Tag: thriller

From The Dark Forest Hence They Came (A CRY IN THE MOON’S LIGHT Book Three) by Alan McGill 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. 

The Witch King and his supernatural army descend on a group of human survivors as a woman and her allies search for relics that could defeat the unrelenting army of the undead in author Alan McGill’s “From The Dark Forest Hence They Came”, the third book in the A Cry In The Moon’s Light series.

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The Synopsis

The Witch King and his Undead Army lay siege to Castle Parlimae. A deep ravine and high walls keep them at bay but evil does not give up so easily. Silver ammunition runs low, forcing Colonel Voelker to make an uneasy alliance as he awaits reinforcements.

Alessandra and her companions search the Dark Forest for a holy relic to defeat the undead. They arrive in Port Calibre to find it has been infiltrated by night creatures. And when the Black Fleet sails into the harbor, they barely escape with their lives.

More trouble awaits as they return to the City of Trevordeaux. The Witch King’s creatures loom amongst the destruction, for somewhere within these ruins lies a sacred book to lay all their secrets bare. But it may be too late, as an ancient evil far worse than the Witch King is on its way and time is running short.

Will Alessandra and her companions find what they need to defeat the Witch King? Can Colonel Voelker’s forces hold the castle long enough for Alessandra to return? Who will put an end to the Undead Wars.

To find out, you’ll have to look into the Dark Forest from Hence They Came.

The Review

This had to be author Alan McGill’s most explosive and compelling read to date in this series. The narrative harkens back to many horror and sci-fi fantasy reads and projects in the past, beginning with the main cast of characters, both friends and reluctant allies alike, separated by a seemingly impossible and unbeatable enemy. How these groups of survivors and heroes must face the escalating threats from the Witch King and the undead army attacking from multiple points of entry was both heart-pounding and terrifying, and yet provided enough action and suspense to keep the reader on the edge of their seats. 

The tension and atmospheric nature of the narrative felt like some of the author’s best cinematic imagery writing yet. The gothic, haunting tones of the dynamic settings of this story played well against the visceral, chilling behaviors and actions of the creatures the author brought to life on the page. Yet it was the dynamics between the cast of characters that stood out, with Alessandra a riveting protagonist to root for and become emotionally invested in, Colonel Voelker a complex and skilled survivor and soldier who must hold a castle against the never ending undead, and the Witch King a haunting figure of immense power that has an unexpected backstory readers will be shocked to see come to life on the page.

The Verdict

This may be Alan McGill’s most exhilarating and heart-pounding gothic horror thriller yet! The tension and drama that unfolds feels like a mix of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back meets the final battle with the white walkers in Game of Thrones, The Battle of Winterfell. The vast mythos and epic world-building the author pours into this narrative have unleashed a new era of supernatural horror that feels both historical and new at the same time. This is one book that readers will refuse to put down. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

2025 BOOK OF THE YEAR CONTENDER

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About the Author

Alan McGill is an American author who lives in an old farmhouse with a clowder of cats. Alan was close to his grandparents, who grew up during the Great Depression. They were married young and remained together until his grandmother’s passing. His grandfather served in the Navy during WWII and was a gifted storyteller who wove humorous tales about tough events. Alan grew up listening to these stories of right and wrong and watching fictional heroes–such as the Lone Ranger, Adam West’s Batman and Captain America–stand up to bullies and protect those who count not protect themselves. This inspired him to always do what was right in his own life and shaped his love of storytelling. He is a multigenre author whose debut novel, A Cry in the Moon’s Light, combines horror, romance, and mystery. As with all his books, A Cry in the Moon’s Light centers on characters who strive to do the right thing regardless of the adversity they face. The book focuses on the theme of love–a pure and deep love that defeats all evil.

https://www.alanmcgillbooks.com

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PRESS RELEASE: CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED AUTHOR JASON KRISTOPHER SHARES RENOWNED ZOMBIE BOOK SERIES “THE DYING OF THE LIGHT”

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn book news, Book Promotion, Creative Edge Publicity Press Releases, PRESS RELEASESLeave a comment

The Dying of the Light Series

World-ending literature at its best by critically acclaimed author Jason Kristopher

 “The best zombie book since World War Z!”

 “I didn’t see Rebecca die the second time.”A group of books on the cover AI-generated content may be incorrect.

Get END today to experience a zombie thriller packed with action, emotion, and the final flickers of hope.

