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When the Fall is All There Is
Joe Pace
2025 Finalist
238 Pages
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Fiction - Sports
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“The river of time flows in only one direction,” yet as Joe Pace reminds us in his novel When The Fall Is All There Is, the human mind does not. Meet Ted Gray, a gifted youth who left his hometown as a local hero only to return as a nobody a few years later. With his life at a dead end, Ted takes a job teaching history and coaching the local high school football team, where he was once the star quarterback destined for greatness. But life had other plans for Ted, and now he is a man defeated not so much by events but by his insecurities. When Ted meets Jill, the younger sister of a former teammate and now a single mom, life throws a new variable at him, and color enters his world. For Ted, this becomes a defining moment in life. He will either continue being a self-created failure or discover that there are multiple definitions of success, and all are meaningless without happiness.
Pleasant and engaging, When The Fall Is All There Is by Joe Pace is a wonderfully composed tale depicting a realistic slice of life. The plot centers on the protagonist and his struggle to make sense of life and his place in it, while themes of personal growth, redemption, and understanding are explored in a carefully balanced manner and without being overbearing or preachy. Character development is superb, and the individuals portrayed are explored in depth, becoming familiar and believable. An excellent pace combined with a careful and precise writing style results in a brilliantly executed and deeply immersive feel-good story. A tale to please and delight fans of multiple genres, I recommend When The Fall Is All There Is without hesitation.
“The river of time flows in only one direction,” yet as Joe Pace reminds us in his novel When The Fall Is All There Is, the human mind does not. Meet Ted Gray, a gifted youth who left his hometown as a local hero only to return as a nobody a few years later. With his life at a dead end, Ted takes a job teaching history and coaching the local high school football team, where he was once the star quarterback destined for greatness. But life had other plans for Ted, and now he is a man defeated not so much by events but by his insecurities. When Ted meets Jill, the younger sister of a former teammate and now a single mom, life throws a new variable at him, and color enters his world. For Ted, this becomes a defining moment in life. He will either continue being a self-created failure or discover that there are multiple definitions of success, and all are meaningless without happiness.
Pleasant and engaging, When The Fall Is All There Is by Joe Pace is a wonderfully composed tale depicting a realistic slice of life. The plot centers on the protagonist and his struggle to make sense of life and his place in it, while themes of personal growth, redemption, and understanding are explored in a carefully balanced manner and without being overbearing or preachy. Character development is superb, and the individuals portrayed are explored in depth, becoming familiar and believable. An excellent pace combined with a careful and precise writing style results in a brilliantly executed and deeply immersive feel-good story. A tale to please and delight fans of multiple genres, I recommend When The Fall Is All There Is without hesitation.
Recommend this book:
The Monarchs
Mark Sabbas
2025 Honorable Mention
406 Pages
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Monarchs by Mark Sabbas is a science fiction novel set in a war-torn world, where a new generation of children possess extraordinary psychic abilities. Samuel, one of these children, struggles to control his powerful telekinesis under the watchful eye of military scientists. His only refuge comes from his philosophical tutor, Walter, and visits with an orphan named Evelyn. As Samuel embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his past and unlock the depths of his psychic powers, he discovers profound spiritual truths and faces formidable enemies. Sabbas skillfully blends science fiction with deep philosophical themes in a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful. The intricate world-building immerses readers in a dystopian future that feels both eerie and plausible, with vivid descriptions that make the setting come alive and dialogue and attitudes in the characters that feel like they'd been realistically affected by the world around them.
I was particularly impressed by Mark Sabbas's ability to create so many dimensions for his characters, especially Samuel, whose internal struggles are as captivating as the external conflicts he faces as he goes through so many changes and challenges. This offers readers a really interesting discussion on human nature that goes beyond typical science fiction tropes. The novel's pacing is also expertly balanced, allowing suspense to build while leaving room for a few key emotional moments. I found myself deeply engrossed in Samuel's journey, not just for the exciting plot developments, but for the thought-provoking questions it raised about our own potential and the responsibilities that come with great power. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Monarchs to science fiction fans who appreciate a story that pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers a rich, philosophical exploration of what it means to be human in a world of extraordinary abilities.
