Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

A man who has lost everything — his job, his wife and daughter — gets the one chance to redeem himself, to save a person’s life. In The Chosen Ones by Lisa Luciano, Brody gets fired from his job as a reporter and his wife leaves him. The sports editor of the newspaper gets an anonymous voicemail which claims that one of the top male skaters will be dead before the end of the Winter Olympics. The editor asks Brody to go undercover as a trainer to uncover the source of the plot. Brody knows a life hangs in the balance and time is ticking by, every minute, every day, drawing towards the end, but does he have what it takes to save a life or will he live with the guilt of not having tried hard enough?

I am not a fan of skating, but the reader gets the impression that the author did good research on the topic, allowing readers to have a detailed glimpse of what happens in big sporting competitions — the greed, the corruption, and the racism. The characters are emotionally rich and convincing. I loved the psychological depth of the protagonist, a broken man struggling to find important answers to save a life. The writing is atmospheric and the setting is vividly captured in engaging prose. Lisa Luciano uses suspense to get readers turning the pages, wondering who can possibly be the victim and who is the killer. It’s a story with a powerful premise, a strong conflict, and a gripping plot. The Chosen Ones is a good read.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In The Melancholy History Of Mayfly by Mutch Katsonga, a man sits alone and afraid in the squalor of his prison cell, reflecting on his life in his final few hours. A priest convinces him to write his thoughts and feelings down on paper to heal his soul before he bids farewell to the world. As he begins the painful journey into his memory, he retraces the events that led him to his fate. Raised by his mother in a town filled with superstition, his unique 'gift' becomes a curse that separates him from his peers and the world around him. The taunts and rejection of the townspeople result in a reclusive life with only vivid nightmares for company. He enjoys his ‘secret wanderings’ away from the eyes of others, where he meets his kindred spirit, Gemini. This brutally honest account of a man contemplating his life as he faces death will touch your heart.

The author is an absolute master of taking you on the journey with the tortured soul of the protagonist. This is much more than a supernatural story but more one of human relationships and the power that self-doubt can have on your perception of reality. There are such heartwarming passages throughout the story, and his relationship with Gemini was a true love story. I felt immersed in this tragic story from the first page and warmed to the main character considerably. There are many intense moments in the story, the feelings of remorse a person has when they look back on their life and the regrets they may have.

This quotation resounded so strongly for me: ‘When a person can learn to conquer their fears, their anger, their insecurities, their prejudices…only then can they testify to having a real strength. Only when a person learns to conquer their heart, can they achieve any measure of greatness.’ This summed up the message behind this tragic tale. The twist at the end was a superb example of great storytelling; all the loose ends and unanswered questions in the plot were resolved. The ending was simple but profound. I would highly recommend this book to anyone that appreciates the art of excellent descriptive writing, a unique story line and a book that makes you reflect on your own life.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

The Meadows by London Clarke is a terrifying tale of the supernatural. Scarlett, fresh out of rehab, needed a new start and The Meadows in the Shenandoah Valley seemed like the right place. A huge mansion going for a song; she planned to turn it into a bed and breakfast but other forces had different ideas. Voices, fleeting glimpses of shadows, a lady in black and a strange substance dripping through the ceiling. Strange people start to give Scarlett warnings and then a tunnel is found, running under the house. After Scarlett is injured by a malevolent spirit, she decides she must fight back. She has no idea what she is about to unleash; a 10-year-old murder, satanic cults and demons - things are about to take on an even more nightmarish quality. Can Scarlett survive demonic and human forces? Or will she run and leave it all behind?

The Meadows is another great offering by London Clarke, full of suspense and terror. Once I started to read, I couldn’t put the book down. London Clarke has an excellent way with words and she really knows how to draw a reader in. I think she dealt with the subject of alcohol and drug abuse very well, weaving it neatly into a story will thrill all fans of the supernatural genre. The characters are drawn out gradually through the story, with more details about their backgrounds and lives being woven deftly in, threading throughout the entire story. There is a lot going on here; supernatural violence, sexual situations (nothing graphic), satanic cults, demons, malevolent spirits, and the inevitable ghost hunting team. Great story! I did wonder, at the end, whether there would be a sequel to this book. I hope so!

Reviewed by Debjani Ghosh for Readers' Favorite

A well-known businessman is assassinated in a drive-by shooting. Detective Ryan Clark is convinced it is connected to another high-profile murder that happened weeks ago. His friend, FBI profiler Agent Sean Kruger, agrees with him but is reluctant to be associated with the case. Kruger is tired of his FBI job due to the red tape and constant traveling. He wants to hang up his boots and settle down with his long-time girlfriend. However, another deadly strike by the assassin, this time close to Kruger’s home, prompts him to join the investigation. With the help of some brilliant individuals, Kruger zeroes in on a likely suspect in Alabama. But the arrest turns out badly, and Kruger is suspended. Now, Kruger must make a crucial decision—should he retire as he had planned, or should he pursue the assassin on his own at great risk to his life? He must decide fast, since the criminals are planning to strike at the heart of America, action which has the potential to cause more damage than 9/11. The Assassin’s Trail by J.C. Fields, the second book in The Sean Kruger series, is a thoroughly enjoyable action thriller. Nevertheless, it can be read as a stand-alone and fortunately does not contain any cliffhangers.

