Reviewed by Gobi Jane for Readers' Favorite

The Pinebox Vendetta by Jeff Bond is the first book in the Pruitt-Gallagher saga, and it follows the devastating consequences of a feud that has existed between two families since revolutionary times. On a weekend, when the Yale University class of 1996 plans their reunion, each member of the two feudal families belonging to that class is expected to be present. Owen Gallagher is positioning himself for the Democratic nomination for the presidency. Rock Pruitt, an eccentric character whose political career was marred decades ago because of a tragic death in which he was involved, is sailing back to take his rightful place in the clan. Samantha Lessing is a woman with her own personal and marital troubles and she has a plan for the reunion: make an audio documentary of the conflict between Pruitt and Gallagher. What happens next is a revelation with far more repercussions than anyone might have imagined.

This is a story that is written in a style that is atmospheric and with characters that are rich and colorful. The political setting reflects the tensions American politics faces today, with characters that allow ancient feuds to drive them. There is a powerful twist in the story and a lot that no one could see coming. Family, politics, clan loyalty, murder, and mystery are a few of the themes that are deftly written into the story. Jeff Bond is a great storyteller who creates unforgettable characters and a conflict that moves the plot forward in strange directions. The Pinebox Vendetta is intensely emotional, packed with action, and elements that provide utter entertainment to readers. Can’t wait to read the next book in the saga.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Rinn's Crossing by Russell Heath, as Rinn van Ness, a local Alaskan man, slips quietly away from a crime scene and into the forest, he is unaware that a man is about to die. When his former lover, Kit Olinsky, a conservation advocate, is arrested for the man's murder, it seems all the evidence is stacked against her. Kit's arrest is a relief for the local corrupt senator who can now exploit the native people and land. When Kit is released on bail, she is determined to take any action necessary to save her beloved Alaska and clear her name. As the fight begins against a damaging legislative bill, Kit is reunited with her true love Rinn who has come out of hiding to help her. Rinn will sacrifice anything to save Kit; however, what she reveals will change his life forever.

Rinn's Crossing by Russell Heath has a powerful storyline that will grip your attention from the beginning. The three main characters, Rinn, Kit and Dan, are memorable, realistic and all created with strong values. I especially thought Dan's selfless actions at the end were admirable and showed such strength of character. The plot has so many layers to it; government corruption, environmental issues and a battle to preserve a native people's heritage. I also loved the added dimension of a love story between Rinn and Kit. The conflict and suspense are brilliantly placed and the twists and turns powerfully executed. The author cleverly leads you down one path only to lead you in yet another direction. The whole novel will provoke many moral questions regarding conserving nature or the culture of a people. The ending was exceptional and will bring a tear to your eye.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

The first few chapters of The Power of the Cave by JD Shiner literally explode with events that keep readers turning pages, as Napoleon Hancock and Cassandra Caro throw themselves into efforts to retrieve a spectacular ancient sword stolen from them by terrorists. Why would an ancient sword be of interest to terrorists in this day and age? And how did Napoleon and Cassandra come by it in the first place? The answers to those questions lie in the recently discovered and almost surreal Caves of Corihor, now being explored by a team of archeologists.

But while the archeologists work their way toward unraveling the secrets of the caves, Napoleon and Caro find their efforts being thwarted by a mole in the Presidential Praetorian Initiative. The terrorists always seem to know what their next move will be! But the team has a job to do and nothing short of death is going to stop them. Between being jetted across the globe by super aircraft and parachuting down onto a night-dark sea to somehow get inside an elusive sub, the action never stops. And just when you think it’s all over, Shiner tacks on a few chapters from the upcoming third book in the series.

If there’s one thing I can say with certainty about this second book in the Caves of Corihor Series, The Power of the Cave by JD Shiner, it’s that this author really knows his stuff when it comes to military weaponry, wireless communication, developing technologies and a whole lot more like fast cars and futuristic aircraft. If that coincides with your interests, you will love The Power of the Cave. The pace rarely slows down so terrorist thriller fans will be on the edge of their seats. The book is written so graphically you will find yourself visualizing all the action on the big screen. Dialogue is plentiful and realistic as are the characters. There is romance but it’s secondary to the exciting plot and the possibilities of what the caves might eventually reveal about the past. It’s with that last possibility that JD Shiner ensures we’ll want to read book three. Well done!

Reviewed by Kimberlee J Benart for Readers' Favorite

If you enjoy action-packed military thrillers that blend high tech weaponry and cyberwarfare with a suspenseful plot and engaging characters, Okinawa: This is the Future of War (Book 2 in the Future War series) by FX Holden is for you. The year is 2033. Japan has turned to powerful China as its primary political, military, and trading partner in the region, and China has joined in Japan’s call for the US to remove its few remaining forces from Okinawa. To mark the inception of their mutual defense treaty, China and Japan hold their first joint naval exercise featuring China’s highly advanced Artificial Intelligence-assisted weapons systems. However, China’s ambitions reach far beyond a new treaty, and the exercise may be only a smokescreen for their true intentions.