The Monarchs by Mark Sabbas is a science fiction novel set in a war-torn world, where a new generation of children possess extraordinary psychic abilities. Samuel, one of these children, struggles to control his powerful telekinesis under the watchful eye of military scientists. His only refuge comes from his philosophical tutor, Walter, and visits with an orphan named Evelyn. As Samuel embarks on a journey that forces him to confront his past and unlock the depths of his psychic powers, he discovers profound spiritual truths and faces formidable enemies. Sabbas skillfully blends science fiction with deep philosophical themes in a novel that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally impactful. The intricate world-building immerses readers in a dystopian future that feels both eerie and plausible, with vivid descriptions that make the setting come alive and dialogue and attitudes in the characters that feel like they'd been realistically affected by the world around them.
I was particularly impressed by Mark Sabbas's ability to create so many dimensions for his characters, especially Samuel, whose internal struggles are as captivating as the external conflicts he faces as he goes through so many changes and challenges. This offers readers a really interesting discussion on human nature that goes beyond typical science fiction tropes. The novel's pacing is also expertly balanced, allowing suspense to build while leaving room for a few key emotional moments. I found myself deeply engrossed in Samuel's journey, not just for the exciting plot developments, but for the thought-provoking questions it raised about our own potential and the responsibilities that come with great power. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend The Monarchs to science fiction fans who appreciate a story that pushes the boundaries of the genre and offers a rich, philosophical exploration of what it means to be human in a world of extraordinary abilities.
Recommend this book:
The Lightslayer
Everdusk Book 1
Jack Townson
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Supernatural
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Lightslayer by Jack Townson launches the Everdusk series with a bold plunge into the shadowy, blood-soaked world of Draconia. At the heart of this epic fantasy stands Jack Townson, a Vampire Lord burdened with power, haunted by legacy, and forced to confront a supernatural conspiracy that could plunge the realm into war. Together with his renegade crew, the Degenerates, Jack navigates a labyrinth of dark magic, political treachery, and seductive danger in a quest to protect a fragile balance. Featuring brutal battles, intense romance, and cunning alliances, the novel delivers a relentless narrative that explores the cost of power and the depth of loyalty. Readers looking for a gritty, gothic, and richly imaginative world will find themselves thoroughly ensnared.
Author Jack Townson has a smooth writing style that lets the atmosphere and energy of the story speak for itself, reinventing the vampire mythos with bold originality and cinematic intensity on every page. I loved the mysterious style that involves the author directly in the story, connecting readers closely to the chain of events in a darkly immersive world that rivals the scope and depth of the best epic fantasies and classic gothic tales of centuries past. Bridging this past and present feeling is no mean feat, and giving the story a suitably modern feel amidst all the classic vampyric touches relies on the character development. Fortunately, this development is plentiful and enjoyable, as the Degenerates are a refreshingly chaotic ensemble, full of grit, humor, and heart, and with some really snappy and memorable dialogue exchanges. The plot twists around them wonderfully and challenges every member of this extensive and epic tale to their limits for plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Lightslayer for fans of morally complex heroes and high-stakes supernatural drama.
The Lightslayer by Jack Townson launches the Everdusk series with a bold plunge into the shadowy, blood-soaked world of Draconia. At the heart of this epic fantasy stands Jack Townson, a Vampire Lord burdened with power, haunted by legacy, and forced to confront a supernatural conspiracy that could plunge the realm into war. Together with his renegade crew, the Degenerates, Jack navigates a labyrinth of dark magic, political treachery, and seductive danger in a quest to protect a fragile balance. Featuring brutal battles, intense romance, and cunning alliances, the novel delivers a relentless narrative that explores the cost of power and the depth of loyalty. Readers looking for a gritty, gothic, and richly imaginative world will find themselves thoroughly ensnared.
Author Jack Townson has a smooth writing style that lets the atmosphere and energy of the story speak for itself, reinventing the vampire mythos with bold originality and cinematic intensity on every page. I loved the mysterious style that involves the author directly in the story, connecting readers closely to the chain of events in a darkly immersive world that rivals the scope and depth of the best epic fantasies and classic gothic tales of centuries past. Bridging this past and present feeling is no mean feat, and giving the story a suitably modern feel amidst all the classic vampyric touches relies on the character development. Fortunately, this development is plentiful and enjoyable, as the Degenerates are a refreshingly chaotic ensemble, full of grit, humor, and heart, and with some really snappy and memorable dialogue exchanges. The plot twists around them wonderfully and challenges every member of this extensive and epic tale to their limits for plenty of heart-in-your-throat moments. Overall, I’d certainly recommend The Lightslayer for fans of morally complex heroes and high-stakes supernatural drama.
