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Mit Out Sound
Rick Lenz
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz follows Emily Bennett, a young woman with face blindness struggling to distinguish between ordinary people and celebrities. Growing up in Beverly Hills, surrounded by fame, Emily develops an obsession with Hollywood and aspires to become a film producer. Her condition often leads her to mistake strangers for famous personalities, intertwining her reality with Hollywood lore. The plot thickens when Emily becomes fixated on a rumored lost film called Showdown, purportedly starring John Wayne and James Dean. Her quest to uncover the truth about the film leads her to confrontations with aging movie stars, impersonators, and hidden facets of her family history. As she delves deeper into the world of impersonators and elusive film footage, Emily navigates personal doubts, Hollywood's complex culture, and the echoes of her past.
Mit Out Sound is a triumph of creative storytelling. The title itself, a clever play on the film term "MOS" (mit out sound), subtly foreshadows the film's incomplete state and the mystery at its heart. Lenz's writing style is richly evocative, employing a stream-of-consciousness narrative that conveys Emily's unique perspective and internal world. The world-building effectively captures the glamor of Hollywood, contrasting the mythos of celebrity with the mundane struggles of its inhabitants. It incorporates numerous references to classic Hollywood films, enriching the narrative and highlighting the impact of Emily's face blindness. The characters are vividly portrayed, particularly Emily, whose internal struggles and growth are deeply relatable. The author skillfully blends the "lost film" concept with captivating family drama to create a refreshingly original story. The pacing remains consistently engaging, ensuring readers are hooked from start to finish. While exploring complex themes, the novel maintains accessibility for a broad audience, appealing to fans of literary fiction and thrillers as well as those intrigued by classic Hollywood. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique narrative voice, Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz proves to be a highly rewarding read.
Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz follows Emily Bennett, a young woman with face blindness struggling to distinguish between ordinary people and celebrities. Growing up in Beverly Hills, surrounded by fame, Emily develops an obsession with Hollywood and aspires to become a film producer. Her condition often leads her to mistake strangers for famous personalities, intertwining her reality with Hollywood lore. The plot thickens when Emily becomes fixated on a rumored lost film called Showdown, purportedly starring John Wayne and James Dean. Her quest to uncover the truth about the film leads her to confrontations with aging movie stars, impersonators, and hidden facets of her family history. As she delves deeper into the world of impersonators and elusive film footage, Emily navigates personal doubts, Hollywood's complex culture, and the echoes of her past.
Mit Out Sound is a triumph of creative storytelling. The title itself, a clever play on the film term "MOS" (mit out sound), subtly foreshadows the film's incomplete state and the mystery at its heart. Lenz's writing style is richly evocative, employing a stream-of-consciousness narrative that conveys Emily's unique perspective and internal world. The world-building effectively captures the glamor of Hollywood, contrasting the mythos of celebrity with the mundane struggles of its inhabitants. It incorporates numerous references to classic Hollywood films, enriching the narrative and highlighting the impact of Emily's face blindness. The characters are vividly portrayed, particularly Emily, whose internal struggles and growth are deeply relatable. The author skillfully blends the "lost film" concept with captivating family drama to create a refreshingly original story. The pacing remains consistently engaging, ensuring readers are hooked from start to finish. While exploring complex themes, the novel maintains accessibility for a broad audience, appealing to fans of literary fiction and thrillers as well as those intrigued by classic Hollywood. With its intricate plot, memorable characters, and unique narrative voice, Mit Out Sound by Rick Lenz proves to be a highly rewarding read.
Recommend this book:
Chocolate Can Be Deadly
Cupcake Catering Mystery Series Book 7
Kim Davis
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Chocolate Can Be Deadly by Kim Davis is the seventh book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series. After being hired as a caterer for a Valentine's Day party, Emory Martinez gets the shock of her life when one of the guests dies from presumably being poisoned by one of her cupcakes. The guest, Ian Hesser, was the new fiancé of the party's host, Frances Allain, a fierce rival of Emory's friend and mentor, Tillie Skyler. With everyone treating Emily as the prime suspect, including lead detective, Reece, she takes it upon herself to figure out the culprit's identity. Meanwhile, another attendee at the party is shot dead. Additionally, someone is following Emily's trail, and Detective Reece is determined to find her guilty. Can Emily identify the real killer and clear her name?
