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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Whatever Kills The Pain By CW Blackwell

Whatever Kills the Pain is a gritty, unflinching collection of short stories. They are a raw, relentless exploration of life on the edge. Characters are thrown into violent, morally complex, and unpredictable situations that test both body and mind. From high-stakes car chases and shootouts to the quieter but no less grueling struggles of work and survival, the writing immerses readers in tension and immediacy. What’s remarkable is the way human vulnerability shines through—amid crime, injury, and moral compromise, there is still reflection, care, and moments of fragile connection.

At their core, these stories are about survival in all its forms: physical, emotional, and ethical. They ask what we’re willing to do to protect ourselves and those we care about, and whether hope or redemption is possible in a world that often seems bent on chaos. From economic injustice to systemic violence, every line draws you in, making you feel like a part of the world Blackwell exposes—harsh, vulnerable, and impossible to ignore.  Even though the stories are short, every word carries weight, every detail and every character matters  The writing is unflinching, visceral, and, at times, unsettling—but it’s also deeply human, reminding readers that even in the darkest circumstances, resilience and empathy can persist.

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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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Edge Of Honor By Brad Thor

My mom introduced me to Brad Thor and the Scot Harvath series, so when this came early, I had to let her read it first. As soon as my mom finished, she said “Listen, after the first thirty chapters my eyes were burning, but it is so excellent I just had to keep reading.”

Thankfully, it made it back to my house and I have so much to say.   

The action’s fast, the stakes are sky-high, and the conspiracy is ripped so close from today’s headlines it almost burns your hands. In Edge of Honor, Scot Harvath tries to start fresh, but reality doesn’t let him. He’s pulled into a web of dirty politics, shadow governments, and neo-Nazi operatives working like hired guns—maybe for Russia, maybe for something worse. It’s eerie how close this feels to our current chaos. It’s a peek behind the curtains of the headlines. The handlers, the fundraisers, the strategically placed traitors—it’s a punch to the gut, and I mean that as a compliment.

Thor is the best when it comes to pacing—this thing moves, and when it bites, it bites hard. You’ve got sabotage, mercenaries with ties to shady companies, and Senator Blackwell’s slimy presence casting a long shadow. The ending is very different than we are used to and now we’ve got questions—big ones. But that’s what Thor does best: he pulls you in, gets your blood boiling, and makes dang sure you’ll be back for the next one. Bring it! And as my Mom says (in her own Scot Harvath impersonation), “Let’s bust these suckers wide open.”

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Of Flesh And Blood By Hunter Burke & N.L. Lavin

Of Flesh and Blood is a gripping fusion of horror, folklore, and crime, told through the lens of a unique narrator — a psychiatrist investigating the dark past of his own cousin, the man accused of being the infamous Cajun Cannibal. What sets this novel apart is its immersive, case file-style narrative. Medical records, autopsy reports, police transcripts, historical accounts, and rich regional folklore are all woven together to create a chillingly realistic experience. It reads like a true crime novel — one that feels unnervingly real.

The setting is deeply atmospheric. South Louisiana, with its shadowy bayous and thick, humid air, becomes a character in its own right. The authors do an exceptional job of bringing the region to life through vivid descriptions of the food, traditions, superstitions, and landscape. The folklore is especially compelling — I found myself diving down internet rabbit holes about the Rougarou and other local legends. With a trip to New Orleans coming up in September, I’m already planning to explore more of these eerie tales in person.

The dialogue stands out for its authenticity. It shifts naturally between characters, reflecting their backgrounds, voices, and personalities. (Mitch in particular.)  Southern horror folklore has a distinctive flavor — a haunting mix of gothic atmosphere, regional history, and supernatural dread. Of Flesh and Blood delivers on every front. It’s the kind of story that stays with you, unsettling and absorbing in equal measure.

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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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Proof By Jon Cowan

As I was reading this book I kept saying, “This is throwing Harvey Specter, Mike Ross  and a dash of Mickey Haller vibes”.  Little did I know that the author, Jon Cowan, is a writer and executive producer of one of my favorite television shows, Suits.  Now that I have that under my belt, let’s talk about Proof.   This is a legal thriller that has more than just a kick ass new lead character in Jake West, but an amazing set of supporting characters like Grace and Javier.  Yes, Jake West is flawed and a cheating alcoholic and seemingly a terrible dad, yet somehow, I found myself cheering him and his crew on while they try and uncover the truth.

