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To Die For
To Save Her Country, She Must First Save Herself... (A Lynn Clarke Thriller Book 1)
Ray Ronan
2020 Finalist
572 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Danielle Urban for Readers' Favorite
To Die For: A Lynn Clarke Thriller Book 1 by Ray Ronan is an action-packed medical thriller. It is similar to the Jason Bourne movies but with a twist. This story focuses on the human organ donor business that has recently become a lucrative industry. The day that happened the world turned into a frightening place. The story had a dark and intense atmosphere on every page. I could feel the urgency, the corruption, and the danger for those being pursued. It’s like something out of a fantasy novel. Yet, human organ donors are a real thing. It’s even more profitable than a drug ring, and it’s no wonder the danger presented inside is nightmarish. If someone has something, the corporation handling the human donors wants; it will go to any lengths to get it. That’s where the main protagonist comes into play. She has something the head man behind the whole thing wants.
The book contained many plot twists from government stuff to the donor corruption ring. There was never a dull moment. The leading female protagonist, Lynn Clarke, has this kick-ass attitude that works well for her. She needs to be strong in the line of work she does. Plus, it helps her as the story progresses. The pages are full of creepy high action scenes. The characters were individually well-crafted. The plot was engaging, making me not want to put it down. Of course, when I saw the number of pages, I was like, wow, that’s a lot. But once, I started to read, the faster they flew by. This tale felt so real. Dark, edgy, and one epic rollercoaster ride from the start to finish. Overall, I was impressed by how entertaining To Die For was. I look forward to reading more by Ray Ronan in the future.
To Die For: A Lynn Clarke Thriller Book 1 by Ray Ronan is an action-packed medical thriller. It is similar to the Jason Bourne movies but with a twist. This story focuses on the human organ donor business that has recently become a lucrative industry. The day that happened the world turned into a frightening place. The story had a dark and intense atmosphere on every page. I could feel the urgency, the corruption, and the danger for those being pursued. It’s like something out of a fantasy novel. Yet, human organ donors are a real thing. It’s even more profitable than a drug ring, and it’s no wonder the danger presented inside is nightmarish. If someone has something, the corporation handling the human donors wants; it will go to any lengths to get it. That’s where the main protagonist comes into play. She has something the head man behind the whole thing wants.
The book contained many plot twists from government stuff to the donor corruption ring. There was never a dull moment. The leading female protagonist, Lynn Clarke, has this kick-ass attitude that works well for her. She needs to be strong in the line of work she does. Plus, it helps her as the story progresses. The pages are full of creepy high action scenes. The characters were individually well-crafted. The plot was engaging, making me not want to put it down. Of course, when I saw the number of pages, I was like, wow, that’s a lot. But once, I started to read, the faster they flew by. This tale felt so real. Dark, edgy, and one epic rollercoaster ride from the start to finish. Overall, I was impressed by how entertaining To Die For was. I look forward to reading more by Ray Ronan in the future.
Recommend this book:
Preying in Iran
A Tapestry of Wounds
Eric Wentz
2020 Honorable Mention
476 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds by Eric Wentz is a compelling story that features strong themes and exceptional characters. This is a novel that centers on a strong protagonist, LCDR Grant Chisolm, a character on a mission to dismantle the drug and human trafficking cartels. Readers follow him across countries and continents as he easily blends in and faces dangerous situations. The novel explores very strong themes and dark concepts and creates a powerful consciousness in readers of the reality of human abuse and sex trafficking.
There is just so much to love in this novel, a work like no other — the gorgeous, lyrical prose, the exciting and elaborately developed characters, the relevant historical hints, and the suspenseful nature of the narrative which keeps the reader turning the pages. One of the strongest gifts of this author is the ability to weave humorous scenes into complex situations. The descriptions are terrific and they allow the reader to see deeper into the scenes as characters unveil more layers of their personalities. Eric Wentz is a skillful storyteller who writes with confidence, his work filled with originality and plot points that capture the attention of readers. Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds is a timely novel that is filled with realism and that addresses controversial themes and realities. It is written for mature audiences, a gripping and rollicking ride pulsating with adventure and unforgettable characters.
Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds by Eric Wentz is a compelling story that features strong themes and exceptional characters. This is a novel that centers on a strong protagonist, LCDR Grant Chisolm, a character on a mission to dismantle the drug and human trafficking cartels. Readers follow him across countries and continents as he easily blends in and faces dangerous situations. The novel explores very strong themes and dark concepts and creates a powerful consciousness in readers of the reality of human abuse and sex trafficking.
There is just so much to love in this novel, a work like no other — the gorgeous, lyrical prose, the exciting and elaborately developed characters, the relevant historical hints, and the suspenseful nature of the narrative which keeps the reader turning the pages. One of the strongest gifts of this author is the ability to weave humorous scenes into complex situations. The descriptions are terrific and they allow the reader to see deeper into the scenes as characters unveil more layers of their personalities. Eric Wentz is a skillful storyteller who writes with confidence, his work filled with originality and plot points that capture the attention of readers. Preying In Iran: A Tapestry of Wounds is a timely novel that is filled with realism and that addresses controversial themes and realities. It is written for mature audiences, a gripping and rollicking ride pulsating with adventure and unforgettable characters.
Recommend this book:
Wolf's Head Bay
Journey of the Courageous Eleven - BOOK II: The Race for Home
Jeffery Allen Boyd
2020 Bronze Medal
438 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Wolf's Head Bay - Journey of the Courageous Eleven: The Race for Home is the second book of the series by Jeffery Allen Boyd. Picking up where the first book left off, the story of Jeremy and his friends continues as they try to get back to safety. Jeremy and his friends barely escaped the clutches of their captors when they were stranded once again. They have the evidence to expose some of the biggest criminal masterminds in the world and all they need to do now is make it back home alive. Stranded in the wilderness of Michigan, the group of friends is trying to stay one step ahead of Black Scorpion and Spear. All they need is one breakthrough to be safe, but they are unable to contact anyone who could help them. Can Jeremy get his friends out of this mess?
The Race for Home brings a serious and heartbreaking truth to the forefront and forces you to take notice. Human trafficking is real and modern-day slavery is real. Jeffery Allen Boyd did a great job of conveying his message while giving readers a brilliant story. Jeremy is a good protagonist, but Travis’s growth surprised me. He learned a lot from the ordeal, he grew up a lot and somehow still had a positive outlook on things. The pace of the story is just perfect, it is not rushed but it is not slow as well. The characters are well-fleshed out, even the villains. The flow of the narrative is flawless and the suspense will have you holding your breath. I read this in one sitting, my eyes are tired but I regret nothing. This is a must-read novel!
Wolf's Head Bay - Journey of the Courageous Eleven: The Race for Home is the second book of the series by Jeffery Allen Boyd. Picking up where the first book left off, the story of Jeremy and his friends continues as they try to get back to safety. Jeremy and his friends barely escaped the clutches of their captors when they were stranded once again. They have the evidence to expose some of the biggest criminal masterminds in the world and all they need to do now is make it back home alive. Stranded in the wilderness of Michigan, the group of friends is trying to stay one step ahead of Black Scorpion and Spear. All they need is one breakthrough to be safe, but they are unable to contact anyone who could help them. Can Jeremy get his friends out of this mess?
The Race for Home brings a serious and heartbreaking truth to the forefront and forces you to take notice. Human trafficking is real and modern-day slavery is real. Jeffery Allen Boyd did a great job of conveying his message while giving readers a brilliant story. Jeremy is a good protagonist, but Travis’s growth surprised me. He learned a lot from the ordeal, he grew up a lot and somehow still had a positive outlook on things. The pace of the story is just perfect, it is not rushed but it is not slow as well. The characters are well-fleshed out, even the villains. The flow of the narrative is flawless and the suspense will have you holding your breath. I read this in one sitting, my eyes are tired but I regret nothing. This is a must-read novel!
