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Recommend this book:
Black Glove
M.A.N.
2026 Finalist
348 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Black Glove by M.A.N. is an action-driven, emotionally charged superhero thriller rooted in street justice and personal pain. We're with Leroy Black, who is certainly no stranger to loss. After witnessing the murder of his father and brother, he makes it his mission to bring down the criminal networks that hold New York City in their grip. With the help of genius scientist Tamara Jones, he becomes 'Black Glove,' a vigilante armed with high-tech gear and unwavering resolve. His final battleground is the Bermuda Triangle—a crime-ridden pocket of the city ruled by three warlords whose influence runs deep. As he punches his way through corruption, betrayal, and impossible odds, Leroy is forced to reckon with how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice in the name of justice.
Author M.A.N. has a great sense of pacing and how to drop the next beat of a story for maximum impact, and delivers a high-octane narrative full of adrenaline and intensity, but grounds it in compelling emotional stakes. Leroy’s inner turmoil and his partnership with Tamara provide a strong human foundation beneath the superhero armor. The villains are distinct and sinister, giving the plot a true sense of danger and tension. What makes the book stand out is its blend of comic-book flair with realistic grit—it does not shy away from the consequences of violence or the murky ethics of vigilantism. The fight scenes are cinematic, the pacing relentless, and the emotional beats genuinely moving. Overall, Black Glove is a fierce, fast-paced, and recommended story that proves superheroes can still pack a punch when they are built from real pain and purpose.
Black Glove by M.A.N. is an action-driven, emotionally charged superhero thriller rooted in street justice and personal pain. We're with Leroy Black, who is certainly no stranger to loss. After witnessing the murder of his father and brother, he makes it his mission to bring down the criminal networks that hold New York City in their grip. With the help of genius scientist Tamara Jones, he becomes 'Black Glove,' a vigilante armed with high-tech gear and unwavering resolve. His final battleground is the Bermuda Triangle—a crime-ridden pocket of the city ruled by three warlords whose influence runs deep. As he punches his way through corruption, betrayal, and impossible odds, Leroy is forced to reckon with how much of himself he’s willing to sacrifice in the name of justice.
Author M.A.N. has a great sense of pacing and how to drop the next beat of a story for maximum impact, and delivers a high-octane narrative full of adrenaline and intensity, but grounds it in compelling emotional stakes. Leroy’s inner turmoil and his partnership with Tamara provide a strong human foundation beneath the superhero armor. The villains are distinct and sinister, giving the plot a true sense of danger and tension. What makes the book stand out is its blend of comic-book flair with realistic grit—it does not shy away from the consequences of violence or the murky ethics of vigilantism. The fight scenes are cinematic, the pacing relentless, and the emotional beats genuinely moving. Overall, Black Glove is a fierce, fast-paced, and recommended story that proves superheroes can still pack a punch when they are built from real pain and purpose.
Recommend this book:
Vesper
Evan Marks
2026 Honorable Mention
360 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Vesper by Evan Marks follows the titular Vesper, who lives in New York and works as a senior consultant. After a chance meeting overseas leads to a second encounter in the city, Vesper begins seeing Caspian, a man whose life operates on a scale far removed from hers. Their time together unfolds through travel and private invitations that extend into public appearances, drawing Vesper into new social territory while she continues to meet rising expectations at her firm. As the relationship develops, misread signals and withheld information quietly shape each decision she makes. The plot tracks Vesper’s movement from deliberate distancing toward emotional exposure, following the consequences of choosing a connection while still trying to preserve the life she had built for herself.
Vesper by Evan Marks introduces readers to a truly contemporary woman, linked to female independence, friendship, and love in the Big Apple. The romance thrives on push and pull, and we see this in the brief interactions Vesper has with other men as well as Caspian. Vesper is raw and honest, and Marks makes her immediately likable. Caspian is, of course, charming, listening more than speaking in long conversations, and I found myself heartily rooting for him in the beginning. I admit that I liked Vesper's friend Ayah even more, who is fleshed out with wit, candor, and pointed advice. Plus, she gives Vesper a book on strong women in history—the icing on the cake. The settings are cinematically brought to life, from consulting floors at One Vanderbilt to coastal villas near Ramatuelle. Overall, this is a brilliant read, with a supremely shocking ending and plenty of room to branch out into a series.
