Tag: Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller Page 4 of 54

The Secret & Hunting Virgins: Two Short Stories by Wayne Hawk: I Read It So You Don’t Have To

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On June 4, 2024

In Fiction, Literary Locals, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

The Secret & Hunting VirginThe Secret & Hunting Virgins:
Two Short Stories

by Wayne Hawk

DETAILS: 
Publisher: Page Publishing
Publication Date: September 10, 2020
Format: Paperback
Length: 80 pg.
Read Date: May 9, 2024

What’s The Secret & Hunting Virgin About?

These are two short stories, sort of linked by protagonists purporting to possess some unique spiritual role/status. They’re thrillers best described as a mix of realism and SF/Fantasy. That’s really all I can think of to link them.

The Secret

This story follows a man who cannot keep a secret as he takes a road trip to visit his father one last time before he dies. At his father’s deathbed, he learns a secret that will change the world. Somehow surviving a hail of bullets that don’t prevent him from learning this secret, he’s instead imprisoned on trumped-up charges and put into solitary confinement (while never explaining why the government doesn’t use one more bullet once there’s a clear shot). Will he be able to outwit the guards and other prison officials to broadcast this secret?

Hunting Virgins

This is both an experiment into how often—and in how many ways—the word “virgin” can be used in a 33-page story as well as the story of a team of hard-partying hazardous-tree removal experts. At some point, their leader has a religious conversion and leaves this profession to start a church on the other side of the U.S.

A decade later, he returns with an offer too good to be true (literally). He recruits his old team—plus his beautiful and virtuous daughter who shouldn’t be anywhere near these louts—to go with him to a portion of Siberia to clear part of a forest heretofore untouched by logging in exchange for a small fortune. Why Russian loggers are incapable of doing this for far less, we’re not told. Nor why any company thinks that logging in an area so difficult to get to makes any sense at all, especially when the expenses incurred to do that are so large.

But maybe their dangerous profession and the well-known hardships of the Siberian climate aren’t the most deadly things that lay in wait for them…

So, what did I think about The Secret & Hunting Virgin?

I honestly can’t tell you which story made me angrier—the plots were disappointing, unoriginal, and somehow nonsensically inexplicable at the same time. The characters were utterly unlikeable at best and contemptible (in an uninteresting way) most of the time. The writing was dry and uncompelling—and the ineptness of the prose was only challenged by its lack of clarity for the least appealing part of it.

The ways that Christian—or pseudo-Christian and near gnostic—ideas are scattered throughout these two stories are just as off-putting as the rest of the elements of this writing. I can’t tell if Hawk is really trying to tell stories with Christian themes* or if he’s just using the trappings of those themes the way that Pierce Brown uses the trappings of the Roman Empire to tell his stories. Either way, he fails.

* I’m using Christian in the broadest and most watered-down possible sense here.

“The Secret” features a couple of people with delusions of grandeur comparing themselves to Apostles to bring the world one of the tiredest ideas this side of Whitley Strieber. I wondered a few times if I’d have liked it more if Hawk hadn’t tried to compress the events into such a short space, but had developed them fully and let them breathe. But I just don’t see any evidence that he’s capable of doing that. He spent more time on this than he should’ve.

“Hunting Virgins” is even worse—these tree-removal experts have the maturity of the main characters of the 80s Porky’s films* and should be trusted with power tools to the same extent. There’s nothing about them that says megacorporations should shower them with money to do anything—and when things start to go wrong for them, there’s nothing about the situation to make the reader care.

* I can’t believe that I remembered these things existed, either. Or that anyone ever used the word “film” to describe them with a straight face.

Why did I finish? I was curious—and the book is crazy short. Also, I spent enough money on this volume that I couldn’t let myself just walk away. I regret the whole thing and hope I’ve convinced you to avoid this experience.

1 Star

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Red Queen by Juan Gómez-Jurado, Nick Caistor (Translator): A Disappointing Thriller

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On June 3, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Red QueenRed Queen

by Juan Gómez-Jurado, Nick Caistor (Translator)

DETAILS:
Series: Antonia Scott, #1
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication Date: March 14, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 365 pg.
Read Date: April 29-May 1, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Red Queen About?

So there’s this international crime-fighting organization, with chapters or branches (I don’t remember exactly how or if we’re told) all over the place. They work around law enforcement, frequently preventing them from doing their job, by covering up crimes in order to get the results they’re looking for.