Recommend this book:
Spider's Truth
Christa Yelich-Koth
2020 Silver Medal
370 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Jose Cornelio for Readers' Favorite
Spider's Truth by Christa Yelich-Koth is a compelling psychological thriller with a strong appeal to readers who enjoy dark novels and stories featuring serial killers. The first book in a series, the story follows a serial killer out to teach a lesson to a detective who has gotten too close to stopping their life’s work. Spider's Truth follows an intricate plot, masterminded by Boston’s notorious serial killer, Spider, to get revenge on Homicide Detective Sean Trann. The serial killer targets those closest to the detective and as the killings get too close to home, Sean must find a way to stop him. But can he stop the killings without getting personal and does the detective have what it takes to stop a mind as twisted and dark as that of the serial killer?
Spider's Truth is dark and disturbing and if the reader isn’t used to writing that explores criminal minds, they can end up with the wrong message of this book. The author has done an impeccable job in painting an anti-hero that readers will detest while matching it with the struggles of a detective determined to stop the evil. The writing is detailed and at times it is disturbing to follow the dark trail left by the Spider. Christa Yelich-Koth’s novel is very imaginative and the plot features many twists. I loved how the author deals with the criminal mind of the killer and his elaborate plan to execute revenge. The prose is strong and filled with vivid descriptions. Spider's Truth is dark and suspenseful, a novel with great potential to entertain fans of crime and sleuthing and readers who enjoy stories with strong characters.
Spider's Truth by Christa Yelich-Koth is a compelling psychological thriller with a strong appeal to readers who enjoy dark novels and stories featuring serial killers. The first book in a series, the story follows a serial killer out to teach a lesson to a detective who has gotten too close to stopping their life’s work. Spider's Truth follows an intricate plot, masterminded by Boston’s notorious serial killer, Spider, to get revenge on Homicide Detective Sean Trann. The serial killer targets those closest to the detective and as the killings get too close to home, Sean must find a way to stop him. But can he stop the killings without getting personal and does the detective have what it takes to stop a mind as twisted and dark as that of the serial killer?
Spider's Truth is dark and disturbing and if the reader isn’t used to writing that explores criminal minds, they can end up with the wrong message of this book. The author has done an impeccable job in painting an anti-hero that readers will detest while matching it with the struggles of a detective determined to stop the evil. The writing is detailed and at times it is disturbing to follow the dark trail left by the Spider. Christa Yelich-Koth’s novel is very imaginative and the plot features many twists. I loved how the author deals with the criminal mind of the killer and his elaborate plan to execute revenge. The prose is strong and filled with vivid descriptions. Spider's Truth is dark and suspenseful, a novel with great potential to entertain fans of crime and sleuthing and readers who enjoy stories with strong characters.
Recommend this book:
The Curious Case of the Missing Head
A Medical Thriller (Jack Rogan Mysteries Book 5)
Gabriel Farago
2020 Gold Medal
523 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a work of thriller fiction set in the medical sub-genre and was penned by author Gabriel Farago. This involved and cunning mystery is a standalone novel, but it also features as the fifth book in the Jack Rogan Mysteries series. In this particular adventure, the Australian journalist Jack Rogan finds himself derailed once again in the search for answers about the vanishing of his mother years ago. When a famous astrophysicist is kidnapped, Jack dives in headfirst to search and rescue, but when his exploits see him arrive at a horrifying hospital ship, things really take a turn for the worst.
Author Gabriel Farago knows how to make a good thriller tick, and the pacing of this quite long novel makes for a fast and furious read that will keep you turning its pages. The different obstacles and enemies which come into play in the novel are grounded in realistic roots, which makes them all the more dangerous and exciting to read about as Jack gets deeper into the mystery. Fans of detective fiction are sure to enjoy this capable hero for his intellect and sharp thinking in a crisis, but there’s also a generosity from the author to allow us to share in the investigation without everything being spoon-fed to us as we solve it. Overall, The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a heart-stopping adventure tale that is sure to become a favorite amongst fans of thriller and crime action books alike.
