Penitence By Kristin Koval

Kristin Koval’s debut novel exceeds all expectations. It opens with the unthinkable, something that happens on the news, and most certainly not in the small town of Lodgepole, Colorado.  Nora Sheehan, thirteen years old, murdered her brother Nico.  Her parents, Angie and David have no idea what to do next and use Martine Dumont as legal counsel.  Martine is not a criminal defense lawyer, but her son Julian is. 

Decades earlier, Julian and Angie were young, in love and always together.  Their untimely separation was due to another familial tragedy that is layered in protection and secrets.  This story is beautifully crafted, with a compelling pace and emotional depth. It weaves together dual timelines and multiple points of view, keeping the reader fully engaged in each perspective. At its core, the narrative explores themes of grief, guilt, redemption, healing, forgiveness, and love. 

 The novel also offers a poignant reflection on the justice system, especially the juvenile justice system, leaving me with much to ponder. Even days after finishing the book, I find myself still thinking about sorrow and regret, and reflecting on things from my own past that I have done wrong.

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Johnny Careless By Kevin Wade

Johnny Chambliss aka Johnny Careless and Jeep Mullane were best friends while growing up.  Even though one was born with a silver spoon, and how zero consequences for his actions and one was from a family of police officers who were nothing more than middle class, they found each other and a friendship that could not be broken.  That is, until Johnny was found dead and the questions around his death and crime spree of stolen cars brings them back together while sorting out the facts.  Thankfully, Jeep is the chief of police in this small town and has the truth and Johnny’s best interest at heart.

Johnny Careless is my first crime thriller of 2025.  It is a fast-paced, gritty and can’t miss crime fiction read. Flowing perfectly between past and present, the back stories of the characters are layered in perfectly.  I can’t remember the last time that I started a crime thriller where the title was the victim. The story takes the reader all over the small towns in North Shore Long Island, into the police precinct and politics that go along with the kind of generational money and privilege found there.   Descriptions of locations and situations are immersive with details so specific that this could easily be made into a television series.   I promise you will be cheering Jeep along and hoping for a possible book or television series.

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The Spear And The Sentinel By J. L. Hancock

The Spear and the Sentinel is an impressive follow up to The Hawk Enigma. These books flow perfectly together picking up where the first book in The Voodoo Series left off. The author’s military background comes through on every single page not only giving the story authenticity but also a human element to what is already a spectacular sci-fi military techno thriller. 

Hancock’s background and imagination takes the reader on a futuristic adventure full of complex algorithms, artificial intelligence technologies and possible threats to our future.  However, there is so much more going on in this book than just high-octane fight scenes (which were awesome).  PTSD, brotherhood, camaraderie, bravery, hope and even a little dry humor (Hello Kitty sex den…IYKYK) give these characters more depth and keep the reader involved in the series.

The artificial intelligence war is heating up.  How long do you think it will be before AI is considered a weapon of mass destruction?   Knowledge is power.  Countries with money and a military force to back it up will do what is needed to gain that power.  Whether it is via hand-to-hand combat, the study of quantum mechanics or mapping the human subconscious and trying to predict the future – what will the governmental power houses stop at to get what they want? And who will stop them?

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Tell Me What You Did By Carter Wilson

Poe Webb (yes named after Edgar Allen Poe) runs the top ranked podcast.  She invites people to come on to her podcast and confess what crimes they have committed to her audience.  Some are scary, some are creepy, but mostly it is people who are unburdening themselves from something that happened long ago that they can no longer be arrested for. 

 Poe, like the callers on her show, has secrets of her own.  One day, she gets an odd request from a caller and memories and secrets from her past come flooding back. This book is completely unhinged.  This is a dark and gritty psychological thriller that can be devoured nonstop.  The back and forth between podcast transcripts and what is happening in real life as she tries to come clean with her secrets and stay safe, will make this one of the best psychological thrillers of 2025.  Promise. 

