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Recommend this book:
Ripple Effect
Brenda Lyne
2026 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite
Ripple Effect by Brenda Lyne is a fascinating crime mystery blended with paranormal, social issues, and family drama. In April 2009, a determined German Shepherd discovered skeletal remains on a walk in a forest near Superior, Wisconsin. The forensics estimated only that it was a female, eighteen to twenty-four years old, who died about six months previously. Mike Franklin, a detective with the Superior Police Department, took on the case. But there were no missing person reports in the area, so Mike had no leads and the case went cold. Rolling on to 2024, Mike gave the case to Nic Morris, a new and ambitious trainee. In search of leads, Nic resorted to new forensic technology. But will Nic and Mike succeed?
Brenda Lyne’s Ripple Effect was one of the most captivating crime mysteries I have read recently. From the first episode, the storyteller – the ghost of the dead girl – captivated me instantly by the atmospheric storytelling. I enjoyed the ghost's discoveries as we followed the investigation. I liked how the crime investigation was interconnected with insights into the lives and emotions of the characters, making them all relatable and authentic. I also liked how the novel’s title interplayed with the storyline and the theme. I appreciated that the story explored topical issues of addiction, bullying, harassment, depression, and adultery. But most of all, I liked the unexpected and heart-warming ending. I highly recommend this brilliant novel to cozy crime mystery fans who are open-minded to a touch of paranormal and social issues.
Ripple Effect by Brenda Lyne is a fascinating crime mystery blended with paranormal, social issues, and family drama. In April 2009, a determined German Shepherd discovered skeletal remains on a walk in a forest near Superior, Wisconsin. The forensics estimated only that it was a female, eighteen to twenty-four years old, who died about six months previously. Mike Franklin, a detective with the Superior Police Department, took on the case. But there were no missing person reports in the area, so Mike had no leads and the case went cold. Rolling on to 2024, Mike gave the case to Nic Morris, a new and ambitious trainee. In search of leads, Nic resorted to new forensic technology. But will Nic and Mike succeed?
Brenda Lyne’s Ripple Effect was one of the most captivating crime mysteries I have read recently. From the first episode, the storyteller – the ghost of the dead girl – captivated me instantly by the atmospheric storytelling. I enjoyed the ghost's discoveries as we followed the investigation. I liked how the crime investigation was interconnected with insights into the lives and emotions of the characters, making them all relatable and authentic. I also liked how the novel’s title interplayed with the storyline and the theme. I appreciated that the story explored topical issues of addiction, bullying, harassment, depression, and adultery. But most of all, I liked the unexpected and heart-warming ending. I highly recommend this brilliant novel to cozy crime mystery fans who are open-minded to a touch of paranormal and social issues.
Recommend this book:
Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge
Big Muddy Mysteries
Artemis Taylor
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Priya Mathew for Readers' Favorite
Artemis Taylor’s Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge opens with a break-in at the River’s Edge Magic Emporium. The building is so unsettling that locals cross to the other side of the street rather than pass too close to it. The shop has stayed closed for over a year since its owner, Iris White, vanished and was eventually declared legally dead. This triggers a trust that names Sergeant First Class Rebecca Whitmore, or Becky, as the sole beneficiary. The building is hers. So is the safe behind the family photograph. Inside the safe is a shoebox. And inside the shoebox, along with newspaper clippings and photographs, is a ledger full of numbers. It was something that Iris and her friends, the Lucky Seven, built quietly over three decades. It has now become something that a family in St. Louis has hired lawyers to get, and something that others are trying to find by less official means.
