Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

Fan Mail by Joseph Lewis is a compelling coming-of-age tale that crosses the suspense genre with an LGBTQ theme. They say blood is thicker than water, but could it apply to Brian who is an adopted child? His foster siblings, Randy and Bobby, along with their fellow band member and best friend, Danny, receive fan mail that becomes increasingly threatening. They don't pay attention to it until the sender notches up the game, causing the boys to spiral into a world of danger and taking its toll on their friendship. There might be jealousy involved, but the boys never imagined that it would be taken to such an extreme. Brian has already saved the lives of his brothers once during an unforgettable event in Arizona that left him with a deep emotional scar. Will he risk his life for them once again, now that someone out there is making wrong choices that disrupt the lives of the people he loves?

Some stories remain with you for a while and others for a lifetime. Fan Mail is likely to endure, as it is the type of novel that becomes popular by word of mouth. The plot grabs your attention, and it will not let you go until the last page. It's the kind of story that is perfect for a film adaptation to draw a mass audience of young adults. It is very much a part of the obsession or stalker film genre, which is truly creepy because it is a type of horror that exists in real life. It has a touching message to the young about the importance of family, which is conveyed effectively as Joseph Lewis devotes time to exploring his characters. The climax works rather well. There are many reasons why you should read this book.

Reviewed by Rolanda Lyles for Readers' Favorite

Carrie Brinkley suddenly loses her job as the IT Manager for Pilgrim Burgers, a small but fast-growing small business. Weeks later, her friend Teresa Dill also loses her job as the company's Chief Financial officer. Carrie's sudden job loss and her boyfriend's breakup prompt her to do something drastic during the opening weeks of the pandemic to reset her life in a positive direction. She decides to embark on a solo two-month cross-country bicycle trip from Virginia Beach to Mendocino, California. Teresa, however, decides to look more closely at the reasons for their termination. As the Chief Financial officer, she found documents with inconsistencies where the amounts were largely inflated to get more COVID funds, but there were documents showing that the money was being used for its intended purposes. Her curiosity was piqued, and she decided to take files with her when she left so she could do some more research. Teresa then shared those files with Carrie so she could look at them as well, but Carrie was more focused on her two-month bike journey of self-discovery. During Carrie's journey, she faces many obstacles that she has never encountered before in her sheltered life and makes a few friends along the way. What she doesn't know is that she is being stalked and her life could be in grave danger.

E.A. Coe's Pedaling West is an action and suspense-packed coming-of-age story about Carrie, a young woman who has had the perfect but sheltered life with her parents and her job. She suddenly loses everything and the events force her to go out and discover who she is. A story about perseverance, endurance, and inner strength, packed with emotional highs and lows. Coe's writing is so vivid and descriptive that I found myself squeezing my imaginary bike brakes when I got to parts in the story where Carrie had near accidents. Coe's characters are ingeniously written. All the characters were carefully thought out and meticulously executed. I especially enjoyed how Coe added himself to the story at the end. It was kind of a reference to how Stan Lee always put himself in his movies as an extra. I found it humourous and a refreshing way to end the story. Each stop during the long trek taught Carrie something new about herself and her abilities just as, in life, our experiences should teach us something and make us better. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Pedaling West and I look forward to reading more of this author's works.

Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite

Soldier Six waits for his seven companions to return from their final operation in the Vietnam jungle in the dead of night. However, gunfire startles him. This is not the American M16's trademark treble staccato sound. It is the Chinese AK's deep thuds. His friends are no longer alive. The enemy was aware that American soldiers were on their way, and they now knew where he was and would undoubtedly pursue him! In 1987, Robert Thornton, the man who betrayed his men to the enemy, returned to Chicago. He now runs the South Asian heroin cartel and will kill anyone who gets in his way. Detectives Marcelle and Bernie initially believe that the murders resulted from a feud between two drug cartels, but they soon discover that they are facing an even more dangerous threat. A skilled assassin who was once Robert's student wants to kill him to show that he is superior to his mentor. What perils will these two detectives face in their search for Robert?

David Rabin's military thriller In Danger of Judgement is a brilliant book that blends exciting action with fascinating characters. The time component provides a story with an event-to-event transition, moving the plot forward. I'm glad David Rabin took this into account by incorporating real-time dating into his writing, as it made the plot feel much more believable and clear. There was never a dull moment in the book. The author concentrated on the setting and avoided details that would slow down the story. This factor contributed significantly to the readability of this book. The author's use of thoughtful, vivid descriptions added an authentic touch. The author clearly did thorough research, which is evident in how he described special forces operations and military investigations. In Danger of Judgement is for you if you want a suspenseful investigative thriller. Enjoy!

