yet, even in the face of overwhelming grief, she learns that true emotional resilience isn’t just about surviving; it’s about finding the strength to thrive. This gripping story isn’t only about escaping abuse; it’s about the inspiration to heal and create a new future, no matter the darkness that comes from previous wounds.

Not Here Anymore is a deeply moving and authentic women’s fiction novel that captures the heartache of domestic abuse and the strength it takes to rebuild a life. Set against the backdrop of various cultures like Belgium, Italy, Cuba this domestic thriller offers an international perspective, bringing an emotional depth to the story. The journey Katherine undertakes is as much about survival as it is about discovering the power within herself to move beyond the pain.

Key Features:

  • A powerful, emotional journey of a woman escaping a toxic relationship.
  • Themes of survival, empowerment and resilience are the heart of the story.
  • Set in international locations, adding depth and a cinematic quality to the narrative.
  • Inspiration for women a must-read for anyone seeking strength after hardship.
  • An emotional rollercoaster, blending psychological thriller with personal growth.


This psychological thriller combines raw emotion with suspense, making it a page turner that’s both engaging and impactful. Readers will find inspiration in Katherine’s transformation and her relentless pursuit of a life defined by empowerment rather than fear. It’s a story that resonates with anyone who has faced life’s challenges, reminding us all that healing from trauma is possible and happiness is still within reach.

Perfect for fans of:

  • Survival thrillers
  • Contemporary women’s fiction
  • Psychological suspense
  • Domestic thrillers
  • Inspiring stories of resilience and renewal

The Review

This was a compelling domestic thriller meets suspense novel. The harrowing experiences and tension that the author layered into each chapter of this novel were chilling and heartbreaking, yet interspersed with glimpses of hope and resilience. The powerful imagery and honest, authentic dialogue between the characters keep the readers engaged as the story progresses.

The heart of this novel was in the character development, especially for the protagonist, Katherine. The realities and struggles of domestic violence and stalking that so many women have to face in this world are not only expertly woven into this story, but they also bring a haunting reality to the narrative. Yet, the themes of strength through survival and transformation were beautifully executed. Despite loss and struggle, the way this protagonist picked herself up time and again made this a memorable read.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

Haunting, compelling, and engaging, author Sienna Ross’s “Not Here Anymore” is a must-read domestic thriller meets suspense narrative. The twists and turns that this story takes, the emotional weight of grief, loss, and empowerment, are explored. The shocking cliffhanger finale will leave readers eager for another installment featuring this endearing and moving protagonist. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Welcome – I’m Sienna Ross, author of bold stories that follow people through love, loss, escape, and reinvention.

My writing blends raw truth with atmospheric storytelling — from violent pasts to distant cities, from painful goodbyes to unexpected strength.

I come from very humble beginnings, yet I started working at 17 and built my path through success in sales, team building, and leadership. As a licensed life coach, I have supported many people in overcoming obstacles and stepping into their true potential. My book carries the same mission: to remind readers that no matter the hardships, we all have the power to rise and create a life of strength and purpose

 If you believe that stories can heal, challenge, and empower — you’re in the right place.

Through my work, I help individuals overcome challenges, build resilience, and find the courage to move forward even when life feels unbearable. With a rare combination of business insight and human empathy, I bring authenticity, depth, and inspiration to my writing.

My book reflects this mission—it is more than just a story; it is a powerful reminder that no matter how dark the past, it is always possible to rebuild, heal, and create a meaningful future.

Book is available from https://www.amazon.com/Not-Here-Anymore-Sienna-Ross/dp/B0FLF3FVDJ

My instagram page is https://www.instagram.com/siennarossauthor/#

Subscribe

Enter your email below to receive updates.

