Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In The Network: The Dream Traveler Book Two by Ernesto H Lee, Detective Constable Sean McMillan is arrested for the murder of his prime suspect in a case from the past. He has at his disposal a very odd gift that allows him to travel through time within his dreams, but this gift can only assist him so far without the trust and support of his fellow officers and colleagues. With the evidence stacked against him getting worse all the time and the knowledge that his own partner is involved somehow, the likelihood of being exonerated of the charges is all but nonexistent. While awaiting his trial, Detective Constable Sean McMillan finds himself in over his head with a prison thug’s deadly and time sensitive deadline looming nearer. Can McMillan find the information and evidence of the mobster group that calls themselves ‘The Network’ before either they or the prison thugs that want his blood can destroy all his hopes of finding the truth, along with his life?

The Network has a very exciting plot that takes the reader on a page-turning ride through time as Sean McMillan attempts to clear his name from the murder rap he faces. Every single character has their own surprising and unique past that distinguishes The Network from any other story I have ever read. I love how Ernesto H Lee made me think I knew who the mastermind was, then shocked me with the truth with a very precise and interesting explanation that took the story to a deeper level of excitement. The Network is action packed from beginning to end as the author keeps the reader asking ‘what’s coming next?’ I would recommend this book to anyone that loves action, adventure and misadventure all rolled into one. I would not be surprised to see a movie trailer for The Network in the future and I, for one, would love to see it. I loved this book and I can’t wait to see what other amazing stories Ernesto H Lee has in store for readers to get caught up in.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Little Girls Sleeping is a compelling and spine-chilling work of crime fiction penned by author Jennifer Chase. Forming the introductory story in the Detective Katie Scott series, we find ourselves in Pine Valley, California on the brink of one of the creepiest cases ever discovered. Eight-year-old Chelsea Compton has gone missing, and following her trail leads Katie to an unmarked cemetery with colorful teddy bears on every grave. The shocking truth and the history of missing children aren’t lost on Katie, who lost someone herself many years ago in the same area. Past and present collide as Katie tries desperately to stop anyone else from facing the graveyard in the future.

Shocking, chilling and highly readable, fans of creepy crime, serial killer fiction, and gritty mystery are sure to be compelled to finish this novel from cover to cover. It reminded me of the likes of Karin Slaughter and Martina Cole for its strong female heroine and no-holds-barred look at the crime scenes in epic and sometimes stomach-churning detail. The discoveries made to trace and catch the killer are well paced and genuinely surprising, whilst readers can also make a strong emotional connection to the tough but sensitive Katie Scott as we learn about the darkness and loss in her past. Author Jennifer Chase makes excellent use of California as an atmospheric backdrop to the crimes, painting chilling pictures with her words. Overall, Little Girls Sleeping is a highly recommended read for fans of crime fiction who want to be excited and afraid at the same time.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Shades of Justice is the ninth book in the Detective Madison Knight series by Carolyn Arnold, a beautiful meld of crime thriller and detective work with a sophisticated, elaborately developed protagonist. When two murder victims are found naked in Steven Malone’s home, Detective Madison Knight knows she is in for a very complicated case. Malone is one of the biggest contributors to Stiles PD. One of the victims is his wife and the other one is a John Doe. There is a huge problem in the investigation because Madison’s sergeant wants to protect the reputation of the Malones and the relationship with Stiles PD. Madison Knight wants to catch a killer and this case is more complex than it seems.

Shades of Justice is a very complex crime novel, suspenseful and filled with surprising twists. The reader hardly knows what to expect as they follow the fearless detective on the hunt for justice and truth. The reader immediately understands, from the complex nature of the crime, that truth can have different layers and different shades. Following Madison as she carries out her investigation is interesting and a growing feeling of apprehension permeates the entire story. Carolyn Arnold uses suspense and the smoothness of the prose to seduce the reader and have their undivided attention as they sail through the gripping pages. The plot opens with a powerful premise and becomes embellished with surprising details. The unpredictability of the plot is one of the key drivers that move this story forward and make it a must-read. A very exciting read for fans of crime thrillers.

Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite

Police Detective Barry Marshall can't seem to catch a break. He's worked two major cases and become a victim of identity theft when another case falls into his lap. The problem is that this time it's personal. The perpetrator is targeting individuals who have crossed paths with Barry in unfortunate ways, and taunts Barry with a call after each murder. A series of dead ends and an increasing body count put the pressure on him to solve the case. But when the killer crosses another line by setting Barry up professionally and personally, it's obvious that Barry's done something to set this psychopath off. Game Piece by Alan Brenham is a fast-paced thriller that takes readers on an exciting journey of murder, revenge, and the power of love to drive people mad.