Those results are keeping their benefactors—the megarich and powerful out of the headlines. Yes, they do stop criminals, save lives, and all of that—but there’s something about their M.O. that leaves a lot to be desired. They do have the best of the best—forensic scientists, laboratories, tech, and investigators. One of those is Antonia Scott—her mind works on levels that others don’t.

She’s also dealing with some severe trauma. Her handler brings in a decent police officer who’s facing discipline charges (legitimately, it should be stressed) to try to get her to leave her apartment and help solve some ritualistic crimes. If Jon Gutierrez can do that, the charges against him will go away.

She’s brilliant and offputting. He’s street smart and able to deal with people—if you’re thinking Temperance Brennan and Seely Booth.

So, what did I think about Red Queen?

I actually liked Jon Guitierrez’s character and thought Gómez-Jurado designed him very well—he’s really the bright point in this book.

The whole not-evil-but-not-good secret organization bugged me—their methods, their attitude, the way they treated/trained/recruited their people. I really hope that this series ends with someone destroying them.

It was good enough—it kept me turning the pages, but..just barely. The writing was cliché and stiff—I don’t know if that’s Gómez-Jurado, Caistor, or a combination. The whole thing felt contrived—and yeah, I know, it’s a novel, it’s all contrived. But this seemed like Gómez-Jurado was trying to manufacture a best-seller rather than write a decent book—but what do I know? It’s an international best-seller.

There were some good twists and turns (many predictable), the pacing was pretty well done, and like I said, it kept me turning pages to see what happened next. But I can’t say I was entertained. I’m definitely not coming back for more.

2 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Assassins Anonymous by Rob Hart:The Confessions of a Tactical Drone with a Heartbeat and a Dairy Allergy

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On May 30, 2024

In Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Assassins AnonymousAssassins Anonymous

by Rob Hart

DETAILS:
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication Date: June 11, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 320
Read Date: May 27-29, 2024
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Assassins Anonymous About?

Almost a year ago, Mark walked away from his old life and into a 12-step meeting. It’s been a struggle for him—he’s almost relapsed, he came close to suicide, and he’s struggled every day. But with the support of the other people in his group, his sponsor, and a little orange cat who came into his life at just the right time—Mark is making it, day by day.

Then one day, Mark’s cleaning up after the meeting and he’s attacked by a Russian who moves like a professional killer. Mark fights back—incapacitating the Russian and escaping with a serious—but not-too-serious—wound of his own and a burning question: who sent the Russian? The search for the answer takes Mark (and his cat) around the world—into some very dangerous situations, and almost more temptation for Mark to relapse than he could’ve imagined.

You see, Mark’s 12-step meeting isn’t for Alcoholics Anonymous, Gamblers Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or anything like that. As you’ll guess from the book’s title, it’s Assassins Anonymous. Hitmen, Assassins, Serial Killers, and the like, who are tired of the life, who are tired of killing and want to try to live productive, life-affirming lives. They have to fight old impulses, old habits, old attitudes, they have to abandon adrenaline rushes (which are probably pretty addictive) and all the rest for a quiet life. Mark had been one of the best in the world (or the worst, depending on your perspective)—almost legendary—until he went cold turkey. But someone’s apparently trying to warm up the poultry.*

* That’s a metaphor I really shouldn’t have tried to stretch.

Can Mark discover why someone game for him almost a year after he quit “the life”? Can Mark make them stop without having to throw away all the work he’s done over the last (almost) 12 months?

The Movies

Like many moviegoers, I love a good hit man movie. I can even enjoy a “just okay” hitman movie (sorry, The Whole Ten Yards you don’t qualify as either). Mark, unsurprisingly, isn’t a fan of most of them. Sadly, that’s where most people get their ideas and information about assassins and hitmen from. So by character, actor, or movie title, they’re brought up frequently—usually to Mark’s dismay. He’ll also just compare his life to those movies on occasion. I enjoyed this aspect of the character a lot—particularly one running bit where people kept expecting him to look more like a particular actor.

Other kinds of movies are used throughout the novel, too—they’re a great shorthand way of revealing character. What movies he likes, what movies he refuses to mention liking, and so on are a convenient and efficient way of telling you a lot about Mark. Also, it’s just fun to see characters talk about movies and whatnot—as people like Whedon, Tarantino, and Smith have been showing us.

The 12-steps

As the book started to really focus on—and feature—things like the meetings Mark’s attending, his recovery, and his working the steps, I started to get worried. Primarily because it was early on, and while I understood that Mark was flippant, even a wiseacre—was Hart going to be flip about the 12-steps? That feels like something you shouldn’t touch—like a third rail, a skunk with a hair-trigger, or that Easter Egg you finally found in late June.

