Mrs. Shim is a Killer

Mrs. Shim is a Killer: A Novel by Kang Jiyoung

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“Mrs. Shim Is a Killer” by Kang Jiyoung follows Shim Eunok, a widow and mother of two whose husband took his life five years ago following a series of complications with his health. She is now unemployed, hopeless, and ashamed, and dreads going home to the sight of a mailbox overflowing with unpaid bills. We meet her at one of her lowest moments, overwhelmed by despair, where we are reminded that the family had to sell their butchery to pay off the damages of a pub her husband drove into, in what police ruled as suicide.  Purchase Here.

As fate would have it, Eunok stumbles upon a Help Wanted notice from a private detective agency.  She’s all too aware of the worn clothes on her back and the fact that her schooling ended early, and the worry creeps in that they’ll judge her before she even gets a word out. As she pauses outside the building, an older guard gives her a salute that feels strangely knowing. It’s a small, unsettling moment that hints at something bigger already moving around her—something she hasn’t begun to piece together.

The interview shifts from odd to chilling as the interviewer focuses on her experience with knives. And much to her shock, he offers her a job on the spot, leaving her feet frozen to the floor in disbelief. You almost want to scream at her to resist the offer, but that is just before a gold bar is placed on the table, promising quick wealth that could secure her children’s future, if she does the new “job” well.

From there, the novel expands outward, shifting perspectives to reveal the agency’s inner workings and the many lives entangled within it. You are drawn into a layered story that moves between various voices, among them, The Boss, a relentless secret agent, a watchful daughter, and clients whose pain is so deep that revenge feels like their only remaining answer. These voices do not unfold in a straight line, and by taking that form; readers are offered the thrill of assembling the puzzle pieces themselves. Through it all, Eunok remains at the center, not as a cold professional but as a reluctant woman learning to survive inside a world that demands detachment. In that light, as a reader, you might feel forced to root for her even when questioning the morality of her choices, especially when consequential figures from her personal life begin brushing dangerously close to her new reality.

This book will surprise you with how well it balances humor and horror. It moves steadily, allowing tension to build through shifting viewpoints and quiet revelations, as well as unsettling realizations that raise the underlying personal stakes into something that can’t be solved with skill alone. If you enjoy stories that blur the line between dark and playful, or where characters are underestimated only to quietly reinvent themselves in ways that surprise even them, then “Mrs. Shim Is a Killer” by Kang Jiyoung should be your next read!

 

 

 

 

First Loser

First Loser by Scott Walker Cunningham

Reviewed by Matthew McCarty

Life is full of choices. The choices we make often lead us down the wrong path, or one full of potholes and sadness. Choices are what help us make sure we make the right decisions. “First Loser“, the recent book by Scott Walker Cunningham, outlines the choices that open up in life and how those choices can influence the journey of life. The characters in “First Loser” illustrate just how important making the right choices can be, but also just how often the right choices are overlooked.  Purchase Here.

Connor Castaway is an all-state wrestler. He works hard to be the best wrestler in the state, but struggles with his personal life and the loss of his dad. He also struggles with the damage that wrestling is causing to his body and how he has to turn to narcotics to manage the pain that he experiences throughout his life. Connor is emblematic of a tortured soul who often wonders why his life has turned out as it has. He feels like he is responsible for not helping his dad recover from the illness that claimed him in the prime of life.

Connor experiences many ups and downs and difficulties as he navigates trying to succeed in wrestling. He manages to gain a new perspective when he sees his best friend struggling with how to win a match and fight off his own demons that will eventually consume him and leave Connor wandering about what might have been. Connor prevails through a world of hurt, anxiety, stress, and confusion to become a strong provider who learns how to conquer his doubt and fear. The lessons that Connor learns help him to become a father to his own children and a dedicated husband to his wife Isla. These lessons underscore the humanity that comes with life’s struggles.

“First Loser” is a work that could be useful in guiding young lives in decision-making. The lessons presented deal with behavior, choices, and dealing with pain and doubt. These lessons not only affect the lives of star athletes but also those of all human beings. While not a book for a general reading audience, “First Loser” can be impactful on the lives of teens and their family members. It could definitely help with some difficult conversations and could be a light for any young person struggling with what choices to make and how those choices can impact everything that happens in their lives.