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Trouble took a ride into the Sweet Home community, Oregon. Jonathan Jones, alias JJ, was at a bar hanging out when Jett Brady and his friends showed up. The group harassed the bartender, Harley Poole, and JJ defended her against his better judgment. Jett Brady was untouchable, as his father was a renowned local politician. However, things went south when Nicole, Jonathan’s girlfriend, found his body riddled with bullets in the home they shared. Detective Lacey James stepped in to investigate the murder, and every witness said JJ was a good man. So who killed him? Jett, a cheating girlfriend, an angry wife, an angry husband, or a blast from the past? Follow Lacey and her team as they find answers in Tell Her by Chris Patchell.

Tell Her: A Lacey James Series Book 3 by Chris Patchell was an enthralling tale of survival, family, grief, failures, successes, and revenge. Everything about this book appealed to me as it would do to lovers of crime thrillers and detective stories. Does karma exist? Could any sin go unpunished no matter the restitution? Tell Her was thought-provoking as I asked questions. This book also featured the struggles faced by career women, especially ones with spouses and kids. Is there such a thing as a work-life balance? Can women do it all? This novel was action-packed and featured a brilliant heroine in Lacey. Amber caught my attention because she was a pillar for Lacey. I also loved the plot, development, and editing. Patchell showed her flair for beautiful storytelling with this captivating book. Please, write more.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Blaze In, Blaze Out is an action-packed thriller written by Joseph Lewis. A task force involving the ATF and the FBI worked together alongside Sergeant Detective Pat O'Connor and his partner Detective Paul Eilselmann to bring down the Ukrainian crime lord Dmitry Andruko. While Eilselmann plans to enjoy a bit of family time, O'Connor embarks on a fishing trip with fellow police officer Jamie Graff and four foster brothers named Brian, Brett, George, and Michael Two Feathers. However, seeking vengeance, Andruko hires two elite assassins to eliminate O'Connor and Eilselmann. One of them goes after Eiselmann, leading to a cop being hospitalized, while the other tracks O'Connor and the boys in the wilderness. With the killers leaving a bloody trail in their wake, will the detectives and the kids come out alive?

Filled to the brim with intrigue, action, and suspense, Blaze In, Blaze Out hooks you in from the start and refuses to let go until the end. Author Joseph Lewis infuses the narrative with a sense of tension and dread that will have you biting your nails in trepidation. The plot is completely unpredictable, and you're never quite sure what's going to happen next. The characters have fleshed-out backstories that make them feel grounded and easy to relate to. I found the dynamic between the brothers one of the best aspects of the book, alongside the vividly described action sequences that happen in quick bursts. O'Connor and Eiselmann are genuine good guys you find easy to root for. If you're looking for a well-written action-packed thriller, I recommend Blaze In, Blaze Out.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan is the second book in the Peter O’Keefe series. Peter O’Keefe has had some close shaves in his life, not least the Vietnam War and a showdown with a crime boss called Mr. Canada in the Arizona desert. A year on from that, O’Keefe finds himself in deep trouble in his own hometown, when an old school crush is murdered. But something doesn’t seem right. A friend of O’Keefe’s, Mike Harrigan, is in serious trouble, accused of things he didn’t do and O’Keefe now has a price on his head. Going deep into the criminal underworld, O’Keefe begins to uncover things that some people would prefer stayed hidden and his life is suddenly in the balance. Can he uncover the truth in time or will he become another statistic?

The Big Tilt (Peter O’Keefe Book 2) by Dan Flanigan is a thrilling read. I did find the beginning a little confusing but I suspect that’s because I haven’t read the first book – this is one of those series where the books need to be read in order. There is more than one story here, at least three different ones, but they are woven together with all becoming clear at the end. It is written well, very clear and easy-to-understand language (no jargon, which is a bonus), and a great plot, albeit a little complex at times. There is plenty of action and the author’s legal background really shone through at times. A gripping tale, this has some great characters, believable, real people who grow throughout the story. With plenty of action, this is one story you won’t want to put down.

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

The Other Side of Good by E. A. Coe is a thrilling, suspenseful novel set in Cincinnati. Alleged drug dealer Theo Jackson offers to donate $5M for a new youth center and Officer Denton Jones, commander of the Cincinnati Central Business District police patrol, is assigned by Colonel Jack Fitzpatrick, chief of police, to negotiate the terms. Denton’s assignment leads him to believe that Jackson is protected by a dishonest bureaucrat. Theo uncovers evidence of an international criminal organization facilitating human trafficking in the city involving Chinese criminal Sun Yi who works for an organization called Santu. Together a pastor and city officials, Officer Denton and Theo hatch a plan to shut down Santu. In the process, the team is faced with the decision to do what is right or do what is easy, but will they make the right choices between good and bad when they are faced with the gray area in between?

