Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite

The Fugitive's Trail is a stunning first entry in The Sean Kruger Series by J.C. Fields, a page-turner that is intelligently plotted and executed with great mastery. A man has been found dead in a Wall Street investment firm and another injured, and the man at whom fingers are pointing is on the run. Special Agent Sean Kruger is specifically tasked by his FBI Director to handle the case and to move to New York and locate the man responsible for the crimes.

When Kruger starts his investigation, he quickly learns that things may not be what they seem to be and that the man on the run might be the victim of a sinister intrigue involving powerful individuals in the firm. As he digs into the story, he draws the attention of some who would have everyone believe the story that is out, and who will stop at nothing to protect what Kruger is still to learn, if only he lives to complete the case.

This is the kind of book that fans of Sidney Sheldon will adore, well-plotted with a protagonist who is sculpted to perfectly reflect the world of his profession. The intrigue is beguiling and the plot perfectly paced to keep readers turning the pages. The red herrings are surprisingly breathtaking. J.C. Fields is a great writer and I enjoyed the fluidity in the prose, the intelligent dialogues, and the wonderful descriptions. The Fugitive's Trail is an absorbing tale that is exciting, a real page-turner.

Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite

The Butcher's Bill is book two in The Linus Schag Thrillers series by Martin Roy Hill and an electrifying read for fans of crime and police stories. A gruesome crime has been committed and a severed head is left at a security company. Evidence points to Bill Butcher, a former Navy SEAL. NCIS agent Linus Schag is brought in to investigate the crime and he can’t believe that his former colleague - “The Butcher” - is responsible for the crime, but there is just too much evidence not to think otherwise. Follow these two characters through an investigation that will uncover a conspiracy that reaches staggering proportions and a criminal cartel involving influential people in government.

This is a fast-paced, action-packed novel with a story that feels so real, a relevant setting, and a backstory with compelling references to Iraq. The writing is terrific and the reader is greeted by a unique voice from the beginning and a descriptive style that is as excellent as it is rare. The author knows how to create vivid images in the minds of readers, crafting scenes that are focused and infused with emotional energy. The drama is intense as well and readers will enjoy moments like the encounter between Cavendish and Butcher. Martin Roy Hill has the gift of storytelling, but what caught my attention is the way he gets readers to experience the characters. The story is rich, thanks to the realism that permeates it. I really enjoyed The Butcher's Bill for the great writing and the exceptional storytelling art, and will be on the lookout for more from this author.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

The History Major is a paranormal novella written by Michael Phillip Cash. Amanda Greene awoke awash with confusion; she remembered drinking too much, but not what had happened, nor why she hurt so much. Things seemed to have changed overnight. Trees that were thick with leaves yesterday had succumbed to autumn in the space of a single evening, almost as if a mirror to her own heartache. She and her boyfriend, Patrick, had fought, and now he was out of her life forever; already she felt lost without him. But this was not all that had changed - her timetable was no longer the one she remembered, her classes had altered and she found herself scheduled for History, something she had wished to avoid, and it seemed that no one was willing to correct the mistake. It is said people get trapped in history, and as the doors close and she is forced to go to her seat, these words take on a whole new meaning.

I thought Michael Phillip Cash's way of integrating history with the story was brilliant. We meet Joan of Arc, portrayed in a fashion that is wonderful to read. Though I'll admit to not being much of a history reader, I found this portrayal fitted the style of an urban fantasy perfectly and brilliantly reflected exactly what they were attempting to achieve. Lucrezia Borgia and other characters all appear to lend a helping hand in ways you'd never imagine. I was completely enthralled by this story, wondering exactly what had happened, what the dark force stalking Amanda was, and how she came to find herself in this strange situation. I enjoyed this book so much I was actually disappointed when it finished, although it finished at the perfect point. This is certainly a gripping read, with some unique ideas and philosophical applications. For a fascinating, intriguing read, look nor further than The History Major.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Last Oracle by Christopher Hepworth is a conspiracy thriller, the third in the Sam Jardine series. Rex Dangerfield’s fracking company is aiming to tap into a gas seam in the Greenland ice shelf, a move that will cause untold damage to the environment and the climate. Dangerfield has an enemy though, the one person that will stand in his way and stop him from causing disaster – his daughter. Her mother was Egyptian and she is the Oracle of the Temple of Sekhmet; her job is to stop people like her father from destroying the world. Sam is recruited by the Oracle to try to change the way her father works but something else is standing in the way. A secret society will reap huge profits from the destruction and they will do whatever it takes to remove Sam from the equation. As events escalate, Jardine has to fight his way through corruption, past every person who will gain from the epic disaster about to unfold. Can he stop it in time or is the world about to be destroyed?

