Meet BTB Reviewer Teresa Brock

Background: If I'm on the rails, you should worry. I go through life with the best attitude loving every minute of it and trying to get as many books into my brain as possible. I truly love finding new authors and being a conduit of sorts to get their book babies into as many hands as possible.

Go-To Author: AI Finn, Kristin Hannah, Scott Turrow , Erik Larson, Dennis LeHane, Andrews & Wilson, Brad Thor, Jack Carr and Danielle Trussini.

Author People Should Discover: Michele Packard, Andrew Bridgeman, ME Proctor and Joshua Moehling.

Book You Would Recommend From 2024: Love You Till Tuesday by ME Proctor.

Most-Anticipated Book Of 2025: Nowhere by Allison Gunn: a horror author in a very male dominated genre - I am all about that. Robert Dugoni’s Hold Strong , Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz and Family Ties by Michele Packard.

Favorite Local/Indie Bookstore: Butcher Cabin Books in Louisville, Kentucky and A Likely Story in Midway, Kentucky. Both of these are in The Bluegrass State, locally owned and work with local authors and other businesses to support reading.

Favorite Charities: The Wounded Warrior Project.

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View Teresa’s Latest Reviews (book pub. dates)

The Whisper Place by Mindy Mejia (9/16/25)
8114 by Joshua Hull (8/26/25)
The Locked Ward by Sarah Pekkanen (8/5/25)
The Ever End by Audrey Wilson (8/5/25)
Fade In by Kyle Mills (7/29/25)
The Red Letter by Daniel G. Miller (7/22/25)
Welcome to Cottonmouth by Jay S. Bell (7/8/25)
Remote: The Five by Eric Rickstad (7/8/25)
Gone Dark by Ryan Steck (6/17/25)
Sister Butcher Sister by KD Aldyn (6/10/25)
King of Ashes by S.A. Cosby (6/10/25)
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark (6/3/25)
Be Mine by Lizzy Barber (5/27/25)
Tell Them You Lied by Laura Leffler (5/27/25)
Lay Your Armor Down by Micahel Farris Smith (5/27/25)
The Safari by Jaclyn Goldis (5/20/25)
The Palace of Sinners and Saints by Ammar Merchant (5/20/25)
Fog and Fury by Rachel Howzell Hall (5/13/25)
Marguerite by the Lake by Mary Dixie Carter (5/8/25)
No Man's Ghost by Jason Powell (5/6/25)
See How They Fall by Rachel Paris (04/29/25)
Vatican Daughter by Jonie Marie Iraci (4/15/25)
Streets of Nashville by Michael Amos Cody (4/15/25)
Remote: The Six by Eric Rickstad (4/8/25)
The Impossible Thing by Belinda Bauer (4/8/25)
Dark Rising by Andrews & Wilson (4/8/25)
Heartwood by Amity Gaige (4/1/25)
Flames of Deception by Travis Davis (3/25/25)
Gothictown by Emily Carpenter (3/25/25)
Nowhere by Allison Gunn by (03/25/25)
Where the Bones Lie by Nick Kolakowski (3/22/25)
The Buffalo Hunter by Stephen Graham Jones (03/18/25)
The Extraterrestrial Zoo by Samantha van Leer (3/4/25)
The Unworthy by Agustina Bazterrica (3/4/25)
The Memory Ward by Jon Bassoff (3/4/25)
Real Bad, Real Soon by Eric Beetner (2/25/25)
Nemesis by Gregg Hurwitz (2/11/25)
Not Our Daughter by Chad Zunker (2/11/25)
Dark Vector by Ward Larsen (2/4/25)
A Long Time Gone by Joshua Moehling (2/4/25)
The Department by Jacqueline Faber (2/4/25)
The Enigma Girl by Henry Porter (1/28/25)
At Dark I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca (1/28/25)
Penitence by Kristin Koval (1/28/25)
Johnny Careless by Kevin Wade (1/25/25)
The Spear and the Sentinel By J. L. Hancock (1/18/25)
Tell Me What You Did by Carter Wilson (1/8/25)
The Dragon the Eagle and the Jaguar by Rodger Carlyle (01/14/25)
Assume Nothing by Joshua Corin (12/10/24)
The Good Bride by Jen Marie Wiggins (12/10/24)
Nobody's Hero by M.W. Craven (12/03/24)
Baker by Michele Packard (12/01/24)
The Egyptian Enigma by David Darling (11/26/24)
Out in the Cold by Steve Urszenyi (11/12/24)
Burn This Night by Alex Kenna (11/12/24)
The Lake of Lost Girls By Katherine Greene (11/5/24)
In Too Deep by Lee Child & Andrew Child (10/22/24)
Good Looking Ugly by Rob D. Smith (10/22/24)
Origin Story by A.M. Adair (10/22/24)
The Slate by Matthew Fitzsimmons (10/8/24)
Hometown Vendetta By Traci Hunter Abramson (10/1/24)
Somewhere by Matthew Reed Williams (10/10/24)
The President's Lawyer by Lawrence Robbins (10/8/24)
Not Yours to Keep by Zelly Ruskin (10/8/24)
Fortunate Son by Andrew Bridgeman (09/24/24)
Heroic Measures by Joel Shulkin (09/17/24)
The Bachelorette Party by Sandra Block (9/3/24)
Love You Till Tuesday by M. E. Proctor (08/12/24)
The Chamber by Will Dean (8/6/24)
The Rule of Three by Sam Ripley (8/6/24)
Homecoming Queen by Chad Boudreaux (8/6/24)
Stone Creek by Kate Brandes (8/6/24)
May the Wolf Die By Elizabeth Heider (7/2/24)
Tempest North by Rodger Carlyle (7/16/24)
Show Game by Steve Anderson (7/2/24)
The Midnight Rambler by Don Carr (6/20/24)
Three Burials by Anders Lustgarten (6/18/24)
Dreams in Incarceration by Cillian Dunne (6/18/24)
The Vixen Amber Halloway By Carol LaHines (6/11/24)
The King Street Affair by Jon Sealy (6/6/24)
Moneymaker by Josh Boldt (6/5/24)
A Better World by Sarah Langan (4/9/24)
The Hollywood Con Queen by Scott C. Johnson (6/6/23)

