Reviewed by Jessica Barbosa for Readers' Favorite

A Rule of Life is a coming-of-age novel by Patricia Brandon. Tricia Grimball feels the beckoning call of the unknown and seeks out a life different from her usual predictable one. For the summer, she goes to a camp for girls in the mountains of western North Carolina and works as a camp counselor. In a visceral place where risk and fear meet, Tricia hears about a strange kidnapping and a man named Chester being killed. This is also the first time she hears about local folklore, the ‘Sin Eater’, someone who eats the sins of a person who dies before they can ask for forgiveness. He takes them on himself, so the dead can go on to Heaven. Little does Tricia know that these incidents would lead her into an unexpected, mystery-riddled adventure!

A Rule of Life is set in the historical era of 1919, North Carolina. Patricia Brandon has created a steady-paced novel that kept me in suspense from start to finish. I was as intrigued as Tricia when she learned about the story of the Sin Eater from Otha. I love how Brandon has created an air of mystery from the very first chapter and kept my attention right to the end of this tale. Tricia Grimball’s time in the mountains of western North Carolina is a far cry from her usual, predictable life and I followed her adventures with great anticipation! This tale is more than just a mystery; it is also a tale of trials and tribulations, of friendships formed and sacrifices made. This highly interesting novel is easy to visualize and I felt the story come alive as I got deeper into the plot. Overall, this was an enjoyable and thrilling read. Every chapter left me wanting more! Great work!

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Against My Better Judgment (Mauzzy & Me Mystery) by B.T. Polcari is the first book in a new series. After acquiring an artifact, Sara Donovan finds herself in a whole lot of trouble. When she bought an Egyptian funerary mask, she never expected that it would land her on the trail of antique smugglers or lead to mysterious callers that won't leave her alone. She should have plenty to occupy her, such as studying, but she can't get her mind off proving her theory by showing everyone that her souvenir is real and was stolen. When a handsome stranger moves in next door, everything takes an unexpected turn and she gains a surprising partner as she takes it upon herself to investigate.

B.T. Polcari excels at creating a tone that makes you want to be friends with Sara, who is a great choice for an amateur sleuth as she likes to do things her way and considers herself passionate (rather than how others describe her as hardheaded and stubborn). Her internal commentary is brilliant and makes you want to see what she's going to get into. The story is charming, with the relationship between her and her dog Mauzzy being a sweet highlight. While Sara adds humor to the mystery, Mauzzy is a wonderful source of comic relief and is a companion that she can constantly confide in, adding a tone of canine-partner-in-crime to the mystery. Elements of flirty romance are woven throughout her investigation as she gets to know the handsome teaching assistant next door. Against My Better Judgment has a delightfully opinionated sleuth with writing that establishes her attitude from the first line, a charm that will keep you smiling all the way through, and a mystery that will make you want to read the next book.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Urban Boys: Discovery of the Five Senses is a work of fiction in the action and adventure subgenres. It is aimed at young adult readers and was penned by author K. N. Smith. The book follows a group of five friends who have their senses enhanced by a mysterious power, only to then be thrust into a fight for the future of the world. As they struggle to understand their new powers, they are forced to deal with mysterious creatures whose grand plans for mankind may be too big for them to stop, their whole worldview is challenged by their new powers.

Discovery of the Five Senses was an exciting and dynamic coming of age story which expertly uses the premise of enhanced senses to underpin the traditional mechanics of such tales with the boys' perception of the world literally expanding throughout the story. The cleverness of the premise is fully utilized by K. N. Smith whose gorgeous prose and descriptive writing sees the scenes in which their senses reach out into the world to tell them something new turn into an enchanting description of the familiar through new eyes. The craftsmanship of the storytelling is excellent and not an ounce of potential goes to waste, with the villainous Druth creating a perfect threat for the protagonists as they learn to fight together. The plot is a veritable rollercoaster of adventure, the characters are wonderfully realized, the world of the story is pitch-perfect in its conception and description, and at the end of the tale, you’ll be looking at your own world with fresh eyes.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

A young woman's past and present coincide in the fascinating mystery novel, Secret Storm by Edith Lee Chestnut. Callie lost her mother in a horrible accident when she was three years old. Despite her motherless state, Callie leads a typical life consisting of her family and close friend, Andy. When she is thirteen, two life-changing things happen. Callie learns the details surrounding the discovery of her mother's body, and Devin, a dark and mysterious high school senior, comes to town. A couple of years later, Andy moves to another town, leaving her to finish high school alone. Despite Andy's warnings against him, Callie starts spending time with Devin. Right before she leaves for college, Andy's concerns prove to be correct, and a shocking incident involving Devin shatters Callie's life. Even though her great-grandmother, aunt, and father are there for her, Callie can't bring herself to face Andy with what happened. What will he say? Will Andy look at her the same way?

