BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Blackberry Road
Jodi Lea Stewart
2026 Finalist
316 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Blackberry Road by Jodi Lea Stewart is historical fiction at its finest. Biddy Woodson comes from a large sharecropper family and has had to learn life the hard way, with no small amount of cussing along the way. One afternoon, a neighbor is found dead, and a tiny bit of evidence leads to the sheriff arresting Mr. Leroy. But Biddy knows Mr. Leroy; he’s a kind man who wouldn’t harm anyone or anything. She thinks the sheriff has it in for the sharecroppers and is determined to prove he’s wrong. But she might have bitten off more than she can chew as haunting sounds drift from the woods, and she’s plunged into a deep, disturbing mystery as the events of the summer of 1934 come to light and shock the community.
Blackberry Road by Jodi Lea Stewart offers a fascinating insight into the lives of sharecroppers in 1930s America, just after the Great Depression. It is, first and foremost, a murder mystery, but there’s much more to it. Ms. Stewart has woven a rich story of family, friendship, and truth mixed with murder and prejudice. This is a wonderful tale told in the first-person perspective, and the research Ms. Stewart must have done shines through realistically with incredibly likable characters. The main protagonist, teenager Biddy, is highly entertaining, weaving humor through a serious story, and you will love her tenacity and joie de vivre. It is intriguing, with the addition of several recipes from the era, and will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Blackberry Road by Jodi Lea Stewart is historical fiction at its finest. Biddy Woodson comes from a large sharecropper family and has had to learn life the hard way, with no small amount of cussing along the way. One afternoon, a neighbor is found dead, and a tiny bit of evidence leads to the sheriff arresting Mr. Leroy. But Biddy knows Mr. Leroy; he’s a kind man who wouldn’t harm anyone or anything. She thinks the sheriff has it in for the sharecroppers and is determined to prove he’s wrong. But she might have bitten off more than she can chew as haunting sounds drift from the woods, and she’s plunged into a deep, disturbing mystery as the events of the summer of 1934 come to light and shock the community.
Blackberry Road by Jodi Lea Stewart offers a fascinating insight into the lives of sharecroppers in 1930s America, just after the Great Depression. It is, first and foremost, a murder mystery, but there’s much more to it. Ms. Stewart has woven a rich story of family, friendship, and truth mixed with murder and prejudice. This is a wonderful tale told in the first-person perspective, and the research Ms. Stewart must have done shines through realistically with incredibly likable characters. The main protagonist, teenager Biddy, is highly entertaining, weaving humor through a serious story, and you will love her tenacity and joie de vivre. It is intriguing, with the addition of several recipes from the era, and will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
Mission
Red Scythe
C.W. James
2026 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
Hop into a world of teen secret agents, covert organizations, and espionage with C.W. James' Mission: Red Scythe. It's 1965. After graduating from St. Michael's Academy for Boys in Ashford, Ohio, James Vagus is approached by a mysterious man named John Smith. Smith recruits James to work for the secret military intelligence unit called MIS-X and sends him to Miami for a crucial mission. Another teenager, a Cherokee named Dakota Walker, teams up with James on this high-stakes mission. But things don't go according to plan, and soon, James and Dakota find themselves chasing a man known as Dr. Victor van Heerden. He represents the Golden Syndicate and is working on an insidious conspiracy to defeat the West in the Cold War. Can James and Dakota save the West from The Golden Blight?
Packed with mystery, suspense, and action, Mission: Red Scythe takes readers on a wild rollercoaster ride. From Miami to Madrid to Madras, the narrative covers a few vibrant and diverse locales, creating a dramatic atmosphere and settings that are easy to imagine. Author C.W. James weaves an absorbing plot that is high in stakes, moving the narrative at a brisk pace to keep readers glued to the pages. If you enjoy old-school spy/espionage tales, this will be right up your alley. The friendship and chemistry between James and Dakota were the book's highlight for me. I particularly enjoyed how the two had each other's backs every time one of them needed the other. The MIS-X unit feels like a covert military intelligence agency with how the operatives work at every level. Recommended to young adult fans of spy thrillers.