 

 

 

Ms. Mial and Murder at the Grand Island Hotel

Ms. Mia and Murder at the Grand Island Hotel by Jennifer Branch

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

The cover of Ms. Mia and Murder at the Grand Island Hotel caught my eye – enough to make me want to read the book, and I’m really glad I did. It has that classic cozy‑mystery feel, but it never drags or gets too predictable. The whole story has this easy flow to it, like you’re just tagging along with someone who’s naturally good at noticing things the rest of us would miss.  Purchase Here.

Ms. Mia herself is a great character. She’s sharp, but not in an over‑the‑top “super detective” way. She feels like a real person who happens to be curious enough (and stubborn enough) to poke around where others wouldn’t. I liked her right away.

The hotel setting is perfect for a mystery — a little glamorous, a little eerie, and full of people who all seem to be hiding something. The author does a nice job giving each character just enough personality that you start forming your own theories about who did what.

As for the mystery, I thought I had it figured out twice, and both times I was wrong. The clues are there, but they’re subtle, and the ending actually makes sense once everything clicks into place. It’s satisfying without feeling forced.

Overall, Ms. Mia and Murder at the Grand Island Hotel is a fun, quick read with a good balance of humor, suspense, and character moments. If you like cozy mysteries with a smart but relatable lead, this one is definitely worth picking up.

 

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2026 Bestsellersworld Book Award Program

Recognizing outstanding fiction and nonfiction from Indie authors, small presses, and traditional publishers.

The 2026 Bestsellersworld Book Awards celebrate exceptional storytelling, powerful ideas, and the authors who bring them to life. Whether you’re an Indie author, traditional author,  self‑published writer, or part of a small press, this is your opportunity to gain recognition, credibility, and visibility for your work.

If you’re searching for book award programs for 2026, you’re in the right place.

⭐ Why Enter the 2026 Bestsellersworld Book Awards

Authors choose our program because it offers real value, not just a badge. Every entry receives:

  • Professional evaluation by experienced reviewers
  • Fair, category‑specific judging
  • Winners and finalists featured on Bestsellersworld.com
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  • Industry‑recognized credibility that helps readers trust your book

If you’re looking for legitimate book awards for indie authors, this program is built for you.

🏆 Award Categories for 2026

We accept submissions across a wide range of genres, including:

  • General Fiction
  • Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense
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📘 Who Can Enter

The 2026 Book Award Program is open to:

  • Indie and self‑published authors
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  • U.S. and international authors

 

🔍 How the Judging Works

Our judging process is designed to be transparent and fair:

  1. Books are assigned to qualified reviewers based on genre
  2. Each book is evaluated for writing quality, originality, structure, and reader impact
  3. Scores are compiled and reviewed by our editorial team
  4. Winners and finalists are selected for each category

We do not use AI to judge entries — only real, experienced reviewers.

📣 What Winners Receive

Winning or placing as a finalist in the 2026 Bestsellersworld Book Awards includes:

  • A featured spotlight on Bestsellersworld.com
  • A digital award seal for your cover and marketing
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  • Permanent listing on our Awards page
  • Names of winners will be listed in our newsletter and blog

Authors often use their award placement to boost credibility on Amazon, Goodreads, and in press releases.

📝 How to Enter the 2026 Book Awards

Submitting your book is simple:

  1. Complete the entry form on this page – 2026 Book Awards | 2026 BestSellersWorld Awards
  2. Select your category
  3. Watch for confirmation from our team regarding payment and items you need to submit

🚀 Enter the 2026 Bestsellersworld Book Awards

Give your book the recognition it deserves. Submit your entry today and join the authors who have used our award recognition to strengthen their visibility and reach new readers.

2026 Book Awards | 2026 BestSellersWorld Awards

 

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Professional Book Review Service for Indie Authors, Self-Published Writers & Small Presses

Get your book reviewed by a trusted, long‑established book review website.

If you’re searching for where to get your book reviewed, you’re not alone. Every day, authors look for credible book review services that can help them gain visibility, build trust with readers, and support their marketing efforts. Bestsellersworld.com has been reviewing books for more than 20 years, making it one of the longest-running book review websites still active today.

Whether you’re an Indie author, a self‑published writer, or a small press, our goal is simple: help readers discover your book through a professional, thoughtful, and honest review.

⭐ Why a Professional Book Review Matters More Than Ever

The publishing world is crowded. Millions of books compete for attention, and readers rely heavily on social proof before deciding what to buy. A professional review gives you:

  • Credibility — Readers trust third‑party reviews more than author‑posted blurbs
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If you’ve been searching for book review sites for indie authors, you’ve found one that’s established, respected, and author‑friendly.

