Tag: suspense

The Pit Road War by Caroline Taylor 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. 

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A woman seeking to escape her abusive husband finds herself caught between the federal government and the rising insurrectionist movement of the South in author Caroline Taylor’s “The Pit Road War”.

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The Synopsis

Grace Burgess is fleeing her husband’s fists. Jeff Kingston has escaped from prison. Their paths collide at a secret government installation deep in the countryside, guarded by men on a mission who capture Grace.

It’s 2019, and plans are under way to rise up and reclaim the South. But planning takes time—time that’s interrupted when federal authorities get wind of the budding insurrection. Seeking to stop the feds, the rebels’ leader decides to use Grace and other unfortunate “trespassers” as human shields.

Can they free themselves before bullets begin to fly and hundreds of lives are lost?

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping thriller. The author did an incredible job of layering the mystery and atmosphere into this book’s writing, elevating the characters and keeping the reader invested in the overall narrative. The writing style, allowing multiple POVs for the characters in this book, felt very reminiscent of a Dean Koontz novel, giving each character’s voice a part of the overall story.

The heart of this narrative rested in the author’s ability to use imagery and tension to build up the growing suspense that this narrative held. The attention to detail the narrative gave to today’s political and social conflicts really helped bring the reader into the narrative more fully, and the growing horrors that these characters faced felt more shocking as they reflected our own world much more thoroughly.

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The Verdict

Harrowing, compelling, and entertaining author Caroline Taylor’s “The Pit Road War” is a must-read mystery thriller that you won’t be able to put down. The way the author can transport the reader into this narrative so crucially and the surprising twists and turns the story takes will keep readers enthralled until the end. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Caroline Taylor is a novelist and short-story writer who grew up in the mountain west and traveled widely, including a brief stint in the Foreign Service. A former publications manager and editor of Humanities magazine, she is the author of several mysteries, one short-story collection, and a nonfiction book. Two of her novels won the Firebird Book award, and a third was a finalist for the Freddie Award. A member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, she lives in North Carolina. Visit her at www.carolinestories.com

All That Shines (Glitter Bay Mysteries Book 2) 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. 

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A woman balancing her store’s relocation and renovations must contend with her sister’s big-time dreams with the sudden mystery surrounding the death of a famed Hollywood fashion designer in author Diane Bator’s “All That Shines”, the next entry in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series.

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The Synopsis

When Sage Miller’s sister Laken decides to host a fashion show as a grand opening for the new location of Vintage Sage, she’s not amused. Even less so when she discovers her sister hired a Hollywood fashion designer to help. Not only does the designer show up in the middle of renovations, but he drags along his protégé.Then she finds Sebastian Hayward III, dead in her store.Suddenly it seems half of Los Angeles—all unwelcome guests from Laken’s past—appear in Vintage Sage seeking something Sebastian had in his possession. Sage has to deal with renovations, a fashion show, and a murder before she and Laken come unglued.Review: All That Shines is another great “who done it” with Sage and Laken and once again I was wrong! Can’t wait for the next book in the Glitter Bay Series to see what the sisters are up to. Diane Bator has once again successfully completed another beautifully written mystery: “All That Shines” Book 2 in the Glitter Bay Mysteries series. A comfortable, easy read, and a page turner which keeps you guessing right to the very end. I thoroughly enjoyed Bator’s willingness to step into the deep waters of some human issues which rage today’s society. An honest and bold move on her part, Bator writes with absolute grace and dignity. Well done! 5 Stars, Award-winning, bestselling author, Maggie Kirton. 

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The Review

This is another fantastic high fashion meets murder mystery read. The author beautifully captures the essence of the small-town mystery within the grander scale of the setting. The imagery and atmosphere allow readers to feel transported in this story, and the tension can be felt both in Sage’s daily life and the murder mystery. 

Yet it was the character dynamics and the mystery itself that brought this narrative to life. The conflict and drama between Sage and Laken are palpable, while the larger-than-life personality of the soon-to-be murder victim and the impact he made allowed for a wide cast of characters to become potential suspects, adding to the mystery itself. 

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The Verdict

Harrowing, creative, and entertaining, author Diane Bator’s “All That Shines” is a must-read mystery and the perfect next entry in the Glitter Bay Series. The way the author adds more depth to these characters from book 1 to now and the shocking developments will keep readers engaged thoroughly.  If you haven’t yet, be sure to get your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

A prolific mystery writer, I am the mom of three kids and two cats as well as author of Wild Blue Mysteries, Gilda Wright Mysteries, Glitter Bay Mysteries, and the Audra Clemmings Mysteries from Books We Love Ltd. with many more to come!