The Whisper Place By Mindy Mejia

The Whisper Place is Book 3 in the Iowa Mystery Series following Jonah Kendrick and Max Summerlin and their not so traditional private investigation firm, Celina Investigations.   First of all, let me say the first two books are fabulous and the more you read, the more invested you are in Jonah and Max and their quirky but fun relationship as friends and co-workers, but if you don’t have time to read those, it is safe to jump in here.  The author will give you just the right amount of information to catch up and not be repetitive for the series readers. 

With Max Summerlin’s law enforcement past and Jonah Kendrick’s psychic gifts, they’re an unlikely pair—but exactly the team you’d want on your side when someone goes missing.  One day Charlie walks into their office and asks them to find his girlfriend.  This is where the questions start. (1) He does not know her last name and a lot of other basic information;  (2) He has stacks and stacks of cash and; (3) It is obvious he is holding some secrets of his own. 

This story tells us about Darcy (maybe Kate) who is running from something, but what or who is unknown.  The Whisper Place  is told in a linear timeline, through multiple POV’s with gut wrenching and heart-breaking flashbacks.  This book is part mystery and part psychological thriller.  Mindy Mejia doesn’t just tell a story—she drops you right into the heart of it. You feel every ounce of the trauma and terror the main character endures. The pacing? Flawless. Just when you think things are settling down, Mejia hits you with a twist that pulls you right back in. The red herrings? Constantly keep you guessing. I won’t be missing a single thing she writes.

