extra terrestrial noir

Extraterrestrial Noir by Rich Leder

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

The world is full of stories of deadly alien invasions, and there are also many notable examples of fish out of water extraterrestrial visits to our little planet. However, in Extraterrestrial Noir, author Rich Leder decides to see how well these elements play together. Attracted to Earth by an SOS sent out into the night sky from the flashlight of a suburban housewife, a quirky shapeshifting alien makes a visit to Earth to lend a hand. While this may sound like the setup for an offbeat sitcom like Alf, things quickly take a dark turn as this alien has a penchant for noir.  Purchase Here.

Once again, Leder shows off his bleak sense of humor as this twisted take on first contact rapidly devolves into a deadly trip through the hidden criminal underworld that lies beneath an idyllic suburban paradise.

The plotting of Extraterrestrial Noir is superb, keeping the reader engaged and excited to find out what crazy turn the story will take next. The story has a wide range of characters, and each chapter gives us a glimpse into the brain of the person in focus, with our enigmatic alien always being viewed from the outside without getting to peek into their unfathomably complex mind.

While the novel is fairly long, the action-packed pacing and witty wording of the writer keep propelling you over the pages, and you find yourself breezing through the story at a breakneck pace, unable to find a pausing point to put down the book and take a break.

The character development is wonderful, as, aside from the visitor to our planet and our kid genius tasked with protecting her family, most of the other characters are not what they first appear. While they may seem to be fairly normal everyday folks from the suburbs at first glance, once their onion is peeled back, their dark secrets hiding underneath are revealed.

Don’t go into Extraterrestrial Noir expecting the characters to act with reason. The novel is full of the “don’t go in there” kind of moments you see in horror films, where the actions of the characters are clearly going to lead them to their doom. However, that is part of the fun of this story, as Leder is constantly using the narrative to highlight the stupidity of mankind with his typically twistedly comedic charm.

 

Safe Haven

Safe Haven by Peter Hargraves

Margaret was afraid of her murderous husband. She never knew that her fate would lie with the genetically modified cougars and their human agents that occupied the land to the far north. A chance encounter with an enigmatic man gives her the confidence to take matters into her own hands and she embarks on a perilous journey she never imagined she’d take.  Purchase Here.

“SAFE HAVEN is a snappy steampunk thriller …  its greatest strength is a deeply human premise … Margaret’s story is gripping because it’s simply relatable … the narrative itself is often full of joy … The emotional arc here—recognizing beauty in the world, and building up the courage to pursue one’s freedom—is both the spine of the narrative and also the great joy of reading this book.”          –Indiereader  4.2 stars

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Deadly Vision

Deadly Vision by T.D. Severin

Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Medical technology is constantly evolving, and the next big discovery that has the potential to save countless lives is always right around the corner. In Deadly Vision, author T.D. Severin explores the many competing interests in the advancement of medicine with lives on the line, and not just those of the patients.  Purchase Here.

Taylor Abrahms is a young doctor with a lot to prove. Inspired to get into medicine by the death of his mother at a young age, Abrahms and his partners have developed a virtual reality program that lets him enter into a simulation of a patient’s heart where he can locate and obliterate artery-blocking plaque by controlling micro-robotic lasers injected into the bloodstream.

If testing for this new procedure is successful, it has the potential to replace far more dangerous operations with a much safer alternative. However, Abrahms faces opposition to his medical breakthrough on many fronts. Some other medical professionals have concerns about who will be able to afford this procedure and who will be denied, while others are simply concerned that they will be out of a job. Meanwhile, a presidential race with a focus on cutting healthcare costs views the procedure as an expense that the system can’t afford.

Severin does a fantastic job of creating tension as the stakes continue to escalate with every chapter. The story has quite a few twists and turns, and an interesting cast of characters that helps propel the narrative forward. Despite the length, Deadly Vision is a quick read with short chapters that jump between different characters, keeping you turning the page to find out what happens next.

Half fast-paced action adventure, half thoughtful look at the world we live in, Deadly Vision reviews the complex ethical, financial, and political considerations that impact the medical community and the advancement of medicine through the lens of a taught thriller. The focus of the novel remains clear throughout, despite taking the reader down many different paths. A highly recommended read for any fan of a good thriller with plenty of added bonuses for those with interests in medicine, technology, and political intrigue.

