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.

 

 

 

Third Place: The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly

Reviewed by Lilly Andrews

Richard W. Kelly’s yarn, The American Martyr, is a deeply penetrating and high stakes work that follows the tumultuous journey of a teenager whose childhood is robbed from him in a series of dramatic events. Brian Brample, a sixteen-year-old boy, had his whole life ahead of him. This changed when the American president drafted a bill that compelled sixteen-year-olds to be conscripted into the army and fight in an unpopular war in China that had nothing to do with being an American.  Purchase Here.

Unwilling to be part of a statistic in a losing battle to appease a few despots at the helm of power with selfish interests, Brian and his friends engage in a mass suicide in a mall, as their way of protesting against the government’s decision, in which he reluctantly survives. Following this, his life is thrown into chaos and anguish when he is charged with treason, terrorism, and murder. At his young age, Brian is forced to confront endless court battles, a crooked prison system,

government betrayal, and the endless fight for his freedom. With the help of a self-seeking lawyer, Iscariot Culberson, his transformational journey takes him into the corridors of civil rights activism in a powerful story that etches deep into the fabric of American society.

Throughout this 500+ narrative, conspiracy, propaganda, wrath, betrayal, and tenacity abound, giving readers a well-worth reading experience that ultimately pays off. Its lucid effort at instilling some moral sense in its plot gives the book an added poise above the usual tropes among books of its genre. The characters, vividly drawn, are introduced to readers through individual chapters before they are all intelligently woven into the budding storyline. Brian’s inner struggles are laid out through his introspections and pensive soliloquies, indicating a deeply flawed character with a strong desire to fight against injustice and save his generation from destruction. The author artfully uses direct and indirect exposition as a double-edged sword along the pages to lend voice to the characters’ temperaments and actions, grounding readers in their world.

The American Martyr by Richard W. Kelly is one of those books that promises and delivers and should best be started early in the morning. It is an ambitious take on what would otherwise look like random acts, exploring and unearthing the masked layers that would otherwise remain hidden. It is a book from a true novelist bound to captivate even the pickiest readers of thriller novels.

Third Place: Mystery/Thriller/ Horror/Suspense

 

I Love You Mommy

I Love You, Mommy by Jillian Harker

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

Little Bear wanted to try some new experiences but soon realized he was not able to do these things without some help and lessons from his mother.  Purchase Here.

Little Bear thought it would be a simple task to go swimming and catch a fish. He ran to the river and jumped onto a rock. It’s a good thing that Mommy was right behind him. Little Bear jumped onto a rock and tried to reach out to catch a fish. Well, that didn’t go as planned. Little Bear heard a splash and realized he was in the water. His first thought was “this doesn’t feel so good”.

Mommy tried to give him some encouragement. She told Little Bear it was a “good try”. She gave him some lessons on how to swim and catch a fish. She told him to try again. This time, his experience was much better, and he thought “this feels good”. He also told his Mommy that he loved her.

Little Bear’s Mommy gave him many other valuable lessons on picking fruits, climbing trees and how to be gentle when playing with other cubs.

With each lesson, Little Bear told his Mommy he loved her.

The age recommendation for I Love You, Mommy is Baby-4 years. This is a wonderful book and shows the bond a mother has with her child. It also emphasizes how important encouragement can be in teaching children new skills. This is an excellent book for a mother and child to spend time reading together. The illustrations are beautifully done, and the colors are vibrant.

This is an awesome gift for many occasions including showers, births, Mother’s Day, and birthdays.

The Evil to Come

The Evil to Come by Thomas Holland

Reviewed by Reyan Mishra

Good crime thrillers have it to engage and entertain readers in a multitude of ways. Some keep you hooked as long as you read it, while there are a few that leave you connecting the dots days after you are done reading. The story in question belongs to the latter category.  Purchase Here.

The fourth novel in the Big Ray Elmore series, “The Evil to Come” puts together an intriguing mix of both typical and rare elements of a satisfying thriller from something as obvious as painstaking investigation to something more complex such as an officer’s inner turmoil and collision of intellects.

Set in the town of Split Tree, Arkansas in 1964, the novel follows police chief Big Ray Elmore who is after a shrewd serial murderer. Several have lost their lives, and the town is shrouded in fear. Now, it’s upon Ray to catch the killer before he strikes again (and again means anytime). But the job is far from straightforward. The killer doesn’t leave behind decodable traces and always seems one step ahead. The officer is concurrently helping his wife with manic depression and training a rookie officer.  Additionally, his job is under threat as his ex-lover’s husband plots to oust him.

Big Ray’s situation gets even direr when he realizes he himself might be the killer’s next target. Given everything going on in his life and the killer’s unmitigated cleverness, the officer knows getting his hands on the culprit is going to be a Herculean task. Though his investigation hits roadblocks multiple times, the officer is too determined to give up.