Artemis Taylor has written Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge with the ease of someone who has lived in a river town. The plot is tightly layered. The Lucky Seven mystery, the Chicago Connection, Rose Donnelly’s family circling for a legal fight, and even Rebecca’s own grief are all put together without it feeling forced. And then there is Jake Laramie, the police chief, who was once the man Rebecca was going to marry. Scenes between them walk the line between professional duty and old hurt without tipping into melodrama. Rebecca is at the heart of this story, and she has been carefully crafted. I loved the gift of community, especially in the women around Rebecca. They all have their own histories, losses, opinions, and sharp edges. Boone the Labrador and Kat the cat, who seem to belong to the building rather than any person, deserve their own mention. There is also a supernatural element integrated into the book with a sure hand. The Emporium does things it should not be able to do. Taylor never explains it, and I’m not sure if it will be part of the next book in the series. But in this book, it’s just part of the building’s character. Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge is for people who know that the things we didn’t ask to inherit are sometimes the things that finally bring us home.
Artemis Taylor’s Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge opens with a break-in at the River’s Edge Magic Emporium. The building is so unsettling that locals cross to the other side of the street rather than pass too close to it. The shop has stayed closed for over a year since its owner, Iris White, vanished and was eventually declared legally dead. This triggers a trust that names Sergeant First Class Rebecca Whitmore, or Becky, as the sole beneficiary. The building is hers. So is the safe behind the family photograph. Inside the safe is a shoebox. And inside the shoebox, along with newspaper clippings and photographs, is a ledger full of numbers. It was something that Iris and her friends, the Lucky Seven, built quietly over three decades. It has now become something that a family in St. Louis has hired lawyers to get, and something that others are trying to find by less official means.
Artemis Taylor has written Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge with the ease of someone who has lived in a river town. The plot is tightly layered. The Lucky Seven mystery, the Chicago Connection, Rose Donnelly’s family circling for a legal fight, and even Rebecca’s own grief are all put together without it feeling forced. And then there is Jake Laramie, the police chief, who was once the man Rebecca was going to marry. Scenes between them walk the line between professional duty and old hurt without tipping into melodrama. Rebecca is at the heart of this story, and she has been carefully crafted. I loved the gift of community, especially in the women around Rebecca. They all have their own histories, losses, opinions, and sharp edges. Boone the Labrador and Kat the cat, who seem to belong to the building rather than any person, deserve their own mention. There is also a supernatural element integrated into the book with a sure hand. The Emporium does things it should not be able to do. Taylor never explains it, and I’m not sure if it will be part of the next book in the series. But in this book, it’s just part of the building’s character. Strange Inheritance at River’s Edge is for people who know that the things we didn’t ask to inherit are sometimes the things that finally bring us home.
Recommend this book:
Erik's Song
Every Ghost Has A Story...
Jim Stephens
2026 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Delene Vrey for Readers' Favorite
Deep in the depths of a boarded-up opera house in New York's warehouse district, something dark and ominous stirs—something left to fester after a lifetime of trauma and hardship ended in a violent, tragic death. When Christine Daneau, daughter of a renowned music professor, and her fiancé Raoul set out to renovate the derelict building into a vibrant hub for musical talent, they had no idea what awaited them. A growing sense of being watched, unexplained movements, and fatal accidents begin to unsettle the crew—and Christine most of all. When Raoul reveals a hidden music room he restored for her, Christine comes into contact with a spirit. With the help of a parapsychologist, she begins to uncover the opera house's grim history: a serial killer on the run in 1910, a terrible fire, and the soul of a gifted musician caught in the aftermath. As past and present collide, Christine must find a way to bring peace to the tormented spirits before the darkness consumes them all. Erik's Song by Jim Stephens is an exciting and riveting new take on a well-known and beloved tragic tale.
