Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Ghost Town: A Western Paranormal Mystery by A.J. Thibault takes you on a journey through time in a tale that blends elements of military suspense, drama, and western-themed action. It all starts with a midlife crisis and ends with three people trapped in the past. Richard Hart is ready for something new in his life and to put his days as a CIA operative behind him, but when he gets the opportunity to meet CIA legend VM Moodbain, he's drawn into a dangerous experiment. When he's stood up at their meeting, Richard finds himself in deeper trouble as he uncovers secrets behind a military experiment and works to find his way out of a mysterious ghost town. Now he's not only trapped in a strange town but he's trapped in the past where he faces off with threats beyond anything he's ever seen with ghost riders hot on his trail. If he fails to find his way out, he'll be stuck in this ghost town forever.

The story weaves through time with a unique format that dips around various moments of Richard's life, from young Ricky to soldier Ricardo to the moment he became Richard Hart. Each moment that delves into Hart's life shows a critical transition for the character, and each builds to the present-day man that becomes trapped in the past. Moments such as Ricky showing his origins in instances as a child that drove him to prove everyone wrong, thanks to growing up in poverty and being bullied for it. He was a child who pushed back against the bullies, which set him up for the fight he faced as an adult. A.J. Thibault captures time through various facets of Richard's life, the journey into the past, and the setting taking place within a ghost town. The story weaves the genres of western and mystery with a CIA operative, a military experiment, and a western location that provides exciting dangers for Richard to face.

The ghost town setting brings Richard up against desperadoes and ghost riders. The whole western tone comes to life and draws you into it. The romantic drama stems from Richard's various encounters, such as his relationship with his ex-wife and his complicated connection with Honey, who engages with Boon. VM Moodbain is significant to the story as his status as a legendary CIA operative draws Richard into the experiment in the first place, and Moodbain serves as a mentor for him. Thibault delivers the action of a western and the suspense of a military thriller in Ghost Town, a unique read that everyone can enjoy with desperadoes, ghost riders, military experiments, and relationship drama.

Reviewed by Vincent Dublado for Readers' Favorite

An effective work of suspense fiction has the power to trap you in a nightmare in which formidable forces elude your comprehension and stand in your way with seemingly no escape. This is the kind of fate that Kaitlin Maverick faces in The Catalyst by Selin Senol-Akin. Less than two years ago after marrying Paul Maverick, Kaitlin left her life in Toronto to join him in Norway for his new job as a computer specialist for Statoil Petroleum. But adapting to small-town life in Stavanger proves boring for Kaitlin. As she tries to meet new people, she encounters the enigmatic Finn and his friends. This is the start of a secret that she will have to keep from Paul. Finn has a way of awakening Kaitlin’s deepest desires, and he uses her life of dullness to get into her life. As Kaitlin begins to sense something evil about Finn, she will have to muster up her courage to escape from their intense affair.

The Catalyst is a romantic suspense novel, but it has the unique trappings of a supernatural thriller, and Selin Senol-Akin places the storyline in a plausible world. The dialogues between Kaitlin and Finn can sometimes get a little cheeky, especially in contrast to her relationship with Paul, which has undertones of a serious domestic drama since they often bicker over trivial things brought about by her uneventful small-town life. One of the novel’s subtexts involves ways to make the most of living in a small town. Kaitlin manages to settle into the rhythms of Stavanger by getting out of her comfort zone and, based on that, her life takes a significant turn—for the worse. And this makes for a brilliant conflict against herself and others. This book is highly recommended if you want to read romantic suspense with an unexpected twist and a little supernatural element thrown into the mix.

Reviewed by Ammaarah Seboa for Readers' Favorite

After recovering from a ruptured aneurysm, Morgan Cutler develops the ability to see and talk to the dead. Her first brush with the previous owners of her house came when she crashed one of their glamorous get-togethers. Contrary to the malevolent spirits we encounter in horror films, the Wilkersons are a sweet couple who try to help Morgan with her newfound abilities. Join Morgan and the Wilkersons in Distant Heart Sounds: A Nurse Morgan Series by Kate MacInnis as they navigate their new normal relationships, and a psychic or two.

Though this was a little different from my usual go-to genre, I enjoyed the book! Kate MacInnis puts her spin on supernatural, dimensional travel, and what happens in the afterlife. This was refreshing and created a great opportunity for world-building. Morgan reminded me of Jennifer Love Hewitt’s character on the TV show Ghost Whisperer, although instead of being an antique store owner, Morgan is a nurse. We also have Morgan’s love interest, Dr. Caleb Lightfoot, who has an air of mystery around him. I appreciated that Kate didn’t force the relationship between these two. Instead, it progressed as naturally as it could. I wasn’t a big fan of the Wilkersons. Although Elisabeth forgave Jonathan for his indiscretions, I never could, and neither would Morgan. Kate played on the generational differences between Morgan and Elisabeth, which was another tidbit that I loved. It was nice to see how Elisabeth reacted to what women can do in Morgan’s reality as compared to her own. Distant Heart Sounds is a great read, and a definite recommend!