The author, Thomas Holland has written in a manner that with every page you feel as though layers are being peeled off that will lead you to the truth. It’s noteworthy that “The Evil to Come” isn’t yet another cop-after-killer thriller that follows the formula of a cat-and-mouse game. Instead, it’s a multi-faceted story exploring important themes including family, duty, mental health, and perseverance. The author gives such a vivid description of the surroundings that you begin thinking as one of the worried dwellers of the town by the time the story reaches meaty bits. Characters are well-developed and have got depth. There are several instances where you can relate to them.

Simply put, “The Evil to Come” is an intriguing read through and through. Though the novel is about 400 pages long, you aren’t likely to feel lost or out of touch at any point. If you’re on the lookout for a new book to accompany you on your metro journeys, we recommend you give this one a shot.

Third Place: On the Run by William Shaw

On the Run by William Shaw

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

Beyond the hills and the meadows of the coastal seaport of Sligo, Ireland, sits the fishing village of Mullaghmore, where William Shaw’s narrative, “On the Run,” begins. Set in the 80s, the touching and ultimately hopeful text follows members of a peasant family whose lives take a cruel turn following political turmoil in their country as they search for belonging, identity, and justice in the face of dire circumstances.  Purchase here.

After the assassination of Lord Mountbatten, a beloved British Royal, at his holiday home in Sligo in 1979 by suspected IRA officials, suspicion and tension grew, heightening the Northern Ireland conflict that had lasted for decades. Three years later, the residents of Mullagmore still bore the brunt of this attack, and the Connolly family was not spared. Terrence, a Sligo farmer, is wrongfully arrested, and his wife, Bridget, overcome with despair and worry, sends his son, Tim, to America to live with his aunt, hoping to shelter him from being part of the IRA group and possible death. She also hopes to secure a job to sustain herself and the farm and spare her time to visit her husband.
The three are confronted with cruel realities on their own. With two of her most beloved people gone, Bridget felt an emptiness envelop her upon her return home. Terrence, on the other hand, was soaked in despair and desolation behind the prison walls with the loss of his simple and predictable life, and frequent abuse from prison guards. In America, Tim was in a woeful joyless place, being the object of attack by bullies in his new school. Separated, yet united at heart, the three face their situations with unyielding resilience. Terrence joins an escape team that conducts a prison break, while Bridget joins a women’s group protesting against the abuses at the filthy H-Block Prison where her husband is detained. Tim, on the other hand, discovers a hidden God-given gift and joins the 1983 national AAU Championship hoping to win in honor of his brave parents.

A page-turner, “On the Run” delivers much more than it promises and affirms the value of family. Shaw’s genius lies in the book’s alternating perspectives, vividly drawn characters who exhibit unique strengths, and its lush descriptions of diverse terrains. Across, powerful feelings are divulged, elucidating emotions of pain, joy, frustration, hopelessness, and determination. Tim, one of the main protagonists in the story, is a vulnerable and disillusioned character, desperate to fit in among his peers, a tall order on his part. Through him, the author deftly draws out complex social themes such as racism, bullying, navigating relationships, and finding identity. Weaving a tapestry based on actual historical events takes the skillful pen of a writer and this author does not disappoint. The book’s pacing is steady, and the dialogue is expositional, and this adds to the reading experience.

“On the Run” by William Shaw is a tale of an unshakeable bond between three family members and will captivate historical fiction aficionados and any reader who enjoys fictional stories that carry along impressive takeaways and offer more than escapist entertainment.

Second Place: Young Adult
Second Place: Historical (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
Odd Dog Out

Odd Dog Out by Rob Biddulph

Reviewed by Nancy Eaton

What does it mean to be different?

Odd Dog Out is a story about a dog that is different and does not fit in. No matter what, this dog just stands out from all the other dogs.  Purchase Here.

Tired of trying to fit in, Odd Dog decides it is time to leave and go to another town. After walking through many seasons and climbing mountains, she walks till she can walk no more. Did she finally find the place she was looking for? She found Doggywood. Much to her amazement, she found hundreds of other dogs just like her.   They also rode a bike and played guitars. Oh no! She spotted one dog behaving differently. Odd Dog told her new friend that she feels for her.   Odd Dog was really surprised when her new friend said “You’ve got it wrong. I really feel like I belong”. She explained that she loves to stand out in a crowd and told Odd Dog that she should stand tall and be proud.

Odd Dog now realized that her new friend was right. She is now convinced that nothing is wrong with being different and just being “me”.

Odd Dog began her journey home with a new attitude. All of her friends were do happy to see her return. They were cheering and clapping.   They told her how much she was missed and that being different is really great. Odd Dog now noticed other dogs behaving differently. Everyone has a right to be a star!

I love to review children’s books. These books all have a message, and the one emphasized here is BE WHO YOU ARE!   Everyone, even if they are different, has something special to offer and there is nothing wrong about standing out in a crowd!

Odd Dog Out is recommended for ages 4-8 and is a wonderful picture book for parents to read to their children. This book is written and beautifully illustrated by Rob Biddulph.  The illustrations are colorful and attention grabbing!