In Okinawa, Holden gives us an artful blend of futuristic military conflict and political intrigue. The narrative is descriptive and well-paced, reaching back to World War II and looking forward to the deepest, darkest aspects of stealth technology and cyberwarfare. The protagonists are well-developed and finely drawn characters whose motivations and abilities, let alone their courage and determination, provide for heroic actions in the face of seemingly impossible odds. The plot includes enough unexpected twists and turns to keep the reader wondering how it will all end as new subplots are revealed. Set in a time not far from our “here and now” and springing from Asian power struggles and cultural divides that are ancient in origin yet populate our news headlines today, Okinawa is an enjoyable and entertaining read for anyone. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Picture a highly sophisticated, technologically advanced organization controlled by a clever control freak of superior intelligence, whose personal agenda is world domination of key areas of politics, society, entertainment and media. Envision a limitless access to money that allows Victor Youngblood to hire the best people for a multitude of positions in his organization, Mousetrap. Yes, his organization is just like the board game you enjoyed as a child, but once you get caught in Youngblood’s mousetrap, there is no escape. When Youngblood discovers Jeremy Prince, he knows he has found the perfect person to succeed him once he reaches his goals. Together with the other talented members of Mousetrap, they work on assuring that the presidential candidate who will best serve Youngblood’s plans gets elected. But then there’s the good Elijah, an independent who begins capturing the hearts and minds of American voters and poses a serious threat to Youngblood’s dreams. As the days to the election count down, good people get trapped and die, and tensions reach an all-time high for Youngblood, Jeremy and, best of all, for the readers of Manipulated.

Oh boy! If you follow President Trump’s incessant tweets and roll your eyes at his every mention of “fake news”, Manipulated by John Ford Clayton might make you wonder if Trump has a point. Furthermore, don’t be surprised if, as you read this unique and riveting book, you find yourself again thinking about what happened during the 2016 US elections. Could that outcome have been the result of a situation similar to that presented in Manipulated? The possibility is mind-blowing. I can honestly say I have never read a novel quite like Manipulated. The entire concept is brilliant. It’s also downright frightening. I challenge readers to close this book and not wonder if we too are being manipulated each time we read or listen to the news. Is that news real or fake? John Ford Clayton is a remarkable writer with a great command of plot, characterization and dialogue. And here’s the best part: he has two sequels already underway. Hurry up and write that next book, John. Your newest fan can’t wait!

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

Blood in the Water by Rick Outzen is the story of a man named Walker Holmes, a newspaper publisher whose life is falling apart. He got the shock of his life when his girlfriend left him, his arch nemesis is trying to become unstoppable and a woman he saved from a terrible life is found brutally murdered. As if that wasn’t enough, nature strikes his city in a devastating way and almost everything is destroyed. To make matters even worse, the county jail has an explosion in which hundreds of people are injured and many die. Now it is up to Walker to investigate what really happened at the county jail and uncover their nefarious plans. However, things are a lot more complicated than he initially thought, but he is not one to hold back.

Blood in the Water by Rick Outzen is an amazingly entertaining and thrilling novel. Although this is the second novel in a series that I haven't read, I had no issues in catching up with the characters and enjoying the story. There wasn’t a moment in which I felt as if the story was lagging or there was anything missing. I enjoyed the characters, the storyline and even the vile Sheriff Ron Frost. I think this is largely because of the narrative and how the story was written; the author did a wonderful job at keeping the narrative light, humorous and very witty. These were perhaps some of the best dialogues I have ever read; they were well constructed, crisp and very entertaining. There isn’t any aspect of the novel that I did not enjoy. Simply amazing!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

When a U.S. Senator is found dead in his hotel room in Brazil, Max Ford, a former CIA operative turned private detective, takes notice, not the least because Senator Jeffrey Lance was her friend, but his wife, Allison, was also Maxine’s best friend. Before long, Max finds herself up to her neck in deaths, conspiracies and even the “deep state.” With her many connections within the government, Maxine Ford has access that most private detectives would die for, but she also knows from past experience that when she starts rocking the boat at this level, people get agitated and that is not good for her health. In The Beekeeper’s Secret (Max Ford Thrillers), Sally Fernandez brings us a chillingly realistic tale of natural medicine and honey bees versus 'Big Pharma' and the trillions of dollars that are at stake in the battle to discover a cure for that most pernicious of diseases – cancer.

If you love conspiracy theories, especially ones that involve the very highest echelons of the US government, you’ll adore Sally Fernandez’s The Beekeeper's Secret. This story is only one of the Max Ford thrillers this author has penned and, although the story stands alone as a readable thriller, there is a connection to earlier tales so having read those would be a definite advantage. Fernandez writes with clarity and with evidently well-done research as she fleshes out a story that has scientific undertones. Her ability to clearly elucidate scientific research to her readers is definitely a winning hallmark of this author’s style. The plot twists and turns with surprising regularity as the story races to its final conclusion, yet still leaves the door open for the next book in the Max Ford series. I enjoyed this read and would definitely put Sally Fernandez high on my list of excellent thriller writers.

