Justice Never Rests

Justice Never Rests: A U.S. Attorney’s Battle against Murderers, Drug Lords, Mob Kingpins & Cults by William Kolibash, with Jon Land and Sheriane Kolibash Taylor

Reviewed by Russell Ilg

“JUSTICE NEVER RESTS” NEVER LETS UP OR DISAPPOINTS

 As soon as I slid the contents from the envelope, I knew it was a bomb.

So opens JUSTICE NEVER RESTS: A U.S. Attorney’s Battle Against Murderers, Drug Lords, Mob Kingpins and Cults (Post Hill Press, $19.99, 320 pages), a scintillating and seminal narrative of groundbreaking U.S. Attorney William Kolibash’s dogged efforts to fight all manner of crime in the Northern District of West Virginia.  Purchase Here.

Being a sucker for John Grisham and Scott Turow, I devoured what read like a factual version of their fiction, employing an occasional pinch to remind myself it was all real. Kolibash is Frank Galvin from “The Verdict” without the alcohol problem, Michael Connelly’s Mickey Haller without the Lincoln, and Perry Mason without the theme song.

Writing with bestselling author Jon Land, working in tandem with his daughter Shariane, Kolibash fashions a tale steeped in history, as well as the law. While Wheeling and other West Virginia cities might not have the luster of bigger, glitzier ones, they were facing the very same criminal scourges that were roiling the entire country. To fight them, the crusading Kolibash scored the first successful RICO prosecution in the nation’s history, while also forming the first ever federal investigative grand jury, and pioneering the use of multi-jurisdictional task forces.

A good thing since he took on some truly memorable bad guys that included a moonshining family that traded their stills for marijuana fields, any number of gangsters that included notorious Midwest kingpin Paul Hankish. The chapters covering him shares the book’s center stage with the investigation into a murderous and corrupt Hari Krishna swami based in Kolibash’s backyard, a case that garnered national headlines.

Kolibash puts thriller author Land’s sense of pacing and suspense to splendid use by stitching together a narrative of mostly independent episodes dealing with pretty much every crime imaginable with the help of an “Untouchables”—, or “Magnificent Seven”—like team of specialists from the IRS, West Virginia State Police and FBI. Some of the bad guys they took down were really bad, while others brought a lighter touch to the table.

The main witness against Jesse was the prostitute’s pimp.  His name was Bobby Mitchell.  On the Friday before the trial, I went to see Mitchell at a Grafton, West Virginia jail where he was imprisoned at the time. I told Mitchell that we were going to call him as a witness and he had no choice but to tell the jury what had happened. Mitchell agreed to testify on one condition: that we let him wear his pimp outfit, which consisted of a purple-blue velour suit and shoes that had a glass heel with a goldfish enclosed.

Mitchell ended up testifying, but sans goldfish, because they weren’t allowed in court. Kolibash’s memoir is chock full of anecdotes like that, injecting a verve and vitality rare for narrative nonfiction in general and legal tomes in particular. Always riveting, sometimes raw and often relentless, JUSTICE NEVER RESTS is an extraordinary achievement that stands alongside F. Lee Bailey’s “The Defense Never Rests” and Alan Dershowitz’s “The Best Defense” as classic works of real-life courtroom drama. A mesmerizing, mind-numbing masterpiece of an evolving criminal mindset that William Kolibash was equal to at every turn. Not only does justice never rest, neither will you until you finish this book.

 

First Place: Dogs Don't Lie by William Leroy

Sleeping Dogs Don’t Lie by William LeRoy

Reviewed by Rahul Gaur

William LeRoy is back with Detective Maximo Morgan in ‘Sleeping Dogs Don’t Lie,’ which includes three engaging mysteries: Jigger Man, Guilt Trip, and Two-Timers. It’s more than just a mystery; it’s a satirical look at small-town life, gang culture, and the corrupt underbelly of politics.   Purchase Here.

The first mystery, “Jigger Man,” introduces us to Max as he is hired by Father Vincente Quesada to investigate a mysterious figure named Jigger Man, aka Beelzebub, who is manipulating local teenagers into gang activities. The quirky way Max introduced himself, ‘Maximo Morgan’s the name, private dickery’s the game,’ really cracked me up. The plot thickens as Max navigates the political landscape, dealing with a nervous mayor, Buford Bailey, and a community on edge.   The story has colorful characters, from the elderly crusader Lela Dimwitty to the various teenage gang members, each adding depth and humor to the narrative. The text is infused with references to Broadway musicals, which enrich the narrative by providing depth to Lela’s character, framing her motivations, and connecting her personal history to broader societal themes. Max navigates through the complexities, aiming to bring peace to the troubled town and protect the teenagers from further harm. The mystery unfolds with suspense and wit, keeping readers engaged until the end.

