Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite

In The Noxhelm Murders by Dr. Bon Blossman, a mob-related incident put the O’Sullivan family into the Witness Protection Program and they were relocated from Boston to the misty town of Noxhelm. Seventeen-year-old Shana tries her best to adjust to the sudden change, particularly when her new home is the haunted Ripper House. Being a new kid in town is difficult as Shana has to face the teenage drama of the local youth and unwillingly learns more about the dark history of the infamous house she’s living in. Things get worse when Shana is accused of murdering a teen at a party.

The characters have enough depth, but the young protagonist Shana is not easily likable and it was difficult to root for her at first. She came across to me as a spoiled teen who refused to accept the situation that she and her parents had to deal with. That said, her reluctance was understandable; her good, easy life had just taken a different turn. The clear-cut prose creates tension at the right moments and the plot is well-structured, well-paced and has good twists. That said, some events are slightly implausible to me, such as Shana’s parents’ reaction to the news about their strange old neighbor, Tabatha Gill, wandering inside their house while they were out, including the fact that Shana’s mother herself had given an extra key to the old woman. Nevertheless, the story is engaging, and the supernatural, horror, mystery, as well as the crime elements in Blossman’s The Noxhelm Murders create a suspenseful novel that will satisfy its targeted readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Carlswick Deception: The Carlswick Mysteries, Book 4 is a young and new adult mystery novel written by S.L. Beaumont. While this is the fourth book in the series, the author provides enough background information to allow this novel to be read as a standalone story. Stephanie had her hands full with assignments that were due the next day, so much so that she had to turn down the chance to see her boyfriend, James, who would be leaving for Japan soon and had tickets for a concert that evening. She didn’t feel, however, that she could turn down a request for help from Detective Inspector Marks when he called. Marks had helped her in the past when she had gotten herself into some minor trouble, and he had also arranged for her to work at Scotland Yard the previous summer. He was sending one of his detectives, Luke Spencer, to Oxford to speak with the Head of English Literature in connection with the murder of a man who had planned to donate some rare books to the university. Marks was hoping that Stephanie would help Luke navigate the intricacies of the campus and university politics. As luck would have it, his relatively simple request ended up becoming rather more complicated.

S.L. Beaumont’s mystery novel for young and new adults, The Carlswick Deception: The Carlswick Mysteries, Book 4, is a fast-paced and highly entertaining mystery surrounding the thefts of priceless manuscripts and the accompanying escalating violence. I have not read the previous books in this series, but was pleased to find that I was immediately able to follow the mystery as well as to appreciate the interactions of the characters in Beaumont’s story. I have a fondness for British mysteries, especially those dealing with the theft of art, manuscripts or books, and was delighted with the caliber of this story, the finely-tuned plot and the engaging characters I became familiar with as I read on. I’m looking forward to reading more of Beaumont’s work in the future. The Carlswick Deception: The Carlswick Mysteries, Book 4 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Girl Who Saved Ghosts: The Unbelievables, Book 2 is a time-travel paranormal fantasy novel for young and new adults written by K.C. Tansley. Kat was way too familiar with ghosts popping up when she least expected them and asking for her help. She had been able to block them in the past, but things had changed; she was not the same girl she had been before the summer vacation. She had had plans for her senior year in prep school, the typical plans most teens have, but their summer adventure at Castle Creighton had left her totally adrift and not at all sure what kind of future she would actually get to have. Not only did she learn that she was able to travel back into the past and actually change things, but she became aware of the Langley family’s heritage. She hadn’t known much at all about her dad; he had left her and her mom years ago when Kat was an infant. Having him send her the Langley ring was strange enough. After years of his seeming neglect, she had simply tossed it in a drawer. Now, she understood a bit more about her ancestry. She was a green-eyed Langley, and the ring had chosen her to be the next Langley heir. The only problem was, Langley heirs don’t live very long at all, and something or someone called the Dark One was determined to destroy her.