Hop into a world of teen secret agents, covert organizations, and espionage with C.W. James' Mission: Red Scythe. It's 1965. After graduating from St. Michael's Academy for Boys in Ashford, Ohio, James Vagus is approached by a mysterious man named John Smith. Smith recruits James to work for the secret military intelligence unit called MIS-X and sends him to Miami for a crucial mission. Another teenager, a Cherokee named Dakota Walker, teams up with James on this high-stakes mission. But things don't go according to plan, and soon, James and Dakota find themselves chasing a man known as Dr. Victor van Heerden. He represents the Golden Syndicate and is working on an insidious conspiracy to defeat the West in the Cold War. Can James and Dakota save the West from The Golden Blight?
Packed with mystery, suspense, and action, Mission: Red Scythe takes readers on a wild rollercoaster ride. From Miami to Madrid to Madras, the narrative covers a few vibrant and diverse locales, creating a dramatic atmosphere and settings that are easy to imagine. Author C.W. James weaves an absorbing plot that is high in stakes, moving the narrative at a brisk pace to keep readers glued to the pages. If you enjoy old-school spy/espionage tales, this will be right up your alley. The friendship and chemistry between James and Dakota were the book's highlight for me. I particularly enjoyed how the two had each other's backs every time one of them needed the other. The MIS-X unit feels like a covert military intelligence agency with how the operatives work at every level. Recommended to young adult fans of spy thrillers.
Recommend this book:
Dragonfly Down
Annette Masters
2026 Bronze Medal
322 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Ruarc Hopley for Readers' Favorite
In Dragonfly Down by Annette Masters, we meet Laurel, a teen who has spent her life hiding behind strict security and rigid routines after a childhood tragedy. Her world shatters a second time when an explosion levels a youth healing center on her family's private Florida island, leaving her sister presumed dead. While the rest of her high-profile family prepares for a big public memorial, Laurel is flooded with an unshakeable intuition that her sibling is still out there. Surrounded by doctors, lawyers, and pushy corporate guards who monitor her every move, she has to navigate severe memory gaps and physical injuries from the night of the fire. As a twisted web of deceit tightens in her inner circle and federal agents swarm the town, Laurel realizes someone is actively weaponizing her amnesia to bury the truth. Standing alone against a mountain of official evidence, she begins hunting for patterns in the sand. Will she finally find the evidence needed to save her family before they lock her away?
Annette Masters’ Dragonfly Down is a YA psychological thriller that effortlessly weaves complex word puzzles and childhood secrets into a high-stakes, clock-ticking rescue mission. As an avid reader of the genre, I was really impressed by how the author uses the nostalgia of an old family beach house to mask a very sophisticated game of psychological manipulation. The way Laurel slowly decoded hidden messages, using everything from old boat hulls to a custom piano alphabet, provided a thrilling detective experience that kept me guessing what new, amazing thing would happen next. Watching a group of friends join forces to help Laurel drew me further into the plot. If you love good mysteries and stories about family bonds and strong friendships, then this book is a must-read. Very highly recommended.
In Dragonfly Down by Annette Masters, we meet Laurel, a teen who has spent her life hiding behind strict security and rigid routines after a childhood tragedy. Her world shatters a second time when an explosion levels a youth healing center on her family's private Florida island, leaving her sister presumed dead. While the rest of her high-profile family prepares for a big public memorial, Laurel is flooded with an unshakeable intuition that her sibling is still out there. Surrounded by doctors, lawyers, and pushy corporate guards who monitor her every move, she has to navigate severe memory gaps and physical injuries from the night of the fire. As a twisted web of deceit tightens in her inner circle and federal agents swarm the town, Laurel realizes someone is actively weaponizing her amnesia to bury the truth. Standing alone against a mountain of official evidence, she begins hunting for patterns in the sand. Will she finally find the evidence needed to save her family before they lock her away?