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8114 By Joshua Hull

Paul Early is a podcaster, mostly because he really doesn’t know what else to do.  He starts with a story of a student that he went to school with, Adam Benny, who was missing.  Paul did not think about the repercussions of his actions from this podcast.  When his world starts to crumble around him, Paul is suddenly called back to his hometown where he finds that one of his best friends committed suicide in the house where he was raised.   

8114 South State Road 67 is more than a childhood home, it is a place of history and horror.  A place of secrets, infection, disease, rot and contagion.   It is a place that is calling Paul Early back because of his mistakes, and it is hungry.  This book is both immersive and graphic. The reader will begin to wonder if they can actually see and smell what is happening.  Hull perfectly mixes supernatural, horror and psychological thriller elements, peppered with some dark humor making this a must read for horror fans. Warning - read with the lights on.

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The Locked Ward By Sarah Pekkanen

Sarah Pekkanen - this is a banger. Every book you have written or co-written just seems to get better! The Locked Ward is best going in blind, so avoid spoilers. Just know that there will be plenty of perfectly placed red herrings on this journey! Told between two alternating POV’s with two unreliable characters - Mandy, who owns a bar and recently lost her parents and Georgia, a wealthy socialite accused of murder - the reader follows these to women finding out how they and their families are connected. The novel delves into complex themes like family dynamics, politics, wealth and power, and the deep, often complicated bond between sisters, especially twins.

This book grabbed my attention right from the start. Sarah Pekkanen's portrayal of a mental hospital ward is unmatched. The eerie mix of unsettling tension and the complexities of misunderstood individuals make a challenging environment to maintain your sanity. I genuinely believe Sarah did her research while writing this novel; it felt like I was right there on the locked ward with Georgia from the very first page. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. It’s a nail-biting, can't-put-it-down story that keeps you hooked until the very end. So, prepare for a thrilling ride!

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The Ever End By Audrey Wilson

From the prologue to the ending, this eerily unsettling blend of thriller and cult horror will consume you!

Margo’s earliest memories begin at age 4 of a man in the shadows who begs to be let in.  His voice can come to her in moments when she is scared or alone and he promises to protect her.  He is doing his best to take her away from her mother, but she always wonders – is this just a dream or is he just a shadow?  What kind of man can promise everything? 

Margo has recently lost her mother after a fierce and unsettling battle with cancer.  She meets a man, Sam, on the ride to work.  Sam says everything perfectly.  He has a million dollar smile and the ability to make her no longer feel alone.  Six months into this perfect relationship, he asks Margo to marry him.  When she says yes, it is time to take her home to meet his parents.

Sam is from a large family.  They have been following a televangelist for years and fully believe what he preaches.  Sam has never seemed religious and neither is Margo, but for the man she loves, she will respect his family.  She just needs to get through the week.  Little things along the way seem off.  Not enough to jump ship, but enough to make Margo wonder if she is seeing things or if it is really happening. 

As the week progresses, Sam and his family seem to have cocooned Margo – and not in a good way.  They are controlling and nearly robotic.  While they seem welcoming, she must adhere to their rules.  Little red flags turn into giant screaming warnings as the story progresses, but it may be too late for Margo.

If you want a binge worthy read with a twisted dark storyline that you will not soon forget, pick up The Ever End! 

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Fade In By Kyle Mills

Salam al-Fayed, aka Fade, is seemingly unstoppable all while riding shotgun with death.  As a former Navy SEAL, Fade is the epitome of strength, resilience, and precision.  He was known as one of the deadliest operatives and an asset that could not be lost.  However, when he steps in front of a sniper’s bullet to save a friend, Fade is declared clinically dead.

Due to his high value, Fade was brought back to life, receiving top-tier rehabilitation through the best money and technology can offer—on one condition: he must join a paramilitary unit led by a shadowy organization run by a billionaire with unknown ambitions. When a new threat out of China emerges, and the group he works for has no political affiliation, Fade and his team are mobilized.    There is always an end game and Fade questions who is behind this?  Who will benefit?  What is the price to be paid?