Reviewed by Viga Boland for Readers' Favorite

Martyrs al-Sabra by Dan M. Kalin is one of the best books I have ever read. What a remarkable thriller and what a talented writer! Let me begin by saying I usually avoid really long books, especially those involving politics and terrorism. So many of them spend copious amounts of time padding the pages with the backstories about each character, consequently slowing down the plot and testing reader patience. But that’s not the way Dan M. Kalin writes. From the moment he introduces us to the mysterious “Hammer” and the stunning Nayla, as they wait, like millions of Americans to see the outcome of the 2020 presidential elections, we are trying to figure out exactly who they are. By the time we find out, we are so emotionally invested in what they are doing and why, we are holding our breaths as we turn those many pages looking for answers and finding more and more twists, turns and surprises.

The Hammer and his team are planning an act of terrorism that, if successful, will double the number of deaths seen in the 911 horror. Their plot takes months of careful team preparation, involves a wealthy, self-important Saudi prince with an itchy trigger finger and a beautiful woman engaged in adulterous sex with the husband of the newly elected female president. By the time the big catastrophe is scheduled to occur, FBI agents are scrambling to locate the Hammer, identify the many snipers randomly killing or injuring Americans, including children, and desperately seeking a way to prevent the pending massive loss of life.

The tension in Martyrs al-Sabra never stops rising. Nor does it end after the big event takes place. It’s followed by another series of even more gripping events all brilliantly set in motion by the Hammer. His commitment to his cause justifies his every action and even love cannot deter him from achieving his goals. Can anyone stop the Hammer? Kalin’s writing style is tightly edited, giving readers only what they need to know and keeping them forever in suspense. The plentiful use of dialogue keeps the pace moving swiftly. Friendship and love are explored through the key characters’ actions and words, while the occasional poke at the unnamed Tweeting president prior to 2020 is welcome comic relief.

Martyrs al-Sabra provided everything this reader enjoys in good book and more. The best news is that Dan M. Kalin is already writing the sequel to this novel and his closing chapter gives us a hint of what’s ahead for the Hammer in that sequel. Dare I say I can’t wait to read it, along with another book Kalin plans to release in 2019 titled Pandora’s Children. Bring them on Dan! If they’re anything like Martyrs al-Sabra, they’ll be on my bucket list.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Consultant by Tj O'Connor is a fast-paced action thriller in which Jonathan Hunter, an AWOL CIA consultant, learns that running from life has a way of catching up with you in the worst way possible. Jonathan and his brother Kevin have been estranged for years, but when he gets home, he has some surprises that he never anticipated. Things get worse very quickly when he and his brother are caught in gunfire and his brother dies in his arms. Enraged and thirsty for answers, Hunter is now on a quest to find the people who killed his brother and why they did it. However, he soon realizes that things are far more complicated than he ever anticipated. The stakes are high and they are much more than Hunter or his brother. A war is brewing and it seems like there is nothing that can be done to stop it. With terrorists planning to attack from multiple directions, there is nothing an AWOL CIA consultant can do. Fear is everywhere and he does not know who to trust. Can he find out what really happened and avenge his brother?

The Consultant is a very satisfying thriller, one that you will not be able to put down. I think I read it in one go, without any breaks, and I had the time of my life. You rarely come across a novel that just clicks with you and you get lost in it. I enjoyed Hunter’s progress, his thirst to find answers and his determination to make it work. The pace was fast and the plot grew at a heart-thumping rate, which made the story even more enjoyable. I just loved how sarcastic Hunter is throughout the novel. He matures, but you still find that fire in him until the very end. He is not one for apologies, but he knows he is good. That confidence and charisma had me hooked right from the beginning. The author kept the tension and the momentum going and ensured that once I started reading, I did not want to stop.

Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite

Early on in Leave Her Out, a post-political thriller if you will, Daniel Davidsohn introduces a host of highly unique and interesting characters to whet the reader’s appetite for a really good story; including an ex-President of the USA, his ex-Vice President and close friend, Mohe, a Native American, a strongly independent and estranged ex-daughter of the President, and a shy but quite ambitious young female co-gym-worker-outer with the aforementioned estranged ex-daughter. All within the first several pages. Not to mention that moment in Chapter One when the ex-President vanishes – quite literally – from a casual viewer’s eyes. And the mysterious helicopter, of course. So, your appetite is whetted, right? Good; you must be breathing. And the President’s sudden bizarre request for a mental exam? You didn’t really think that was it, did you?

The innate cynicism of Daniel Davidsohn’s engrossing and electrifying thriller, Leave Her Out, should be jarring, or at least depressing, for the more optimistic reader. Instead, it lends ironic freshness to a story where all the characters are flawed, especially the ex-President, but who are also merely human in their wants and needs and positive intentions. Even the villains share humanity. But it is the incredibly unpredictable plotting and unusual situations that will most beguile any veteran of thriller reading. Davidsohn keeps his twists so credible that one wonders why he does not see them coming, as if they are just the most natural next thing to happen. Very difficult to categorize or compare this book, you see. If you are in the mood for something quite unique in a rather over-worked genre, Leave Her Out will thoroughly satisfy your craving.