I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A strange break-in at a local taxidermy brings a young woman with a bounty on her head into contact with local troublemakers in author Ann Charles’s “Never Say Sever in Deadwood”, the twelfth entry into the Deadwood Humorous Mystery Series.
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The Synopsis
All Violet Parker wants is a day off. Better yet, just a “normal” day. But things never go as planned, especially in Deadwood.
Someone—or rather something—broke into the local taxidermy shop and took bites out of the critter displays before racing off into the dark. But this is no random crime and Violet knows it. With a bounty on her head and troublemakers zeroing in on her, she soon goes from being the hunter to the hunted.
The Review
This was such a humorous yet action-packed paranormal mystery. The use of the supernatural in this story was perfect, as it added just enough action and suspense to the narrative to balance out the natural chemistry and wit of the characters that populated this narrative. The use of imagery in the author’s writing style helped elevate the story, as it brought this mixture of Western meets modern paranormal fiction to life in an almost cinematic way.
The characters once again dominate this series, as the protagonist’s sharp wit meets the driven mindset of the cast of characters in this town. The crisp winter setting and tension creep into the reader as the constant threat of both the bounty and the enemies she faces make themselves known quite well as the narrative progresses. The moments of warmth, romance, and hilarity brought fantastic banter and a perfect reprieve from the drama and chilling paranormal forces at work.
The Verdict
Memorable, thoughtful, and compelling author Ann Charles’s “Never Say Never in Deadwood” is a must-read paranormal mystery thriller. The twists and turns the protagonist faces, and the shocking events that jump-start this new mystery will keep readers hooked and eager to continue in this long-running series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Ann Charles is a USA Today bestselling author who writes award-winning mysteries that are splashed with humor, romance, paranormal, and whatever else sounds fun. A member of Sisters in Crime and Romance Writers of America for many moons, she has a BA in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington. When Ann is not holed up in her writing lair working on her next book, she’s hanging out with her family and basking in the Arizona sunshine.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A young man struggling after the tragic loss of his wife and son goes to a haunted island in hopes of reuniting with them, only to become entangled with two others who all feed on each other’s memories and guilt in author Jennifer Anne Gordon’s “Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent”.
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The Synopsis
WINNER KINDLE AWARD FOR BEST HORROR/SUSPENSE 2020 WINNER Best Horror 2020 – Authors on the Air Awards, Finalist for American Book Fest’s Best Book Award Horror 2020Finalist for Book of the Year – Authors on the Air 2020
“I read this book over several weeks, early mornings before my family woke, and I loved every moment, savoring sentences, taking screenshots of passages to revisit, and shaking my head in admiration. The writing is incredibly beautiful, rhythmic, and precise, and Gordon’s use of objects laden with emotion is masterful–watch for her teacup, rope, and red crayon; watch her weave and stuff and loop those red hairs, how they come back, how you’ll find them in your own pockets. This is horror in love with life, and an author in love with language. You will encounter scenes you won’t forget. Be ready.”
– Diane Zinna author of The All-Night Sun
Adam, a young alcoholic, slowly descends into madness while dealing with the psychological scars of childhood trauma which are reawakened when his son and wife die in a car accident that he feels he is responsible for. After a failed suicide attempt, and more group meetings that he can mention. Adam hears a rumor of a Haunted Island off the Coast of Maine, where “if someone wants it bad enough” they could be reunited with a lost loved one. In his desperate attempt to connect with the ghost of his four-and-a half year old son, he decides to go there, to Dagger Island, desperate to apologize to, or be condemned by, his young son. Adam is not sure what he deserves or even which of these he wants more. While staying in a crumbling old boarding house, he becomes involved with a beautiful and manipulative ghost who has spent 60 years tormenting the now elderly man who was her lover, and ultimately her murderer. The three of them create a “Menage-a-Guilt” as they all come to terms with what it is that ties them so emotionally to their memories and their very “existence”. Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent is a poetic fever dream of grief, love, and the terrifying ways that obsession can change who we are.
The Review
One thing that I’ve always loved about Jennifer Anne Gordon’s books has been the author’s ability to weave a tale that is both chilling and emotional at the same time. The best books in the horror genre are often woven in a way that allows readers to see the terror and horror that usually lurks in real life, with ghost stories frequently being able to mirror life’s tragic events. That makes this author’s books standout performers, as the narrative elevated the tension in these types of stories to new heights both on a scare factor and an emotional level.