 

The Captive

The Captive by Kit Burgoyne

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“They thought they were the captors. They were wrong.” This single line captures everything that makes “The Captive” by Kit Burgoyne, a wild, intelligent and deeply unsettling ride through power, rebellion and the terrifying idea that the real dangers are never the ones we expect. In the first pages, a kidnapping unfolds with heart-pounding precision on a posh London street. It quickly becomes clear that the pregnant twenty-three-year-old, Adeline Woolsaw, daughter of an ultra-wealthy family, snatched by a group of activists—is not the helpless victim anyone anticipated. She’s composed, calculating, and somehow… strangely eager to be taken. As the group hides out in an abandoned school and tries to hold their operation together, weird and catastrophic events tear the outside world apart: a sudden hailstorm that feels almost apocalyptic, bizarre chemical rain, and a chilling sense that something bigger and more unnatural is happening just beyond reach.  Purchase Here.

These escalating events aren’t just background noise, rather, they press in on the characters, shaping every decision they make, which is an element that makes this novel truly shine. The characters feel strikingly real, especially Luke—the nervous first-timer who’s clearly in way over his head, wrestling with guilt, fear, and a creeping sense of disillusionment; Cam, the hardened leader, who clings stubbornly to the plan even as the world around them starts to twist out of shape; and Rosa, fierce and sharp-edged, who can’t quite hide the cracks in her confidence. But it’s Adeline who quietly steals the show. You can almost feel her eyes on them—watching, calculating, maybe even pulling the strings—in a rare, slow-burning psychological battle that keeps tightening its grip.

What makes the book so powerful is that Burgoyne doesn’t just ask “Will they get caught?”—he asks deeper, more disturbing questions: What happens when the victim doesn’t want to be saved? What if the people fighting for a better world are just as lost as the ones they oppose? And when everything crumbles, who do we become?

Burgoyne’s writing is razor-sharp and intelligent. He captures both the sweaty, claustrophobic fear inside the van during the abduction and the wider, surreal horror of a London seemingly breaking apart. Every chapter ends on a note that demands the reader to turn the page, hungry for answers that only get more complicated the deeper they go. From the very first page, this novel is fast, dark and tense. Readers will appreciate how it weaves in social commentary without feeling preachy. Thoughtout, it keeps the prose tight, vivid, and often darkly funny. The pacing is relentless but never rushed, and there’s a poetic touch to some of the more surreal moments—especially during the violent, dreamlike hailstorm scene. The dialogue feels authentic, as if one is eavesdropping, and even the supporting characters leap off the page, flaws and eccentricities intact.

Ultimately, Kit Burgoyne’s “The Captive” is not simply another clever, tense thriller; it plunges headlong into fanaticism, power, and that uneasy place where you begin to question if the good men and the evil guys are actually all that different. It’s tense, it’s thought-provoking, and once it gets its hooks in you, it doesn’t let go. If you like thrillers that aren’t afraid to get messy—or lean into the strange—you’ll be thinking about this one long after you turn the last page.

Toxic Minds

Toxic Minds (Dr. Mark Lin Medical Thrillers Book 2) by Anthony Lee

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

Toxic Minds is an intoxicating medical thriller by Anthony Lee and the second installment in the compelling saga of Dr. Mark Lin, following the success of Doctor Lucifer. Although part of a series, each novel stands strong on its own, delivering a thrilling experience. And the story doesn’t stop here… book three is already in the works.  Purchase Here.

 This action-packed thriller follows Dr. Mark Lin as he’s drawn into the dark heart of a blooming health cult with a dangerous political agenda: to erase institutionalized medicine. Mark’s crime-busting endeavors are triggered by a single, chilling phone call from a former patient waiting for her OB/GYN appointment. As Mark listens, he becomes an unwitting witness to a chain of chaotic events that culminate in a suicide bombing at the clinic.

 The tragedy casts a dark shadow over Mark from which he is unable to escape. Shortly after, he starts treating an increasing number of patients with unusual conditions. They all have one thing in common, a deep distrust of medicine and doctors. However, when one of these patients unexpectedly gives him a clue about what connects them all, Mark begins to piece together a sinister puzzle.

 Mark uncovers the existence of an enigmatic health guru at the helm of a secret cult that might be behind the bombing. Determined to get answers, he adopts an alter ego and successfully infiltrates their ranks. What he discovers is an organization that grows fast in the shadows.

 Members are required to take part in a series of secretive health rituals built entirely on trust. Some are as extreme as injecting unknown substances into their bodies under the lure of achieving undisclosed health benefits. Driven by sheer will and unwavering determination, Mark rises swiftly through the ranks, getting closer to the center of the cult (purity).

 Anthony Lee skillfully mirrors Mark’s descent towards the cult’s idea of “purity” with his personal journey towards purification by truth. Also, the four main parts of the book are titled after the main stages of the health cult’s hidden agenda.