Recommend this book:
The Regression Strain
Kevin Hwang
2025 Gold Medal
344 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
The Regression Strain by Kevin Hwang is a chilling medical thriller that turns a luxury cruise into a floating nightmare. Dr. Peter Palma boards the Paradise expecting sunburns and sprains, but an unexplainable outbreak quickly transforms the ship into a floating quarantine zone filled with madness and death. As passengers turn on one another and society unravels in close quarters, Peter must diagnose and stop a disease that seems almost sentient in its cruelty. With tight pacing, visceral horror, and sharp psychological insight, The Regression Strain explores what happens when science, instinct, and morality collide in the vacuum of survival.
Author Kevin Hwang has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal, and he utilizes every moment in this tense, terrifying thriller that grips you from page one and never lets go. The premise got me hooked immediately, as any kind of seafaring story gives you that trapped feeling. Hwang blends science and suspense in this pressure cooker situation to give readers a cruise that will certainly put anyone off the water for a while! There’s depth amidst the excellent pacing and tense plot twists, too, and the development of the psychology of Peter and the others trapped on the boat offers more than just the typical thriller. The story is a dissection of fear, morality, and the façade of being civilized until the stakes are suddenly life and death. This is captured in Peter’s thoughts and the dialogue of those losing their heads around him. Overall, The Regression Strain is a claustrophobic, haunting, and razor-sharp story that I highly recommend: this is outbreak fiction at its finest.
Recommend this book:
The Secret That Killed You
An Ike Rossi Thriller
Steve Hadden
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden is an Ike Rossi Thriller. Amelia Garcia is 35 years old, and most of her adult life has been spent protecting others as an Air Force drone pilot. Using a deepwater remotely operated vehicle to find lost things on the sea floor, the last thing she expected to find was a strongbox, especially not two hundred miles away from the coast. Her family is powerful, but she can’t rely on them to help her, so she calls on Ike Rossi, the only person she believes can help solve the secret of the locked box. Ike is a hardened investigator, a man who has seen too much. With Amelia and a WWII codebreaker, they uncover a secret that could change history, destroying their lives as they know it, and bringing chaos to the country. It’s time for Amelia to face the past and make a choice – dying or destroying everyone and everything around her.
The Secret That Killed You by Steve Hadden will take you on a thrilling rollercoaster of a journey. Packed with action on every page, this is one book that you won’t put down easily, so be prepared to read all night if necessary. This is an expertly written thriller that will enthrall you with its descriptive prose, tight dialogue, and amazing characters. The two main characters are people you can relate to, and you’ll be on their side all the way through. This is a story of deep, hidden secrets with the capacity to destroy everyone and everything around them. You won’t guess the ending; you’ll never see it coming, and it will leave you in shock. This is an excellent novel, and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a book in which they can truly lose themselves.
Recommend this book:
The Badger Game
Crime Mysteries by Norman Shabel
Norman Shabel
2025 Honorable Mention
497 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Badger Game is a work of fiction in the legal thriller, crime, and mystery genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Norman Shabel, this fascinating tale is centered on the brutal murder of Horace Badger, the dean of men at Reliance College. His mutilated body is discovered by hunters, sparking an investigation that leads to Stosh Klewzewski, leader of the Catholic White Knights. Defense attorney Paul Flaherty and his assistant, Sam Waterman, must prove Klewzewski's innocence amidst doubts. The story spans from WWII horrors to 1950s Pennsylvania courtrooms and the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals, culminating in a gripping and shocking conclusion. Shabel has crafted a thrilling and immersive mystery read that is packed with suspense from start to finish.
The novel's opening with the gruesome discovery of Horace Badger's body immediately captured my attention, and I was constantly impressed by the details and atmospheric touches. The historical context, weaving between WWII battlefields and 1950s Pennsylvania, added a rich and poignant backdrop to the murder mystery that kept it firmly grounded in the here and now, something this author is very talented at conveying. Paul Flaherty and Sam Waterman's quest to prove Stosh Klewzewski's innocence, despite their own doubts, was compelling and fraught with tension. The exploration of the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals added a new layer of relevance and seriousness to the work as it grew more complex, highlighting the nuances of justice and morality woven naturally throughout the story. Shabel's adept storytelling and intricate plot twists kept me guessing until the very end, making it hard to put the book down. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Badger Game to fans of truly compelling mysteries looking for a talented crime author who always delivers.