The Assassin’s Trail is a fast-paced and realistic tale with a solid plot and fully fleshed-out characters. I was rooting for Kruger throughout the book. There is no unexpected twist here. Fields shows the actions of both the FBI agents and the criminals in parallel. So, right from the beginning, you know the criminals are up to something big—just how big is unrevealed at the last. The beauty of the plot lies in the anticipation; will Kruger be able to establish the sinister motive behind the murders and stop the criminals in time? The pieces of the puzzle come together bit by bit, culminating in a high-octane climax. The novel is taut with suspense due to short dialogues and straightforward language. Fields has crafted a highly original tale. The method of communication between the criminals was unique. Fields’ expertise in weapons shows through in the text, but no unnecessary details bored me. I heartily recommend The Assassin’s Trail. It will mostly appeal to action aficionados.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

Abducted is the second book in the Red Heeled Rebels series by Tikiri Herath, a suspenseful thriller with strong characters and intriguing themes. When Asha and Katy arrive at London's Heathrow Airport, they are sure they have left behind the terror that haunts them. But a few hours after their arrival, Katy disappears. Asha frantically searches for her friend across the city, with the border police on her tail. She follows a shadowy woman to a house that holds deadly secrets, but will her friend be there and what awaits them?

This novel is filled with twists and surprises in the plot that readers won’t see coming. The story takes readers across major cities and countries, from London to Brussels to Luxembourg, following a crime story that is expertly plotted and skillfully written. The international setting adds to the exhilarating sense of adventure that accompanies the sleuth work in this novel. The characters are extraordinary, multidimensional, and real. Asha was my favorite, and I enjoyed the bond between her and her friend, which makes the premise of the story even stronger, for it is that friendship at stake when Katy goes missing.

The writing is fluid, with measured sentences and a phraseology that is designed to add to the dramatic depth of the story. I enjoyed the timely paragraph breaks, the careful selection of words, and the mesmerizing narrative tone. Abducted: An International Suspense Thriller is filled with thrilling action; an engaging story that will have readers on the edge of their seats for hours.

Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite

In Ray Dennis Does The Secret by Gary Troia, as Ray Dennis sits handcuffed at the airport in Baltimore, about to be deported for drug offences, he wonders what his life has become. As he lands back in England, he is determined to discover why he sabotages every opportunity in his life. As he tries to improve his outlook on life, he struggles to find a place to belong. The only way he finds comfort and can escape from the feelings of loneliness and despair is self-medicating with alcohol. After much deliberation, Ray decides it is time to end the thoughts of resentment and his old identity. He transforms into Ramon Deneuve and, armed with a new passport, travels back to the US to try to piece his life back together. He is introduced to the teachings of The Secret and discovers the magic of visualization and manifesting your goals. Ramon manages to manifest his dream partner, success and wealth; life seems to be perfect. However, Ramon soon discovers that visualization can sometimes bring you what you fear the most, if your thoughts and actions contradict your desires. He becomes entangled in a drug cartel that kills his soulmate and young children. Ramon leaves the US and with a better knowledge of the power of manifestation, he exacts his plan of revenge.

As a lover of the Law of Attraction, the subject matter of this book intrigued me. I found the writing style of the book in the first person perfect for the story line. The character of Ray/Ramon was flawed and tortured but he made a great lead character. The supporting characters were also very realistic, especially Juan who made a great villain. The writing style of the author was natural and flowed effortlessly. The teachings of manifestation and visualization were superb regarding that true power lies within us, but that your emotions must be in line with your thoughts. The example of how Ramon gives all of his attention to what he feared, not what he desired, was a stark warning to the power behind the teachings of The Secret. The references to automated behaviour in humans and their lack of belief that they have the power to change their lives were also very powerfully relayed. The entire story is brutally honest about the mindset of an alcoholic too, as Ray's ego and mind battle for control. Either the author has done extensive research, or he has written from personal experience, because this is a gripping read and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Deep Blue Crush is a work of thriller fiction penned by author Clint Hollingsworth and is the third book in the series of Mac Crow Thrillers. In this action-packed new adventure, Mac and his bounty hunter associates are back to hunt down a charlatan who has been taking retirement savings from vulnerable senior citizens. The adventure turns tropical as the chase goes on, taking Mac to the beautiful but deadly shores of the Hawaiian islands to track down the culprits. From forest fires to deep sea diving, this is one vacation that Mac and his crew will wish they hadn’t taken.