I enjoyed Game Piece. It is an exceptionally well-written and exciting mystery novel with excellent, believable characters, a thrilling adventure, and action on every page. There are no "slow" scenes, and the story moves along at a great pace to keep readers engaged and guessing not who the killer is, but rather how he will continue to evade Barry Marshall. Barry is also a believable and interesting character, with all of the charms, faults, and quirks that make a character so real that you'll believe they could be a real friend, neighbor, colleague or, more importantly, a detective you don't want to cross paths with! Alan Brenham has crafted a wonderful, exciting mystery that will keep readers engaged to the last page and beyond. An excellent novel!

Reviewed by Deborah Lloyd for Readers' Favorite

Gary Braswell does not know how to stop and he keeps getting deeper and deeper into trouble. Fueled by alcohol, Gary is a gambler, and he likes to bet on cricket matches in his home country, Australia. He owes the bookie, Jocko Mackenzie, $4000 and the deadline date is fast approaching. As a successful luxury car salesman at Southport Euro Motors, he finds a way to secure the funds from his boss, Max Buckley. The wealthy Russian couple, Ivan and Irina Romashkin, buy four expensive vehicles (one each for themselves and their two daughters). Gary and his wife, Maddie, have a loving relationship, but his drinking and gambling is causing great strain in the marriage. Although Gary pays off the debt, Jocko has a second stipulation – and this one is dangerous and illegal. How Gary tries to meet this obligation, while keeping Maddie and himself alive, is the main theme in the gripping novel, Sold, written by Blair Denholm.

This fictional work is fast-paced and full of exciting moments. The author introduces many characters throughout the story, and each one is easily imagined in the reader’s mind. The reader is intrigued by Gary’s addictions and how these quickly affect his decision-making. The power that the criminal elements, as well as the alcohol and gambling, have over Gary’s thoughts and actions provide an interesting perspective. Author Blair Denholm engages the reader from the first page to the last in this captivating novel. This book is a definite page-turner, with many twists, turns, and surprises for the reader, including the ending.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Glorious Beyond is a psychological murder mystery written by Sandy Denise Adams. In just three more days, Kevin and Kim would have been celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary. They were poised on the brink of a new adventure as well. They were moving to Boston and were in the process of selling their current home. Kim had gone for a girls’ weekend with Sharon; one last hurrah for the two best friends before the relocation. While she was returning home, her thoughts invariably went back to Kevin and the argument they had had before she left. Kim wanted flowers and candy and the romance associated with anniversaries, but she did remember what her pastor’s wife had said about how her husband’s behavior was his own way of expressing his love. Kim couldn’t wait to get into the house and apologize, but as she entered through the back way into the kitchen, she became alarmed by the foul odor emanating from within the house. Then, she saw him. His eyes were bulging out, and the bullet hole in his forehead had trails of dark blood leading from the wound down onto his cheeks. Kim’s soul, her love, her life was dead. Just like that. It shouldn’t happen to people who do the right things, she thought, but it had.

Sandy Denise Adams’ psychological murder mystery novel, The Glorious Beyond, is a taut and suspenseful tale about a young woman’s attempt to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and to gain some understanding as to why her husband had been murdered. Adams’ plot is original and compelling, and one can’t help but sympathize with Kim as she tries to cope with the fact that she, as the spouse, is automatically considered a person of interest in the case. The author gives the armchair sleuth plenty of clues and red herrings to consider as they mull over Kevin’s murder and the circumstances surrounding it. The reader is also privy to some arresting moments as Kim and Sharon attend a three-month group session for trauma survivors. I was especially interested in seeing how Myron, the trauma group counselor, works with the participants and helps them to relive, and begin healing from, those often buried traumatic memories. The Glorious Beyond is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

Angelina Bonaparte (pronounced Bon-ar-par-tay) is a female private detective working out of Milwaukee. Six years ago Marcy Wagner hired Angie to find out what happened to her school teacher husband, who just disappeared from her life and that of their three children, cleaning out the bank accounts and vanishing. In Honor Kills, by Nanci Rathbun, we find Angie stumbling across a clue that leads her back onto the trail of this long time cold case, which Angie’s professional sensibilities have never allowed her to let go. Hank Wagner was the one missing person case she had never solved, and she was determined to get to the bottom of this, even if it meant involvement with the Mafia and her father’s acknowledged, but never discussed, ties to the mob. Angie, her new intern Bobbie, and friends embark on a dangerous journey to hunt down the elusive Mr Wagner.

This story, Honor Kills, by Nanci Rathbun is a continuation of a series centered on the cases of Angie Bonaparte. Although I have not read the previous stories, it is clear each case is a stand-alone read and, I have to say, I found Honor Kills an extremely satisfying read. It ticks all the boxes of a good detective mystery, and the lead character Angie is extremely easy to empathize with. It’s not often you come across a middle-aged PI hero, who is also female. The plot was intricate and full of twists and turns as befits such a mystery story. I particularly enjoyed the supporting cast; her gay intern Bobbie and her tech genius Spider. The author had clearly done her research and the story line was both credible and enjoyable. The relationship between Angie and her father, the retired Mafia capo, was fascinating and confirmed the stereotype of two different Mafia bosses, one at home and one at work. Having read Honor Kills, I am motivated to read the other books in Rathbun’s series, which is probably as high a praise as a reviewer can give an author.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Ever met a creative genius? Read Garage Band and you'll meet two of them. The first is the author, Adam Rabinowitz; the second is his protagonist, Lanthus Trilby. And Lanthus is surrounded by a supporting cast of colourful characters, each of whom is a genius in his or her own field, whether it is hacking into complex security systems, or swinging from building to building as easily as Tarzan does from trees. This Garage Band does not create music. It creates mayhem for a massive corporation, security companies, police and computer experts. This Garage Band is a group of highly talented and skilled individuals brought together by Lanthus Trilby when he is suddenly let go after years of service as an actuary for an insurance company.

