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Recommend this book:
The Secretary
Deborah Lawrenson
2025 Honorable Mention
320 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
Reviewed by Ibrahim Aslan for Readers' Favorite
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a hypnotizing tale that unfolds at the height of the Cold War. Lois Vale, the protagonist, is dispatched to Russia as a secretary for the British Embassy in Moscow. In reality, Lois is not a typical secretary but an MI6 operative tasked with uncovering a traitor in the British Embassy. She is cautioned to avoid blowing her cover since doing so could cost her life! While commuting to Moscow by train, Lois is confronted by a peculiar Russian man claiming to know her identity. This altercation is a brief demonstration of the perils she will later experience. As her mission proves dangerous, Lois realizes the only person she can trust is Johann, a German journalist also enlisted by MI6. They share an undeniable mutual attraction while working together. Can a genuine romance form between them amidst the nonstop dangers they encounter?
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a captivating espionage thriller that depicts historical facts documented in a diary penned by the author’s mother, a former employee of the British Embassy in Moscow. Lawrenson brings this engaging story to life while exploring key themes of social injustice, love, trust, betrayal, power, control, and survival. She sets a new standard for exposing the clandestine world of Cold War intelligence procedures while deftly exploring how women were presented in this highly demanding, male-dominated field. Filled with political intrigue, espionage, constant surveillance, and ceaseless tension, Lawrenson paints an immersive world where trust is a rare commodity, and even close allies could become potential enemies in the blink of an eye. Lois's ability to function under highly stressful conditions pairs beautifully with Johann's intelligent, sharp-witted persona. The secondary characters contribute nuance and mystery to this exciting narrative. Altogether, this novel is a must-read for fans of masterfully crafted thrillers.
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a hypnotizing tale that unfolds at the height of the Cold War. Lois Vale, the protagonist, is dispatched to Russia as a secretary for the British Embassy in Moscow. In reality, Lois is not a typical secretary but an MI6 operative tasked with uncovering a traitor in the British Embassy. She is cautioned to avoid blowing her cover since doing so could cost her life! While commuting to Moscow by train, Lois is confronted by a peculiar Russian man claiming to know her identity. This altercation is a brief demonstration of the perils she will later experience. As her mission proves dangerous, Lois realizes the only person she can trust is Johann, a German journalist also enlisted by MI6. They share an undeniable mutual attraction while working together. Can a genuine romance form between them amidst the nonstop dangers they encounter?
The Secretary by Deborah Lawrenson is a captivating espionage thriller that depicts historical facts documented in a diary penned by the author’s mother, a former employee of the British Embassy in Moscow. Lawrenson brings this engaging story to life while exploring key themes of social injustice, love, trust, betrayal, power, control, and survival. She sets a new standard for exposing the clandestine world of Cold War intelligence procedures while deftly exploring how women were presented in this highly demanding, male-dominated field. Filled with political intrigue, espionage, constant surveillance, and ceaseless tension, Lawrenson paints an immersive world where trust is a rare commodity, and even close allies could become potential enemies in the blink of an eye. Lois's ability to function under highly stressful conditions pairs beautifully with Johann's intelligent, sharp-witted persona. The secondary characters contribute nuance and mystery to this exciting narrative. Altogether, this novel is a must-read for fans of masterfully crafted thrillers.
Recommend this book:
The Vulnerable
Ed DeJesus
2025 Silver Medal
374 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
In The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus, after entering a relationship with Robin O’Rourke, Dan DeCosta is driven into a dangerous situation involving her violent former partner, legal consequences, and the threat of financial and physical collapse. His father, Dick DeCosta, a targeted climate activist who had moved to Florida to avoid hostile groups, is compelled to return to Boston when Dan’s situation worsens. As Dick attempts to help his son, his wife falls seriously ill, and his daughter is threatened with advancing wildfires. Meanwhile, Meghan McCormack, the family’s promiscuous physical therapist, begins to uncover evidence of concealed identities and long-suppressed truths. As events escalate, Dick DeCosta and his family confront multiple personal and external pressures that threaten their safety, stability, and relationships.
The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus is a simmering, well-written novel that goes a long way in pulling readers into a world inhabited by realistic characters facing genuine life situations. Dan’s experience with substance use, Joanna’s health anxiety, Jim’s quiet grief, Dick’s fatigue with family responsibility, and Robin's fears, among many others, are portrayed with honesty in their flaws, allowing their humanity to shine through as people who feel authentic. I found Robin's state to be the most interesting, and the presence of Sean, even when he is not there, and the lingering trauma he causes create a persistent psychological toll that kept me invested emotionally in her story. DeJesus thoughtfully incorporates social concerns such as climate change, police misconduct, workplace toxicity, and the influence of social media to ground the storyline by showing how these issues affect the characters’ lives. Through clear, straightforward prose and skillful development, DeJesus strikes gold. Very highly recommended.
In The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus, after entering a relationship with Robin O’Rourke, Dan DeCosta is driven into a dangerous situation involving her violent former partner, legal consequences, and the threat of financial and physical collapse. His father, Dick DeCosta, a targeted climate activist who had moved to Florida to avoid hostile groups, is compelled to return to Boston when Dan’s situation worsens. As Dick attempts to help his son, his wife falls seriously ill, and his daughter is threatened with advancing wildfires. Meanwhile, Meghan McCormack, the family’s promiscuous physical therapist, begins to uncover evidence of concealed identities and long-suppressed truths. As events escalate, Dick DeCosta and his family confront multiple personal and external pressures that threaten their safety, stability, and relationships.