But no—the meetings, the steps, the attitude about recovery, and the way the characters interacted about their recovery were dealt with respectfully. Sure, there was a little bit of Mark’s attitude (or similar ones) expressed in the meetings and whatnot—but not about the meetings or the program, just about each other or themselves. (much like I imagine happens in an actual meeting)

If anything, this is practically an advertisement for those kind of programs and the good work they can do. Because this is the heart of the novel—yes, there’s the violence, the suspense, the twists, and whatnot—let’s call them “The Thriller Aspects.” Those aspects are what will draw readers to the book, they’re what’ll keep your attention and get you hooked on it. But Assassins Anonymous isn’t so much about the “Assassins” as it is the struggle, the stumbles, and the victories associated with Recovery. In my book, we should get more of those—particularly honest books about the victories.

So, what did I think about Assassins Anonymous?

Imagine Martin Q. Blank, Jimmy Tudeski, and Frank Moses meeting up and trying to take care of business—non-lethally (I guess that’d be something like the pacifist version of The Expendables), and you’ll have something like this book.

Let’s start with The Thriller Aspects—Hart nailed them. Even—maybe especially—the more outlandish aspects of them (which are really the trickier part to pull off). There’s a confident panache to the novel—as well as most of the characters—that lets you know right away that you’re in good hands and are set for a great ride. Some twists you’ll see coming, and won’t care because of the way he executes them. But also,

The 12-Step aspect—well, see above—another win for Hart.

What about the comedy and narrative voice? Spot on—seriously good. It’d be easy to go overboard on the comedy—or to not use enough of it (we are talking about a bunch of people who have killed many others), but I think Hart hits the balance just right. And Mark’s the kind of guy you can enjoy being stuck in the mind of for 320 pages.

The first chapter gives you everything you need to know about this novel—it’s such a well-written chapter, too. Voice, character, action, comedy. If you read it and aren’t hooked, you’re probably going to feel that way about the rest of it. If that first chapter works for you? Kick back and enjoy.

Sure, this novel is right in my wheelhouse—I’m practically its target demographic incarnate—but I think even if I wasn’t, it would’ve won me over. I strongly encourage you to pick this one up. I can’t tell you what’s keeping me from giving it the final full star, but something is (and since I’ll have to round up almost everywhere I cross-post, I’m not going to lose any sleep over it)—but, boy howdy, you’re in for a great time when you open this one up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Putnam Books via NetGalley—thanks to both for this.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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Price to Pay by Dave Sivers: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”

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On May 17, 2024

In Book Tour, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

Price to Pay Tour Banner

Price to PayPrice to Pay

by Dave Sivers

DETAILS:
Series: Archer and Baines, #7
Publication Date: February 28, 2024
Format: eBook
Length: 288 pg.
Read Date: May 9-11, 2024

What’s Price to Pay About?

It’s not necessarily news-making when someone threatens a DCI. But DCI Archer gets a couple of very fresh threats from family members of someone she’s just put away and from a would-be organized crime heir, and things seem to be a little more real than usual. She’s ready to ignore them both, but some spoilery-events prevent that.

More annoyingly, an ex—some might call him the ex—tracks her down and announces his intention to win her back. Archer is utterly uninterested in him—and her husband is not amused by his antics at all. The ex- is on the verge of turning into a full-fledged stalker, and Archer’s mild-mannered husband is about to try to get into a fistfight over this.

As the distractions and annoyances start to pile up—there’s a murder. The initial evidence points at Archer and her husband, and a lot of their past starts coming back to haunt them. There are plenty of alternate suspects around, but none of them are quite as convenient for the police (Archer, on the other hand….)

Meanwhile, DI Baines has to deal with the repercussions of stopping the serial killer, The Invisible Man, on his family—who were almost victims. As the expert in The Invisible Man, he’s also brought in to consult on some cold case murders that might be connected to him. As much as he wants to help out—his loyalties are divided, because Archer needs help a lot sooner than these cold cases. (although he’s officially not allowed to be working on the case, for obvious reasons)

Backstory, Backstory, Backstory

Now it takes a little bit for the plot to get really rolling along because there is just so much backstory involved with Archer and Baines individually at this point. Particularly when it comes to Archer—she’s got connections with just about everyone we meet early on in these pages.

As this is my first time reading Sivers, I don’t know how many of these various and sundry people are making their first appearance in these pages, and how many are just people from her past that are being brought back into her life in this book. It really doesn’t matter, because Sivers will pause the narrative long enough to catch you up with the relationship/history between Baines, Archer, and these people from their pasts.