Vesper by Evan Marks follows the titular Vesper, who lives in New York and works as a senior consultant. After a chance meeting overseas leads to a second encounter in the city, Vesper begins seeing Caspian, a man whose life operates on a scale far removed from hers. Their time together unfolds through travel and private invitations that extend into public appearances, drawing Vesper into new social territory while she continues to meet rising expectations at her firm. As the relationship develops, misread signals and withheld information quietly shape each decision she makes. The plot tracks Vesper’s movement from deliberate distancing toward emotional exposure, following the consequences of choosing a connection while still trying to preserve the life she had built for herself.
Vesper by Evan Marks introduces readers to a truly contemporary woman, linked to female independence, friendship, and love in the Big Apple. The romance thrives on push and pull, and we see this in the brief interactions Vesper has with other men as well as Caspian. Vesper is raw and honest, and Marks makes her immediately likable. Caspian is, of course, charming, listening more than speaking in long conversations, and I found myself heartily rooting for him in the beginning. I admit that I liked Vesper's friend Ayah even more, who is fleshed out with wit, candor, and pointed advice. Plus, she gives Vesper a book on strong women in history—the icing on the cake. The settings are cinematically brought to life, from consulting floors at One Vanderbilt to coastal villas near Ramatuelle. Overall, this is a brilliant read, with a supremely shocking ending and plenty of room to branch out into a series.
Recommend this book:
Bulls, Bears, and Bad Bitches
David L. Wadley
2026 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Bulls, Bears, and Bad Bitches by David L. Wadley, after fleeing Los Angeles under federal pursuit, former USCIS officer Nubia arrives in Atlanta and discovers that her identity has been used to authorize deportations, child removals, and surveillance operations targeting immigrant families across the country. Hidden inside the city, a resistance network reveals that a government strategist named Sable built an artificial intelligence system around Nubia’s decision-making history because her record in immigration enforcement produced unusually consistent outcomes. As raids spread through Georgia, children disappear into covert detention routes, and entire communities fall under predictive monitoring. Nubia is trapped inside a national operation using technology to classify human lives through behavioral scoring. While searching for her kidnapped mother, she uncovers a program capable of erasing people from federal records entirely, forcing her into direct conflict with the system carrying her name.
David L. Wadley writes with the urgency of somebody staring directly at the machinery of state power and asking who gets protected once technology begins inheriting human prejudice under the banner of national security. Bulls, Bears, and Bad Bitches succeeds because its future America feels alarmingly close to the present moment, especially once Echo’s neural bridge begins transforming Nubia’s recorded moral judgments into an automated deportation policy that no longer answers to conscience. Surveillance becomes most frightening when ordinary citizens accept it as an administrative routine, so every checkpoint, every erased identity, every child moved through biometric processing stations carries the cold language of official procedure. Nubia leaves the strongest impression because her humanity survives even after learning how her past decisions helped construct the system now targeting vulnerable families. Wadley's science fiction novel is like a warning delivered before the door finally closes...and it's brilliant. Very highly recommended.
In Bulls, Bears, and Bad Bitches by David L. Wadley, after fleeing Los Angeles under federal pursuit, former USCIS officer Nubia arrives in Atlanta and discovers that her identity has been used to authorize deportations, child removals, and surveillance operations targeting immigrant families across the country. Hidden inside the city, a resistance network reveals that a government strategist named Sable built an artificial intelligence system around Nubia’s decision-making history because her record in immigration enforcement produced unusually consistent outcomes. As raids spread through Georgia, children disappear into covert detention routes, and entire communities fall under predictive monitoring. Nubia is trapped inside a national operation using technology to classify human lives through behavioral scoring. While searching for her kidnapped mother, she uncovers a program capable of erasing people from federal records entirely, forcing her into direct conflict with the system carrying her name.
