The Impossible Thing By Belinda Bauer

I'm always eager to pick up the latest Belinda Bauer novel. Her writing consistently stands out, elevating the crime thriller genre with its depth. She creates well-rounded, engaging characters while maintaining a fast-paced and compelling plot. While crimes do unfold, it isn't exactly a traditional crime story and of course it was great to see Patrick from Rubberneckers return.

Spanning from the 1920s to the present day, the novel paints a vivid picture of the dark and perilous world of egg collecting. It also brings to life the rugged beauty of the Yorkshire cliffs, where diverse seabird species have nested and soared through the winds for centuries.  Enter greed, obsession and a crime that started 100 years ago. 

The Impossible Thing is a captivating and thought-provoking journey that delves into how the smallest, seemingly trivial actions can lead to profound, life-changing outcomes. Though the premise may seem unconventional at first, Belinda Bauer’s masterful storytelling makes it resonate in the most unexpected ways. For readers seeking a distinctive narrative that weaves through time and generations, this book is an absolute must-read.

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Dark Rising By Andrews & Wilson

Ben, Jed, David, Rachel, Corbin, Sarah Beth, Paster Dee and others are back!  Book 3, Dark Fall,  leaves a little breathing room for the Shepherds with Victor being defeated.  However, there is no rest for the wicked.  During the Dark Rising, the Dark Ones are to select the new General on Earth to do the devil’s will.  Jed finds a new ally in CIA liaison Gayle James.  This group of men, women and children from all over the world and different backgrounds are brought together for this epic battle.

 

The Shepherds Series is about spiritual warfare; about good versus evil.  The hierarchy of The Shepherds loosely mirrors the military structure.  You know who is calling the shots when the rubber meets the road.  There is a lot of prayer, guidance, sacrifice and scripture on these pages.  It should make you think.  Everything that happens in this series happens behind the scenes.  Temptation is happening around us all day, every day even to the Shepherds.   

 

This battle is unlike anything they have encountered.  The Dark Force continually gets stronger.  The divide on the dark side is that women cannot be in charge. The Shepherds are facing a new battle, and they must come together and face the unexpected.  Manboo, an evil woman, brings a lot of magic, power and voodoo to the table causing a rift.  She moves the men who are in power within the Dark Ones organization with ease – like players on a chess board.  Wonderfully complicated layers of characters, growing story lines, themes of sacrifice and temptation fill each page perfectly.  Evil never stops.  It will always try to beat the light. You will want to join the Shepherds on this continuing journey to fight until the end.

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Heartwood By Amity Gaige

This book was absolutely incredible. It caught me by surprise with how deeply moving and beautifully written it was.  There are several characters in this book who are oddly and intricately connected to one another. Each one is flawed.  Each person has a story to tell, their story, and I encourage you to listen. This is more than a missing person mystery.  This is a story of love, growth, failure and strength. This is a very character driven story where mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, coworkers, siblings, friends and more all bear their heartwood – their innermost strengths and vulnerabilities to the reader. 

The author immerses the reader directly onto the Appalachian Trail in Maine, where it is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and challenging terrain. Valerie's journey winds through dense forests, over rocky peaks, and along pristine rivers and streams.  The Appalachian Trail is both a physical and mental test, allowing for introspection, solitude, friendship and an unparalleled connection to nature.    However, when Valerie, aka Sparrow goes missing with less than 200 miles to the end, a complex mystery unfolds filled with red herrings, twists and turns that you will not see coming.

The investigation centers on Beverly, a dedicated Maine State Game Warden who takes charge of the search for Valerie on the ground. Meanwhile, Lena, a seventy-six-year-old birdwatcher living in a Connecticut retirement community, unexpectedly steps into the role of an armchair detective. As the story alternates between these captivating perspectives, Valerie’s disappearance starts to seem more than just a coincidence.