Fade is a quirky, world-weary smart ass. While being seemingly cold to the killing of others while on a mission, he still has a very strong moral compass. He has an innate sense of strategic and situational awareness. This is exactly what readers of this genre need.  New characters who are relatable, flawed and totally badass. 

Fade In is classic Kyle Mills—gripping, action-packed, and filled with twists that will leave you speechless. Readers go to a place where the stakes are high, and the world Mills builds is one you won’t want to leave. If you're a fan of intense thrillers with complex characters and high stakes, this one is definitely for you. Mills has once again proven that he’s a master of the genre.

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Remote: The Five By Eric Rickstad

The Five seamlessly picks up where Book 1 left off, continuing the adventure and deepening the story leaving death and even more questions in its wake.  What if the program, Stargazer, is more than what we all thought it was?  What if those placed in the program were more than just working in the intelligence community locating some of the most dangerous people in the world? 

FBI Agent Lukas Stark and his associate Gilles Garnier have captured The Tableau Killer, aka Q, and instead of taking him to prison for what he has done, Q ends back up with the program and has ‘escaped’ custody.  However, it appears that Q is on a mission to uncover what has really been happening on the compound that he was raised in for generations. 

There is a second storyline that is popping up in the shadows regarding Agent Stark’s father.  Little clues show up on the pages when you are least expecting it.  There has to be more to this story than what we realize and I cannot wait for this to all flesh out and learn how it is all connected.

Each piece, or person, of the puzzle, when placed correctly, forms the whole.  Yet every individual remains unaware of their role in the larger picture.  Who is at the top of the pyramid and pulling the strings? In the end, what is the desired outcome?  Control? Perfection? The bottom line is that morality does not play a role in what is being done inside the gates at the Institute for the Advancement of the Human Mind.  If you thought Q was dangerous, he has nothing on the dark, and sinister program that created him and the power that it can wield inside a lab. 

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The Red Letter By Daniel G. Miller

Hazel Cho is back, and she’s better than ever! A quick-witted, sharp-tongued private detective with a knack for getting under people’s skin, Hazel is the kind of character you just can't get enough of. Each case she tackles grows more intense, but this time, things might hit a little too close to home.

After setting up shop with her partner Kenny, Hazel is living the dream. But when an old friend, Shavali, reaches out for help, things take a dramatic turn. Shavali is defending a young man accused of murdering a priest, and with just a week left before trial, she’s convinced her client is innocent. But why did the case make it to trial so quickly? When the murder involves a Catholic priest, poisoning, and ties to a child abuse settlement, the archdiocese—and everyone connected to it—wants to bury the truth fast. As Hazel digs deeper, she uncovers more than she bargained for: more questions, more answers, a web of red herrings, ominous red letters, and dead bodies that pile up faster than she can process.

As always, my predictions were off. By 50%, by 80%—I was completely wrong! The ending completely blindsided me, and all my guesses about how it would unfold were tossed out the window. I can only hope there’s more of Hazel Cho to come. From the moment she dives into the investigation, it’s clear: she’s a private detective like no other. With her razor-sharp mind, relentless drive, and a complexity that sticks with you long after the case is closed, Hazel is a character who leaves an indelible mark.

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Welcome To Cottonmouth By Jay S. Bell

Cottonmouth is not just a small desolate town in East Texas; it is the island of misfit and retired spies and operatives. (Yep, you read that right!) Their secrets and loyalties run deeper than the scars they carry.  Each individual who is sent to this ‘retirement community’ has a story and a special set of skills.  Not only that, but they are high value targets to the right (wrong) people and are under the mindful watch of the US Government and their assigned handler, Lofland. 