The second mystery, “Guilt Trip,” delves into Max’s struggles as he faces eviction from his office and deals with a stack of dubious documents brought in by a mysterious blonde. The story explores themes of guilt and responsibility, both in Max’s life and in the lives of the other characters, such as Claudette Phlegming, a schoolteacher trying to escape her financial woes. The narrative is introspective, offering a deeper look into Max’s character while maintaining the humor and intrigue that define the series.

The third mystery, “Two-Timers,” is a lighter, more humorous tale that sees Max investigating a suspected case of teenage two-timing. The story is filled with teenage drama, high school dances, and the complexities of young love. The narrative delves into the complexities of trust in relationships, particularly romantic ones. Max’s reluctance to engage in cases of infidelity highlights the fragile nature of trust and how easily it can be shattered by suspicion. Max’s interactions with his young assistant and the various teenagers are amusing and insightful, showcasing Leroy’s talent for blending humor with mystery.

One of the book’s strengths is its exploration of generational conflict. The book shows us different parts of society through Max’s investigations. Each case he solves helps us understand different problems and issues in the town in a layered manner. For instance, his disappointment in not becoming the detective he dreamed of, but his mentorship of the young character adds depth to his journey. Through Max’s perspective, the book dives into moral choices, social conflicts, and the importance of staying true to one’s principles, even when the odds are against you. Like always, LeRoy’s writing style is simple and relatable, making the book easy to read. For anyone interested in social dynamics, crime, or just a fun detective story, this book is worth the read.

 

Distortion

Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier brings to the awareness a uniquely posed work that presents a deep, dark venture into a distinctive romantic connection within which, a love lesser known, realizes no bounds, thus, leading to the question of are the characters distorted? or is the world around them distorted?  Purchase Here.

Love knows no bounds, when it is true love, especially in the eyes of this narrative’s central and only characters. While the characters and setting are anonymous, their plight as people is not. In fact, it is quite common. After all, we reside in a world that is superficial and judgmental, as well as often ostracizing, to those who do not appear to meet particular cosmetic or mental standards.

Although, within this story, the lovers have bodies that are ripe with infirmity and disfigurement, the two characters are able to see beyond their physical aspects and traumas to only view one another as perfect, and lovable, in a society where they are not considered desirable, sympathetic characters yes, but not particularly lovable or desirable.

Moreover, this uniquely posed story is solely an intense dialogue between its characters. Thus, propelling this story with no particular time period or setting not only ventures into looking at an imbalanced and unfair society but accesses their minds, traumas, and disfigured bodies while venturing into deep psychological healing modes.

Altogether, the narrative places the lovers in spatial locations, which are tantamount to their conversations and interactions. Firstly, starting out, In a Bed, the characters are somewhat introduced, with their feelings and love for one another triumphantly poured out. Next, Against a Wall, details their issues with painful, traumatizing, steps that were taken to address their disfigurement. Then, On the Floor, entails their discourse on face and body shame, while also leading to a session of catharsis. In a Strange Place, there is some healing of their pain and trauma. Followed by In a Candlelit Room and In a Shared Space and that deals with their further healing through sexual consummation and conclusively In a Cafe, brings them back to reality with their disappointing interactions within society.

Overall, I truly enjoyed Distortion by Sierra Ernesto Xavier. I found the unique format and story premise to be captivating. I instantly became enmeshed in the hurt world of the characters, their traumas and their psyche when it came to their particular circumstances. Additionally, this is not a read for the young, squeamish or sensitive, as there are many moments propelled by intense psychological and sexual interaction. What I genuinely enjoyed was experiencing the literately posed, point of view of the characters with no distraction from background characters or subplots. This was a purely effective read fraught with raw emotion, psychological discourse, and raw sexuality which builds throughout the story while dutifully painting stark images in my mind and made for a refreshing read. I do highly recommend this book.

Platinum Promises

Platinum Promises by Jessa Nevins

Reviewed by Jacquelyn Tolksdorf

Jessa Nevins’ Platinum Promises is a riveting and dramatic exploration of fame, power, and personal conflict set alongside a dramatic love triangle. The novel sequel to Nevins’ Star Maker delves into the complexities of ambition, relationships, and redemption, centering around the life of Kit McKenna, a brilliant but deeply flawed entertainment executive.  Purchase Here.

From the very beginning, readers are thrust into Kit’s world of glamour, high stakes, and scandal. As the narrative unfolds, we witness her navigate the treacherous waters of the entertainment industry, deal with romantic turmoil, and confront the consequences of her self-destructive behaviors.