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

Fran could still remember the fateful night when her mother died in a car accident. She has felt Lorette’s presence ever since as she bestowed little gifts on her and soothed her anxiety. However, she also doled out punishment if she misbehaved. Even though the reprimands were admittedly violent, Fran believed her mother had her best interests at heart. Unfortunately, her stay at her maternal aunt’s home becomes intolerable as her cousin bullies her, unleashing the spirit’s wrath. When her father’s aunt names Fran her heir, she hopes her situation will improve. However, Fran soon realizes that, along with enormous riches, she has also inherited a terrible secret that has plagued the family for ages. Can she break the curse once and for all? To find out, read A Perfect Night by Joseph Stone.

This multifaceted book touched on several genres at once, from dark paranormal to coming-of-age. Through Fran’s horrifying experiences, Stone exposes us to the ugly truths in our dysfunctional society. When the affectionate touch from your childhood turned into a lustful one as you grew up, how would you cope with the betrayal and trauma? Stone’s deftly built catacomb of dark elements compels us to feel an acute vulnerability. A sense of dread captured my mind as I tore through the novel. Each page opened up a plethora of disturbing secrets. A Perfect Night shows us how keeping a secret could destroy our minds in unsalvageable ways. Kudos to Stone for showing the naked truths without any sugar-coating! I would recommend this book to mature readers and should also warn them about the triggers such as incest, rape, and self-harm. I am looking forward to reading the sequel.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Coven's Secret by Alicia Rades is a paranormal tale that will send shivers down your spine. After losing her parents, Nadine goes to live with her grandmother where she discovers she is, in fact, a witch. On her 19th birthday, her powers will awaken but first, she must learn about magic. Attending a magic academy, she meets a warlock called Lucas, an enigma she can't work out. But she can't spend all her time mooning over him; she has to pass the goddess's test or face being banished from the coven for life. Lucas is a Reaper's Apprentice; his job is to take the dead's last thoughts with him to the afterlife when he dies. Not a job he wanted and he can't seem to find a good side to it. Until Nadine appears in town. But he can't fall for her. A curse means that anyone who falls for a reaper will die and Lucas is destined to live a lonely life. Or is he? Can he and Nadine break the curse? Can they save each other?

The Coven's Secret by Alicia Rades is a thrilling tale told from two perspectives. Each chapter is written from either Nadine's or Lucas's perspective, giving you an insight into how the two main characters think. An intriguing tale, this story will put you firmly in mind of the Harry Potter series. A delightful story, if a little steamy in places, this book is packed with cool characters, all well developed, especially the main ones. Each has their own story to tell and those stories come out over the course of the book. One thing that stands out is how Alicia Rades dealt with the subject of Lupus, a medical condition that few really understand. She clearly researched it and provided plenty of details to help us see how the condition fits into the story. The story has a lot of action and plenty of twists - the ending will leave you wanting to read the next book straight away.

Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite

Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms by Jamie Eubanks immediately presents a woman walking through the blizzard, shivering and exhausted, leaving tracks in the snow, and hugging her five-year-old child to her breast. The woman is Jillian Braedon, who is badly hurt and pursued by the FBI. When she falls unconscious, her daughter, Valerie, faces the inclement weather in search of help and finds John Mills’ cabin. John Mills, a recluse who walks with a cane, rescues Jill. Jill’s journey through recovery also unearths other disturbing mysteries and Mills quickly understands that he is the only thing standing between Jill and those who will stop at nothing to kill Jill and her daughter for a secret that once protected them.

Jamie Eubanks’ storytelling skills are stellar and the reader is pulled into the narrative right off the bat. The story starts in the midst of action and it introduces a compelling premise. A woman who is wounded and bracing against the storm with a five-year-old daughter immediately intrigues the reader who wants to know who is pursuing them, and why. The author doesn’t provide instant answers but gets readers interested in the characters as the plot builds from one explosive moment to the next. The story is emotionally strong and readers will adore Mills, a character that is physically challenged, suffering from pain in his leg that keeps him awake at night. As the bond between these characters strengthens and a struggle for survival continues, new paths open for each of them. The writing is exceptional and the descriptions are vividly written. Characters are enriched by the author’s masterful handling of backstory. Hidden Doors, Secret Rooms is a perfect read for fans of mystery and deftly plotted stories with unforgettable characters.

Reviewed by Risah Salazar for Readers' Favorite

With Christmas just around the corner, Courtney Winston, an accountant who sidelines as a writer, definitely feels the pressure – she needs to finish her revisions by the first of January. The problem is, the editor and the publisher are not simply asking her to tweak things; they are completely changing everything! Even with a heavy heart, she follows the advice of her agent and goes on with it. She ditches her family’s Christmas celebration and books a remote cabin where she can be alone to concentrate on her novel. What she doesn’t know is that the peace and quiet she’s asking for is not going to happen – not in this cabin.