The Dying of the Light (4 book series) Kindle Edition

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What Survivors Are Saying

“The Walker Chronicles add to an already excellent series of books by this talented author… these are like no other zombie books.” — Amazon Review

“There are few really impressive zombie series… a well thought-out tale that manages to emphasise the plight of the survivors while keeping the reader gripped to the book. It’s got tension, humour, intelligence and above all is written in an easy reading style that belies the superb and talented prose. Zombie fan or not you should read this.” — SF Book Reviews

“Kristopher’s invigorating prose and storytelling abilities blew me away as I read. He’s created an extremely scary novel intertwining real world current events with the zombie apocalypse. I was fascinated.” — A Book Vacation

“[Beginning is] an exhilarating and satisfying conclusion to the DYING OF THE LIGHT trilogy.”— George Wright Padgett, Author of Spindown, Cruel Devices, Addleton Heights, and Drift Pattern.

About Jason Kristopher:

Jason Kristopher is the award-winning author terrifying readers with zombies in The Dying of the Light, thrilling them with 1940s noir in Loco Moco, and harrowing them with boy-meets-gryphon-meets-robot adventure in When Iron Wakes. With the love of his life and the dog that rescued him by his side, he plots his next traumatizing stories from Florida beaches.

Find more information at jasonkristopher.com or The Fire in Our Heads (Patreon).

To request review copies or an interview with Jason Kristopher, please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com

The Emancipation of Limits by A. Paj Turner 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 battle-hardened veteran navigates a treacherous path to save his community from corruption and inequality in the novel “The Emancipation of Limits” by A. Paj Turner.

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The Synopsis

Richie, a visionary and an entrepreneur, returned to Chicago to help build businesses in the black communities. He provided better opportunities for his people by recreating the success of Black Wall Street using profits from the drug trade. Richie planned to exit the game once he felt the communities could flourish without his assistance. However, his connect takes extreme measures to solidify Richie’s ties to the business. Richie’s ability to adapt to any situation is tested by the unpredictability of the violence of the game, which leaves him vulnerable and pressured to stay the course. To add to his already difficult situation, an opposing crime organization and Chicago’s deadliest gangs aim to knock him off his path toward emancipating his people from society’s controlling influences. Can Richie overcome the obstacles and roadblocks placed before him? Or will he and his team fall victim to the streets, sending their revolutionary plans up in a blaze?

The Review

This was such a compelling and gripping crime thriller meets urban fiction drama. The visceral imagery and atmosphere that the author laces throughout every chapter make the story come to life on the page. The rich settings, from the cold streets of Chicago to the warm yet deadly underbelly of Belize and beyond, make this novel feel cinematic in its delivery, keeping readers enthralled with the growing narrative from start to finish.

The driving force behind this narrative was the dynamic character development of the protagonist, Richie. The author first introduces him as a cold, heartless mobster, but slowly unravels the layers of this character to reveal a heartbroken soldier who is willing to use the path society has put him on to create a better world for his community, even at the expense of his soul. The shocking realities of the life of criminality he is immersed in and the twisted games that opposing gangs and organizations play to drive a wedge in his plans create the tension and heart-pounding action that drives any great crime thriller, yet shines a light on the injustices and inequalities so many in the African American community face every day at the same time. 

The Verdict

Memorable, engaging, and thrilling, author A. Paj Turner’s “The Emancipation of Limits” is a must-read crime thriller that blends urban fiction elements. The twists and turns the novel takes, the vast cast of characters, and the dynamic attention to detail in bringing the gritty and chilling nature of crime and its impact on communities to life make this one novel readers will be hard-pressed 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

My name is A. PAJ Turner and I was born on the 29th of December, 1971, in Chicago, IL. My parents are Russell Leon Turner Sr. and Joann Turner. They divorced when I was two and he was an absent father to my brother and I. He died in 2002, of natural causes, but had two strokes that probably aided with his passing. He was fifty-two when he passed. My older brother, Russell Jr, took the role as my guardian and protector as he ensured if harm ever came our way, he would shield me at all cost. He was my first superhero and I looked up to him because he had abilities that I felt I could never obtain.