The author’s world-building and haunting atmosphere draws the reader in, and the tense psychological factor at play here as the characters intertwine their journey together really brings out the theme. That theme, the journey of loss and the pain that comes with grief, keeps the reader thoroughly invested in these dynamic characters and their arcs.
The Verdict
Thoughtful, chilling, and entertaining author Jennifer Anne Gordon’s “Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent” is a must-read gothic horror and psychological thriller. The author’s poetic writing style and depth of imagery will transport readers instantly and connect them to the characters and their unique emotional journey, which many could relate to. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
JENNIFER ANNE GORDON is a professional ballroom dancer and choreographer by day, and a curly haired neurotic writer by night. She is an actor, a traveler, a photographer, a lover of Gothic Horror, and a dog mom. She lives in the wilds of New Hampshire with her partner on and off the dance floor. Her novels include the Kindle Award for Horror 2020 Winning book, Beautiful, Frightening, and Silent, as well as the historical Gothic novel From Daylight to Madness (The Hotel #1) as well as When The Sleeping Dead Still Talk (The Hotel #2). She also has a published collection of her artwork, titled “Victoriana {mixed media art of jennifer anne gordon}.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A private investigator and an ex-con are brought together by different circumstances to face a local crime lord in author David E. Feldman’s upcoming noir, “Let Thy Children Come”, the first book in the Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers series.
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The Synopsis
Two days before Halloween, seven-year-old Kyle Robinson does not return home from school, and private investigator, recovering addict, and avowed cynic Sam Sharpe is hired by his parents, Sheila and Arthur Robinson, to find the boy. Sharpe soon finds himself entangled with local crime lord Wallace North and his savage enforcers.
Meanwhile, Judah Hammer, a tough ex-con with a good heart, is release from jail after serving three years for manslaughter, and returns home to his large and loving family. Judah’s father, a well-respected banker, is killed by a bomb that goes off at his bank, and Judah suspects that North is behind his father’s death.
This noir mystery thriller includes a strong cast of fascinating, ongoing supporting characters, from vicious killers to femme fatales, and multiple riveting interwoven stories.
Fans of Robert Crais, Lee Child, John Sandford will love this first in series, Let Thy Children Come, Hammer and Sharpe Noir Mystery Thrillers: Book 1, by the author of the 6-book award-winningDora Ellison Mystery Series.
The Review
What a genuinely mesmerizing and haunting noir thriller meets mystery read. The depths of layering the author did with this narrative were superb, allowing the reader to quickly get lost in the unfolding mystery as it unraveled before their eyes. The way the author constantly escalated the danger and story was excellent, starting rapidly with the case of the missing child and a bed of complex conspiracies being discovered on both sides of the law as time passed.
The incredible world-building and character development were terrific. The thought-provoking twists in the characters’ stories and the mesmerizing way the author presented new challenges that made each character suspect at times while also giving readers and the protagonists a familiar foe to face made the characters’ arcs that much more powerful. Getting multiple perspectives on the mystery allowed readers to be confronted by this haunting narrative on numerous fronts.
The Verdict
Engaging, thrilling, and thought-provoking author David E. Feldman’s “Let The Children Come” is a must-read noir mystery novel. The plot’s twists and turns and the unraveled web of conspiracy will keep readers invested, and the heart-pounding action and suspense will have readers eager for the next entry in this fantastic new series. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
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David E. Feldman has written 10 books of his own and ghost-written many others. He has made several films, won 2 film awards and won a playwriting contest in 2022. His first in series Not Today – Dora Ellison Mystery Book 1 was a Best Mystery 2022 Killer Nashville Claymore finalist and was followed by five more Dora books. His novel The Neighborhood was a 2023 finalist for The Book Excellence Awards. He also writes essays and articles both digitally and for print.
He plays piano and sings professionally and loves to paint, which he does both for fun and commission. He adores his wife, two sons and their Yorkie. He has an MLS degree in Library & Information Science.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A woman with a target on her back and a man haunted by his past must work together to prevent armageddon in author Bruce Farmer’s “Blood Sapphire’s Revenge”.