The Badger Game is a work of fiction in the legal thriller, crime, and mystery genres. It is best suited to the general adult reading audience. Penned by author Norman Shabel, this fascinating tale is centered on the brutal murder of Horace Badger, the dean of men at Reliance College. His mutilated body is discovered by hunters, sparking an investigation that leads to Stosh Klewzewski, leader of the Catholic White Knights. Defense attorney Paul Flaherty and his assistant, Sam Waterman, must prove Klewzewski's innocence amidst doubts. The story spans from WWII horrors to 1950s Pennsylvania courtrooms and the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals, culminating in a gripping and shocking conclusion. Shabel has crafted a thrilling and immersive mystery read that is packed with suspense from start to finish.
The novel's opening with the gruesome discovery of Horace Badger's body immediately captured my attention, and I was constantly impressed by the details and atmospheric touches. The historical context, weaving between WWII battlefields and 1950s Pennsylvania, added a rich and poignant backdrop to the murder mystery that kept it firmly grounded in the here and now, something this author is very talented at conveying. Paul Flaherty and Sam Waterman's quest to prove Stosh Klewzewski's innocence, despite their own doubts, was compelling and fraught with tension. The exploration of the Catholic Church's sexual abuse scandals added a new layer of relevance and seriousness to the work as it grew more complex, highlighting the nuances of justice and morality woven naturally throughout the story. Shabel's adept storytelling and intricate plot twists kept me guessing until the very end, making it hard to put the book down. Overall, I would certainly recommend The Badger Game to fans of truly compelling mysteries looking for a talented crime author who always delivers.
Recommend this book:
The Right Side of Wrong
A Butnari And Hill Crime Thriller
E. A. Coe
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Legal
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Set between Cincinnati and the islands of the Bahamas, E. A. Coe has produced a feast of exotic scenery mixed with an intriguing murder and espionage mystery. Teddy Jay was once on the wrong side of wrong, crossing over in his distant past and settling down with a new identity, family, and a thriving banana plantation. But even on the right side of wrong, the entrepreneur draws trouble like a magnet, all in the name of doing good. The Right Side of Wrong is fast-paced and gripped me from the first moment, beginning with the mysterious death of a crew of sailors.
The narration switches between the main characters, each bringing their view to the story. I adored how E. A. Coe portrays Teddy as a reformed criminal. This dovetails his restoration with the theme of redemption, which includes another bad guy, Mas, who finds peace with a simpler life. The plot also cleverly juxtaposes damnation as a secondary theme as the characters switch sides from right to wrong and vice versa. Corporate greed causes good people to cross the line, while those who have made wrong choices eagerly grasp redemption. I appreciated the depiction of strong, successful female characters, many of them leaders. I loved so much about this story, especially the unity within the Tiburon community, which had the least but shared equally among themselves. My favorite quote is by Sam Jenkins: “The bonds among labor groups extend beyond their professional functions as well. They protect each other.” This is a fantastic mystery, action-packed and thrilling, brimming over with exciting plot twists and inevitably leading to justice.
Set between Cincinnati and the islands of the Bahamas, E. A. Coe has produced a feast of exotic scenery mixed with an intriguing murder and espionage mystery. Teddy Jay was once on the wrong side of wrong, crossing over in his distant past and settling down with a new identity, family, and a thriving banana plantation. But even on the right side of wrong, the entrepreneur draws trouble like a magnet, all in the name of doing good. The Right Side of Wrong is fast-paced and gripped me from the first moment, beginning with the mysterious death of a crew of sailors.
The narration switches between the main characters, each bringing their view to the story. I adored how E. A. Coe portrays Teddy as a reformed criminal. This dovetails his restoration with the theme of redemption, which includes another bad guy, Mas, who finds peace with a simpler life. The plot also cleverly juxtaposes damnation as a secondary theme as the characters switch sides from right to wrong and vice versa. Corporate greed causes good people to cross the line, while those who have made wrong choices eagerly grasp redemption. I appreciated the depiction of strong, successful female characters, many of them leaders. I loved so much about this story, especially the unity within the Tiburon community, which had the least but shared equally among themselves. My favorite quote is by Sam Jenkins: “The bonds among labor groups extend beyond their professional functions as well. They protect each other.” This is a fantastic mystery, action-packed and thrilling, brimming over with exciting plot twists and inevitably leading to justice.
