Purple book cover with a black unicorn.

Unicorns Can Be Deadly (A Discount Detective Mystery) by Charlotte Stuart

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Unicorns Can Be Deadly is an interesting twist on a classic mystery novel. The book is centered around a private detective agency that offers low rates to provide investigative services to people on a budget. While the story does have a central mystery that propels the narrative forward, the true focus of the book is on the myriad issues faced by the homeless population in Seattle and the lack of resources to address these complicated problems.  Purchase Here.

Author Charlotte Stuart jumps right into the action with the first sentence of the book introducing a young boy running for his life. Fortunately, this boy crosses paths with Cameron Chandler, a private investigator and single mother who sees him in danger and acts to protect him. This spontaneous action pulls Cameron and her investigative partner Yuri into a search for a missing homeless woman named Bess. Their inquiries bring them face-to-face with the homeless population of the city and force them to confront the many challenges faced by this community.

Charlotte Stuart does a great job of posing difficult questions about serious issues without weighing down the tone of the book. She weaves many moments of levity into the story while maintaining respect for the community she is writing about and the problems they are confronted with on a daily basis.

As the investigators in the story search for the missing homeless woman, they end up taking on several other cases revolving around the homeless community, with each case revealing additional issues that we as a society are not doing enough to address. While Unicorns Can Be Deadly highlights critical problems, Stuart does not preach an agenda but simply poses questions to the reader as food for thought.

Overall, Unicorns Can Be Deadly is an enjoyable and quick read. The plot keeps the reader engaged and keeps you turning the pages to find answers to the mysteries our investigative protagonist is trying to unravel. The characters are all well-defined and the heroes are quite likable making it easy to root for them. Unicorns Can Be Deadly is the 5th book in the Discount Detective Mystery series, and as my introduction to the characters, I look forward to going back and exploring their previous adventures while waiting to see what the author has planned for them next.

Book cover: "Wisdom and the Baobab Tree".

Wisdom and the Baobab Tree by Edward R. McMahon

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Wisdom and the Baobab Tree is a story set in a foreign context that manages to hit close to home for readers in the United States, as well as readers throughout various other parts of the world. Set in the fictional African country of Kombonia, the book explores the struggle of a country to fully embrace democracy. While the nation has been a democracy in name for a few decades when the book begins, true democratic elections have never taken place.  Purchase Here.

Much of the story is told through the eyes of American Adam Edwards, who is in the country working for the Center for Democratic Progress, an independent organization with funding from the U.S. government. The purpose of his mission in Kombonia is to help ensure the elections coming at the end of the year are fair and democratic. He is tasked with sharing the knowledge gained by the U.S. and other nations in their experience with democracy to help create a framework for a true democracy to succeed in Kombonia.

While Wisdom and the Baobab Tree portrays a nation that is just beginning its democratic journey, many of the challenges this fledgling democracy faces reflect issues present in U.S. politics, as well as other nations with a long democratic history. Political violence, threats to a peaceful transfer of power, distrust in the electoral process, election interference, and a deep divide between different population groups are key issues addressed throughout the book that many democracies throughout the world are facing today.

When drawing these parallels between the challenges regarding democracy in Kombonia and the United States, author Edward R. McMahon takes several different approaches. At some points in the book, these similarities are subtly hinted at, while, at other times, he clearly connects the dots for the reader.

While Wisdom and the Baobab Tree shows how challenging it can be to build and maintain a democracy, especially in times where trust in the media and the information we receive is incredibly low, the overall tone of the book is a hopeful one. It shows that while there will always be struggles along the way, there is a path forward, that the checks and balances of the democratic system are necessary to ensure human rights, and that the system must constantly be reevaluated to ensure it works for the modern age.

Woman in action pose, fiery background.

Girl on Fire by Eden Hart

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

The first book in Eden Hart’s dystopian adventure epic, “Girl on Fire,” centers on a young girl who battles a fatal disease and whose world almost falls apart when a deadly fever begins claiming thousands of lives, including people who matter to her.   Purchase Here.

According to Kassia’s most recent diagnosis, her myeloid leukemia, which was in the most aggressive stage, was becoming worse. As her family ruminated on her sickness on Thanksgiving night, they were stunned by the most spectacular display of red dots that glittered everywhere. As everyone looked up into the sky in shock and bewilderment, the air felt thinner, and there was a foul odor around them, despite her father’s assurance that they were most likely fireworks. Their greatest fears were, however, confirmed when dead pigeons started falling over their roof and onto the street below.