You can find me at:

Blog: http://dbator.blogspot.ca/

Website: http://penspaintsandpaper.com/index.html

Publisher Website: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/dianebatorauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7179945.Diane_Bator

Q.R.F.: A Novel of the Iraq War by Craig DiLouie 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.

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A former military vet makes a desperate plan with his old team to rescue their old squad leader, who is being held by ISIS after a mission of humanitarian work has gone wrong in Craig DiLouie’s “Q.R.F.”.

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The Synopsis

QRF: military term meaning quick reaction force. When a unit in trouble hears, The cavalry is coming, they’re talking about these guys.

Eleven years after coming home from Iraq, Jim Cooper lives a quiet civilian life of wandering. When he hears his old squad leader has been captured by ISIS while doing humanitarian work in an embattled Mosul, he reconnects with comrades from his old unit to reflect and mourn the execution they know is coming.

Reminiscing deep into the night, an unlikely, wild plan to rescue Sergeant Ramos takes shape. The war-torn Iraq to which Coop and his comrades plan to return, however, is a very different place than where they’d fought back in ’04. In 2016, Mosul is now controlled by the ruthless Islamic State and under attack by the Iraqi Army in the largest and bloodiest urban battle since World War Two.

Rescuing Ramos appears impossible. Coop’s comrades have gone soft in the years since they left the service. They’re not the same men they were when they wore the uniform. But they swore an oath to each other as sacred as the one they gave their country, and it is never ending.

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The Review

This was a compelling and gripping military thriller. The gritty nature of life in the military, as well as life in war-torn countries like Iraq, were greatly explored in this narrative, and the detailed writing style really brought these settings to life naturally. The culture and politics were so important to this narrative, and the way the author explored the struggles of the people living in these areas of the world really brought an emotional and grounded feel to the overall story.

To me, the heart of this narrative rested in the character development. Not only was Cooper a great protagonist, but the relationships he held with each and every one of his teammates, as well as the individual struggles they all had to confront from their first tour of Iraq over a decade before, made this a memorable read.

The Verdict

Harrowing, engaging, and captivating, author Craig DiLouie’s “Q.R.F.” is a must-read military thriller novel. The twists and turns in the narrative, the heart-pounding action and suspense, and the gripping character arcs made this a thrilling novel you won’t be able to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!


Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Craig DiLouie is an author of popular thriller, apocalyptic/horror, and sci-fi/fantasy fiction.

In hundreds of reviews, Craig’s novels have been praised for their strong characters, action, and gritty realism. Each book promises an exciting experience with people you’ll care about in a world that feels real.

These works have been nominated for major literary awards such as the Bram Stoker Award and Audie Award, translated into multiple languages, and optioned for film. He is a member of the HWA, International Thriller Writers, and IFWA.

At www.CraigDiLouie.com, you can find all of Craig’s major works, interviews, and hundreds of interesting blog posts. Be sure to sign up for Craig’s mailing list so you can stay tuned on new releases.

Scorch Mark (Dark Dreams Book 3) by JP McLean 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. 

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Finally free of her parent’s killer, a young woman goes in search of her ancestry and comes across a deadly gang and an eager cop who may uncover her hidden past in author JP McLean’s “Scorch Mark”, the third book in the Dark Dreams series. 

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The Synopsis

Jane stands alone between a powerful artifact and the wrong hands. Jane Walker’s alarming dreams, in which she sees events that have yet to happen, have finally subsided. The man who killed her parents and kidnapped Jane is behind bars. So it’s the perfect time for Jane and her partner Ethan to set out on a road trip to unravel the secrets of her ancestry.

But their journey takes a spine-chilling turn when they encounter a gang of men who stare at Jane as if they recognize her. That can only mean one thing: they’ve met her in a dream she has yet to experience. When the gang begins stalking her, Jane realizes she must have witnessed a deadly event. But what could it be? She slips into hiding and waits for the disturbing dream to arrive.

And now her BFF, Sadie Prescott, is dating a cop whose curiosity about Jane leads him to unearth the mysterious deaths that litter her past. When his latest investigation crosses paths with Jane’s stalkers, Jane must intervene and turn the skeptical cop into a believer before he kills himself and causes the deaths of his entire law enforcement team.

