Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite

In Doves In A Tempest by Bill Schweitzer, it’s the summer of 1958, and a group of smart preteens wants nothing more than to enjoy the summer together. That peaceful dream is shattered when they come across a strange anomaly that none of them can explain. Each of the children’s stories is the same as they enter the forest, trying to see what the big deal was, and what Stevie thought he saw a few nights prior. A strange creature or being shows itself to each of the kids differently. For Betty, it is a beautiful fairy that reminded her at first of her favorite character in Peter Pan; Tinkerbell. Anna, Levi, Stevie, and James have different experiences but one thing remained similar: they believed their friends had abandoned them and were traumatized by whatever it was. None of the kids can make up for an hour of lost time, and the fact that they had bruises and cuts all over them. They know that something isn’t right, but feel that no one will believe what happened to them. Taking matters into their own hands, the kids, along with Stevie’s older brother, decide to figure out what’s in the forest.

I really enjoyed reading Doves In A Tempest. It reminded me a lot of Stephen King’s It with other homages to different books and movies from the 80s and 90s. Bill Schweitzer created a great tale of a group of preteen kids who had a terrifying yet unexplainable event that happened to them. I liked all the characters but I found myself relating the most to Anna personality-wise. She has this Beverly Marsh and Richie Tozier kind of feel to her. She’s smart with the mouth of a sailor but is always loyal to her friends. I also liked the nostalgic feeling of being a kid as my group of friends and I go on these adventures with our bikes. Doves In A Tempest is a summer tale of friendship and the paranormal; be prepared for a scare! I’m really glad I came across this book. I think Schweitzer has done an excellent job and I can’t wait to read more of his work.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

Saving Karma is a tale of crime, murder, conspiracy, corruption, and omnipotence by Reid Bracken. As Bree Thomas pondered her future after graduation from Victor Valley High School, she knew that she had many obstacles to overcome. Bree's Aunt Liz was in denial that her husband, Jeff, had a habit of attempting to sexually assault young Bree in her absence. With no financial prospects to advance her in life, Bree was suddenly offered a scholarship by the Meng Foundation in China. After six months of exhaustive training to help Bree become the best secret operative she could be, Bree is recruited by Jade Sutthani of Meng Foundation, working directly for Aslam Meng - one of the most powerful and well-known philanthropists in the world. Partnered with Nikko, a girl Bree's age, their objective is to rescue refugee children who have lost their families and offer them a new life and future behind the walls of a highly secretive city in China. After rescuing a young girl, Karma, Bree realizes that the children she had just saved were from a child sex trade and feels happy to have given them a brighter future. With unanswered questions, however, Bree digs deeper and discovers that there are far worse horrors than what she had saved Karma from. With Nikko's help and trust in her American/Chinese friends, Bree puts her life on the line to not only try to rescue Karma from the new hell she'd just delivered her to, but also bring down a sadistic trade in illegal dealings which bring about the countless deaths of so many unsuspecting rescuees.

Bree Thomas is a character this world so desperately needs. Reid Bracken's story of a young girl who is a victim of bullying at high school - but also has the strength and resolve to defend herself in any situation - gave me pause for thought on many levels. Not only did Bree have to fight off the constant slimy sexual advances of her guardian's new husband, but she was also able to physically take him down when he acted on his threats. I very much enjoy stories of strong women who learn to defend themselves and then use their defensive techniques to better the world in some way. Bree Thomas was a true asset to anyone who would put their faith in her, but she also had a conscience and a strong desire to do good in the world. Each new chapter of this incredible story brought about a different scenario of what was happening behind the scenes, some of which were so sinister it almost made my hair stand on end. Saving Karma is filled with action and adventure, and is so realistically written while bringing the horrific secrets to life with each layer that was slowly removed. I recommend Saving Karma to be read by those over the age of 15 who enjoy a fast-paced, high-octane dose of what can happen when too much power lands at the feet of someone with nothing but sinister plans for our world.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

