Reviews
The Detective's Daughter: Secrets of Griffin Gate
Darcy Flynn (Paper Moon Publishing (November 12, 2024))
Darcy Flynn's The Detective's Daughter delivers a captivating blend of romantic suspense and mystery, a perfect read for sleuth fans. The novel follows Lucy Carmichael, a young woman returning to her childhood home in Diamond Creek, Arkansas, to uncover the truth behind her detective father's unsolved murder twenty years prior. She is armed with an old video and meager sleuth skills. The Victorian house harbors secrets beyond her past. Her investigation is fueled by fragmented memories and a vintage videotape, leading her to examine key evidenc...
You Need More Than Dreams
Tolu' A. Akinyemi (The Roaring Lion Newcastle)
Tolu’ A. Akinyemi’s poetry collection, You Need More Than Dreams, is a poignant and incisive exploration of youth, identity, and the pursuit of dreams. Akinyemi offers a collection that resonates with raw emotion, sharp observations, and a clear message: dreams alone are insufficient; action, grit, and self-awareness are essential to success. This collection is crafted for young audiences and features two parts. Part 1 dives deep into the experiences of young people. “Best of My Youth” sets the stage, reflecting on a life of emotional extremes...
Architects of a Cleaner Financial System
Tolu' A. Akinyemi (The Roaring Lion Newcastle (June 23, 2023))
Tolu' A. Akinyemi's Architects of a Cleaner Financial System delivers a fascinating and often unsettling exploration of the intersection between the seemingly dry world of financial regulation and the vibrant, nuanced landscape of personal experience. The collection boldly addresses anti-money laundering and compliance, weaving technical jargon and industry-specific concerns with potent poetic imagery. This unconventional approach offers a unique and insightful commentary on the ethical implications of the financial system. The collection's ope...
The American Martyr
Richard W. Kelly (Independently published (November 23, 2024))
In The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly, we are introduced to Brian Brample, a 16-year-old boy navigating his youth and struggling to find his foothold. Through a series of vignettes and scenes, we witness Brian's journey from a seemingly ordinary teenager to a young man forever changed by a decision from a government that seems not to care about the lives of young people. As Brian navigates his daily life, working as a waiter at a small movie theater, we see glimpses of his inner turmoil. He is aware of the darker aspects of the world, the...
LIFE AFTER LOSS: REFLECTIONS ON MOMENTS OF GRACE AND COURAGE IN GRIEF
Catherine Kenwell (Wintertickle Press)
Life After Loss: Reflections on Moments of Grace and Courage in Grief is a deeply personal and relatable collection of stories about experiences of loss, grief, and healing. The author, Catherine Kenwell, has curated diverse contributions from individuals who have faced various forms of loss, trauma, and heartbreak. The book highlights the importance of acknowledging and validating one's loss rather than trying to find a silver lining or diminish it. This approach is echoed throughout the book as contributors share their raw and unflinchin...
.png)
The Alpha Particle
TJ Hawkins (Amazon)
T.J. Hawkins’ The Alpha Particle is a compelling blend of political intrigue, espionage, and science fiction wrapped around a gripping plot that explores the manipulation of power by both state and emergent terrorist threats. The narrative follows Tom Rivers, an unsuspecting architecture professional turned sleeper agent, who finds himself embroiled in a high-stakes battle against a group of terrorists led by the clever and ruthless Mohammed Baqri. Baqri is supported by a shadowy organization known as The Collective, which has an agenda of its...
THE GREAT BEING
Bill Harvey (The Human Effectiveness Institute)
Bill Harvey's ambitious narrative, The Great Being, delivers a tale of cosmic exploration, identity, and the eternal struggle for understanding and connection. Drawing inspiration from spiritual and philosophical paradigms, Harvey constructs an intricate universe where the notions of self and other dissolve into a grand tapestry of existence and consciousness. In a cosmic showdown, a Great Rebellion ignites in Heaven, reverberating throughout the Universe—a singular Consciousness, often called ''Cosmic Intelligence'' or ''God,'' manifests in co...
Marriage Mistake
Ken Saik (Glorybound Publishing)
Marriage Mistake by Ken Saik is another compelling entry in the series. It focuses on the complex nature of Joseph and Jill's marriage and the bond between friends Thomas and Joseph. Each of them is determined to make their relationship work when they decide to get married. But then, while they trust their intentions and the love they share, challenges set in. Can they accept the differences and the challenges creeping in and stay steadfast in their resolve to stay together? The story is set in Camrose, a small city in Alberta, Canada, where th...
I Don't Trust You
Ken Saik (Glorybound Publishing)
In I Don’t Trust You, Ken Saik offers a powerful narrative rich with themes of trauma, grit, and the complex emotional landscape surrounding abuse. As a companion piece to the interconnected tales of Marriage Mistake and Helping Hands, this first installment invites readers into the chaotic life of Jill, a young woman struggling with her former life and the painful memories of a toxic family dynamic. From the outset, the story harnesses the impact of Jill's past, reflecting her traumatic experiences through vivid flashbacks. These memories prov...
The Wiros Chronicles:: The Howling 20's
Brett Bockhorst (Independently published (November 17, 2020))
Brett Bockhorst’s The Wiros Chronicles: The Howling 20’s transports readers into a richly crafted world where the supernatural collides with the gritty truths of Prohibition-era America. Set against the backdrop of Boston in the 1920s, Bockhorst weaves together intricate detailing of historical context, social commentary, and supernatural lore, creating a narrative that engages and reflects its time. In the unforgiving underbelly of Prohibition Boston, the rival Wiros Dens clashes in a perpetual struggle for dominance – and survival...