Recommend this book:
The Eagle Scout Picture
A Riveting WWII Spy Novel
Gary Kidney
2025 Gold Medal
372 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Eagle Scout Picture by Gary Kidney is a razor-sharp espionage thriller that plunges readers into the perilous heart of Nazi Germany through the eyes of Frederich ‘Zelly’ Zellner. A young American forced to adopt the identity of a Hitler Youth, Zelly becomes a lone operative on the knife’s edge of survival, betrayal, and discovery. Trained in deception but led by conscience, he carries out daring missions behind enemy lines, risking everything to undermine the Nazi regime. Each choice he makes challenges his morality, resolve, and identity. Based on real wartime intelligence operations, the novel masterfully blends historical fact with the relentless pacing of a thriller, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher.
Author Gary Kidney has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal to let information slip at just the right moments in this historical espionage adventure, ensuring that every moment is packed with authenticity and suspense. The work is a great balance of plot and character-led action. Zelly is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts elevate the novel beyond typical spy fare in an emotive story we’re so personally invested in that you can’t possibly leave without finding out what fate has in store for him. The same descriptive treatment is given to every scene with sharp attention to detail. This makes the action sequences suitably thrilling, but without sacrificing emotional depth or historical accuracy, as these elements are naturally woven into the story. Overall, The Eagle Scout Picture is a highly recommended standout addition to WWII literature that honors the complexity and bravery of wartime intelligence work while being thoroughly entertaining.
The Eagle Scout Picture by Gary Kidney is a razor-sharp espionage thriller that plunges readers into the perilous heart of Nazi Germany through the eyes of Frederich ‘Zelly’ Zellner. A young American forced to adopt the identity of a Hitler Youth, Zelly becomes a lone operative on the knife’s edge of survival, betrayal, and discovery. Trained in deception but led by conscience, he carries out daring missions behind enemy lines, risking everything to undermine the Nazi regime. Each choice he makes challenges his morality, resolve, and identity. Based on real wartime intelligence operations, the novel masterfully blends historical fact with the relentless pacing of a thriller, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher.
Author Gary Kidney has a keen sense of pacing and the art of the reveal to let information slip at just the right moments in this historical espionage adventure, ensuring that every moment is packed with authenticity and suspense. The work is a great balance of plot and character-led action. Zelly is a compelling protagonist whose internal conflicts elevate the novel beyond typical spy fare in an emotive story we’re so personally invested in that you can’t possibly leave without finding out what fate has in store for him. The same descriptive treatment is given to every scene with sharp attention to detail. This makes the action sequences suitably thrilling, but without sacrificing emotional depth or historical accuracy, as these elements are naturally woven into the story. Overall, The Eagle Scout Picture is a highly recommended standout addition to WWII literature that honors the complexity and bravery of wartime intelligence work while being thoroughly entertaining.
Recommend this book:
Walking the Cat
A Louise Moscow Novel
Lorraine Evanoff
2025 Silver Medal
294 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by K T Bowes for Readers' Favorite
Lorraine Evanoff presents a different ilk of retired spy character in Walking the Cat. Louise Moscow is single, post menopause, and still able to fight her way out of a dangerous situation. She’s also the daughter of a disgraced Russian sleeper operative, but has successfully reinvented herself beneath the guise of a pen name and a renowned mystery writing career. The novel takes place within the vibrancy and color of Paris Fashion Week, when a sudden death threatens to derail the main events. Now outed as a retired member of the CIA, Louise is seconded to the investigation by the gruff and unyielding Paris Police Inspector and tasked with finding the murderer before they kill again. Louise embarks on a thrilling investigative ride with an unexpected ally, which takes her full circle and forces her to face the demons of her past.
“The combined sounds and visuals created a metaphysical sensation, like living poetry.” This is my favorite line, which encapsulates all the wonder and pizzazz of a week of champagne and fashion in Paris. Walking the Cat is a stunningly descriptive novel, intelligently written and underpinned by delicious historical facts and snippets of information, which I loved. The characters are refreshingly engaging and relatable, especially Louise and her inner circle. I appreciated Lorraine Evanoff’s crafting of a gutsy middle-aged woman loving life and seizing every moment. One of the characters says, ‘Nothing is what it seems,’ and that’s a recurrent theme throughout. Hidden within the narrative are secret relationships, hidden agendas, and scurrilous individuals wearing angelic smiles. Only the last page reveals the truth. I enjoyed this novel very much. It’s a lighthearted female sleuth mystery that moves very fast and packs a literary punch.