K.C. Tansley’s time-travel paranormal fantasy novel for young and new adults, The Girl Who Saved Ghosts: The Unbelievables, Book 2, has monsters, ghosts and a legacy that binds four families together for generations to come. Tansley includes enough background information within the story to allow this book to be read on its own, but I’d strongly recommend starting with The Girl Who Ignored Ghosts, the first book in the series. The author has built up an original and compelling fantasy world in The Unbelievables series and starting with the second one will have readers losing out on the histories, interactions and complex personalities of her characters, as well as missing out on having a deeper understanding of the continuing story line. Tansley’s plot works quite well on a number of levels. There are definite elements of the sword and sorcery genre as well as touches of urban fantasy, coming of age and action and adventure genres. I especially enjoyed watching as Kat forms an enduring kinship with an earlier ancestor who becomes a mentor, friend and more. Tansley gives the reader a lot to think about in this decidedly different and very readable fantasy novel that deftly poses ethical questions and theories about the afterlife mixed in with all the action and suspense. The Girl Who Saved Ghosts: The Unbelievables, Book 2 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Arya Fomonyuy for Readers' Favorite

Coming-of-age, inspirational, and Christian romance are genres blended perfectly in a tale of mystery in Leslea Wahl’s debut novel, The Perfect Blindside. The reader is introduced to two gifted teenagers, Jake and Sophie. Jake is a snowboarder with an Olympic Silver Medal, proud and adored by many his age, but his parents move him to a little town in Colorado, a move that he doesn’t welcome. Then there is Sophia, the honors student with a passion for photography and journalism, a girl with her own level of fame. She is opinionated and highly critical, a girl who has followed Jake’s story very closely. The two teenagers are very keen on seeing things that are negative in each other, with jealousy and the desire to appear “better than you” getting in their way of accepting each other and working together. But when their town is threatened and Jake’s reputation is about to be sullied, they have to learn to look beyond appearances and what they think of each other, and work together in trust to unveil what lurks in the secret tunnels.

A beautiful story that is wonderfully told, The Perfect Blindside is a huge success on several counts. First, I was captivated by the narrative voice which is strong. The shifts in POV, alternating between Jake and Sophie, are good, forcing the reader to get into the emotional level of the story. The first person narrative voice is compelling and it makes this tale an engrossing one. The author explores great themes in this work, including family dynamics, faith, love and friendship, and the thin line that separates reality from appearances. Leslea Wahl’s characters are real, well-developed, and memorable. This is a story that will entertain and inspire fans of young adult literature. Jake and Sophie are two magnetic characters that young readers will root for.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

Faking It: Olde Locke Beach Mystery Series, Book 3 is a mystery novel for young adults and preteens written by Terri A. DeMitchell. It was high summer at Olde Locke Beach, and the tourists were out in numbers, sunbathing on the sandy beaches and playing in the Atlantic Ocean. Rachel and her friend, Will, were getting ready to meet their friends at Jefferson's Arcade for an early evening of games and pizza. Although it was really Rachel's turn to pay, she was hoping to get Will to do it instead. Her babysitting job had been cancelled, and her family's finances were in trouble. Rachel's dad was still unable to work because of his injury, and her older brother, Steve, had to handle the family lobster business on his own. Steve and his girlfriend, Carly, were also on their way to Jefferson's, but Steve was fuming over having lost a valued restaurant account. One of the part-time summer lobstermen was offering lobsters at a lower price than Steve could. He had already lost one account they had had for years. Steve was sure it was Cole Larkin, a summer lobsterman who had a bad reputation. But Steve's anger was more than just at losing that account; Cole was laying his traps on top of Steve's established ones, and he suspected the man was stealing his lobsters out of the traps.

Terri A. DeMitchell's mystery novel for young adults and preteens, Faking It, is an entertaining and fast-paced story featuring Rachel and Will, two friends aged thirteen and fourteen respectively. This is the third book in the author's Olde Locke Beach mystery series; however, the author gives her readers just enough background to allow this book to be enjoyed on its own. I loved the Olde Locke Beach setting and found myself wishing I were there to enjoy the surf and sun, and appreciated the way DeMitchell sets up the mystery her two young sleuths have to solve. This time, Rachel's family's reputation is on the line, and accompanying the two sleuths as they follow the trail of the counterfeit tens is great fun. Faking It has red herrings for readers to ponder and an authentic work day on a lobster boat for them to experience as Will and Rachel go out with her brother to bring in the family's catch. I had a grand time reading Faking It: Olde Locke Beach Mystery Series, Book 3. It's most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

From the award-winning author of Sweet Glory comes an exciting love story, Train to Glory. Jana Brady is finally home after her period of spying on the Confederacy, a job filled with many dangers. Now she must find her sweetheart, Keeley Cassidy, who’s gone missing from battle. The only problem when she finds him is that he’s lost all memory of his past and can’t remember they have been lovers. How Jana plans to win his heart back is an adventure that will take readers to very exciting places, including her kidnapping, the appearance for the 88th State Legislature event, and her brilliant speech. Lisa Y. Potocar certainly wins the hearts of readers looking for romance with a twist.