Fans of cozy murder mysteries will have a blast reading Chocolate Can Be Deadly. Using a scrumptious blend of mystery, suspense, and humor, Kim Davis serves up a delightful whodunnit tale that keeps you engrossed all the way through. The plot has no loose ends and features a couple of unexpected reveals you never see coming. However, the book's main draw is its rich and dynamic characters. Davis' character work is simply phenomenal. Every character is well-defined and entertaining. The narrative is well-paced, and there's not a single moment that your attention wavers. It's also very easy to get invested in the different relationship dynamics, be it Emory's friendships with Tillie, Vannie, and Brad or her rivalry with Frances. Overall, it's a riveting sleuth murder mystery, one that is bound to delight the fans of the genre.
Chocolate Can Be Deadly by Kim Davis is the seventh book in the Cupcake Catering Mystery Series. After being hired as a caterer for a Valentine's Day party, Emory Martinez gets the shock of her life when one of the guests dies from presumably being poisoned by one of her cupcakes. The guest, Ian Hesser, was the new fiancé of the party's host, Frances Allain, a fierce rival of Emory's friend and mentor, Tillie Skyler. With everyone treating Emily as the prime suspect, including lead detective, Reece, she takes it upon herself to figure out the culprit's identity. Meanwhile, another attendee at the party is shot dead. Additionally, someone is following Emily's trail, and Detective Reece is determined to find her guilty. Can Emily identify the real killer and clear her name?
Fans of cozy murder mysteries will have a blast reading Chocolate Can Be Deadly. Using a scrumptious blend of mystery, suspense, and humor, Kim Davis serves up a delightful whodunnit tale that keeps you engrossed all the way through. The plot has no loose ends and features a couple of unexpected reveals you never see coming. However, the book's main draw is its rich and dynamic characters. Davis' character work is simply phenomenal. Every character is well-defined and entertaining. The narrative is well-paced, and there's not a single moment that your attention wavers. It's also very easy to get invested in the different relationship dynamics, be it Emory's friendships with Tillie, Vannie, and Brad or her rivalry with Frances. Overall, it's a riveting sleuth murder mystery, one that is bound to delight the fans of the genre.
Recommend this book:
Murder in Monte Carlo
A Nikki Garcia Mystery
Kathryn Lane
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Murder in Monte Carlo by Kathryn Lane follows Nikki Garcia, an investigator at Security Source, tasked with uncovering an art theft involving Leo Zimmerman, his ex-son-in-law Justin Crawford, and his daughter Claire. As Nikki and her husband, Eduardo, track the couple’s movements across Italy and Monaco, they uncover a dangerous art forgery operation where Claire's high-quality reproductions are being trafficked and sold as originals. While investigating, Nikki and Eduardo find themselves caught in a deeper criminal network. When Nikki witnesses a murder at Enzo Bellini's mansion, it is a wake-up call, ramping up the deadly nature of the art trafficking operation. Unfortunately, the cat-and-mouse game is in favor of the latter when Nikki is kidnapped and forcefully hauled down the Moyenne Corniche, exposing a betrayal in a far-reaching criminal plot.
Kathryn Lane’s Murder in Monte Carlo is a smart, atmospheric thriller that shines with its strong sense of place and a spectacular cast of characters. I live in Europe, and Lane still impressed me by doing a remarkable job of immersing readers into the landscape, whether it is spumante and antipasti in Venice or the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo. There is elegance and danger without ever losing sight of the story. The writing is crisp, with a keen focus on the details that matter, and peeling back the layers of this particular mystery with restraint. The dynamic between Nikki and her husband, as well as those she is moving through circles with, feels authentic, with their motivations and decisions fueling the suspense to the same degree as the dramatic twists. The story concludes satisfyingly, and there's a nod to a sequel with the promise of another art chase to come. I'm looking forward to it. Very highly recommended.