Most authors do this—and most of the time it’s good as a refresher or a way to get a new reader oriented. But with a book as rooted in the past and the ties between characters past and present as this one…taking the time to give all this background really slows things down. I think I’d have appreciated Sivers finding a better way to blend these into the narrative rather than stopping everything. It was such a momentum killer.

That said…all the backstories were pretty interesting. A couple might have been a smidgen too soap-opera-ish for me, but still interesting. The amount of work and character development demonstrated by these says a lot about the series that’s been built up to now.

So, what did I think about Price to Pay?

Once all the dominoes were set up—the crime established, the motives, the backstories told—Sivers started knocking them over and things moved so well that all the annoyances of the stop-and-start pacing of the early chapters were forgiven. To change up metaphors, it took a long time for Sivers to get his hook into me, but once he did—I couldn’t stop turning the pages.

This is such a rich, detailed world with a very clever—and well-executed—mystery. And, as is necessary for a police procedural series to be as established as this one, the characters are really well-developed and jump off the page. It’s a real treat to read.

While Price to Pay can serve as an entry point to the series, and has a strong stand-alone element to it, the amount of ongoing character and story arcs involved are going to be an obstacle for anyone approaching it without some previous knowledge of Archer, Baines, and the rest—and what they’ve been up to lately. Is it worth persevering? Oh yeah. But you should know that going in. And by the time you’re done—you’ll be curious about what’s next*—and maybe about what was before. Based on Book 7, Books 1-6 are quite the ride, you might be well-served starting from there.

* I will admit that I’m not sure what kind of future the series has, but it should be fun to see.

If you’re not new to this series, obviously, you’re not going to have that difficulty. You likely won’t need me to suggest that you give this a shot, you’re probably ahead of me on that point. Still, if you haven’t gotten around to it, you should probably remedy that.

That’s two paragraphs just to say: Price to Pay is an entertaining and rewarding police procedural that I recommend to you.


My thanks to Overview Media for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided (including the novel).

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Price to Pay by Dave Sivers

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On May 17, 2024

In Book Tour, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

I’m very pleased to welcome Overview Media’s Book Tour for the seventh Archer and Baines novel, Price to Pay by Dave Sivers. We’ll start with this spotlight to learn a little about the book and I’ll be along a little later with my take on the novel.

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Book Details:

Book Title: Price to Pay by Dave Sivers
series: Archer and Baines, Book 7
Genre: Police Procedural
Format: eBook/Paperback
Release Date: February 28, 2024
Price to Pay Cover

About the Book

‘Fast-paced, devious and twisty – the pages turned themselves! I loved it!’  – Liz Mistry

The more you have, the more you have to lose…

Following an arrest that went wrong, leaving her disfigured and her life in ruins, DCI Lizzie Archer transferred to Buckinghamshire’s Aylesbury Vale, hoping to rebuild her confidence, her career and her life. Eleven years later, she’s happily married, her career is back on track, and she has friends she would trust with her life.

But things can change in a heartbeat.

Meanwhile, her friend and colleague, DI Dan Baines, has worries of his own as the long shadow of the serial killer known as the Invisible Man continues to hang over him. When the chance comes to finally get answers to some troubling questions, he is almost afraid to learn the truth. Because sometimes the reality can be worse than your imagination.

Soon after receiving unsettling threats from local criminals, an old flame makes an unwelcome return to Lizzie’s life. Days later, a grisly murder too close to home plunges her into a nightmare that could cost her everything as suspicion falls on her and her husband, Dominic.

Dan and his team are sidelined from the murder investigation, but they’re not going to let that stop them when a friend is in trouble. And the clock is ticking. Because, if they can’t uncover the truth soon, things will get even worse for Lizzie and Dominic.

Book Links:

Amazon UK ~ Amazon US

About the Author:

Dave Sivers
Dave Sivers grew up in West London and has been writing all his life. His books include the popular crime series featuring the Aylesbury Vale detectives, DI Lizzie Archer and DS Dan Baines.

The Scars Beneath the Soul and Dead in Deep Water were both top three bestsellers in the Amazon Kindle Serial Killers chart. In Ice is the second in the DI Nathan Quarrel series.

His other works include the Lowmar Dashiel crime fantasy novels.

Dave also writes plays and other material for the amateur stage and is a founder of the annual BeaconLit festival of books and writing. He lives in Buckinghamshire with his wife, Chris.