And the Dead Shall Live by David Shawn Klein is a killer thriller. Jesse Carter is struggling to get on with her life after her twin brother dies. Philip Raymond used to have a happy family and a great job. Now, he’s a recluse living a tortured life. Kit Wheaton needs someone to find out who killed her daughter. Kit and Philip meet accidentally, but when she recognizes him as a famous mystery author, she begs him to help her. On investigation, he discovers that Lee Fletcher, a billionaire recluse, may be involved. Fletcher holds parties where his friends discover the “thrills” of taking a drug that brings them as close to a near-death experience as possible. It’s possible he also killed women who worked for him and may even be involved in presidential election fraud. Philip has no way of getting close to Fletcher until he hires Jesse Carter. Can they work together to bring down Fletcher? The only way Philip can do it is if he can bring himself to step outside his apartment and leave his reclusive life behind. Can he do it to save Jesse? Will they discover what happened to Kit Wheaton’s daughter?

And the Dead Shall Live by David Shawn Klein is a thriller filled with suspense. The plot is thick and twisty, with several threads that eventually pull together in a tightly woven story. The characters are second to none. Mr. Klein has clearly done a great deal of research into how it feels to be a recluse, and all his characters grow into people you can truly relate to. Their lives are a tangled web, but as the story progresses, that web begins to unravel, and the characters become less complicated as we learn what really makes them who they are. This story will grab you right from the start and pull you into a dark plot of drugs, sex, and murder. The writing is descriptive enough to make you feel you are there and compelling enough to keep you reading all the way through. It’s a story of damaged people who find their way back to the light as they begin to heal from their own traumas, and I really enjoyed it. This is one author to watch, and I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a thriller they can truly immerse themselves in.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Bitcoin Conspiracy is a work of fiction in the suspense, intrigue, and thriller subgenres. It is best suited to adult readers and was penned by author Tom Callahan. This electrifying financial thriller takes readers on a high-stakes journey into a world where global politics, intrigue, and digital currency collide. In a plot fueled by resentment toward America's dominance, Russia and China conspire to challenge the supremacy of the US dollar as the world's reserve currency. Their weapon of choice? Bitcoin, a digital currency with a mysterious developer who walked away from immense wealth to protect his creation from corruption. The story revolves around NSA operative Laura Roberts and former NAVY Seal turned CIA Deputy Director Tom Michaels. They must unravel a grand conspiracy and prevent a world devastated by nuclear conflict from succumbing to this shadowy power.

Author Tom Callahan has crafted a unique concept for his novel, creating a fast-paced narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and introducing us to the unseen terrors of a digital financial world. The characters are well-developed, and their struggles against corrupt leadership and the forces threatening America's moral compass make for a compelling read. What truly sets this book apart for me is its blend of thrilling suspense, global politics, and tantalizing romance, shifting between different genres and moods with a slick, seamless narrative skill that makes it all flow. Overall, The Bitcoin Conspiracy is a gripping financial thriller that combines geopolitical tension with the intrigue of cryptocurrency, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the potential consequences of a changing world order. It's a thrilling ride from start to finish that I would not hesitate to recommend.

Reviewed by Demetria Head for Readers' Favorite

Second Term by John M. Adams is a political thriller that combines elements of espionage, suspense, and political intrigue to create a gripping narrative that feels both relevant and thought-provoking. At the heart of this riveting story is Cora Walker, a former intelligence operative and a single mother. She is portrayed as a strong, intelligent, and relatable protagonist who is thrust into a high-stakes battle to save democracy itself. Cora's journey from a DIA defense operative to the press secretary for the Speaker of the House is a testament to her resilience and determination, and readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way. Cora's courageous actions in the face of danger establish her as a hero, and readers get to witness her willingness to go to great lengths to protect American lives. The tension escalates as Cora races against time to save the speaker and prevent catastrophe, and the stakes could not be higher.