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The Synopsis
Dive into the heart-pounding world of “Blood Sapphire’s Revenge,” where the stakes are high, the tension is palpable, and every page brims with adrenaline-fueled action. Author, Dr. Bruce Farmer delivers a tour de force military thriller that rivals the best of Jason Bourne and Jack Reacher.
Meet Haddy Abrams, a fearless warrior whose resolve is matched only by her inner demons. After a daring sniper shot in the treacherous Hadhramaut Mountains of Yemen, Haddy becomes the target of a nefarious Eastern European oligarch known only as “X.” Surviving an assassination attempt only fuels her determination to bring justice to those who seek to destroy her world. But as she battles her personal demons, she’s haunted by a mysterious man from her past, a man who seems more like a ghost than a memory.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world, New York City detective Wolf James is thrust into a covert operation in Ukraine, his dreams haunted by the enigmatic dark-eyed woman he once glimpsed atop Mount Rainier. As Wolf grapples with his own demons, he finds himself face-to-face with the woman of his dreams, joining forces with her without hesitation.
Against a backdrop of global intrigue and impending doom, Haddy and Wolf embark on a perilous journey to save the world from Armageddon. Dr. Farmer weaves a complex web of secrets, twists, and heart-stopping moments, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final page. “Blood Sapphire’s Revenge” is a character-driven masterpiece that explores the depths of human resilience and the power of redemption, leaving readers breathless and begging for more.
The Review
This was an action-packed and adrenaline-fueled thriller. The author’s attention to detail in the military jargon and activity and the rich character dynamics between Wolf and Haddy made the compelling action scenes and mesmerizing emotional connections that formed much more enticing.
The way the author brought such a strong and badass female protagonist to the page was great to see and much needed in the military thriller genre. The tension, chaotic atmosphere, and the chilling antagonists the heroes must face make this thriller stand out, compelling the reader to get lost in this mesmerizing globe-trotting suspense drama.
The Verdict
Harrowing, engaging, and memorable author Bruce Farmer’s “Blood Sapphire’s Revenge” is a must-read thriller. The twists the author gives to readers throughout this novel and the compelling military action fans of the genre have come to expect make this a remarkable story. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab this debut novel from author Bruce Farmer today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
A far-ranging and adventurous life has taken author Dr. Bruce Farmer to multiple countries and through multiple careers.
Whether practicing emergency room medicine, teaching Science and Theology at a small liberal arts college in Portland, Oregon, or developing a new approach to physical therapy that can relieve back pain and restore healthy function, Dr. Farmer’s diverse and far-ranging life inspires both his characters and his writing.
An avid outdoorsman, Dr. Farmer enjoys hiking, mountain climbing and skiing. He has summited numerous peaks throughout the Cascades Range in both Oregon and Washington.
In developing his characters, Bruce draws inspiration from the outdoors and what they can reveal in one’s character and soul.
Bruce is a father and grandfather, with three children and five grandchildren. He lives just outside of Portland, Oregon.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Detective Peter O’Keefe must confront the darkest aspects of human nature in author Dan Flanigan’s latest novel, “An American Tragedy”, the fourth book in the series.
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The Synopsis
No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
In the scorching summer of 1988, amidst the frenzy of the Satanic Panic gripping the nation, private detective O’Keefe finds himself thrust into a trial like no other. As he strives to establish his fledgling agency, the last thing he anticipates is being drawn into a harrowing legal battle. But when Virginia Montrose, “Miss Ginny” to her students and his daughter Kelly’s most beloved teacher, is accused of heinous crimes against her current and former students, O’Keefe faces a moral quandary unlike any before.
Despite the risks and the overwhelming stigma, O’Keefe’s encounter with the shadowy child protection figures driving the prosecution sparks a fierce determination to seek truth and justice.
In this gripping tale of courage and conviction, O’Keefe’s resolve is put to the ultimate test as he confronts the darkest facets of human nature and dares to challenge the prevailing hysteria. O’Keefe must summon every ounce of his strength to uncover the shocking truth while struggling to reverse the relentless tide of injustice.
The Review
The author did a marvelous job of honing in on the real-life fear and terror many American families found themselves in during the late 80s. The setting, set during the Satanic Panic era, made this a compelling story. The mass hysteria and the criminals who preyed on the terror gripping the nation made this story feel very atmospheric.
