Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

When news of their deadbeat dad is delivered by their dying mother who had left them to their own devices for years, Charly and her brother Jacob have an unexpected change in their financial circumstances. In The Excursion by T.O. Paine, Charly is handed the paperwork to a trust fund and the keys to a Colorado cabin where memories of the good outweigh a lifetime of the bad. Charly invites their two cousins, Amanda and Cam, who used to join Charly, Jacob, and their parents while they stayed at the cabin in their youth. Amanda is wildly manipulative and Cam has sadistic tendencies, perpetrating cruelties that terrified the neurodivergent Jacob and continue to haunt him as an adult. On arrival, there is confusion about the ownership of the cabin. A man named Randall, who says his company is the owner, is there to entertain a wealthy client named Barry on a mysterious excursion worse than any of the horrors that Charly and Jacob have experienced even in the worst of times.

The Excursion is a deliciously grim thriller with all the best components necessary to hook a reader and keep them almost obsessively engaged. From a literary standpoint, T.O. Paine is pitch-perfect with prose that reveals only enough to satiate readers on a need-to-know basis, employing a slow unpeeling of what's to come with skilled pacing and organic dialogue. I loved the variants incorporated into Charly's experiences through her point of view in the present, alongside the excursion organizer, Randall. This contrasts with her view of her past and a game her father once organized at the cabin. The nuanced theme of how we cannot escape our past and that life has a way of coming full circle whispers through a plot that is thick with tension. Even the perpetually drunk Kennedy and the paying hunter Barry remind Charly of her parents. The hunts by Zaroff Excursions are only nominally different from the years Charly was forced to survive, reinforced when Randall himself says to Kennedy, “It's hostile outside.” There are some excellent surprises, including a MacGyver transformation from the least expected in a cast of fully-fleshed-out characters. This is a fantastic read that, despite its colossal size, can be devoured in a single weekend.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

In Obedience, when we meet Emma and the only parents she knows, she calls her father by the odd moniker of “Leader”. Our first question is why? The woman she knows as her mother is the icy Monique. Emma is on constant tenterhooks around both of them as she is trained to “learn, grow and obey”. She does attend school but has no friends. She and her “siblings” participate in social functions with their parents but each child is given a mission to fulfill at these events. Lying or disobedience is harshly punished, but the children are being brainwashed to believe it’s all for their own good. Of course, while Emma complies out of fear, anger and the desire for freedom are raging within her. When a persistent young suitor offers escape, the resulting conflict within her and with the family brings everything to a head with catastrophic results in unexpected ways for both Emma and the reader. What will happen next? That we will find out as Nichole M. Willden writes the continuation of the “Guild” series.

As a victim of childhood abuse, I am incessantly drawn to books, both fiction and nonfiction, that depict the psychological effects on growing children of harsh discipline, curtailed freedoms, unfair parental expectations, and constant activity monitoring. Obedience by Nichole M. Willden explores all these aspects in a cult-type setting, and the result is a tension-filled tale that keeps readers perplexed and glued to its pages. Though a long book, Obedience is well-crafted. The plot is engaging, the characters captivating in their uniqueness. Willden has aimed her story at young adults who will quickly identify with the emotions and pastimes of the teens in this story while being somewhat “freaked out” by the circumstances of Emma’s home life. I was intrigued enough by Obedience to check out Nichole M. Willden’s bio. It explains everything about what prompted her to write this engrossing story. The seeds of her novel are rooted in her upbringing. You can learn more about that on the author's website.

Reviewed by Andy Hutchings for Readers' Favorite

I’ve been lucky enough to spend my reading time with Christopher Amato’s Shadow Investigation, an espionage thriller that follows DEA agent Sam Dahl as he takes a break from his mundane role at LAX to help a friend find their missing parents. Sam is an excellent lead character in this book. He is nuanced and grounded in reality in a way that underscores the entire work with a plausibility that quickly elevates it above standard thriller fare. As Sam launches an off-the-books investigation into the missing people, it quickly becomes apparent that his experience as a DEA agent will be key when a powerful drug kingpin is implicated.

There’s a nail-biting thrill ride that positively prickles with danger and intrigue lying wait for you in the pages of this novel, with author Christopher Amato utilizing his years of real-world experience in law enforcement well to breathe a refreshing level of realism into a genre that too often relies on the suspension of disbelief to work. The way the characters behave, talk, and even the way they dress felt different from almost every other thriller I’ve read. This is due to both the deep understanding of how this world works that the author brings to the table, and also their deft sense of prose that leads to the world feeling dynamic and within our reach. Shadow Investigation is a thrill ride that has everything fans of the genre will love and more, with expertly mixed intrigue, action, and even romance packaged together in one unforgettable narrative.