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The Dragon The Eagle And The Jaguar By Rodger Carlyle

Where there is conflict there is chaos, and it is impossible to keep your finger on everything that is going on inside your country and others at the same time. Mexico has a newly elected president who wants to cut down on drug trafficking and cartel action.   Exploiting this conflict can lead to a massive amount of profit.  How?  Drugs and people are being smuggled into the US to create turmoil and unrest. At the end of the day, the most important piece to the puzzle is greed and money. 

Thadius Walker may be retired, but let’s just call it semi-retired because his skills, connections and loyalty are unmatched, and he is needed.  Chad Gritt calls upon Walker for one more (hopefully one more one more) adventure.  This time it is to figure out what is going on in Mexico before the new president is no longer in good graces with the US, her own country and let’s not forget about trying to figure out how China fits into the picture.

China begins to meddle with Mexico and the drug cartels. Many of the supplies that make the drugs that are coming into the United States are from China. They also have superior metallurgy skills which provide more advanced weapons and technology that, in the wrong hands, is even more dangerous – and when someone comes in promising untold fortune – well – the race is on.    

This is a thriller inside of a thriller. Carlyle authentically paints every location and detail, from fish markets to flour bombs, enabling readers to join Team Walker as they try to stop China and Mexico from destroying the US.

I will always jump to read anything that Rodger Carlyle writes.  Whether it is a thriller or a historical adventure, he knows what he is writing about.  His passion for history and research and current events is evident on every single page.  Carlyle is not afraid to push the boundaries and tell the story.  I was so glad to see Carmen’s name in this one.  (I may have missed it before, but since I got to meet them both in person it made it even better.) And – if I could pick one sentence in the entire book that I could hear our author say it would be “We’re having fun now!”

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Assume Nothing By Joshua Corin

Veritas. Truth. Alik Lassiter a renowned detective/crime solver from across the pond believes that there is no nobler goal than finding the truth.  

When Kat McCann was 6 years old, Lassiter helped to solve her mother’s murder. Lassiter was also the muse for famous author Carissa Miller. The dame of who-dun-it’s.    Kat and others are huge fans of both the author and the detective because her mother’s murder was fodder for a book. 

When Kat is 16 she gets to meet Lassiter at a lecture and he remembers her from his investigation. In a dream come true, he invites Kat and her guardian to his home for Christmas break.  

Lassiter is a smooth talker.  He brings people into his story.  He owns the room and because of all of the investigations that he has solved he has the law in his pockets and people begging for his time. 

Told from Kat’s POV this sassy, curious and smart-mouthed teenager gets way more than she bargained for.  Imagine knowing the victim, the murderer and all of the circumstances surrounding a horrific crime but not able to tell the truth. Or worse - being controlled like a marionette in a monster’s play.  This witty and smart approach to a whodunnit is a must read for the masses. 

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The Good Bride By Jen Marie Wiggins

The Bancroft’s hail from the small gulf coast fishing town of Blue Compass.  A year ago it was devastated by Hurricane Charlie. Small business, family homes – you name it – it was gone.  When Ruth Bancroft announces that her wedding will be at their beach house in Blue Compass, it is a social media dream, a chance to showcase the town and get publicity … or is it?    

 

This slow-burn, family drama, thriller told through multiple POV’s layers tension, drama and buried secrets perfectly.  Character development is spot on.  I especially loved having a likeable and empathic bride.  Ruth is emotional and she truly wants to do what is best and this was an enjoyable change for this genre.  Don’t worry though, everyone isn’t perfect.  Several unexpected twists throughout the book, beginning with the gunshots at the rehearsal dinner, are placed perfectly in order to keep the reader guessing all the way to the end. 

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Nobody's Hero By M.W. Craven

Ben Koenig is back!!!  Ben has had damage to his brain takes away his ability to feel or understand fear, even down to his adversaries facial expressions.  This leads to years of training, being sought after for his skills and eventually being pursued. (you are going to want to read the first book)  Book 2 picks up because Koenig has a very large bounty on his head and hiding didn’t work out as he planned.  What starts as a visit to a coffee shop for Ben to send his monthly email, eventually turns into a global pursuit uncovering secrets and leaving multiple dead bodies in its wake. 