Lorraine Evanoff presents a different ilk of retired spy character in Walking the Cat. Louise Moscow is single, post menopause, and still able to fight her way out of a dangerous situation. She’s also the daughter of a disgraced Russian sleeper operative, but has successfully reinvented herself beneath the guise of a pen name and a renowned mystery writing career. The novel takes place within the vibrancy and color of Paris Fashion Week, when a sudden death threatens to derail the main events. Now outed as a retired member of the CIA, Louise is seconded to the investigation by the gruff and unyielding Paris Police Inspector and tasked with finding the murderer before they kill again. Louise embarks on a thrilling investigative ride with an unexpected ally, which takes her full circle and forces her to face the demons of her past.
“The combined sounds and visuals created a metaphysical sensation, like living poetry.” This is my favorite line, which encapsulates all the wonder and pizzazz of a week of champagne and fashion in Paris. Walking the Cat is a stunningly descriptive novel, intelligently written and underpinned by delicious historical facts and snippets of information, which I loved. The characters are refreshingly engaging and relatable, especially Louise and her inner circle. I appreciated Lorraine Evanoff’s crafting of a gutsy middle-aged woman loving life and seizing every moment. One of the characters says, ‘Nothing is what it seems,’ and that’s a recurrent theme throughout. Hidden within the narrative are secret relationships, hidden agendas, and scurrilous individuals wearing angelic smiles. Only the last page reveals the truth. I enjoyed this novel very much. It’s a lighthearted female sleuth mystery that moves very fast and packs a literary punch.
Recommend this book:
Ascend From The Ashes
Rick & Katja #4
Ian Griffin
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Ian Griffin's Ascend From the Ashes, Katja tried to rebuild her life after the tragedy of her husband, Rick. Katja arranged a meeting with her children to learn their wishes for the future. All of them expressed a desire to follow in their mother's footsteps and become spies. They were sent to a secret school where they would be trained in the art of espionage. Katja had previously killed Victor's brother, and Victor was determined to make the person responsible pay. When Katja is tasked with retrieving critical intelligence from Justin Time, who has essential information regarding Victor, her cover is compromised. Labeled a rogue agent, Katja finds herself as Victor’s main target, pursued by numerous organizations. At the secret school, Katja’s daughter Emma is studying the subtle art of poisoning and drugging drinks, while her sons are investigating which areas of espionage align best with their unique abilities.
Ascend From the Ashes by Ian Griffin was a thrilling read filled with nonstop action. The suspense began immediately and continued until the end. I was fully engaged in this story, and the enthralling writing style kept me focused from start to finish. With numerous twists and turns, I was constantly kept guessing. There was always an unexpected development just around the corner. The suspense had me gripping the edge of my seat, rapidly flipping through the pages. I found it hard to set the book aside, eagerly turning the pages as fast as possible. The characters were well-developed. Katja was my favorite character due to her strength and determination. The storyline was superbly constructed and executed. This book exceeded my expectations, and I truly enjoyed reading it.
In Ian Griffin's Ascend From the Ashes, Katja tried to rebuild her life after the tragedy of her husband, Rick. Katja arranged a meeting with her children to learn their wishes for the future. All of them expressed a desire to follow in their mother's footsteps and become spies. They were sent to a secret school where they would be trained in the art of espionage. Katja had previously killed Victor's brother, and Victor was determined to make the person responsible pay. When Katja is tasked with retrieving critical intelligence from Justin Time, who has essential information regarding Victor, her cover is compromised. Labeled a rogue agent, Katja finds herself as Victor’s main target, pursued by numerous organizations. At the secret school, Katja’s daughter Emma is studying the subtle art of poisoning and drugging drinks, while her sons are investigating which areas of espionage align best with their unique abilities.
Ascend From the Ashes by Ian Griffin was a thrilling read filled with nonstop action. The suspense began immediately and continued until the end. I was fully engaged in this story, and the enthralling writing style kept me focused from start to finish. With numerous twists and turns, I was constantly kept guessing. There was always an unexpected development just around the corner. The suspense had me gripping the edge of my seat, rapidly flipping through the pages. I found it hard to set the book aside, eagerly turning the pages as fast as possible. The characters were well-developed. Katja was my favorite character due to her strength and determination. The storyline was superbly constructed and executed. This book exceeded my expectations, and I truly enjoyed reading it.
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