 

Devlin Mahoney is the group’s defacto leader and the owner/operator of the Cottonmouth Motor Lodge.  When a woman and her charge break down and end up staying there, things start to get squirrely.  Britte and Siobhan are running for the lives from a very powerful, controlling and money hungry man, Milos Stankovic.  He has deep pockets, dirt on the right people and a seemingly endless group of underlings willing to die for him.  So, when Britte and Siobhan are not returned to him immediately, Stankovic and his crew decide to kick the hornet’s next in Cottonmouth and a can of whoop ass has been opened. 

 

Each member of this community of misfits has not only a special set of skills, but a back story and history and a heart.  This book is full of dark humor and one liners that will make you literally laugh out loud, action scenes that jump off the pages and relationships that grow in a way that you will want more.  I could not get enough of this book.  It was so fast paced, and each page unraveled a little bit more background and descriptions of people like Hannah, Asim, Zivon, Roxy, Chan, Bobby and others.  Their descriptions, nicknames and banter bring them to life.  Let me leave you with this – I need more.  I do not want this adventure that centers around Cottonmouth to end.  This book delivers action-packed whiplash and hooks you with a story driven by heart, grit, and the unshakable pull to do the right thing.

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Gone Dark By Ryan Steck

When Matthew and Emily start their day, there is no way they could have been expecting the fallout.  Emily, an ER doctor, has a patient and former school mate,  die of a drug overdose.  Her heart is in the right place when she contacts the prescribing doctor, but when she gets home with her son an intruder decides that she needs to be silenced.  Luckily, she is a Redd and a fighter and does not relent. 

Matthew is called in on the same day when a group of smoke jumpers goes missing.  The Sheriff can count on Matt and his ability to do what is asked of him.  What no one knew is that he was following an assassin of sorts straight into the fire.  Not only does Matthew ride the fire out and report back what is happening to the smoke jumpers, he brings out a little boy named Jack.

Thriller readers never believe in a coincidence – so how are these two connected?  Matt, Emily and Jack are all seemingly targets.  Who is behind this and what will they do to make sure there are no loose ends?  As the body count rises, the question remains – who will benefit and at what cost?

Ryan Steck has a way with relentless nonstop action that keeps the pages turning long into the night! I am anxious to see if Montana can hold Matthew Redd and his family.  He seems destined for bigger things. 

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Sister Butcher Sister By KD Aldyn

Three sisters. One killer. Which one is SHE?

When you give me a tag line, like the above, I am going to run as fast as I can to get the book.  Sister Butcher Sister is unyielding and macabre.   In her debut novel, Alyden Immerses readers in a captivating psychological thriller where family ties, hidden truths, and relentless tension intertwine.

The author brings a unique narrative style to the story alternating between the three sisters, Kate, Peggy and Aurora as well as SHE.  A very cryptic, and dark character who has a thirst for blood.  Someone who death brings them joy.  SHE feels as if the work she is doing, hunting and deconstructing bad men, is necessary and right.  

As the story progresses, we get the background of the girls who have had anything BUT an ordinary childhood.  Each one has their own perspective of events, but it is important to pay attention to each one’s memories and keep in mind that we all process things differently.  I found myself cheering on SHE and believing her mission.  

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Tell Them You Lied By Laura Leffler

Tell Them You Lied is full of arrogant, self-centered, toxic characters. The kind you love to hate, and simultaneously can’t get enough of. The book centers on the turbulent friendship between two artists, Anna and Willow, who meet in art school.  Their individual struggle for dominance spirals out of control when a prank goes sideways, and Anna arranges for Willow to be mugged at knifepoint to make sure she knows who is on top. 

This psychological thriller explores the destructive power of secrets and deception. Leffler excels at creating a sense of unease throughout the novel, with well-crafted twists and a pacing that keeps the reader on edge. The characters are complex and multidimensional, particularly the protagonist, whose internal conflict adds depth to the narrative.   Issues such as trust, guilt, and the consequences of dishonesty, making the novel not just a thriller but a reflection on human nature.  If you are ready to change up the pace and get a little Mean Girls action, add to this to your TBR!!