As the story unfolds, John M. Adams skillfully weaves a complex web of political drama and tension. The lame-duck president's desperate power grab, including the suspension of habeas corpus and the arrest of members of Congress, creates a chilling and all-too-believable scenario. One of the strengths of this account lies in its portrayal of the fragility of democracy and the dangers of political extremism. There's a vividly painted picture of a nation teetering on the brink, where alliances crumble, trust wavers, and the very foundations of democracy are at risk. The narrative serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of safeguarding the principles upon which a democracy is built. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter propelling the story forward and keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing is crisp and engaging and creates authentic and multi-dimensional characters, adding depth to the narrative. The explosive finale is a tour de force, delivering a satisfying and shocking conclusion that leaves a lasting impact. This is a political thriller that not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the state of democracy and the vulnerability of the institutions we hold dear. Second Term by J.M. Adams is a timely and engrossing read. It is a stellar addition to the genre of political thrillers, and the author's storytelling prowess is sure to leave readers eagerly anticipating his next work. This novel is a must-read for anyone who craves a gripping, thought-provoking, and engrossing thriller.

Reviewed by Olga Markova for Readers' Favorite

Secrets of the Rabbi’s Mafia by Irv Segal is a fascinating mystery on a dazzling mission to delight the most discerning fans of crime fiction and international legal thrillers. The story unfolds in 1995 in Chicago’s Cook County. Jack Cooper is a graduate of Rabbinical College who spent his younger life in the secluded Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community. Recently divorced, Jack braves the turn-point exit from the Ultra-Orthodox lifestyle and ventures out to his first Jewish singles event where he meets Mindy Stein. She is a mother of three, married to Ultra-Orthodox Sender Stein whom she is seeking to divorce. Mindy and Jake take to each other but Mindy’s pending divorce stands in their way. Before long, Jack finds himself investigating the murder of Mindy’s husband.

While reading Secrets of the Rabbi’s Mafia I felt as if I was watching a 4DX film, navigating the uncharted waters of Talmudic law and Ultra-Orthodox Jewish traditions amidst the citrusy scent of esrog and cozy cholent permeating the scenes of atmospheric celebrations of Shabbos and Bar Mitzvah. I was fascinated by the superb atmosphere and exquisite complexity of the plot as it evolves in this easy-to-read and fast-moving story, unforgettable for its all-around brilliance. Irv Segal eruditely enhances the suspense and mystery with witty insights into the Talmudic laws, leading to unexpected revelations. I am delighted to have discovered Segal’s book, and I look forward to reading his next mystery.

Reviewed by Amy Raines for Readers' Favorite

In The God Protocol: Dragon by D. L. Wilburn Jr., John works for DHS and knows that a more extreme Cold War is coming. He is pleased to know that the new satellites will deliver 5G across the world as well as Global Shock. Dr. Berzing reports the potential collision course of several space objects headed toward the edge of the galaxy to NASA. The United States and China are supposedly working together to make first contact, but some believe that both countries are keeping secrets that could cause serious problems later. George runs an internet show where he gives the news headlines an angle of conspiracy that keeps his followers entertained and thinking about what might really be going on behind the scenes. As theories prove to be much more than simple conspiracies, George realizes that his show could cost him more than he anticipated, maybe even his life.

The slowly revealed truth about conspiracy theories and the way the characters backed up each idea with believable context rounded out the well-thought-out plot. This story is unique and has an air of mystery that kept me reading until I couldn’t keep my eyes open. I have no doubt that future readers won’t be able to put it down either. I liked that this story is not extremely fast-paced but delivers key events and points without feeling overdone or rushed. I recommend The God Protocol: Dragon by D. L. Wilburn Jr. to anyone who enjoys a suspenseful story that twists the things we thought we knew into something new and exciting. I hope to read more from this talented writer.

Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite

Lt. Jack “Rattler” Owen’s transition from flying an E-2C Hawkeye to a F/A-18C Hornet was a dream come true. It had always been his ambition to be a fighter pilot. Bound for deployment on the USS Stennis (an aircraft carrier), Rattler had his future planned for when he had completed his stint. He would get a promotion and spend more time with his girlfriend Sandy. Or so he thought. However, Rattler’s life took a sharp turn after he narrowly survived death while on a mission in Afghanistan. He later learned that he had been a primary target for an organization called Princeps Novus − a powerful group of men waging war on the world and stirring chaos within the US military for profit. Jack had unknowingly thwarted their plans earlier on in his career and they had been after his blood ever since. Now in the hands of the “good guys” and his name a mere memory to the rest of the world, with Sandy now a victim of his past, and nothing left to lose, Rattler will stop at nothing to eliminate the Princeps Novus. Find out how it all develops in T. R. Matson’s Vengeance Flight.