The Acacia Avenue Protocol, a cryptic directive, has resurfaced and Ben is needed because everyone who can stop it dead.  What makes it better is that one of the names on this list, was killed by Ben Koenig himself.  Ben loves to drop his random spiel of information and how he got to his conclusion.  He irritates those around him, especially his handler Jen Draper, but for me, it’s perfect.  This book has so much going on you just can’t stop.  A father daughter pair of contract killers, a woman presumed dead for decades, corrupt cops, a lot of action and a twist at the end that you will NOT see coming.  It’s perfect.  I can’t wait to see what’s next.

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Baker By Michele Packard

I have read every single book in the Matti Baker Thriller/AESOP series, and they have ALL surpassed my expectations.  Matti Baker is more than a fierce protagonist.  She is relentless in her fight to protect her family and her country.  She is demanding of everyone around her, but her spirit pulls the best out of the people around her.  Even with her smart-ass attitude and drive to serve and protect she has an unlimited amount of love for God, her family, friends and for what is right. 

Michele Packard can pull from history and current events that run parallel to the story line which will make you ask yourself – ‘What if this really happened?’ or ‘Is this true?’  Each action sequence and/or location is immersive, and the reader is able to see through Matti’s eyes what is happening.  I love that this story is told from Matti’s perspective.  She tells her story to the reader directly – especially while using her little side comments.  (Perfect)

The author integrates songs and movies that we all grew up with perfectly into the storyline.  This makes it easy to imagine exactly what the protagonist sees and what she is doing and, in my opinion, makes it personal.  Matti says out loud what most of us are thinking.  (maybe that’s just me.. but I said it so who cares)  This last installment focuses on the power of AI and its ability to arm the world.  With what?  It’s limitless.  All the agencies that are in place to protect us seem to lose track of the bigger picture.  Is it greed and money keeping them from their job, is it bureaucratic red tape or willful ignorance?  

In a world on the brink of chaos, Matti stands at the crossroads of family and destiny, caught in a pulse-pounding journey to confront insurmountable odds. Every step she takes brings her closer to a monumental struggle—one that will demand everything she has. As she fights against overwhelming forces, the weight of justice rests heavily on her shoulders, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.  Don’t miss Baker.  (I think Matti can give Scot Harvath a run for his money)

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The Egyptian Enigma By David Darling

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time!  Ryan Petey has drank too many energy drinks and dips into an alley to pee.  He happens upon a deadly fight between two gangs.  While he is hiding, he sees a cross-like shape with a loop at the top. He calls 911 and reports the death.  End of story, right?  Nope.  Ryan sees another person die and the symbol appears again.  Two deaths cannot be coincidental!   

Ryan must figure out what is going on.  It turns out this glowing symbol is the ankh; an ancient Egyptian hieroglyphic symbol and he needs more information.  He seeks out the help of Dr. Crystal Kowalska, an Egyptian curator at a museum.  Questions compounded questions and everything unraveled for Ryan faster than humanly possible.  (pun intended)

The Egyptian Enigma has short chapters and alternating timelines – present and 2560 BC – which is perfect to layer in the necessary amount of Egyptian history.  When Ryan finds out that he has a power that has been searched for decades, and that he is suddenly worth more money than can be imagined, the race to find him and use his abilities is on!   Greed and the need for knowledge and power take you all over the world using perfectly intertwined elements of the science fiction, paranormal and thriller stories that we love!

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Out In The Cold By Steve Urszenyi

Alex Martel is a beautiful, self-confident, smart, former medic, who has worked with Interpol, CIA and FBI.  She has connections all over the world with important people, but she is stubborn and to quote Celeste “she is the most infuriating Interpol agent’ hired.  Alex prefers to operate alone and is currently a contract employee.  “More precisely a global response staff special agent and subject matter expert” but is loyal to a fault and her pull to Caleb and to her team is always there.  Caleb, her counterpart and the man with a giant crush on Alex does what he does in the name of his fellow soldiers, special operators and country.  He is more inclined to operate within the boundaries than Alex and they balance each other out. 