In Erik's Song, Jim Stephens reimagines The Phantom of the Opera in a modern setting, extending its haunting legacy to a new generation. Stephens crafts an emotionally engaging and sensory-rich narrative, where music is more than a theme—it becomes a presence in its own right. His use of dual timelines allows readers to experience the depth of the story from both sides, building suspense and immersing us in the eerie events of the past. The pacing is carefully measured to maintain tension, while the atmosphere—both mysterious and tragic—enhances the emotional resonance of Christine's journey and her empathy with Erik. This novel is more than a ghost story. At its heart, Erik's Song is a love story—one that explores the lingering scars of grief, isolation, and unfulfilled dreams. It's a love story shadowed by pain, guilt, and longing. With a strong emotional core and the ever-present motif of music, Erik's Song is both chilling and deeply moving. Fans of The Phantom of the Opera will find this reimagining both faithful and refreshingly original—an unforgettable tale that lingers like a final haunting note.
Deep in the depths of a boarded-up opera house in New York's warehouse district, something dark and ominous stirs—something left to fester after a lifetime of trauma and hardship ended in a violent, tragic death. When Christine Daneau, daughter of a renowned music professor, and her fiancé Raoul set out to renovate the derelict building into a vibrant hub for musical talent, they had no idea what awaited them. A growing sense of being watched, unexplained movements, and fatal accidents begin to unsettle the crew—and Christine most of all. When Raoul reveals a hidden music room he restored for her, Christine comes into contact with a spirit. With the help of a parapsychologist, she begins to uncover the opera house's grim history: a serial killer on the run in 1910, a terrible fire, and the soul of a gifted musician caught in the aftermath. As past and present collide, Christine must find a way to bring peace to the tormented spirits before the darkness consumes them all. Erik's Song by Jim Stephens is an exciting and riveting new take on a well-known and beloved tragic tale.
In Erik's Song, Jim Stephens reimagines The Phantom of the Opera in a modern setting, extending its haunting legacy to a new generation. Stephens crafts an emotionally engaging and sensory-rich narrative, where music is more than a theme—it becomes a presence in its own right. His use of dual timelines allows readers to experience the depth of the story from both sides, building suspense and immersing us in the eerie events of the past. The pacing is carefully measured to maintain tension, while the atmosphere—both mysterious and tragic—enhances the emotional resonance of Christine's journey and her empathy with Erik. This novel is more than a ghost story. At its heart, Erik's Song is a love story—one that explores the lingering scars of grief, isolation, and unfulfilled dreams. It's a love story shadowed by pain, guilt, and longing. With a strong emotional core and the ever-present motif of music, Erik's Song is both chilling and deeply moving. Fans of The Phantom of the Opera will find this reimagining both faithful and refreshingly original—an unforgettable tale that lingers like a final haunting note.
Recommend this book:
Buried in Time
Book One
Susan Keene
2026 Silver Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Susan Keene’s Buried in Time opens in 1929, when nineteen-year-old Judith Izzard disappears after attending a graduation dance in Springfield, Missouri, wearing her mother’s ruby and diamond ring. Nearly a century later, archaeologist Alexa Ford is hired to search fifty acres of the Izzard farm near Seymour, where the Old Wire Road once crossed the property. Alexa expects months of treasure hunting until her metal detector leads her to human finger bones with Judith’s missing ring, bringing Judith’s disappearance into Alexa’s present. After she consults Dorman College professor Jonah Thompson about the bones, FBI agent Blake Wade arrives with questions of his own. Someone starts watching the farm as new remains surface from beneath its soil. The ring also heats up in Alexa’s hands, showing her glimpses of Judith’s final night.
Buried in Time by Susan Keene is a terrific paranormal mystery, with Alexa Ford as a protagonist readers can root for. Alexa is seriously capable, something Keene proves when she studies an uphill rise across the sloping farm before reading the water flow to decide where something may be buried. And there's a dog! Alexa has an excellent partner in Indy, her German Shepherd, whose training proves invaluable when he knocks her to the ground seconds before a gunshot. The author brings an eye for history to the abandoned Izzard farmhouse, where Alexa sees how an 1850s home changed once indoor plumbing arrived, including pipes running outside the walls. If there is one complaint, it actually comes from my wife, who is getting annoyed at how badly I now want a thermo-imager with a sonar gun. Buried in Time is a sharp, intelligent, and entertaining paranormal mystery, and is very highly recommended.