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The Review

This was a fantastic entry into the Dark Dreams series. The author does a phenomenal job of crafting a new narrative that keeps the character development and action of the first two books in the series while also laying the groundwork for more mythos and world-building to take center stage. The tension that builds over time and the way the author was able to bring new readers into the series effortlessly really set the tone for the entirety of the narrative. 

The action and suspense of the story, the great strides the author made in enhancing the character’s story arcs in this new entry, and the creative and tense occult/supernatural abilities that take hold of the protagonist’s life made this story truly shine. The imagery of the author’s writing style allowed the gritty road aspect of the protagonist and her partner to meld with the city-based investigative work that the police detective brings to the table in this read.

The Verdict

Memorable, action-packed, and entertaining, author JP McLean’s “Scorch Mark” is a fantastic read and the perfect entry in the Dark Dreams series. The twists and turns, the wealth of world-building, and the haunting atmosphere will keep readers invested in this gripping tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

JP (Jo-Anne) McLean is a bestselling author of urban fantasy and supernatural thrillers. She is a Global Book Award winner, a CIBA finalist, and has received honours from the Eric Hoffer Book Awards, the Wishing Shelf Book Awards, the National Indie Excellence Awards, the Whistler Independent Book Awards, and the Victoria Writers’ Society. Reviewers call her books addictive, smart and fun.

Raised in Toronto, Ontario, JP has lived in various parts of North America, from Mexico and Arizona to Alberta and Ontario. JP holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the University of British Columbia’s Sauder School of Business, is a certified scuba diver, an avid gardener, and a voracious reader. She had a successful career in Human Resources before turning her attention to writing.

JP 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.

Visit her at https://jpmcleanauthor.com

The Art of Privilege by Carey Keith Green 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.

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A conspiracy on Wall Street emerges as blackmail, lies, and even murder erupt and an investigation is launched in author Carey Keith Green’s “The Art of Privilege”.

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The Synopsis

When Detective Charles Sleetch investigates the murder of a wealthy Wall Street banker and his stripper girlfriend, it doesn´t look like routine robbery homicide. The life and death of Katiana Angelska move him in a way that he has not felt in years.

Dylan Cash invested in his ex’s art gallery when he was flush as a trader on Wall Street. Off the street and out of luck, Dylan and his best friend, Charles “Binky” Bannister, have been day-trading out of the back-office of the gallery. One day, a stranger named Jonathan Shelby shows up with an intriguing offer. Thatcher Reed, a down on its heel boutique firm, needs to track down an insider trader, before it derails the IPO of Paradyne, a Blackwater-type defense firm.  

What Dylan thought was a simple case of insider trading becomes a stunning tale of blackmail, deceit and murder that threatens to rock both Wall Street and the entire military industrial complex. Dylan and Sleetch eventually team up against powerful, evil men who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals. 

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The Review

This was a high-octane financial thriller. The way the author was able to bring the knowledge and inside information on our nation’s financial institutions, as well as how integrated they are into our other sectors of life, made this a thrilling and captivating story.

It was the tense mystery blended with the captivating character development that made this story shine. I’ve always been a fan of detective novels, and the build-up of suspense and tension really allowed the mystery element of the narrative to grow and blossom in the book, and the dynamics between the characters really made the reader feel connected to the character arcs in this novel.

The Verdict

Memorable, honest, and suspenseful, author Carey Keith Green’s “The Art of Privilege” is a must-read financial thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, and the compelling investigation will keep readers coming back for more from this skilled author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Carey Green is an American writer and banker based in Brooklyn. He is a is a graduate of Columbia College and the Fordham Graduate School of Business. The Art of Privilege” is his third novel.

Murder at the Willcotts Hotel (The Janet Simpson Cozy Mysteries) by Sasscer Hill 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. 

A recently widowed woman finds herself finding the things in life that finally make her happy, including a new romantic interest, until he is later found dead, and she becomes the main suspect in his demise in author Sasscer Hill’s “Murder at the Willcotts Hotel”, the third entry in the Janet Simpson Cozy Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

Sheltered from life by a domineering father and an overprotective husband, middle-aged Janet Simpson suddenly becomes a very rich widow. She always wanted to own a racehorse, but her husband never allowed it. Her newfound freedom and wealth provide her with a race filly and the kind of trouble from which only her wits can save her.

