Tag: thrillers

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Where The Dead Ones Play: A Supernatural Horror by Kyle M. Scott Book Review

Reviewers Note: “I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.”

Let me start off by saying this: this was one of the best written horror thrillers I’ve read this year. This story took so many twists that by
the end of the story I was left breathless. Here is the synopsis for Kyle M. Scott’s “Where The Dead Ones Play: A Supernatural Horror”:

Matt Shaw Presents Kyle M Scott’s “Where The Dead Ones Play”
PLEASE NOTE: This title is a re-release of “Protection”. Please do not purchase if you have already read “Protection” – unless, of course, you want to!

Lilith Sinclair has disappeared.

Two days have passed since pretty nine year old, Lilith, vanished without a trace, shaking the once peaceful seaside town of Arlington, Oregon,
to its very core. The locals are scared, the community fears the worst, and a terrible dread has nestled in the hearts of the town’s mothers and
fathers .

The parents are terrified that their child could be next.

James Kember is one such parent. An author of horror fiction, James is no stranger to the macabre, but when strange messages begin appearing
around his home that seem to target his beloved son, Eddie, he begins to understand true fear.

Someone, or something, is coming for his boy. It wants to take his only child down into the darkness. Now, to protect little Eddie, James will
have to embrace a darkness that is all his own.

For the others are waiting, where the dead ones play.

Includes introduction from Matt Shaw – author of Sick B*stards and the sick mind behind the infamous Black Cover books

What starts as a thriller looking into the disappearance of a young child quickly becomes a dark road filled with chilling strangers who pose
a threat to James Kember and his son. The horrors from both outside forces and from within are felt strongly in this story, and getting to
read the story from the protagonist’s perspective made this such an emotional roller-coaster. The character development of James Kember was one of
the most invested parts of this story, and throughout the story you learn that no one in this town may be what they seem, and the truth behind
this child’s abduction is more complicated than anything anyone can imagine.

The story is a short but fun read, and I absolutely loved the twist ending that I didn’t see coming. The imagery used by the protagonist in this
story is haunting yet beautiful, and the setting for the story felt so real that you could picture yourself walking through the town itself,
speaking with the residents and feeling the tense atmosphere the missing girl’s case has spread throughout the town. This is a must read
horror story, and I highly recommend you guys get your copies of this story now if you haven’t already. Be sure to pick up your copies of
Where The Dead Ones Play by Kyle M. Scott today!

Rating: 10/10

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Alchemy: a story of perfect murder by Chris James Book Review

A thrilling tale of horror, suspense, and ancient mysteries brought to life. This is what author Chris James brings to his incredible historical
psychological thriller, Alchemy: a story of perfect murder. The trial of the century navigates the dark history of a brilliant young genius who’s
innocence becomes lost in a world of horrific science as he slowly turns into an unrecognizable monster. When a young artist finds he has cracked
the code for a formula to maintain immortality and to raise the dead, he soon learns his discovery has come with a price: the death of his love
and inspiration. His need to return her to the land of the living has him traversing the moral line as his mind becomes lost to drugs and his
determination to save her drives him to use the formula he’s discovered from the ancient tome: Alchemy. However, his only surviving muse learns
that things may not be what they seem, and she’ll have to learn for herself whether the young artist she cares for is innocent of the crimes
he’s accused of, or if she’s become infatuated with a monster.

Exploring the life of the people of Victorian Era London, the lines between science and ancient magic blur as the impossible becomes possible.
Readers will be delighted to explore the historical aspect of the story, looking into the beginning of hard science and the old beliefs in the
“magic” that comes from potions and concoctions. The reader will find themselves questioning the characters and their motives throughout the
tale, and by the last page you will not be able to catch your breath as the truth is revealed. With some incredibly original characters that are
amazing and engaging to read. This is a must read novel in the historical-thriller genre, so be sure to check it out now and follow Chris James as
this reviewer cannot wait to read more of this author’s work.

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Don’t You Cry by Mary Kubica Book Review:

A dark, twisted tale that takes the reader on a roller coaster of emotions with every twist and turn. That’s how this writer would describe author Mary Kubica’s thriller, Don’t You Cry. Secrets and lies lead to a mysterious disappearance and a strange encounter for the two protagonists of this incredible story.

