Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite

In Over the Borderline by Leanna Floyd, Brooke is studying criminal profiling and is soon to testify in her first case. Jacob, her childhood friend, has recently gotten a legal job and is put on the same case Brooke is working on, except they are on opposite sides and cannot talk about it. Jacob is involved in a very confusing online romance and is unsure about who the woman really is and what her intentions are. Brooke also meets a new romantic interest, but she too has questions about who he really is. In the meantime, there is a serial killer who is targeting young women and leaving their bodies on different beaches. We only know him through his thoughts and him telling us about his next victim. All of these events blend together and form a riveting crime/mystery thriller.

Over the Borderline by Leanna Floyd is a thriller right up until the very last word of the book. It centers around Jacob and Brooke - their friendship, their jobs, their love lives - with vivid details that made them feel like they were old friends of mine. I found it hard to put down this book because there were many questions that needed answering so that I was forced to wait until the very last page with a twisted ending. I am anxiously awaiting a sequel so more of the answers will be revealed. I am also hoping for a TV movie. Over the Borderline is a psychological thriller with a big touch of mystery, friendship, romance, and court cases. Please add this book to the top of your reading list – you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Ready For The People is a mystery set in the world of law, penned by author Mike Langan. Forming another episode in the Hank Fisher Mysteries series, the story finds the central character recovering from the chaos and destruction which his last case caused him. Now, Hank makes a decision to turn his talents to white-collar crime, sniffing out corruption and scandal. As he’s trying to figure out this new direction in his life, however, an opportunity presents itself from a very unlikely source, and Hank’s situation means that he can hardly refuse ... even if terror, secrecy and his very life may be at stake if he fails.

Author Mike Langan crafts an excellent mystery which combines many enjoyable elements and crosses different action and adventure genres to add to the experience for the reader. Fans of standard crime fiction, terrorism thrillers, mysteries of all kinds and intense personal dramas are all sure to find something in the excellent wordplay and close narration which Langan exhibits throughout his tale. The plot is fast-paced, racing through exciting discoveries and dangerous moments, but also skilfully pausing to build tension and give exposition just at the moments it is most needed. Another thing I particularly enjoyed was Langan’s close attention to his central character, Hank, who feels fully realized by the novel’s end and becomes a hero you have really connected with deeply. Overall, Ready For The People is a fantastic multi-layered mystery with lots to offer fans looking for their next investigation.

Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite

The Obituary Writer: A Murder Novel by Patrick Oster is a murder mystery with an unusual hero and unsuspecting circumstances. The Year of the Dog was supposed to be a good one for Wallace McRae, a.k.a. Mack, but it isn't so far. He used to be an award-winning investigative journalist, but now he lives in a bad apartment, his wife is dying, and he hates his obituary writing job. Mack’s work doesn’t have the usual spark until his boss tells him that a famous chemist, Dieter von Gehlen, has died. Surprised, Mack finds out that the cause of death was suicide, whereas he knows von Gehlen would never take his own life. Spurred on by this knowledge and the thirst to get back to his roots, Mack gets the green light from his boss to investigate the death and find out what really happened. His boss will get a juicy story out of it and Mack will redeem himself. However, the more he dives deeper into von Gehlen’s death, the creepier it becomes. He has to overcome threats and danger to find the truth. But it is all child’s play for Mack, isn’t it?

If you are looking for an entertaining story with an intense plot and a murder mystery that you will not be able to predict, The Obituary Writer is perfect for you. Mack is a well-rounded character that fits his description exceptionally well. He is cynical yet smart, which is the perfect combination for a hero for this story. He is driven enough to investigate how von Gehlen died yet not out of his mind to go guns blazing into a situation he knew nothing about. Helen’s life and her progress worked as his catalyst to do better, but it was his need to be satisfied with his life that drew to him to make some decisions for himself. I enjoyed the mystery behind the death, how the author fed the readers clues and made them uncover the mystery along with Mack. Reading this book was a sensory and visual experience. To say I loved it would not be enough!

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Ransom: A Nicole Graves Mystery by Nancy Boyarsky takes us inside the world of a private detective, Nicole Graves. Nicole’s boss gives her the task of researching the past of a kidnap victim for one of the Agency’s more wealthy and important clients; the father-in-law of the victim, whose son was accidentally killed during the botched snatch. This is not the sort of work Nicole prefers; she would rather leave this sort of thing up to the police but the reality is when a major client asks for your help, the Agency needs to give it. Nicole, the surprised recipient of an unexpected inheritance, doesn’t realize that she is now in the direct cross-hairs of the kidnappers. It all becomes very personal for Nicole when her beloved younger sister Stephanie is kidnapped and her sister’s fiancé David is badly injured, in order to seek a ransom payout from Nicole. She is torn between allowing the police to do their job, in the form of the rather dishy detective Arnault, or trying to negotiate the ransom payment and her sister’s safe release directly with the kidnappers, especially when she realizes all the kidnappings may be linked and she may have a handle on the perpetrators.