To keep up with Dave’s news and upcoming releases, subscribe to his newsletter at www.davesivers.co.uk.

Author Links:

Website ~ Twitter/X ~ Facebook


My thanks to Overview Media for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

GUEST REPOST: The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft from Witty & Sarcastic Book Club

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On May 15, 2024

In Fantasy, Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

This morning, I get to bring you this Repost from Friend of the Blog and a great source of encouragement and friendship, Jodi from Witty & Sarcastic Book Club. This originally appeared over there last September and she thought it’d be a good fit for this place. I think she’s right…

The Hexologists Cover

The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft

I have recently decided that fantasy mysteries are the best kind of mysteries! There is something irresistible about wondering whether the culprit in a whodunnit is human or some sort of magical being. The regular rules of mysteries don’t apply, which gives the writer so much freedom to confound the reader. In the realm of fantasy mysteries, The Hexologists is right at the top of my list of favorites, tied only with Jackaby.

The Hexologists sparkles with cleverness and fun! There was so much to love, from the charmingly oddball main characters to the delightfully bizarre situations they find themselves in. There was something irresistible about Bancroft’s writing that left me both incredibly happy yet wanting more. I loved the mystery and the characters so much that I could have gladly continued for another hundred plus pages.

The mystery itself is simplicity wrapped in a cloak of obfuscation. I loved the various fantastical interruptions that got in the way of things. The twists and turns were loads of fun, but at the end of the day it was the characters and their interactions that elevated this book to the absolute gem that it is.

Our detectives are Iz and Warren Wilby, a married couple whose distinct differences in personality mesh well. Before I go any further, I have to say that I absolutely loved that they were happily married. I haven’t seen that all too often in fantasy of any sort, and it has a refreshingly different feel to it. Plus, as a happily married person myself, I like seeing them interact in ways that I could relate to (within reason. I have yet to have a mandrake invade my front room and I don’t use chalk in interesting and creative ways). The way they played off each other and understood each other’s little quirks felt very familiar.

Iz is a little prickly, although it’s more from a distaste of nonsense than anything. Warren is rather easygoing in comparison, although he of course has his moments. The way the outside world sees them as opposed to how they see each other was fun to read. Their run-ins with other characters and how they played out were a joy to read.

The vaguely Victorian feel mixed with some steampunk-esque elements, combining beautifully with the magic that was present but never overpowering. The book relies on whimsy and strong character building more than on complex magic systems, and it was fantastic.

And that portmanteau! Mary Poppins wishes she had a bag half that cool! I loved the haphazard nature of it, that it was just as dangerous and (possibly) useful. That uncertainty was a stroke of brilliance on the part of the author, and it paid off in droves.

Read this book if you enjoy mysteries, or fantasies. Or, you know, good books. The Hexologists is a rollickingly good time!

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GUEST POST: A Contemporary Gothic Thriller by Mary Kendall

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On May 14, 2024

In Books, Fiction, Miscellany, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, News/Misc.

This afternoon, I’m very pleased to bring you a Guest Post from Mary Kendall talking about her upcoming release. The book comes out this summer, and I think this post will inspire you to look into it (details below).

Thanks to Geoff at Artemesia Publishing, for pointing her my way.

A Contemporary Gothic Thriller:
Bottled Secrets of Rosewood

Bottled Secrets of Rosewood Cover
Writers never know what kind of strange alchemy will occur to actually result in a full-fledged novel. Some of us (me) pick up inspiration kindling along the way, snipping bits out of newspapers or jotting down something seen or heard on napkins or whatever random scrap of paper might be available. Because…you just never know what might be a thread or strand that becomes something more, maybe much more.

In January 2020, I happened upon a newspaper article in the Washington Post along with a photograph of a jade blue “witch bottle” found near a Civil War fortification in Williamsburg, Virginia. I clipped and saved for later because it struck that inspiration vibe, the vibe that says this could become something.

Other things happened right after that in 2020. Big things. Time went by as I did all the baking, all the gardening, all the painting of furniture and walls, all the other things too. Soon enough, it was summer, the first pandemic summer. I scrambled for a focus and latched back onto the tantalizing tidbit snipped months earlier. Just like everybody else, I needed some “lockdown work” to take me away from the realities so I decided to find out more about witch bottles.

There wasn’t too much out there in terms of research, just several limited studies. Even so, there were plenty of rich and fascinating details. Typically filled with items that ranged from fish hooks to urine, the primary purpose of witch bottles was to lure and trap witches and/or malevolent spirits. They were especially employed during times of hardship and strife which explains why one was buried at the Civil War site. Research also pointed to the bottles as a tradition brought over from the East Anglia region of Britain.