Train to Glory is the first book by Lisa Y. Potocar that I have read and although it’s her second book in the series, it doesn’t feel so dependent on her earlier work, which means any reader can feel immediately connected with the characters and with the story right from its opening pages. Beginning with the arrival of Jana in her hometown and her psychological state, the author introduces tension by portraying the conflicting and intense emotions the young soldier harbors in her heart. The tension only grows stronger and when readers feel that it’s reached a climax, another wave of surprise hits them. I loved the way Jana is depicted, brave and daring, an unstoppable woman, and the very epitome of the life every woman craves. The prose is impeccable and the powerful descriptions paint a sizzling setting for readers to revel in. Fast paced and very entertaining, this book will come across as a great source of entertainment for many young and adult readers.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2 is a young adult paranormal mystery novel written by Danielle A. Vann. When Elizabeth awoke, it was from feverish dreams into a hellish reality that slowly made its way into her comprehension. She remembered that she and Grandpa Jack had been locked into the old abandoned factory and had to fight their way to survive the fire that Vivian set after imprisoning them. Elizabeth found that she was unable to move, debris from the upper floors covered her, holding her tight, and she could barely breathe in the toxin-laden air. She shouted out for her Grandpa and was relieved when she heard his footsteps running towards her. Vivian was still in the building and was vehemently defiant as she exited. She hissed to Grandpa Jack that there was no escaping Tunney’s vloek and that the machine belonged to her. Her parting words were directed at Elizabeth, and they sent a chill throughout her battered body.

Danielle A. Vann’s young adult paranormal mystery novel, The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2, is a fast-paced and exciting continuation of the first book that blends history, action and adventure, and coming of age genres as Elizabeth and Grandpa Jack try to solve the mystery of the Whizbang machine and lift Tunney’s curse. I recommend that readers begin with The Whizbang Machine, the first book in the series, to get a full appreciation for the development of the story, its underlying history and the relationship between Elizabeth and her grandfather. Vann’s story is a thoroughly entertaining read. She keeps the suspense high and makes the reader work just as hard as her characters do to decipher the clues in this enthralling mystery. Elizabeth comes of age in Tunney’s Curse, and it’s a joy to follow as she copes with the uncertain waters and betrayals that are scattered throughout her path as a new adult rather than a child. She’s a marvelous character, intelligent, resourceful and willing to take risks, and she rises above situations that would fell even the most seasoned adult. Elizabeth is a grand role model for more mature preteens as well as young adults, and the content of this story is suitable for both age groups. The Whizbang Machine: Tunney's Curse Book 2 is most highly recommended.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

Rosie’s Umbrella written by Denny Taylor is a story of an unspeakable family secret. Rosie Llewelyn and her classmates are given an assignment to research their personal history, concentrating on the origin of their family name. But, what if you don’t have a past? In the Llewelyns Boston home, there were no family photos, no stories shared; nothing seemed to exist before Rosie was born. However, after Aunt Sarah gets trapped in an elevator at work, everything changes. Rosie’s aunt suddenly becomes grief stricken; the trauma of the past engulfs her whole being, changing her radically. For forty years, Rosie’s parents and aunt had kept a secret; they were imprisoned by a gripping silence. When the past and the present collide, Rosie is determined to help her aunt unlock the memories of the past by going on a personal quest to discover her “own truth.”