The death toll was in the tens of thousands and rising, and no one was safe. While humanity was on the brink of annihilation, a few individuals, like Kassia, were surprisingly immune to the illness. So was Lynxx, an Outlander who had, for sixteen years, blended in among humans without anybody noticing that he was a hybrid. Two months ago, he was assigned by his guardian to monitor the effects of the First Wave on the people of New York and document the rate at which they died of the outbreak. A lot of people were drawn to his physique, including Kassia, whom he shortly after fell in love with. But when he realized she had cancer and that, despite the outbreak, she had not died within the projected time frame, he was astonished and decided to use her as a test subject.

This story skillfully takes a fresh approach to the idea of “survival of the fittest.” It draws readers into the life of a protagonist who, in addition to a life-threatening disease, is also trying to cope with her mother’s rejection. As death stares at her, she is faced with tough decisions and bewilderment, throwing her hope of ever being loved or surviving away. The author also presents a character who questions human resiliency and is taken aback by their strength, joy, optimism, and love even at the most difficult times. This contradicts his long-held conviction in human inadequacy, sending him along a bizarre path that quickly earns him the term “traitor.”

This book’s startling turns and steadily increasing intensity kept me on the edge of my seat from the very beginning. Its sequence of horrific events that progressively lead to a deep comprehension of the nature of love and the things that can awaken any soul is captivating. With their interesting banter, curiosity, and wit, the well-developed characters complement one another, making the story a progressive one. With its slow-burning romance and heart-pounding action, “Girl on Fire” by Eden Hart is among the finest dystopian adventure epics that create immersive worlds that stir the imagination and enthrall the reader. Highly recommended for all young enthusiasts of post-apocalyptic books.

Cartoon dachshund running through a field.

Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home by Jody A. Dean and Illustrated by Susie Lee Jin

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Roxie is filled with excitement because today is her special day. Her foster mom reminded her that she will be going to her Forever Home. Although Roxie has never met her new mom and feels a bit anxious, her foster mom, Dawn, reassured her. Dawn has met Roxie’s new family members and has seen their house, which is perfect.  Purchase Here.

Roxie wondered what her new mom and house would be like. She was excited to have a sister to play with. When she saw her new mom come to the door, she felt happy.

Now came the difficult part. Roxie felt sad because she knew she had to say goodbye to her foster mom and dad. Her mom told her not to be unhappy, as she could visit them whenever she wanted. This reassured Roxie and made her feel very happy.

This is Roxie’s first ride in a car, and she even has a special doggie seat. Excitement grew as they drove up the driveway to meet her new sister and see her forever home. Her new sister’s name is Mina. They became great friends as they ran and played together, eventually getting so tired that they fell asleep side by side. They shared dinner and even learned to share the same bed.
As Roxie fell asleep, she realized that it didn’t matter what her new mom looked like, what the new house was like, or what color her new sister was. She knew she was loved by her new family, and that was all that truly mattered.

This book includes pages with information about the real Roxie the Doxie. Also included is a guide to adoption for parents and therapists. The illustrations are charming and colorful, perfectly capturing the essence of the author’s message on each page. Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home is a joy for both parents and children, offering a wonderful reading experience for anyone involved in the adoption process. It delivers a powerful message that resonates deeply. Roxie the Doxie Finds Her Forever Home is recommended for ages 4-9. This book is perfect for reading aloud to your children and makes an exceptional gift.

Book cover: "Return to Pamplona" with woman.

Return to Pamplona: A Lover’s Quest in Post-War Spain by Peter J. Meehan

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Peter J. Meehan delivers an eventful love story that lingers over decades. The spark is lit in Spain on a backdrop of political unrest, when two students of different worlds fall in love. Return to Pamplona: A Lover’s Quest in Post-War Spain opens the window to Spain in the late 1940s, shortly after the end of the Spanish Civil War. The book is an intriguing blend of adult fiction, historical drama, and thriller, promising a truly captivating read.  Purchase Here.

The author invites us to step into a different world and discover its societal mechanisms through the eyes and experiences of a visitor. Richard Samuels, an English geology student visits Spain to study the Spanish Pyrenees. During his stay, he meets a spirited medical student, Terese Burguera, who quickly captures his heart and imagination.

