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 Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

In The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson, the protagonist, young Faith Winters, finds herself living in a nightmare once she is released from the mental institution to which she was committed after witnessing a real nightmare many years prior: the bloody murders of her beloved sister, her father and several others who had come to celebrate her birthday in the family cabin in the woods.

Now trying to settle back into an apartment in her home town where it all happened, and where she is regarded as a crazy alcoholic, she just wants her physical body to die: she is already dead inside despite therapy and AA rehab. But she is haunted by the face of the man she believes was the killer. When she spots him in a car, she goes berserk trying to get police and others to believe her but it seems no one does. Strange, inexplicable events start to happen around Faith. Again, her sanity is questioned. She knows she’s right and can’t find anyone to help her. And when she finds someone she thinks she can trust, something they say or do unnerves her. As she runs from one horrid situation to another, and more people get their throats slashed, readers will hold their breaths as, like her, they try to find out who is really terrorizing her and why. The answer comes as a complete shock. If you figure out who hates Faith enough to put her through all this and why, you should write psychological thrillers yourself.

It feels good to read a book that lives up to the promise of its cover, the accuracy of the genre in which one finds it, and delivers what the jacket blurb describes. The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson does all that. What a great read for fans of psychological thrillers. Christopher Greyson is a true master of intricate plotting and suspense-filled events. Realistic dialogue, smooth scene transitions, and interesting characters make The Girl Who Lived a must-read!

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 is a suspense novel written by Amy McKinley. Liv’s life had been just about perfect, despite the tragic loss of her parents some months before. Her marriage to Alex, a police detective, who was on the verge of running for the Senate with the backing of the right people, was a fairytale affair; their romance still hot and heady, but lately she’d noticed some tension in him, things he seemed to be hiding from her. Liv was, herself, hiding something, something that engendered mixed feelings of excitement and dread. She was pregnant. She knew Alex was against their starting a family at least at this point in time, but it had happened, and she was determined to have this child. When she finally did tell him, Alex was furious, leaving her stunned by the ferocity of his reaction to her news. And while he did manage to get hold of his emotions and seemed willing to embrace their future as a family, Liv couldn’t help but wonder how she’d not seen this darker side of him before. His impromptu decision to take her on their long-postponed honeymoon so she could finally meet his mother was an exciting and unexpected development, but Liv was still cautious after his reaction to her news.

Amy McKinley’s contemporary suspense novel, Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1, is a taut and well-written tale that takes the reader down to Barbados, Venezuela and Colombia as Liv and Alex finally go on their honeymoon. Liv is a fascinating character, whose love of art is a joy to read about. I enjoyed following as she went through the creative process when sculpting, and I particularly appreciated how she grows strong and self-reliant in response to the threats and perils that come her way. It’s a grand contrast from when we first meet her; a woman who seems sheltered, a product of her privileged background. Broken Circle is a steamy novel containing poignant and moving erotic scenes, which may be a bit too intense for readers who prefer sweet romance. That said, McKinley’s plot is suspenseful, and her story is fast-paced and exciting. Broken Circle: A Gray Ghost Novel, Book 1 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Fugitive's Trail is a stunning first entry in The Sean Kruger Series by J.C. Fields, a page-turner that is intelligently plotted and executed with great mastery. A man has been found dead in a Wall Street investment firm and another injured, and the man at whom fingers are pointing is on the run. Special Agent Sean Kruger is specifically tasked by his FBI Director to handle the case and to move to New York and locate the man responsible for the crimes.

When Kruger starts his investigation, he quickly learns that things may not be what they seem to be and that the man on the run might be the victim of a sinister intrigue involving powerful individuals in the firm. As he digs into the story, he draws the attention of some who would have everyone believe the story that is out, and who will stop at nothing to protect what Kruger is still to learn, if only he lives to complete the case.