Rosie’s Umbrella is a spellbinding piece of literature. Profound and exquisitely written, Denny Taylor's exceptional story lures you in. It is a story of heritage, of shame and regret. But more importantly, it is a pursuit of self discovery, healing and reconciliation. The opening quote by Martin Luther King Jr. summarizes the theme of the narrative: “Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.” Purposely illusive, the story is told through the confused and delusional voice of the young protagonist. The setting transcends time and location, the old and the new are intricately woven together. Most of the story is told through memories, recollections of thought, not in real time. The conflict is an internal struggle to find oneself, a rift between what is real and what is not. There are so many insightful thoughts described, especially regarding the power of storytelling, my favorite being: “There are always stories within stories.” Using a directive within the text, I encourage you to “read deeply” the story of Rosie’s Umbrella. Maybe you will find a bit of yourself within this unforgettable tale.

Reviewed by Rosie Malezer for Readers' Favorite

The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant is the third book in the Davey & Derek: Junior Detectives series, written by Janice Spina and illustrated by John Spina. While celebrating their eleventh birthday at the Pizza Palace, Davey and Derek Donato’s festivities are suddenly interrupted when restaurant staff discover a would-be thief breaking into their gaming machines. The twins later visit their Aunt Gigi, where they learn the story of Tamba – the beloved elephant of an African village, which died after living a full life. Aunt Gigi’s living room is filled with mementos of her visit to Africa, including a magical elephant figurine, carved from the elephant’s ivory tusk in honor of Tamba’s incredible life. On returning home, Davey and Derek find Peter Reynolds – the party-crasher from their pizza party – waiting at their front gate. Peter asks for the twins’ assistance regarding the theft of an ivory figurine from the local museum – carved from the same tusk as Aunt Gigi’s figurines. With so many suspects to choose from, all with alibis, Davey and Derek are pushed to the limit, trying to solve the case.

Janice Spina’s adventurous tale of twins just coming into their magical powers is one of excitement, suspense and mystery. With each chapter’s header carrying its own unique illustration, the story is one which can easily be enjoyed by children and adults alike. No stone is left unturned as Davey and Derek are given all the tools they need in order to fully investigate the case. Many exciting surprises are brought to light in The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant, with more and more magical characters being disclosed as the story progresses. Having read all three of the Davey and Derek novels, I find myself being lured into the story more and more, almost as if ... by magic! I thoroughly enjoyed The Case of the Magical Ivory Elephant, and recommend it to readers of all ages who enjoy the fun, thrill and adventure of two gumshoe detectives, each of whom has the world of magic at their fingertips, whilst trying to solve the most difficult of cases.

Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite

The Whizbang Machine: The Whizbang Machine Series, Book 1 is a young adult mystery novel written by Danielle A. Vann. Fifteen-year-old Elizabeth Yale loves her typewriter, even if it's not as efficient and easy to use as a laptop or word processor. While she's no stranger to tech and loves her phone, there's a special connection that she feels to the clanging chatter and other little noises that the typewriter emits as she works, and the feel of the keys hitting her paper. She's reluctant to leave her typing incomplete when her mother calls and tells her to come downstairs, but it is Grandpa Jack who's coming to see them, after all. It's been eight long years since he left, almost immediately after the sudden death of her father, Jesse. Having her grandfather desert her so soon after the loss of her dad hurt deeply, and while she's thrilled to be seeing him again and still has the hundreds of postcards he sent her during his travels, there's just a touch of resentment and hurt lingering from his desertion when she needed him most. But when the door opens, and she sees him standing there looking at him, she can't help but rush into his arms.

Danielle A. Vann's young adult mystery, The Whizbang Machine: The Whizbang Machine Series, Book 1, is an exciting and fast-paced novel that follows Elizabeth and her grandfather, Jack, as they follow the trail of clues relating to the strange typewriter he found in Morocco which bears Elizabeth's initials on it. Along the way, they discover hidden documents, share in an amazing genealogical trip into their family's past, and travel to Leiden in the Netherlands where it may all have begun. I loved revisiting the main branch of the New York Public Library with them and found the descriptions of Leiden so compelling that I searched Google for images to go along with my reading. Vann's characters are well-defined and authentic, and I especially appreciated Elizabeth's resilience, imagination and courage as she teams with Grandpa Jack. The plot is superb, mingling history with mystery as the two persist in following their clues, despite the dangers they come up against. While this is a relatively lengthy work, I actually found that this book ended all too soon, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. The Whizbang Machine: The Whizbang Machine Series, Book 1 is most highly recommended.