Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite

Rise by Leslie McCauley is a psychological suspense thriller about a woman named Antoinette, who has to battle external and internal forces in order to rebuild her life following a brutal attack. As a new photographer for a newspaper, she is on her way up in life. She thought she was strong, but life has a way of knocking the breath out of you. This is her story of determination and resilience. Nettie is what they call her, and yes, she does have her weak moments, as anyone would enduring the trauma and loss as she does, but she digs deep to find some strength and light. I enjoyed the character of her best friend, Jessie, who won't let Nettie give up, and isn't that what best friends do? Your closest friends will tell you the truth and help you get back up when you fall. Jessie is such a true friend that she is willing to take whatever negativity Nettie gives her in order for Nettie to get her second wind.

The book has a very strong beginning, and McCauley has a great way of building a plot you want to pursue until the conclusion, and characters you care about and root for. There are unexpected plot twists too, and that's always nice. It's fun to be surprised by a good book. When you hear about some tragedies, you wonder how anyone could survive. Well, Antoinette shows you how. I like how the author brings out small details which add to the setting and atmosphere, like hearing the rain, or describing how Nettie is feeling in a certain moment. Even though the story had a satisfactory ending, I'd like to read more about Nettie, this well-drawn character. If you like dark themes with some light at the end of the tunnel, you'll love the award-winning Rise by Leslie McCauley.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields, on the streets of Barcelona, infamous ex-Marine sniper Michael Wolfe and ex-Mossad agent Nadia Picard realize their intended targets are each other. They escape into the crowd as an assassin's bullet is fired at them. Someone wants them dead, but who? The only way to survive is to fake their own deaths and disappear into the safety of the remote Ozark mountains. As they work together to discover who their enemies are, they uncover a trail of betrayal, lies, and murder. Their only enemies appear to be dead, or are they? As Wolfe and Picard begin to unravel the mystery, their enemy realizes they are still alive and begins to hunt them down to rectify that fact. The hunted must become the hunter if they are to survive.

A Lone Wolf by J.C. Fields is a real page-turner from the first paragraph and a novel I literally could not put down until the end. The author's imaginative art of storytelling is admirable. The settings are beautifully described, taking you deep into the remote Ozark mountains of Missouri and across Europe. There are many strong subplots that are cleverly entwined into the main nail-biting storyline. Wolfe and Picard are brilliant protagonists and work really well together as a team. Wolfe is cunning and perceptive, while Picard has a strong and shrewd character. I loved the dynamics of their relationship and how it developed naturally as the story progressed. The events that unfold are well crafted and believable. The unforgettable characters have detailed backstories and distinguishable personalities, many you would prefer fighting for and not against you. I loved the suspense and plot twists, especially the climactic end which I did not see coming at all.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Scabland by Adam Smith is a mind-blowing psychological thriller. What an engrossing and frightening read! This story is one where an original victim of gang rape, Melissa Cohen, is as much to be feared as the twisted rapist, “Spider,” who orchestrated Melissa’s sexual abuse some 20 years earlier. Over those 20 years, she’s become someone else. Thanks to military training and police work, she’s now someone with skills no rapist would want to encounter. When one member of that original rape gang locates her, confesses his role in the abuse and reveals the identities of all but the secretive Spider, Melissa is hell-bent on revenge. But her idea of revenge is nothing like what the gang members or the reader will expect and Adam Smith makes sure readers keep reading to the very last page to find out just what she has in mind. When we do find out, real-life victims of rape might cheer with approval. Even if it’s a bit far-fetched, it’s a most fitting, unusual and unexpected punishment. But Melissa’s mission to locate all the members and execute her plan pits her wits directly against those of Spider, whose identity she doesn’t know. Alternately, Spider always knows what, where and when Melissa’s up to something, and he has every reason in the world for making sure she never discovers his identity. Who is managing to keep Spider one step ahead of her? And in the meantime, why are young women turning up emaciated, dead, and hanged, as it were, in a spider’s web? Talk about a writer keeping readers on the edge of their seats!

Honestly, if you’re into psychological thrillers, Scabland is impossible to put down. It’s very well written, making excellent use of dialogue and a tension-filled plot. Characterization leaves little to be desired, even if Spider is almost too evil to be believed. But Melissa and her motivation are believable. There are even some funny episodes thanks to Melissa’s friend and confidante, Jesse, and a professor with an unusual name and an even more unusual sexual problem…all very welcome in a novel that will, most of the time, make you forget to breathe!

Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite

Shiver of Deception by Rumer Raines is a gorgeous offering, a thrilling novel that explores the game of power, wealth, and love. But can these be bundled up in the same package? Oliver is a mob boss and he has everything he wants but one thing — love. He has money, power, and women. So, when Bryn comes to apply for a job, he is instantly attracted to her. But she is not an open book. She has a deadly secret of her own. Oliver knows he will do everything to win her. But can wealth and influence be enough to transform her into the woman of his dreams?