The Last Oracle by Christopher Hepworth is a frighteningly real story. Although it is the third of a series, there was enough information provided about the main protagonist so that not reading the previous books did not affect my enjoyment of this story and I believe that this could easily be read as a standalone. We are all aware of the climate changes happening across the world and we are all aware that some of it is down to the way we abuse this planet, stripping it of natural resources and forever changing the delicate balances in place. Both the story and the characters have real depth to them; the action starts from page one and continues right to the last page. The detail in the story is excellent, making for a novel that is real, compelling and truly engaging. It moves fast but never loses sight of the main issues, even through the many twists and turns. Great book, highly recommended for anyone who wants to lose themselves in an epic thriller.

Reviewed by Cheryl E. Rodriguez for Readers' Favorite

David M. Burke pens a political thriller with a supernatural twist in Return of the Founding Fathers’ Guardians. A rare group of patriots decides it is time to restore America to its original greatness. Their mission is to bring hope back to a hopeless nation by reestablishing the principles of the Founding Fathers. George Carnegie and his running mate, Adam Youngeagle, join together to expose the true intentions of the current government - the elimination of the middle class! The present administration desires to destroy the American Dream. George and Adam are not alone in their quest; they are visited and inspired by spiritual guardians. Angelic messengers and a mysterious covert operative assist them in their fight against tyrannical forces. It is time to make a stand and to reveal the truth. This is not just a presidential race; it is a reckoning!

Return of the Founding Fathers’ Guardians by David M. Burke takes politics to a new level. Burke’s approach in telling his story is unique and thought-provoking. The conflict of good versus evil is portrayed in multiple dimensions, and in varying time settings. As the story unfolds, the primary characters are introduced and the plot is established. But, it is the rare historical inclusions, the angelic aspects and the clandestine figures that make the story intriguing. The story is detailed and politically informative, revealing the depth of ideology. However, at times, the long, political speeches and discourses delay the momentum of the plot action. The narrative is conservative in philosophy and principle, but the plot scheme is liberally imaginative. As Return of the Founding Fathers’ Guardians concludes, you realize this story is far from being over. It is just getting started.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

When Joseph Muamba, the eldest of nine children, was “sold” by his Congolese parents as an adolescent to an American couple looking to adopt, nobody understood the impact this young man would have one day on the strife-torn, poverty-stricken African nation. Blood Gold in the Congo by Peter Ralph sees Joseph initially struggling to adapt to life in the US, until the young man discovers he has a natural talent for all sports. After being convinced he was perfectly suited for the Decathlon, Joseph aims for the Beijing Olympics in 2008. To everyone’s surprise, Joseph is determined to compete for the country of his birth rather than his adopted country and he returns the first Olympic Medal and a Gold Medal, to boot, for the Democratic Republic of the Congo. A national hero, Joseph sees his new status as an opportunity to work for the empowerment of the poor, downtrodden Congolese people in this mineral-rich country. Rich, powerful, and corrupt businessmen and politicians all want Joseph to work for their interests, to secure their wealth and power in the Congo, but Joseph feels he is pulled by a greater destiny to restore dignity and fairness to a country wracked by civil war and a brutal, murderous regime.

Author Peter Ralph was inspired by true events in the Congo to pen his novel, Blood Gold in the Congo, and his rendition of this tale is truly wonderful. From the very first pages, the reader is drawn in and rooting for this little boy, uprooted from his family and everything he knows, to be transplanted into an alien setting, albeit a very gilded one, in the United States. The story is an action/adventure worthy of “Boys Own” magazine and yet also has great undercurrents of social comment and extremely relevant issues of corruption of power that are well worth discussing and rereading. I enjoyed this book immensely and found the author's style easy and captivating. The secondary characters are developed and imbued with realism equally as well as Joseph Muamba was, especially his two boyhood friends, Maya and Yannick. Probably the saddest thing about this story is that it could have been written and equally applicable to almost all of the colonized African nations of the late twentieth century. The powers that ruled Africa for over a century inevitably left behind a legacy of corruption, violence and a power vacuum that would spur racial, ethnic and clan wars for decades after their departure. The recent revelations by CNN of child labour exploitation in cobalt mining in the Congo merely confirms the premise Ralph used for the basis of this novel. This is an outstanding read and simply a wonderful action/adventure story.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

A day trader and seven-year divorcee, Linda has vowed never to be attached — not in the way her mom is attached, anyway — to any man. Marked for death, she finds solace in a small town on the coast of Oregon, making Sea Crest her retreat. She has just one friend whose life is as mysterious as her own, a widowed elderly woman who works as a consultant for no one knows what clientele. Linda Darby is disciplined — never dating a man twice, never giving her real name to a one-night-stander. Yes, she wants no strings, because they can be dangerous. But then she is dragged off to an alley by two men and a third man rescues her and disappears. The next thing is that the two men turn up dead and her best friend is tortured and killed. Then she wakes up from sleep to find a man watching her. It’s the beginning of a journey she never imagined, and is she prepared for what lies ahead?