Traveling through a woman's life from her childhood, Secret Storm by Edith Lee Chestnut is a suspenseful and intriguing mystery novel. With a captivating storyline, engaging characters, and an unexpected twist, the story is fascinating from the very start. Beginning with the introduction to Callie, her family, and Andy, the story's pace slowly builds to a shocking conclusion. Even though Callie experiences trauma and hardships, she pulls herself up by the bootstraps and continues living. Well-written, it is an extraordinary and sensational tale that is unforgettable. Finishing on an unexpected and dramatic note, it is a stunning story that will thrill everyone who enjoys suspense novels with extraordinary characters.

Reviewed by Lisa McCombs for Readers' Favorite

Benji Marino is a fourteen-year-old eighth grader at Wishville Junior High School. He has a good life. He has good friends. He has a mother who loves him exclusively. Why would he want to leave? Why did his father do just that years before, leaving an unbearable scar on the people of the grey town of Wishville? Benji had tried once before. His friends don’t understand, but Benji is determined to question the mysterious world outside Wishville. When his friend Nina predicts her own death, Benji is left with information he would rather not know. There is only one person he can tell and that person is the outcast of Wishville. Can Oliver Strickett help Benji or will he become one more nail in the eighth grader’s quickly diminishing reputation? As Benji solitarily faces his own demons, the citizens of Wishville are on constant alert to his actions.

Leaving Wishville by Mel Torrefranca exhibits intensity unique in contemporary young adult fiction. A study in literary symbolism, Leaving Wishville is the perfect addition to any middle grade/young adult library. As a former eighth-grade English teacher, I would enthusiastically incorporate Mel Torrefranca’s novel into my classroom reading list. Told in the fashion of Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games trilogy, Leaving Wishville is a believable dystopian journey from greyness to a colorful destination of enlightenment. The characters are realistic and the language appropriate to the mood and variety of themes and plot twists of the story. While the majority of characters are middle grade, the overall sense of the story is mature.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

Held responsible for the mysterious deaths of their parents, two high school basketball stars search for answers in the thrilling urban fantasy, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann. The morning after taking the basketball team to an astonishing win, Gage and Cooper Finn find their parents dead. While trying to cope with the unexpected horror, Gage receives a phone call from a stranger instructing him and Cooper to run. Responding too late to the caller's admonition, the two boys are caught, arrested, and taken to jail. However, before they can be processed and charged with murder, another stranger aids in their escape. America Now, a corporation that hunts and kills vampires, informs them their parents have been murdered by a vampire and recruits Cooper and Gage into their ranks of vampire killers. But when they find a newly turned vampire, things become a little murky. Is America Now as altruistic as they claim? Or do they have a hidden agenda?

Containing supernatural beings and those who hunt them, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann is a sensational urban fantasy that is memorable. Superbly written, the story has a fascinating plot and a riveting storyline that develops to a dramatic and breathtaking climax. Filled with intrigue, the suspense gradually mounts from the first page, ultimately reaching a shocking conclusion. Charismatic and captivating, the brothers and their contrasting personalities give the story a natural feel. Stopping at the perfect place to segue into a sequel, this story makes a phenomenal first book for a breathtaking series. Young adults and everyone else who relishes vampire-based novels will love meeting Gage, Cooper, Leech, and Jamie.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Marly in Pieces is a work of fiction in the crime, mystery, and interpersonal drama sub-genres, and was penned by author Cathrina Constantine. In an intriguing murder mystery novel intended for the mature end of the young adult reading spectrum, we find ourselves with the titular character Marly, who refuses to believe in the apparent and devastating suicide of her dear best friend Rae. The tapestry of intrigue surrounding Rae’s death leads Marly into a deep investigation of even those close to her, setting our young hero on a path that may lead her right into the hands of a murderer seeking a new victim.

Author Cathrina Constantine offers the true definition of a thriller, keeping readers firmly on the edge of their seats from cover to cover in a compelling and dynamic fashion. Whilst the sensitive themes of teen suicide are prevalent right from the novel’s earliest pages, what develops beyond this is really a tale of friendship, trust, and coping with loss, which is enormously fulfilling and intriguing to read. Marly is a well-developed hero for the task at hand, with smarts and charm and a true heart. This makes it easy to root for her and have your heart in your throat when she discovers the dangers waiting around every corner of this sharp-edged plot. This results in a deep connection to the book and, when combined with the very descriptive murder mystery atmosphere, it makes Marly in Pieces a truly un-put-down-able read. I would highly recommend it to fans of both YA and adult thriller fiction alike.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

