Reviewed by Cloie Belle Daffon for Readers' Favorite

Death of an Idol: Seoul to Mumbai Mysteries by Rima Ray follows Park Taejoon, or Tae, a former K-pop idol from the group Orion, who left the spotlight after a tragic incident. One of his members, Mino, was found dead after falling from his apartment. Although Tae found the death suspicious, he was frustrated that no one believed him, and it was ruled a suicide. Five years have passed since that incident, and he is now living a private life as a PhD student in Pittsburgh, away from the spotlight. Unfortunately, Tae's world was shattered once again with the news of his fiancée's death. To make matters worse, he noticed the same strange signs when Mino died. This time, however, the police ruled it an accident. With two tragic deaths weighing heavily on him, Tae was determined to uncover the truth. He sought the help of one of the few people who believed his suspicions—a skilled detective named Yoon Hana. Were these deaths merely coincidences, or was he somehow to blame? Join Tae and Hana as they work together to uncover the truth in The Death of an Idol!

Rima Ray’s Death of an Idol is a unique and intriguing read that is moderately paced and well-written. I was captivated from the very beginning and remained engaged until the end. As a fan of several K-pop groups, I was already excited just by reading the title and summary, and the book did not disappoint. I loved all the characters, especially Tae. In addition to his good looks, he is hardworking and embodies the kind of love that everyone needs in their life. The story was described in such detail that I could vividly imagine how each character looked and how the events unfolded, almost as if I were watching a movie. This made reading it even more thrilling. There are also valuable lessons to be learned. One key takeaway for me is the importance of respecting everyone, including the idols and artists we admire. We should allow them their freedom and space, and we must be kind with our words, because, despite the glamorous and happy lives they portray on screen, we often don't know the hardships they faced to achieve their current success. The ending left me even more curious. Overall, it truly is an addictive story! I can’t wait for the next book. Well done!

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Poison Pill by Anthony Lee is a shocking medical thriller. Dr. Mark Lin hates anything that harms, but he's about to face two of his biggest nemeses: bad herbal supplements and greedy drug companies. A herbal supplement causes a young man's kidneys to fail. Another patient on a weight loss drug suddenly struggles to breathe. When things turn deadly, Mark has no choice but to get involved. His investigations lead him deep into the dark abyss of the pharmaceutical and herbaceutical worlds, where he stumbles on secrets so bad, they can kill. But when he discovers what's really going on, his life is on the line. Can he stop these industries in their tracks?

Poison Pill by Anthony Lee is a stunning read and the third book in the Dr. Mark Lin thriller series. It's a serious eye-opener into what goes on behind closed doors in two industries that claim to be helping people. It's a timely story, given that certain injections and supplements are making headline news. The story draws you in from the start. It's written in the first person and present tense, hard to pull off, but Anthony has done it beautifully. It's engaging, full of suspense, and has enough twists and turns to leave you dizzy. Every chapter ends in a way that makes you want to keep reading, and you will, so be prepared for a late night or two, because you'll be hooked by this story. The characters are likable, and you'll be invested in the main protagonist's story all the way through. Although this is medical fiction, all the medical terms and procedures are clearly explained and easily understandable. All in all, this is an enjoyable read and highly recommended if you love a good thriller with plenty of action.

Reviewed by Angelique Papayannopoulos for Readers' Favorite

E.J. Simon’s Death in the Kremlin is a riveting thriller that showcases the limitless power of AI technology as well as the dangers it may cause when misused. Underworld boss Alex Nicholas is gunned down. However, before his murder, he was able to create an AI duplicate of himself that lives in the cloud. His younger brother, Michael, is the only one who is aware of his virtual sibling's existence and has been secretly conversing with him. On the opposite side of the globe, Vladimir Putin’s health is deteriorating fast, so he’s desperate for immortality and determined to gain world power by creating an AI duplicate of himself. He discovers that Alex has the source codes. Putin's kidnapping of Michael will put pressure on Alex to release them. The Nicholas brothers are aware of Putin’s evil intentions and also hatch a counteracting plan. However, neither of the schemes works as anticipated, and communicating with one's virtual self is risky. Also, how much does Michael really know about his brother?

Death in the Kremlin uses rapidly developing AI technology to create a virtual version of oneself that is perfection in all aspects. The blurred line between reality and the AI world is depicted very well in the novel, which accentuates its deadly repercussions. E. J. Simon's plot is ingenious, and each chapter is full of twists and unexpected turns. The characters are well-developed, and the reader is immersed in both the human and virtual sides of their world, even resonating with the AI yearning for developing feelings and consciousness. Putin's villainous ways are equally well-described in his quest for longevity and global domination through AI. The plot is compelling and faultless, keeping you intrigued as to how things will turn out. There's action, conspiracy, danger, and a conflict between good and evil, but with an AI element. Death in the Kremlin is a gripping book for fans of action and conspiracy thrillers.

