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.

 

 

 

Unicorns Can Be Deadly

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.

Third Place: Return to Pamplona

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.

Third Place: Historical (Fiction and Non-Fiction)
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.

V Life Cover

V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1) by Honey Parker

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

In “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, Book 1)” by Honey Parker, a young Jewish woman discovers empathy and a method to put an end to her long-standing pain, self-loathing, and wrath after gaining insight into the adversary’s mind, whom she has always wanted to murder.  Purchase Here.

Sugar Bernstein, a vampire and a former creative director for advertising, has made the decision to live alone, away from friends and family. This follows the death of her lover, Curtis, whose memory now remains deeply etched in her mind. She has no desire to socialize with anyone and prefers to travel the world in a luxury camper van.

Throughout her travels, she meets and gets acquainted with a vampire couple. She now has individuals who are like her and whom she does not need to hide anything from. As she engages with them, she learns and develops inner superhuman abilities that she never dreamed she had. This may be precisely what she needs to get revenge on an adversary who appears to have no trouble penetrating her thoughts and dreams. She quickly learns, though, that she underestimated the intensity of her opponent’s bloodlust when two shadowy creatures abruptly appear to kill her, both brandishing sharp swords and long, emerald-green coats.

This is a terrific vampire thriller that will not disappoint, with a plot that effortlessly balances comedy and dread. A major plot point is the protagonist’s love life, grief period, self-discovery, and desire for revenge. The protagonist experiences several mental episodes, each of which heightens the suspense and mood of the story. Through time, she changes from a young woman who has been beaten to an unlikely heroine who triumphs over a binding enchantment and a terrible hate-fueled conspiracy. One of the many poignant scenes is where the antagonist informs her of a secret regarding her deceased boyfriend. Many readers will be caught between two extremes at this crucial juncture.

Parker’s writing style combines elements of horror and slow-burn romance to chilling effect, putting a unique spin on vampires in the process. Many of the scenes have a humorous tone, and the language-melding prose along with the vivid world-building accomplishes much. Vibrant descriptions draw you in right away and tease you with what is ahead. There’s so much in “V-Life: So It Begins (Sugar Bernstein RV-Living Vampire Series, read 1)” that feels fresh. If you are searching for a book that will captivate you and leave a lasting impression, this is the right place to be.

The Goatman

The Goatman by Wallace Martin

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

“The Goatman” is a tightly plotted murder mystery written by Wallace Martin that packs a punch with its twists that keep coming. Set in North Georgia in the post-WW2 period, the book follows Zeb Barton, a fourteen-year-old boy who is plagued by terrifying visions and dreams that had begun a few months ago and often signaled impending danger. His mother had died when he was only four, and his irritable father spent much of his time devoted to his medical career. Much of Zeb’s parenting had been left to Thelka, their short-tempered maid, who formed an inscrutable bond with him. Much of Zeb’s adventures navigated around helping his father with his patients and spending time with his friend, Jake.  Purchase Here.

Meanwhile, a dark cloud looms around this quiet town whose residents are haunted by deep-rooted struggles of their own emanating from their past even as the despondent post-war period creates a long-lasting impact on their day-to-day lives. When horrific murders begin happening, Zeb is convinced that the Goatman, is behind these crimes and that the voices he has been hearing in his dreams and visions serve as a clue to unraveling the murders. However, those surrounding him largely believe that the Goatman is merely a character from a nursery rhyme and is simply non-existent. As the clock ticks and the body count rises, Zeb takes a desperate gamble to find answers with his investigation unearthing a dark and absorbing tale of determined evil.

In “The Goatman“, the truth is evasive and the enigmatic Goatman remains obscure for a large part of the book, creating a sense of foreboding that heightens the suspense even as the book draws to a satisfying close. Author Martin does an impeccable job creating misdirects and red herrings in equal measure, succeeding in developing the inner sleuths in readers, wondering who the real culprit of the murders was. A huge revival in the mystery genre, this text abounds with resonant and well-wrought characters that feel like next-door neighbors. The writer’s evocative descriptions accomplish much and unwrap the ominous and palpable tone that maintains the book’s emotional resonance.