A Killer Motive by Hannah Mary McKinnon 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 podcaster trying to learn more about her brother’s disappearance must save his best friend when the kidnapper challenges her in author Hannah Mary McKinnon’s “A Killer Motive.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In this thriller for fans of Ashley Elston and Jeneva Rose, a manipulative kidnapper gives a true crime podcaster one week to locate her brother’s best friend. If she succeeds, she’ll learn the truth about her brother’s disappearance six years ago, but if she fails, his friend will die.

You never know who’s listening.

To Stella Dixon, sneaking her teenage brother out of their parents’ house for a beach party was harmless fun—until Max disappeared without a trace.

Six years later, Stella’s family is still broken, and she can’t let go of her guilt. The only thing that keeps her going is helping other families find closure through A Killer Motive, her true crime podcast.

In a bid to find new sponsors and keep making episodes, Stella goes on a local radio show. But when she says on air that if she had just one clue, she’d find Max and bring whoever hurt him to justice, someone takes it as a challenge.

A mysterious invitation to play a game arrives, with the promise that if Stella wins, she’ll get information about what happened to Max. Stella thinks it’s a sick joke…until Max’s best friend vanishes. And she’s given new instructions: tell nobody or people will die.

Desperate and unable to trust anyone, Stella agrees. But beating a twisted, invisible enemy seems impossible when they make all the rules…

The Review

This was one of the most compelling thrillers I’ve read this year so far. The intrigue and chilling cat-and-mouse game between the protagonist Stella and the mysterious antagonist toying with her will stay with readers long after the book ends. The author did a fantastic job of creating characters that felt real and tangible, allowing readers to see themselves in many of these characters and their actions. The determination and steel with which the author writes Stella really stood out, especially when showcasing the lengths Stella would go to to find her brother, touching on both the guilt of losing him and the need to see justice done. 

The richly developed themes of this novel and the harrowing atmosphere were what really sold this story. The exploration of the true crime podcast genre and the business side of it also highlighted people’s growing need for answers, the truth, and the power people have to search for answers they themselves have been waiting for. The pacing was really impressive as well, with the author peeling back layer after layer of this mystery and each new revelation bringing a shocking new suspect that readers will be floored by.

Product Launch September 2022

The Verdict

A thrilling, twisted, and entertaining new crime thriller and mystery, author Hannah Mary McKinnon’s “A Killer’s Motive” is a must-read novel and a 2025 Best of contender for my site! The twists and turns this story takes, the shocking final chapters that shed new light on this case, and the powerful commentary these revelations make will be something readers discuss for a long time to come. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Internationally bestselling author Hannah Mary McKinnon was born in the UK, grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 2010. Her eight suspense novels include THE REVENGE LIST, ONLY ONE SURVIVES, and A KILLER MOTIVE, and her work has been optioned for the screen. She also writes holiday romantic comedies as Holly Cassidy. Hannah Mary lives near Toronto, Canada with her husband and three sons. You’ll find her on socials as @hannahmarymckinnon, and please visit http://www.hannahmarymckinnon.com for more.

SOCIALS:

Website: www.HannahMaryMcKinnon.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon (@hannahmarymckinnon)

Instagram: www.instagram.com/HannahMaryMcKinnon/ (@hannahmarymckinnon)

Twitter: www.twitter.com/HannahMMcKinnon (@hannahmmckinnon)

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/15144570.Hannah_Mary_McKinnon

BookBub: www.bookbub.com/authors/hannah-mary-mckinnon

LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/hannahmarymckinnon 

BUY LINKS:

Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/p/books/a-killer-motive-original-hannah-mary-mckinnon/22162887?ean=9780778387671&next=t

B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-killer-motive-hannah-mary-mckinnon/1146736156