Annette Masters’ Dragonfly Down is a YA psychological thriller that effortlessly weaves complex word puzzles and childhood secrets into a high-stakes, clock-ticking rescue mission. As an avid reader of the genre, I was really impressed by how the author uses the nostalgia of an old family beach house to mask a very sophisticated game of psychological manipulation. The way Laurel slowly decoded hidden messages, using everything from old boat hulls to a custom piano alphabet, provided a thrilling detective experience that kept me guessing what new, amazing thing would happen next. Watching a group of friends join forces to help Laurel drew me further into the plot. If you love good mysteries and stories about family bonds and strong friendships, then this book is a must-read. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
 by Dorian Rockwood. After their graduation, Dan and Paul Case set out on a canoe trip down the Makatawa River with plans to explore a notorious swamp. While stopping for a rest...){kind=link}
The Mephisto Swamp Mystery
Case Twins Adventures
Dorian Rockwood
2026 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When two brothers stumble upon a counterfeiter’s hideout, a camping trip turns deadly in the exciting adventure series, The Mephisto Swamp Mystery (A Case Twins Adventure) by Dorian Rockwood. After their graduation, Dan and Paul Case set out on a canoe trip down the Makatawa River with plans to explore a notorious swamp. While stopping for a rest on the shore near an abandoned cypress mill, Dan discovers a man and a boy printing counterfeit money. When the thugs find Dan spying on them, he and Paul are captured, and their canoe is sunk. Meanwhile, the crooks learn the Treasury Department is on their tail and must relocate their operation. On top of having a counterfeiting ring out for their blood, alligators, snakes, and quicksand are lurking in the background. Things aren’t looking good for Dan and Paul. Can they escape? Or will their bodies forever lie at the bottom of the Mephisto Swamp?
Set in 1949, The Mephisto Swamp Mystery by Dorian Rockwood is a captivating post-World War II adventure. The story is very well written with picturesque imagery and a timeline that is perfectly depicted. Filled with action and drama, the storyline and plot far surpass those of the Hardy Boys books that I enjoyed in my youth. This book brought back delightful memories and glimpses into the past, and I especially loved the soda shop scenes. Geared toward teenage boys, this fast-paced and exciting series will enthrall everyone who loves adventure stories with daring and courageous heroes!
When two brothers stumble upon a counterfeiter’s hideout, a camping trip turns deadly in the exciting adventure series, The Mephisto Swamp Mystery (A Case Twins Adventure) by Dorian Rockwood. After their graduation, Dan and Paul Case set out on a canoe trip down the Makatawa River with plans to explore a notorious swamp. While stopping for a rest on the shore near an abandoned cypress mill, Dan discovers a man and a boy printing counterfeit money. When the thugs find Dan spying on them, he and Paul are captured, and their canoe is sunk. Meanwhile, the crooks learn the Treasury Department is on their tail and must relocate their operation. On top of having a counterfeiting ring out for their blood, alligators, snakes, and quicksand are lurking in the background. Things aren’t looking good for Dan and Paul. Can they escape? Or will their bodies forever lie at the bottom of the Mephisto Swamp?
Set in 1949, The Mephisto Swamp Mystery by Dorian Rockwood is a captivating post-World War II adventure. The story is very well written with picturesque imagery and a timeline that is perfectly depicted. Filled with action and drama, the storyline and plot far surpass those of the Hardy Boys books that I enjoyed in my youth. This book brought back delightful memories and glimpses into the past, and I especially loved the soda shop scenes. Geared toward teenage boys, this fast-paced and exciting series will enthrall everyone who loves adventure stories with daring and courageous heroes!