As with the previous entries in this series, the heart of the narrative rested in the character development. The very personal and challenging nature of the crime the protagonist is investigating, as well as the shocking twists and turns the narrative takes, will leave fans eager for more adventures from this new private investigator lead. The gritty imagery the author’s writing utilized brought these crimes and the perpetrators to life in a visceral way, allowing the reader to feel the natural horror building up in this crime thriller.
The Verdict
Memorable, captivating, and thrilling, author Dan Flanigan’s “An American Tragedy” is a must-read crime thriller and the perfect next entry in the Peter O’Keefe series. Due on June 25th, 2024, this is the best way to preorder your copy of this narrative and see the gripping story that captures the heart of one of America’s scariest historical moments.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”
He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.
Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.
Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”
“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.
“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.
“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.
Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”
His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.
Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.
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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An eccentric bitcoin billionaire must escape the clutches of a relentless assassin and prevent his enemies from gaining control of a key to a mysterious genesis block in author Jeff Bryan’s “Genesis Block: A Novel”.
The Synopsis
A BITCOIN SUSPENSE THRILLER ABOUT KEEPING SATOSHI’S DREAM ALIVE
“The Merkle root secures the block. The Genesis Block holds the key.”
Secret Guardians who made Bitcoin unstoppable are being fatally pursued to decrypt a message that secures a key in a mysterious Genesis Block.
The year is 2059 and digital money is ubiquitous. The dominant form is bitcoin. Entrenched in the global financial system at $1.1 million per token, it had become too critical to fail. Eccentric bitcoin billionaire Alex Adisa and his seven Guardians of the secret Bitcoin Resilience Project establish an unlikely home for the stateless currency; governments are powerless to shut it down. Bitcoin will never fail. The project will continue for posterity through a cryptic succession protocol.
“The Merkle root secures the block. The Genesis Block holds the key.”
These words are inscribed in non-fungible tokens, to be delivered by smart contracts to Guardians on the event of Alex’s death. It would launch the orderly succession of Guardian leadership and transfer control of vast wealth. The succession protocol is initiated, yet Alex is alive and well.
Stumped by the conundrum inscribed in the NFT, a malicious agent pursues Guardians for answers, leaving a trail of death in the wake.
With an assassin on his heels, Alex scrambles to preserve his legacy and prevent an adversary from accessing a key in a mysterious genesis block.
The Review
This was a thrilling and captivating blend of sci-fi thriller and financial suspense mystery. The author expertly crafted a narrative grounded in reality and fantastic in scope. The futuristic setting and intense atmosphere helped elevate the tension, keeping the characters invested in this mystery’s action and suspense.
The heart of this narrative and the driving force behind the story is the blend of utilizing Bitcoin as the source of currency in the future and the dynamic character development that this novel holds. The memorable and complex character growth, especially for protagonist Alex, allowed the reader to see the progression and growth that went on, and the examination of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency as a whole in our society laid an excellent foundation for the overall mystery to flourish.
The Verdict
Harrowing, adrenaline-fueled, and engaging author Jeff Bryan’s Genesis Block: A Novel is a must-read financial and futuristic thriller. The narrative’s twists and turns, compelling character arcs, and unique spin on the growing cryptocurrency movement make this a must-read novel. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Jeff Bryan is a writer and speaker based in Toronto. He holds an Honours BA in Law and Society, and an MA in Socio-Legal Studies. Jeff wrote a Major Research Paper examining Bitcoin’s social utility and legal conflicts.
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 detective must work to solve who was responsible for the car bombing that nearly took his life in author Dan Flanigan’s “On Lonesome Roads”, the third book in the Peter O’Keefe series.
The Synopsis
SOME ROADS MUST BE WALKED ALONE
As private detective Peter O’Keefe continues to heal from the burns he suffered from the blast of a car bomb, neither he nor the police can prove who his assailants were. The media speculates that “The Outfit,” a mafia group in the city, is to blame. O’Keefe isn’t so sure, but he means to find out – and fast.
Terrified of another attack, O’Keefe’s ex-wife, Annie, won’t allow his eleven-year-old daughter near him except under the tightest security, including an armed guard. He can’t blame her. It isn’t safe for Kelly, or anyone else he cares about, to be near him while his attacker is on the loose.
In a desperate effort to keep his family safe and restore his life to some measure of normality, O’Keefe becomes consumed with solving the mystery of who is hunting him. Along the way, he’ll be forced to negotiate with The Outfit – a “devil’s bargain” that just might cost him everything.