While Richard is merely a visitor, dazzled by the country’s beauty, Terese is deeply immersed in the under layers of society. As a Basque, she grips on to her cultural heritage, undeterred by the risks and hardships it brings under the current regime. When others stay silent, she boldly speaks up and gives voice to those oppressed and overlooked. Her allure is further magnified by her family connections; her uncle, a renowned smuggler, vanished under mysterious circumstances.

In contrast, Richard seems to understand little of her struggles. Instead, he is preoccupied with his personal history and future. When he can no longer postpone his departure, he invites Terese to join him in France, unaware that she has no passport and cannot legally cross the border. She keeps this to herself. Terese finally decides to try to cross on one of the secret trade routes used by her uncle. But along the way, she vanishes without a trace.

After this new reality sets in, Richard slowly returns to his life and tries to move on. However, after more than two decades a discovery prompts him to return to Pamplona in search of answers. This time he arrives as an accomplished geology professor with the pretext of a school trip. Amidst numerous encounters with authorities who watch his every move, he tries to uncover what happened to Terese.

Some experiences, although fleeting, are so strong that they leave a mark that stands the test of time. Peter J. Meehan splits the focus between a personal narrative and a societal fresco to paint a compelling image of how individual lives intertwine with broader cultural currents. Return to Pamplona: A Lover’s Quest in Post-War Spain is an effortless read that draws you in emotionally and takes you to unexpected places.

Bestsellers World Reviewers Choice Awards logo.
Third Place: Historical (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
Nominate your book for 2024 awards.

2024 Book Awards – Bestsellersworld.com

Several authors have asked about a Book Award program at Bestsellersworld.com.

We now have one available.  Nominations are now open.

All books written in English, are eligible to win.

The judging panel is comprised of BestSellers World reviewers, some of whom are authors. All are active in the literary community. A few areas of criteria to be judged will include:

  • Plot
  • Ability to Engage the Reader
  • Title of Book
  • Book Cover Design
  • Grammar
  • Content
  • Originality
  • Conclusion

We will use a point system to determine three finalists. A judging panel will determine the first, second and third place winners.

Due to postage increases, we are encouraging only PDF copies of your book. Be sure the PDF includes the front book cover. You will be notified when to forward the PDF.

Deadline for nominations is December 15, 2024.

Awards and Benefits

Winners will be announced on February 1, 2025.

There will be three winners in each category: one first place winner, one second place winner and one third place winner.

Winners will be given a free author page on Bestsellersworld.com.

Each winner will receive 20 award seals.

Each winner will receive a digital certificate.

Names of winners will be listed in our blog.

Names of winners will be listed in our newsletter.

Names of Winners will be listed on our Facebook page.

Names of winners will be listed via a tweet.

Names of winners will be listed on the Bestsellersworld Award page on Goodreads.

If your book is reviewed on our site, we will add the award logo to your book review page on Bestsellersworld.com.

For more information, go to this link:

2024 Book Awards

 

Book cover with three children outdoors.

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.

 

Book cover with three crosses at sunset.

Why Christians are wrong about Jesus by John W. Campbell…A Brief Synopsis

Trial lawyer John W. Campbell demonstrates why Christians are fundamentally wrong about Jesus, the leader of the movement that developed into modern Christianity. Using the most up to date research and findings, Campbell shows, among other things, why Jesus was not the Jewish Messiah, why the true Jesus was replaced by Paul’s Christ of faith, and why Jesus was not resurrected from the dead. Campbell reveals now Jesus came to be severely misunderstood, unwittingly giving birth to a religion he would not have recognized and surely would have opposed.  Purchase Here.

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Stacks of colorful, assorted, hardcover books.

How To Keep An Effective Record Of The Books You Have Read

For those who love to read, explaining to others why it is absolutely necessary to give into temptation when presented with a new book. Purchasing that new book is almost a compulsion, sometimes it is an urge that simply cannot be ignored. Writer Diane Duane once remarked that reading one book is like eating a single potato chip from an open bag. It might theoretically be possible but in reality, it’s simply not going to happen.

There are ramifications to this unique form of compulsion that sees one purchase books even though there is a substantial pile of books still to be read on flat surfaces around the home of the compulsive. This is one result, the other is a commonplace look of perplexed astonishment at the fact that a book with a different cover, a different typeface, or even a different size or number of pages is, in fact, a book that has been read before.

Clearly, some method of keeping a record of books the reader has enjoyed in the past is essential. The lack of such a method leads to disappointment, frustration, and an anaemic bank account.