The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a work of thriller fiction set in the medical sub-genre and was penned by author Gabriel Farago. This involved and cunning mystery is a standalone novel, but it also features as the fifth book in the Jack Rogan Mysteries series. In this particular adventure, the Australian journalist Jack Rogan finds himself derailed once again in the search for answers about the vanishing of his mother years ago. When a famous astrophysicist is kidnapped, Jack dives in headfirst to search and rescue, but when his exploits see him arrive at a horrifying hospital ship, things really take a turn for the worst.
Author Gabriel Farago knows how to make a good thriller tick, and the pacing of this quite long novel makes for a fast and furious read that will keep you turning its pages. The different obstacles and enemies which come into play in the novel are grounded in realistic roots, which makes them all the more dangerous and exciting to read about as Jack gets deeper into the mystery. Fans of detective fiction are sure to enjoy this capable hero for his intellect and sharp thinking in a crisis, but there’s also a generosity from the author to allow us to share in the investigation without everything being spoon-fed to us as we solve it. Overall, The Curious Case of the Missing Head is a heart-stopping adventure tale that is sure to become a favorite amongst fans of thriller and crime action books alike.
Recommend this book:
Mary Bernadette: Secrets of a Dallas Moon
A Young Vietnamese Girl's Tale from the Grave about the Killing of JFK
John F. Bronzo
2019 Finalist
426 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Tiffany Ferrell for Readers' Favorite
Mary Bernadette: Secrets of a Dallas Moon is told from the point of view of a couple of people involved in a secret mission during the Vietnam War. The main character is Mary Bernadette, a young Vietnamese orphan who was brutally murdered in 1971 with twelve other girls and a novice at the Catholic orphanage they loved. Mary’s story begins with finding out that she was half white and half Vietnamese, given away by a mother whom she’d never known. The nun who was in charge, Sister Kate Sullivan, had taken a liking to this child. The novel then takes a dark and twisted turn when a strange injured man is found in the jungle near the orphanage. Sister Kate, feeling it her duty to aid this injured man, brought him in to help. This stranger turned out to be a Russian and, while delirious, he began talking about being the second gunman in the Kennedy assassination. What is at stake, and what happened to Mary Bernadette in 1971?
This is the first historical novel that I have read based during the Vietnam War and I must admit it has had a profound effect on me.
John F. Bronzo has written an amazing piece of work involving many characters which you automatically feel ties to and can connect with. The fact that it is essentially a tale told by a murdered child has such a powerful effect and sets the tone of the story immediately. He also gives such a strong case to what might be one of the biggest conspiracy theories - was there a second gunman in the Kennedy assassination, and did Russia have a hand in it? It may be fiction, but there are so many people who believe that Lee Harvey Oswald wasn’t the only shooter that fateful day in Dallas. It leaves the reader with the ‘what if’ feeling and you find yourself rethinking what you know from history books and going over the evidence one more time. Mary Bernadette: Secrets of a Dallas Moon has been one of the most eye-opening books I have read so far this year. It also gave me more insight into an era that, as a high schooler, our teachers often skimmed past.
Mary Bernadette: Secrets of a Dallas Moon is told from the point of view of a couple of people involved in a secret mission during the Vietnam War. The main character is Mary Bernadette, a young Vietnamese orphan who was brutally murdered in 1971 with twelve other girls and a novice at the Catholic orphanage they loved. Mary’s story begins with finding out that she was half white and half Vietnamese, given away by a mother whom she’d never known. The nun who was in charge, Sister Kate Sullivan, had taken a liking to this child. The novel then takes a dark and twisted turn when a strange injured man is found in the jungle near the orphanage. Sister Kate, feeling it her duty to aid this injured man, brought him in to help. This stranger turned out to be a Russian and, while delirious, he began talking about being the second gunman in the Kennedy assassination. What is at stake, and what happened to Mary Bernadette in 1971?