This is the kind of book that fans of Sidney Sheldon will adore, well-plotted with a protagonist who is sculpted to perfectly reflect the world of his profession. The intrigue is beguiling and the plot perfectly paced to keep readers turning the pages. The red herrings are surprisingly breathtaking. J.C. Fields is a great writer and I enjoyed the fluidity in the prose, the intelligent dialogues, and the wonderful descriptions. The Fugitive's Trail is an absorbing tale that is exciting, a real page-turner.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Busted by Michele I. Khoury is a riveting story with characters that readers will enjoy. Twenty-four-year-old artist Gina McKenna is literally broke and she is about to spend the last of what she had left when a rich businessman buys one of her paintings and asks her to do more. She is slowly sucked into his world of wealth and opulence and, when she falls for him, she discovers that Miguel Lopez is a ruthless drug lord and he kills anyone who comes between him and his business.

A new player comes into the game, DEA Special Agent Bobby Garcia, who has been looking for any means to bring down the mastermind behind the drug distribution network in Southern California, a mission that quickly turns personal with the overdose of his teenage daughter. There is a lot waiting for the reader in the plot as relationships become complex and dangers multiply. Who will be left standing when the curtain falls?

Michele I. Khoury’s novel is a gem, the kind of story for readers who love suspenseful plots, character-driven writing, and well-developed conflicts in what they read. I loved the cast of characters and Gina is well-thought out and developed with mastery. The reader will love the role she plays in the story and how she evolves through it. Yes, there is content for mature readers like steamy sex, violence, and foul language. The story is fast-paced and absorbing, the writing balanced, with impeccable world-building. Busted is a page-turner, as exciting as it is entertaining.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Wicked Fallout by Kelly Charron is Book 2 of the Pretty Wicked series. Ryann Wilkinson has been in prison for 12 years, convicted of the murders of six people. She has kept her nose clean, hiding her dark urges, seeking the day when she can start hunting again. She has failed every appeal, but she has just one more hope. A legal team has decided to take her case, to attempt to have her sentence commuted and have her released immediately. Nancy Clafin is a forensic psychiatrist and her job is to evaluate Ryann, to determine if she has changed during her time in incarceration. What will Nancy find – a cold killer who will never change her ways or a woman who is repentant for her crimes and has changed? Will Nancy recommend release? Has Ryann really changed or is she playing a clever game?

Wicked Fallout (Pretty Wicked Book 2) by Kelly Charron is a great book. Although it is a sequel, I believe that this can be read as a standalone book; there is sufficient background from the first book given in this one. The story is told from two points of view – the psychiatrist and Ryann. It is written in the first person from both perspectives and this makes it feel as though you are listening to each person telling their story. The detail is amazing, very descriptive, drawing you into the story so you live it as you read it. It is a bit gruesome in places, but nothing that you wouldn’t expect to find in a book like this. This is an exceptionally well-written story, with enough character development to allow you to feel a connection with the two main parties to the story. Gripping story, one you will find very difficult to put down – there is much that you won't see coming and I sincerely hope that the ending is a lead-in to another book.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

A Tale of a Rough Diamond by P.J. Mann is a gripping thriller, suspenseful and riveting, a tale of envy, of brokenness in a family, and brothers pitted against each other. Stephan Mills lives the kind of life many would envy, the life of the son of a wealthy man. His older brother, Roger, is very envious of the attention their father gives Stephan and, using his connections with the Russian mafia, he succeeds with just one tip-off to the police that lands Stephan in prison. Now he has all the cards and he plays them well to ensure he turns their father completely against Stephan. And he succeeds! Stephan won’t be hearing from his family for a year — and it is just according to Roger’s plans. Can Stephan recover from the rejection and get his life back on track?

P. J. Mann has written a hugely entertaining novel filled with family drama and relationships gone bad. It’s a tale of envy, betrayal, and revenge. How far will the two brothers go to break each other and can this family discover trust once again? The psychological underpinnings of this novel are strong and readers will get pulled into the strong whirlwind of the conflict, the depth of character, and the deviousness of the plot. The scenes are well crafted and they are emotionally rich. Mann understands the dynamics of a wealthy family and the kinds of problems they face, and weaves this knowledge skillfully into the narrative. The writing is compelling, the narrative voice irresistible, with points of view that are expertly handled. A Tale of a Rough Diamond is fast paced and it features an explosive conflict between two brothers.