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Gothictown By Emily Carpenter

A chilling atmosphere, a town’s haunting legacy, a resilient heroine, and a lingering sense of dread are perfectly intertwined in Emily Carpenter’s newest novel, Gothictown.   

Billie, her husband Peter and their daughter Mere, live in NYC and post pandemic financial strains have taken nearly everything from them.  One day, an advertisement comes her way about a town in Georgia – Juliana, Georgia, where there is a small-town initiative that is trying to bring in commerce and bring back small town living.  This catches their attention, and while things seem too good to be true at first, all the boxes are checked and they take off to Juliana to start over, get out of the city and find their happiness. 

From the moment Billie and her family officially move to Juliana they are immersed in a chilling atmosphere where every shadow hides a story, and every corner is steeped in a history that refuses to be forgotten, and haunting legacies linger. The sense of dread is palpable, as the boundaries between the living and the dead blur on the pages.

The suspense builds steadily throughout, as Carpenter drops subtle clues and revelations that make the reader question what’s real and what’s imagined. The historical backdrop of the town itself feels like a character, including the buildings, street names, and, at times, overly friendly residents creating a perfect stage for the unfolding mystery.

Gothictown is not just a ghost story; it’s a story about family, legacy, and the ways in which the past shapes the present. It’s a thrilling ride into a town where the whispers of the past speak volumes.  This is not a book you will soon forget and may possibly leave you a little unsettled even after you turn the final page.

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Flames Of Deception by Travis Davis

Russia, China, and India are gearing up for a massive military campaign, both naval and ground-based, aimed at taking control of critical oil transportation routes and destabilizing the global oil supply. With support from North Korea, China is also orchestrating an unprecedented cyberattack on the United States’ renewable energy infrastructure, targeting its "Green Energy" grid.  The balance between oil production, the shift between alternative energy sources and the power play game between the countries is a critical issue that stays (mostly) behind the scenes but is imperative to smooth operations in everything that we do.  In today’s world, the consequences of disrupting this balance could be catastrophic

One of the standout qualities of Flames of Deception by Travis Davis is the author's impressive ability to immerse the reader in various settings through the use of language and location-specific terms. Davis has a keen eye for detail and skillfully incorporates terminology that is specific to the places and cultures within his narrative, making each location feel distinct and authentic. Whether describing an oil field is Russia, Springfield Virginia, or inside of the converted cargo ship AM Blueberry Hill on the Black Sea, Davis’s use of local vernacular, regional references, and environmental nuances allows the reader to feel as though they are stepping into the heart of the scene.

The author also skillfully integrates true and factual moments in history into the fictional narrative. By weaving real historical events and figures into the storyline, Davis adds a layer of authenticity and depth that grounds the action in reality. These factual elements not only enrich the plot but allows the reader to think about the ‘what’ if possibilities.  The glossary at the end also, gives the reader a ton of information on the real places and departments that deal with things of this nature. 

Readers are taken on a global journey, moving between various locations as the story unfolds. At times, the narrative focuses on plans devised against the United States, while other moments delve into the strategies the U.S. is employing to counter these global threats. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, and the characters are deeply flawed yet real, with strong development that adds layers to their personalities. The action is nonstop, making for an exciting ride, while the story's premise touches on issues that could have a significant impact on our world.

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Nowhere By Allison Gunn

This is a tale of an unrelenting and hungry darkness.  A story of death and tragedy and sorrow.  A place where screams cannot be heard, where fear must be fed and sins go to die.  This is the story of Nowhere – if you dare to open the door and let it in. 

Allison Gunn, is a debut queer woman author in horror/thriller genre market heavily dominated by male authors.  I chose Nowhere as my most anticipated book for 2025.  Not only did it live it to the hype, this book has exceeded all expectations!