Author Nancy Boyarsky has given us the fourth in the series. It is not important to have read any of the previous books to enjoy this story (I haven’t). It stands alone as a case on its own. The author has given us a straightforward crime mystery story but it is definitely one of the better offerings that I have read. I always love a strong female lead, especially one who is performing in an area usually reserved for the macho male character. Nicole is a strong, independent woman who has carved out a successful career for herself in the rough and tumble world of the private dick. What I love, though, is that despite the pain and ugliness she must encounter regularly, she maintains her empathy, her humanity, and her ability to emote. She’s not afraid to allow her emotions to show and that gives her, as a character, a real balance. As a single woman, there is always the opportunity for romance and I was pleased the author left that opportunity open for Nicole in the future.

The plot and development were clearly well thought out and took the reader on a number of twists and turns that placed various main characters in serious danger at times, which allowed the reader to root for the characters. I also liked the unusual background for Detective Arnault, for a police officer, which gave him much more color, interest, and potential for future adventures. I can see a really close working (and personal) relationship developing between these two in the future. If crime mystery is your thing, this is one series you want to get your hands on and if it’s not your thing, well, you’ll love the story anyway. It’s well written and edited and I highly recommend it.

Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

Victoria will embark on a new life when she marries her fiancé Gerald so this should be the best time of her life, yet she feels like her life has grown a little dull and knows something more is out there. Then she meets a strangely familiar man on the train and when she falls asleep, she wakes up to find herself in the Underworld where the strange man reveals that not only is she the Goddess of Chaos but her fiancé isn't who she thought he was. At first, she doesn't believe she could be a goddess, but her growing powers make it harder to deny the truth. Her memories are muddled which creates a drive that has her pushing back against who she's told she is and she sets out to find the truth about who she truly is. This leads to a fork in her path, taking her toward the two different people she used to be.

Goddess of Chaos by Cheyenne Bennett is a dark and gripping YA fantasy that explores the concept of reality and chaos. Bennett weaves in some lighter moments as Victoria bonds with Cecil and the other characters which provide some fun banter-filled moments. She also forms a sweet connection with a dragon egg which hatches into her closest companion. The little dragon is a spark of innocence among characters who have tragic pasts and often have darker actions. Bennett focuses on the idea of chaos as Victoria struggles against giving in to the chaos inside her and works to find a way to be her own person. Cheyenne Bennett opens up the idea of fighting for your own choices and choosing for yourself who you want to be. Victoria finds herself on a journey of self-discovery as she discovers that what she wants in life may not be what she originally thought. Goddess of Chaos is a fantasy that questions reality and delves into an exciting adventure about a journey of self-discovery with dragons, magic, betrayal, romance, and chaos.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Way You Burn is a work of fiction in the new adult drama genre and was penned by author Christine Meade. Accessible to readers of all sensitivities thanks to its moderation of scenes of violence, language and some sexual references, this is a slow-burning tale of a couple in deep turmoil in their relationship. David and Hope have their problems, and David knows that the scars of Hope's past – both literal and figurative – mean that she will always be a challenge to love. But when a fresh start in the great outdoors throws David for a loop, he discovers that there are yet more struggles in his relationship, and indeed in what he thought was his life.

Author Christine Meade has crafted an incredible tale which smacks of intellect and an astute sense of wisdom from cover to cover. David’s personal journey serves as the central backbone to the tale and, whilst it is not always exciting, it is always poignant and highly emotive to uncover. Hope presents as an antagonistic figure, but she is well developed and fascinatingly deep as the novel progresses. In a relatively short space, personal explorations are made and the theme of growth and triumph over struggle is one which we, as readers, find ourselves yearning for. This is a highly relatable novel to younger adults finding their way in life, and overall I would highly recommend The Way You Burn for its intelligent emotional quality and the excellent narration and character development within.

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Whispers of the Sidhe: A Gripping Supernatural Thriller by C. L. Robert-Huth is book 3 of the Zoe Delante Thrillers series. Zoe Delante, a police clairvoyant, is picking up the pieces of her life after the last case. When the phone rings, the last thing she expects to hear is her naga friend, Seth, pleading for help; he’s been arrested for murdering Zoe’s father. Only her father died nearly 30 years ago. Heading to Arizona, Zoe is dragged into a world of intrigue and politics, where nothing is as it seems and where she’s about to find out that her father’s death may not have been what it seemed either. Zoe needs to work out who her friends are, who she can trust, as she heads out of her comfort zone and into one of the biggest mysteries of her life.

Whispers of the Sidhe by C. L. Robert-Huth is an entertaining read. It is the third in a series and unless you have read the previous two you may just get a little lost in this – definitely NOT a standalone book. I haven’t read them but I managed to keep up with the story and, with a little background info dropped in by the author, I worked out who was who or what, as the case may be. In terms of the story, it had a smooth, flowing plot with plenty of action and some cool characters. Even without the previous books, you soon get to know who these characters are. Be prepared though; this is a complex and fast-moving story, with lots of different characters in and out all the time. That did kind of make it hard to keep up with and if you take your eye off the ball for one second, I suspect you might just lose the plot. Other than that, it’s a great story if you like supernatural tales with plenty of fantastical creatures.