When a young woman living in downtown Chicago named Esther Vaughn disappears without a trace, her roommate and friend Quinn is left to figure out what happened to her friend after she discovers a mysterious note left behind and signed “My Dearest.” Meanwhile a young man named Alex Gallo living in a small Michigan town outside of Chicago meets a mysterious woman, and he is immediately drawn to her. Yet soon his infatuation leads him onto a dark path that he never thought he’d be on. Will Quinn discover what happened to Esther, or are there dark secrets that will have her questioning who her roommate really is? Will Alex discover that his crush will come with unintended consequences?

The themes explored in this novel are the biggest draw of this incredible new thriller. Obsession and deception drive this amazing plot, while the characters themselves embody these themes to the point where anyone can be involved in the disappearance, and by the time the book ends the connection between Alex and Quinn, two strangers, will have readers on the edge of their seat. This is a must read thriller in 2016, so be sure to pick up your copies of Mary Kubica’s Don’t You Cry, available now!

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The Wharf Butcher by Michael K. Foster Review

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

Have you ever wanted to find a book that perfectly embodied the spirit and format of such great shows as Broadchurch and Sherlock? Then look
no further than author Michael K. Foster’s incredible novel, The Wharf Butcher. An intense crime thriller that does an excellent job of analyzing
character growth and showcasing the deep emotional scars that make a monster in our society, this is a fantastic read!

A serial killer is stalking Tyneside. But there is a pattern to his killings, his choice of victims, his method of slaughter. David Carlisle, a
criminal profiler, is brought in to assist DCI Jack Mason with his task of identifying the killer and stopping him in his tracks. The Wharf
Butcher is a fast-paced thriller that shines a light on the dark forces at work within the corridors of power, in the board room and the police
force itself. The clock is ticking to catch the monster that has been unleashed. But first Carlisle must get inside the killer’s head…

Combining the intrigue of a whodunit with the disturbing nature of serial killers and the emotional core of a great television drama, the first
novel in the building series focused on two intriguing new investigators is a smash hit from the opening pages all the way to the shocking
conclusion. The depth for which the author explores each side of a murder investigation is phenomenal to read, and not only do we get glimpses
into the personal lives of the investigators and how their lives affect their work, but readers will love to get into the gritty dark side of
the mentality of this serial killer. Will the investigators be able to stop this killer before it’s too late? Be sure to pick up your copies of
The Wharf Butcher by Michael K. Foster today to find out!

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Don’t Say a Word (Strangers Series)  by Jennifer Jaynes Review:

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

Before I get into how amazing a story this book is, I feel I must make to notes at the beginning of this review. First of all, I love the work
of author Jennifer Jaynes and thought this was a fantastic book. Secondly, as I’m sensitive to how people can be triggered by reading certain
storylines, I feel I must say that if you find you are susceptible to being triggered by storylines involving mental health and plots involving
cutting, then be warned that this book delves into both these topics wholly. The book doesn’t use these topics haphazardly or force them into
the story without precedent, but I wanted to put that warning out there before anyone decided to read this book. Now that that’s done, let’s get
into the review.

This is the third book in the Strangers series by Jennifer Jaynes, and yet Don’t Say a Word can easily work as a stand-alone novel, doing a
phenomenal job of integrating the events of the first two books as a backstory in the character of Allie Callahan, a single mother who’s haunted
by her past, with both her mother and brother suffering from mental illnesses and made them into serial killers. Now with her son Sammy to keep
her focused, she finds herself with a fragile form of happiness living with her son and adoptive mother in East Texas. However, her world will be
put to the test when 12-year old twins Zoe and Carrie arrive on her doorstep, traumatized by the murders of their mother and father. When mysterious
phone calls and a rising body count come to light, and the girls remain troubled by what they witnessed, Allie must face her fears as she hopes
she won’t succumb to insanity and loose her happiness once and for all.

