Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

The Price of Silence by Ulla Hakanson is the story of Amy Robinson who joins her cousin on a kayaking trip in the wilderness of British Columbia. She tries to put an abusive relationship behind her and start life afresh. She makes new friends and together they enjoy the kayaking trip. But she finds herself trapped because her ex-fiance Tyler has been following her. He is on the run from drug gangs and he desperately requires money. He knows Amy has saved some cash for expanding her hair salon business. One of Amy's new friends, Ben Malik, is a cop and she finds herself drawn towards him. But then Tyler pulls her away from her good friends and drags her along with him into his world of drugs and gangsters.

The story is thrilling and exciting. It makes the reader want to know what is going to happen next. The plot is extremely intriguing and filled with suspense. The reader gets a peek into the filthy world of drugs and gangsters. The theme of the story is relevant. It is something that can happen to anyone, getting trapped with the muck of bad boyfriends. The character of Amy trying to escape and find a good life for herself is understandable. British Columbia lends a good backdrop to the story. The destruction that drugs can cause in one's life is portrayed well here. Will Amy be able to get out of the mess? Will Ben Malik be able to save her from Tyler and his group?

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

A Hole in the Head (James Strait Mysteries Book 3) by John Eidswick is an out-and-out action thriller that takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of action, excitement, and emotion. When retired F.B.I. Special Agent James Strait’s estranged brother is murdered, the day after he had sought help from James and been refused it, the former law enforcement officer is stricken with pangs of guilt. Forced to leave his partner and their troubled, teenage foster daughter behind in the small northern Arizona town of Pine River to travel to Tucson to formally identify his murdered brother, James has little idea of the chaos and mayhem he is about to encounter and his own family secrets that he will uncover along the way. James will find himself not only caught up in a massive manhunt for the man who killed his brother but also a serial killer guilty of murdering scores of illegal immigrants who have crossed the Mexican border seeking freedom, asylum, and a better life. James, with his immense bulk and height, plus his history with the F.B.I., is considered by many to be a true American hero but this adventure will test all his physical skills as well as put his emotions through the wringer.

As a professional reviewer, I read hundreds of books a year but few have captured my absolute and undivided attention as much as A Hole in the Head did. Author John Eidswick grabs your attention from the very first paragraph and never lets you get even the slightest bit distracted from the compelling narrative he is spinning. The author’s plotting skills are second to none and even I struggled to pick some of the intricate plot twists he throws in along the way. I particularly enjoyed that this was a substantial story and one that, once started, was impossible to stop. He did a superb job of not only narrating the violent and graphic action scenes in the story but there is also a significant amount of time and effort that went into character development and analysis of James’s motivation and his emotional state. I did appreciate that the story was incredibly timely with the current political situation in America and the state of illegal immigration, especially across the Mexican border. What the author highlights perfectly in this book are the incredibly entrenched viewpoints that seem prevalent across all aspects of American society these days. There are no grey areas anymore, it seems, no middle ground, just two firmly delineated sides to every argument, both of whom appear incapable of empathizing with even a smidgeon of the other’s opinions or beliefs; understanding and compromise are things of the past. This is the third book in the James Strait Mysteries and if this book is to be used as the benchmark, I definitely want to read the first two and indeed any more iterations that this author pens. This is a fantastic story, one of the best books I’ve read in a long time and I can highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

An accomplished psychiatrist named Veronica Kwan Lewis was running from an unknown danger. Veronica found herself in Nevada, where a vehicle hit her, causing memory loss. She had retrograde amnesia that wiped out the last nine years of her life. Veronica only remembered being a student at NYU and her best friend. Detectives also turned up at the hospital to tell Veronica of her husband’s murder, and that she was a prime suspect. Veronica did not know who she was in the present, and the only friend she could recall wanted nothing to do with her. Alone and with no one to trust, Veronica must unveil the truth and secrets within the last nine years of her life or risk jail time. Enjoy Last Liar Standing by Danielle M. Wong.

Last Liar Standing by Danielle M. Wong is a fast-paced and captivating novel that I couldn’t put down. This fantastic page-turner showcased manipulation, greed, and life lessons. I also loved the unique plot and unpredictable yet realistic storyline. The character development was brilliant. I connected with Abby the most because her predicament with Veronica was relatable. We often get so carried away by the new lives we make outside our circles that we forget those who held us back until trouble comes calling. Veronica’s situation with Cheryl was also an eye-opener. Sometimes, it is better to idolize people from afar because getting close will expose you to secrets and darkness about these idols that you can't handle. Wesley was a shocker, and I didn’t expect that twist. The enemy is always within. Congrats to Danielle, a talented writer, for writing this beautiful book.