Nevins masterfully portrays the inner workings of the music industry, and the intense pressure placed on women to not only succeed but maintain an image of perfection. Kit’s struggles are not just professional but deeply personal, particularly her volatile relationship with her rock-star boyfriend, Sully. Their romance is as tumultuous as her career, and Nevins doesn’t shy away from showing the messy, raw emotions that come with love and ambition colliding.

The character development is one of the novel’s strengths. Kit is a complex protagonist—strong-willed, intelligent, yet deeply vulnerable. Her inner monologue reveals a woman grappling with insecurities, guilt, and the pressure to succeed in a male-dominated world. Sully, on the other hand, represents the pitfalls of fame and the toll it takes on relationships. The supporting characters, from Abe, Kit’s mentor, to her troubled friends in the industry, add layers of intrigue and tension, each influencing Kit’s journey in different ways.

Nevins’ prose is sharp and engaging, keeping the reader hooked from one dramatic scene to the next. The pacing is swift, driven by the high-stakes world Kit inhabits. Whether it’s a corporate cover-up, a scandal threatening to leak to the press, or an explosive argument with Sully, there is rarely a dull moment in Platinum Promises.

However, beneath the surface of glamorous parties and high-powered meetings, the novel is a deeper commentary on identity and self-worth. Kit’s quest for power and success often leaves her questioning who she is and whether the sacrifices she’s made are worth it. As her personal and professional lives spiral out of control, she is forced to confront her demons and decide what truly matters.

Platinum Promises is a captivating novel that will appeal to fans of contemporary drama, particularly those interested in the intersection of love, power, and the entertainment world. It’s a powerful reminder of the personal costs that can come with chasing ambition and the importance of finding balance in life.

Nevins has crafted a page-turner filled with emotional depth, making Platinum Promises a memorable and thought-provoking read.

 

 

Because Mom Asked

Because Mom Asked by RW Herman

Reviewed by Reyan Mishra

“Because Mom Asked” is author R W Herman’s third and final memoir following his award-winning debut memoir, “The Unopened Letter” and the extended memoir “Against The Current in the Silent Service”. In the first two memoirs, the author takes us into his evolution as a man with dreams and his struggles in the Navy. Of course, the book in question tells the tale of the same man, yet it’s a bit of a departure from the first two. Here the focus is more on his mindset than on moments.  Purchase Here.

The book takes the readers back to the author’s life before he joined the Navy, his time on duty, and his experiences post-retirement. The author makes detailed mention of the events that are left out in the first two books. The stories though simple nudge you to get acquainted with the true nature of life which is not always how you want it to be.

After finishing his second memoir, the author was more than glad to put away his pen for good. But he had to give in to the pressure of his grandchildren and kick off a new book. His granddaughter Alexis asked him, “The (previous) books tell us a lot about our family heritage but now, we’d really like to learn more. Actually, we’ve got even more questions now than we had before you wrote them. Like, it seems my great-grandma and great-grandpa Herman faced a lot of challenges when you were growing up in Minnesota. I’d like to know more about all that.”

During the discussion, his grandson said, “You know how proud I am of you, your military career, and being able to call you Grandpa. From what I’ve heard, I think your mother also could have a book devoted just to her life … it would be neat to read more about her.” The statement did the magic, and RW Herman realized there were indeed tons of more interesting things to tell his readers.

The interplay of the backstory and consequences of every incident is penned down beautifully. The vivid description of the surroundings creates solid imagery that remains in the head for a few days. The first few pages turn you into the author’s pal who is catching up with him after a long time. And the rest of the book becomes an interesting conversation with a good friend about his experiences. No matter how many pages you whip in one go, the next page is always going to feel enticing.

Anyone who is on the lookout for some realistic motivation and lessons about life and work would most likely find some pages that are worth marking. If read properly, the author’s life stories have it to teach you how to steer through adversities and go about your dreams in the face of mammoth challenges. The book is simple, heartwarming, exciting, and sometimes energizing – a mix of traits that’s rare to come by.

 

 

 

My Father's Suitcase

My Father’s Suitcase: A story of family secrets, abuse and betrayal – an

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“My Father’s Suitcase” is a heartfelt memoir that chronicles author Mary Garden’s struggle with sibling abuse, an understudied and rarely spoken kind of domestic violence.  Purchase Here.