Murder in Monte Carlo by Kathryn Lane follows Nikki Garcia, an investigator at Security Source, tasked with uncovering an art theft involving Leo Zimmerman, his ex-son-in-law Justin Crawford, and his daughter Claire. As Nikki and her husband, Eduardo, track the couple’s movements across Italy and Monaco, they uncover a dangerous art forgery operation where Claire's high-quality reproductions are being trafficked and sold as originals. While investigating, Nikki and Eduardo find themselves caught in a deeper criminal network. When Nikki witnesses a murder at Enzo Bellini's mansion, it is a wake-up call, ramping up the deadly nature of the art trafficking operation. Unfortunately, the cat-and-mouse game is in favor of the latter when Nikki is kidnapped and forcefully hauled down the Moyenne Corniche, exposing a betrayal in a far-reaching criminal plot.
Kathryn Lane’s Murder in Monte Carlo is a smart, atmospheric thriller that shines with its strong sense of place and a spectacular cast of characters. I live in Europe, and Lane still impressed me by doing a remarkable job of immersing readers into the landscape, whether it is spumante and antipasti in Venice or the lavish Casino de Monte Carlo. There is elegance and danger without ever losing sight of the story. The writing is crisp, with a keen focus on the details that matter, and peeling back the layers of this particular mystery with restraint. The dynamic between Nikki and her husband, as well as those she is moving through circles with, feels authentic, with their motivations and decisions fueling the suspense to the same degree as the dramatic twists. The story concludes satisfyingly, and there's a nod to a sequel with the promise of another art chase to come. I'm looking forward to it. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Wounds That Linger
Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2
Sandra Preisler, Taylor Preisler
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, Zoe has just returned from America with her uncle, and everyone is happy that they are back. Everyone is surprised when Zoe mentions she has been invited by Mabel Anderson to her house. Things had become complicated between the two families since Zoe’s father had defended Chedrose, who had been accused and convicted of killing Mabel’s sister. Mabel is convinced Chedrose has been wrongly convicted and wants Zoe’s input and help since she handled the murder of her maid very well. Despite a connection to previously committed murders, people are ready to overlook things due to Chedrose’s station in life, but things change when other murders with the same signature are uncovered. Will Quinton, who had helped Zoe in her previous quest, and his friends rise to the occasion and solve the mystery this time?
Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler did not disappoint in The Wounds That Linger: Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2. This amazing work can be read as a standalone. I loved the strong female characters and the well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The themes covered, such as culture and traditions, are thought-provoking and get one thinking about the long way we have come in terms of equality and minority rights. I also loved the emphasis on the value of hard work, charity, and a strong friendship network. The characters were well-developed, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and looking forward to the events in subsequent chapters. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by Sandra and Taylor Preisler.
In The Wounds That Linger by Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler, Zoe has just returned from America with her uncle, and everyone is happy that they are back. Everyone is surprised when Zoe mentions she has been invited by Mabel Anderson to her house. Things had become complicated between the two families since Zoe’s father had defended Chedrose, who had been accused and convicted of killing Mabel’s sister. Mabel is convinced Chedrose has been wrongly convicted and wants Zoe’s input and help since she handled the murder of her maid very well. Despite a connection to previously committed murders, people are ready to overlook things due to Chedrose’s station in life, but things change when other murders with the same signature are uncovered. Will Quinton, who had helped Zoe in her previous quest, and his friends rise to the occasion and solve the mystery this time?
Sandra Preisler and Taylor Preisler did not disappoint in The Wounds That Linger: Q&Z Regency Mysteries Book 2. This amazing work can be read as a standalone. I loved the strong female characters and the well-crafted dialogue that brings the story and the characters to life. The themes covered, such as culture and traditions, are thought-provoking and get one thinking about the long way we have come in terms of equality and minority rights. I also loved the emphasis on the value of hard work, charity, and a strong friendship network. The characters were well-developed, and the twists and turns in the plot kept me intrigued and looking forward to the events in subsequent chapters. This was a great read, and I look forward to more by Sandra and Taylor Preisler.