Reviewed by Stephanie Chapman for Readers' Favorite

In Evasive Species, Bill Byrnes writes the story of Kodra, a Komodo Dragon, and the humans that she encounters after being smuggled into Florida. While Sanchez is giving her food, Kodra bites into his arm. Attempting to free himself, he releases the latch that keeps the massive reptile penned. Kodra rushes off into a canal and vanishes. When Sanchez tells his boss, Kirkland, the hunt begins. Meanwhile, a hungry Kodra begins her hunt. After the mysterious disappearance of two people, the Palm Beach area panics with claims of a man-eating alligator. To throw off the law, Kirkland releases a Nile Crocodile into the reserve, claiming the animal escaped from his reptile zoo. TJ Forte, a specialist in invasive species, is called in by Sheriff Rodriguez. Samantha Brown joins the group in the search. As they discover clues along the way, they realize that they are no longer looking for an alligator. How many people will the Komodo Dragon kill? Will they catch her before she disappears into the Everglades?

I enjoyed how Bill Byrnes gave Kodra a personality. Instead of a mindless creature that just killed, he created her with calculating thoughts and actions. TJ was my favorite character in the story with his empathy for other people, including a boy who was catching Iguanas and selling them. His confidence didn’t waver in the governor's face, even when she fired him from the case. Instead of telling her she couldn’t fire him since he was a federal employee, he let her think she had some sort of authority. The vivid imagery of the surroundings that Kodra entered was easy to envision, and the story flowed well, with enough action and building suspense. The end of the story is left open for a sequel. I also learned several facts about Komodo Dragons, including they can be asexual. As the story progressed, I could see how Kodra learned and could hone her skills, making her a formidable predator. I would recommend Evasive Species to readers who like a story full of action, scenarios of what bringing non-native species into the ecosystem can cause, and crime stories.

Reviewed by Jennifer Ibiam for Readers' Favorite

Dr. Nick Carlotti was an accomplished craniofacial surgeon at odds with God, faith, and Christianity. His mother, Liza, was the most devoted Christian he knew, yet God didn’t save her from a horrifying accident and death. However, Nick didn’t believe that Liza died as reported. Someone killed her. His father, Tony, was a drug baron who had many enemies, and they were at loggerheads because he chose a different path. Did Tony kill Liza, and why? Then there was his elder brother, Eddie, filled with hate for whatever reasons. Did he have motives? Nick vowed to find his mother’s killer, but the closer he got to the truth, the more dangerous it became. He will discover that there is more to some things than meets the eye in Carlotti by David Dalrymple.

Carlotti by David Dalrymple was a riveting novel that held my attention from start to finish. This book will appeal to lovers of crime, law enforcement, and cartel stories. I loved the unique plot and realistic storyline as they resonated with me. David juxtaposed faith, medicine, and tribulations, and I could relate. Often, I come across cases, especially in pediatrics and oncology, that question my faith in God. However, He is always there in the storm with us. I loved the character development and enjoyed watching them evolve. Amongst a people ruled by greed, no one is indispensable. This phrase was the case of Rock, Peter, and Scalise. The novel had a steady pace that became intense and resulted in the perfect climax. David wrote with style, told a beautiful story, and served up a satisfying ending.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Do you love movies like Top Gun? If action-packed military thrillers are your genre, waste no time and get yourself a copy of Treason Flight by T.R. Matson. Jack "Rattler" Owen is a strong-willed Navy pilot with an unblemished reputation amongst his peers. After heroically saving a Hawkeye aircraft and its crew over the Persian Gulf, Rattler's fame rises further. As he mourns his upcoming divorce, his friend Clipper introduces him to an Australian woman named Sandy during one of their port calls. But it's cut short when an oil rig owned by a US company comes under siege from Al Qaeda, and a hostage rescue mission is prepared where Rattler must pilot a Hawkeye. However, there might be a traitor in their midst who not only jeopardizes the mission but throws Rattler and his friends into a deeper conspiracy.

Treason Flight is a wild thrill ride that pumps you with constant doses of adrenaline from beginning to end. The plot moves at a blistering pace, and the vividly described action sequences keep the reader hooked to its pages. There are intimate moments where T.R. Matson captures a personalized look into the headspace of a Navy pilot, and it provides a fascinating perspective to the reader. The twists and turns of the plot feel organic yet not-so-easy to predict. I found the characters likable and easy to root for, and Rattler, Clipper, and Sandy were my personal favorites of the bunch. I had an absolute blast reading Treason Flight. I would recommend it to fans of action-oriented thrillers.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

The Amazon Conspiracy is a thrilling novel filled with action and intrigue written by S.J. Philips. Henry Foster, chief researcher at the Pitiri Research Station in the Amazon, gets a monumental shakeup when an Australian TV crew led by hosts Clare Andersen and Aidan Green seek his help to navigate the Amazon rain forest. After dining with the local Indian Baniwa tribe, the crew insists on exploring a remote mine, leading to a confrontation with soldiers from an unknown faction that sees Henry, Clare, and their associate, Bill, being held captives against their will. As they find their way out of the forest, Henry and Clare embroil themselves in a conspiracy involving a South American nation hell-bent on proliferating a nuclear weapon.