Recommend this book:
For Cause
Mark Shaiken
2026 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
For Cause by Mark Shaiken is part of the 3J legal thriller series. 3J, or Josephina Jillian Jones, is a Kansas City attorney, and she’s taken on a Chapter 11 case for Paxton Energy. She’s not worried—until she sees a video of the Paxton CEO in which he confesses to cooking the company’s books for years. But he claims it’s a deepfake video. With just 20 days to prove it, 3J has her work cut out for her, but the digital forensics expert she needs is working for a mob boss. As she chases the answers with an investigator and her mentor, Bill Pascale, 3J uncovers a deepfake technology that has the power to end lives. How far will 3J go to protect herself and her client?
For Cause by Mark Shaiken is a stunning story that cuts right to the heart of something that’s sweeping the world—deepfakes. I’ve read a couple of the other 3J books, but each could be read as a standalone. Mark has seriously strong storytelling abilities, able to catch a reader’s attention on the first page and keep them hooked all the way to the end. This book has plenty of drama, and not just the legal kind, and it’ll keep you on your toes as it ducks and dives down the dark alleyways of corruption and deceit. The characters are real people, wholly likable and complex, adding depth to a heart-pounding thriller. This story is also a clear reminder of the damage AI can do in the wrong hands and how difficult it is to tell the real from the fake these days. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thriller that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.
For Cause by Mark Shaiken is part of the 3J legal thriller series. 3J, or Josephina Jillian Jones, is a Kansas City attorney, and she’s taken on a Chapter 11 case for Paxton Energy. She’s not worried—until she sees a video of the Paxton CEO in which he confesses to cooking the company’s books for years. But he claims it’s a deepfake video. With just 20 days to prove it, 3J has her work cut out for her, but the digital forensics expert she needs is working for a mob boss. As she chases the answers with an investigator and her mentor, Bill Pascale, 3J uncovers a deepfake technology that has the power to end lives. How far will 3J go to protect herself and her client?
For Cause by Mark Shaiken is a stunning story that cuts right to the heart of something that’s sweeping the world—deepfakes. I’ve read a couple of the other 3J books, but each could be read as a standalone. Mark has seriously strong storytelling abilities, able to catch a reader’s attention on the first page and keep them hooked all the way to the end. This book has plenty of drama, and not just the legal kind, and it’ll keep you on your toes as it ducks and dives down the dark alleyways of corruption and deceit. The characters are real people, wholly likable and complex, adding depth to a heart-pounding thriller. This story is also a clear reminder of the damage AI can do in the wrong hands and how difficult it is to tell the real from the fake these days. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a thriller that grabs hold and doesn’t let go.
Recommend this book:
The Price of Truth
Michele Clarizio
2025 Finalist
402 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Michele Clarizio's The Price of Truth, Karis is mourning the loss of her father when everything in her life is suddenly disrupted again. She wakes up injured and confused, unable to remember what happened the night before. The last thing she recalls is having dinner, and then she finds herself in Troy's apartment. Karis had called Troy in tears, her words unclear and jumbled. When Troy seeks help, he encounters CJ, Karis’s stepfather. CJ advises Troy to stay silent about what occurred with Karis and not to contact the police. CJ explains that he and Karis’s mother are leaving for Europe the next day, and her mother would cancel the trip if she learned about Karis's situation. Karis is determined to recover her memory and uncover the truth about that night. Karis believes her healing journey cannot begin until she knows the truth. With the support of her close friends Skylar, Niki, Troy, and Patent, she hopes to uncover the truth.
The Price of Truth by Michele Clarizio captivated me right from the start. The story was packed with nonstop action, and the tension kept me riveted. The writing style was engaging, making it easy to become invested in Karis’s quest for the truth. I found it impossible to put the book down and was flipping through the pages as fast as I could. The characters felt realistic and genuine. They were crafted so well that I had no trouble connecting with several of them immediately. On the other hand, there were also characters that I found quite unlikable. The book was exceptionally well-written and maintained my interest throughout. The conclusion was perfectly fitting, given all that had transpired, and it caught me completely off guard.