David L. Wadley writes with the urgency of somebody staring directly at the machinery of state power and asking who gets protected once technology begins inheriting human prejudice under the banner of national security. Bulls, Bears, and Bad Bitches succeeds because its future America feels alarmingly close to the present moment, especially once Echo’s neural bridge begins transforming Nubia’s recorded moral judgments into an automated deportation policy that no longer answers to conscience. Surveillance becomes most frightening when ordinary citizens accept it as an administrative routine, so every checkpoint, every erased identity, every child moved through biometric processing stations carries the cold language of official procedure. Nubia leaves the strongest impression because her humanity survives even after learning how her past decisions helped construct the system now targeting vulnerable families. Wadley's science fiction novel is like a warning delivered before the door finally closes...and it's brilliant. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Chaos is Coming
Reese Hawking Book 3
Dani Donari
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
Chaos is Coming by Dani Donari follows FBI agent David Rickman after a bomb detonates at Atlanta’s MARTA station during the morning commute. Ordered to determine whether the attack is connected to a Charleston park bombing, David discovers that both crimes belong to a wider campaign directed by an anonymous white supremacist known as the Father of Chaos. Using a hidden online network, the organizer recruits civilians who believe they are serving a national movement, while building their deaths into a plan designed to conceal who is directing them. David follows the evidence from one bombing toward the next with help from FBI analyst Jacinda Jimenez. Their findings suggest that the person controlling the campaign understands federal procedures and may be watching David from inside the investigation itself.
In Chaos is Coming, Dani Donari writes an FBI procedural thriller led by a personable investigator whose case changes direction as each clue alters what David believes. David is likable, partly because he's intelligent, but also because he comes across as a stand-up guy. There's a compassionate side to him, one that has him respecting a request about his hospitalized mother, and, in New Orleans, breaking down in someone's arms, having feared the worst possible thing. Donari's settings are first-rate, and locations are employed extremely well. Bryan Park begins as a farmers' market, then smoke hanging over the grounds turns the familiar space into a crime scene that David has to read. There are some great twists and shifts in the investigation that, like the settings, transform the case under a different light. If you like guessing right up until the end, this original crime thriller is just the ticket.
Chaos is Coming by Dani Donari follows FBI agent David Rickman after a bomb detonates at Atlanta’s MARTA station during the morning commute. Ordered to determine whether the attack is connected to a Charleston park bombing, David discovers that both crimes belong to a wider campaign directed by an anonymous white supremacist known as the Father of Chaos. Using a hidden online network, the organizer recruits civilians who believe they are serving a national movement, while building their deaths into a plan designed to conceal who is directing them. David follows the evidence from one bombing toward the next with help from FBI analyst Jacinda Jimenez. Their findings suggest that the person controlling the campaign understands federal procedures and may be watching David from inside the investigation itself.
In Chaos is Coming, Dani Donari writes an FBI procedural thriller led by a personable investigator whose case changes direction as each clue alters what David believes. David is likable, partly because he's intelligent, but also because he comes across as a stand-up guy. There's a compassionate side to him, one that has him respecting a request about his hospitalized mother, and, in New Orleans, breaking down in someone's arms, having feared the worst possible thing. Donari's settings are first-rate, and locations are employed extremely well. Bryan Park begins as a farmers' market, then smoke hanging over the grounds turns the familiar space into a crime scene that David has to read. There are some great twists and shifts in the investigation that, like the settings, transform the case under a different light. If you like guessing right up until the end, this original crime thriller is just the ticket.
Recommend this book:
The Life We Have
T.D. Holt
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
The Life We Have by T.D. Holt is a thought-provoking story that follows Bodock Rouget, a talented AI designer and CEO of a startup, on a journey of self-discovery. Driven by a desire to connect with the courage of his great-grandfather, Digger, an Australian cowboy who fought in World War II, Bodock travels to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He is joined by his business partner, Daniel, and their local guide, Afa. Their mission is to find Digger's remains, but as Bodock engages in conversations with Afa, he learns about faith, loneliness, courage, and the importance of connection. Upon returning home, Bodock is transformed—more forgiving, loving, and understanding of life's beauty. He discovers devastating secrets about his mother’s past, yet he finds the grace to embrace her and rebuild their relationship. Inspired by his girlfriend, CJ, who proposes a compelling idea related to climate change and individual responsibility, Bodock decides to create an AI that is more sentient and aware of human values, including notions of right and wrong.