The Amazon Conspiracy is a delicious mix of mystery, action, and intrigue that you just don't want to put down. Author S.J. Philips takes you on a wild rollercoaster of a ride through the dense forests of the Amazon that make you think about the tenuous relationship of human behavior concerning nature. The narrative flows smooth and fast, complemented by a plot that is riddled with twists and turns to keep your eyes glued to the pages. The characters have well-developed arcs with distinct personalities that make them thoroughly compelling to read. I found Henry, Clare, and Professor Berto to be my personal favorites of the bunch. I would recommend The Amazon Conspiracy to anyone who loves well-written thrillers set in nature.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Dance Towards Death: The Brotherhood Chronicle is a work of fiction in the thriller, crime, and suspense subgenres, and was penned by author Tejas Desai. Written for the mature adult reading audience, the work contains some explicit language, graphic violence, and sexual situations, and is the third installment in the series. In this volume, we find ourselves once again following the exploits of private investigator Niral Solanke as a swirling maelstrom of international crimes brings international influences to a tense peak filled with conflict. A big deal in Long Island sets the stage for more crime and conspiracy, leading to a startling conclusion that readers won’t see coming.

Author Tejas Desai presents modern crime thriller fiction in the most compelling of ways, delivering the kind of action blockbuster we can only dream of in a more enlightened movie industry in the future. I was thoroughly impressed with the many intricacies of the plot and how the narration lends itself to gently reminding readers of those strands until they all coincide and weave into the main plot. The surrounding atmosphere and character work really direct your attention to the right place at the right time for the best impact. The dialogue too was an enormous bonus, with its suave build-up of suspense and easily differentiated characters and personalities, and so many socio-cultural ideas and values blending seamlessly into the plot as a result. Overall, I would highly recommend The Dance Towards Death for readers who enjoy deeply considered and socially aware plotting, realistic thriller characters, and high stakes tension in every chapter.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Inside Passage: A Corey Logan Thriller is a work of fiction in the psychological drama, family drama, and intelligent thriller sub-genres, and was written by author Burt Weissbourd. The opening novel to the Corey Logan Trilogy series, we find ourselves in a drama-packed novel for adult readers where our central protagonist is a fierce female ex-con who knows she was set up for crimes she didn’t commit. With a young son to care for, Corey must carefully toe the line with the secret dirt that she has on state attorney general candidate Nick Season, and find a way to skirt the life or death situations that find her en route.

Author Burt Weissbourd has crafted a highly compelling and originally narrated work that uncovers the complexities of politics, social structures, and the human mind as it delivers its exciting and twisting plot. An explosive introduction to what promises to be a thrilling trilogy of novels, I was really impressed with the development of Corey as a capable central hero with much to balance and consider despite her ferocity for justice and the truth. The psychological developments of the plot really hold water, deepening, and becoming more and more intriguing as the story unfolds. I also found the setting descriptive and illuminating, weaving in and around Seattle so vividly that you could be walking the streets there. Overall, I would recommend Inside Passage as a truly immersive and accomplished work of thriller fiction that will suit those who appreciate intelligent and deeply involved drama.

Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite

Steel Trap is the fourth installment of The Jack Steel Action Mystery Thriller series by Geoffrey Saign. Jack and Christie embark on a top-secret mission to retrieve a CIA asset from the Bahamas. However, their plan goes haywire when men belonging to a rogue Russian SVR agent, Dima Borodin -- involved with the murky world of human trafficking -- appear to abduct the same agent, Mattia Leone. Matt has a list containing the names of powerful individuals involved with the global trafficking of young women. With their backs against the wall, Jack and his team receive unexpected help from a mysterious woman who saves the life of Matt's girlfriend and former SVR officer Anton Sokolov's daughter, Valentina. But now, a team of rogue mercenaries is on their trail who will stop at nothing to get their way. Can Jack complete this mission?

A breathtaking mix of action and suspense makes Geoffery Saign's wild rollercoaster of a novel an absolute blast to go through. Steel Trap provides thrills galore as we follow a close-knit group of highly trained individuals working in a protection agency hired by the CIA and finding themselves embroiled in a global conspiracy facing mercenaries who match them step by step. The plot moves at a blistering pace, keeping you engaged with its twists and turns and an action-packed narrative. I found the characters well-developed and easy to root for. The camaraderie between the members of the Greensave Protection Agency was my favorite aspect of the book. If you're a fan of action-packed thrillers, definitely check out Steel Trap.