Fortunately, there are some easy ways to keep such a record. Here are some that many dedicated readers (and inadvertent collectors of multiple copies of the same title) might find useful.

1. Survival by Spreadsheet

The are many websites that allow you to record and organize the books and the title you have read. however, some of these websites and apps make your ‘library shelves’ available for public comment and perusal. For many people privacy is important – and that’s where Google Sheets comes into play. The information on your books is stored on the Cloud and is entirely private, but shareable with elected others. It’s free and the search capability is extremely powerful. If there is any downside it’s that if you want to really exploit the power of sheets you’re going to need some knowledge of spreadsheet design, patience, and time.

There are some exceptional templates available on the Internet. Some are free and others may require the payment of a small fee. When compared to buying multiple copies of the same book, even if you pay you’ll be saving money in the medium and long term.

2.  App Appeal

If you want access to a powerful app for keeping track of up to 5,000 titles, all categorized into ‘libraries’ (your 100 personal catalogs available according to preferences), while on the go then Libib app might just be for you. Your 5,000 titles are free to save, as are those various ‘library’ categorizations. It also allows you the freedom to catalogue other media such as movies and music (two examples). You can make your library public for everyone to see, or keep it to yourself and a trusted few.

3. The Greatness of Goodreads

Goodreads is a fabulous place to keep up to date with new titles and see some great reviews that are truly useful in helping you make your choice of your next literary investment. It’s tremendously popular for good reason. Easy to use and packed full of information on the latest releases and a massive number of classics and other releases.

Goodreads also has a powerful tracking feature. It will allow you to input the titles that you have read into ‘shelves’ which initially consist of ‘Read,’ ‘Currently Reading,’ and ‘Want to Read’. You can add more shelves later to add functionality and depth to the way you categorize titles. it’s also easy to use. Search for a tile, if you find it (you probably will) then click on the green ‘Want to Read’ button next to the title. Then you can save it on any of your shelves, rate it with a starring system – and much else. But remember, shelves and reviews are public.

Keeping an easily accessible record of what you have read may not be the key to eternal happiness, but it can make a great contribution to reducing your frustration, at least that’s a step in the right direction.

Cozy room with bookshelves and vintage furniture.

Success or Failure – Why Book Promotion is Important

In 2020 942 million books were sold in the United States – and if the trend continues it is anticipated that 2022 will see well over a billion books sold in the U.S. Look to the New York Times bestseller list to see just how influential books can be. Social Media experts keep advising us that reading is a lost art and that the future lies in images and short videos – don’t you believe it. People are reading fiction and non-fiction in greater numbers than ever before.

However, the ever-increasing numbers of books reaching the market mean that authors need to go that extra mile when it comes to publicizing and promoting their works. You might have written the next great novel, but if no one is aware of its existence it is going to sit gathering dust on bookstore shelves.

It may cause dyed-in-the-wool lovers of the written word to recoil in horror, but the truth of the matter is that promoting a book, and the effectiveness of that promotion will almost inevitably mean the difference between success and failure in an ever more crowded marketplace. This is why book promotion is important.

Book promotion is essential for far more than making sure those copies leap off the shelves, it has a variety of other advantages and benefits.

Take for instance your personal brand. Readers today are just as interested in the author as they are in the words that he or she has penned. In these days of social media, people like to connect with people. This is why you will see some of the most famous authors in the world doing live question and answer sessions and on Twitter. People want to form a connection with a human being. And remember – this might be your first book, but it probably won’t be your last, and if people recognize your name on the spine or the front cover they are much more likely to purchase that second great novel.

Customer loyalty is one of the tenants of good marketing practice. Ever wonder why people keep going back to those same global brands? It is because they trust them and are loyal. To achieve lasting success you are going to need a loyal reader base. Promotional activity including the tried and trusted methods such as book tours and radio / TV appearances – or even that podcast builds reader loyalty. And those loyal readers are the people who make or break an author. A loyal reader base means future sales are almost always assured.

Of course, the most obvious reason to engage in promotional activity is to boost sales. This brings in new readers or readers who might have been engaged with a different genre. It expands the potential readership base and erodes that dreaded market cap.

Book promotion is vitally important. Authors who fail to promote their works are almost always lost in the noise of millions of other books being published. This is why book promotion is important – if you want the reader to turn that first page you need to encourage them to do so.