Garden’s life altered radically when her younger sister, Anna, began to physically abuse her during their childhood. Her reaction to this was one of fury and terror at what the sibling, who suffered from mental illness, might do to her next. Garden was always under the impression that her turbulent family life had a significant part in the disintegration of her connection with her sister since she had a violent father and a melancholy mother who was constantly running away from a past she could never bring herself to disclose to her spouse. Garden’s parents made her feel constantly alone by publicly supporting Anna’s actions and holding her responsible for all of her issues.

Her rivalry with her sister did not fade quickly; rather, it intensified throughout adulthood, leaving her deeply wounded and with a warped perspective on life. Garden was especially horrified to hear that her sister had embarked on a project that she believed to be an extension of her abuse. Her brother Robert and other family members were aware of the situation but opted not to notify her. This served as the last blow to her hopes of ending Anna’s pervasive hatred and rekindled her urge to exact reckoning—something she had long resisted doing.

The most prevalent type of domestic abuse today is the subject of this real, thoroughly researched story. Through it, the author exposes the behaviors and potential consequences experienced by those who attempt to conceal and repress their stress. This is the ideal book for people who have controlling or abusive siblings because it provides guidance on self-rescue and clarifies what many perceive to be typical sibling conflict. When sibling violence is ignored and persists in the lives of many individuals, society bears a heavy price.

“My Father’s Suitcase” effectively illustrates the need to close the knowledge gap that currently exists on sibling abuse. “My Father’s Suitcase” is highly recommended.

 

Travels and Tribulations

Travels and Tribulations by Tyrel Nelson

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

An emotional and physical journey, “Travels and Tribulations” is a compulsively readable memoir written by Tyrel Nelson. During the bleak time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Tyrel lost his mother whom he had shared a close relationship with, to a kidney disease and thereafter, his job.  Purchase Here.

It was a depressing moment for him pushing him into persistent despondency and it was during this time that he began making a recollection of significant experiences in his life going back from 2008 to 2020 including the people and places that he got a chance to meet and see respectively. This somehow provided a much-needed catharsis for him, relieving him from the agony and grief that hung around him. It was through sorting various compilations that he had written over the years that he penned these captivating vignettes that he shares with us today.

With a unique sense of rare immediacy and keen depth, the author walks us through the memories of his life, his experiences, and his relationships and even goes ahead to share the sorrow that engulfed him during the pandemic period. Part travelogue and part self-reflection odyssey, “Travel and Tribulations” takes us across the physical excursions and super-famous Carnivals in Ecuador, the lowlands in Guatemala, the countryside of Mexico, and back to Minnesota in the United States. Throughout, Tyrel’s voice shines with raw honesty and candidness, not holding anything back, leading us to moments of soul-searching during the reading.

He credits his mother for laying the groundwork and sparking the desire in him to see the world. This is after traveling with her to her homeland, the Philippines for a two-week trip. He does not stop there but goes ahead to celebrate both his parents for instilling in him the values of resilience, compassion, selflessness, and living in the moment from an early age. Across, the author’s writing and travel style are equally affable invoking in his exposition, an inviting feeling of shared thoughts and experiences, both poignant and impactful. “Travels and Tribulations” by Tyrel Nelson is an indelible biography and one that marks the arrival of a quintessential voice in biography writing.

 

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The Butterfly Cage

The Butterfly Cage by Rachel Zemach

Book Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“The Butterfly Cage” is a brilliant and thoughtful memoir written by Rachel Zemach, a deaf educator, writer, and activist. Here, Author Zemach recounts her remarkable navigation through the intricacies of teaching while Deaf in a California public school. It is a crucial and sometimes disquieting panorama of the patchiness of deaf education in public schools offering necessary advice for educators and families alike.  Purchase Here.

She fuses these experiences with her own heartfelt story of sudden deafness at the age of ten, and her ensuing and rather challenging journey toward a deaf identity and taking up a teaching role. With a striking foreword, the text does not tally in its progress but carefully details what it is like as a deaf teacher to strive for her pupils in a system that does not understand their needs and identities and which may end up damaging their potential and psychological well-being.

Her inspiring role in a deaf public school offers a role model that parents wish for their children in a school setting but whom deaf students rarely get in their classrooms. Zemach further details her struggles with the administration, staff, and aides who try to cripple teachers’ efforts at every turn, a scene all too frequent in mainstream schools.

“The Butterfly Cage” is one of those indelible memoirs that you finish reading and feel a little like you have lost an old friend. Readers will learn from the true stories of individual students told in an artful and affecting manner, what the deepest struggles of deaf and hard-of-hearing students are, and why the majority of these students in the country may end up losing their birthright due to a broken system that urgently needs restructuring. Zemach is unflinchingly honest and accomplishes much in this appealing and intelligent tapestry by rallying the society behind her to help these vulnerable group attain their budding capabilities.