The Review
The level of depth and development that this cast of characters took on was incredible to see come to life on the page. The intricacies of the corruption and violence that the protagonist came across both within the confines of The Outfit and the politicians that keep crime circulating were well developed and allowed the reader to feel the tension and heavy atmosphere the author created.
The complexities of the protagonist and his mindset were insightful and thoughtful. The balance the author struck between the investigation as a whole and the protagonist’s desire to repair his relationship with his family was remarkable to see come to life on the page. The suspicion and paranoia that come with an investigation like this and the personal nature of the case for Peter made this story fly by.
The Verdict
Memorable, thought-provoking, and entertaining author Dan Flanigan’s “On Lonesome Roads” is a must-read entry into the Peter O’Keefe series! The twists and turns in the story and the thoughtful approach to the noir thriller genre made this a gripping narrative that readers won’t put down. Be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dan Flanigan is a novelist, playwright, poet, and practicing lawyer. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Rice University and J.D. from the University of Houston. He taught Jurisprudence at the University of Houston and American Legal History at the University of Virginia. His first published book was his Ph.D. dissertation, “The Criminal Law of Slavery and Freedom, 1800-1868.”
He moved on from academia to serve the civil rights cause as a school desegregation lawyer, followed by a long career as a finance attorney in private law practice. He became a name partner in the Polsinelli law firm in Kansas City, created its Financial Services practice, chaired its Real Estate & Financial Services Department for two decades, and established the firm’s New York City office and served as its managing partner until October 2022.
Taking a break from the law practice for two years, he and his wife, Candy, founded Sierra Tucson, a prominent alcohol and drug treatment center located in Tucson, Arizona.
Recently, he has been able to turn his attention to his lifelong ambition—creative writing. In 2019 he released a literary trifecta including “Mink Eyes,” the first in what has become the Peter O’Keefe detective series, which was a 2023 Best Book Award Legacy Fiction Finalist, “Dewdrops,” a collection of shorter fiction, and “Tenebrae: A Memoir of Love and Death.”
“Tenebrae” is a bracelet of verse and prose poems dedicated to his wife, Candy, to honor her last illness and death and their 40-plus years together, a work that has been described as “celebratory” and “heartbreaking and exquisite.” It was a Finalist for both the 2022 IAN Book of the Year in Poetry and in the 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award in the Legacy: Autobiography/Memoir category.
“The Big Tilt”, the award-winning second book in the Peter O’Keefe series, was published in 2020 and has been described as “deft, hard-boiled, but literary prose that’s reminiscent of Raymond Chandler’s best work.” The Big Tilt won the 2022 National Indie Excellence Award for Crime Fiction and was a Finalist for the 2022 Independent Author Network’s Book of the Year in Thriller/Suspense. Most recently, “The Big Tilt” was a Legacy Fiction finalist for the prestigious Eric Hoffer Award as well as making the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Short List.
“On Lonesome Roads,” published April 26, 2022, is the third book in the series and continues in the award-winning tradition of its predecessor. Honored as a Notable 100 Book in the 2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, “On Lonesome Roads” has more recently been a finalist for Crime Fiction in the 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards (after “The Big Tilt” won the award in 2022), a silver medalist for the 2023 IPPY Ebook awards, and winner of the 2023 American Fiction Awards in the Mystery/Suspense category.
Dan has also written stage plays including “Secrets” (based on the life of Eleanor Marx) and “Moondog’s Progress” (inspired by the life of Alan Freed), which was awarded the 2022 Honorable Mention in the 91st Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition for “Script.”
His novella, “Dewdrops,” was originally written for the stage and enjoyed a full-cast staged reading at the Theatre of the Open Eye in New York. The short story collection comprised of “Dewdrops,” “On the Last Frontier” and “Some Cold War Blues” was a Finalist in the 2022 Independent Author Network Book of the Year for Short Story Collection and a 2022 American Book Fest “Best Book” Award Finalist in Fiction-Short Story.
Dan serves on the Board of Directors of Childhood USA, the U.S. arm of the World Childhood Foundation, established by Queen Silvia of Sweden, working to end child sexual abuse and exploitation everywhere. He divides his time among Kansas City, New York City, and Los Angeles.