The area where this particular bottle was located, Tidewater Virginia with its tie-ins to Colonial American history and its own unique idiosyncrasies and folklore, provided a perfect setting for my fictional use of a witch bottle. Cue some Southern gothic vibes along with these historical underpinnings and I went ahead and did what we fiction writers do— I got back to writing and started to spin a tale to work witch bottles out of my psyche. It allowed me to put my energy and attention elsewhere even if it was only for stolen moments of writing sessions.

Eventually, I ended up with a contemporary gothic thriller now titled Bottled Secrets of Rosewood. My plucky fictional heroine, Miranda Chesney, a logics professor, falls in love with a historic house called Rosewood, a centuries old, tumble-down, gambrel roofed charmer, in need of rescuing. Her story takes place during present-day in an isolated, coastal corner of Virginia. While Miranda shrugs all locational concerns aside to pursue her new love, she has unwittingly landed in a place with some strange traditions that harken back to days of old including an almost indecipherable brogue and possible witchcraft connections.

After an archeological dig by the local college at Miranda’s property unearths an ancient blue bottle of questionable origin, it seems to trigger the occurrence of inexplicable and mysterious events. While Miranda and the archeology team try to figure out what the blue bottle is all about, incidents commence that are more than just “bumps in the night”. In fact, it seems that there are forces at hand trying to oust Miranda from Rosewood. When she is awakened one night by an eerie glow at her window and finds a circle of fire around her property, she must decide. Should she leave her dream house or stay—and potentially pay the ultimate price?

My fiction writing harkens back to an early reading diet of Nancy Drew mysteries, later expanded and layered on top with gothic suspense and thriller reads. This novel is, without question, a product of those deep reading roots. But it must be said that the weirdness of 2020 no doubt colored the authorship of this tale and ramped up the volume on its quirky overtones. I’ll leave the reader to decide how weird it actually is. As stated earlier, writer’s alchemy works out in its own ways.

Bottled Secrets of Rosewood is soon to be released on 16 July 2024 by Artemesia Publishing. Up for preorders now, look for it where all books are sold. Links are also provided at www.marykendallauthor.com.

Bio
Mary Kendall is first a reader of all books across the genres and, second, a writer of fiction. She brings her background in history-related fields to her writing along with some Celtic story-telling genes. Fueled by black coffee and a possible sprinkling of fairy dust, she tends to find inspiration in odd places and sometimes while kneading bread dough. She has two published novels, The Spinster’s Fortune (historical mystery) and Campbell’s Boy (coming of age, historical fiction). Her third novel, Bottled Secrets of Rosewood, is a contemporary gothic thriller to be released in Summer 2024. She also has three short stories published in dark fiction anthologies for charity.
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PUB DAY REPOST: The Djinn’s Apple by Djamila Morani, translated by Sawad Hussain: The Scent of Death

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On May 7, 2024

In Book Tour, Fiction, General Fiction/Literature, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, YA/MG/Children's Books

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The Djinn's AppleThe Djinn’s Apple

by Djamila Morani , Sawad Hussain (Translator)

DETAILS:
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Publication Date: May 7, 2024
Format: eARC
Length: 160 pg.
Read Date: February 24, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s The Djinn’s Apple About?

Nardeen is a remarkable twelve-year-old. Her father is a physician known for translating medical texts from a variety of languages into Arabic, and Nardeen soaks up his work. She has an astounding memory and ability to understand what she memorizes.

But due to some political intrigue that she doesn’t wholly understand, Nardeen and her family have to flee their home one night. Sadly, she’s the only one who survives.

Nardeen vows revenge on those responsible for her family’s murder—certain that a friend of her father’s is ultimately to blame.

But before then, she finds herself being taken under the wing of a legendary physician and teacher, Muallim Ishaq. He recognizes her gifts and her heritage from her father—he arranges (mostly by the force of his will) to have her learn at The Bimaristan, a hospital of great renown. There, she’s able to hone her skills and knowledge—and sharpen her tools, resolve, and ability to mete out that vengeance.

Father vs. Father

There are a handful of various conflicts in this book (like with any good book), but at the core, this book seems to be a conflict within Nardeen herself. On the one hand, she has her memories of her father and what he taught her—what he showed her by example—about the way to live. She also has to wrestle with what she’s told about her father—by those who profess to have admired him and those who worked against him.