Wallace Martin wears his ingenuity on his sleeve, as readers will effortlessly observe in his work, and this makes his work all the more rewarding. He successfully manages to infuse complex themes such as the subject of racism and post-traumatic stress disorder portraying their long-term effects if left unaddressed. That he manages to create a compelling narrative from a childhood nursery rhyme is a win-win on his part as this demonstrates his creative ability. The dialogue too, is plausible, making the characters feel imminently present. The festering secrets that are revealed after a few chapters keep up the book’s momentum as does its brisk pacing.
“The Goatman” by Wallace Martin comes in at 383 pages but this should not discourage any reader as it delivers on its promise. Thriller and mystery enthusiasts, young adults and otherwise, should add this one to their bookshelves. I strongly recommend it.

First Place: Young Adult
Second Place: Mystery/Thriller/Horror/Suspense
Broken Chord

Broken Chord by Alice A. Jackson

Reviewed by Lisa Brown-Gilbert

Alice A. Jackson’s Broken Chord: A Music Row Mystery, offers a compelling collaboration of love betrayal, passion, intrigue, and murder set in Nashville’s famous Music Row.  Purchase Here.

Captivating from the outset, we meet relatable protagonist, the beautiful but middle aged-beleaguered, Sarah Ann Boswell. She finds herself beset by the throes of a middle of her life crisis, when not only does she turn fifty years old, loses her husband to unfaithfulness and divorce, and feels largely ignored by her children, as well as finding herself unceremoniously fired from her job. At a loss for direction or self-esteem, Sarah Ann does the unthinkable and tries to take her own life; nevertheless, she survives with the staunch love and support of her longtime friends, her prayer group.

While hospitalized Sarah Ann meets godsend, the savvy, smart and talented, Jill Edgerton, who offers her the promise of a renewed life with an offer to join Edgerton Group, her Nashville based talent management firm. Accepting the offer, Sarah Ann embarks on a new and happier journey through life and into the alluringly lucrative world of the country music business. They strike country music gold with the advent of newly discovered artist Jared Parson. Although he’s handsome, talented, and virile he also seems to harbor a secretive side. Besides turning out to be a cash cow for Edgerton group, Jared also starts to cause a divide between partners Sarah Ann and Jill, as an illicit relationship forms between him and Jill. Moreover, events take a turn for the twisted and mysterious when Jill Edgerton is found murdered, leading to an investigation focusing on multiple, possible suspects including Sarah Ann.

Wholly entertaining, Broken Chord: A Music Row Mystery turned out to be an enjoyable read that moved as a crescendo does, steadily paced with slow building intensity that culminates into a well-orchestrated conclusion. The story itself was well written. Author Alice A. Jackson writes in a literate, polished, easygoing style, while the overall story keeps you engaged with its setting, plot twists and cast of resonate, fleshed out and likable, characters. I especially liked Sarah Ann, whose honorable personality, struggles and triumphs were easy to commiserate with. Additionally, the character of Jared Parson was also done well; he was a character whose formidable personality made him an engaging personality, albeit it was a “love to hate” connection. This book would make a terrific read for adult fans of mystery reads.

 

Leave No Choice

Leave No Trace by A.J. Landau (Jon Land and Jeff Ayers)

Reviewed by Russel Ilg

LEAVE NO TRACE, the latest thriller from Jon Land writing under the pseudonym A. J. Landau, is subtitled “A National Parks Thriller” for good reason. The book opens with a domestic terrorist attack on the Statue of Liberty and ramps up from there with more of America’s most iconic parks, monuments and memorials in the crosshairs.  Purchase Here.

If you think that’s all, though, you haven’t read a Jon Land book in a while. He teams here with fellow thriller maven Jeff Ayers who just happens to be an expert on all things National Parks. Adding that bite of reality to a heavy dose of knife-edged action makes this not just a surefire pick for best thriller of 2024, but also the most relevant. See, the bad guys, most notably a white nationalist general, are targeting America’s icons because they intend to burn the country down and rebuild it from scratch. Viewed from that perspective, LEAVE NO TRACE reads like a harbinger of what might truly be in store for the United States if we continue down the road we’re on.