 Toxic Minds delivers on multiple levels: an exhilarating, fast-paced thriller on the surface, with deeper layers of political commentary woven seamlessly beneath. It entertains without compromise, offering substance without slowing the pace. Anthony Lee creates an engaging and relevant piece of fiction that feels eerily familiar and real.

Dying to Meet You

Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home by Sarina Bowen

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

Sarina Bowen’s “Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home” is a compelling, fast-paced mystery with a refreshingly likable protagonist who is forced to juggle between a heartbreak, a high-stakes career, and the terrifying prospect of being a key murder suspect.  Purchase Here.

Rowan Gallagher, an architect and single mother to a sixteen-year-old, is barely holding it together after a sudden breakup with investigative journalist Tim Kovak. They had dated for several weeks, but now all she has to show for it are tears and pain. One evening, her FriendFinder app shows him heading where they shared their first romantic kiss. In addition to being in Rowan’s neighborhood, the area is where she has a two-year contract to restore a historic mansion that belongs to a powerful family. In an attempt to find out what Tim is up to, she pretends to walk her dog, which leads her to make a horrific discovery.

Later, detectives learn that Tim’s iCloud storage contains sensitive images that could only have been obtained from Rowan’s phone. Shockingly, some of them relate to the powerful family’s birth records. Things take a new turn when an investigative journalist approaches her and suggests that Tim may have been following a big story. Her request for Rowan’s assistance in looking into the family may prove to be Rowan’s saving grace and clear her of the hawk-eyed cops’ suspicions. A familiar figure from Rowan’s past, however, comes knocking, driving her into a frenzy over what he may be up to. The truth of his return is, however, far more startling than she thinks.

This story, which features chapters written from the perspectives of several characters, reveals unexpected revelations, layers of deceit, and devastating truths. It effectively conveys a multifaceted motive that takes a back seat until later when it is unveiled in the most dramatic display of creativity. The characters—from the obstinate Natalie to the unpredictable Beatrice—manage to keep the story thread moving with each new page through detailed conversation and clues that allude to a journey into the unknown.

How does one make peace with an ex-convict who previously abandoned her? This is a question that this work invites the reader to explore. Along with the terrible consequences of treachery, drug abuse, kidnapping, and dishonesty, they are also invited to experience a harmonious fusion of love, forgiveness, and devotion. The already high stakes are raised by police participation, and the reader’s innermost questions will be piqued by their suspenseful, well-planned moves.

Sarina Bowen’s “Dying to Meet You: A Twisty Psychological Thriller About a Single Mom, a Murdered Ex, and Secrets Too Close to Home” has twists that are smart and unexpected. The author excels at peeling back the layers of her characters while delving into the bigger question of how well we know others. With a strong female lead, this is a book that will have you turning the pages well into the night.

 

 

 

daughter of mars

Daughter of Mars by Alden Globe

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In “Daughter of Mars” by Alden Globe, the author takes us on a journey of realization and redemption. You see, Rave Map, the world’s greatest engineer, just lost her nephew. The family isn’t quite certain what happened, but will stop at nothing to find the cause of his death that no one could prevent. When the family tells Rave that they realize the back pain Tyler has been experiencing from a recent bicycle accident has caused him to buy some cheap knockoff pain pills off the black market, Rave sets out for redemption for her family and all the families who are losing relatives at an alarming rate due to toxic knockoff pills being sold on the web.  Purchase Here.

Part of the plan with a close friend and confidant, Mait, is to infiltrate the illegal drug markets that are producing these pills and selling them at low costs to everyone. They slowly start taking some of China’s drug labs down to help slow down their production of these illicit pills. They then move to Mexico, with the same agenda. No matter how difficult the task at hand may be for them, they put their lives on the line to stop as many of the pills from making it onto the black market. The only problem is, how can they stop China from setting up a drug club on Mars where if you can afford to buy a ticket, you can party with all the drugs you want?

I have to say that this story was extremely unique in storyline for me. The first thing that I want to mention is the author based this story loosely on the fact that he and his family lost their college age daughter because she took a fake Xanax that had a mix of toxic opioids in it. Her classmate gave it to her without realizing that it would be the very last time she saw her alive. When I found out the author’s emotional drive to write this story, I had to commend Mr. Globe for diving into a topic that would cause many mixed emotions for him while he extensively researched the topic of toxic black market drugs.

When he created Rave Maps, I liked her immediately because she seemed like a woman who knew what she wanted and would stop at nothing to achieve it. She was strong willed and she was the perfect character to team up with, Mait, her best friend and another no nonsense type of woman. Both of them have had military training, so when they set out to bring individual drug labs down in both China and Mexico, I figured they knew what they were both getting themselves into. These two women set out on dangerous missions to stop as much toxic drug production as they could and in the process they stopped at nothing to achieve this goal.