Alexandrea Weis’s The Christmas Spirit is a one-of-a-kind paranormal romance story. There’s a good balance between heart-wrenching drama and light comedy. Most of the lines are sure to put a smile on the reader’s face. The fast pace is consistent and the suspense is wild, making the book unputdownable. A few elements in the story are predictable but that’s nothing compared to the whole lot more that will keep everyone guessing. The comforting falling action is a wonderful match to the nerve-racking build-up and climax. There are no loose ends and that twist at the end is just priceless. This is one of those books that can be made into a blockbuster movie. Courtney’s character is fantastic – she is complex but relatable; vulnerable but strong. It’s amazing how she and Peter attract and connect with each other. The excitement of reading this book does not change whether it is read around the Christmas season or not.

Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers' Favorite

The Mountaineer’s Painting: A Ghost Story by David Francis Curran tells the story of Kevin Frost, who feels compelled to drop everything that he is currently working on to go in search of the artist and anybody who may know something about a painting that he purchased from a yard sale. Kevin hangs the scenic painting in his bedroom and, as he sleeps, he starts to have dreams about a group of mountain climbers and a tragic accident that may not have been an accident at all. Kevin investigates the untimely death of a climber and in the process learns everything he can about mountain climbing, the rest of the climbers who were part of the group when the accident occurred, and the deceased climber's widow.

What a delightful, enjoyable story. David Francis Curran includes images of basic equipment and there is a key to their purpose at the end of the book. The Mountaineer's Painting is well written with many lively characters that we can all relate to, an exciting story, and a compelling plot that is well thought out. This novel is a quick, easy read filled with intrigue and anticipation, all keeping the reader interested from beginning to end. I enjoyed this unusual story and the pictures make a nice change. The author introduces the main character in the beginning so that the reader can create a mental picture of what he would look like. The interwoven twists, turns, and intrigue of people's lives make for a thrilling novel. There are no negative aspects to this story, and with no bad language or erotic scenes, it is suitable for all ages. A well-earned five out of five!

Reviewed by Melinda Hills for Readers' Favorite

The present is not kind to Indian half-breed John Dyer when demons from his past catch up to him in His Father’s Blood which is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series by David W. Thompson. Trying to make a living and keep out of everyone’s way doesn’t work when John hears the cries of a young slave woman who is being attacked by white men. He is duty bound to step in and rescue her, but that leaves him prey for the men who don’t appreciate being interrupted. John manages to escape when he calls his animal familiar, a giant black bear. Finally settling on Devil’s Peak across the Maryland boarder in Virginia, John seems to have made peace with his past and present and is happy to lead a simple life.

Things end up out of control again as Sally Ann, an unusual young woman from the local town, sees what John can do and asks to learn his ways. Against his better judgement, John teaches Sally Ann basic healing remedies but after she finds his secret book, she demands to learn more. In the meantime, John meets Ada, the daughter of the traveling minister, and falls in love. Knowing that he is unacceptable to her father because of his heritage and abilities, he tries to stay away, but Ada’s love for him will not allow that. John’s life is not going to be easy, though, and things spiral out of control again. Will he ever be able to have a normal life?

Engaging, wonderfully written and full of interesting contrasts, His Father’s Blood by David W. Thompson gains your attention on the first page and doesn’t let go until the end. With a poignant comparison between good and bad on multiple levels, including the contrast of Christian practices and shamanism that can be used for good or evil, you experience plenty of thought-provoking ideas. The paranormal mystery is offset by a love story, but the pasts of all the characters also play a significant role in how they behave today, setting the stage for the action. His Father’s Blood is an excellent story and can be read alone, but since it is Book 2 in the Legends of the Family Dyer series, you might enjoy it more starting at the beginning with Sister Witch: The Life of Moll Dyer, the story of John’s great-great-grandmother.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Haint Blue is a work of fiction in the paranormal genre and is the second entry in the Tipsy Collins series. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and was penned by author Stephanie Alexander. The book follows psychic Tipsy Collins as she adjusts to life following her divorce. As her steady life starts to get undermined by bad luck and violated trust, she and the ghost who haunts her house find themselves with a new mystery to solve. The ghost of a woman who died in mysterious circumstances has been haunting a cottage, and Tipsy is shocked to discover she already has a link to the turbulent deceased.

Haint Blue is a highly engaging paranormal mystery filled with frolic, fun, and genuine nail-biting moments as we race to its conclusion. The book is filled with charming and likable characters that will keep you invested throughout. Protagonist Tipsy is the driving force of the story; she is a fierce, interesting, and colorful character that you will feel empathy for immediately. The author does a masterful job of giving us a look at Tipsy’s backstory without getting off track. The plot itself is well thought out with twists and turns you do not expect, but the conclusions and links make sense all the same. I enjoyed how uplifting and warm this story felt, and the humor that was given to break up some of the more emotional scenes. Author Stephanie Alexander gives us a really fresh take on the paranormal genre, setting this novel apart from others within the genre. Overall, I would not hesitate to recommend Haint Blue to fans of intriguing mystery novels with a paranormal twist.