On the other hand, she has her (for all intents and purposes) adoptive father, what he’s trying to teach her—what he shows her by example—about the way to live. She also has to wrestle with what she’s told about him—by those who profess to admire him and those who work against him.

In many ways, these two fathers line up—but in significant ways, they follow and lead her down divergent paths. So much of how the plotlines of this book resolve depends on Nardeen’s acceptance/rejection of what these men stand for.

The Setting

So, this takes place during the “golden age of Baghdad”—Harun al-Rashid’s rule of the Abbasid Caliphate from 786 to 809. Now, everything that I know about this period of time comes from the appendices to this novel “Harun Al-Rashid: The Golden Age of Baghdad” and “The Bimaristan.” As they are appendices, I read them afterward. So I came into this not knowing anything—which is a bit intimidating. And I figure I’m not alone in this (particularly for the intended YA audience, who probably haven’t had much opportunity to study Eigth-Century history).

But honestly? Anyone who reads Fantasy/SFF knows how to approach something like this—sure, this is a representation of actual history, but the same tools and imagination you need to understand Westeros, Panem, or the world of the Shadowhunters equip you to get into this world.

And, like with those worlds, after getting this taste, you’ll likely want to read more about it.

While reading, and since then, I do have to wonder a little bit about how much Morani was stretching things about the opportunities presented to women in this time and place. Not just for Nardeen, either—but all the women she encounters at the Bimaristan (and I’d be saying this if the city was Paris or Rome, not just because it’s Baghdad). But I’m willing to both suspend disbelief for the sake of a good story and to trust that someone who’s as familiar with Arabic literature as Morani is more than my hunches.

So, what did I think about The Djinn’s Apple?

This book hits the ground running—Morani doesn’t give you the opportunity to settle in and get comfortable in this world or anything like that. She thrusts the reader—and poor Nardeen—straight into life-or-death action. Nardeen has a slightly better understanding of what’s going on than the reader does—but not much. This was a great way to start this read—you don’t get the chance to indulge curiosity or get lulled into thinking it’s a different kind of book than it is—you have to rush to catch up and then keep up with Nardeen and only get the luxury of starting to understand the world until she’s (relatively) safe.

There were a couple of times that I wondered about the timelines and how well they worked. I assume I just missed something (and didn’t want to take the time to go back and check). It wasn’t anything that bugged me enough to look into it, but I would’ve appreciated things being a bit clearer.

The characters of Nardeen and Muallim were so well drawn, so vivid, and so compelling that I really wish we had more time with them. Particularly Muallim—this cantankerous genius is the kind of character I really respond to. Now, given the pacing of this book, that’s impossible. And Morani picked the better option for her story. But the eccentric teacher and the stubborn and gifted student is a combination that could’ve made for a lot of fun.

Somehow in the midst of this propulsive pacing, Morani is able to litter the book with some great observations, some drops of wisdom (primarily from the teacher and student), and memorable prose (some of that credit has to be given to Hussain as well).

This is a fast, immersive read that’ll leave you guessing from the beginning right up to the end. You’d be doing yourself a favor if you pick it up.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Neem Tree Press and The Write Reads via NetGalley.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

 

My thanks to The Write Reads for the invitation to participate in this tour and the materials they provided.

EXCERPT from Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles: What was going on?

By

On April 30, 2024

In Fiction, Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller, Quotations

Crimson Arches CoverAs we continue to celebrate the Publication Day of Crimson Arches, here’s a little sample to whet your appetite, and a quick reminder that both books (so far) in this series are available for a great price.

from Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles

What was going on?

Far ahead on the two-lane highway that divided the flat desert like an endless gray ribbon, a light flashed. Kasenia Clarke squinted but saw nothing unusual, not even a dust devil twirling across the arid plain. Had to be sunlight reflected off a car window or a bumper. She lowered the sun visor to block the bright orb’s merciless glare, and a flicker in the rearview mirror caught her eye.

What was going on?

A siren sounded behind her. This time, she couldn’t miss the frenetic red-and-blue beams coming closer by the second. Heart in her throat, she glanced at the speedometer and steered to the side. She wasn’t speeding, and the kidnapping charges had been dropped a year ago. Even so, her stomach clenched at the reminder of her arrest and incarceration, experiences she hoped to never repeat.

A State Trooper’s SUV screamed past, buffeting her car. Kasenia cringed. The ear-piercing sound shook her to her core. The trooper wasn’t after her, thank God, but someone up ahead was injured or in trouble. After a quick check for other cars, she drove onto the blacktop, only to hear another siren. This time, she swerved off the highway mere moments before an ambulance wailed by her window.