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Lay Your Armor Down By Michael Farris Smith

The story is a dark, Southern tale that delves into themes of desperation, survival, and power. At its heart is a child with extraordinary abilities, pursued by those who seek to exploit her. With having so few characters in the book, the readers can easily become part of the story.  Smith has an uncanny ability to create a raw, gritty and emotion filled tale that is what we expect and love in Southern Gothic literature. 

After finishing Lay Your Armor Down I spent a day going back through all of my annotations and then a day to let it sit and wrangle with what I just read.  I went back and forth between what I have learned when it comes to putting on God’s Armor versus what it would mean to literally take it off and lay it down.  For me, as well as Cara, Keal and Burdean, one would have to let go of your defenses, let your guard down and even your emotional armor which is what they go through on these pages.  Good versus evil.  Their own morality and choices against what they know is the right thing to do.  One of my favorite things that Smith does is give me, the reader, enough room to be part of the story and think for myself.  I will never miss anything he writes. 

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Fog And Fury By Rachel Howzell Hall

Grab your Cheetos and your drink of choice and get ready to follow Sonny Rush, a former detective with the LAPD, as she relocates to Haven, California where the secrets hang in the air like the thick fog off Highway 1.  Sonny hasn’t even gotten settled into her house or her job before drama starts and she finds out that the perfect man of her dreams is lying about being divorced and his connections and pockets run deep in Haven. 

Rachel has given the readers what we all love in the first book of a series.  Little Easter eggs and questions abound after she is hired to find a dog named Figgy for her ex (maybe) boyfriend’s daughter.  Not only that, but she steps into what everyone wants the world to believe is a suicide and not a murder, for a high profile and extremely smart recently transferred football player.  The more questions that Sonny Rush asks, the more she realizes that if she tugs on the wrong thread, the truth in Haven will unravel.  Luckily for the reader, Sonny is gritty and sassy and to hell with thread tugging protocol.

The dialog is phenomenal.  It just brought all characters, both main and supporting, to life.  This is the sort of book that you can easily see being made into a television series.  Themes of social injustice, vindication, justification and concealing reality fill the pages making sure that the reader wants and needs more of Sonny Rush.  Small town drama, a murder mystery, diverse characters, a BA female main character and a cliff hanger that you will not see coming make this a must read for 2025.

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Marguerite By The Lake By Mary Dixie Carter

Phoenix was born into humble circumstances, her childhood scarred by trauma and loss. Now, she works for her uncle as a landscaper, pouring every ounce of her being into cultivating the lush, vibrant gardens she tends. One of her clients is Marguerite Gray, a celebrated lifestyle icon known for her extravagant garden parties, her massive online following, and her status as the muse in a famous painting by Serge Kuhnert.

When Phoenix is invited to a lavish event at the Gray family estate, Rosecliff, a violent storm nearly claims the life of Marguerite’s husband, Geoffrey. It is Phoenix who intervenes, saving him from certain death. This act of heroism shifts the dynamic between Phoenix and the Grays, drawing her into their world for reasons far beyond her role as a gardener.

But shortly after the storm, tragedy strikes: Marguerite is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her untimely demise leaves a trail of questions and hidden motives, each more tangled than the last. As Phoenix becomes more entangled in the lives of the Grays, she finds herself spiraling deeper into a web of obsession, power, and dark secrets.

This is a psychological thriller that immerses readers in a world of wealth, intrigue, and the dangerous consequences of buried truths. With Carter’s evocative prose, the slow-building tension keeps readers on edge, drawn into a haunting narrative where the line between sanity and madness blurs. In this world, one may discover that the hell they create for themselves can be far worse than the truth they fear to uncover.

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No Man's Ghost By Jason Powell

While standing in a line for who even knows what at Bouchercon in Nashville last year, I got to meet Jason Powell.  Listen, this guy is sweet and humble and since he handed me his card, I have been watching closely to see what he would do.  Interestingly enough, I have a son in law who is a firefighter near Lexington Kentucky so you know I was going to read this as soon as I could.