Meet the Keenan’s – Rachel, Finn, Charlie, Aiden and Lucy.   Finn was a writer, but more than that, he was/is an alcoholic.  After one too many drinks, he was driving Aiden and Lucy home, and after swerving to miss something he lost Aiden to the river.  Their family was forever changed.  They moved to a small town in Virginia called Dalmouth where she hung up the city detective life to be the chief of police.  Dalmouth has its secrets too, but most of all, they do not like outsiders.  The citizens tend to lean on the religious side of things and they will make sure to point out all of your faults.

Dalmouth, like other small towns in Appalachia is ridden with crime and drugs.  However, something seems a little different this time.  A man, nailed to a tree with his eyes gouged and weird symbols are everywhere.  Unfortunately, the witness that found the body is a well-known meth dealer and all of his ramblings and warnings are dismissed. 

As you turn the pages, you continually dig deeper and find out just how broken the Kennan family is. The story of how Rachel and Finn come together and why they stay together is a story in and of itself.  The reasons behind Rachel’s defensiveness and the walls around her heart truly resonated among the pages.  You will hate them both for most of the book.  After you are done hating them, remember that every person has a backstory that you probably know nothing about.  Actually, you will probably hate nearly everyone in the book (not Jeremy) and that is part of what makes it great.  The neighbors are judgy and hateful, the teachers are know-it-alls, and the religious community is way over the top.  Rachel can be a raging B word and you will want to sucker punch Finn. 

Bottom line – lean all the way into this horror thriller that will stick with you for days.  Allison Gunn is an author to follow and watch for what is next.  The Appalachian Mountains are full of secrets!  One more thing – sleep with the lights on!

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Where The Bones Lie By Nick Kolakowski

When I started my reading journey, I could not have told you what a noir thriller is. Today – I will pick this over just about anything and I am loving the authors that are putting them out. I was lucky enough to read Where the Bones Lie by Nick Kolakowski and I enjoyed every single page. Everything that a reader could want in a crime thriller has been covered by Kolakowski. 

Dash Fuller is a hard boiled, cynical, recovering alcoholic, who is chased by demons and is trying to heal from his past by being a PI (or a comedian) in the Hollywood area where drugs, secrets and murder abound. Dash is flawed and so relatable. He thinks he has ‘outlaw speed’ when it comes to acquiring a target, but really doesn’t want to add a body to his ledger. Madeline Ironwood, daughter of missing thief, murderer and all-around Hollywood bad guy, Ken Ironwood, hires Dash to help her find her father’s killer when his remains are found in a barrel in the middle of a drying lake in Northern California. Madeline is sassy and unpredictable. She is hard headed and strong. So, when they pair up for a road trip to see what they can uncover, they get way more than they bargained for

Corruption, disillusionment, and morally ambiguous characters follow Dash and Madeline as they uncover secrets and lies at every turn. Go ahead and mark your calendars.  This is a can't miss, non stop crime thriller! 

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The Buffalo Hunter By Stephen Graham Jones

There are a few things that I think everyone should know before they read anything by SGJ.  First, you need to pay attention to every single detail.  Everything is on the page for a reason, and it will come back around.  Second, try not to read too many reviews or spoilers and let the story happen to you.  It will always be worth it.  Finally, you need to expect a lot of gore and death, but hey, you are reading horror so suck it up.  The characters are so meticulously written that you will be invested in each and everyone of them.  Promise. 

We have three narrators and three timelines.  Etsy (short for Betsy), a struggling associate professor. In 2012 a construction worker in Montana stumbled upon a hidden journal belonging to an unknown relative. The University reaches out to her as the next of kin, leading her to uncover the journal of her great-great-grandfather, a Lutheran pastor in Miles City from 1912.  Beaucarne, the minister, has kept meticulous entries from his past including the confessions of Good Stab, a Pikuni who was involved in the 1870 Marias Massacre.  The journal entries from the confession take a little getting used to because of the names of the animals, and places and objects that are described are from the Native American language as transcribed by Beaucarne.  Once you get used to it, it just simply makes things so vivid that you can’t unsee what you read.