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Killer-Motive-Hannah-Mary-McKinnon/dp/0778387674/ref=sr_1_2?crid=6QUMBB8S34K6&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.rDBFQrZ6aRL2zZB6SyrpXBpFVSMff3Wm4eB2K9_k0ZahuMlBofAepGkRXGyPEQiGcM1av8Vhd9tl5P3BSjrfliaSjHpD3ujoaxmI19wraXMRNgStEqcMMbqqFjJkVjDFGBz7OFkNnw-VHth7IQ6x8JVlmY6SpUPhN_WnRQH_8AL0slnrSWQwZI7OOfkjw4lJXNx6kTaf3qnQnf5TRt2GfHwIIZcp6GlqMUBjEJ7s3cc.niWihIMfgACLuQCLNy2cDTBPr8NXwQKbgmLEXObpRxs&dib_tag=se&keywords=a+killer+motive&qid=1756399729&sprefix=a+killer+motive%2Caps%2C206&sr=8-2

Get our newsletter delivered directly to your inbox

And Now Enjoy this Excerpt from “A Killer Motive”

Chapter 1

Stella

My pulse thudded in my neck like Morse code. A steady tap-tap loosely translating as come on. Shoving my hands under my thighs, I slid farther down the passenger seat and peered over the dashboard toward the darkened house at the end of the street.

For ten minutes I’d willed the motion-activated porch lights to stay off. Hoped the heavy living room drapes with the silver ring print I’d been mesmerized by as a kid would remain closed, allowing us to stay undetected.

Tap-tap.

Already 9:47 p.m. Where was he?

The cloudless Maine sky had long transitioned from bright blue to bubble gum pink before enveloping our corner of the East Coast in a blanket of rich black velvet. A cool breeze drifted through the open car window, providing a welcome break from the searing early August temperatures.

Rain was on its way for Portland and beyond tomorrow, which would be a welcome relief. For now, the sound of buzzing cicadas filled the Friday night air while this summer’s hottest anthem played on a radio somewhere in the distance.

The classic smell of freshly cut grass invaded my nostrils, conjuring memories of picnics in the park, running through sprinklers, and hands sticky from melting strawberry popsicles. Like those lazy days years ago, tonight would be perfect. All I needed was for my brother to show up.

“Do you think he changed his mind, Stella?” Jeff said, his voice a gentle rumble.

Glancing at my boyfriend, I took in his dark blond hair, straight nose, and the sculpted stubble accentuating a set of epic cheekbones. I let my gaze sweep across his toned biceps and chest. Underneath the faded-but-somehow-still-fitted Alanis Morissette T-shirt was a set of rock-hard abs I couldn’t wait to run my hands over again. Part of me almost wanted Max not to show up so we could go straight home.

I reached for Jeff’s hand and gave it a squeeze. “No, he’s too excited for the party. I bet he’s waiting for Mom and Dad to fall asleep in front of the TV.”

Jeff laughed. “Way to make them sound ancient.”

My parents were fifty-one. I was about to reply that compared to Jeff’s twenty-four years and my twenty-two, that was ancient, but the sight of Max emerging between a pair of fir trees stopped me. With a mischievous grin on his face, he speed-walked toward us, his hands tucked into the pockets of a Simpsons hoodie.

I smiled at my baby brother. Baby was slightly unfair considering his eighteenth birthday was under two weeks away, but I’d forever tease him about being four years younger. Max didn’t mind. He knew that from the moment I first saw him in the hospital, swaddled in a bunny-print blanket, his plump cheeks rosy red, I vowed I’d be the best big sister in the world.

Tonight, my solemn promise meant busting his grounded ass out of his minimum-security prison, aka our parents’ house, so he could join Jeff and me at what would be the coolest party of the weekend. Lighthouse Beach was a twenty-five-minute drive from Deering, the Portland neighborhood where Max and I had grown up, and now I couldn’t wait to get going.

Max slid into the back seat of Jeff’s old red pickup truck. I turned around, laughing at my brother’s beaming face and the perpetual impish twinkle in his green eyes, which looked so much like mine.

“We were about to leave,” I deadpanned. “Thought you’d chickened out.”

Max snorted. “As if.”

“Are we picking up Kenji?”

“He’s at his girlfriend’s so he’ll meet us at the beach,” Max said, before jokingly adding, “He’d better, considering he’s taking off next week. Some best friend he is, leaving me behind.”