⭐ Why Authors Choose Bestsellersworld.com

Authors come to us because we offer something rare: a straightforward, reliable book review service without confusing packages or gimmicks.

Here’s what sets us apart:

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If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the number of “review services” out there, this is a place where the process is simple and transparent.

*How Our Book Review Service Works

Many authors ask, “How do I submit my book for review?” We’ve made the process as simple as possible.

1. Complete the Submission Form

Use the form on the page titled get-reviewed to send us your book details.

2. Choose Your Review Option

Select the review level that fits your needs. All options include a professional review, but you can add promotional boosts if you want more visibility.  Once the submission form is received, we will contact you with more information on what we need to start the process.

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Your book is matched with a reviewer who reads your genre and understands your audience.

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Our reviewers read your entire book and write a balanced, thoughtful critique — not a canned summary or AI‑generated blurb.

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Once complete, your review is posted on Bestsellersworld.com with a permanent link you can use anywhere.

6. You Receive Your Review Link

When everything is completed, the review will be posted on the following:

  • Goodreads
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This is a clean, predictable, author‑friendly process — no guessing, no waiting months without updates.

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Every review includes:

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If you’re looking for book reviews that help with book promotion, this is designed for you.

* Who Our Book Review Service Is For

We work with a wide range of authors and publishers, including:

Indie Authors

If you’re self‑publishing or launching your first book, a professional review can help you build early credibility.

Self‑Published Authors

Self‑published books often struggle for visibility. A review on a respected site helps readers take your book seriously.

Small Presses

We partner with small publishers who need reliable, consistent review coverage for their authors.

Traditional Publishers

We also review books from established publishers looking for additional exposure.

Fiction & Nonfiction Across Most Genres

From thrillers to memoirs, romance to business books, we welcome a wide range of submissions.

If you’ve been searching for book review sites that accept indie authors, you’re in the right place.

*How a Professional Book Review Helps With Book Promotion

A review isn’t just a nice‑to‑have — it’s a marketing asset.

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Readers want reassurance before buying. A professional review gives them exactly that.

* What Makes a Good Book Review Website?

Not all review sites are equal. When choosing where to submit your book, look for:

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Bestsellersworld.com checks all of these boxes.

*Frequently Asked Questions 

Where can I get my book reviewed?

Right here. Bestsellersworld.com is a long‑established book review website trusted by authors for over 20 years.

Do you review Indie and self‑published books?

Yes — we specialize in Indie author book reviews and self‑published book reviews.

How long does it take to get a review?

We offer fast turnaround times, depending on the review option you choose.

Can I use the review in my marketing?

Absolutely. You can use your review on Amazon, Goodreads, your website, social media, newsletters, and more.

Do you accept all genres?

We accept most fiction and nonfiction genres. If you’re unsure, just ask.

Is the review permanent?

Yes — your review stays on our site permanently, giving your book long‑term visibility.

What if my review is negative?

You have the option of whether or not you want the review posted.

*Ready to Get Your Book Reviewed?

A professional review can help your book stand out, build credibility, and reach more readers. If you’re ready to take the next step in your book promotion journey, submit your book below.

Your book deserves to be discovered — let’s help readers find it.

Click Here to Start the Process:

 

 

 

 

Without A Face

Without a Face by Lonnie Busch

Reviewed by Lorena Padureanu

Without a Face is a very well-written sci-fi thriller, blending thought-provoking concepts with realistic details to create a fully engaging read from start to finish. This book is more than meets the eye. Unwrapping the truth, layer by layer, the reader is pulled into a rollercoaster of shifting perceptions, emotions and suspense, avidly searching for explanations alongside the protagonists.  Purchase Here.

Set in 1967, the plot follows Kurt and Alice, a married couple in their 50s, whose monotonous life is violently disrupted when a strange man kidnaps them in the dead of night. But this is not the only unsettling aspect of this brazen intrusion. Although putting up a fight at first, they soon succumb to the shock of realizing that this man is clearly not human. After eventually escaping to the middle of nowhere, they venture into the wild, searching for help and a way back home. Little do they know, the life they desperately hope to return to has been irrevocably altered.

As they search for any sign of humanity or civilization, they face unfamiliar landscapes, growing desperation, fear, hunger, mounting unanswered questions, unusual and violent encounters, and the imminent threat of an alien-like presence closing in.

The book’s topical themes and the characters’ authentic reactions make the plot feel all the more vivid and tangible. Along the way, Kurt and Alice are put to the test, their principles and beliefs challenged against the limits of their human nature.