Wintering at a five-star South Carolina hotel, with her young racehorse at a nearby training track, Janet finds a new love interest. Until he’s a no-show for dinner. She is horrified to find his battered corpse and, the local police consider her a suspect.

Her anxiety doubles when she realizes the niece who has come to stay with her has been trailed by a stalker. Two killers are on the loose at her elegant, southern hotel. Can she sniff them out before death strikes again?

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The Review

This was a fast-paced yet gripping read. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the suddenness and gripping nature of the mystery of this story while also delving into the heart of horse racing and life as a racehorse owner. The balance of these two worlds really speaks to a specific audience, while also leaving room for the general audience to get lost in this world and become enraptured with the narrative.

The heart of this story was the author’s incredible character development. The evolution of Janet as a character, who came from a life of domineering men in her life to gaining strength and resilience as a character showcases the powerful female protagonist she has become over time. The classic storytelling device of the protagonist becoming the main suspect in the case and the fight she takes on to not only prove her innocence but also stop two killers loose on the grounds of this hotel made this a compelling read.

The Verdict

Memorable, fast-paced, and engaging, author Sasscer Hill’s “Murder at the Willcotts Hotel” is a must-read novella and cozy mystery, as well as a great entry in the Janet Simpson Cozy Mysteries series. The twists and turns the narrative takes on and the gripping character twists that keep the action and suspense propelling forward made this a memorable read. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy on October 1st, 2023 or preorder today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Sasscer Hill, a former Maryland racehorse breeder, trainer, and rider, uses the sport of kings as a backdrop for her mysteries. Her “vivid descriptive” prose about greed, evil, heart, and courage propelled her “Nikki Latrelle” novels to multiple award nominations, including an Agatha, a Macavity, and the Dr. Tony Ryan Best in Racing Literature Award.

Her 2020 novel, TRAVELS OF QUINN, is “A heart-stopping thriller of a murder mystery”– Charles Todd, Anthony, Edgar, and Barry Award-winning author.

Born an Irish American gypsy Traveller, can Quinn escape a dreaded marriage contract and the life of crime forced upon her?

https://www.sasscerhill.com/

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Wolf Pack (Book 1 of the Wolf Pack Series) by Edo Van Belkom 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 group of wolf siblings turned teenagers push their adoptive family to the limits when their transformation is caught on camera, and their sister is taken by a scientist ready to expose them to the world in author Edo Van Belkam’s “Wolf Pack”, the first book in the series of the same name. 

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The Synopsis

Winner of the prestigious Aurora Award and Silver Birch Award, Wolf Pack is the inspiration for the highly anticipated original series coming to Paramount+

Nothing gets between a wolf and its pack…

Most of the time, Noble, Argus, Harlan and Tora are like any other teenagers. Prowling the halls of their high school in search of new crushes and true friendships, all while trying to keep up their grades. Except these teens are anything but ordinary…

Discovered as wolf cubs in the wilderness of Redstone Forest, the pack knows their adoptive parents are the only humans they can trust with their shape-shifting secret. So whenever the siblings want to wolf around, they race to the forest to run—and relish their special bond. Until the terrible day a TV crew films their shocking transformation—and Tora is captured by a scientist determined to reveal her supernatural abilities to the world.

Now the brothers will do anything to get their sister back. Even if it means taking their powers to a whole new level by becoming werewolves for the very first time–something their parents warned them never to attempt. But once the teens go to the dark side, will they ever make it back to the only life they’ve ever known?

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The Review

This was an exhilarating and fantastic take on the werewolf lore. The fast pace of the narrative and the exploration of themes such as family and environmentalism were very prominent in this narrative, as was the detailed imagery that brought these transformations to life. The unique take on the change from a wolf into a werewolf and the dangers that lurk within that transformation were so great to see come to life on the page.

Having not seen the show and being fresh to this series, I was so enthralled with this incredible cast of characters. The fierce loyalty of the brothers to their sister and their adoptive parents’ struggles to keep their children safe while trying to understand their unique physiology was so rich and compelling to get into. The heart and emotional connection the author makes between the reader and the characters is heartfelt. 