When no more emergency vehicles followed, Kasenia checked one more time. With deep breaths to slow her racing pulse, she pulled onto the road again, grateful the sirens hadn’t triggered a panic attack.

She’d traveled several more miles when she topped a rise and saw a string of cars that appeared to be at a standstill several miles ahead. Black smoke billowed in the distance.

More sirens. More lights. Again, she reduced speed and maneuvered out of the way. A second ambulance passed, this one trailed by a firetruck, then a tow truck, and another firetruck.

“Jesus,” she whispered, “please help those who’ve been injured and give the first responders wisdom.” Almost every time she rode with her grandpa, someone would speed past on a straightaway. And every time, he’d grouse, “What does that bloomin’ blockhead think this is, a racetrack?” Sadly, sometimes those drivers caused horrible accidents.

She rolled onto the road, this time to slowly approach the last vehicle in the queue. Braking to a stop, she sat for a moment, taking in the situation. Despite the heat, people stood outside their cars, gaping at the enormous black smoke cloud.

Before she switched off the AC, Kasenia twisted her hair to fit it into the crown of her wide-brimmed straw sunhat and adjusted her sunglasses, which usually prevented recognition. But not always. The hat was an extra precaution to hide her copper-colored hair, which tended to attract attention.

Modeling required her to be in the spotlight during photo shoots—she was used to that. But since the Shadow Ranch debacle, almost every time she left home, curious people gathered around her like mice to cheese. They bombarded her with questions about the ranch, Brewster, the sister wives, running away. They took cell phone pictures without her permission and begged for autographs. Yet in a year’s time, not a single person had asked how she and Sam and the others were coping with the trauma since their perilous escape.

Her lawyer advised her to say she wasn’t allowed to answer questions or give autographs, and to keep walking, so that’s what she did.

In addition to local notoriety, her photo had been plastered on the front cover of nearly every magazine on the grocery-store racks. All because she’d stupidly fallen for Brewster’s lies and allowed him to trick her into a fake marriage. Then there was the meddling media, as Grandpa Gordon called reporters who appeared from nowhere, snapping pictures and sticking microphones in her face. All these months later, they still clamored for interviews about her Shadow Ranch experience.

Kasenia switched off the ignition and reached for the door handle. The silver SUV she’d parked behind had a Montana license plate. Good. People from up north wouldn’t know anything about her or Shadow Ranch.

Read the rest in Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles to see what happens from here in this follow-up to Shadow Ranch.

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PUB DAY SPOTLIGHT: Crimson Arches by Rebecca Carey Lyles

By

On April 30, 2024

In Mystery/Detective Fiction/Crime Fiction/Thriller

I’m very pleased today to share this spotlight for the second book in Rebecca Carey Lyles’ Children of the Light series, Crimson Arches! Lyles has become a solid friend of the blog over the last year, and I’m glad to get the chance to share this look at her new book. A little later this morning, I’ll be posting an excerpt, too.

Book Details:

Title: Crimson Arches
Series: Children of the Light, Book Two
Genre: Christian Mystery & Suspense Romance
Format: Ebook
Length: 423 pages
Publication Date: April 30, 2024
Crimson Arches Cover

About the Book:

Kasenia Clarke escaped Shadow Ranch months ago, but when Trent Duran asks her to visit Crimson Arches, his neighboring ranch, she hesitates. She adores Trent and wants to see where he “hangs his hat,” yet she dreads going anywhere near the abusive polygamous cult. Then an unexpected connection with another “plyg” community changes everything, and she jumps in with both feet, unaware of the peril that awaits her down by the border.

Book Links:

Amazon ~ Goodreads

Buy the Series

Both books together are set at a great price!Shadow Ranch and Crimson Arches Covers

About the Author:

Rebecca Carey LylesRebecca Carey Lyles lives with her husband, Steve, in Boise, Idaho, where she serves as an editor and as a mentor for aspiring authors. In addition to the Children of the Light Series, she’s written the Kate Neilson Series and the Prisoners of Hope Series plus a short story collection and a couple nonfiction books. Her tagline for her fiction is “Contemporary Christian romance set in the West and salted with suspense,” although some might describe her stories as “suspense salted with romance.” She also hosts a podcast with Steve called “Let Me Tell You a Story.” Learn about Becky, her books and the podcast at beckylyles.com.

Author Links:

Twitter/X ~ Facebook ~ BookBub

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