If you love slow-burn military thriller novels with a touch of conspiracy and action, T. R. Matson’s Vengeance Flight will have you hooked, flipping through page after page. Featuring an array of operatives, pilots, and moles, Matson laces the plot with a compelling taste of romance, love, greed, power, money, secrets, vengeance, and sacrifice. Matson’s attention to detail introduced me to the daily life of a Navy pilot. The vivid descriptions had me feeling as if I was right there next to the role-players watching the scenes unfold. One moment I was watching Rattler and Sandy attend a squadron party or eavesdropping on Rattler and Maestro’s nostalgic conversations in their bunker. The next thing I knew I was aboard a Hornet fighter staring in horror as one of Rattler’s squadron mate’s engines malfunctioned in the air and he quickly lost altitude. The use of introspection and the profound emotional depth in the storyline allowed me to connect with the protagonists. Rattler is a savvy, shrewd, daring, big-hearted character with a strong moral compass you can’t help but love.

Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite

In Inca Poison by Kevin Chilvers, former Royal Marine Tom Hunter undertakes a dangerous mission to rescue his abducted grandson, Romero, from a cartel in Rio de Janeiro. With the help of workers from a children's mission, the cartel's horrific operation of trafficking children is discovered. In the Amazon rainforest, Romero befriends scientist Vincent Smythe and both witness the atrocities being carried out against children in the prison camp run by a sadist named Dominic. Vincent manages to send crucial information to England that reveals the cartel's plans to use a deadly Inca poison against the Royal Navy. Tom is aided by multiple people, including the daughter of Admiral Samantha Kingsley, and later Chief Mariano of the Tree Dweller tribe, in the search for Romero and to find the antidote for the ancient poison as the fate of thousands hangs in the balance.

Inca Poison begins as a rescue mission and ends up evolving into so much more in Kevin Chilvers' action-packed novel. There is something of an Indiana Jones feel to the storyline and it was kind of hard not to read Tom's dialogue in any voice except Harrison Ford's and, to be perfectly honest, I loved that! The prose is exceptional and not only gives readers a true sense of the ambiance and tension of a moment. My favorite part is the myth of the Lost City and its tie-in to the poison and the motivator for every single criminal enterprise on the planet: wealth. Chilvers even takes readers back to the 16th century to revisit the poison and what led to its dormant state for centuries. Cartel boss Javier is a deliciously terrible antagonist and in order for a book to be successful we have to hate the man with a passion, something that Chilvers accomplishes easily. The twist at the end is unexpected and gratifying, and overall Inca Poison is a book very much worth the read.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

M2 Agent Tim Stryker and his wife, Angie, lost their little son to brain cancer, making them drift apart. The couple and their daughter took a trip to Italy for a holiday, a private reconciliation, and a friend’s wedding. However, after another fight, Tim left on a duty call, and people kidnapped his family. Tim left no stone unturned in finding his wife and daughter. He began an investigation that landed him back in the year 30 BC, uncovering the secret of Cleopatra and a powerful cult. The search for this secret took his team to the United States, Italy, Egypt, Greece, and India. He was in a race against time. Will he find the secret and his family, especially with a mole among them? Find out in Cleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae.

Cleopatra’s Vendetta by Avanti Centrae is an amazing tale of power, resilience, action, wit, survival, and guts. It was a thorough blend of fact and fiction that made my heart beat faster. The novel showed that the past controls the present, and no one can bury history. Avanti told a captivating story with a parade of worthy and strong heroines. Cleopatra, Angie, Zola, Sam, St. James, and Ace deserved a standing ovation! They were whip-smart, fast thinkers, calculating, and stealthy. Wow! So much for subjugating women when they can change the game even on their knees. Rey, Tim, and even Antonio also impressed me. I loved the fantastic plot, unique story, perfect development, and fluid writing style. This book was a masterpiece.