The Life We Have is a unique story that prompts reflection on the potential future of AI and the significance of faith and social responsibility. It contrasts various aspects of life, including the brutality of war and the beauty of nature, with artificial reality and the intelligence of AI, and the complexities of faith and belief against the logic of technology. The narrative encourages readers to ponder the impact of AI on society, exploring issues that many may not have considered before. The emotional journey of Bodock’s development is remarkable, taking readers along as he learns values such as humility, trust, gratitude, courage, and grace. T.D. Holt uses vivid imagery, introspective musings, and spiritual reflections to highlight the universal quest for purpose, belonging, and an understanding of life's sacredness. I truly enjoyed this book and feel transformed by its messages about ethics and morality. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the moral implications of AI, the complexities of faith, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world.
The Life We Have by T.D. Holt is a thought-provoking story that follows Bodock Rouget, a talented AI designer and CEO of a startup, on a journey of self-discovery. Driven by a desire to connect with the courage of his great-grandfather, Digger, an Australian cowboy who fought in World War II, Bodock travels to the jungles of Papua New Guinea. He is joined by his business partner, Daniel, and their local guide, Afa. Their mission is to find Digger's remains, but as Bodock engages in conversations with Afa, he learns about faith, loneliness, courage, and the importance of connection. Upon returning home, Bodock is transformed—more forgiving, loving, and understanding of life's beauty. He discovers devastating secrets about his mother’s past, yet he finds the grace to embrace her and rebuild their relationship. Inspired by his girlfriend, CJ, who proposes a compelling idea related to climate change and individual responsibility, Bodock decides to create an AI that is more sentient and aware of human values, including notions of right and wrong.
The Life We Have is a unique story that prompts reflection on the potential future of AI and the significance of faith and social responsibility. It contrasts various aspects of life, including the brutality of war and the beauty of nature, with artificial reality and the intelligence of AI, and the complexities of faith and belief against the logic of technology. The narrative encourages readers to ponder the impact of AI on society, exploring issues that many may not have considered before. The emotional journey of Bodock’s development is remarkable, taking readers along as he learns values such as humility, trust, gratitude, courage, and grace. T.D. Holt uses vivid imagery, introspective musings, and spiritual reflections to highlight the universal quest for purpose, belonging, and an understanding of life's sacredness. I truly enjoyed this book and feel transformed by its messages about ethics and morality. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the moral implications of AI, the complexities of faith, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world.
Recommend this book:
The AI Revolution Will Not Be Televised
David L. Wadley
2025 Finalist
200 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite
David has an old soul, yet his mind is on shaping the future. He recognizes the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women in accessing financial education and resources. This insight drives him to create an online platform offering tailored financial literacy courses, mentorship, and resources specifically designed for Black women in Harlem. In The AI Revolution Will Not Be Televised, David L. Wadley narrates David’s journey, highlighting various financial strategies aimed at empowering women. Just as David begins to see the fruits of his labor and enjoys a beautiful relationship with Onyx, one of his reliable LinkedIn connections, he faces threats from unexpected adversaries who seek to undermine his efforts and disrupt his growing platform. His life is in danger, and he must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with deceit and betrayal while protecting his vision for empowerment.
The AI Revolution Will Not Be Televised effectively illustrates how AI-driven financial systems can exacerbate existing inequalities. David L. Wadley weaves a narrative with insightful analyses, underscoring how marginalized communities are affected by algorithmic biases and the concentration of financial power among those who benefit from their oppression. David's story is an inspiring tale of individuals who rise above expectations, study the system, and use it to their advantage in pursuing equity and empowerment. The narrative delves into important aspects of Black American culture, such as music, family, and community. The support David receives from those who believe in him and his dream sparks revolutionary change, not only in Harlem but across the globe. I loved that Onyx played a significant role in this change; she remains committed to David's vision despite the troubling circumstances. The book features intense moments, some sexual content, and an amazing plot twist that you won't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and empowerment.
David has an old soul, yet his mind is on shaping the future. He recognizes the systemic barriers that disproportionately affect Black women in accessing financial education and resources. This insight drives him to create an online platform offering tailored financial literacy courses, mentorship, and resources specifically designed for Black women in Harlem. In The AI Revolution Will Not Be Televised, David L. Wadley narrates David’s journey, highlighting various financial strategies aimed at empowering women. Just as David begins to see the fruits of his labor and enjoys a beautiful relationship with Onyx, one of his reliable LinkedIn connections, he faces threats from unexpected adversaries who seek to undermine his efforts and disrupt his growing platform. His life is in danger, and he must navigate a treacherous landscape filled with deceit and betrayal while protecting his vision for empowerment.