Recommend this book:
What Happens in Montana
Kim McCollum
2024 Finalist
335 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Essien Asian for Readers' Favorite
Brooke, Tracy, Quin, and Krista have remained close friends since they first met at a Mommy and Me group. However, their busy schedules have not let them keep in touch adequately. When Brooke suggests they take a weekend off for a retreat at a serene resort in Montana, her friends jump at the idea. The last thing they expect at this unique resort is to become entangled in a murder mystery. Secrets will be revealed and bonds tested when they come together in Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana.
In Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana, four friends reunite and end up sharing deep-seated secrets that affect their relationships. The primary focus of the story is the personal affairs of each of the principal characters and how they devolve to the point where they are willing to open up to each other. The character development is impressive as McCollum uses their conversations to demonstrate the intricate dynamics between the four friends. This is evident in Brooke’s habit of bending the rules and how it contrasts with Quin’s preference for order. There is suspense aplenty in the novel with the subplot about Simone’s life and how she became famous at the resort. This connects nicely with the countdown tone the story develops as it approaches its conclusion. Kim McCollum’s ability to expertly blend drama and mystery in this novel displays an excellent level of storytelling talent. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Brooke, Tracy, Quin, and Krista have remained close friends since they first met at a Mommy and Me group. However, their busy schedules have not let them keep in touch adequately. When Brooke suggests they take a weekend off for a retreat at a serene resort in Montana, her friends jump at the idea. The last thing they expect at this unique resort is to become entangled in a murder mystery. Secrets will be revealed and bonds tested when they come together in Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana.
In Kim McCollum’s What Happens In Montana, four friends reunite and end up sharing deep-seated secrets that affect their relationships. The primary focus of the story is the personal affairs of each of the principal characters and how they devolve to the point where they are willing to open up to each other. The character development is impressive as McCollum uses their conversations to demonstrate the intricate dynamics between the four friends. This is evident in Brooke’s habit of bending the rules and how it contrasts with Quin’s preference for order. There is suspense aplenty in the novel with the subplot about Simone’s life and how she became famous at the resort. This connects nicely with the countdown tone the story develops as it approaches its conclusion. Kim McCollum’s ability to expertly blend drama and mystery in this novel displays an excellent level of storytelling talent. I look forward to reading more of her works.
Recommend this book:
Virtually Timeless
Casi McLean
2024 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Virtually Timeless is a sleuth mystery thriller by Casi McLean. After finding themselves with an unexpected inheritance, twins Noah and Sydney Monaco are thrust into another mystifying situation when Noah rescues a young woman from being attacked by a stranger in Connecticut. When Syd realizes her brother is missing, she goes in search, only to stumble upon a hidden underground cellar where she finds an ancient Celtic amulet. Meanwhile, the woman Noah rescued struggles with her memories, having no idea who she is. Now, some very dangerous men are tailing the twins and the woman as they make their way to Atlanta. While Noah works on the mystery woman's recovery, Syd delves into her identity and the history behind the amulet. But a seemingly random illness strikes Syd that complicates things further.
Full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue, Virtually Timeless is a captivating thriller that hooks you in from the first page and refuses to let go until the end. Author Casi McLean weaves an intricate yarn full of unexpected twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's happening next. The sense of tension and suspense seeping through the pages hints at a larger mystery, keeping you glued all the way through. I found the characters distinct and well-developed. Everyone has their own expertise and seamlessly pulls off their respective roles in relation to the story. Noah and Syd are the kind of protagonists you love to root for. If you're itching for a well-written mystery novel to spend your evening with, Virtually Timeless is just the book for you.
Virtually Timeless is a sleuth mystery thriller by Casi McLean. After finding themselves with an unexpected inheritance, twins Noah and Sydney Monaco are thrust into another mystifying situation when Noah rescues a young woman from being attacked by a stranger in Connecticut. When Syd realizes her brother is missing, she goes in search, only to stumble upon a hidden underground cellar where she finds an ancient Celtic amulet. Meanwhile, the woman Noah rescued struggles with her memories, having no idea who she is. Now, some very dangerous men are tailing the twins and the woman as they make their way to Atlanta. While Noah works on the mystery woman's recovery, Syd delves into her identity and the history behind the amulet. But a seemingly random illness strikes Syd that complicates things further.