My early childhood was a typical middle-class environment in the 1970’s. My mom worked for Illinois Bell and my grandfather, Richard Watson Sr., who lived with us was my first and the example of what a man should be like. I did everything an inner-city kid would do for fun. Ring doorbells and run, play hide and go seek, kill-the-man, baseball, and other mischievous things. Snowball, rock and crabapple fights,was the thing to do in our neighborhood. When Michael Jordan touched down in Chicago, every child dream was to be like Mike, so basketball became my dream.

My mom did not want Public School education for my brother and I, so she sent us to catholic schools from Kindergarten through High School. I wasn’t the best student, I understood the work, but school just didn’t interest me. My grades showed it and my brother, my defense attorney pleaded his case to mom on why my grades was the way they were. I was proud that he would represent me. As my mom stood there, frowning with her hands on her hip with her leather belt folded in her right hand, she listened. When he told her, my F wasn’t really an F, what he did wrong was or trying to drag a teacher’s work ethic through the mud…. In short, he never won a case. It would have made more sense for my brother to tell her that I was adopted. He never hesitated to tell me that. He reasoning was because I didn’t have many baby pictures.

Eighth grade was the last straw for my mom and grandfather. I remember my grandfather and I was having a conversation about my grades. He said that he didn’t want to die knowing I was doing bad in school. That destroyed me! They last thing I ever wanted was for him to die and not showing him what I could become. I honor rolled in High School and went on to Kennedy King Jr. College on a basketball scholarship. One night, heading to a home game, I got held at gunpoint. I was at the wrong place at the wrong time. My uncle, Richard Watson Jr., convinced me to join the military and don’t look back. I did just that.

https://www.apajturner.com/

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INTERVIEW: Diane Bator, Author of Diamond on the Rocks

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn InterviewsLeave a comment

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

I’ve always been an avid reader, so writing was a natural next step. I’ve loved words and puzzles since I was a kid, as well as reading mysteries. When I came across a contest using an old Murder Mystery Party game, I thought I’d give it a try. I won the contest and my first novella, Murder on Manitou, was published. Opening a fresh box of books is totally addicting and I’ve opened many since!

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2) What inspired you to write your book?

Diamond on the Rocks is book 2 in my AJ Cadell Mystery series. The series was inspired by weekend summers spent at Lake Huron and the thought of a big house on the rocky shoreline, which is where I’d intended the series to take place. Flash forward a few years, and I now live in Alberta rather than Ontario. I had changed the locations to pitch to a publisher, then decided I’d keep the story in Canada. Alison (AJ) Cadell is a budding romance writer who starts off living in Toronto, then moves to the fictional town of Cedar Grove on Vancouver Island when someone makes her an offer to become a Writer in Residence. In book 1, she discovers her long lost family and solves the murders of her grandparents.

In book 2, she’s helping with an annual local event when the caterer disappears.

Book 3 will come out in 2026. Alison’s mother—who kidnapped she and her sister as children—makes a surprise visit and chaos ensues. This will be the final book in the series.

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

Over the series, Alison learns the importance of family as well as not believing what everyone tells you to be true. She needs to face her own demons generated by childhood trauma in order to move forward with her new life on Vancouver Island.

When her sister and best friend join her, they become more tightly bonded as friends and begin working together to help build each other’s dreams.

4) What drew you into this particular genre?

I have always loved a good puzzle, a good mystery, and have become pretty good at guessing whodunnit while watching movies and so on. I chose to write cozies, which are light and clean without the blood and gore, so they can entertain on a more humorous level, as well as intrigue.

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

I would sit down with the caterer, Blair Diamond, who I found the most interesting since her life leads Alison on a bit of a wild goose chase. She just seemed to be a larger-than-life character who died before Alison could get to know her.

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

I’m a big fan of a Facebook page called Cozy Mystery Village, as well as a small publisher called Aconite Café, which is where I got my start writing Dash Allman detective stories. With every new book, I seem to find new readers on both of those.

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

Don’t expect big things right from the start. It takes time to hone your craft and find your voice. Make friends with other writers and develop a thick skin. We all love to help other authors, but there will be times people give feedback or advice that you’d rather not hear. 

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

Once Diamond on the Rocks comes out in September, I’m taking a brief, much needed vacation! Then I’ll be working on a new romance novel or two.

I will work on Book 3 for AJ Cadell Mysteries over the winter as well as editing Book 3 in my Glitter Bay Mystery series called All That Shimmers. I hope readers will watch for those!