To obtain a fortune, a young boy assumes the identity of an older gentleman in the suspenseful middle-grade novel Someone in the Walls by Teymour Shahabi. Andrew Day never knew his parents, and he was lucky to receive a scholarship to Saint Clemens school. But the most extraordinary thing that ever happened to him was becoming Lucian Baker, the notorious and extremely wealthy benefactor in the City. However, no one knows Andrew's true identity, except Elder. As a disguise for Andrew, Elder created Lucian Baker from thin air and established him in the astonishingly vast mansion. Now Andrew is richer than anyone in the City, but sadly, his prosperity came with a price. Not only must he keep his new circumstances a secret, even from those he cares about, but he also has the job of maintaining the property in the capacity of a ranger. But most of all, although everything in the house is his, Andrew must never venture into the secret passages. However, as he roams the mansion's rooms, taking notes and mapping the inconceivably large property, Andrew is certain that someone is always lurking just out of sight. Does someone know the secret passages and is using them to spy on Lucian Baker and Andrew? If so, is he in danger?

Someone in the Walls by Teymour Shahabi is a fantastical middle-grade story that is set in a mysterious mansion. With an extravagant story world, evil villains, and a plucky and brave main character, the story takes the reader on a magical journey. Andrew attempting to keep his identity secret and the hazards with which he is confronted kept me on pins and needles while I waited for the ax to fall. I don't think I took a complete breath until I finished the book. Simplistically written, it is an exciting adventure that will appeal to youngsters who love extraordinary tales drenched in mystery. With the incredible fantasy world and dangers lurking just out of sight, this suspenseful novel will enthrall boys and girls from the ages of eight to twelve years of age.

Reviewed by Ankita Shukla for Readers' Favorite

A Violet Fire marks the beginning of The Chronicles of Avignon Trilogy by Kelsey Quick. And what a gripping beginning it is! The author has imagined a world where vampires rule, and humans have been turned into nothing less than slaves and food for vampires. In this world, vampires have created breeding houses called Saya. Children born in Saya have no means of knowing what is a normal human being's life; they are brainwashed to believe that serving their vampire master is the noblest act. Wavorly was not born in Saya. She lived a normal life until one fateful night when vampires killed her parents, and she was held captive by Anton Zein, one of the five highest-ranking officials in Cain. Like all the girls of her age, she was sent to Nightingale's School of Infantry Supply, where she was stripped of her name and given a new identifier: Z29734. They captured her, but even the fearsome vampires could not capture her spirit. Wavorly has made it her mission to escape her captors and no longer be a slave to anyone.

A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick is one of the most gripping tales I've ever come across. This bizarre world is truly fascinating and horrid. The idea of humans being reduced to nothing more than food is daunting. In such a world, a free-spirited Wavorly is refreshing. Her quick wit is a welcome contrast in the gloomy world of vampires and slave humans. She is a headstrong girl, who does not choose an easy way out to make things more comfortable. She does not hold her tongue. There are times when she observes a vampire acting in a noble manner, still, she does not let her feelings deter her from planning her freedom. Needless to say, Wavorly is my favorite character due to all of these qualities. Her thought process is in sync with her circumstances, and the author has done a praiseworthy job of keeping her an authentic free spirit.

There is not a single dull moment in this book. The plot moves swiftly towards the end and paves the way for the next book in the series. The story never gets monotonous as there are so many twists that the reader cannot put down the book until reaching the end and then craves the next book in the series asap. I would recommend this book to all fantasy lovers. A Violet Fire by Kelsey Quick has all the ingredients to become the next Hollywood movie about vampires.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Scarry Inn by Shirley McCann is a YA mystery story. Heidi Bowman and three friends are forced into spending a night at The Scarry Inn, believing themselves to be the victims of a practical joke. It’s not a nice place but surely all Dick and Thelma Scarry, their unwilling hosts for the night, are doing is drumming up business by terrifying every guest. Things take a sinister, very real turn when Kara is murdered and now they all have to get out before the Inn takes another one. There’s no cell phone service and none of them knows who they can and can’t trust. Time is running out for the three friends as they fight to get out of The Scarry Inn alive.

The Scarry Inn by Shirley McCann was a thrilling, scary, yet fun read. With an action-packed plot, Shirley McCann has written a story that will grip you from page one and keep hold until the very end. I wasn’t expecting such a suspense-filled story but it was a real page-turner and I had to keep reading to find out what happened. The story flows very well, with a unique plot, and there are plenty of twists and turns, some of which you won’t see coming. The characters are likable, relatable, and real, well-developed throughout the book, with their own stories gradually coming out. Although it is billed as a YA book, I believe anyone will enjoy this story – I am way past being a young adult and I thoroughly enjoyed it.