The Woman by David Bishop is a by-the-numbers cozy mystery and distinguished by its unique narrative voice and the exquisite setting, the mysterious characters and the fast pacing. David Bishop builds an appealing political thriller with sophisticated characters, creating a sense of mystery around the characters that piques curiosity and interest in readers. I fell in love with the protagonist and the quirkiness of her character. She is your ordinary woman on the surface, but peel away the first layer and you discover a labyrinth in her personality. The prose is gorgeous, tantalizing, and the plot is filled with surprises that come at unexpected moments. The unpredictability of the plot is one of the aspects of this narrative that had me gripped. The Woman by David Bishop is spellbinding, a real thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

In The One Apart: A Novel, Justine Avery introduces readers to Tres, an ageless adult who is reborn as a baby to a teenage mother. Here begins the mystery because, young as he is, he has the intelligence and wisdom of an old man. Yet, he has to deal with two serious problems — figure out who he really is and his mission, and bear the pain of not living an ordinary life. And as if his predicament weren’t enough cause for pain, he is a hunted man, hunted by an evil that is about to destroy the world. No one seems to know about it, but he does, and only he can stop it. Can a young mother help him get the protection he needs and the strength required to fight such an evil? It’s for the reader to find out.

First off, I must say that I was taken by the originality of the concept of the story and the plot is like nothing I have read anywhere. I enjoyed the bond between the young mother and her ageless little baby and from the moment I met the characters, I became very keen on discovering what their fate would be. Justine Avery breaks the laws of nature and lifts a veil, revealing a world that readers will become immediately curious to discover, a world of strange possibilities. From the deft treatment of the conflict to the sophisticated plot, to the masterful thematic development, The One Apart: A Novel reveals the work of a conscientious and gifted writer. Great plot, wonderful pacing, and memorable characters! You’ll feel a strange familiarity with the characters and will want to be part of their world.

Reviewed by Stacie Haas for Readers' Favorite

In The Comfort of Secrets: A Sweet Lake Novel Volume 2 by Christine Nolfi, Cat Mendoza is a stunning, thirty-year-old woman trying to find herself as she begins a new job as marketing and events coordinator for the Wayfair Inn in Sweet Lake, Ohio. Cat’s early attempts at confident decision-making are thwarted by the Sweet Lake Sirens, a group of eccentric women who serve as self-appointed guardians of the country town. When Ryan D’Angelo, an up-and-coming advertising executive, travels from Cincinnati to help her promote the Inn, Cat finds herself falling for a man whose secrets endanger their chances for a relationship and may just threaten both of their lives.

The Comfort of Secrets by Christine Nolfi is an elegantly written novel with an endearing protagonist, Cat Mendoza, who is desperately trying to overcome a lack of confidence in her career and life choices. Her life begins to come into focus when she meets Ryan D’Angelo, but he is not who he seems. His life before Cat was filled with uncertainty and pain, a history that irrevocably ties him to his mother, Julia. It’s in the unveiling of the secrets of Ryan, his mother, and their ties to Sweet Lake that this novel really shines. The love story is penetrating and enjoyable, and I loved its depth and meaning as the pair learns to trust each other and determines to acknowledge the past so they can have a future together. Every character in this novel—overbearing Silvia, secretive Frances, skittish Julia, eccentric Ruth, and hopeful Gemma—are more colorful than the next. This is a delightful read and the journey is one I’d take again and again. The Comfort of Secrets is perfectly titled and highly recommended.

Reviewed by Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite

Outlander meets art in Storm at the Keizer Manor by Ramcy Diek. Annet, a pregnant woman from the 21st century, finds herself in the 1800s after she had gone for a walk in the dunes with her boyfriend, Forrest (the father of her unborn child). A storm had surprised them, and apparently transported her - but not him - back in time. Unfortunately for Forrest, some people became suspicious of him because he had last been seen having an argument with his girlfriend. Part of the novel concerns itself with his search for Annet, but the majority of the novel is about how Annet deals with life in the 1800s, and how the outspoken woman who loves to swear and carries a child out of wedlock ends up in a monastery of all places. Initially, Annet thinks it's all a prank, but then she meets the 19th century master painter Alexander Keizer, whose paintings are exhibited in the museum she work for, and who should be long dead. Annet accepts her fate, but wants to find a way home. However, the longer she stays in the past, the more she learns about what has been going on in her life, and what she really needs for happiness.

Readers who love time travel romances, Outlander for example, will feel right at home in the pages of Storm at the Keizer Manor by Ramcy Diek. The novel is not as rich in history as the Outlander series (which has a bit too much of everything for my taste - too much sex, too much history, too many long, winding passages that say nothing at all), but that's not a bad thing. Readers will learn quite a bit about industrialization, especially when it comes to sewing and the sewing machine. The main focus, however, is not on history, but on the development of Annet. I found the novel to be a very pleasant experience and it was also exciting in a certain way. There is, obviously, some romance going on, but it's not over the top, and naked bodies are clearly not the selling point of this novel. It has substance, and I found the ending rather satisfying. I was hoping it would end that way! It's not a taxing read, and ideal for comfortable reading sessions at the end of a busy day.