The author seamlessly intertwines real people, with real events that happened in the settling of the west with an unsettling fictional narrative, morally grey characters and the perfect amount of vampire lore.  The subject matter is undeniably dark and at times hard to stomach. Yet, it's both captivating and skillfully written, offering a sobering glimpse into a truly horrific chapter of American history. If you're a fan of horror and historical fiction and can stomach the violence and death that pervade the narrative, this book is definitely worth reading.

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Another Try By Gene Koon

Another Try by Gene Koon is a political thriller with a premise that instantly hooks you: an undercover CIA operative, Garris Kelley, is outed by none other than the President himself. Is he still an agent, or just a man left exposed? That question fuels a story that moves at breakneck speed—cartel revenge, a mass shooting on a Portland train, political corruption, and conspiracies that stretch all the way to Oregon’s wine country. What makes it so addictive is that every detail matters—the people, the places, the tiny threads you might overlook. It’s the kind of book where you lean in closer because you don’t want to miss a single clue.

What truly sets this apart is how immersive it is. Oregon itself becomes part of the story—you can almost smell the vineyards, feel the grit of Portland’s streets, and sense the weight of secrets hiding in the Pacific Northwest shadows. And then there’s Garris Kelley. He’s the kind of protagonist who feels so real and familiar that you can’t help but cheer him on. His backstory and connections are woven in so naturally that I actually caught myself wondering if there were already more books in the series. That familiarity makes you crave more—more of his history, more of his battles, more of his victories. He’s a hero you’ll remember long after you close the book.

The audiobook takes it to another level. With a story this layered and a cast this wide, a good narrator can make or break it—and Richard Poe absolutely blows it out of the park. Each character feels distinct and alive, making the tension hit even harder. Add in the mix of political intrigue, lies, murders, money trails, and eerily relevant current events, and Another Try becomes not just entertaining but timely. I had the privilege of meeting Gene Koon at Bouchercon, and his passion for storytelling shines the moment you speak to him. That same passion bursts from every page. If you want a thriller that will keep you on edge, surprise you at every turn, and leave you begging for more of Garris Kelley—this is one you can’t afford to miss.

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The Extraterrestrial Zoo By Samantha van Leer

It’s official.  I have found myself utterly and completely immersed and mesmerized by Samantha van Leer’s writing. 

 

Welcome to a world where extraterrestrials are landing on Earth.  Two per year, each in their own egg with a white card containing one word written on it.  No one knows why or how or where they come from, but the Extraterrestrial Living Being’s (ELB’s) have needs, powers and skills that could be harnessed for good or bad.    

 

After her mother's passing and her father's departure, 13-year-old Ava Ardent has become the sole caretaker of 32 Extraterrestrial Living Beings (ELBs) housed in the Alien Zoo in Maine. Her already difficult life takes an unexpected turn when her uncle Pete, a veteran of the war in Iraq, hires 14-year-old Harley as an intern just as a powerful hurricane approaches them. During the storm, many of the ELBs escape, and with Uncle Pete joining the police to manage the crisis, Ava and Harley are left to care for the one remaining ELB while also pursuing an escaped creature in the nearby woods. As they navigate this high-pressure situation, Ava and Harley develop a deep connection, sharing personal stories and becoming each other's first true friend.

 

There are so many wonderful things to unpack on these pages.  First of all, each ELB that was introduced was nothing short of vivid and so full of imagination that the world van Leer has created comes to life for the reader.  This heartwarming and thrilling science-fiction adventure will be loved by middle-school readers while they navigate through a world where trust and friendship, responsibility and family are discussed in a way that they can relate to and understand. 

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The Unworthy By Agustina Bazterrica

The Unworthy is an unforgettable, immersive journey through a post-apocalyptic world that is both haunting and surreal, blending terrifying, mind-bending experiences with moments of quiet reflection – all of this is through the journal of a woman who has found her way to a mysterious convent.  As you follow the narrator through their journal entries, the dystopian world becomes hauntingly real, amplifying the terror of its dark reality. A must-read for fans of dystopian and religious horror alike.  The Unworthy, like everything Augustina Bazterrica's writes, will leave you deeply unsettled. Her talent for evoking profound discomfort while delving into the complexities of human nature and the unraveling of society is truly exceptional.