Susan Keene’s Buried in Time opens in 1929, when nineteen-year-old Judith Izzard disappears after attending a graduation dance in Springfield, Missouri, wearing her mother’s ruby and diamond ring. Nearly a century later, archaeologist Alexa Ford is hired to search fifty acres of the Izzard farm near Seymour, where the Old Wire Road once crossed the property. Alexa expects months of treasure hunting until her metal detector leads her to human finger bones with Judith’s missing ring, bringing Judith’s disappearance into Alexa’s present. After she consults Dorman College professor Jonah Thompson about the bones, FBI agent Blake Wade arrives with questions of his own. Someone starts watching the farm as new remains surface from beneath its soil. The ring also heats up in Alexa’s hands, showing her glimpses of Judith’s final night.
Buried in Time by Susan Keene is a terrific paranormal mystery, with Alexa Ford as a protagonist readers can root for. Alexa is seriously capable, something Keene proves when she studies an uphill rise across the sloping farm before reading the water flow to decide where something may be buried. And there's a dog! Alexa has an excellent partner in Indy, her German Shepherd, whose training proves invaluable when he knocks her to the ground seconds before a gunshot. The author brings an eye for history to the abandoned Izzard farmhouse, where Alexa sees how an 1850s home changed once indoor plumbing arrived, including pipes running outside the walls. If there is one complaint, it actually comes from my wife, who is getting annoyed at how badly I now want a thermo-imager with a sonar gun. Buried in Time is a sharp, intelligent, and entertaining paranormal mystery, and is very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Ghost Writer
Arjay Lewis
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Ghost Writer by Arjay Lewis is a paranormal novel with the undertones of a psychological thriller. The story follows Joe Riley, a once-successful thriller author whose divorce and writer’s block push him to retreat to a secluded cabin he has inherited. While struggling with loneliness, alcohol, and his crumbling confidence, Joe begins to hear strange noises and later finds finished pages he doesn’t recall writing. His confusion deepens when he encounters the ghost of a long-vanished novelist, who seems to be guiding him. As he digs into the ghostly author’s tragic past and his family’s mysterious ties to her, Joe discovers terrifying truths that threaten not only his career but also his sanity and survival. Can he figure out what happened before it is too late?
Author Arjay Lewis's suspenseful, terrifying thriller had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I was fully invested and wanted to know what happened to the dead writer and why she had a connection with Joe’s family. I loved the eerie atmosphere, sharp inhales, and the psychological drama. The intensity of the story was perfect. I can imagine reading it during Halloween for the perfect chills and thrills. Joe is a flawed protagonist. He is vulnerable and emotionally hurt, but desperate enough to overcome his fear to figure out what happened to his ghostly companion. The narrative was descriptive, perfect for creating a sense of dread and excitement in readers. There was never a dull moment in the story, and I enjoyed every second of it. I highly recommend Ghost Writer to readers who enjoy thrillers with a touch of horror.
Ghost Writer by Arjay Lewis is a paranormal novel with the undertones of a psychological thriller. The story follows Joe Riley, a once-successful thriller author whose divorce and writer’s block push him to retreat to a secluded cabin he has inherited. While struggling with loneliness, alcohol, and his crumbling confidence, Joe begins to hear strange noises and later finds finished pages he doesn’t recall writing. His confusion deepens when he encounters the ghost of a long-vanished novelist, who seems to be guiding him. As he digs into the ghostly author’s tragic past and his family’s mysterious ties to her, Joe discovers terrifying truths that threaten not only his career but also his sanity and survival. Can he figure out what happened before it is too late?