Tired of being dismissed by his boss and co-workers, along with his wife and children, as being competent but dull, "beige" as it were, Lanthus launches a scheme that proves how very much everyone has underestimated his genius. His plans to financially bring down his former employers by threatening to destroy an entire shopping center parking lot full of expensive cars are pure genius. Lanthus Trilby's plot is so convoluted that one readily grasps the concept that genius is very close to insanity. And as all hell breaks loose everywhere, readers are simultaneously holding their breaths and smiling as they turn the pages of a book written by a creative genius, Adam Rabinowitz.

Garage Band is an impressive bit of writing, near impossible to fault. Characters are realistic; dialogue flows naturally; the plot is complicated but logical, and the conclusion is utterly satisfying. Those who will enjoy this book are intelligent, clued into the ramifications, both good and bad, of modern technology, and love a well-thought out and executed plot. But these readers will also have a soft side that understands how losing a job after years of loyal service can unravel an employee. They will identify with family members losing touch with each other to the point that they don't even know each other.

In its own way, Garage Band is about music, the music of life, where harmony isn't possible unless all the players are in sync and in tune with each other. Lanthus Trilby makes sure his garage band knows their parts perfectly till the very last note is played. And Adam Rabinowitz deserves the applause readers will give Garage Band.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Scene of the Crime: A Chip Palmer Forensic Mystery by Jennifer Chase is a tantalizing crime novel with sharp characters and a plot that will take readers on a dizzy ride. It’s a story of murder enmeshed in mystery, with a community rocked by two murders while memories still linger of a serial killer that was on the loose six months ago. What readers have here are complex crimes orchestrated by a psychopath acting like a puppet master — the Slayer — who enjoys working in his playground, The Dark Net. Now Dr. Chip Palmer, a forensic expert, and DA Inspector Kate Rawlins are brought in to handle the case. With little evidence to work on, the investigative team feels frustrated and stuck. But things change when the case gets handed over to the FBI. The problem is that members of the team are in danger and it won’t be long before the killer comes for them. Can they muster the necessary resources and solve the case before it becomes nastier than it already is?

This is a great story with a powerful plot. It isn’t easy to find a serial killer operating from behind the computer screen. Jennifer Chase makes the story even more complex by creating crime scenes that leave neither evidence nor motive. The narrative is enriched by the attraction between Chip and Kate, and Chip’s accident that has a surprising effect on his memory. The novel is well-researched and the author demonstrates a good understanding of forensics and working criminal cases. The writing is great and the character development is impeccable. I enjoyed the portrait of the Slayer, the monster in the story, and how the author explores his stream of idle thoughts as he contemplates his work from a safe distance. The author has the gift for suspense and she uses it brilliantly to keep the reader’s attention on the story. Scene of the Crime: A Chip Palmer Forensic Mystery is a well-written and enormously satisfying read.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

In Mason's Missing by Teresa Burrell, five-year-old Mason was last seen running towards a man the teacher assumed to be his father, and getting into a dark blue Toyota RAV4. Days pass and there is no sign of Mason or a ransom demand. Word of mouth reaches Mason’s desperate mother, giving her cause to approach Tuper. He is thought to be the best, and she would do anything to enlist his services. But the stubborn and honourable Tuper is not in this line of work for the money; he has his own code, and he lives by it. Agreeing to take the case, despite his suspicions that everything is not as it seems, he stumbles across someone who can help him advance his investigation quicker. This new duo starts the hunt for Mason, uncovering strange circumstances and buried secrets as they progress. Mason is missing, but all is not as it first seems. Can they uncover the truth and find the boy before the unthinkable happens?

I found Teresa Burrell’s writing style to be really easy going, so much so that I read the entire book in a single sitting. I was right there alongside Tuper and Lana as they tracked down leads and began to build the foundations of their new friendship. Red herrings, murder, mystery, mistakes, secrets, and peril; it doesn’t get any better than this to make a good recipe for a mystery story, and Mason's Missing (A Tuper Mystery Book 1) has them all. You’ll share the frustrations and victories of the characters as they delve deeper into the mystery and unravel the surprising truth about what actually happened. A really strong first book in a series, with just enough information about the lead characters so that they remain an intriguing mystery you want to learn more about.