“Hey,” I shot back with mock indignation. “I thought I was your best friend.”

“Are you two sure about this aiding and abetting?” Jeff cut in before Max could throw a good-natured sibling zinger my way. “Your mom will go ballistic if she finds out.”

Max shrugged. “I don’t care. She’s way overprotective.”

“You know her reasons,” Jeff said.

We all did. Mom’s older brother died when she was nine and he was seventeen. It was terrible how some asshole truck driver had run over our uncle, killing him instantly. Still, Max’s rebellion tonight was fueled by the fact Mom had banned him from going to California with Kenji, saying it was too far away, and Max was too young. They’d had a massive argument about it, which led to my brother being grounded for the weekend, hence tonight’s great escape.

“I told them I was heading to bed,” Max said. “They never check, but I stacked my pillows under the duvet just in case. Nobody will notice.”

“If they do, I’ll take the full blame.” I patted Jeff’s hand. “Max, we’ll drive you home. No after-parties with Kenji, got it? What Mom and Dad don’t know can’t hurt them.”

“Sir, yes, sir.” Max gave me a salute. “Anyway, I’ll need some sleep. I’m volunteering at the clinic tomorrow. Woolly had a mass removed and I want to be there for him.”

“Woolly?” Jeff said. “Dog or sheep?”

My brother grinned. “Giant Angora rabbit. He’s awesome.”

“You’re such a softie,” I said before letting out a whoop. “All right, let’s go. Lighthouse Beach, here we come.”

A KILLER MOTIVE

by

Hannah Mary McKinnon

Available September 2025 from MIRA.

Copyright © 2025 by Hannah McKinnon

The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer by Ragnar Jonasson 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. 

An investigator must discover the hidden secrets of a missing crime writer in author Ragnar Jonasson’s “The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis 

The next thrilling golden-age-style mystery from #1 Icelandic bestseller Ragnar Jónasson, author of Death at the Sanatorium and Reykjavík.

One winter evening, bestselling crime author Elín S. Jónsdóttir goes missing.

There are no clues to her disappearance and it is up to young detective Helgi to crack the case before its leaked to the press.

As Helgi interviews the people closest to her—a publisher, an accountant, a retired judge—he realizes that Elín’s life wasn’t what it seemed. In fact, her past is even stranger than the fiction she wrote.

As the case of the missing crime writer becomes more mysterious by the hour, Helgi must uncover the secrets of the writer’s very unexpected life.

The Review

This was a fascinating and compelling mystery read. The author did an incredible job of balancing the unique culture and atmosphere of Iceland with the richly developed narrative surrounding this case. The tension that could be felt throughout this novel was layered perfectly into each chapter, and the way the author can traverse across multiple timelines to give not only numerous perspectives but also slowly unravel each clue in the case was mesmerizing.

The haunting revelations that come to light and the compelling character dynamics were what made this novel so perfect. The protagonist was in his element exploring a case set in the literary world. Yet, the way the narrative peeled back the lives of the missing writer and those surrounding her, and the infusion of tension with his current girlfriend and his ex and their troubled past, make this novel so gripping.

AudiobooksNow

The Verdict

A unique, powerful, and entertaining voice in the crime thriller genre, author Ragnar Jonasson’s “The Mysterious Case of the Missing Crime Writer” is a must-read mystery and thriller. The twists and turns that are methodically unveiled, along with the shocking twist of a final chapter that will leave readers reeling, all make this a memorable and excellent thriller for the upcoming fall season. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Ragnar Jónasson was born in Reykjavík, Iceland, where he works as a writer and a lawyer and teaches copyright law at Reykjavík University. He has previously worked on radio and television, including as a TV news reporter for the Icelandic National Broadcasting Service, and, from the age of seventeen, has translated fourteen of Agatha Christie’s novels. He is an international Number One bestseller.