Charles Davids, a probationary firefighter, has recently finished his time at the academy and has been assigned to his station.  Charles is timid, a rule follower, he is shy and not sure of himself.  We get little bits and pieces of his personality as the story progresses and how important the family inside of the FDNY station is to him.  Next, we have Alan Johnson. An unstable, drunk husband on the verge of divorce. His wife throws him out of the house and he hatches a plan to torment her. Every night, he calls in false reports of fires at her apartment, taking twisted delight in imagining her being roused by the blaring sirens and horns. If he can’t find peace in their home, why should she?   Eventually these two will cross paths and what will the outcome be?

It is clear from the writing that the author loves his job and the people and the nuances that go along with it.  Jason Powell provides a compelling, immersive, and genuine look into the lives of the everyday heroes who safeguard New York City from the dangers of fire and more and what their families are going through to support them.  No Man's Ghost doesn’t just explore the physical world; it dives deep into the mind of its characters, exposing their vulnerabilities and the ghosts—both literal and metaphorical—that haunt them. Powell’s use of imagery and symbolism is exceptional, making the reader feel immersed in both the story and the emotional landscape of the characters.

Powell has crafted a story that is not only suspenseful but also deeply human.

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The Palace Of Sinners And Saints By Ammar Merchant

This is a banger of a debut novel!  The Palace of Sinners and Saints sets the stage perfectly for more books with characters you can’t wait to follow.  The constant tension and immersive atmosphere drive the story forward with seamless, unrelenting momentum.  Honestly, I loved the fact that our author was born in Pakistan, has lived across the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe and our characters reflect his background and travels.  It’s a unique experience and perspective for readers and so authentic.  It would be like someone from the Middle East reading Jack Reacher.  I would LOVE for the author to hear me try to pronounce the names of these characters!

Irfan Mirza is a ruthless, freelance mercenary.  It is what he knows and what he was raised to do. He was kidnapped as a child and raised by a program to kill and from there, he finds his family.   Mirza’s character is revealed gradually, with subtle clues woven into the narrative as the story progresses.  He will become one of your favorite characters and you will want to know more!  When his Mahmud is taken in front of a hotel one night along with his fiancé Renata, Mirza knows where they are going, and these two are not safe there.  So, he assembles a rag tag bunch, each with different, but essential skills, to go and break them out. (you are going to love them all) Well, there are plenty of characters you love to hate too!  (My favorite is Atlas Boss.)

This book is a high-octane adventure from the first page, pulling readers into an immersive world where every fight scene crackles with cinematic energy. With a full-throttle pace and a gritty 'honor among mercenaries' vibe, it balances explosive action with sharp, revealing dialogue that offers a deeper look into Mirza and his crew. The story sets the stage perfectly for more books, with characters you can’t wait to follow.   If you're craving a story packed with courage, relentless action, and unforgettable characters you’ll want to follow long after the last page—this one’s for you.

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Purchase The Palace Of Sinners And Saints
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

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Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

See How They Fall By Rachel Paris

Rachel Paris comes blazing onto the scene with this pulse pounding, whodunnit crime thriller.  Knowing that this is her debut novel is a guarantee that I will be coming back for more!

Told between alternating POV’s over the course of 10 days, the amount of action that takes place will leave you breathless.   First, we are introduced to Skye Turner who is married to David Turner.  She has married into a generationally wealthy family.  There are three brothers who have inherited their father’s business and fortune.   Next, we meet Detective Mei O’Conner.  (She was probably my favorite character.)  Part train wreck, part hard ass 100% real.

Beginning on Good Friday, the Turner family was having a get together at the family compound.  When you have a family of wealthy individuals, it’s hard to imagine the number of secrets and lies that are hidden behind closed doors.  While the three brothers, Duncan, Hugo and Jamie seem close, none of the spouses are close.  It is as if each household is isolated.   Things went wrong quickly in what seemed to be a food poisoning incident.  However, when one spouse is declared dead, and one child is on life support due to arsenic poisoning; the mighty Turner family begins to splinter.