I really enjoyed this zany, over the top action romp in the same way you’d enjoy movies of that nature. The crew surrounding Mac and Rosa are hilarious, a little like their own version of the A-Team, and each with their own abilities that help (or sometimes hinder) the investigation. Author Clint Hollingsworth really knows how to write zippy dialogue that makes the exposition scenes entertaining, and lightens the mood of the read even during tense sections where the thriller elements kick in. This is a mostly clean read that readers from around fifteen and up can happily enjoy. The plot is well constructed but not too complex, allowing for plenty of action, fighting and wild stunts from page to page. I also thought the survival aspect that crept in as the story progressed added another layer of interest, making The Deep Blue Crush a great read for action fiction fans everywhere.

Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite

Jamie hadn't seen her father, Bernard Mattson, for years. They had drifted apart, but things had been about to change. They had planned to reunite, but then his murder put a stop to the plan. But murder is not the only thing she finds in his wake. A robbery on the day of his funeral suggests there may be more to the murder of the renowned diplomat than meets the eye. Jamie is eager to discover the truth about what befell her father. On the case is Detective Hiroshi Shimizu, along with his motley crew of ex-Sumo wrestlers, rugby players, and private investigators. With nothing but a wiped computer, stolen statues, and erotic prints, it seems an impossible task. But the body count is rising and answers are demanded. Can they uncover the truth before more people fall to the blade?

Culturally rich and seductively compelling, The Moving Blade is a must-read for lovers of murder mystery novels and crime fiction fans. Great attention to detail in both setting, lifestyle, and characters has been applied to create an atmospheric, tense, and engaging read which is further enhanced by Michael Pronko's skilled narrative. Plots, protests, questions, and secrets fill the pages and drive the reader forward through the engaging and well constructed plot. The characters are rich, deep, and vibrant, each with their own very distinctive rules, personality, relationships, and objectives. I can honestly say I enjoyed every minute I spent reading this, and it gets something I save only for those special books I really connect with: my heartfelt recommendation! Whether you're looking for a suspenseful and engaging read, or just something to pass the time, you should give The Moving Blade a try.

Reviewed by Ray Simmons for Readers' Favorite

I don’t know who Ted Halstead is, but I know one thing about him for sure. While writing The Second Korean War, he did his homework. I spent four years in the demilitarized zone in the 1980s. I've walked in a couple of tunnels big enough to roll an army through, a platoon at a time. Ted got it right. The only things he failed to mention are a couple of things that I’m pretty sure are classified top secret. It wouldn't be cool to talk about that stuff. I go out of my way to find books on Korea and the Korean War. I am usually disappointed by authors who don’t know anything about the real situation, or they just don’t know how to write about it in a style that appeals to me. In Ted Halstead, I have found someone who knows a lot and knows how to write about it in a very appealing style.

As I think about why I liked The Second Korean War so much, a few things come to mind. The setting is important, and I appreciated an author who took the time to get it right. Then there is the writing itself. As I read the passages which featured submarine warfare or the political ramifications of war on the Korean peninsula, I felt it was very realistic. As realistic as the discussions and observations with other American soldiers and South Korean nationals I had when I was in that arena. Then there are the characters. Their actions and emotions rang true to me, which is why I consider The Second Korean War to be one of the best books I have ever read on the subject.

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Company of Demons by Michael Jordan is a wonderful blend of crime and mystery, a riveting story with sophisticated characters. Lawyer John Coleman is shocked, like everyone else, at the murder of his friend, a murder that is brutal and that looks like the handiwork of a serial killer who had cooled off over the years, the Torso Murderer. Hired by Jennifer, the dead man's daughter, to take care of the estate, John finds himself unwittingly developing romantic feelings for her. But this is just the beginning of trouble for him because he faces a ruthless biker gang, a cop with a questionable past, and the addict son of the dead man. Is the murderer watching his every step?

There is just such a lot that this author does impeccably well. First, he opens the narrative with a dramatic moment, presenting the crime and introducing the protagonist. He captures the scene with descriptions that are terrific and detailed with forensic clarity and goes on to create a premise that implicates the protagonist and subtly links him to the murder. The suspected murderer is someone his detective father had failed to apprehend in the past and fact that the newspapers are talking about it leaves a moral obligation in his mind. The prose is unique and the narrative is awesome in the first person narrative voice. The imagery is vivid and this makes readers feel like they are also part of the plot. Michael Jordan is a great storyteller and he has the ability to keep the narrative emotionally intense and psychologically disturbing. The Company of Demons is a real page-turner.