Full of suspense, mystery, and intrigue, Virtually Timeless is a captivating thriller that hooks you in from the first page and refuses to let go until the end. Author Casi McLean weaves an intricate yarn full of unexpected twists and turns that will have you on the edge of your seat, wondering what's happening next. The sense of tension and suspense seeping through the pages hints at a larger mystery, keeping you glued all the way through. I found the characters distinct and well-developed. Everyone has their own expertise and seamlessly pulls off their respective roles in relation to the story. Noah and Syd are the kind of protagonists you love to root for. If you're itching for a well-written mystery novel to spend your evening with, Virtually Timeless is just the book for you.
Recommend this book:
Death By Association
The Desert Pines Mystery Series Book One
Julie Titterington
2024 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Sherri Fulmer Moorer for Readers' Favorite
Jane McLaren is happy to live a simple life in Desert Pines, Oregon. She lives with her grandfather and works as a barista, spending her days in direct contrast to the life she left behind in the big city. It’s too bad that life can’t remain simple, and the drama follows her in the form of the Homeowners Association. Most HOAs are small establishments with minor doses of conflict and quibbling over neighborhood issues. This one ends in murder. Just Jane’s luck, this is her first meeting and her first experience with an HOA. It makes her wonder if she ran from one drama to another. Soon, the drama in the small town draws out the story of her life, and she finds herself teetering on the edges of her old life and her new one in Death By Association: Desert Pines Mystery Series, Book One, a murder mystery by Julie Titterington.
Most mystery novels take place on either a large scale in a big city or on a small scale in a cozy locked room. Death by Association manages to mix the aspects of both settings to bring the drama down to the local level, giving it the space and depth of an expansive suspense novel while keeping it contained to a small setting. Julie Titterington did an excellent job of developing a believable cast of characters with complex lives and motivations in a small town, showing that there’s nothing small about life anywhere. Jane is a great protagonist as well, with great internal conflict between ability and desires that add to the mystery surrounding this location. This is an excellent read for mystery lovers, and I highly recommend it.
Jane McLaren is happy to live a simple life in Desert Pines, Oregon. She lives with her grandfather and works as a barista, spending her days in direct contrast to the life she left behind in the big city. It’s too bad that life can’t remain simple, and the drama follows her in the form of the Homeowners Association. Most HOAs are small establishments with minor doses of conflict and quibbling over neighborhood issues. This one ends in murder. Just Jane’s luck, this is her first meeting and her first experience with an HOA. It makes her wonder if she ran from one drama to another. Soon, the drama in the small town draws out the story of her life, and she finds herself teetering on the edges of her old life and her new one in Death By Association: Desert Pines Mystery Series, Book One, a murder mystery by Julie Titterington.
Most mystery novels take place on either a large scale in a big city or on a small scale in a cozy locked room. Death by Association manages to mix the aspects of both settings to bring the drama down to the local level, giving it the space and depth of an expansive suspense novel while keeping it contained to a small setting. Julie Titterington did an excellent job of developing a believable cast of characters with complex lives and motivations in a small town, showing that there’s nothing small about life anywhere. Jane is a great protagonist as well, with great internal conflict between ability and desires that add to the mystery surrounding this location. This is an excellent read for mystery lovers, and I highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
 Sergeant Winston Windflower. Life in this charming quiet town is idyllic until Newfoundland is invaded by a potentially lethal new drug. Adding to the town’s woes...){kind=link}
Better Safe Than Sorry
Mike Martin
2024 Silver Medal
258 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by P. Rosenthal for Readers' Favorite
Grab your snow gear and head to picturesque Grand Bank, Newfoundland in Canada. In Better Safe Than Sorry, Mike Martin reintroduces recently retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Winston Windflower. Life in this charming quiet town is idyllic until Newfoundland is invaded by a potentially lethal new drug. Adding to the town’s woes are a missing body and a dead woman, pushing Inspector Eddie Tizzard to his limits. Understanding that the sudden crime wave demands experienced hands, Superintendent Ron Quigley offers Windflower a temporary consultancy role. Windflower's retirement has left him feeling unfulfilled, but he knows his decision will affect his family. In a dream, Windflower’s grandfather recommends he make his decision "based on love and not fear.” Will Windflower return to active service?