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 man struggling to rebuild his life and a woman hiding from her past must contend with two vicious conspirators looking to reclaim her at any cost in author Melanie P. Smith’s “Mount Haven”, the first book in The Thin Blue Line series.
The Synopsis
When Evil finds her, will the hunters become the prey?
Rowdy Cooper was born into a family of cops, and he loves the family business. Then, one night, everything changes. He is shot in the line of duty and forced to retire. Depressed and a little lost, he moves to a sleepy little Montana town called Mount Haven. But, will the move prove therapeutic or lethal?
Bailey’s on the run. She landed in Mount Haven and fell in love with the peaceful little town immediately. She keeps to herself and reveals nothing, but her sharp mind and secretive nature has attracted the attention of the Cooper brothers. One is her new boss — the other the town sheriff, both are too perceptive.
As Rowdy struggles to rebuild his life, Bailey wrestles to keep her secrets hidden. But dangerous men are on the hunt… and Bailey is the prey. Suddenly, two sadistic conspirators emerge from the shadows united by one common goal; reclaim the woman that slipped from their grasp — and this time, there is nowhere safe to hide.
The Review
This was a gripping and compelling read. The author does a remarkable job of capturing the tension that builds between Rowdy and Bailey and in their lives, as well as these two dangerous individuals beginning to close in on Bailey. The intense action and suspense in this book allow the reader to get lost in the narrative itself, and the author’s descriptive writing allows the setting and atmosphere to become visualized quickly by the reader.
Yet, the character development really brought this story to life. From the dark and disturbing nature of the antagonists of this book and the horrific crimes, they committed to get to this point to the emotional core of both protagonists’ stories and the heated and passionate relationship that develops along the way, giving a nice balance of romance and action for readers to get lost in.
The Verdict
Memorable, exhilarating, and tense author Melanie P. Smith’s “Mount Haven” is a must-read action and suspense/romance novel. The twists and turns in the story and the shocking final stand against the antagonists will keep readers enthralled long after the book ends, eager for more from this incredible author. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Melanie P. Smith was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She has an Associates of Science degree in Marketing, a bachelor’s in Business Management, and a Masters Certificate in Conflict Resolution, Negotiation and Mediation.
Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. When Melanie’s not writing, she can be found riding her Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
A CIA agent must race against the clock to stop a deadly attack on his country in author and Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes’s “A Fifth of the Story”.
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The Synopsis
What happens when you work for the highest security agency in the world but you can’t trust anyone? What if you returned from overseas to protect your country but the country didn’t protect you anymore? Find out what happens when three close friends return from fighting the enemy abroad and are faced with the greatest battles of their lives stateside. They try to stop their country and families from imploding before time runs out.
The Review
This was an adrenaline-fueled story that immediately became a hit espionage thriller. The atmosphere and character development in this story really captured the fun and thrill of the recent Netflix series The Night Agent, hitting on the tension buildup between the characters and the intense action scenes that highlight the threat the protagonist faces.
This novel did an extraordinary job of utilizing imagery to create an almost cinematic reading experience that brought the reader into this action-packed thriller. Yet the tense atmosphere as the protagonist struggled to find a way of protecting those closest to him and the nation he loves, as well as the mystery behind those involved in this conspiracy, made this story shine bright.
The Verdict
Memorable, intense, and entertaining author Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes’s “A Fifth of the Story” is a must-read action and espionage thriller that readers will love getting lost in. The twists and turns the story takes and the protagonist’s story of resilience and hope in the face of adversity make this a gripping tale. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today.
Rating: 10/10
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About the Author
Dr. Katherine received her BA in English and a MA in Elementary Education at Adelphi University. She received her Doctorate of Education and Supervision at Arizona State University. Katherine taught for 8 years before moving to the principalship of K-8 and K-6 schools for approximately 10 years. She has served as a freelance writer for various magazines including, Church Weekly, Prom Guide and Glendale Magazine. When Katherine isn’t working as counselor or writing curriculum she loves painting and photography. Some of her work in art, poetry and short stories has been distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s contribution to the arts Award, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference. She also runs recreationally, coordinates fitness boot-camps for women and has a black belt in Taekwondo. Katherine loves speaking to groups delivering her messages with quick wit and real-life stories. She has been involved in church ministry for 18 years leading women’s ministry, teaching, playing piano, singing, and teaching liturgical dance.