Reviewed by Danelle Petersen for Readers' Favorite

His Voice by Sophie Penhaligon is a psychological thriller about manipulation, the mental games catfish play, and the emotional torment their victims are left to suffer. Romance author Emily Chen wishes for more; she knows she has the potential to be the next big thing, but her ideas feel lacklustre and mundane— nothing that would evoke passionate feelings in her readers. The books bring in okay revenue and get lukewarm reviews, but nothing heart-stopping. All Emily wants is to be a respected author in her field. Until she goes onto Twitter and meets an online therapist, Alex. Enticing, he brings out a side of Emily she has never explored before, and this newfound inspiration spills into her books. Soon, it consumes her whole personality, and friends and family are quickly cast aside. But there’s a dark side to Alex. Consumed by his carefully crafted web of deceit, Emily wanders further down the dark path. Who will be the real victim in this captivating drama: The predator or the prey?

Dark and intriguing, His Voice starts innocently but carefully reveals the deceit and manipulation with each turn of the page. The plot was suspenseful and gripping; there was always an air of expectancy, with the truth stretching ever further away just as you think you’ve made progress. Emily’s story mirrors so many others’ terrible experiences and trauma. The way he moulded and inserted himself into the women’s lives, knowing exactly how to manipulate and reel them in, was triggering. Readers who understand this type of fraud will know the emotional toll it takes and how far into the abyss you fall, even long after the person has left. His Voice is well-researched, especially the characters’ personalities and the complex storyline. I loved the beautiful relationship Emily and her sister shared; Gia’s affection for Emily was like a shining light in the dark. A heartfelt read, I highly recommend His Voice. It will bring a lot of recognition about this type of scam and open readers' eyes as to what to look out for. Healing is a process.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The First to Die by Suzanne Trauth follows Connie Tucker, who was deeply attached to her mother. As a child, Connie always accompanied her to the theater for rehearsals. On the day her mother disappeared, Connie was with her once again. Connie was supposed to wait in a room, but, like always, she wandered off to watch the rehearsal. When the power went out, Connie made her way back, not wanting her mother to worry. On her way, Connie witnessed her mother in a heated argument with a man. Her mother made her promise never to speak of it. Later, her father picked her up, but her mother never came home. Struggling after her mother’s disappearance, Connie began acting out, and her father sent her to live with an aunt she barely knew. Fifteen years later, her mother’s body is discovered. Connie returns to her hometown determined to uncover the killer, despite threats urging her to leave. As Connie digs deeper, she uncovers secrets that change everything she thought she knew about her parents.

The First to Die by Suzanne Trauth was fast-paced, yet still gave me enough time to absorb every detail before the next major event unfolded. The story was packed with action from beginning to end, filled with twists and turns that kept me constantly guessing. The suspense had me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as quickly as possible. I found it nearly impossible to put the book down—I was too afraid I'd miss something important. I formed several theories about who the killer might be, only for each one to fall apart as new clues emerged. The writing style was so engaging that I felt as though I was right beside Connie during her investigation. The characters were realistic and relatable, each with a background that fit seamlessly into the plot. The book was exceptionally written, and the ending was stunning. I never expected to discover the killer's identity and was genuinely shocked by the final reveal.

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

I love technothrillers, and Singularity Point by Mark Hacker was an absolute treat for me with its cyber warfare and AI. A groundbreaking neural experiment goes wrong, and the result is catastrophic: a monster comes to life. After the terrible event in Austin, everyone hoped humanity would never have the same experience again, but then life-support systems in the hospitals are crashing, and patients are dying in a cyber attack orchestrated by one thing alone. Has the monster been resurrected, or is humanity facing a completely new threat? The only person who can stop the monster is Zach Axton, and he now lives in isolation. With danger growing, he has to get back to doing what he knows best. He will sacrifice everything to protect those he loves, but what chance does he have against a sentient AI with limitless abilities and intelligence? Time races faster than any action he and his team can muster.

Mark Hacker is an expert in character development and creating focused, suspenseful scenes. The tension doesn’t waver as the stakes increase. This was a spellbinding read, and while I was thrilled and absorbed by the human characters, what gripped me even more was the idea that an AI can develop its own consciousness. This book asks a powerful question: What can go wrong if AI evolves to a point where it thinks for itself? The idea that a digital monster can unleash chaos on the world is particularly compelling, and it got me thinking. I was invested in finding out whether Joon Woo’s creation could be stopped. The feeling that something could go wrong — and a lot goes wrong — kept me turning the pages of this gripping thriller. I highly recommend this book for its excellent writing, superb storytelling, and detailed characterization.

Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite

D. L. Orton's breathtaking novel, Hive, unfolds in a futuristic setting where life is no longer sustainable on Earth. The last survivors are living in a biodome, waiting for life to come to an end. The fate of this world has been tragically altered by powerful technology once designed to help sustain life. Isabel, her lover, Diego, and their AI companion, Madders, are Earth's final hope to restore life on this dying planet. Isabel herself is plagued with a terminal illness and is nearing death. Having discovered a way to travel back in time, the couple agrees to send Diego back into the past. His mission is to warn their younger versions of the horrific impending doom that awaits them—and the world—in the future. Can Isabel and Diego right the wrongs of their past selves and build a better future? Can they save themselves, the things they lost, and a dying world?