Out in the Cold is very closely related to current events in the world including Russia invading Ukraine, and power plays by governing officials.  The question remains – is starting another world war worth it to show how strong the United States is or is it just about power, money and greed.  There is a lot of action, which continually propels this book forward.  Immersive locations are the background for the story - anywhere from Langley to the Baltic Sea.  Alex is a strong, kick ass heroine whose skills are continually put to the test as she navigates deadly situations and attempts to unravel traitors and conspiracies at the highest level of power.   I cannot wait to see what happens next!

Spoiler – my favorite part of the entire book is when Caleb punches Street in the throat.  Best.  Scene.  Ever!

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Burn This Night By Alex Kenna

If you haven’t read What Meets the Eye, I strongly recommend it.  While this could be read as a standalone, it is so much better to watch Kate grow as a character as her story progresses.  Burn This Night is told in alternating timelines through various first-person narratives in each chapter which gives the reader a 360-degree view of all the characters.

Kate Myles, former LAPD Detective, turned PI, lost her job and her family after she was involved in an on-duty car accident with a drunk driver.  She became addicted to pain medication and her life took an, all to real, downward spiral.  Kate has been called to investigate an incident in Idlewood, CA where a young lady burned in her cabin.  The police arrested her brother, but the family is certain that the brother was not the culprit.

Kate’s life has been further flipped upside down when she finds out that her father, the one who raised her, is not her biological father.  She wants answers.  Kate has always felt as if she didn’t fit in.  It’s not that her dad wasn’t a great man – I mean Kate is a PI for goodness sakes and curiosity drives her.

Add in one more story line, there is a cold case in Idlewood.  20 years ago, a young lady was murdered, and the case is unsolved.  DNA evidence that is uploaded brings another clue all this time later.    Ok, I know that sounds like a lot and how can you possibly have three story lines going and wrap it all up in a cozy mystery?  Listen, Alex Kenna does just that. 

This is a no fluff page turner that will keep you guessing.   Kate is a complex character.  A strong female protagonist that we love, admire, understand and root for.  She is relatable.  Things like addiction, divorce, family issues and custody battles that bring her to life; Kate is someone you know.   Kenna has made her mark, and I will not miss the next installment of this series.  There is even a little romance, hope and healing that makes this an uplifting mystery that is tied up with a bow and leaves the reader ready for the next Kate Myles adventure. 

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The Lake Of Lost Girls By Katherine Greene

This book checks all the boxes for me.  Alternating timelines, unsolved cold cases, dark secrets, multiple unreliable characters and a sister who wants to know the truth are perfectly woven together to make this a haunting novel that you do not want to miss. (Let’s not forget the podcast clips that are thrown in – AHHH its perfect!)

Jessica Fadley left for college in the fall of 1998.  On her sister Lindsay’s 6th birthday, she goes missing from her home.  Jessica isn’t the only girl from college that went missing that year.  There were three others, and no bodies or clues have ever been found.  The investigation went cold, and no answers were given.  There are clues and similarities that tie the girls together, but apparently some secrets are best left hidden.  Twenty four years later when a podcast picks up this cold case and a journalist, Ryan, comes to town, the heated story picks right back up as secrets, lies and bodies are found in the lake.    

This is a fast paced bingeable read.  It is also one that you want/need to read with someone because when the ending hits – you are going to need to talk about it out loud.  You can’t hold it in.  I am really looking forward to seeing what else Katherine Greene writes.  I will be following her closely!

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In Too Deep By Lee Child & Andrew Child

Reacher wakes up with no short-term memory, handcuffed to a table and so begins In Too Deep.  Like other Jack Reacher novels, this can be read as a standalone, but the adventure continues and the characters, both familiar and new, are on a multiple storyline adventure that will have you burning through the pages.  The story jumps between multiple POV’s and does NOT get bogged down. 