The only thing that I couldn’t seem to accept was that China was wanting to set up drug clubs on Mars, so participants that had millions of dollars to spend to travel to Mars, could party all they wanted there with any drugs they wanted to. Unbeknownst to the travelers, all the drugs were toxic and they very well wouldn’t be making the return trip back to the US. The author wrote this as a bit of a futuristic story set in 2029, so considering the timeframe isn’t that far off, I just couldn’t see this being something that would happen in the next four years. Other readers might challenge me on this, but for me it just wasn’t believable.

Overall, “Daughter of Mars” by Alden Globe is one story that will have you walking away thinking about the true statistical death rate these toxic drugs cause on innocent victims. Although it’s fictional, the loosely based factual storyline makes readers stop and want to take action themselves, no matter how small that action might be, to save someone’s life from being another statistic.

Down and Out in the River City

Down and Out in the River City by Wm. Stage

Reviewed by Rahul Gaur

How many of you remember what happened on September 15, 2017? Jason Stockley, a white former police officer, was found not guilty of first-degree murder for the shooting of a black man, Anthony Lamar Smith. This decision led to protests in St. Louis, some of which became violent. Wm. Stage picked this incident and beautifully weaved a story about life in St. Louis and how people deal with tough situations like protests, poverty, homeless encampments, murder, and addiction.  Purchase Here.

“The crowd outside the Civil Courts building surged with anger. Fists raised, voices echoed off the stone walls, and the tension felt like it could shatter the night.” This gripping opening scene from Down and Out in the River City throws readers into the middle of a protest, capturing the raw emotions of people demanding justice. The book follows the protagonist, Francis, a process server in St. Louis, as he navigates the aftermath of a controversial court verdict. He finds himself caught in the middle of the chaos when he exits the Civil Courts building and witnesses the escalating tension between protesters and police. As the story unfolds, Francis becomes entangled in the lives of various characters affected by the verdict and the ensuing turmoil. He encounters activists, militants, and opportunists, all driven by a sense of injustice and a desire for change. The story explores issues like racial tension, police violence, and the fight for fairness.

Wm. Stage has skillfully developed the characters in the book through a combination of detailed descriptions, authentic dialogue, and the exploration of their internal conflicts and motivations. For example, Francis represents a complex, morally ambiguous character. Or Jacob, despite his privileged upbringing, had to navigate the complexities of adolescence due to his speech challenge. Each character is given a distinct voice and personality. Readers would be able to visualize them and understand their backgrounds, and this background information helps them understand their motivations and the challenges they face.

The dialogue in the book is thoughtful and naturalistic. Through their conversations, characters accurately reveal their personalities, relationships, and conflicts. For instance, the interactions between Francis and Cleo are filled with tension and camaraderie, showcasing their complex friendship. Or a candid conversation between a couple who have been married for twenty-four years, highlighting their ability to communicate openly about their feelings and experiences.

Mr. Stage’s writing feels real and honest with documentary-like precision. He has successfully captured the essence of St. Louis, and the mix of reality with fantasy is flawless. One of the book’s strengths is its ability to balance action with introspection. The book doesn’t shy away from challenging perspectives. So, some readers might feel uncomfortable with its take on race and policing. But it’s powerful because it makes us think about things we usually try to ignore. For example, Judge Wilson’s inflammatory statement that “an urban heroin dealer not in possession of a firearm would be an anomaly” serves as a stark example of systemic racial stereotyping. He doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable realities, presenting a raw, unfiltered view of urban social dynamics.

As I closed the last page of Down and Out in the River City, I couldn’t stop thinking about its characters and their struggles. This book is more than a story. It’s a wake-up call about inequality and the systems that keep people trapped. It makes readers think about justice and fairness. It also shows the power of relationships to help people survive tough times. If you’re ready for a story that’s raw, emotional, and eye-opening, Down and Out in the River City is one you won’t forget.

 

 

 

Murder Takes Time

Murder Takes Time by Giacomo Giammatteo (Friendship & Honor Series Book 1)

Reviewed by Chris Phillips

Giammatteo brings new life to the typical detective murder story. He takes the time to develop a complex plot into an attention-capturing tale of intrigue and friends betrayed, remade and destroyed.  Purchase Here.

“It’s not the oath that makes us believe the man, but the man the oath” – Aeschylus.