In Michele Clarizio's The Price of Truth, Karis is mourning the loss of her father when everything in her life is suddenly disrupted again. She wakes up injured and confused, unable to remember what happened the night before. The last thing she recalls is having dinner, and then she finds herself in Troy's apartment. Karis had called Troy in tears, her words unclear and jumbled. When Troy seeks help, he encounters CJ, Karis’s stepfather. CJ advises Troy to stay silent about what occurred with Karis and not to contact the police. CJ explains that he and Karis’s mother are leaving for Europe the next day, and her mother would cancel the trip if she learned about Karis's situation. Karis is determined to recover her memory and uncover the truth about that night. Karis believes her healing journey cannot begin until she knows the truth. With the support of her close friends Skylar, Niki, Troy, and Patent, she hopes to uncover the truth.
The Price of Truth by Michele Clarizio captivated me right from the start. The story was packed with nonstop action, and the tension kept me riveted. The writing style was engaging, making it easy to become invested in Karis’s quest for the truth. I found it impossible to put the book down and was flipping through the pages as fast as I could. The characters felt realistic and genuine. They were crafted so well that I had no trouble connecting with several of them immediately. On the other hand, there were also characters that I found quite unlikable. The book was exceptionally well-written and maintained my interest throughout. The conclusion was perfectly fitting, given all that had transpired, and it caught me completely off guard.
Recommend this book:
Risky Pursuit
Nancy G. West
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Keith Mbuya for Readers' Favorite
High school senior Decker Savage was struggling to cope with life. Apart from grieving his deceased baby brother, he also had to face the reality of his parents’ separation. It all weighed heavily on him. When he witnesses a strange man upsetting his mother while at a dinner, he is curious to know who the man is. Decker secretly tails the man as he walks away into the night. However, he ends up walking into a crime. The strange man had broken into a house and assaulted an aging man. Determined to uncover the identity of the mystery man, Decker visits the victim in the hospital, launching an investigation. Soon, he finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his courage to the test and the lives of his loved ones in danger. Discover how it all goes down in Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit.
Using sharp, character-driven conversations and a multi-perspective timeline, West introduced me to a conflicted and fascinating, dynamic cast. The overt depictions of the characters' emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. I was given a glimpse into the world of a teenager going through grief and family disintegration. Between baseball practice, handling a budding romance, trying to maintain a social life, and running an investigation, Decker illustrates how grief and divorce affect young people. I could understand when Decker felt overwhelmed by his friend’s boisterous family. He was just not used to it. There is suspense, love, secrets, deceit, betrayal, intergenerational friendship, and more in this book. Lovers of young adult mystery novels with a blend of thrills and adventure will find Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit an enthralling read.
High school senior Decker Savage was struggling to cope with life. Apart from grieving his deceased baby brother, he also had to face the reality of his parents’ separation. It all weighed heavily on him. When he witnesses a strange man upsetting his mother while at a dinner, he is curious to know who the man is. Decker secretly tails the man as he walks away into the night. However, he ends up walking into a crime. The strange man had broken into a house and assaulted an aging man. Determined to uncover the identity of the mystery man, Decker visits the victim in the hospital, launching an investigation. Soon, he finds himself treading a dangerous path that puts his courage to the test and the lives of his loved ones in danger. Discover how it all goes down in Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit.
Using sharp, character-driven conversations and a multi-perspective timeline, West introduced me to a conflicted and fascinating, dynamic cast. The overt depictions of the characters' emotions and the juxtaposition of their complex traits allowed me to connect with them. I was given a glimpse into the world of a teenager going through grief and family disintegration. Between baseball practice, handling a budding romance, trying to maintain a social life, and running an investigation, Decker illustrates how grief and divorce affect young people. I could understand when Decker felt overwhelmed by his friend’s boisterous family. He was just not used to it. There is suspense, love, secrets, deceit, betrayal, intergenerational friendship, and more in this book. Lovers of young adult mystery novels with a blend of thrills and adventure will find Nancy G. West’s Risky Pursuit an enthralling read.