Fletcher, Vidic, Kane and Paris are thieves.  Art forgeries, corporate blackmail, you name it – if it is attached to money they will take it.  They will double cross each other and none can be trusted.  Reacher has been thrown into their mess and involved in the worst possible situation and has no idea how he got there. Little pieces to the missing information puzzle (IYKYK) come back as the story progresses. 

For fans of the entire series, we get what we are expecting, Reacher knows what time it is, the diner is there, black coffee and a woman.  The pace in this one NEVER slows down.  Reacher kicks a lot of ass and kills a lot of people.  Rogue FBI agents, a police detective, and a de facto leader of thieves allow the twists and turns to come at the reader, and some that will have you saying – ‘I did not see that coming.’ 

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Good Looking Ugly By Rob D. Smith

I could not wait to get my hands on this.   A Kentucky author and a story steeped in Bluegrass culture will win me over every time.  Daniel Brown may be my favorite anti-hero ever.  Each character in this debut novel is flawed and rooted in 100% absolute truth.  Truth for generations.  It is raw and real. 

As the story progresses and we get to know Daniel, Jayla and others; little pieces of their history growing up are given to us in a way that we get to know and love them.  Scenes inside of the cock fighting ring, The Kentucky Fried Mafia and the Sportsman’s Clubs are immersive and authentic.  (I will never admit that I have been to anything other than a moose lodge - maybe)  The interaction with the grandmother – shew wee!!! (Yes, I have been hit by a wooden spoon.)   

Good Looking Ugly is way more than a down and dirty, gritty crime thriller.  Outcasted members of society, broken homes, drug addicts and jailbirds have more than one side to their story.  The reader is on an adventure like no other.  We get to watch priorities change, love grow, and anger be stifled.  We get to see vigilante justice and trades made.  I have so much hope that this is just the first book in a series and Daniel finishes up what was started. 

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Origin Story By A.M. Adair

Elyse Tyson awakes from a coma, shackled to her bed, with  no memory of how she got there or who she was.  Eylse finds out that she is a serial killer who admitted to the ruthless killings and has no plan to stop.  So, the question remains, is her amnesia real or is it a cop out to get out of the death penalty that she is facing. 

Prison life isn’t easy, but can you imagine prison life as a weak person, who has no idea how they got there and having a ringleader of a gang inside the women’s prison after you?  This novella was suffocating at times.  I could feel the walls closing in on Elyse in one scenario, and as the story progresses, I was cheering on a serial killer.

To say that I was chomping at the bit for this one is an understatement!  While this is a novella, it is action packed from the start and will not let up until the end, leaving the reader breathless and wondering if A.M. Adair and all her talent will bring Elyse Tyson forward in the future.  (please?)

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The Slate By Matthew Fitzsimmons

Meet Agatha Cardiff.  20 years ago she was a political operative and fixer working for Congressman Paul Paxton as his chief of staff.  She was asked to cover up a scandal that would ruin his political career.  Agatha was good at her job and she walked away. Today, she is living off the grid, secluded.  However, now Paul Paxton is the President. Agatha being the competitive and gifted liar that she is, becomes drawn into the political scene once again. 

From the prologue to the conclusion I was drawn in and held there. This book has a very 'real' feel to it.  The events that happen on the pages are plausible and could happen.  Agatha Cardiff may be flawed, but she is real and the kind of heroine that you will get behind and want to see more of.  This is a very well-paced, page turning character driven novel, that I did not want to take a break from reading.  

Reading this as our nation gets closer and closer to a major election heightened everything for me.  It really highlights just how dysfunctional and corrupt our political system is no matter what side of the fence you are on.  Staffers, lobbyists, journalists, more Congressmen, and the Russian mob all figure into the dynamic, giving Agatha a dangerous and interconnected plot to unravel.  I hope there is a sequel to this story.  Agatha is an amazing character.