Their incredible journey is primarily seen through Kurt’s eyes. Concerned for injured Alice, he’s focused on getting them both to safety. Bearing the full responsibility of her wellbeing, he anxiously examines, ponders, and questions every decision and move he makes in the midst of the bizarre and hazardous circumstances they come upon.

At the basis of the heart-pounding situations, a soft love story unfolds. The middle-aged couple grows increasingly aware of their affection for one another. They communicate without words, complementing each other – Alice, a free spirit with a gentle, cheerful, and composed nature, and Kurt, a natural leader, with a rigid, practical, and fiery temperament. This ordeal serves to test and strengthen their bond and friendship against all challenges.

Beyond the building suspense and mystery, the novel is also a subtle healing journey. From the start, the couple is shown to be mourning the premature death of their son. Their grief resurfaces even more now when faced with these extreme and agonizing circumstances. Yet, the new reality they face will ultimately redefine their values and outlook on life.

The writing style is well-balanced, with moments of calm, reflection, and introspection perfectly interwoven with scenes of action and tension, allowing the plot to be fully experienced and absorbed. This is a fully immersive novel that is as emotionally compelling as it is captivating and thrilling.

 

 

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Don’t Answer the Phone by Miranda Rijks

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Just finished this book and I’m still kind of thinking about it.

It starts fast. Like, I wasn’t even settled in yet, and it already had that weird, uneasy vibe going.

My phone rang while I was reading, and I literally froze for a second, which seemed ridiculous but whatever.  The whole thing revolves around a woman getting these strange calls, and you’re basically stuck with her trying to figure out if she’s imagining stuff or if something’s actually happening.  Purchase Here.

It’s not dramatic, just that slow “hmm… something’s off” feeling that creeps up on you.  I kept changing my mind about what I thought was going on…like every few pages. The story stays tight; no random side characters or weird detours.

It’s mostly her, and whatever’s happening, and you’re just kind of in it with her.  Every time I thought I had it, something tiny shifted, and I was like… okay, maybe not.

The ending was fine – not huge nor wild. Just… yeah, that makes sense.  I closed the book and sat there for a minute doing nothing.  If you like the everyday kind of creepy “this could actually happen” stuff, Don’t Answer the Phone hits that, and yes, I looked at my phone weirdly afterward.  Not proud of it!

Little Joe Chickapig

Little Joe Chickapig by Brian Calhoun (Author, Illustrator) and Pat Bradley (Illustrator)

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Little Joe Chickapig is a charming children’s book that offers a fresh and fun story for young readers. It follows Little Joe, a lively chickapig, as he goes on an exciting adventure full of teamwork, problem-solving, and friendship.  Purchase Here.

The story features bright, colorful illustrations that bring the playful characters and setting to life. These pictures match the story well and keep kids interested on every page.

A key strength of Little Joe Chickapig is its mix of humor and warmth. The story entertains while gently teaching important lessons about working together, being determined, and showing kindness in a way kids can easily understand.

The language is clear and lively, perfect for early readers or for parents to read aloud. The story moves at a good pace that keeps kids interested without being too fast or slow.

Overall, Little Joe Chickapig is a happy and inspiring book that promotes good values and sparks imagination. It’s a wonderful addition to any child’s library and a great pick for storytime, bringing smiles and thoughtful talks.

This book is recommended for children 3-5 years old.

Don't Trust Cats

Don’t Trust Cats: Life Lessons from Chip the Dog by Dev Petty and Mike Boldt

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Don’t Trust Cats is one of those picture books that turns out to be a pleasant surprise.   On the surface, it’s silly, bright, and full of lively cat energy. Along  with humor, there’s a surprisingly relatable message about trust, impulse, and how small choices can lead to big problems.  Purchase Here.

The story follows a well-meaning main character who learns the hard way that cats aren’t always thttps://amznhttps://amzn.to/3O9OMemto/4bC20bxe cooperative, rule-following companions we hope for. Anyone who’s lived with a cat will recognize the truth here: the blank stares, sudden bursts of naughtiness, and how they seem to know exactly what you don’t want them to do.

What makes the book work is its message.   It doesn’t talk down to kids or try too hard to be funny. The humor comes naturally—from the illustrations, the timing, and the narrator’s growing frustration as the cats do exactly what cats do. It’s the kind of book that gets even funnier when read aloud, especially if you play up the dramatic parts.