The AI Revolution Will Not Be Televised effectively illustrates how AI-driven financial systems can exacerbate existing inequalities. David L. Wadley weaves a narrative with insightful analyses, underscoring how marginalized communities are affected by algorithmic biases and the concentration of financial power among those who benefit from their oppression. David's story is an inspiring tale of individuals who rise above expectations, study the system, and use it to their advantage in pursuing equity and empowerment. The narrative delves into important aspects of Black American culture, such as music, family, and community. The support David receives from those who believe in him and his dream sparks revolutionary change, not only in Harlem but across the globe. I loved that Onyx played a significant role in this change; she remains committed to David's vision despite the troubling circumstances. The book features intense moments, some sexual content, and an amazing plot twist that you won't see coming. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates stories of resilience and empowerment.
Recommend this book:
Illustrious Solitude
E. Nigma
2025 Honorable Mention
307 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Frank Mutuma for Readers' Favorite
In Illustrious Solitude by E. Nigma, Serena is a celebrity musician who is very difficult to work with because of her attitude and behavior toward others. At the start, her publicist catches her having sex with her husband, but Serena is not remorseful, and even fires her. Kenya has been her friend for a long time, and she suggests next time they hire someone from a small company, which leads to James being hired. His first assignment is to cut a deal with the former publicist, and he does an excellent job. James cannot understand why Serena behaves the way she does, especially to Kenya, whom James sees as a very good person. One day, James escorts Serena to an event, and later on, she finally opens up to him about her life. What could have made her the way she is?
Illustrious Solitude by E. Nigma offers a glimpse into the celebrity world and the kinds of things they go through that people do not see. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about how upbringing and experiences can change a person’s personality and the need for those around such people not to be too harsh but to try to understand the cause of the bad behavior. I loved the vivid descriptions of events and places, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The steady pacing kept me intrigued and eager to discover the next twist in the plot. The characters were well-developed, and the reader will also appreciate the flawless flow of the events, which leaves no room for confusion.
In Illustrious Solitude by E. Nigma, Serena is a celebrity musician who is very difficult to work with because of her attitude and behavior toward others. At the start, her publicist catches her having sex with her husband, but Serena is not remorseful, and even fires her. Kenya has been her friend for a long time, and she suggests next time they hire someone from a small company, which leads to James being hired. His first assignment is to cut a deal with the former publicist, and he does an excellent job. James cannot understand why Serena behaves the way she does, especially to Kenya, whom James sees as a very good person. One day, James escorts Serena to an event, and later on, she finally opens up to him about her life. What could have made her the way she is?
Illustrious Solitude by E. Nigma offers a glimpse into the celebrity world and the kinds of things they go through that people do not see. This thought-provoking work also got me thinking about how upbringing and experiences can change a person’s personality and the need for those around such people not to be too harsh but to try to understand the cause of the bad behavior. I loved the vivid descriptions of events and places, which helped create a mental picture of what was happening. The steady pacing kept me intrigued and eager to discover the next twist in the plot. The characters were well-developed, and the reader will also appreciate the flawless flow of the events, which leaves no room for confusion.
Recommend this book:
A Little Something To Hide
Craig Brown
2025 Bronze Medal
360 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Little Something to Hide by Craig Brown dives into the complex lives of travelers on a coach journey from San Francisco to Albuquerque. As passengers reveal hidden truths, the novel paints a vivid mosaic of different human experiences, exploring the weight of secrets and the sometimes surprising bonds that connect us. Brown's richly drawn characters and sharp prose create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that blurs the line between trust and deceit. This compelling literary debut demonstrates remarkable insight into the human psyche, making each revelation more exciting than the last, while weaving together all its individual stories into a captivating tapestry of connections.
Author Craig Brown has a flair for crafting complex characters that evoke empathy even in their deepest flaws, and the character work immediately stood out to me and kept me hanging onto every word of this road-trip-style drama. The dialogue is realistically penned but also well-balanced to convey unspoken things between the lines. Brown's prose has both poetic beauty and suspenseful momentum. The layered narrative structure is cleverly done and mapped out well as it mirrors the complexity of the different concealed truths that are inevitably going to bubble to the surface. This tension keeps readers gripped as the spotlight shifts to different characters to find out what they're hiding. I was completely absorbed by the way Brown explored vulnerability and deception. His examination of trust and human connection runs deep on psychological and emotional levels that are well-played in the way he describes every thought, word, and deed of the unusual cast of characters aboard the coach. There's also a masterful sense of pacing amid all this dramatic tension that ensures each revelation lands with maximum impact. It never feels like a moment is either overdone or thrown away without proper resolution. Overall, I strongly recommend A Little Something to Hide to readers who appreciate sophisticated literary fiction that explores the depths of human nature.