The book has a phenomenal mystery that does a wonderful job of delving deep into the true nature of mental health, and sheds the misconceptions
that mental disease equals bad or evil, which is something that has been distastefully used in popular media in recent years. The twisted thriller
explores some great themes, from family and genetic disposition to self-worth and motherhood. Fans of the series will enjoy getting this new
glimpse at protagonist Allie, while newcomers will enjoy the heart-pounding adventure as the truth behind the murders of the girl’s parents comes
to light slowly. This is a must-read novel that has phenomenal and real character development, and makes this writer excited to see more from
author Jennifer Jaynes in the future! Be sure to pick up your copies of Don’t Say a Word today!

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11/22/63 by Stephen King Review:

The master of horror and suspense has done it again, bringing a unique and epic look back at American history in his novel, 11/22/63. The story
follows Jake Epping, a high-school English teacher who is thrust into a world-changing adventure when his friend and local diner owner Al shows
him a ripple in time residing in his diner’s pantry. Al, who a day ago was living and thriving, is now much older and dying, and wants Jake’s
help in stopping Lee Harvey Oswald from assassinating John F. Kennedy. When he learns that each time he steps into the past, he goes back to
the exact same day, in 1958, he first goes back in time to help another friend of his, Harry Dunning, whom was brain damaged after his father
murdered his family and left him for dead. After a mildly successful trip to the past and stopping the murder, he realizes he has the power to
rewrite history, but will face life and death situations when the timeline tries to stop him from meddling. Soon he returns to the past, and
spends years there, investigating and following the life of Lee Oswald in order to determine if he was the sole assassin. However life gets
complicated when he meets Sadie, and falls in love. Juggling a desire to stay in the past and continue his mission to save Kennedy, Jake must
face the complications of living a double life, fighting the timeline’s attempts to stop him and saving the woman he loves from the dangers of
her past.

The book is a phenomenal read, and showcases that Stephen King is still at the top of his game. Getting a very real sense of what life was like
back in the late 50’s and early 60’s, this novel showcases the vast difference in societal views, exploring themes of racial tensions, religious
over-saturation and the global political scene as a whole. It actual has a lot of bearing on the current political landscape in our world, and
manages to bridge the gap between the past and the present. It also is a thrilling adventure, that explores the age old question, are things
meant to happen the way they do, or can they be changed? 11/22/63 is a must read novel that demonstrates to new readers why Stephen King is still
a master of his craft, while longtime fans will enjoy the nods to Stephen King’s established universe and the larger than life questions he always
asks through the themes of his novels. If you haven’t yet, you should read this book today!

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Hellbound by David McCaffrey Review

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks

Evil has a new face in author David McCaffrey’s sensational novel, “Hellbound.” This book is a thrilling tale that explores both the complex mind
of a serial killer and the effects he has on the world.

The story follows Obadiah Stark, aka “The Tally Man”, a ruthless serial killer who is facing execution at ADX Absolom, a desolate prison similar
to Alcatraz. With the witnesses present and an eager journalist who’s followed The Tally Man’s long career as a killer, Stark is put to death,
but journalist Joe O Connell finds some odd things that make the execution come into question. Soon he begins to uncover secrets while looking
into the mind of the killer that will bring the execution into a whole new light. Meanwhile, Stark awakens to find himself in a whole new world.
Expecting oblivion after his death, he learns he’s back in his childhood hometown, with a wife and child and a whole new life he has no memory
of. After rejecting this life and going on a viscous killing spree, (ending with a police shootout that claimed his life), Stark reawakens to
find the day has reset, and this new life has restarted for Stark again. After the day repeats over and over again, Stark is forced to examine
himself and face the grim reality of the dormant emotions that reside within him.

This is a unique thriller that takes readers on a exciting journey to discover the true meaning of justice, morality, and evil. Part horror
story, part conspiracy thriller, the alternating POV’s between Joe and Obadiah offer a great view on both sides of the story, from both the
eyes of the journalist fighting to learn the truth to the eyes of a demented killer getting in touch with his humanity. The author has created
a fun world that easily conjured up a cinematic feeling, like this was something I could watch on television today. With a twist ending that
leaves readers wanting to delve deeper into the world of this story, Hellbound is a fantastic read that everyone should read today. Be sure to
pick up your copy of David McCaffrey’s “Hellbound” today!