This is the first historical novel that I have read based during the Vietnam War and I must admit it has had a profound effect on me.
John F. Bronzo has written an amazing piece of work involving many characters which you automatically feel ties to and can connect with. The fact that it is essentially a tale told by a murdered child has such a powerful effect and sets the tone of the story immediately. He also gives such a strong case to what might be one of the biggest conspiracy theories - was there a second gunman in the Kennedy assassination, and did Russia have a hand in it? It may be fiction, but there are so many people who believe that Lee Harvey Oswald wasn’t the only shooter that fateful day in Dallas. It leaves the reader with the ‘what if’ feeling and you find yourself rethinking what you know from history books and going over the evidence one more time. Mary Bernadette: Secrets of a Dallas Moon has been one of the most eye-opening books I have read so far this year. It also gave me more insight into an era that, as a high schooler, our teachers often skimmed past.
Recommend this book:
See No More
Whitney Dineen
2019 Honorable Mention
389 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
See No More by Whitney Dineen is the story of Kate Randolph, a strong and independent woman who has overcome - at least to outsiders - the abandonment of her father twenty-five years beforehand when she was eight years old. As she sits with her sister, she receives a call from a man named Jake, informing her that her father has died. Old wounds are reopened as Kate goes to Oregon to settle his estate. As it turns out, Jake was more than just some guy on the phone; he was her father's dearest friend, entrusted with her safety as she is given clues pertaining to his life, his work, and the reasons why he left her, her sister, and their mother behind in California. But as the reality of what's happened unfolds and the vast danger surrounding what he knew to be true is revealed, Kate finds herself in a crisis that, if she is unable to rein it in, more than just her own life will be lost.
See No More by Whitney Dineen is a thriller filled with twists, turns, and many layers that unfold in the most wonderful, unexpected ways. Kate is an instantly endearing character with a strong sense of self and, more importantly, selflessness that comes boldly through in a time when anyone else would be anything but. The settings are well drawn and the action begins right out of the gate, but to me the biggest twist came less than a third of the way through when Kate goes back to California with Jake to meet someone important, and finds someone else there - completely unexpected - that drives the story up by about a million watts. Man, do I love an electrifying development! I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy excellent suspense and elevated heart rates, with a nice side of environmental cheerleading tossed in for good measure.
See No More by Whitney Dineen is the story of Kate Randolph, a strong and independent woman who has overcome - at least to outsiders - the abandonment of her father twenty-five years beforehand when she was eight years old. As she sits with her sister, she receives a call from a man named Jake, informing her that her father has died. Old wounds are reopened as Kate goes to Oregon to settle his estate. As it turns out, Jake was more than just some guy on the phone; he was her father's dearest friend, entrusted with her safety as she is given clues pertaining to his life, his work, and the reasons why he left her, her sister, and their mother behind in California. But as the reality of what's happened unfolds and the vast danger surrounding what he knew to be true is revealed, Kate finds herself in a crisis that, if she is unable to rein it in, more than just her own life will be lost.
See No More by Whitney Dineen is a thriller filled with twists, turns, and many layers that unfold in the most wonderful, unexpected ways. Kate is an instantly endearing character with a strong sense of self and, more importantly, selflessness that comes boldly through in a time when anyone else would be anything but. The settings are well drawn and the action begins right out of the gate, but to me the biggest twist came less than a third of the way through when Kate goes back to California with Jake to meet someone important, and finds someone else there - completely unexpected - that drives the story up by about a million watts. Man, do I love an electrifying development! I'd recommend this book to readers who enjoy excellent suspense and elevated heart rates, with a nice side of environmental cheerleading tossed in for good measure.