Hive is the exhilarating first installment in the Madders of Time series. I loved how easy it was to become submerged in the story and the captivating series of events that move the plot forward. Even though this is a dystopian sci-fi novel, the narrative isn't laden with overly complicated scientific jargon. Instead, the plot is well-fleshed out and creatively explored through the experiences of the main characters themselves. Each character is relatable and stands out, including the antagonists. D. L. Orton does a superb job of merging and balancing the urgency of saving the world with Isabel and Diego's profound relationship and character engagements. Their journey is very much a story of love, vulnerability, and reestablishing their intimacy. It's also about hope, betrayal, corruption, greed, second chances, and confronting past mistakes. Fans of dystopian sci-fi will fall in love with this novel from the first chapter. I recommend this book to them!

Reviewed by Foram Vyas for Readers' Favorite

Secrets, Lies and Betrayals by Lynn Wood is a gripping start to the Protect and Honor series, centered on Michaela Manning, a woman whose life is a delicate balance of hidden truths and fabricated identities. As a child, Michaela survived a brutal attack that killed her grandfather and changed her life forever. Raised in Europe under an alias and protected by ex-Special Forces operative Maxwell Cole, Michaela has crafted a new existence away from her past. However, her father's political aspirations bring her back into the spotlight, and the search for the long-lost daughter of a presidential nominee becomes a media frenzy. When Michaela's secret is betrayed, she must flee with Max and confront her past to survive the threats against her.

Lynn Wood masterfully weaves a tale filled with suspense, political intrigue, and personal drama. The plot is tightly constructed, maintaining a high level of tension throughout. The pacing is excellent, ensuring that readers are constantly engaged without feeling overwhelmed. Action scenes are well-executed, and thrilling, and complement the intricate storyline. The characters are richly developed, with Michaela's resilience and Max's loyalty standing out as key elements that drive the narrative. The themes of identity, betrayal, and survival are explored with depth and nuance, making the story both compelling and thought-provoking. Wood's skillful storytelling, combined with timely and relevant themes, makes Secrets, Lies and Betrayals a highly recommended read for fans of political thrillers and suspenseful dramas. This book not only entertains but also offers a profound reflection on the complexities of personal and political identities.

Reviewed by Stephen Christopher for Readers' Favorite

What would it be like to get inside the mind of a serial killer? Well, that’s just what’s on offer in J.S. Morton’s You’re Gone. Arthur Norman is your run-of-the-mill serial killer. The reader meets Arthur eight months after the death of his wife, and the grieving process is still in full force. Arthur hasn’t killed in all this time, but he’s starting to get the urge again. When his house is robbed and data from his computer is stolen, this sets him on a path that he didn’t expect to be on. Enter Ophelia Christos, a new love interest, and his life has become even more complicated. Who has stolen his data and what was so important about it? Can Arthur fight his urges or will he kill again? You’ll need to read You’re Gone to find out.

The thing the reader will most love about Arthur Norman is that he’s an average-looking guy, the kind that blends into a crowd, and that’s perfect when you’re a serial killer. Of course, his many disguises, including wigs, definitely help. Books narrated in the first person work best when they’re written well. J.S. Morton has excelled here. The reader is forever in Arthur’s mind and can empathize with his choices, as far removed as they may be from their own. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that so far this is my favorite book of the year. I loved every second of it, right up until the shock ending, and I can’t wait to get my hands on the sequel. You’re Gone is dark comedy at its finest and is best suited for adults as there are graphic descriptions of killing people.

Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite

Where You Once Belonged by Lorna Graham is a compelling exploration of identity, belonging, and the bonds of sisterhood. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of nostalgia, self-discovery, and how the past influences the present. At its core is Everleigh "Ev" Page, a journalist navigating the complexities of her career while being pulled back to her formative years at Foster House, a place steeped in mystery and ritual. The narrative begins with Ev receiving an invitation to a “Recommitment” ceremony at Foster House, which brings back memories of a pivotal moment from her youth. The book’s dual timeline structure enables readers to explore Ev’s current challenges as an ambitious news producer while reflecting on her tumultuous college years. These parallel storylines add emotional depth and suspense.

Lorna Graham vividly paints the pressures of the newsroom and the haunting allure of Foster House. The dynamics of the "sisterhood" at Foster House are particularly well-drawn, offering an examination of friendship, loyalty, and betrayal. Graham skillfully captures the tension between Ev’s yearning for connection and her struggle to reconcile with painful memories. The novel also explores career ambition and the sacrifices it demands. Ev’s role as a high-powered executive producer highlights women’s challenges in competitive industries, adding a contemporary edge to the story. Where You Once Belonged blends mystery, drama, and introspection. Graham writes with passion and emotion, which makes this an engrossing story. Women’s fiction, suspense, or drama readers won’t want to miss this book. It’s a page-turner that, once started, is difficult to put down.