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Hometown Vendetta By Traci Hunter Abramson

A domestic terrorism incident at a FEMA building brings FBI Special Agent Amberlynn Reiner and Marine Captain Luke Steele together in the most unlikely way. They must work together to identify those responsible for the bombing when a class ring is recognized by Luke from a photo during the investigation.  Luke, Amberlynn and her team at the FBI are trying to identify all the players on a small-town high school championship football team and what connects those individuals to the bombing.  However, time is of the essence, because they believe that a second bomb is to be detonated soon.  Together they head off to Luke’s hometown for his 15-year high school reunion. 

Abramson has put together a cast of characters that are endearing and familiar.  The tidbits of their pasts are dropped in perfectly so that you get more history and connection with each page.  Hometown Vendetta is a fast paced and intriguing political thriller.   (add in a little clean romance and I say winner winner chicken dinner).  Hands down a stay up all-night barn burner.  I have no idea how she did it but before I was 1/3 of the way through, I was in love with Luke and Amberlyn and I cannot wait to see where they go next. 

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Somewhere By Matthew Reed Williams

I am one of the very lucky ones who was able to ARC read this.  I am telling you this because I went into it with only the blurb and no reviews to compare it to and I am so glad that I did.  I am a ‘lean all the way in’ reader and I could not have predicted how much I enjoyed this book.  I have marked and tabbed and talked about this book BOTH times I read it. I could give you a play by play and my version of a blurb or I can try and convince your next must read! 

Matthew Reed Williams has ripped the canvas between the material world and the immaterial world.  He has flawlessly joined horror and paranormal together to make a book that needs to be read twice.  See the second time, you will see all the easter eggs and the clues that were dropped along the way and it will be even more cohesive.  This man is talented. 

Lee knows from the beginning that something is amiss in this picture (IYKYK) perfect town.  The house he is living in seems to be coming to life at the same time every night.  The descriptions of the things and people that Lee sees are so vibrant and full of depth that the reader can see, smell and taste them.  I love that the author uses common place words that connect it and make it that much more personal.
“Bones and intestines beneath, like white chop sticks poking out of a bowl of red soaked oozing noodles.”  
“The sound was not reverberating through the woods, but rather spilling out of the woman’s mouth, trickling out like a noxious gas.”
”The shadow was rhythmic, almost like a metronome appearing and disappearing...”

The pacing is perfect.  There is no down time in the middle, only a need to figure out what is going on in Somewhere.  There is no doubt that you, dear reader, will want to know what ‘is true’.  Our author integrates Biblical references throughout the book that just seals the horror vibe for me.  Prepare to be scared, breathless and turn the pages at mach speed and hope to goodness you never find Somewhere. 

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The President's Lawyer By Lawrence Robbins

Rob Jacobson is a high-powered Washington DC defense attorney whose best friend, since childhood, happens to be the former POTUS, Jack Cutler.   Former President Jack Cutler has an insatiable appetite for women and for taking things that are not his.  Jack’s most recent mistress, Amanda has been murdered. The investigating officers try and pin the murder on the former president and Rob has been asked to defend Jack in the case of a lifetime.  These two are connected in more ways than just being best friends. 

Told from Rob Jacobson’s POV, readers are giving not only an insight into the trial proceedings, but how the murder investigation works, forensic evidence inside of the trial proceedings, and the most important part, the dynamic relationship between Rob and Jack throughout their lives.  You see, the former president has a dark side.  One that you may not expect, but boys will be boys right?

This twisted legal thriller has clues dispersed throughout the book.  Maybe it is a background story, a clue that an investigator has added to the murder trial, or a conversation between a client and a therapist.  However, these come at you, you will be surprised multiple times as the story progresses.  Red herrings and individuals with possible motives abound. The verdict is in!  Lawrence Robbins has given us a don’t miss legal thriller with jaw dropping moments that will keep the pages turning. 

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