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About the Author

Diane Bator is a mom of three, a book coach, and the author of over a dozen mystery novels and many works-in-progress. She has also hosted the Escape With a Writer blog to promote fellow authors and is a member of Sisters in Crime Toronto, the Writers Union of Canada, and a board member of Crime Writers of Canada. When she’s not writing and coaching authors, she works for a professional theatre. No surprise she’s written her first play, which may lead to more. 

Her website is https://dianebator.ca/ 

Her books are available through her publisher Books We Love at: https://bookswelove.net/bator-diane/ 

Visage of Moros (Decay Abloom Book 1) by Tamel Wino 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 grieving father descends into obsession in his search for justice as the past and present collide in author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros”, the first book in the Decay Abloom series.

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The Synopsis

A relentless first instalment of the Decay Abloom series that probes into the psychological toll of grief and the blurred lines between justice and vengeance.

In the wake of a vicious and calamitous loss, Drystan Caine finds himself on the verge, his life thrown into chaos. With the law enforcement investigation stagnating, he embarks on a self-imposed crusade. However, as Drystan becomes increasingly consumed by this undertaking, his personal and professional life starts to unravel.

Driven by deep resentment and reckless desperation, this rogue pursuit of justice rapidly takes a treacherous turn. As Drystan draws closer to uncovering the truth, he must confront how far he is willing to go before succumbing to darkness.

Flea and Tick

The Review

This was such a compelling, haunting, and gripping read. The author does an incredible job of transporting the reader into this visceral and gritty world of grief and vengeance. The chilling imagery and raw emotions the author pours into this story help ground the narrative and emphasize the trauma that so many parents feel when facing such a horrific loss, especially when it comes to a murder investigation.

The balance of suspense, dark thriller, and raw character-driven narrative made this story incredible. Readers get to see both the past and present collide to showcase the horrors of losing a child and the dark path that those in grief will often go to find justice or make sense of what happened to those they love. The horrors, the heartbreak, and the duality of the protagonist being both a loving father and family man who turns to alcohol and obsession in the wake of such trauma all lean into the theme of grief and how it can change anyone, even if it blinds them in the end.

The Verdict

Suspenseful, gripping, and engaging, author Tamel Wino’s “Visage of Moros” is a must-read psychological thriller and dark mystery read. The twists and turns in the narrative, including Drystan’s descent throughout the book and the truth behind his daughter’s death, will stay with readers long after the book ends. They will keep readers invested emotionally and mentally in the protagonist’s heartbreaking struggle. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

Tamel Wino is a Canadian award-winning, dark fiction author from resplendent British Columbia. His works focus largely on the erratic facets of human sanity and morality. He majored in Health Sciences and Psychology, which only furthered his interest in human nature.

With inspirations including Ray Bradbury, Jack Ketchum, Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, Margaret Atwood and Edgar Allan Poe; Tamel’s expositions are strongly grounded in traditions of dark fiction. Yet, with his bold narrative voice and incisive plot construction, Wino is paving a new movement within the space.

When he is not reading or scribbling away on his laptop, Tamel often indulges in stargazing, rekindling classic shows and unearthing obscure music.

Dinked: Serenity Acres by Crystal Quast 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. 

Secrets are unraveled and rivalries are ignited as a battle between the pickleball and tennis communities leads to deadly consequences in author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres.” 

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The Synopsis

If you love cozy mysteries, welcome to Serenity Acres in the town of Southpoint, where everyone is a hot mess with a secret to hide.

Dinked: Secrets of Serenity Acres, dives deep into the deadly tensions between pickleball and tennis players in the bucolic, ball-buster neighborhood. When Margot Fields tries to push through a plan to expand the local courts, secrets start to come to the surface and residents start to unravel. It’s a death match to the end, but who will come out unscathed in this fun, feisty thriller?

The Review

This was such a compelling and engaging cozy mystery thriller. The balance of wit and charm that the story brought to life, both in the humor of the character interactions and the drama as tensions rise between them all, made this a thrilling read. The Imagery in the author’s writing allowed the reader to feel fully immersed in this small community, and the author did a great job of making sure the violence and more mature content happened off-page, leaning heavily into the cozy mystery atmosphere that the genre is known for.