Recommend this book:
Louisiana Blood
A Chandler Travis and Duke Lanoix Mystery
Mike Donald
2019 Bronze Medal
424 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In Louisiana Blood: A Chandler Travis and Duke Lanoix Mystery, Mike Donald weaves a thriller that combines family dirty secrets with a conspiracy, an evocation of one of the goriest moments of a serial killer. Detective Chandler Travis has always had an inquisitive mind and he delights in unraveling mysteries, a trait he has inherited from his great-grandfather, a cub reporter when Jack the Ripper made news across London with his macabre killings. Travis’s family has been so involved and curious about the case. When Travis receives the call, he doesn’t know what to believe, wondering if his family had been behind one of the greatest conspiracies of all time. With the remains of the first five victims of Jack the Ripper discovered in present-day Louisiana, Travis teams up with a local sheriff to uncover the truth. They aren’t aware of what awaits them.
Mike Donald does an impeccable job in blending the past with the present in a tale filled with mystery and evocative of a historical period fraught with fear inspired by a serial killer. The narrative begins in wintry weather in 1893, and the author creates a captivating scene that absorbs the reader and makes them want to follow the story. For me, the great opening offered huge promise and I was keen to see how the author developed it. And it never disappointed. The vivid descriptions filled the pages of this book and the author built on the intensity of the emotions of the characters, giving readers clear images painted with forensic clarity. Louisiana Blood: A Chandler Travis and Duke Lanoix Mystery is suspenseful, filled with intrigue and the quest for clues that keeps the reader’s mind at work.
In Louisiana Blood: A Chandler Travis and Duke Lanoix Mystery, Mike Donald weaves a thriller that combines family dirty secrets with a conspiracy, an evocation of one of the goriest moments of a serial killer. Detective Chandler Travis has always had an inquisitive mind and he delights in unraveling mysteries, a trait he has inherited from his great-grandfather, a cub reporter when Jack the Ripper made news across London with his macabre killings. Travis’s family has been so involved and curious about the case. When Travis receives the call, he doesn’t know what to believe, wondering if his family had been behind one of the greatest conspiracies of all time. With the remains of the first five victims of Jack the Ripper discovered in present-day Louisiana, Travis teams up with a local sheriff to uncover the truth. They aren’t aware of what awaits them.
Mike Donald does an impeccable job in blending the past with the present in a tale filled with mystery and evocative of a historical period fraught with fear inspired by a serial killer. The narrative begins in wintry weather in 1893, and the author creates a captivating scene that absorbs the reader and makes them want to follow the story. For me, the great opening offered huge promise and I was keen to see how the author developed it. And it never disappointed. The vivid descriptions filled the pages of this book and the author built on the intensity of the emotions of the characters, giving readers clear images painted with forensic clarity. Louisiana Blood: A Chandler Travis and Duke Lanoix Mystery is suspenseful, filled with intrigue and the quest for clues that keeps the reader’s mind at work.
Recommend this book:
Into the Darkness
Sibel Hodge
2019 Silver Medal
300 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge is a gripping psychological thriller. What do the missing, the vigilante and the detective all have in common? Toni is being held a prisoner in a basement. She discovered something on the internet that she wasn’t meant to see, resulting in her abduction and nobody can hear her screams for help. Her mother and Mitchell, an ex-operative for the SAS, start looking for Toni and what Mitchell discovers has him racing to get her before time runs out. DS Warren Carter just wanted an easier life. The murder of a couple draws him into a case that is anything but easy; the deeper he looks, the more twisted the crime. The missing, the vigilante and the detective – each has their own story to tell.
Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge is a chilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Delving into the dark web, a place where nobody should go, this is a gripping tale of torture and evil. Told from the viewpoint of the three main characters, in the first person, each chapter is short and to the point, each leaving you wanting more. It is a dark story, one that moves at a good pace with plenty of suspense and tension. The characters are real, they are identifiable and wholly believable, their stories weaved into one big story that will haunt you long after you finish it. This is a story of layers, each one going deeper and leading to darker layers, interspersed with a bit of humor which did lighten things up. Thoroughly enjoyed this, highly recommended for anyone who loves a crime thriller that goes just that little bit further.
Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge is a gripping psychological thriller. What do the missing, the vigilante and the detective all have in common? Toni is being held a prisoner in a basement. She discovered something on the internet that she wasn’t meant to see, resulting in her abduction and nobody can hear her screams for help. Her mother and Mitchell, an ex-operative for the SAS, start looking for Toni and what Mitchell discovers has him racing to get her before time runs out. DS Warren Carter just wanted an easier life. The murder of a couple draws him into a case that is anything but easy; the deeper he looks, the more twisted the crime. The missing, the vigilante and the detective – each has their own story to tell.
Into the Darkness by Sibel Hodge is a chilling story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Delving into the dark web, a place where nobody should go, this is a gripping tale of torture and evil. Told from the viewpoint of the three main characters, in the first person, each chapter is short and to the point, each leaving you wanting more. It is a dark story, one that moves at a good pace with plenty of suspense and tension. The characters are real, they are identifiable and wholly believable, their stories weaved into one big story that will haunt you long after you finish it. This is a story of layers, each one going deeper and leading to darker layers, interspersed with a bit of humor which did lighten things up. Thoroughly enjoyed this, highly recommended for anyone who loves a crime thriller that goes just that little bit further.
Recommend this book:
The Cold Trail
Book Four of the Sean Kruger Series
J.C. Fields
2019 Gold Medal
355 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Cold Trail is a work of suspenseful dramatic fiction penned by author J.C. Fields and the fourth book in the Sean Kruger detective mystery series. Retired FBI profiler Kruger is busy teaching at his university campus when a graduate student is suddenly kidnapped. Kruger finds the circumstances too familiar to ignore and sets about reopening a case from more than twenty years ago, and a series of further disappearances in its wake. With the help of his IT expert and friend JR Diminski, the data is crunched and the clues are unearthed to attempt to catch a killer, but Kruger has to face the risk that he might fail at the case yet again.
Readers who enjoy a tightly contained plot with strict turns and sharp twists are certain to unpick every enjoyable detail of author J.C. Fields’s creation. Sean Kruger is well developed as a powerful and capable central figure, leading the investigation with a gravitas that well becomes his age and experience. I found the plot links and evidence highly realistic, like following a real crime scene, and the profiling skills that Kruger displays are beautiful to watch and figure out alongside him. The descriptions add to the scenes only when necessary, relying largely on dialogue and character representation to drive the most compelling of moments. As such, the narration is quick to read and full of little details not to be missed, making it a fast-paced page-turner. Overall, I would highly recommend The Cold Trail to crime fans everywhere.
The Cold Trail is a work of suspenseful dramatic fiction penned by author J.C. Fields and the fourth book in the Sean Kruger detective mystery series. Retired FBI profiler Kruger is busy teaching at his university campus when a graduate student is suddenly kidnapped. Kruger finds the circumstances too familiar to ignore and sets about reopening a case from more than twenty years ago, and a series of further disappearances in its wake. With the help of his IT expert and friend JR Diminski, the data is crunched and the clues are unearthed to attempt to catch a killer, but Kruger has to face the risk that he might fail at the case yet again.
Readers who enjoy a tightly contained plot with strict turns and sharp twists are certain to unpick every enjoyable detail of author J.C. Fields’s creation. Sean Kruger is well developed as a powerful and capable central figure, leading the investigation with a gravitas that well becomes his age and experience. I found the plot links and evidence highly realistic, like following a real crime scene, and the profiling skills that Kruger displays are beautiful to watch and figure out alongside him. The descriptions add to the scenes only when necessary, relying largely on dialogue and character representation to drive the most compelling of moments. As such, the narration is quick to read and full of little details not to be missed, making it a fast-paced page-turner. Overall, I would highly recommend The Cold Trail to crime fans everywhere.
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