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The Memory Ward By Jon Bassoff

The Memory Ward is broken into 5 parts for different characters all who live in the perfectly perfect town of Bethlam, NV.  Henry, our neighborhood mailman, does his daily route.  It is monotony at its finest until one day Henry trips and drops letters out of his mail bag and finds them blank.  Henry decides to pay close attention to his surroundings and not just take it at face value.  That’s when he finds several oddities.  On their own, none of these things are significant, but together they show a pattern of maliciousness.  

The novel’s themes of memory, identity, and the nature of reality are explored with haunting precision. Bassoff’s prose is both lyrical and unnerving, effortlessly pulling readers into the disorienting, nightmare-like world Henry inhabits. The pacing is deliberate and measured, allowing for a slow-burn buildup of suspense and a deep immersion into the psychological labyrinth of the characters' lives.

The Memory Ward is a thought-provoking, mind-bending page-turner that will leave readers questioning their own perceptions of reality. With its beautifully crafted narrative and unsettling atmosphere, it is a testament to Bassoff’s exceptional skill as a storyteller. This novel is highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers, literary fiction, and horror—anyone looking for a haunting, immersive experience that challenges the way we see the world.

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Real Bad, Real Soon By Eric Beetner

Carter McCoy is back. When it comes to vigilante justice, no one is more skilled at delivering it!

Carter McCoy may be ‘dragging death with him’, but he is the raw, unfiltered pursuit of justice outside the boundaries of the law.  His decisions are never easy, and often, Carter finds himself caught between his own personal morals, his past and the complex realities of the world where the justice system failed.

Honestly, I didn’t think anything would be better than Book 1 of this series, boy was I wrong.  Carter carries the heavy burden of what he has done with him all day, every day. Detective DeFore is playing a heavy hand at this game and knows that Carter’s days are numbered so he uses him as an enforcer.  There are twists in this book that I did NOT see coming, not for one second.  Beetner is a master of pacing.  Each chapter moves swiftly, building tension with every page. His writing is sharp.  The dialogue is perfect and add in a little dark humor amidst the grim situations his characters face (Time in a Bottle) and you realize that you are not just reading the story; you feel like you're right there with Carter and Chester. 

This novel shines with its unflinching exploration of the choices that define us. Real Bad, Real Soon is a thrilling, hard-hitting crime novel that doesn’t pull punches. Do not miss this.

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Nemesis By Gregg Hurwitz

Evan Smoak aka Orphan X aka The Nowhere man is back in Nemesis. This installment picks right back up where Lone Wolf ended and Evan finds out that his armorer, Tommy Stojak, has (in Evan’s mind) betrayed him.  Evan built his life and career around the ten commandments instilled in him through Jack Johns.  It is safe to say, that no one expected Evan to go rogue, leave the orphan program and try to find a way to do the right thing.  Sometimes the commandments don’t always work and may need to be evaluated or added to. (yes… there is an 11th amendment.  No, I am not telling you)

Evan’s character has grown and changed with every single book.  Being an assassin with emotions would be a delicate balance. Evan’s training keeps him in check and centered because ‘the price for violating a Commandment was chaos’.   While Evan is deciding how to deal with Tommy, he runs into another problem.  A family of innocent people is run over and an 8-year-old boy is murdered.  Evan is a ‘hunter of humans.  The monster sent to kill monsters.’

True to Gregg Hurwitz’s style, this book is full of hand-to-hand combat scenes, shootouts and intense fighting that is perfectly written you can see the splinter in the wood when the door flies off the handle!  Evan Smoak is evolving.  He is changing.  He hurts.  The fact that I finished this book two days ago and I still have a hard time understanding that The Nowhere Man can have feelings should make you reflect on the journey this series takes you.