Better Safe Than Sorry features relatable protagonists in Tizzard and Windflower, both balancing family responsibilities with their professional lives, serving as a reminder that law enforcement personnel also have personal lives. The book seamlessly incorporates Windflower's Cree heritage and the use of a smudge kit, paying homage to Canada's natural diversity. A unique literature motif runs throughout the book, with characters often playfully responding with quotes from Shakespeare and Mark Twain, underscoring the themes of family, honor, and duty. The plot advances with well-placed clues. Author Mike Martin handles the topic of illicit drugs without the use of R-rated imagery making Better Safe Than Sorry a gripping read suitable for a wide audience. This novel is number six in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series and fans of cozy mysteries should not miss this series.
Grab your snow gear and head to picturesque Grand Bank, Newfoundland in Canada. In Better Safe Than Sorry, Mike Martin reintroduces recently retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Sergeant Winston Windflower. Life in this charming quiet town is idyllic until Newfoundland is invaded by a potentially lethal new drug. Adding to the town’s woes are a missing body and a dead woman, pushing Inspector Eddie Tizzard to his limits. Understanding that the sudden crime wave demands experienced hands, Superintendent Ron Quigley offers Windflower a temporary consultancy role. Windflower's retirement has left him feeling unfulfilled, but he knows his decision will affect his family. In a dream, Windflower’s grandfather recommends he make his decision "based on love and not fear.” Will Windflower return to active service?
Better Safe Than Sorry features relatable protagonists in Tizzard and Windflower, both balancing family responsibilities with their professional lives, serving as a reminder that law enforcement personnel also have personal lives. The book seamlessly incorporates Windflower's Cree heritage and the use of a smudge kit, paying homage to Canada's natural diversity. A unique literature motif runs throughout the book, with characters often playfully responding with quotes from Shakespeare and Mark Twain, underscoring the themes of family, honor, and duty. The plot advances with well-placed clues. Author Mike Martin handles the topic of illicit drugs without the use of R-rated imagery making Better Safe Than Sorry a gripping read suitable for a wide audience. This novel is number six in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series and fans of cozy mysteries should not miss this series.
Recommend this book:
The Desk from Hoboken
A Genealogy Mystery
ML Condike
2024 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Desk from Hoboken is a work of fiction in the mystery, crime, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author ML Condike. This enthralling and intricately woven mystery combines elements of genealogy, history, and suspense to achieve a unique atmosphere and puzzle to be solved. The story follows RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, as she embarks on what appears to be a straightforward case of identifying human remains from the 1800s. However, what begins as a seemingly routine project quickly spirals into a dangerous and complex investigation. The story is not only a compelling mystery but also a journey into the past, as RaeJean delves into the life of Mary Rogers, whose mysterious death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's work.
Author ML Condike has clearly done a lot of research and background work to achieve this exciting new novel that combines historical facts and genealogical techniques to create a rich and immersive narrative. As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build steadily for a great slow-burn feeling. Later, as the pace of the novel begins to quicken, the threats and dangers RaeJean faces will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but become deeply invested in her quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue as the more we get to know them, the more complex they become. It's a tale of hidden secrets, perseverance in the face of danger, and the enduring power of truth, which makes for a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, then The Desk from Hoboken is a must-read.