Reviewed by Gisela Dixon for Readers' Favorite

White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark psychological novel that is realistic and disturbing at the same time. The novel starts with a sadistic pedophilic scene in the sound-proof cellar of a psychiatrist named Dr. David Galbraith. To all outward appearances, Dr. Galbraith is a respectable, law-abiding citizen. However, what most people don’t know is that he is also a sexual abuser and sadistic pedophile. He torments and completely controls his wife, Cynthia, with whom he has two daughters. He preys on young boys and has already sexually abused, made videos of, and murdered a young child. That is when he is asked to take on a new case of a young seven-year-old boy named Anthony. Anthony is a troubled child raised by a single mother, and starts seeing Dr. Galbraith for therapy. What he or his family don't know, however, is that the psychiatrist has already marked Anthony as his next victim. What follows next is a realistic story of abuse, power, strength, and triumph.

White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl is a dark, powerful, gripping novel about themes that are especially important and relevant in today’s society: namely, childhood sexual abuse and its lifelong repercussions, the mind of a sexual predator, and the psychology of a pedophile. John Nicholl himself has a background in law enforcement and, as a result, the novel definitely has a ring of authenticity to it. None of the events described in the book seem far-fetched and, although this is a work of fiction, it is to be hoped that it will spread awareness of sexual abuse, such that all of us with a social responsibility are better prepared to watch for warning signs as well as the reporting and handling of such incidences. The writing is crisp and engaging; overall I would very highly recommend this book for everyone.

Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite

After a few short years of marriage, a widow fights freezing temperatures and starvation, while her stepchildren threaten her efforts to survive in the heartrending novel The Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell. Shy and unassuming, Minnie Price discovered love a little later in life. To the surprise of everyone who knew her, she married Peter, the most eligible and well to do widower at church. Enjoying life with Peter, Minnie never considered finances or even contemplated the future until fiscal reality was suddenly thrust upon her. After six joyful years of marriage, Peter succumbed to a heart attack. After his funeral, his two children informed Minnie she needed to vacate the manor in the next few months. Her former place of employment was gone, and Minnie didn't have any idea how to make money. Peter's income expired, and Minnie had very little money left in their joint banking account. Letting no one know of her dire circumstances, not even her friends, Minnie just barely managed to survive the following winter months. What is Minnie to do when her stepchildren take possession of their childhood home? Will she be forced to live in the streets?

A Widow's Mite by Allie Cresswell is a poignant and soul-stirring novel that evokes a haunting sense of sadness. Victimization is the core of the heartbreaking plot, realistically depicting the life of an introverted widowed seamstress. Portrayed as a vulnerable figure, Minnie encounters trials and tribulations, some of which could have been avoided. Her ability to withstand the hardships and survive indicates her character is strong. Adversely, instead of taking charge of her life and being proactive, she actually chooses to be a victim. The story excellently illustrates how fostering feelings of inadequacy prevent a person from taking affirmative action, which blocks future prospects and inevitably stunts emotional growth. This sensational novel is an emotionally charged drama that has the potential to inspire and motivate readers to step out of a victim mindset and step into personal power.

Reviewed by Saifunnissa Hassam for Readers' Favorite

Tilmer Wright Jr's science fiction novel The Bit Dance is set in present-day Florida. Fifteen-year-old Kayla Henry is a science and engineering genius like her father, Alan Henry. An inventor of high tech toys at Icarus Innovations Incorporated, Alan's current project is a groundbreaking eBot toy that explores its surroundings, shares the collected data online with other eBots, learns, and improves its code. When Alan gets permission to work on the project at home, Kayla is very excited and curious. She has excellent computer programming skills but cannot work directly on the project. Alan talks to her about writing code for eBots. Kayla thinks the learning algorithms are weak and surreptitiously improves the prototype eBot code on Alan's home PC. She inserts the Bees Algorithm, based on the "waggle dance" that bees use to communicate and learn new information. Initially, the eBots are wildly successful. Then the Ebots fail. Personal information appears in the EBot database. A terrified Kayla confesses. The tension rises exponentially as Kayla works feverishly on a possible solution.

I greatly enjoyed reading Tilmer Wright Jr's The Bit Dance for its strong characters, family dynamics, and the evolving Ebot mystery. Kayla desperately wants her father's praise for her extraordinary achievements but Alan Henry is a perfectionist. He knows his daughter is exceptionally gifted and Kayla is under constant pressure to do better. I loved the character of Kayla's mother and Alan's wife, Marie Henry, a professional psychologist, a center of calm. I liked the way 16-year old Seth, Kayla's brother, helps Kayla through her predicament. Seth has no interest or aptitude for science, but the two find common ground. Kayla's fear and anguish build as Alan comes under intense pressure to resolve the Ebot problems and may even face criminal charges. I liked Alan's ultimate open recognition of Kayla's extraordinary programming skills as she figures out a solution to the Ebot problems. I liked the imaginative narrative by the evolving Ebots, of an emerging "one mind" from millions of individual "bees." A riveting sci-fi story of swarm intelligence and a plucky and undaunted young genius Kayla!