Author Arjay Lewis's suspenseful, terrifying thriller had me sitting on the edge of my seat. I was fully invested and wanted to know what happened to the dead writer and why she had a connection with Joe’s family. I loved the eerie atmosphere, sharp inhales, and the psychological drama. The intensity of the story was perfect. I can imagine reading it during Halloween for the perfect chills and thrills. Joe is a flawed protagonist. He is vulnerable and emotionally hurt, but desperate enough to overcome his fear to figure out what happened to his ghostly companion. The narrative was descriptive, perfect for creating a sense of dread and excitement in readers. There was never a dull moment in the story, and I enjoyed every second of it. I highly recommend Ghost Writer to readers who enjoy thrillers with a touch of horror.
Recommend this book:
Second Chance
Vampire Shadower Series Book 2
Kyona Jiles
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Second Chance by Kyona Jiles, Kinsley Preston is thrown into the supernatural world following the murders of her parents. Kinsley discovers that she is a shadower, destined to protect benevolent vampires and eliminate malevolent ones. Since Kinsley’s parents were meant to prepare her for this role, she now carries a legacy without knowing what it truly involves. At the same time, Kinsley shares a unique connection with the vampire Beckford Alexander, which she must figure out how to navigate. Kinsley and Beck can communicate through their thoughts, and he can track her no matter where she is. When Kinsley's aunt is kidnapped by the evil vampire Isaac, she seeks the assistance of Beck, human monster hunters, and shape-shifters. Armed with her newfound powers and the special bond with Beck, Kinsley and her friends embark on a quest to rescue her aunt.
Second Chance by Kyona Jiles was complex and captivating. The plot was fast-moving, with action beginning right from the start and continuing nonstop to the finish. All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. I found myself immersed in a supernatural world inhabited by shadowers, vampires, shape-shifters, and werewolves. The writing style was enchanting, making it easy for me to feel a part of this fantastical world. The characters felt very real to me, transforming into relatable individuals over time. Each character possessed a unique background and traits that felt natural to the plot. This story was superbly crafted, blending human reactions and behaviors seamlessly with supernatural elements. I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.
In Second Chance by Kyona Jiles, Kinsley Preston is thrown into the supernatural world following the murders of her parents. Kinsley discovers that she is a shadower, destined to protect benevolent vampires and eliminate malevolent ones. Since Kinsley’s parents were meant to prepare her for this role, she now carries a legacy without knowing what it truly involves. At the same time, Kinsley shares a unique connection with the vampire Beckford Alexander, which she must figure out how to navigate. Kinsley and Beck can communicate through their thoughts, and he can track her no matter where she is. When Kinsley's aunt is kidnapped by the evil vampire Isaac, she seeks the assistance of Beck, human monster hunters, and shape-shifters. Armed with her newfound powers and the special bond with Beck, Kinsley and her friends embark on a quest to rescue her aunt.
Second Chance by Kyona Jiles was complex and captivating. The plot was fast-moving, with action beginning right from the start and continuing nonstop to the finish. All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. I found myself immersed in a supernatural world inhabited by shadowers, vampires, shape-shifters, and werewolves. The writing style was enchanting, making it easy for me to feel a part of this fantastical world. The characters felt very real to me, transforming into relatable individuals over time. Each character possessed a unique background and traits that felt natural to the plot. This story was superbly crafted, blending human reactions and behaviors seamlessly with supernatural elements. I enjoyed reading this book and cannot wait for the next one.
Recommend this book:
Moonset on Desert Sands
The Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy
Sherri L Dodd
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is a captivating paranormal mystery that weaves together elements of danger, suspense, and emotional depth. The novel follows Arista, a woman recovering from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, who seeks solace in her aunt's home in Sedona, Arizona. However, her hoped-for peace is quickly disrupted by mysterious fainting spells and the looming threat of her bloodthirsty uncle, Fergus. Forced to return to her hometown of Boulder Creek, Arista must confront a complex web of unresolved heartache, mysterious deaths, and her uncle's sinister alliance. Dodd creates a narrative landscape that is at once intimate and expansive, exploring the delicate balance between personal trauma and broader supernatural threats. The novel promises a journey of resilience, healing, and the profound strength required to confront one's deepest fears.