A Little Something to Hide by Craig Brown dives into the complex lives of travelers on a coach journey from San Francisco to Albuquerque. As passengers reveal hidden truths, the novel paints a vivid mosaic of different human experiences, exploring the weight of secrets and the sometimes surprising bonds that connect us. Brown's richly drawn characters and sharp prose create an atmosphere of tension and intrigue that blurs the line between trust and deceit. This compelling literary debut demonstrates remarkable insight into the human psyche, making each revelation more exciting than the last, while weaving together all its individual stories into a captivating tapestry of connections.
Author Craig Brown has a flair for crafting complex characters that evoke empathy even in their deepest flaws, and the character work immediately stood out to me and kept me hanging onto every word of this road-trip-style drama. The dialogue is realistically penned but also well-balanced to convey unspoken things between the lines. Brown's prose has both poetic beauty and suspenseful momentum. The layered narrative structure is cleverly done and mapped out well as it mirrors the complexity of the different concealed truths that are inevitably going to bubble to the surface. This tension keeps readers gripped as the spotlight shifts to different characters to find out what they're hiding. I was completely absorbed by the way Brown explored vulnerability and deception. His examination of trust and human connection runs deep on psychological and emotional levels that are well-played in the way he describes every thought, word, and deed of the unusual cast of characters aboard the coach. There's also a masterful sense of pacing amid all this dramatic tension that ensures each revelation lands with maximum impact. It never feels like a moment is either overdone or thrown away without proper resolution. Overall, I strongly recommend A Little Something to Hide to readers who appreciate sophisticated literary fiction that explores the depths of human nature.
Recommend this book:
Stolen Sunshine
Reese Hawking Book 1
Dani Donari
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
In Stolen Sunshine, Dani Donari weaves a gripping tale of mystery, murder, and betrayal that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The story begins with a haunting image: a young woman's lifeless body is laid out in the reeds at the edge of Lake Pontchartrain on a boat — her wrists slit. Janae didn’t get back home after work and when Officer Reese Hawkings is entrusted with the case, she sets out to find her. On the surface, it looks like suicide. However, as Reese begins to unravel the tangled threads of this crime, she realizes that this is no ordinary murder. With the help of her trusted mentor and partner, Detective Alan Brenner, Reese sets out on a dangerous path across the country to track down Janae's killer. However, as the stakes grow higher, Reese faces danger, uncertainty, and the dark secrets of her past.
Stolen Sunshine is Dani Donari's first entry in the Reese Hawking series. It is a gripping crime thriller with elaborately written characters who are genuinely flawed. Reese is an intriguing, clever, and determined character. Her relationship with the victim’s mother and the victim is beautifully written and is at the heart of the skillfully imagined and flawlessly executed mystery. Even the supporting cast of characters is intelligently explored. Donari balances descriptive prose with sparkling dialogues to move the narrative forward, making it an engaging tale for crime mystery and thriller fans. This unnerving and propulsive tale delivers the entertainment I love in detective and crime fiction, with believable characters and tension that builds up steadily.
In Stolen Sunshine, Dani Donari weaves a gripping tale of mystery, murder, and betrayal that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. The story begins with a haunting image: a young woman's lifeless body is laid out in the reeds at the edge of Lake Pontchartrain on a boat — her wrists slit. Janae didn’t get back home after work and when Officer Reese Hawkings is entrusted with the case, she sets out to find her. On the surface, it looks like suicide. However, as Reese begins to unravel the tangled threads of this crime, she realizes that this is no ordinary murder. With the help of her trusted mentor and partner, Detective Alan Brenner, Reese sets out on a dangerous path across the country to track down Janae's killer. However, as the stakes grow higher, Reese faces danger, uncertainty, and the dark secrets of her past.