This quote begins the tale of a group of friends, perhaps unique in the way all Americans can be. Nicky “The Rat” Fusco, Frankie “Bugs” Donovan, Tony “The Brain” Sannullo, Tommy “Mick” McDermott form the core of this group and Chinski, Suit and Paulie finish out the gang. It seems that there is a destiny for them to be “friends forever” until years later.

“…Friendship means we look out for each other. Nobody ever rats or betrays anyone else…”

“…Honor means nobody fucks with one of us and not the others. We stick up for each other. And it means we don’t run, unless we all run…”

These fateful words and the consequences of making and trying to keep childhood promises provide all the tension for the plot. 20 years after these oaths are made, Frankie is a detective for the Brooklyn Police department. Tony is in heavy with the organized crime family in the same area. Nicky is the ex-con that precipitates the action. Frankie gets called into investigate a series of murders of some apparently unrelated men in the Brooklyn area. He begins to suspect soon that there is much more going on here then just someone being murdered.

Giammatteo writes each chapter from either a third person perspective or from Nicky’s personal accounting of his life with these friends. Due to the neighborhood they grow up in they live under the scrutiny of the local organized crime family, headed up by Mikey “The Face” Fagullo. Tony’s mother, Mama Rosa, and Sister Mary Thomas form the character building parts for the boys as they grow up. These two major influences keep the group active and bouncing around through their teenage years. Girls become something they have to consider but deal with as only kids and teens from this era and society can: clumsily, jerkily and very self-consciously.

As is the case with many such friends, they grow up and choose different paths. They see each other, but individual purposes and ambitions pull them away from each other. Girls, family problems and the lure of money impact the group, splitting them until a crisis arises. The gang maintains the oath for most of this time, until one fateful day when a rival gang comes looking for trouble. There are teen passions, pool cues and guns involved. Ultimately gun fire erupts and lives are changed forever.

In this tale, there is a lot of right, wrong and terribly, frighteningly gray. When the time comes and it is needed for oaths to be remembered, they are forgotten and life is never the same. The murders draw them inexorably together yet again. The common thread shows how badly a betrayal of friends can mess up the men that were always supposed to be oath-bound brothers.

The characters are smoothly real. Giammatteo takes the time to develop them naturally. Each takes their fated place and struggles with the people they become. Of course with this much time to cover there are details that grow in importance with each progressive revelation. The tragedy of the way these lives move brought tears to the eyes of this reviewer. The final betrayal is brokenheartedly realistic.

Although the switching of character and traveling back and forth in time might confuse the reader at first, the progression is for the right reasons and falls into place with a gripping conclusion.

The book is appropriate for adults because of the violence and language. As stated at the beginning of the book this is the first in a series “Friendship and Honor.” This reviewer is eagerly waiting for the next one.

Blood Memory Society

Blood Memory Society by D.A. Field

Reviewed by Chris Phillips

Who would have believed that Dr. Will Dunbar, would be involved in a national emergency of far reaching proportions.  Purchase Here.

While diving in the Bahamas, Dr. Dunbar, Will, is summoned to Washington by a friend’s desperate plea for assistance. When he sees his friend, Colonel Ross Chapman the years seem to disappear between now and then, when they were both at West Point.

Although Dr. Dunbar is about to become the head of reproductive medicine at the Mayo Clinic, his friend is able to sidetrack him into working on this issue.

For the first-time Dr. Dunbar hears of a secret organization, The Blood Memory Society, that the government has been running since the beginning of the government in the United States. In the current case, the society has been renamed the Inherited Memory Society.

After hearing about this organization, he finds that it is under attack and that even though there only 100- 150 people in this society, it has been kept in secret for hundreds of years. There are 27 in the United States at this time. Someone is killing all the people who belong in this society despite the secretive nature of the organization. The number has dwindled from 27 to 11 in the last few days.

Suddenly in the previous few days their number has been decimated. Dr. Dunbar must help find the survivors and help to keep them safe.

The story continues with many spins, twists and complications that seem to be insurmountable. As Will goes deeper into the mystery and the secrets of this group, he finds himself in more and more danger. He rescues one of the members, but in short order falls in love with her. Then the excitement peaks as he tries to find out about his own past, what the people killing these members are about and how he can save them from more losses.

The plot is deep and intriguing. The pace is just about right. The background information is a little deep at times, but if the basics are understood then the tale unfolds with many more twists and turns.

The characters are well developed and their interactions are well structured and complete.

The author has some in-depth knowledge of several fields of endeavor and uses that information to make a well-considered book.

This is written for the mature reader with some light sexual content as well as large amounts of violence. Profanity is used but infrequently.

This reviewer feels this is a great read and one worthy of attention for most adult readers.