Recommend this book:
Dawn to Dusk
The Awaken Saga, Book 2
Ellis K. Popa
2025 Silver Medal
416 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Makeda Cummings for Readers' Favorite
In Ellis K. Popa's Dawn to Dusk, the two protagonists, Kat and Maksim, are keeping a low profile in a picturesque Mediterranean town after making a daring escape from the criminal underworld. All appears to be peaceful until Maksim makes contact with a mysterious hacker. Kat’s inquisitiveness about Maksim's ulterior motives puts them both back on the radar of a ruthless crime syndicate. Forced to flee to Paris, Kat and Maksim come under the protection of Dom, a close friend of Maksim’s. Initially, Dom appears as a comforting presence to Kat as she tries to piece her shattered life back together. But as Maksim’s disloyalty gradually surfaces, so do Dom’s hidden agendas. With the syndicate closing in on their heels, Kat must decide who to trust before it is too late. What will she do? Most importantly, will she live to tell the tale?
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa is the fast-paced, emotionally charged second installment in The Awaken Saga. Popa's vivid depictions bring the story to life, making each scene easy to envision. Set against the alluring backdrop of the City of Lights, this novel balances exciting chase sequences, surprising betrayals, and an unforgettable romantic entanglement between Kat, Maksim, and Dom. Even though their love triangle creates a renewed level of intimacy and vulnerability between these characters, the character development between Kat and Maksim feels remarkably authentic. Their struggles will resonate deeply with readers. Kat and Maksim's powerful chemistry makes it easy to empathize with them as they confront their challenges together and evolve throughout the plot. If you are drawn to high-stakes cat‑and‑mouse stories with emotional depth and intense action, this novel is a riveting, dynamic read.
In Ellis K. Popa's Dawn to Dusk, the two protagonists, Kat and Maksim, are keeping a low profile in a picturesque Mediterranean town after making a daring escape from the criminal underworld. All appears to be peaceful until Maksim makes contact with a mysterious hacker. Kat’s inquisitiveness about Maksim's ulterior motives puts them both back on the radar of a ruthless crime syndicate. Forced to flee to Paris, Kat and Maksim come under the protection of Dom, a close friend of Maksim’s. Initially, Dom appears as a comforting presence to Kat as she tries to piece her shattered life back together. But as Maksim’s disloyalty gradually surfaces, so do Dom’s hidden agendas. With the syndicate closing in on their heels, Kat must decide who to trust before it is too late. What will she do? Most importantly, will she live to tell the tale?
Dawn to Dusk by Ellis K. Popa is the fast-paced, emotionally charged second installment in The Awaken Saga. Popa's vivid depictions bring the story to life, making each scene easy to envision. Set against the alluring backdrop of the City of Lights, this novel balances exciting chase sequences, surprising betrayals, and an unforgettable romantic entanglement between Kat, Maksim, and Dom. Even though their love triangle creates a renewed level of intimacy and vulnerability between these characters, the character development between Kat and Maksim feels remarkably authentic. Their struggles will resonate deeply with readers. Kat and Maksim's powerful chemistry makes it easy to empathize with them as they confront their challenges together and evolve throughout the plot. If you are drawn to high-stakes cat‑and‑mouse stories with emotional depth and intense action, this novel is a riveting, dynamic read.
Recommend this book:
The Hennessy Lie
Annette Masters
2025 Gold Medal
314 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by Carol Thompson for Readers' Favorite
Annette Masters’ novel, The Hennessy Lie, is a unique blend of secrets, deception, and the dangerous quest for truth, set against the backdrop of an atmospheric estate. With a touch of romance, this YA thriller captivates from start to finish. The story follows Piper Covington, a young woman grappling with a haunting family legacy. Raised on her mother’s chilling tales of a monstrous father who died before she was born, Piper’s search for identity takes a treacherous turn when a stranger hints at her connection to the wealthy Hennessy family. Allegations of a hidden fortune and a contested inheritance propel Piper into a dangerous hunt for her father’s elusive will, leading her to confront not only her own fears but also unexpected adversaries—including a captivating yet enigmatic rival.