What drove this narrative forward so well was the character development and the theme of change that the book embraced. The ways these characters either fought against change or tried to embrace it speak to the struggle so many communities have with adopting new approaches over time. The drama and the tension between this cast of characters, whether it was protagonist Margot and her rival Daphne, each of whom have their struggles behind closed doors, or the competitiveness of those who see pickleball as a progressive step in a new sport or those who see it as the death of tennis as a whole, these dynamic character events infuse both drama and humor into the narative, which helped elevate the overall mystery of these threats and the twisted nature of the town’s secrets. 

The Verdict

Visceral, humorous, and mysterious, author Crystal Quast’s “Dinked: Serenity Acres” is a must-read cozy mystery thriller. The twists and turns in the narrative, the shocking revelations about the town and its citizens, and the complex web of connections among the citizens of this town will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the book’s final shocking pages. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author

With over twenty years of spinning stories in corporate communications, Dinked: Serenity Acres. Where Secrets Barely Stay Hidden is Crystal Quast’s debut novel. When she’s not writing, Crystal loves playing pickleball and tennis, paddleboarding, hiking, and spending time with her family.

Savior of Lost Souls (Retribution Series Book One) by James R. Bateman 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 powerful being must traverse time to block a great tragedy and save an innocent family in author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls”, the first book in the Retribution series. 

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The Synopsis

In a world where the threads of fate are woven with the hands of ancient gods, one divine being must step into the lives of a seemingly perfect family to prevent a tragedy that could shatter their world forever.

Since the dawn of humanity, the ancient god Lavek has been around, listening to the anguished cries of souls taken before their time. In the purgatory existence of Ul’Den, these restless spirits yearn for a second chance.

Every so often, a spirit’s plea is so loud it stands out above all else. Lavek is drawn to the time and place leading up to their death. His mission is to save them before that fateful moment and deliver retribution to those responsible. He is merciless to the guilty and a savior to the innocent.

In 1986, the Williams family seems to have it all – a good house, stable jobs, and a perfect daughter. They are the epitome of happiness. But their world is about to be shattered.

Lavek must piece together the clues, as he races against time to prevent a tragic loss. His journey tests his resolve and wisdom at every turn. Can he alter fate and save them from their darkest hour?

Experience a tale where the stakes are high, and the outcome hinges on the choices of one powerful being striving to bring justice to the world. Get your copy today and dare to unravel the mystery and see if fate can truly be rewritten in Savior of Lost Souls.

Savior of Lost Souls is the first installment of the dark fantasy thriller Retribution series.

The Review

This was one of the more compelling and gripping dark fantasy reads I’ve come across in a while. The story balances dark fantasy with a crime thriller reminiscent of stories like the film Prisoners and The Lovely Bones, as readers are plunged into a tale of a family torn apart by tragedy and the lone figure who sees the wrongs that need to be righted again. The detail and the imagery of the author’s writing style felt transportive as readers were plunged into the 80s and a story that felt almost cinematic on the page. 

The dynamic character development and essential themes the author delved into were equally matched with the world-building that brought the whole story together. The cosmic realms and ideas around destiny and fate were so creative in this story, and just as much as Lavek was a powerful and gripping hero to get behind, the family this story focuses on is relatable and heartbreaking in their delivery of the story. The two villains of this tale are haunting and instantly draw the reader’s ire when their story unravels. 

The Verdict

A suspenseful and entertaining dark fantasy and thriller, author James R. Bateman’s “Savior of Lost Souls” is a must-read book and a grand first entry into the Retribution series. The twists and turns the narrative takes, the metaphysical and philosophical themes and concepts the author plays with, and the balance of action with world-building and mythos make this a compelling novel that readers 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

Born and raised in Staffordshire, England, James has spent over thirty years working in the IT and software industry. Along the way, his fascination with storytelling and narrative development led him to dive into fiction writing.

James is currently working on a series of novels, blending fantasy, urban fiction, and crime, with his debut book Savior of Lost. His stories explore life, death, and morality, as well as how the human spirit endures through complex and challenging times.

When he’s not writing, James enjoys spending time with his family, going to the gym, and indulging in his love for reading and video games. He lives with his wife, two grown-up kids, a dog, and three cats.

https://jamesrbateman.com/

Written Just For You by Lincoln James 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 young man falls for a young woman hidden by local legends and seeks to tell her story in author Lincoln James’s “Written Just For You.”

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The Synopsis

Some love stories are written in the stars. This one is written in blood.

Will wasn’t supposed to stay in town. Jean wasn’t supposed to meet him. And the book she gave him? It wasn’t meant to be read.