The illustrations are a big part of what makes this book a delight. They’re expressive but not overly done, seizing the perfect mix of innocence and chaos which defines cat behavior. Kids will laugh at the visual jokes, and adults will laugh because they’ve been there.

Beneath the comedy, there’s a gentle lesson regarding responsibility and thinking ahead, but it never feels preachy. It’s more like the author giving a knowing wink and saying, “We’ve all been there.”

Bottom line: Don’t Trust Cats is playful, quick, and really fun to read. It’s a great choice for bedtime, classroom story time, or any kid who loves animals—especially those furry little troublemakers who run the house.

 

Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes

Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes: Harnessing Structured Conversations for Customer-Driven Value Delivery by Claude Hanhart and Rachel Collins

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb

Anyone who runs a local or national business or is an executive in a product-driven industry will learn a lot of great techniques to ensure the success of their products after reading Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes: Harnessing Structured Conversations for Customer-Driven Value Delivery by authors Claude Hanhart and Rachel Collins. These types of people appear to be the main target audience for this book, so the audience might seem relatively niche. Nevertheless, this book is one that its target audience will likely want to check out, and, as the title implies, it is crucial that a company’s goals be connected to the impacts and outcomes desired.  Purchase Here.

The target audience also has knowledge of Agile planning sessions. What are those? Well, I didn’t know what they were until I read the book, but the authors mention that, though Agile sessions can be important, they “still struggle to create real customer and business value” for a company.

That quote comes from the Preface of Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes. Also, they called the development of their ideas “an ambitious product effort.” They write that they were leading a project and “Despite everyone’s best intentions and genuine commitment,” a problem arose. The problem was, they continue, that they “realized the core issue wasn’t technical or strategic—it was conversational,” and that they “had no reliable way to ensure that when we talked about goals, requirements, or success, we were all talking about the same thing.”

So, the authors developed a fairly detailed way for everyone to get on the same page, and for everyone to have the same definitions for whatever sorts of “goals, requirements, or success.” Oh, yeah–and, of course, it’s also important that a company’s customers develop a long-term relationship with a company by having a favorable impression of it. As the authors write, certain broad goals, when it comes to customers, are often agreed upon, like a business should do what it can to “improve customer experience” or “increase engagement.”

But, businesses also need to have their customers interact with features about themselves and their products, and they need to impress their stockholders. The authors of Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes do a much better job of explaining what their book is all about than I can, as I’ve barely touched the surface of the topics included, so here is what they write about the book:

This book shows product leaders, Agile coaches, and delivery teams how to use clear language and visual thinking to align strategy, product decisions, and day‑to‑day work around measurable outcomes.

In this book, you’ll learn how to:

  • Write clear, outcome‑focused goals using VERB + NOUN syntax that eliminate ambiguity
  • Connect customer needs to business impact using Empathy Mapping, Customer Journey Mapping, and Impact Mapping
  • Align product roadmaps and delivery plans with OKRs that drive accountability and learning
  • Validate assumptions early using Hypothesis‑Driven Development and Example Mapping
  • Facilitate cross‑functional Agile conversations where disagreements become productive
  • Turn vague requirements into clear, executable user stories that teams interpret the same way

Drawing on experience across startups, financial services, and large‑scale Agile transformations, Structured Conversations bridges the gap between product strategy and value delivery with techniques that work in real‑world environments.

This is all a process that can go on for several months, or, presumably, longer. But that seems to be all a part of the process of continuous improvement, something all companies strive for.

The way some companies utilize their Agile teams doesn’t always result in success. As the authors note, the various Agile teams involved can all be working hard, but the end result can be less than what had been hoped for. In such a scenario, when a project fails, despite the best efforts of everyone on the Agile teams, the authors write, “The gap isn’t execution. It’s how goals, assumptions, and decisions are discussed.”

I am but a simple book reviewer and an author of Westerns and a few other books, so I cannot at all make any claims about whatever is covered in Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes, but I can write a few of my humble opinions about it. I’d say that success can be measured in many different ways. I’m not at all 100% certain, what definition of success is when it comes to potentially the projects of multiple companies with budgets of millions of dollars.

The techniques and strategies mentioned in this involved but entertaining read have made me realize that shared definitions for whatever is important to the individual companies can be crucial for the eventual degree of success experienced when it comes down to projects, goals, and companies. I don’t operate or own any company, but a lot of what the two authors of Connecting Goals to Impacts and Outcomes say makes sense. If this looks like something that you would like to check out, I am sure you will learn many tips and techniques to both “improve customer experience” and “increase engagement.” Check it out today!