The Dead Come to Stay

The Dead Come to Stay by Brandy Schillace

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

Some novels creep up on you like a drizzle turning into a downpour—you think you are relaxing into something light and warm, only to be carried away by something deeper, weirder, and more captivating than you imagined. “The Dead Come to Stay” by Brandy Schillace is exactly that kind of book. It charms you with an eccentric village, a bumbling house guest, and a heroine who nervously over-offers tea and cookies, then ambushes you with murder, legacy, and emotional resonance that lingers long after the last page.  Purchase Here.

At the center is Jo Jones, a neurodivergent American editor trying to rebuild her life in a crumbling Yorkshire cottage she inherited under strange, silent circumstances. When she rents out her attic suite to a rain-soaked, vaguely suspicious man named Ronan Foley, she expects a quiet transaction. Instead, the next morning he’s found dead in a muddy ditch—his red shirt soaked, his backstory missing. Jo, still recovering from the previous year’s trauma (a burned-down ancestral manor, a hidden skeleton, a mystery with roots in her own family line), is thrust once again into the heart of a murder investigation.

But this is no standard mystery but a gripping plot that wind between old secrets and fresh wounds, as Jo navigates both her personal history and her present circumstances with remarkable insight, awkward charm, and a steadfast refusal to conform. Alongside her is MacAdams, a gruff, skeptical, quietly loyal detective whose push-and-pull rapport with Jo lends the story both tension and tenderness. As the investigation unfolds, layers of Jo’s own past resurface, revealing how closely the dead come to stay, not just in places, but in people.

Schillace’s writing is gently lyrical, often funny, and deeply interior. The real power here isn’t just in whodunit mechanics—though the mystery is well-paced and satisfying—it’s in how vividly the characters live and breathe on the page. Jo’s voice is the heartbeat of the novel: sharp and observant, filled with tangents and literary asides, and prone to delightful over explanations that somehow make her more endearing, not less.

Here’s one of my favorite early moments that perfectly captures the book’s voice:

“Maybe it was the fact that Jo had forgotten to call them tea biscuits, or maybe it had to do with the fact she wasn’t taking breaths between sentences, but the startled pigeon suddenly began to . . . laugh. It worked a change in him, shaking all the stiffness out.”

That’s the tone in a nutshell- awkward, tender, and unexpectedly transformative. You come for the mystery, but you stay for the protagonist—her intellect, her emotional honesty, her complicated, beautiful mind.

If you love your mysteries thoughtful, character-driven, and tinged with bittersweet humor, “The Dead Come to Stay” by Brandy Schillace is more than worth a visit. It’s the kind of book that leaves a faint, haunting echo—like a footprint in damp earth, or a cup of tea gone cold beside an unanswered question.

 

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.

 

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

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.

 

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.

The Ex Girlfriend Murder Club

The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club: A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)

Reviewed by Ephantus Gold

“The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club:   A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)” by Gloria Chao is a clever, emotionally charged murder mystery about three women brought together by a sad reality and who come across a shocking discovery that leads them to devise a horribly flawed revenge scheme.  Purchase Here.

After three months of dating, Kathryn deeply believes that Tucker her boyfriend is a wonderful “epic” man—a gift from above that is unmatched. He recently asked her what kind of rings she liked, which was a blatant indication of a soon-to-be lifelong commitment. She loves him deeply and one day she unexpectedly decides to visit his opulent condo unexpectedly. She is shocked to find a sign that reads, “Come in, my love,” as well as rose petals, which indicate to her that he may be getting ready to pop the question. To keep his “setup” intact, she slips into the washroom, only to emerge and find him mid-proposal with another lady.

Later, she takes the improbable step of befriending the lady, and after a sincere discussion, they conclude that he is their common enemy. They also consent to travel together on a trip that Kathlyn had planned for Tucker and herself. But they are completely chilled by what they find at the Airbnb she had booked. Tucker is inside with yet another woman. Embroiled in yet another lie, he is left with just one option: run as fast as he can for his dear life.

Through mutual understanding, the three learn of his deeply layered deception and manipulation. Thoughts of retribution drive them to his house, where they discover him dead on his bed. After remembering that they practically “smeared” their DNA all over his house earlier, they understand they will be the prime suspects. Subsequent events as revealed in the next chapters put the trio on notice to prove their innocence, which is followed by a myriad of shocking secrets about Tucker that completely takes them aback. They have no idea, however, that looking into him is dangerous and may potentially endanger their lives.

This book features themes that honor female friendship and empowerment. In addition, it explores themes of deceit, manipulation, and emotional control; in each instance, the reader is challenged to face their own fears and think about what they would do in comparable circumstances. As they search for the truth that may “free them permanently,” its characters—all of whom are edgy and flawed in some way—skillfully move the narrative along with their odd decisions and brave actions.

The story’s close examination of parenting techniques profoundly highlights the effects rejection may have on a child and how that may span into their adulthood. Additionally, it deftly discloses complex facts and truths about emotional manipulators and serial liars’ characteristics. Every occurrence, phone call, chat, and revelation is bound to keep the reader guessing as to what the characters’ next adrenaline-fueled and improbable action will be. Chao is notable in this novel for her unpredictability and deft use of humor to both give comic relief and help the characters overcome their grief. Her book, “The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club:   A Feminist Murder Mystery of Three Women Teaming Up to Solve a Crime and Get Revenge on a Cheating Ex (A Hu Done It Mystery, 1)” a worthy and powerful novel about women banding together for a shared purpose, will instill confidence in female readers to grow their value.

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.

 

 

 

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.