Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite

“Behind closed doors, everything is invisible,” and as the novel The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey suggests, some doors are best left unopened. Chase Harper is a man of secrets who has lost the will to live. He hides behind his own closed doors and kills his days working as a supply chain manager for a business that means little to him other than a reason to wake up in the morning. When a nuclear explosion of unknown origin devastates Saint Petersburg and severely disrupts global commerce, Chase and his boss, Carolyn, fly to Singapore looking for new shippers. As luck would have it, the owner of the shipping company in Singapore is an old friend who is like family to Chase. But luck is fickle, and Chase finds himself in the middle of an undeclared war by a rogue state that will stop at nothing to achieve its goals.

The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey is an exquisite espionage thriller full of twists and surprises that breaks many genre stereotypes. An intricate and superbly crafted plot focuses on a devious scheme by a ruthless dictator to blackmail the world and the efforts of a spiritually broken man and his unlikely ally as they try to stop him. Themes of friendship, good versus evil, and a man rediscovering the beauty of being alive add depth and an emotional punch to the story. Strong character development comes from a surprising cast of villains and heroes who add some unique twists to the tale. With an adrenaline-fueled, high-speed pace, which includes parachute jumps, explosions, and scuba dives, The Black Raven's Song is a superb read that will satisfy and delight thrill seekers everywhere.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins is the second book in the Tom Rivers thrillers series. After an encounter with Baqri, Tom woke up in bed at a secret section of MI5 and was told he was a Counter-Terrorist Asset; in short, he was a sleeper. Tom would only be activated in case of severe threats to the United States, and Baqri threatened the United States. A secret organization called The Collective was supporting Baqri. The Collective had members in powerful positions. They were a group of wealthy, powerful, and influential people from around the world. Tom found out that his American wife, Luna, was a similarly trained asset and also a sleeper. Tom’s knowledge of Baqri and his terrorist cell was vital, and the president personally instructed Tom and Luna to stop Baqri.

The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins was intriguing and complex. There was never a dull moment in this fast-paced story. It was jam-packed with action, and I could not put the book down, too afraid I would miss something. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The writing style was engaging and had me hooked from the first page until the last. The characters were well-developed and strong. Tom and Luna's transitions from ordinary persons to special agents were natural and comfortable. The description of where polonium and alpha particles come from and the devastation they could cause were interesting, and even an uninformed person like me could understand it. This book is excellently written and very interesting.

Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite

In Jeffrey James Higgins' The Havana Syndrome, FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke is currently separated from his wife, Reagan, who has taken their daughter, Amelia, to spend a week with her. Upon his arrival, Nathan discovered Reagan lying on the floor of her office, surrounded by paramedics attending to her. Reagan was diagnosed with Havana Syndrome. Nathan still feels a sense of responsibility for Reagan and decides to take a leave of absence to learn more about Havana Syndrome. Nathan partners with his former academy classmate Meili, who is investigating the possibility that a high-energy weapon is responsible for causing Havana Syndrome. Meili was assaulted with the same type of weapon at the White House, yet law enforcement could find no evidence to support this. It appears that someone in the government is behind Havana Syndrome and the attack on Meili and is trying to cover it up.

The Havana Syndrome by Jeffrey James Higgins was captivating and intricate. The story was fast-paced and filled with action from beginning to end. Various plotlines were intertwined, and one did not take away from the other. It was a captivating read, and the chapters transitioned smoothly into one another. The suspense kept me eagerly flipping through the pages as quickly as I could. I found it hard to set the book aside, as I was too afraid of missing something significant. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The characters were well-crafted, feeling genuine and relatable. The story was superbly written and far surpassed my expectations. I truly enjoyed reading the book and could not have wished for a better conclusion.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Imber by Deborah Mistina is a thrilling science fiction novel that takes readers on a journey to the future where Earth has been rendered unstable. Earth is not what it used to be. Climate change, pollution, and too many wars have destroyed the planet. While most of the population is settled in underground complexes, only a handful of people brave the terrifying surface. One of them is Violet, a biochemist who takes care of the organic farm. Although she lives on her farm in peace, the local government is advocating for giving up on Earth altogether, something she could never agree to, and she is not alone. Three other people believe there is something fishy going on and needs to be investigated. Emily (a scholar), Mason (a hacker), and Jack (a hunter) all believe there is still something left on Earth worth fighting for. But is there? Or are they fighting for a lost cause?

Author Deborah Mistina weaves a beautiful story of survival, resistance, and hope. It is an immersive and thought-provoking dystopian story that feels very real and possible in the future. The descriptions are crisp, and the narrative is well-paced. I loved how Mistina balances intense action with character development. Violet is a compelling protagonist. She embodies resilience and rebellion even when the odds are not in her favor. Jack was an interesting character, and I wanted to learn more about him, whereas Mason was the go-getter of the group and ready to do whatever it took to make their mission a success. I instantly felt a connection with Emily. She was soft and endearing but fierce as well. The moment Mason discovered Project Noah, I knew I was in for an entertaining ride. The pace never slowed down, the action was relentless, and the characters ensured I stayed with them until the end. Imber was exactly what I wanted it to be, and I loved every moment of it. Highly recommended.

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.