That’s what places the book squarely among the best memoirs written out there. Her writing passion has adroitly amplified a thousandfold in the quiet world of the deaf. Her generosity of spirit is bound to encompass every reader who puts their hands on this hard-to-put-down memoir.

Indeed, “The Butterfly Cage” by Rachel Zemach makes a major contribution to our understanding of deafness, the challenges deaf students meet, and a call to legislators and educators alike in creating a conducive environment for them to learn in public schools. It is an oeuvre from a quintessential voice in America.

 

Midpoint

Midpoint: A Memoir by Patricia Angeles

Book Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

In Midpoint: A Memoir, author Patricia Angeles reveals many of the important moments in her life that helped shape the person she has become. The stories contained in this memoir help paint the picture of a woman growing up in the modern world. One of the reminders found throughout the book is how small the world has become and that there are more ways in which people are alike than different.  Purchase Here.

Despite growing up in Manila, the majority of the tales from Patricia’s childhood could just as easily have been set somewhere in the United States. The stories contained within Midpoint: A Memoir mostly focus on growing up and finding your place in the world. The author makes it clear that while the book is meant to be an enjoyable read for anyone who picks it up, the audience at the forefront of her mind is her daughters. The stories aim to show that anything is possible while also demonstrating that things are not always easy and that everyone makes mistakes.

The snippets of Patricia’s life vary in tone. However, she carries a level of humor throughout the book. Refreshingly, she does not shy away from admitting to not being perfect, which is not always the case with autobiographies. Rather than ignore her mistakes, she highlights them and takes us through where she went wrong with the invaluable tool of hindsight. Throughout Midpoint: A Memoir, Patricia carries a feeling of good cheer. Whether writing about a funny story from her youth, or a trying time that left her shaken, it is clear that she realizes it all led her to the life she has now, which she wouldn’t trade for anything.

While almost anyone can find relatable material in many stories throughout this memoir, there are still moments when the unique challenges faced by an immigrant and a minority remind us that this small world we live in can be experienced very differently depending on your background. Midpoint: A Memoir is an easy read full of the short stories that make up a life. Patricia Angeles has a thoughtful and elegant way of writing that enables the reader to immerse themselves in her life, one tale at a time.

 

 

Against the Current

Against the Current in the Silent Service by R.W. Herman

Book Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Against the Current in the Silent Service is a gripping memoir by R.W. Herman about navigating the uncharted waters of life. Through the pages of the book, the author takes a deep dive into his personal life while in the service of the Navy and his winding road of self-discovery.  Purchase Here.

While this memoir was written as a continuation of the author’s debut book, The Unopened Letter, it is well-rounded enough to stand as an independent read. This first book details the author’s experiences in the Navy during the Vietnam War Era, offering a peek behind the curtain of history from a uniquely personal perspective. Readers already familiar with the author’s life will finally know the answer to what happened next and why the author is called Commander. Those freshly introduced to R.W. Herman’s writing will discover an alluring and thrilling personal universe.

After building a reputation as an exceptional sailor (with an intriguing rebellious streak) R.W. Herman aims to become a commissioned officer. However, career advancement lies at the end of a winding road sprinkled with obstacles. To succeed, Herman must navigate the troubled waters of the system, inner struggles, and family life. At one point – which turns out to be a stepping stone for his dream future – the author is thrown into the foreign universe of submarine service.

Herman’s life story of trials and tribulations is an inspiring illustration of how hidden currents may guide our lives to the shores that we recognize as home. Also, his drive and ingenuity in thriving in adverse conditions keep the reader glued to the pages of his life. What is more, Herman skillfully decodes hostile conditions and uses the data and his knowledge as a world-building kit.

Readers might expect the setting for Against the Current in the Silent Service to be within rigid Navy and Marines confines. However, that is not the case. The story expands from within these systems touching on some of the great literary themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and freedom. The author interprets freedom as self-acceptance and allowing oneself the liberty to pursue the realization of a future self and a future us.

What is truly impressive about the read is the multiple levels of complexity that embrace the core story. The systematic exploration of social dynamics stands out as particularly relevant. Herman captures the fragile and subtle couple dynamics as two individuals jointly venture into a shared future. However, he also peers into the cracks of a seemingly rigid and stern system to uncover shifting and often unpredictable dynamics driven by a complex mixture of self-interest, duty, preservation, and sacrifice.

Against the Current in the Silent Service is an effortless read that can easily entrap readers into its flawless web of writing. While Herman displays an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Navy and communication systems, his life story is not weighed down by technicalities. All that remains is to witness a most captivating life unfold in the pages of this book.