Reviewed by Anelynde Smit for Readers' Favorite

The Key to Kells by Kevin O’Connor is an exciting read. We follow Key Murphy, an almost police officer, who gets visions of an old Irish monk who fought against the Vikings and saved a treasure. The valuable object is a book, the Book of Kells. Highly decorative, this was a rare object. Some of its pages that were torn out were clues to the location of a great treasure that is said would unite all of Ireland. The visions seem to run in the Murphy family bloodline, a genetic mutation that allows them to see through the eyes of others in the Murphy clan line. Mack Murphy was the most recent to find the treasure and hide cryptic clues to its location. They follow the clues and try to find the treasure but they are not the only ones. Padraig Collins is also after the treasure and the book, his motives being something entirely different and he will use any method to get what he wants. Along with Arin Murphy, a Jamaican professor, and Buck, a long-term friend and colleague, Key tries his best to avoid being killed and find the long-lost treasure. Will Key find the treasure before Padraig? Could the treasure be the Holy Grail?

The Key to Kells by Kevin O’Connor was an action-packed read for me. I loved the character of Key and his visions. I loved how all the Murphy clan got these visions and it wasn’t just him. It made for an interesting story idea. A genetic mutation was something I didn’t expect to see and it was a good twist. I adored the character of Buck too, the ever-present big brother figure that only had Key’s best interests at heart. Some shocking twists and turns waited for me and I loved every second of it. The action sequences were delightfully detailed as well, and the fighting and the treasure hunting were fun to read. Padraig was your not-so-typical bad guy, which made him interesting. Each character in this book played an important role. I found myself loving each character in their own unique way. I highly recommend this book; it was a joy to read. Absolutely a good read.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Come, Gentle Night is a work of fiction in the thriller, mystery, and drama subgenres and is the latest installment in the Natalie Marsh series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Stephanie Black, continuing the saga of Natalie Marsh as she urgently tries to avoid getting involved in another murder inquiry. But when her intern asks for help quelling family drama during a social gathering, Natalie’s agreement to get involved leads her to a feud with an unsolved murder at the center of it. Once again investigating a mysterious death, Natalie quickly finds her very life is on the line as the case pulls her in deep.

I found the idea of a lead character who begins the story actively trying not to end up as a lead character again quite an entertaining one, with author Stephanie Black showing wry and genre-savvy humor in her work. The story that follows once Natalie accepts her fate and begins investigating a murder on behalf of Rowan Montrose is a positively electric tale of suspense and mystery. The danger brought about by being too close to the Montrose family and its secrets becomes palpable and poses a clear threat to Natalie’s safety. The mystery itself is an outstanding web of secrets and complex relationships that weave together to create a stunning enigma for Natalie to resolve. Overall, Come, Gentle Night is an excellent and absorbing mystery that continues Natalie’s journey into the world of the detective with a story that will absorb and mystify readers whilst it keeps them on the edge of their seats.

Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite

In The Cottage on Winter Moss by Allie Cresswell, the characters belong to the Forrester and the Winter families. The story starts around the year 1906 and finally ends in 2020 with the third generation of the family. Each character has their own special place in the story and they pop up from time to time and reveal a little more about these two families and their ups and downs through life. The author has used a Silver Birch, which is found in the middle of the Moss, as a place where various members of the families meet. It is called the Trysting Tree and plays a pivotal part in both the good and the bad that happens as the story unfolds.

In The Cottage on Winter Moss by Allie Cresswell, the reader’s attention is caught from the very first paragraph and is held until the last line in the book. The descriptions of the surrounding area somewhere in Cumbria are so skillfully interwoven into the lives of the main characters. The image on the cover of the book sets the scene for this tale. What a beautiful and enticing written book! Although on the long side, once the reader starts, they will not be able to put it down until the very last page is read and the final twist in the tale is revealed. This is the type of book that would make a lovely talking point in a book club, but it also will make the reader remember someone who had a similar life, experience, and family. I found this to be an exciting read and could not wait to get back to it after I had done my work for the day. It is well worth a second read. Thank you, Allie, for taking me into a world far, far away and giving me the courage to take life by the horns and get on with it. An excellent book.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Ominous Trail is an action-packed and suspenseful story by J.C. Fields. Former FBI agent Sean Kruger starts a defense contractor firm with his friends following his retirement. Diamonds worth a hundred and fifty million dollars are stolen from The Field Museum. The insurance company hires Sean to investigate the theft before any payments to the insured will be considered. With no leads available, Sean approaches his friend JR for help with the investigation. It is soon clear that there is more behind the theft than the selling value of the diamonds. Sean and JR cross paths with Hunter Holden, a psychopath who wants to become as rich as possible. Hunter won't let anyone stand in his way to get what he wants.