The Verdict

Thoughtful, entertaining, and thrilling, author Edo Van Belkom’s “Wolf Pack” is a must-read children’s and YA fantasy horror novel you won’t want to miss. The incredible mythos the author brings to life and the sensational character arcs get the start of this fantastic series to life perfectly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Bram Stoker and Aurora Award-winner Edo van Belkom is the author of over 200 stories of horror, science fiction, fantasy, and mystery. As an editor, he has four anthologies to his credit that include two books for young adults, Be Afraid! (A Canadian Library Association Young Adult Book of the Year finalist) and Be Very Afraid! (An Aurora Award winner — Best Work in English). Born in Toronto, van Belkom graduated from York University, then worked as a daily newspaper sports and police reporter before becoming a full-time writer. Edo van Belkom lives in Brampton, Ontario, with his wife Roberta and son Luke.

Dead Collectors by Jonathan Martinez 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. 

The death of a wealthy man leads a detective into the heart of a conspiracy in author Jonathan Martinez’s “Dead Collectors”.

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The Synopsis

In the chilling novel, “Dead Collectors,” a seemingly ordinary day takes a horrifying turn when the protagonist stumbles upon the lifeless body of his boss in the greenhouse, the man’s latest fixation. As he gazes at the sky, his leg collides with an unexpected obstruction. The gruesome sight that greets him is the corpse of Sir Powell, his face a ghastly blue, one eye wide open in terror, the other a hollow void. A mysterious, fly-attracting white object rests ominously on the deceased’s face. Overcome with shock and fear, he lets out a scream, fumbling for his phone to call for help. This gripping tale promises to keep readers on the edge of their seats, as they delve into the mystery of Sir Powell’s untimely demise.

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The Review

This was a quick yet powerful mystery read. The author did a wonderful job of capturing the suspense and drama of old noir-style murder mysteries, and the haunting imagery of the story was vivid in its delivery. The tension builds quickly as the layers of the mystery unfold and the perpetrators of the crime grow bolder and bolder. 

The character development and the mystery were the highlights of this narrative. The way the author is able to infuse great chemistry between the protagonist and the daughter of the victim was quite engaging, and the changing POVs allowed the reader to see the full perspective of every aspect of this murder mystery. The evolution of this mystery and the conspirator’s identities all allowed the noir genre to feel vibrant and alive on the page.

The Verdict

Thought-provoking, mesmerizing, and engaging, author Jonathon Martinez’s “Dead Collectors” is a must-read mystery and suspense thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking losses, and the captivating revelations as the conspiracy is blown wide open will keep readers hanging onto the author’s every word. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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The Fallen Branch by Mihai Serban 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. 

An investigation into an affair between a bishop and a high school student unravels a mystery filled with secrets and events far beyond anything a young journalist could have ever anticipated in author Mihai Serban’s “The Fallen Branch”.

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The Synopsis

Uncover Hidden Secrets with ‘The Fallen Branch’ – A Novel of Mystery and Intrigue!

In the heart of Bucharest, “The Fallen Branch” starts to unfold as Lisaveth, an intrepid young journalist, delves into the allegations of an illicit affair between a bishop and a high school girl. As she navigates this uncharted territory, she stumbles upon a labyrinth of secrets, hidden meanings, and extraordinary events that catapult her investigation into a realm far beyond its initial scope. This meticulously woven narrative seamlessly intertwines ancient books, historical elements with an undercurrent of mystery, creating a multi-layered tapestry of intrigue that extends even to the book’s cover. A unique exploration of the unanticipated, “The Fallen Branch” challenges readers to question the unexamined and discover the unseen.

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The Review

This was an exhilarating and shocking thriller. The author did a fantastic job of finding an original and thought-provoking mystery that would entice readers and keep them on the edge of their seats as the story unfolded. The even pacing of the story and the imagery that the author’s writing evoked really brought to life the setting both past and present into the account. 

The rich character development and the dynamic history that the author was able to infuse into this story really made the mystery and atmosphere come to life perfectly. The tension that built amongst the characters, especially for the protagonist and her journey as the layers of this mystery unravel piece by piece, is made even more fraught as the ancient pieces of this secret society begin to come into place and the dangers become even more elevated.

The Verdict

Heart-pounding, captivating, and engaging, author Mihai Serban’s “The Fallen Branch” is a must-read thriller. The mystery, the culture, the history, and the dynamic characters made this story feel like an international Dean Koontz novel, starting the inciting incident as an ordinary mystery and slowly revealing a shocking yet powerful threat looming just below the surface. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

The most powerful feeling of a human being is not love but the satisfaction of knowing.

I started writing 24 years ago. To this day I have written many things, plays, short stories and novels. Diving into the unknown has always been my passion. I’ve channeled this fascination into my latest novel “The Fallen Branch”.