The Desk from Hoboken is a work of fiction in the mystery, crime, and interpersonal drama subgenres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience and was penned by author ML Condike. This enthralling and intricately woven mystery combines elements of genealogy, history, and suspense to achieve a unique atmosphere and puzzle to be solved. The story follows RaeJean Hunter, a forensic genealogist, as she embarks on what appears to be a straightforward case of identifying human remains from the 1800s. However, what begins as a seemingly routine project quickly spirals into a dangerous and complex investigation. The story is not only a compelling mystery but also a journey into the past, as RaeJean delves into the life of Mary Rogers, whose mysterious death inspired Edgar Allan Poe's work.
Author ML Condike has clearly done a lot of research and background work to achieve this exciting new novel that combines historical facts and genealogical techniques to create a rich and immersive narrative. As the plot unfolds, the tension and suspense build steadily for a great slow-burn feeling. Later, as the pace of the novel begins to quicken, the threats and dangers RaeJean faces will certainly keep you on the edge of your seat, and you can't help but become deeply invested in her quest for the truth. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are shrouded in mystery, adding to the intrigue as the more we get to know them, the more complex they become. It's a tale of hidden secrets, perseverance in the face of danger, and the enduring power of truth, which makes for a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging. Overall, if you enjoy mysteries that challenge your intellect and keep you guessing until the very end, then The Desk from Hoboken is a must-read.
Recommend this book:
TA LĘ
Book 1: Knowledge
Yessoh G.D.
2023 Finalist
326 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
TA LĘ: Book 1: Knowledge by Yessoh G.D. introduces Kobenan who, at a very young age, lands an important job in the enigmatic West African government of Côte d'Esperance. He works for the S-cell, a shadowy unit of the government that deals with mystical occurrences and sorcery. Investigating a high-profile murder case with agent Biafle, Kobenan finds himself thrust into the whirlwind of a world he never knew existed, a mystical world co-existing with the physical. With the political stakes raised and the path getting more complex with every step they take, he must come to grips quickly with the mystical world unfolding before him. Can he solve this murder before it is too late?
TA LĘ: Book 1: Knowledge introduces an Africa that readers will find fascinating, and while this is a fictional work, it is very relevant with a stunningly imagined setting in typical traditional Africa with secret societies, strange and mystical practices, rituals, and involvement in sorcery. The author presents a young protagonist who occupies an enviable position in the secret S-cell; he is intelligent and brave, but with limited knowledge of the world he inhabits. When thrown into a murder case, he has to do more than analyze files. He must grow quickly and learn to accept the startling truths that stare him in the face. Yessoh G.D.’s tale is twisty, written in a unique and captivating voice. The world-building is impeccably accomplished, a world that is steeped in mystery and the author does an impeccable job of exploring the thin line between the rational and the troublingly mystical, deftly illustrating the duality in African existentialism while developing strong plot points and characters that are solid and elaborately written.
TA LĘ: Book 1: Knowledge by Yessoh G.D. introduces Kobenan who, at a very young age, lands an important job in the enigmatic West African government of Côte d'Esperance. He works for the S-cell, a shadowy unit of the government that deals with mystical occurrences and sorcery. Investigating a high-profile murder case with agent Biafle, Kobenan finds himself thrust into the whirlwind of a world he never knew existed, a mystical world co-existing with the physical. With the political stakes raised and the path getting more complex with every step they take, he must come to grips quickly with the mystical world unfolding before him. Can he solve this murder before it is too late?
TA LĘ: Book 1: Knowledge introduces an Africa that readers will find fascinating, and while this is a fictional work, it is very relevant with a stunningly imagined setting in typical traditional Africa with secret societies, strange and mystical practices, rituals, and involvement in sorcery. The author presents a young protagonist who occupies an enviable position in the secret S-cell; he is intelligent and brave, but with limited knowledge of the world he inhabits. When thrown into a murder case, he has to do more than analyze files. He must grow quickly and learn to accept the startling truths that stare him in the face. Yessoh G.D.’s tale is twisty, written in a unique and captivating voice. The world-building is impeccably accomplished, a world that is steeped in mystery and the author does an impeccable job of exploring the thin line between the rational and the troublingly mystical, deftly illustrating the duality in African existentialism while developing strong plot points and characters that are solid and elaborately written.
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