Author Sherri L. Dodd has a real knack for blending supernatural intrigue with human emotions. I was particularly moved by her rich, descriptive prose that captures both the eerie beauty of Sedona's landscapes and the complex inner world of her protagonist. The characters are remarkably complex, grounded in relatable struggles that make the paranormal elements feel authentic and immediate. Her writing excels at creating a delicate balance between suspense and introspection, exploring themes of resilience, family dynamics, and personal healing in the face of overwhelming danger. The atmospheric quality of the prose transforms the narrative from a mere mystery into a profound exploration of human vulnerability and strength. Dodd navigates the supernatural elements with a sensitivity that prevents them from overshadowing the personal journey of the characters. Her ability to create tension that is both psychological and supernatural is remarkable, keeping readers consistently engaged and emotionally invested. The character depth and motivations feel both surprising and inevitable, creating a story that is at once thrilling and profoundly moving. Overall, I would certainly recommend Moonset on Desert Sands as a stunning entry in the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy that redefines the boundaries of paranormal mystery.
Moonset on Desert Sands by Sherri L. Dodd is a captivating paranormal mystery that weaves together elements of danger, suspense, and emotional depth. The novel follows Arista, a woman recovering from a traumatic encounter with a serial killer, who seeks solace in her aunt's home in Sedona, Arizona. However, her hoped-for peace is quickly disrupted by mysterious fainting spells and the looming threat of her bloodthirsty uncle, Fergus. Forced to return to her hometown of Boulder Creek, Arista must confront a complex web of unresolved heartache, mysterious deaths, and her uncle's sinister alliance. Dodd creates a narrative landscape that is at once intimate and expansive, exploring the delicate balance between personal trauma and broader supernatural threats. The novel promises a journey of resilience, healing, and the profound strength required to confront one's deepest fears.
Author Sherri L. Dodd has a real knack for blending supernatural intrigue with human emotions. I was particularly moved by her rich, descriptive prose that captures both the eerie beauty of Sedona's landscapes and the complex inner world of her protagonist. The characters are remarkably complex, grounded in relatable struggles that make the paranormal elements feel authentic and immediate. Her writing excels at creating a delicate balance between suspense and introspection, exploring themes of resilience, family dynamics, and personal healing in the face of overwhelming danger. The atmospheric quality of the prose transforms the narrative from a mere mystery into a profound exploration of human vulnerability and strength. Dodd navigates the supernatural elements with a sensitivity that prevents them from overshadowing the personal journey of the characters. Her ability to create tension that is both psychological and supernatural is remarkable, keeping readers consistently engaged and emotionally invested. The character depth and motivations feel both surprising and inevitable, creating a story that is at once thrilling and profoundly moving. Overall, I would certainly recommend Moonset on Desert Sands as a stunning entry in the Murder, Tea & Crystals Trilogy that redefines the boundaries of paranormal mystery.
Recommend this book:
The Orbriallis Institute
Lost Grove: Part Two
Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and crime genres, and is the suspenseful conclusion to the award-winning first part of the story. The work is best suited to adult readers as it contains some strong language and descriptions of grisly crime scenes. Penned by author duo Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen, the Orbriallis Institute stands as a mysterious beacon of medical innovation in the haunted town of Lost Grove. Dr. Neil Owens is both revered and feared for his obsession with human genetics. Sergeant Seth Wolfe investigates the death of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams, leading him into the institute's secrets. Local teens also search for answers about a missing boy and the ominous Green Man. As deception and danger mount, Seth must uncover the truth before it's too late.