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The Killing of Mummy’s Boy by Joan Ellis Review:

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

A fresh new take on the thriller genre takes form in The Killing of Mummy’s Boy, an incredible novel written by Joan Ellis. Written to feel like
a classic, 1970’s era murder/mystery British film, the novel follows Sandra, a young woman who’s son Carl is in the Witness Protection Programme.
Aboard a train, she meets a stranger, who’s past is steeped in murder. Unknown to her at the time, she reports a missing card on the phone and
gives out her personal information for Ben, the murderer she meets on the train, to hear. With her son on the run after helping put local
gangster Lee Elliot behind bars for murder, Sandra finds herself alone and afraid as this mysterious murderer now knows her address, and so much
more. Soon she is in a hair-raising, high-stakes game of life and death as someone begins breaking into her home, and she begins to cross paths
with Ben in several unexpected ways.

The artful way this book is written gives tribute to the rich culture of England, from the streets of London to the isolated countryside. The
internal struggle of Sandra is heart-pounding and emotional as well, allowing the reader to empathize and feel the pain she suffers as the story
progresses. What really sets this story apart from others is the great attention to detail, whether it’s through the settings of the story to the
chaotic character exchanges or the twists and turns in the story itself. The Killing of Mummy’s Boy is a phenomenal hit thriller for author
Joan Ellis, and the exploration of moral integrity, right and wrong and the true meaning of family are expertly explored throughout the novel.
Pick up your copy of The Killing of Mummy’s Boy by Joan Ellis today!

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Interview with Frank Freudberg:

1) Tell us a little about yourself and your book, Baby Please Don’t Go.


I’m a ghost writer, journalist and novelist. I’m married with one
teenage son and we live outside of Philadelphia. I’ve been writing all
my life. I’ve always loved writing and working for myself – even going
as far as dropping out of high school to pursue my craft. I believe in
Mark Twain’s adage: Never let your schooling interfere with your
education.

2) What was the inspiration for this novel?


My son – and every parent’s nightmare: losing a child, no matter how that loss may occur.

3) What would you say the biggest difference/challenge was between writing this novel and your previous novel, Find Virgil?


The two books are wholly different and Find Virgil is a pure thriller while Baby Please Don’t Go fits squarely in a non-existent genre some have called “modern noir romance.”

4) What or who inspired you to create the characters in this book, like Lock and Natalie?


The two characters you mention are amalgams of people I know, including a few people who I wish I didn’t know.

5) What authors or books helped inspire you and your writing?


Thomas Berger, author of 20 novels, including Little Big Man. I like to say he’s America’s greatest living novelist – however, I can’t say that as he died a year and a half ago.

6) What would you say interests you more from a writer’s perspective: developing the plot or the characters?


That’s
an easy one for me: characters. Once I have detected a heartbeat within
a character I’m trying to bring to life, the plot kind of suggests
itself. “Character is drama,” someone said. I agree.

7) What characters in Baby Please Don’t Go do you sympathize or identify with more than the others?


I most identify with Lock; I share some of his troubles and some of his joy.

8) Have you ever wanted to dabble in other genres besides the thriller genre, or is this a genre you are passionate about?


I
don’t feel like I need to stick with one genre. I love writing and I
write what presents itself to me. In both the novels mentioned in this
interview, I wrote the books and only then did I notice that (at least
one of them) might fit into an established genre. I’ve often wondered if
there’s a genre called, “Don’t Waste Your Time,” since that was the
sentiment of more than one Amazon reviewer. Speaking of Amazon
reviewers, I recently received a 1-star review that simply said,
“Haven’t read it yet.” I guess she’s clairvoyant.

9) If you could bring any of your characters to life and have a sit down chat with them, who would it be and why?


It would be Lock’s boy Augie. If I state why I’d want to chat with him, I’d be providing a spoiler, so, I can’t elaborate.

10) What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?


“Sit
in your chair and relentlessly put black on white” and, to quote
novelist Rita Mae Brown, “Don’t hope more than you’re willing to work.”

Thank
you so much for speaking with us, and I wish you luck with all your future endeavors.


Thank you, Anthony, for this opportunity to speak to you and your audience. Best regards,
Frank Freudberg