Leading the charge to prevent that is the stalwart team of park service Investigative Services Branch agent Michael Walker and the FBI’s Gina Delgado who’s second-in-command at the FBI’s New York field office. Walker and Delgado cast aside their early jurisdictional squabbles to form a brave and able pair, as determined to stop the carnage as the villains are to murder ten million Americans in the centerpiece of their plan.

The action winds from Liberty Island, to Independence Hall, the Gateway Arch, and Zion National Park, before finally climaxing at Wind Cave National Park. Oh, and there’s also a flashback sequence on Mount Rainier where Michael lost both his wife and left foot in a violent confrontation with serial killers picking victims from park grounds. If you know your thrillers, you’ve probably already figured there’s more to that tragedy than meets the eye, ultimately forming the book’s biggest twist among many.

The fact that Michael has a prosthetic foot renders him the only current disabled hero in thriller fiction today, if memory serves. He’s the ultimate underdog, totally overmatched by the bad guys he’s taking on and yet able to prevail through a combination of guts, guile and knowledge of the rattlesnakes that call Zion National Park home. For her part, Gina serves up a comparable complement of gravitas and grit, especially in a harrowing sequence when she spirits the country’s first female president out of harm’s way and then must continue to protect her alone, since there’s no one left she can fully trust.

LEAVE NO TRACE is a rip-roaring, no-holds-barred thriller of the highest order that mines today’s political climate for a tale that should feel over the top, but instead flashes a bright red warning sign. That helps makes this series debut a stunning, truly terrifying triumph of pitch perfect storytelling, begging to be read in a single sitting. It’s the Super Bowl of thrillers where genre fans come out the biggest winners.

Every Silent Thing

Every Silent Thing by Alan Brenham

Reviewed by Douglas R. Cobb

Every Silent Thing, by author Alan Brenham, is a terrific read for all fans of the mystery genre. It was my first encounter reading anything by Brenham, but I hope it won’t be my last, for I totally enjoyed reading this novel. Now, also knowing that Every Silent Thing is the first of a trilogy of mystery novels featuring the shy and deaf twenty-three-year-old Claire Deveraux, who works as a foreign service officer at the U.S. Embassy in Paris, makes me want to check out the other two books is the series.  Purchase Here.

Right from the first page of Every Silent Thing, before I knew anything about the book, I felt myself drawn into the rapidly unfolding plot by the author’s style of writing. Deveraux witnesses an apparent murderer enter a women’s restroom at the Louvre, just before a woman does the same. When the man leaves a few minutes later, he locks eyes with Deveraux. Claire looks away, briefly, and the man melts into the crowd.

So, of course, what does Deveraux do, but let her curiosity get the better of her. She wonders about the woman who had entered the restroom but hadn’t yet come out of it. Upon entering the restroom, Claire sees a woman bleeding to death on the tiled floor.

For readers who dislike reading about any potential spoilers, don’t worry. I’ll try to limit them, but here are a few, so fair warning:

1.) Claire Deveraux is one of a set of triplets. Her two siblings are Megan and Boyd.
2.) Every Silent Thing contains a lot of knowledge about Europe in it and also great chase scenes.
3.) Claire’s identical appearance to her sister results in cases of mistaken identity.

The murder of the woman is tied into an international crime cartel. I enjoyed reading about how Claire Deveraux deals with the situation she finds herself in.  Another spoiler: Megan’s ex-boyfriend, Randy, gets killed after getting into a dispute over stolen diamonds. Randy’s death prompts Megan to flee to Paris.

Oh, yeah — one further spoiler: Their brother, Boyd, gets kidnapped by these nasty cartel members, who think that Megan somehow has the stolen diamonds. These are just a few examples of some of the other plot intricacies author Alan Brenham weaves into this fine novel. I highly recommend that if you love reading terrific mysteries, check out Brenham’s book, Every Silent Thing. If you haven’t read Every Silent Thing yet, add it to your reading lists today!