Author team Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen have crafted another chilling novel to perfectly complement the first half of their superb thriller tale. The atmosphere of Lost Grove, with its ancient redwoods and perpetual mist, created a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, with atmospheric language keeping us totally immersed. The character of Dr. Neil Owens was both fascinating and terrifying, embodying the fine line between scientific genius and madness with some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative surrounding Sergeant Seth Wolfe and his determined quest for the truth was also powerful, making him a compelling protagonist with attitudes that were constantly challenged and reshaped by an engaging plot. There’s also a layer of youthful determination as we contrast Seth’s journey with a younger perspective, and the constant sense of dread and the meticulous unraveling of secrets amongst the ensemble cast kept me on edge. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove as a captivating and thought-provoking read that fans of the first book will adore.
The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and crime genres, and is the suspenseful conclusion to the award-winning first part of the story. The work is best suited to adult readers as it contains some strong language and descriptions of grisly crime scenes. Penned by author duo Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen, the Orbriallis Institute stands as a mysterious beacon of medical innovation in the haunted town of Lost Grove. Dr. Neil Owens is both revered and feared for his obsession with human genetics. Sergeant Seth Wolfe investigates the death of Sarah Elizabeth Grahams, leading him into the institute's secrets. Local teens also search for answers about a missing boy and the ominous Green Man. As deception and danger mount, Seth must uncover the truth before it's too late.
Author team Charlotte Zang and Alex J. Knudsen have crafted another chilling novel to perfectly complement the first half of their superb thriller tale. The atmosphere of Lost Grove, with its ancient redwoods and perpetual mist, created a perfect backdrop for the unfolding mystery, with atmospheric language keeping us totally immersed. The character of Dr. Neil Owens was both fascinating and terrifying, embodying the fine line between scientific genius and madness with some brilliant speech and thought presentation. The narrative surrounding Sergeant Seth Wolfe and his determined quest for the truth was also powerful, making him a compelling protagonist with attitudes that were constantly challenged and reshaped by an engaging plot. There’s also a layer of youthful determination as we contrast Seth’s journey with a younger perspective, and the constant sense of dread and the meticulous unraveling of secrets amongst the ensemble cast kept me on edge. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Orbriallis Institute: Lost Grove as a captivating and thought-provoking read that fans of the first book will adore.
Recommend this book:
The Reincarnation of Marie
A Love Reborn in Paris From the Pages of History
Jim Woodman
2025 Silver Medal
108 Pages
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Reincarnation of Marie by Jim Woodman is a captivating story that follows Yann Roussel, a French lieutenant obsessed with Marie Bashkirtseff, a Russian aristocrat who died young. Yann develops an unusual romantic connection to Marie after reading her journals, which highlight her impending death due to tuberculosis. His fascination with her leads him on a journey to her burial place and makes him question his sanity. Just before he is sent to the front line of war, he meets with his sister, who introduces him to a young woman named Marya Courventin. Marya bears a striking resemblance to Marie, and Yann believes that she has been reincarnated. Unfortunately, like Marie, Marya is also running out of time, and they strive to make the most of their time together.
The Reincarnation of Marie is about a love that knows no bounds. Initially, Yann's obsession may seem disturbing, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his connection to Marie transcends mere infatuation. Their passion across time and space reveals a profound love and a second chance for star-crossed lovers. There is something magical about Yann's meeting with Marya; his desperation to cherish their fleeting moments together adds palpable tension to the narrative. The ending is unexpected and highlights the uncontrollable power of fate. Jim Woodman's storytelling is captivating, featuring poetic language and strong character development. Overall, this tale explores the depths of obsession and the beauty of love in its various forms, with moments that are both jaw-dropping and heartfelt, leaving readers to reflect on the nature of love, loss, and destiny.
The Reincarnation of Marie by Jim Woodman is a captivating story that follows Yann Roussel, a French lieutenant obsessed with Marie Bashkirtseff, a Russian aristocrat who died young. Yann develops an unusual romantic connection to Marie after reading her journals, which highlight her impending death due to tuberculosis. His fascination with her leads him on a journey to her burial place and makes him question his sanity. Just before he is sent to the front line of war, he meets with his sister, who introduces him to a young woman named Marya Courventin. Marya bears a striking resemblance to Marie, and Yann believes that she has been reincarnated. Unfortunately, like Marie, Marya is also running out of time, and they strive to make the most of their time together.