There is so much to relish in this spellbinding mafia romance. First, the characters are rock-solid, each imagined and crafted with a solid background, each possessed by something disturbing. While Oliver is a dirty mobster and a very rich man, Bryn has gone for years without working, but there is more to her personality than meets the eye in the outward attractiveness she displays —she has a secret that is deadly. I wanted to know how these two would get along; Oliver is consumed with desire and wanting to figure out if he can trust this enigmatic lady. The emotional tension grows stronger from page to page, the action pulsating, and the surprises manifold. Rumer Raines navigates the world of the characters with skill and readers can actually feel the emotional conflict as well as the inner workings of the characters. Shiver of Deception is real and human, an ingeniously crafted narrative with exciting characters.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Abducted is the second book in the Red Heeled Rebels series by Tikiri Herath, a suspenseful thriller with strong characters and intriguing themes. When Asha and Katy arrive at London's Heathrow Airport, they are sure they have left behind the terror that haunts them. But a few hours after their arrival, Katy disappears. Asha frantically searches for her friend across the city, with the border police on her tail. She follows a shadowy woman to a house that holds deadly secrets, but will her friend be there and what awaits them?

This novel is filled with twists and surprises in the plot that readers won’t see coming. The story takes readers across major cities and countries, from London to Brussels to Luxembourg, following a crime story that is expertly plotted and skillfully written. The international setting adds to the exhilarating sense of adventure that accompanies the sleuth work in this novel. The characters are extraordinary, multidimensional, and real. Asha was my favorite, and I enjoyed the bond between her and her friend, which makes the premise of the story even stronger, for it is that friendship at stake when Katy goes missing.

The writing is fluid, with measured sentences and a phraseology that is designed to add to the dramatic depth of the story. I enjoyed the timely paragraph breaks, the careful selection of words, and the mesmerizing narrative tone. Abducted: An International Suspense Thriller is filled with thrilling action; an engaging story that will have readers on the edge of their seats for hours.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

Working with a team of Ukrainian mercenaries, Nick Hudson has scored a brilliant success, sinking Camp Cachibache and taking down the Director. But success doesn’t last long because the older sister of their interpreter, Svetlana, gets kidnapped. Nick is irresistibly pulled back into the dark world of human trafficking with all the intricacies of crime, danger, and betrayals. Can he and his team save Svetlana with all the odds stacked against them? Izadi is the third book in the Director series by Zach Fortier, a deftly written and balanced thriller with intriguing and fascinating characters.

The reader is plunged into a world of crime where Zach Fortier introduces elaborately developed characters — Nick Hudson, Katerina “aka” Special K, Bex and many others. The pacing is good and the author uses the sense of danger to get readers emotionally connected with the characters and intrigued by the quick action. Yes, the conflict is intense and the stakes high for the protagonist. There is a quirkiness that accompanies the character development that readers will enjoy; the humor comes out through the well-crafted dialogues and Fortier’s unique gift for unusual descriptions. The plot structure is clear and the conflict is introduced right off the bat; it proceeds at a measured pace and escalates into a crisis. I love great writing in novels and I enjoy a world that can be easily visualized and this author succeeds in creating that world in my mind. Besides crafting a spellbinding story, Zach Fortier creates characters that readers will love.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Cold Betrayal is a novel of suspense written by A.J. McCarthy. Quebec in the dead of winter was something even the Quebecois had some difficulties with at times. For Tori, a Florida native, her two-week stay had made her seriously question her judgment in even having made the trip. This was especially the case now, as she fingered the swelling bump on her forehead and noted the sticky blood it left on her fingers. Tori had never dreamed the soft white snow could become such an implacable force when her car skidded into it. After trying to reverse out of the snow bank, she decided that her best option was to travel by foot. She couldn’t stay on the roads as they would be looking for her, and the next time they got their hands on her would probably mean her death.

A.J. McCarthy’s novel of suspense, Cold Betrayal, is a taut, action-packed story about a young woman who risks her life trying one more time to get through to the drug lord she’d driven north to see. McCarthy’s characters are unique and credible, especially Ben, the rugged cabin owner who dives into an ice-covered pond to save Tori from drowning, and his German Shepherd dog, Riley. I also loved getting to know Quebec through the eyes of Mario, who introduces Tori to the delights and culture of Quebec in winter. McCarthy’s plot is fast paced and exciting, and her writing style fits this thriller novel to a T. Cold Betrayal is highly recommended.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

A young doctor lives a busy and satisfying life, but in an unprecedented and inexplicable turn of events, she finds herself exiled in the one place she fears the most in Storm Island (A Kate Pomeroy Mystery) by Linda Watkins. After experiencing a disturbing psychological episode while doing a medical procedure, Dr. Kate Pomeroy unwillingly retreats to her family's island estate to recuperate. Despite her childhood trauma of discovering her mother's body there, Kate's family insists she undergoes therapy with her noted psychiatrist aunt at her home. Not understanding the sudden, triggerless onset of her psychosis and not wishing to be hospitalized, Kate reluctantly agrees to the latter. Fortuitously, soon after her arrival, Kate runs into Jeremy, an old friend and a lifelong resident of the island. Their instant attraction turns into a romantic relationship, and Kate is happier than she has been in a long time.