Jon Cowan writes more than just a legal thriller.  The author captures the very heartbeat of the city—not just its sights, sounds and even details down to the food, but its underlying rhythm, its contradictions, and its soul. Each scene feels lived-in, each character infused with the kind of restless energy that defines city life. The city isn’t just a backdrop here—it breathes, moves, and speaks through his writing.  Cowan intertwines the political climate, bribery, back scratching and moral dilemmas while this story grows and changes with every page. 

Although Proof marks Jon Cowan’s debut as a novelist, his arrival on the literary scene is anything but tentative. The dialogue crackles with authenticity, the pacing keeps you turning pages late into the night, and the cast of deeply layered characters has much to reveal. If you're drawn to gripping stories involving a murdered ex-best friend, a harrowing lawsuit over a deadly house fire, and a tangled web of corruption and betrayal, this is a must-add to your summer reading list.

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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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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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Blood And Treasure By Ryan Pote

Imagine Indiana Jones with a military edge and access to cutting-edge technology alongside decades-spanning connections—meet Ethan Cain. Even beyond Ethan Cain, the supporting characters stand out with their own unique skills, motivations, and depth. Each one adds layers to the story, making the world feel rich and the stakes even higher. They aren’t just side players—they’re memorable and essential to the adventure’s momentum and you will love (or love to hate) them all. 

This nonstop globe-trotting adventure will take you from the Willow Street Synagogue in Lakewood, New Jersey to the Space Center in Houston Texas and all the way to the conflict zones of Tigray, Ethiopia and even to a remote church that I spent a lot of time down a rabbit hole learning about it.  Full disclosure: I made 41 annotations throughout the book to dive deeper into the people, places, and history that Pote masterfully weaves into his narrative. The depth of research behind this debut is truly staggering.

Ryan Pote explores the complex intersections of history and religion, blending well-established facts with mysteries that historians have yet to unravel. This balance creates a story that feels both authentic and entirely believable, drawing readers into a world where the past’s secrets come alive. From the first page to the last, Blood and Treasure delivers relentless, adrenaline-fueled action that completely immerses you in its smart, cinematic world.  With echoes of Clive Cussler and Dan Brown, Ryan Pote crafts a gripping, intelligent thriller that’s impossible to put down.

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Bop City Swing By M.E. Proctor and Russell Thayer

When a book starts off with a female assassin you know I am in. Little did I know when I started reading that there was more to Gunselle, aka Vivian Davis, thanks to Russell Thayer. Gunselle is the kind of character noir fiction was made for—ruthless, razor-sharp, and unapologetically in control. Set against smoky backdrops of post-war America, she’s a professional assassin who navigates a world where men call the shots—until she pulls the trigger. If you’re drawn to morally complex antiheroes, quick-paced grit, and vintage noir that crackles with tension, Gunselle is absolutely worth the ride.

So to make it even more interesting, Bop City Swing crosses into Tom Keegan’s world thanks to ME Proctor.  Tom Keegan, a relentless homicide detective, working in San Francisco’s shadowy streets with focus and chasing justice in a world where right and wrong often collide. Haunted by his past but driven by grit, he’s the quintessential noir detective—unyielding, sharp-minded, and ready to confront the city’s darkest secrets (political and otherwise) without hesitation.

This isn’t just a crime novel—it’s a jazz-soaked fever dream wrapped in grit and elegance. I could hear every clink of a glass in the club, feel the bassline of bebop humming in the background. The dialogue is whip-smart and era-authentic, filled with that 1950s rhythm and slang that makes this story pop off the page. The city itself becomes a character—smoky, dangerous, alive. I didn’t just read this book; I watched it play out in my head like a black-and-white film with flashes of Technicolor violence. Bop City Swing comes in at only 183 pages, and they are all totally worth it.  No filler - only a fast-paced story that you won’t want to put down. 

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Purchase Bop City Swing
(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.

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

Purchase The Ghostwriter
(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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