The Reincarnation of Marie is about a love that knows no bounds. Initially, Yann's obsession may seem disturbing, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that his connection to Marie transcends mere infatuation. Their passion across time and space reveals a profound love and a second chance for star-crossed lovers. There is something magical about Yann's meeting with Marya; his desperation to cherish their fleeting moments together adds palpable tension to the narrative. The ending is unexpected and highlights the uncontrollable power of fate. Jim Woodman's storytelling is captivating, featuring poetic language and strong character development. Overall, this tale explores the depths of obsession and the beauty of love in its various forms, with moments that are both jaw-dropping and heartfelt, leaving readers to reflect on the nature of love, loss, and destiny.
Recommend this book:
The Seer
Raquel Y. Levitt
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Paranormal
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt tells the captivating story of Sarah Richardson, a young girl with a family legacy of clairvoyance. Her unique ability allows her to see people's mist colors, which helps her determine their personalities and moods. Despite their powerful gifts, Sarah's family faces ridicule and disdain from others who perceive them as witches and abominations. When Sarah's sister, Katherine, experiences vivid visions about a woman suffering from domestic abuse, she attempts to intervene but ultimately ends up in an asylum. This event leaves Sarah feeling guilty for her role in their separation. Years later, when Sarah reconnects with a resentful Katherine, she must confront her past. Now living in a new environment, Sarah hides her history and powers. However, when a similar situation involving domestic abuse arises, she realizes she must embrace her family's legacy and fight to prevent history from repeating itself.
Set in the late 1800s, Raquel Y. Levitt’s The Seer immerses readers in a time of women's suffrage and social upheaval, where the struggle for women's rights intertwines with personal battles against societal prejudice and oppression. Sarah understands that she will be judged not only for her powers but also for being a woman. Her journey is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and empowerment. The story combines mystical and realistic elements, making it captivating and suspenseful. It features unpredictable plot twists and dynamic characters with complex relationships. Levitt enriches the narrative with historical, romantic, and social themes, creating a thought-provoking tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book. She handles sensitive topics with respect, illuminating the societal struggles women face. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that blends historical fiction, mysticism, and a poignant exploration of women's rights.
The Seer by Raquel Y. Levitt tells the captivating story of Sarah Richardson, a young girl with a family legacy of clairvoyance. Her unique ability allows her to see people's mist colors, which helps her determine their personalities and moods. Despite their powerful gifts, Sarah's family faces ridicule and disdain from others who perceive them as witches and abominations. When Sarah's sister, Katherine, experiences vivid visions about a woman suffering from domestic abuse, she attempts to intervene but ultimately ends up in an asylum. This event leaves Sarah feeling guilty for her role in their separation. Years later, when Sarah reconnects with a resentful Katherine, she must confront her past. Now living in a new environment, Sarah hides her history and powers. However, when a similar situation involving domestic abuse arises, she realizes she must embrace her family's legacy and fight to prevent history from repeating itself.
Set in the late 1800s, Raquel Y. Levitt’s The Seer immerses readers in a time of women's suffrage and social upheaval, where the struggle for women's rights intertwines with personal battles against societal prejudice and oppression. Sarah understands that she will be judged not only for her powers but also for being a woman. Her journey is one of self-discovery, acceptance, and empowerment. The story combines mystical and realistic elements, making it captivating and suspenseful. It features unpredictable plot twists and dynamic characters with complex relationships. Levitt enriches the narrative with historical, romantic, and social themes, creating a thought-provoking tale that resonates with readers long after they finish the book. She handles sensitive topics with respect, illuminating the societal struggles women face. Overall, this is a must-read for anyone seeking a story that blends historical fiction, mysticism, and a poignant exploration of women's rights.
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