Annette Masters weaves multiple layers of intrigue, blending Piper’s personal journey with suspense. As Piper digs deeper into the history of the Hennessys, each revelation uncovers a new twist. The author’s pacing adds to the suspense. Piper’s complex relationship with her newfound rival is central to the narrative. The eerie atmosphere and vivid descriptions transport readers into a world where every shadow conceals a potential threat, and every clue leads deeper into a labyrinth of family intrigue. The Hennessy Lie blends suspense, romance, and mystery with skillful storytelling. Readers who enjoy a good mystery that keeps them guessing will want to read The Hennessy Lie. Piper is a likable character, and readers will feel for her and cheer for her as she unravels the mystery of her existence.
Annette Masters’ novel, The Hennessy Lie, is a unique blend of secrets, deception, and the dangerous quest for truth, set against the backdrop of an atmospheric estate. With a touch of romance, this YA thriller captivates from start to finish. The story follows Piper Covington, a young woman grappling with a haunting family legacy. Raised on her mother’s chilling tales of a monstrous father who died before she was born, Piper’s search for identity takes a treacherous turn when a stranger hints at her connection to the wealthy Hennessy family. Allegations of a hidden fortune and a contested inheritance propel Piper into a dangerous hunt for her father’s elusive will, leading her to confront not only her own fears but also unexpected adversaries—including a captivating yet enigmatic rival.
Annette Masters weaves multiple layers of intrigue, blending Piper’s personal journey with suspense. As Piper digs deeper into the history of the Hennessys, each revelation uncovers a new twist. The author’s pacing adds to the suspense. Piper’s complex relationship with her newfound rival is central to the narrative. The eerie atmosphere and vivid descriptions transport readers into a world where every shadow conceals a potential threat, and every clue leads deeper into a labyrinth of family intrigue. The Hennessy Lie blends suspense, romance, and mystery with skillful storytelling. Readers who enjoy a good mystery that keeps them guessing will want to read The Hennessy Lie. Piper is a likable character, and readers will feel for her and cheer for her as she unravels the mystery of her existence.
Recommend this book:
Journey to the Dark Galaxy
Hannah D. State
2024 Finalist
Kindle Edition
Check current price
Young Adult - Thriller
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a work of fiction in the science fiction, adventure, and interpersonal drama genres, and is the second novel in The Dark Galaxy Series. It is intended for young adult readers and contains some mild scenes of sci-fi violence and serious themes. Penned by author Hannah D. State, this riveting sequel to Journey to the Hopewell Star continues the adventures of Sam Sanderson, a twelve-year-old with a knack for stumbling into extraordinary circumstances. Now facing an interplanetary ultimatum, Sam is drafted into the Great Alliance for Interplanetary Affairs, setting the stage for a harrowing journey into the unknown. Sam's journey to the Dark Galaxy is fraught with danger, secrets, and unexpected twists. The narrative explores complex themes such as power, responsibility, and the consequences of one's actions. As Sam navigates a maze of lies and dark secrets, the tension rises, and the stakes become higher.
Author Hannah D. State has crafted a superb novel that’s a really immersive experience with a deft combination of intriguing mystery, vividly described adventure, and larger-than-life characters leaping off the pages into action. What I found most compelling was the portrayal of Sam's personal growth, which is handled with emotional resonance, close personal narration, and a great sense of humanity in speech and thought presentation. The book raises thought-provoking questions about humanity, artificial intelligence, and the potential consequences of our technological advancements, and this is created as a solid backdrop to the tale without overtaking the action. Overall, Journey to the Dark Galaxy is a thrilling continuation of Sam's adventures, offering both excitement and introspection, and I would highly recommend it for YA sci-fi fans everywhere.
Contact Author -