Busy with Jeremy, the symptoms of her psychosis seem to have disappeared. However, when Kate discovers a stone structure without any perceivable entrance sitting in the middle of a clearing and describes it to Jeremy, not only can he not see it, but he also denies knowledge of its existence. Now, even Jeremy, the one person who didn't doubt her sanity, has begun to wonder if Kate is delusional. With her family threatening to have her institutionalized, time is running out, and Kate must find a way to prove she is as sane as they are. But with the evidence stacked against her, how can she prove it? Is Kate losing her mind, or is there something more sinister happening behind the scenes?

An intense and intriguing puzzle, Storm Island by Linda Watkins is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery novel that you can't put down once you pick it up. Complete with a complex plot, a fascinating story line, and wicked antagonists, it is a stunning story that keeps the reader enthralled until the very end. Beginning with the first chapter, it seems as if someone is behind Kate's psychotic episodes, but as the story progresses, you start to wonder if she might be delusional. Kate's ineptitude with human behavior and her slowness to question her circumstances give a realistic facet to her character that makes her relatable. Even though I thought I knew what was happening to her, I was kept guessing until the denouement. With all the psychological twists and turns, this captivating novel reminds me of a cross between a Hitchcock film and a Phyllis Whitney novel. It is an exciting tale of deceit and betrayal, with just a small hint of the paranormal, and will delight those who enjoy a good psychological thriller.

Reviewed by Debjani Ghosh for Readers' Favorite

A well-known businessman is assassinated in a drive-by shooting. Detective Ryan Clark is convinced it is connected to another high-profile murder that happened weeks ago. His friend, FBI profiler Agent Sean Kruger, agrees with him but is reluctant to be associated with the case. Kruger is tired of his FBI job due to the red tape and constant traveling. He wants to hang up his boots and settle down with his long-time girlfriend. However, another deadly strike by the assassin, this time close to Kruger’s home, prompts him to join the investigation. With the help of some brilliant individuals, Kruger zeroes in on a likely suspect in Alabama. But the arrest turns out badly, and Kruger is suspended. Now, Kruger must make a crucial decision—should he retire as he had planned, or should he pursue the assassin on his own at great risk to his life? He must decide fast, since the criminals are planning to strike at the heart of America, action which has the potential to cause more damage than 9/11. The Assassin’s Trail by J.C. Fields, the second book in The Sean Kruger series, is a thoroughly enjoyable action thriller. Nevertheless, it can be read as a stand-alone and fortunately does not contain any cliffhangers.

The Assassin’s Trail is a fast-paced and realistic tale with a solid plot and fully fleshed-out characters. I was rooting for Kruger throughout the book. There is no unexpected twist here. Fields shows the actions of both the FBI agents and the criminals in parallel. So, right from the beginning, you know the criminals are up to something big—just how big is unrevealed at the last. The beauty of the plot lies in the anticipation; will Kruger be able to establish the sinister motive behind the murders and stop the criminals in time? The pieces of the puzzle come together bit by bit, culminating in a high-octane climax. The novel is taut with suspense due to short dialogues and straightforward language. Fields has crafted a highly original tale. The method of communication between the criminals was unique. Fields’ expertise in weapons shows through in the text, but no unnecessary details bored me. I heartily recommend The Assassin’s Trail. It will mostly appeal to action aficionados.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

In Stronger by Suzanne Jenkins, Karen Pruitt is smart, beautiful, and fit. She comes to New York with her friends for a long weekend holiday organized by the airlines she had worked for. And then she meets Michael Calder, an FBI Special agent, who instantly falls for her, a bachelor twice her age. The encounter transforms Michael and everyone can see it. But then when Michael’s team puts a gangster in jail, everyone connected to him is put in grave danger, including Karen. And can Karen love the man whose work puts her life at risk?

Stronger by Suzanne Jenkins melds crime and romance, introducing very sophisticated characters and a conflict that infuses the narrative with the tension readers want to follow. We encounter characters that are rock solid, deeply explored, and the embodiment of two distinct cultures. Michael is not the outgoing, easy to be with kind of guy, but the effect that Karen has on him is almost magical and readers become intrigued, longing to discover what happens after that.

Suzanne Jenkins writes in a style that is friendly, with a voice that is compelling, and in prose that is crisp and delightful, merging exciting dialogues with intense drama and vivid descriptions to create scenes that are as absorbing as they are focused. Stronger is emotionally charged and features situations that are real and believable. I felt as though I was part of the décor in most scenes. The narrative is fast paced, cunningly plotted, and conflict driven. A real delight, absorbing and hard to put down!