The Ominous Trail is suspenseful, thrilling, and entertaining. It kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. J.C. Fields keeps you guessing with all the unexpected twists and turns, and the story kept surprising me until the end. With thrills and action waiting around every corner, this rollercoaster ride was fast-paced and unpredictable. The characters are authentic, well-developed, and carefully thought out, and they work well together. The characters' backgrounds provide a deeper understanding of their actions. The story is brilliantly written, and the tone is natural and realistic, with the writing so vivid and descriptive that I got lost in the investigation. The ending was fitting and a surprise.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Pyres of Destiny is the second novel in the Call of Destiny Series by D.M. Earley. Jake and Samuel get visions of oncoming danger. Rattled and a little scared out of their current peaceful existence, Jake shares his vision with Dakota and that creates chaos they never anticipated. Even though they passed the trials, the past still comes knocking on their door. A group of people known as The Six wants Jake to pay the price for his mistakes. They want him to suffer, and The Six know the heaviest punishment for Jake would be to offer Dakota as a sacrifice. With the harrowing visions of a doomed future constantly torturing him, Jake knows he will have to make some tough decisions if he wants to keep Dakota safe and sound.

Author D.M. Earley’s word selection makes The Pyres of Destiny hyperrealistic. I fell in love with the narrative style and how each description was painstakingly vivid. The transition between Jake’s visions and reality, the conflict of The Six, and Jake’s dilemma are all handled with perfection. The pace of the story is fast without being overwhelming. The narrative style is intriguing as well as simple; a nice combination that keeps the attention of readers on the story. The suspense was alive in the story, in fact, it was almost the protagonist. Rowtag plays a very important role in the story (and he is, perhaps, the main source of suspense), and his riddles confused me. The author adds just the right number of twists and turns to make sure readers can never guess what will happen next in the story. D.M. Earley did a lot of research about the Native American culture and spirituality, and you can tell that by the depth with which he handles those themes. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a good suspense novel.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Racing against the clock, a man searches the world to find a cure for his ailing wife in the suspense novel Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly. Tony's eighth-grade class participates in the opening of a time capsule closed sixty years ago in 1905. A drawing after the assembly gives one student the privilege of taking the items home to share with their family. Tony wins the lottery but isn't all that thrilled with a tattered newspaper and old marbles. While carrying them home, Tony spies a strangely shaped key lying on the ground and picks it up. When he places it in the box with the other objects, the strange key emits a red light. Looking closer, Tony notices the date on the newspaper is no longer 1905, but now it is sixty years into his future. Eager to share the experience with his best friend, Anthony rushes to school the following morning. The key disappears on the way to school, and the paper returns to its previous form. What happened, and why was Tony given a glimpse of the future? How will this extraordinary incident affect his life?

Chasing Time by Thomas Reilly is a fascinating story that follows the life of a man who has a strong connection with time. Tony, the main character, competes with the clock in an effort to solve a tragic situation, giving the story a sense of urgency. It had me sitting on the edge of my seat until the conclusion. Past and present intermingle with the mysterious key at the crux, creating an intriguing and suspenseful storyline. Including beautifully depicted backdrops set in Spain and ancient Rome, a mysterious artifact with arcane aspects, and a race against the clock, this intriguing novel promises to entertain those who enjoy a good mystery with just a hint of the supernatural.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Fortuna Coin is a thriller-drama novel written by Karen Ann Hopkins. Recently married Wendy Catalano's life sees an abrupt end when her ex-husband, Josh Taylor, shockingly kills her new husband, Ben Engel, and her four daughters before killing himself and Wendy. However, due to an ancient coin belonging to their family, Wendy is unceremoniously transported seventeen years back to the year when she met her future killer. Plagued by visions about a yet-to-be-lived life, Wendy finds herself falling for two different men. She marries Josh, leading her toward a psychologically abusive and physically violent relationship. Meanwhile, she continues to harbor feelings for Ben, leaving him with a letter noting the momentous events in his future. Can Wendy take advantage of her second chance?

A gripping drama centered around an abusive relationship, The Fortuna Coin is a thoughtful exploration of domestic abuse and toxic relationships. Author Karen Ann Hopkins presents a raw and authentic portrayal of a woman trapped in a loveless and abusive marriage, showcasing the ways an abuser manipulates their victims to stick by them. The plot is well-paced, and you never see the twists and turns. I found Hopkins's characterization thoroughly compelling. Each character feels well-developed, with complex layers to their personalities that make them utterly absorbing to read. You find yourself rooting for Wendy all the way through. The climax feels bittersweet yet satisfying nonetheless. If you're itching for a well-written, character-driven drama that explores a vital social issue, The Fortuna Coin is the book for you.