Stolen Sunshine is Dani Donari's first entry in the Reese Hawking series. It is a gripping crime thriller with elaborately written characters who are genuinely flawed. Reese is an intriguing, clever, and determined character. Her relationship with the victim’s mother and the victim is beautifully written and is at the heart of the skillfully imagined and flawlessly executed mystery. Even the supporting cast of characters is intelligently explored. Donari balances descriptive prose with sparkling dialogues to move the narrative forward, making it an engaging tale for crime mystery and thriller fans. This unnerving and propulsive tale delivers the entertainment I love in detective and crime fiction, with believable characters and tension that builds up steadily.
Recommend this book:
. Tasked with dismantling a crime syndicate in Alaska, she forms uncertain friendships with her neighbors, Tom and Jessica, who later betray her. Imprisoned, Kathryn uncovers corruption within the ...){kind=link}
Cogitatio
Shadows in the Wind, Book Two
McKinley Aspen
2024 Bronze Medal
150 Pages
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Fiction - Urban
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
In Shadows in the Wind by McKinley Aspen, Kathryn Beck becomes involved in a perilous undercover mission for the organization Hope & Global Support (HGS). Tasked with dismantling a crime syndicate in Alaska, she forms uncertain friendships with her neighbors, Tom and Jessica, who later betray her. Imprisoned, Kathryn uncovers corruption within the profit-driven prison system, operated by the Paolucci family. Together with her friend Ashley, she plans an escape to thwart the schemes of the villain Jacquelyn Paolucci. During their mission, Kathryn discovers her unique powers and familial connections. However, the escape inadvertently allows Jacquelyn to escape as well. As Kathryn and her team reunite, they face a new threat posed by a cloud-like entity that took her father and now targets Tom's family. A tense and dangerous confrontation unfolds, leaving them facing an uncertain future.
Shadows in the Wind is the explosive second book in the urban fantasy Cogitatio series and McKinley Aspen does an exceptional job in keeping the tension rolling throughout the entire novel. I think what really stands out in Aspen's writing is the way every single scene involves both emotion and a plot-pushing element of suspense that is lost in most other contemporary fantasy books. For example, in a scene where Kathryn reunites with Scott in a prison visitation, she is so overcome with emotion that her response is physical and as readers, we can feel that moment intensely. But Aspen does not leave it at that and also has Scott hint at a plan and an implant that, in the hands of a less skilled author, would have been relegated to another protracted scene. Aspen wastes no time in this adrenaline-filled, fast-paced, and well-crafted story and it really pays off. As part of a series, the book drops a bombshell revelation that leads in the direction of book three but makes good on all the promises to readers and doesn't leave us hanging with loose ends from this book. Very highly recommended.
In Shadows in the Wind by McKinley Aspen, Kathryn Beck becomes involved in a perilous undercover mission for the organization Hope & Global Support (HGS). Tasked with dismantling a crime syndicate in Alaska, she forms uncertain friendships with her neighbors, Tom and Jessica, who later betray her. Imprisoned, Kathryn uncovers corruption within the profit-driven prison system, operated by the Paolucci family. Together with her friend Ashley, she plans an escape to thwart the schemes of the villain Jacquelyn Paolucci. During their mission, Kathryn discovers her unique powers and familial connections. However, the escape inadvertently allows Jacquelyn to escape as well. As Kathryn and her team reunite, they face a new threat posed by a cloud-like entity that took her father and now targets Tom's family. A tense and dangerous confrontation unfolds, leaving them facing an uncertain future.
Shadows in the Wind is the explosive second book in the urban fantasy Cogitatio series and McKinley Aspen does an exceptional job in keeping the tension rolling throughout the entire novel. I think what really stands out in Aspen's writing is the way every single scene involves both emotion and a plot-pushing element of suspense that is lost in most other contemporary fantasy books. For example, in a scene where Kathryn reunites with Scott in a prison visitation, she is so overcome with emotion that her response is physical and as readers, we can feel that moment intensely. But Aspen does not leave it at that and also has Scott hint at a plan and an implant that, in the hands of a less skilled author, would have been relegated to another protracted scene. Aspen wastes no time in this adrenaline-filled, fast-paced, and well-crafted story and it really pays off. As part of a series, the book drops a bombshell revelation that leads in the direction of book three but makes good on all the promises to readers and doesn't leave us hanging with loose ends from this book. Very highly recommended.
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