The Darkness is the first novel in his Hidden Iceland series, to be followed by The Island and The Mist.

http://www.ragnarjonasson.com/

https://www.instagram.com/ragnarjo/

Veil of Deception by Elizabeth Aragon 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. 

READ THE BOOK HERE!

An investigator and an artist must work together after discovering a dangerous conspiracy in author Elizabeth Aragon’s “Veil of Deception.”

Advertisements

The Synopsis

In a world where secrets can kill and nothing is what it seems, two lives become intertwined in a deadly game of betrayal, deception, and forbidden love.

Detective Alex Hunter never asked for the truth to come crashing into his life. A quiet, brooding investigator with a personal vendetta against corruption, Alex’s world is turned upside down when he’s pulled into a twisted case involving the murder of billionaire philanthropist Victor Belle and the stolen Ruby of Eternity—an artifact worth more than a man’s life. But what starts as a simple investigation soon unravels into something much darker. The deeper Alex digs, the more he realizes that this case will not only challenge his skills but his very heart.


“Dammit, Alex. Move!”

Elena Mercer, a struggling artist with her own hidden past, is thrown into the abyss when she stumbles upon a hidden message in a painting she bought at an estate sale. A cryptic poem linked to the stolen Ruby sends her on a dangerous path, one that will intertwine with Alex’s as they uncover a sinister conspiracy. Elena’s thirst for justice leads her straight into the arms of the very detective investigating the case. But their growing attraction isn’t without consequences, especially when their lives are put at risk.

“The man crumples to the floor in eerie silence, his eyes wide, staring blankly at nothing as the life drains out of him.”

As the investigation deepens, Alex and Elena must navigate through lies, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, all while trying to stay one step ahead of the Syndicate—a shadowy organization willing to destroy anyone who dares to expose its secrets. But as danger closes in, Alex and Elena find themselves drawn to each other in a way neither expected. Love, however, is a luxury they can’t afford in a world built on lies.

In a thrilling race against time, they must confront not only the killers who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden but their own emotions as they face the truth about the twisted world they’ve become part of.

“I never knew how much I needed this—how much I needed him—until I had it. Until we had each other.”

Will Alex and Elena survive the deadly deception, or will the Syndicate’s grip on the world pull them into its dark underworld forever? In Veil of Deception, betrayal runs deeper than blood, and the true enemy is often the one closest to you.

AudiobooksNow

The Review

This was a fast-paced and compelling read. The author did an incredible job of infusing intrigue and mystery into the narrative right from the start. The balance of action, suspense, and narrative twists was really well done, allowing the reader to become ingrained in the story with ease. The imagery in the author’s writing style stood out, and often I felt as if I could easily have been watching a Netflix miniseries with how cinematic the setting and imagery became in the novel.

The novel itself was character-driven, and the addition of heated romance greatly enhanced its appeal. The drive and compassion, yet fierce way both protagonists fought for justice and the truth was admirable. Yet, it was the way they connected and the instant draw that they had for one another that fueled the story and kept readers invested in these characters from the start.

The Verdict

Memorable, thrilling, and entertaining, author Elizabeth Aragon’s “Veil of Deception” is a must-read romantic thriller. The twists and turns in the story, the fiery draw of the characters, and the fast pace of the story not only reminded me of classic noir thrillers but also allowed for room for these characters and the world they inhabit to come back again in the future, something readers will thoroughly enjoy. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

Advertisements

About the Author

Elizabeth was born in the USA and lived with her parents and grandparents. Though her family wasn’t wealthy, they always had enough to eat and a modest home. As Elizabeth grew older, so did her grandparents, and they both passed away when she was 14. She had been especially close to her grandmother and missed her deeply. While helping to sort through her grandparents’ belongings, Elizabeth discovered a box filled with books her grandmother had written but never published. Elizabeth loved reading them and wondered why they had never been shared with the world. To honor her grandmother’s memory, the books were donated to the local university. This experience sparked Elizabeth’s passion for writing and creativity.