“As a jumping off point for discussing these significant social issues, the book is a success. But as a story about Stephanie, the book misses the emotional mark and it is structurally challenged.” Ms. Kiser’s memoir (a book club read for me) succeeds in raising many important social issues through her journey working in her … More Wanted: Toddler’s Personal Assistant, by Stephanie Kiser [review]
[This article was originally published as a two-part feature in InD’Tale magazine, which has since gone out of business. Reprinted here so folks can find it.] As an independent author, I’m always trying to promote the first two books in my crime-thriller series to potential buyers. I frequently hear the question: “Is it available … More Self-narrating your audiobooks – learn from my mistakes
“An engaging investigative mystery with a few flaws that is, nevertheless, a worthwhile read and the start of an interesting series.” In this first installment of the series, which I purchased during a 99-cent promo, we meet investigative reporter Will Finch, who is surely a complex and interesting protagonist. Working for a newly digital-only San … More Bone Maker, by D.F. Bailey [review]
“This is a well-constructed psychological thriller that is definitely recommended reading.” For lovers of an intricate plot and a compelling story with complex and deeply scarred characters, you have come to the right book. Despite some quibbles with the mystery-solving process, this well-written book is one you can’t put down until you know the terrible … More Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore, by Matthew Sullivan [review]
“An engaging story with some significant flaws, but which shows real promise for this author” This second novel from Matthew D. Saeman shows some promise and some good writing, but it unfortunately doesn’t know what it wants to be. It’s marketed as both “hard science fiction” and “political thrillers & suspense.” It wants to be … More To Serve, Protect, and Destroy, by Matthew D. Saeman [Review]
“A captivating story of awkward teenage love and the scars left behind.” A photojournalist is attacked and severely injured by the angry mob storming the US Capital on January 6, 2021. One of his attackers may have a connection to the photographer, Ollie, from his prep school days from 1986. Mr. Vega proceeds to spin … More Fury in Her Eyes, by Phillip Vega [Review]
“A haunting tale of how a family is torn apart by unspeakable acts of abuse and an illustration about how long-kept secrets can circle back on those whose acts may have been induced by righteous circumstances, but which nevertheless can inflict collateral damage years later.” I am a huge fan of Anna Willett’s stories, which … More Needles and Pins, by Anna Willett [review]
“Chilling, Haunting, and mesmerizing” This well-crafted psychological thriller provides a surprising answer to the question: can a pedophile child murderer be a sympathetic character? Well, perhaps not exactly sympathetic, but Ms. Rheilan manages to provide a realistic narrative set in 1962 England in which the reader’s expectations, attitudes, and emotional reactions toward Ralph, the antihero, … More A Cat’s Cradle, by Carly Rheilan [Review]
“A complex and twisted plot that all comes together in the end in a very satisfying way.” I had not read any of Ms. Elston’s earlier books, but I loved this one! It’s rare for me to find a layered mystery/thriller where the plot is as tight and complex as this one. The characters are … More First Lie Wins, by Ashley Elston [Review]
“A quick, entertaining read with plenty of twists.” I’m a fan of Bruce Perrin’s stories and enjoyed this departure from his trademark psychological sci-fi thrillers to a romping, twisty tongue-in-cheek spy story. This is a plot that I thought I had figured out early on. I was partly right, but mostly the events spun in … More In the Mind of a Spy, by Bruce Perrin [Review]
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