Detective Mei O’Conner is called into the investigation, and immediately red flags are flying.  Because of the wealth and pull this family has, things must be kept quiet.  Everyone around this investigation wants it to close quickly.  Things need to be wrapped up neatly, but the evidence isn’t aligning.  The more questions Mei asks, the more suspicious the members of the Turner empire become. 

This is a claustrophobic, unpredictable, must-read psychological thriller with a banger of an ending.  Do not miss this!

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Purchase See How They Fall
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

The Ghostwriter By Julie Clark

I could revamp the blurb and tell you what happens in the story, but I took away so much more than that.  When Olivia is asked to ghostwrite her estranged father, Vincent’s, final novel, she begins piecing his story together through a kaleidoscope of perspectives—neighbors, friends, teachers, parents, an old diary, forgotten Super 8 reels, and the vivid, often conflicting memories that both she and her father carry. As she immerses herself in the fragments of his life, a fuller picture begins to emerge—one that’s as much about understanding him as it is about rediscovering herself.

Olivia was born into the aftermath of a story already broken, the daughter of a man who took pain and unknown circumstances from his past and carried it with him. While he successfully wrote novel after novel, the only language of love that he was able to express was through treasure hunts and for her, it was a distraction, something to keep her busy.  She never understood the importance. Olivia grew up in the shadow of her father’s brilliance, mistaking neglect for her own unworthiness. To the world, he was a tortured genius; to her, just a father who never saw her. He had buried his siblings and, with them, pieces of himself.

Julie Clark does more than tell us an amazing and suspenseful story that is steeped in a 50-year-old unsolved murder—it’s a deeply emotional journey, rich in character development that lingers long after the final page. Every twist was earned, and every character felt achingly real. It's the kind of story that stays with you. The heart of this story lies in the profound healing that unfolds between Olivia and her father—an emotional journey that transcends the pages. It’s in the raw honesty they finally share, and the way Olivia can be honest with herself and become the woman she wanted to be.  The Ghostwriter is an unforgettable story that quietly shifts how you see people, grief, and the hidden battles they carry. It’s a powerful reminder that we rarely know the full story behind someone's silence. This book deserves to be recognized as one of the best of the year—because it truly is.

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Purchase The Ghostwriter
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

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Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
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Be Mine By Lizzy Barber

DON’T DRINK THE KOOL-AID!

Be Mine follows Beth, who relocates from London to San Francisco in search of a fresh start and a clean break from her past. But despite the change in scenery, her daily life remains monotonous—just a cycle of work deadlines and unfulfilled potential. She still hasn’t found her place or purpose—until she meets Marissa and is introduced to a mysterious program called Elixer.

At first, Elixer seems like exactly what Beth needs—a holistic wellness initiative focused on both mental and physical health. But as Beth becomes more involved, it becomes clear that there’s much more to Elixer than meets the eye.

This is a slow-burn, addictive psychological thriller that delivers jaw-dropping "holy shit, I did not see that coming" moments. A chilling cult thriller, Be Mine pulls you into a world of manipulation, control, and creeping dread. With twists and turns at every corner, it keeps you second-guessing everything—and just when you think you’ve figured it out, the story takes another shocking turn.

Told across dual timelines and locations, and interwoven with excerpts from the Elixer manifesto, this novel demands to be devoured at breakneck speed. If you're drawn to dark, twisty psychological thrillers with cult themes, unreliable narrators, and truly unpredictable endings, Be Mine needs to be your next read.

Follow Teresa on Twitter or Instagram or contact her via the site.

Purchase Be Mine
(Note: most indie bookstores can fulfill an order as quickly as larger retailers. Please consider contacting them for your next purchase.)

Barrington Books
Chapter 2 Books
Murder By The Book
Once Upon A Crime
The Book Dragon
The Poisoned Pen

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