Yes, this is fiction.  I understand that, but Nemesis covers current, real-world issues that American’s deal with on a daily basis.  Violence, racism, bigotry, corrupt politicians and more are all found on these pages.  Read it. Talk about it.  Change some things.  Cheer on Orphan X!

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Not Our Daughter By Chad Zunker

Cole and Lisa Shipley are foster parents turned fugitives when the biological mother of the child they were fostering shows up on their doorstep begging them to protect the baby as she dies at their home. At the time Special Agent Mark Burns and the FBI only saw the Shipley’s as the killers because they were devastated at the news that the child was being removed from their home and they went on the run.  Assuming new identities and living a hidden life, they were missing for 14 years until a tip comes in and suddenly this quiet and unassuming life revs up.   

The love that the Shipley’s have for their daughter is authentic and will pull at your heartstrings as they try to save their daughter. The work and the preparation that they have done to keep her safe for reasons that they really have never figured out will have you cheering for them the entire time.  Not Our Daughter is a high-speed game of cat and mouse.  At breakneck speed, across several states the questions and motives come at the reader and play out just like a movie.   All the major players in this novel have a motive, the reader must hang on until the end to figure out what and why. 

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Dark Vector By Ward Larsen

David Slaton is no longer in the field.  He is the new chief of CIA clandestine operations.  Dark Vector introduces a new protagonist, Tru Miller.   This man is an absolute bad ass.  Even though he is a new addition and has recently graduated from The Farm; he is ready for the field (with some refinement).   He speaks Russian fluently.  Tru Miller is an Olympic-level Bi Athlon competitor, a cold weather survivalist, an expert marksman, lethal in hand-to-hand combat, and is fearless of death. 

Colonel Maxim Primakov has intentions to defect from Russian along with the technology that was developed between China and Russia called Dark Vektor. Unfortunately, Primakov crash landed in Siberia.  Slaton must get a team together to rescue Primakov, get the pieces of technology that are available, and beat Victor Dubonin, a general in Russian Intelligence, to it.  Tru Miller is exactly what is needed in this brutal and unforgiving clash of power, set against the harsh and desolate landscape.

Larsen's remarkable talent shines through in Dark Vector, further solidifying his reputation as a must-read author. With captivating characters, thrilling action scenes, and a gripping storyline, he expertly elevates the genre. This novel is a seamless transition from Slaton to Miller, delivering a perfectly-paced, intense, and action-packed experience. The stakes are high, and the momentum never lets up.  This is an  exciting new series, with Slaton taking charge and Miller honing his abilities while tackling even greater challenges.

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A Long Time Gone By Joshua Moehling

A Long Time Gone is the best book yet in the Ben Packard series.   Joshua Moehling’s writing is nothing short of exceptional! He stands out as one of the top voices in contemporary mystery and police procedural fiction. I’ll eagerly read every new release without hesitation.  Details on the pages including real events that happened in the United States and Minnesota are layered in perfectly giving this story another reason to be fully invested.

Moehling has crafted a remarkable character in Ben Packard.  He is empathetic to those around him while processing so many things from his past, including losing his brother, and being able to express his sexuality while being in law enforcement and/or a position of leadership.  Sometimes Ben is a smartass, but he will always be a friend, a son, a brother, and a partner who truly cares about justice.  Justice for him doesn’t stop at finding out what happened to his brother all those years ago. The case that he is working on, the people in his small town and others - all matter. 

Moehling masterfully combines a strong sense of moral integrity with a down-to-earth charm, drawing readers in with every new release. As Ben Packard’s character develops, it unveils complexities that set him apart from other protagonists. From the first page, he pulls the reader in and maintains that grip throughout the entire book. With rich character development, a vivid sense of place, and intricately woven plots, this series excels in creating a truly immersive experience. 

