Futuristic ray gun on book cover.

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.

 

Book cover: woman facing mystical portal.

The Matriarch Messiah (The Mystery of the Matriarchs) by Maxime Trencavel

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In “The Matriarch Messiah” by Maxime Trencavel the author takes us on a mesmerizing journey in which a Kurdish woman, an American editor and an Israeli archeologist must come together to search for the “blue cavern” which is considered by many as an ancient sanctuary that holds immense powers for only a select few. Zara, a devout Kurdish woman, feels that she must heed the word of her deceased grandmother that Peter, an America editor, is her chosen mate. Together they need to find the blue light in order to unlock a prophecy that could save humanity. They have deep feelings for each other, but they literally come from different upbringings and beliefs.  Purchase Here.

While Zara and Peter are trying to figure out where their relationship should go, Rachel, an Israeli archaeologist, enters the picture and complicates what Zara and Peter have together. Rachel has been tasked to find the truth regarding Zara’s claims of divine inspiration. A love triangle develops, complicating everything these three are seeking. Unfortunately, in the process, these two women, who both possess extraordinary powers, will be faced with an ending that only one will survive. Is the blue cavern ever discovered? Which of the two women will ultimately survive?

Mr.  Trencavel created a Sci-Fi Suspense Thriller that keeps readers’ hearts pounding in their chests as they eagerly turn the pages to see how this love triangle plays out. The concept of Zara and Peter being the modern chosen ones was one storyline that was unique and fresh for readers to delve into. I loved the whole concept of the blue cavern needing to be found by the two chosen ones and that legacy had been passed down through family history. This story was so complex and richly detailed, I could see this as a motion picture playing out before my mind’s eye.

The characters, Zara, Peter and Rachel, all were well crafted and so realistic that readers will find themselves investing in getting to know each one as they dive deeper into the storyline. Each character, although flawed, had their own unique assets that interlocked with each other creating a heart-pounding story that any reader will find themselves emotionally invested in right until the very last page.

I also found myself mesmerized by the different locations, past and present, that Trencavel created. I hadn’t had the opportunity to read the first book in this series, but that didn’t hinder me in any way picking up from the second book first. Having said that, this second book was so enjoyable, I would suggest to readers to read both books in sequence to fully enjoy this delightful two book series as the author had intended to offer his readers when he wrote it.

If you are looking for a modern Sci-Fi Suspense Thriller, with a touch of historical reference, this is one novel that shouldn’t be passed up. In “The Matriarch Messiah” by Maxime Trencavel, you will find that the storyline is intriguing and the characters are well developed making them feel like real people you might know. This is one novel that will have you thinking about it long after you finish reading it.

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First Place: Science Fiction
Silver book award emblem with stars.
Second Place: Adult Fiction
Cat watching airship through window, "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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Book cover: woman facing ghostly figure.

My Wingman by Tessa King

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

If you are looking for a soulful read that will make you tear up with joy and sadness (in no particular order), look no further than Tessa King’s “My Wingman.” A refreshing young adult romance, this debut novel beautifully captures the complex dynamics of friendship, love, loss, and self-fulfillment.  Purchase Here.

The book reveals Clover’s tangled life, filled with grief, love, and uncertainty. After losing her mother at birth, learning that her grandmother has dementia, and mourning the tragic death of her soulmate friend Elliot, she feels overwhelmed and lost.

Encouraged by her vibrant college friend Reese, Clover escapes to the charming town of Franklin, where she makes new, meaningful connections like Sadie, a warm-hearted single mom and her new best friend (and Sadie’s daughter), Poppy. Everett, Elliot’s brother, also re-enters her life.

As she navigates grief and new friendships, Clover’s life path splits and she must choose a future for herself. While Chicago’s warm familiarity is a comfortable choice, she feels an alluring magnetism of building a fresh start in Franklin. She faces a life-changing decision, and things only get more complicated when she begins seeing visions of Elliott’s ghost, leaving her to question not just her choices, but her sanity.

While the book deals with many big topics, these are seamlessly woven into the fabric of the narrative, creating a smooth texture. The fictional lives of the characters feel tangible and relatable. To different extents, we all experience these big, life-changing events, and live within their shadow.

Tessa King takes a very detailed and introspective approach to growing out from under the shadow of loss. Although no longer physically in your life, lost loved ones are incorporated into your essence, forever companions.

What makes “My Wingman” truly stand out is the depth of feeling woven into every page. It’s clear that a great deal of heart went into crafting this story, and even more powerful is the range of emotions it stirs in the reader. Just as the main character, Clover, brings luck to those around her, Tessa King offers something just as profound to her readers: hope.

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Gold Bestsellers World Reviewers Choice Award Seal.
First Place: Romance
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Second :Place: Young Adult
Book cover: An Ethical Guide to Murder.

An Ethical Guide to Murder by Jenny Morris

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“An Ethical Guide To Murder: The darkly twisted debut thriller of the year” is a captivating story by Jenny Morris that beautifully blends mystery, magic, and a lot of emotion. At its core is Thea, a young woman who discovers she has an ability that allows her to know a person’s exact death date and time by touch. But that’s not all. She can also change someone’s death—by taking time from someone else.  Purchase Here.

The story begins when Thea sees her best friend Ruth’s death flash in her mind. Ruth is supposed to die that same night. When a fight breaks out at a club and Ruth is badly hurt, Thea panics. Somehow, she manages to steal life from the man who caused the accident and give it to Ruth—saving her life, but killing someone else. That’s when everything changes.

Thea is not a superhero. She’s just a regular girl working a boring HR job and trying to figure out life. But now she has a strange new power and a giant ethical dilemma. If she can save Ruth again…should she? And who deserves to die so Ruth can live?

This book is part mystery, part dark comedy, and part moral puzzle. Even though it heavily features themes on death, readers will find it not scary or sad but smart and funny, with lots of great moments that will make them think. Thea is very relatable—she’s clumsy, sarcastic, and often overwhelmed. Her thoughts are messy, and her emotions feel real. That makes it easy to connect with her, even when she’s doing something as wild as stealing someone’s life.

The writing is clear and clever. There are some deep questions hidden under the humor—like what makes a life valuable, and whether it’s ever okay to hurt someone for the greater good. Remarkably, the book keeps things light and fast-paced, so it’s easy to keep reading. There’s also a strong friendship at the center of the book. Thea and Ruth’s bond is sweet and believable, and watching Thea struggle to save her friend is very touching. The other secondary characters, especially Zara, Ruth’s other best friend as well as Thea’s boss, add just the right depth of drama and tension needed to keep the plot engaging.

Overall, “An Ethical Guide To Murder: The darkly twisted debut thriller of the year” is a creative, funny, and thoughtful read that’s perfect for anyone who likes a little magic in their mysteries. It’s about friendship, choices, and the weirdness of life—and death. Highly recommended for teen readers and up!

Deadly Vision novel cover with eye design.

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.

 

Red hand with key, "The Captive" cover.

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 book cover with mysterious figures.

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.

Book cover with lighthouse and bold text.

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.

 

 

 

Book cover: "Daughter of Mars" by Alden Globe.

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.