Depoe Bay is a place of whispers—where the fog clings too close and stories go unanswered. The town says Jean is a ghost, a siren, a memory that never made it out of the water. But Will knows she’s real. He’s seen her. Heard her laugh. Felt something shift.

And now that he’s read her words…He can’t let her go.

As the town turns colder, the secrets grow louder—about the past, the dead, and what love refuses to bury.

Some girls don’t make it out of their stories.

But Will’s about to make sure this one does.

The Review

This was such a compelling and captivating read. The author perfectly brought a tale of suspense and intrigue to life on the page, carefully illuminating a time of significant change and uncertainty in the world (the 60s), and hitting readers with a healthy balance of thriller action and heartbreaking emotion. The visceral imagery in the author’s writing style effectively captures the tension and shocking moments that will stay with readers as they reach the climax of this tale.

Yet even with such a powerful story filled with shocking and heart-pounding thrills, the core of this narrative was in the gut-punch of emotional character growth. The heart of the story lies in the love story, which is wrapped in powerful themes of identity, grief, and finding hope. The way both Jean and Will are drawn together, and how love can be transformative, altering a person’s path in ways they couldn’t have expected, plays out perfectly here and elevates the psychological nature of this thriller.

The Verdict

Memorable, entertaining, and heartfelt, author Lincoln James’s “Written Just For You” is a must-read mystery thriller with a romantic spin. The angst and trauma that both Will and Jean represent, as well as how the author explores how expectations and quick judgments by so many can make a person feel trapped in a life not their own, were extensively represented here, and made the more shocking and twisted moments of the climax hit home a lot harder. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

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About the Author



Lincoln James, your favorite author’s favorite author, is celebrated for his haunting love stories, vintage thrillers, and slow-burn suspense. His characters feel, ache, and bleed, often trapped between the past and the people who won’t let them forget it.

In 2025, James was featured in The New York Review and named Best New Thriller Author in New York by Best of Best Review, honors recognizing his compelling storytelling and emotional depth.

When he’s not writing, James is a Communication professor in New York City and cherishes moments with friends and family, proving that the most thrilling tales lie in the love and laughter shared with those closest to us.

https://thelincolnjames.com/

Diamond on the Rocks (A.J. Cadell Mystery Book 2) by Diane Bator 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. 

The caterer to a Christmas Ball is found dead, and a writer and budding bed and breakfast owner must solve the case before a major ice storm hits in author Diane Bator’s “Diamond on the Rocks”, the second book in the A.J. Cadell Mysteries series. 

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The Synopsis

When A. J. (Alison Jane) Cadell took over Thistlewood Manor, she fully intended to turn it into the bed and breakfast Grandma Bebe dreamed of before her death – except for a few minor hurdles. Not only does Alison have a new romance novel to finish, a Writer-in-Residence gig to get through, visitors coming from Toronto, and a party to help organize, the caterer has gone missing. More specifically, Blair Diamond who is catering the McKittrick Christmas Ball in less than two weeks.

Then Alison and her boyfriend, Mac, find Blair’s body on the beach behind Thistlewood and she is dragged into the rat’s nest that made up Blair’s life. Can she track down the killer before the Ice Storm of the Century hits Cedar Grove or will Alison become another target?

The Review

This was a masterful and gripping mystery thriller. The author did an incredible job of balancing the suspenseful atmosphere with rich character development. The small island setting and tension added to the atmospheric nature of the story, and kept the reader invested as the novel developed.

The heart of this narrative was in the compelling mystery and the dynamic character arcs. The author was able to craft characters that felt relatable, lending a cinematic quality to the overall story. The story itself had a good balance of subplots, from the hardships Alison’s sister Roxie endured upon her arrival on the island to the stress of planning a major party, and then the draw of the murder mystery surrounding the death of the caterer. The infusion of her late grandmother’s found manuscript and its relation to the mystery of Alison’s past was an even bigger draw, drawing the reader further and further into the world the author created.

The Verdict

Thrilling, entertaining, and compelling, author Diane Bator’s upcoming mystery thriller novel “Diamond on the Rocks” is a must-read and a grand entry in the A.J. Cadel Mysteries series. The twists and turns in the narrative as Alison uncovers the truth, the hints of romance between herself and Mac, and the mystery of Alison’s past all keep the reader interested and 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

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

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

https://www.dianebator.ca/