Author E. A. Coe has certainly created a masterpiece. The Other Side of Good is filled with action, drama, and excitement. The story gives the reader a new perspective on what is right or wrong, good or bad. Coe’s writing style is fast-paced and smooth flowing from beginning to end. Theo and Denton’s relationship is intriguing and unusual, but it works for both the men and the story surrounding them. The numerous characters are all well-defined including law enforcement officials, criminals, and their associates. I mostly enjoyed the twists, turns, and surprises that Coe includes in this web of criminal activities and law enforcement. The Other Side of Good is highly recommended to all adults and is deserving of a place on any bookshelf.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Feathers: Case Thirteen is a work of fiction in the mystery, sleuthing, and action/adventure subgenres. It is intended for the general reading audience from mature teens upward and was penned by author Blair Howard. Continuing the hugely successful Lt. Kate Gazzara Murder Files, this new and exciting case sees Kate meet the grisly reality of young women who have all been killed in violent, throat-slitting circumstances. But what else might they have in common? There are only feathers to lead Kate forward into a mysterious and dark network of sinister connections, and all she can hope is that the tough, no-nonsense approach she’s built up over the years will be enough to help her survive the horrible truth.

It is evident in every page penned by author Blair Howard that this is a writer who knows how to craft procedural mysteries to a tee. The fine art of clue placement, pace, and exposition is always in balance, and just when readers think there’s nothing more to discover about a particular element of the case, Kate finds something that turns the plot on its head even more. I also really enjoyed the concise and confident control Howard takes of the narrative, cutting to the quick with relevant details, but also giving breathing room where it’s due for the deeper moments that need to sink in for all their chilling, suspense-building glory. Kate’s emotional arc was also interesting and far from generic, making Feathers a procedural mystery drama that fans of the existing series and newcomers alike will not want to miss.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Big Tilt by Dan Flanigan is the second book in the Peter O’Keefe series. Peter O’Keefe has had some close shaves in his life, not least the Vietnam War and a showdown with a crime boss called Mr. Canada in the Arizona desert. A year on from that, O’Keefe finds himself in deep trouble in his own hometown, when an old school crush is murdered. But something doesn’t seem right. A friend of O’Keefe’s, Mike Harrigan, is in serious trouble, accused of things he didn’t do and O’Keefe now has a price on his head. Going deep into the criminal underworld, O’Keefe begins to uncover things that some people would prefer stayed hidden and his life is suddenly in the balance. Can he uncover the truth in time or will he become another statistic?

The Big Tilt (Peter O’Keefe Book 2) by Dan Flanigan is a thrilling read. I did find the beginning a little confusing but I suspect that’s because I haven’t read the first book – this is one of those series where the books need to be read in order. There is more than one story here, at least three different ones, but they are woven together with all becoming clear at the end. It is written well, very clear and easy-to-understand language (no jargon, which is a bonus), and a great plot, albeit a little complex at times. There is plenty of action and the author’s legal background really shone through at times. A gripping tale, this has some great characters, believable, real people who grow throughout the story. With plenty of action, this is one story you won’t want to put down.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Body in the Woods is the first book in the Carlos Jacobi series by Dawn Brookes and a perfect read for fans of crime thrillers. It is supposed to be a quiet Christmas at his sister’s place. At least, that is what private investigator Carlos Jacobi wanted, but everything changes when his ex-police dog discovers a body in the woods. The old man’s widow hires Carlos to investigate in this seemingly peaceful town with dangerous secrets. As he begins his investigation, he runs into someone he hoped he would never see again, and their experience in Afghanistan, characteristic of bad blood, makes it hard for the two to work together. Someone wants him out of the investigation, but when his dog makes another discovery, the conflict escalates. Can Carlos get to the bottom of the mystery?

I love it when an author takes time to develop characters that have depth, and Dawn Brookes does just that. Carlos is not just a strong character with a military background. Exploring his experiences in Afghanistan and the animosity between him and a mate that he runs into adds a deeper layer to the plot, and while this detail builds suspense and deepens character, it helps in moving the plot forward. DCI Terry Masters is a well-written character as well as DS Fiona Cook and many others. The setting is detailed and I enjoyed how descriptive the author is when exploring the features of the natural environment in which the story takes place. Dawn Brookes not only poignantly captures a sense of mystery and raw emotions in a quiet small town, but creates such relatable characters that any reader will want to follow on their journey. Body in the Woods is a bold and haunting story of murder and suspense.