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The Department By Jacqueline Faber

The Department is told from two alternating perspectives.  You have Neil Weber, a philosophy professor, who is stuck in his past and his own trauma.  He is recently divorced, has zero motivation for his job and has seemingly lost his fire.  The other is Lucia Vanotti, a female college student at the same University where Neil teaches, and she has now disappeared.   Neil becomes obsessed with the disappearance of Lucia, a student that he has never even met, but their paths keep crossing and clues keep bringing Neil into investigation.  Why? 

Red herrings and clues are dropped in each and every chapter as to what happened to Lucia and who did what.  This book is a dance between love and hate, between safety and tragedy, between secrets and the truth.   The heart of this book is set among students and members of the Philosophy Department which brings forward research from philosophers like Friedrich Nietzche, Greek gods like Dionysus and Apollo and secrets and emotions that cannot remain hidden forever.  Control, sex and power chase each other across the pages leaving the reader breathless with the truth is revealed. 

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The Poisoned Pen

The Enigma Girl By Henry Porter

The Engima Girl starts wide open, leaving readers wondering if having picked this book up you are now in the middle of a series.  Don’t worry, you have not.  Slim’s backstory will become unveiled and necessary as this book continues at a breakneck pace. However, after finishing let me assure you that a prequel or a second book could easily follow, and you will run to pick it up

Alice ‘Slim’ Parsons is a 4th generation spy.  She is a skilled and determined MI5 agent who recently left a deep cover operation in which she was nearly sexually assaulted.  The agency doesn’t see the outcome of what happened as she does.   Everyone must come to an agreement on how to proceed because Slim is a much-needed asset and is great at her job.  Alice is needed to work as a journalist with a regional news source who is exposing secrets that should not be released to the public.  The agency needs to know who the mole is.

As Slim prepares to start her new placement, and begins her research, she finds connections between her future coworkers for the assignment and Bletchley Park, Hut 6, and the German Enigma Operators and Code Breakers.  One of her coworkers' fathers had joined Bletchley Park in 1942.  Her research leads to rabbit hole after rabbit hole giving her fodder to work with. 

Do not let the size of this book deter you or wonder if there will be parts of it that slow down or lag.  Nope!  There's a wealth of content to absorb, and the reader will never lose the need for one more chapter. The story unfolds at a steady rhythm, carefully building the scenes and developing its characters. Just when you think you’ve settled in, a surge of action accelerates the pace, only to ease back before the cycle begins again, keeping the momentum fresh and engaging throughout.  

The Enigma Girl is a brilliant example of modern espionage fiction.  It is thought-provoking and masterfully written blending current events, the characters’ backgrounds and history adding in the perfect amount of danger making this a very memorable story!  Like other readers, I agree, this is very much in the style of LeCarre and those are big shoes to fill. 

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Purchase The Enigma Girl
(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

At Dark I Become Loathsome By Eric Larocca

Ashley Lutin has suffered the death of his wife and the loss of his son at a store. To deal with his guilt and grief, he has altered his physical appearance to reflect the pain he feels inside. He spends time online, interacting with people who feel as if the world would be better off without them, offering them a ritual that attempts to use their desire to die to give them a chance at a rebirth and new life.  What he doesn’t realize is that people will reveal things to him that he is not expecting. 

This book is the definition of transgressive horror.  At Dark I Become Loathsome is unsettling, dark and horrific, creating an increasing sense of unease with the reader as you turn each page.  Caging the reader in with less and less room to breathe.  LaRocca uses horror to evoke intense emotions that include empathy, understanding and fear.   

There are a lot of trigger warnings and social issues that will go along with this book.  However, all of them are deftly handled in a way that is truly stunning.  LaRocca peels back layers of the heart and human psyche slowly and delicately to allow these emotions and traumatic events to flesh out and become real.  This is a brutal and vivid read that will be talked about all year.  Be prepared to take a break to get over this one.

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

Purchase At Dark I Become Loathsome
(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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