The Vulnerable by Ed DeJesus is a simmering, well-written novel that goes a long way in pulling readers into a world inhabited by realistic characters facing genuine life situations. Dan’s experience with substance use, Joanna’s health anxiety, Jim’s quiet grief, Dick’s fatigue with family responsibility, and Robin's fears, among many others, are portrayed with honesty in their flaws, allowing their humanity to shine through as people who feel authentic. I found Robin's state to be the most interesting, and the presence of Sean, even when he is not there, and the lingering trauma he causes create a persistent psychological toll that kept me invested emotionally in her story. DeJesus thoughtfully incorporates social concerns such as climate change, police misconduct, workplace toxicity, and the influence of social media to ground the storyline by showing how these issues affect the characters’ lives. Through clear, straightforward prose and skillful development, DeJesus strikes gold. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Havana Syndrome
Nathan Burke Thrillers Book 1
Jeffrey James Higgins
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In Jeffrey James Higgins' The Havana Syndrome, FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke is currently separated from his wife, Reagan, who has taken their daughter, Amelia, to spend a week with her. Upon his arrival, Nathan discovered Reagan lying on the floor of her office, surrounded by paramedics attending to her. Reagan was diagnosed with Havana Syndrome. Nathan still feels a sense of responsibility for Reagan and decides to take a leave of absence to learn more about Havana Syndrome. Nathan partners with his former academy classmate Meili, who is investigating the possibility that a high-energy weapon is responsible for causing Havana Syndrome. Meili was assaulted with the same type of weapon at the White House, yet law enforcement could find no evidence to support this. It appears that someone in the government is behind Havana Syndrome and the attack on Meili and is trying to cover it up.
The Havana Syndrome by Jeffrey James Higgins was captivating and intricate. The story was fast-paced and filled with action from beginning to end. Various plotlines were intertwined, and one did not take away from the other. It was a captivating read, and the chapters transitioned smoothly into one another. The suspense kept me eagerly flipping through the pages as quickly as I could. I found it hard to set the book aside, as I was too afraid of missing something significant. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The characters were well-crafted, feeling genuine and relatable. The story was superbly written and far surpassed my expectations. I truly enjoyed reading the book and could not have wished for a better conclusion.
In Jeffrey James Higgins' The Havana Syndrome, FBI Special Agent Nathan Burke is currently separated from his wife, Reagan, who has taken their daughter, Amelia, to spend a week with her. Upon his arrival, Nathan discovered Reagan lying on the floor of her office, surrounded by paramedics attending to her. Reagan was diagnosed with Havana Syndrome. Nathan still feels a sense of responsibility for Reagan and decides to take a leave of absence to learn more about Havana Syndrome. Nathan partners with his former academy classmate Meili, who is investigating the possibility that a high-energy weapon is responsible for causing Havana Syndrome. Meili was assaulted with the same type of weapon at the White House, yet law enforcement could find no evidence to support this. It appears that someone in the government is behind Havana Syndrome and the attack on Meili and is trying to cover it up.
The Havana Syndrome by Jeffrey James Higgins was captivating and intricate. The story was fast-paced and filled with action from beginning to end. Various plotlines were intertwined, and one did not take away from the other. It was a captivating read, and the chapters transitioned smoothly into one another. The suspense kept me eagerly flipping through the pages as quickly as I could. I found it hard to set the book aside, as I was too afraid of missing something significant. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The characters were well-crafted, feeling genuine and relatable. The story was superbly written and far surpassed my expectations. I truly enjoyed reading the book and could not have wished for a better conclusion.
Recommend this book:
The Alpha Particle
A Tom Rivers Thriller - Book 2 (Tom Rivers Thrillers)
T.J. Hawkins
2025 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins is the second book in the Tom Rivers thrillers series. After an encounter with Baqri, Tom woke up in bed at a secret section of MI5 and was told he was a Counter-Terrorist Asset; in short, he was a sleeper. Tom would only be activated in case of severe threats to the United States, and Baqri threatened the United States. A secret organization called The Collective was supporting Baqri. The Collective had members in powerful positions. They were a group of wealthy, powerful, and influential people from around the world. Tom found out that his American wife, Luna, was a similarly trained asset and also a sleeper. Tom’s knowledge of Baqri and his terrorist cell was vital, and the president personally instructed Tom and Luna to stop Baqri.
The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins was intriguing and complex. There was never a dull moment in this fast-paced story. It was jam-packed with action, and I could not put the book down, too afraid I would miss something. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The writing style was engaging and had me hooked from the first page until the last. The characters were well-developed and strong. Tom and Luna's transitions from ordinary persons to special agents were natural and comfortable. The description of where polonium and alpha particles come from and the devastation they could cause were interesting, and even an uninformed person like me could understand it. This book is excellently written and very interesting.
The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins is the second book in the Tom Rivers thrillers series. After an encounter with Baqri, Tom woke up in bed at a secret section of MI5 and was told he was a Counter-Terrorist Asset; in short, he was a sleeper. Tom would only be activated in case of severe threats to the United States, and Baqri threatened the United States. A secret organization called The Collective was supporting Baqri. The Collective had members in powerful positions. They were a group of wealthy, powerful, and influential people from around the world. Tom found out that his American wife, Luna, was a similarly trained asset and also a sleeper. Tom’s knowledge of Baqri and his terrorist cell was vital, and the president personally instructed Tom and Luna to stop Baqri.
The Alpha Particle by T.J. Hawkins was intriguing and complex. There was never a dull moment in this fast-paced story. It was jam-packed with action, and I could not put the book down, too afraid I would miss something. With all the twists and turns, I never knew what would happen next. The writing style was engaging and had me hooked from the first page until the last. The characters were well-developed and strong. Tom and Luna's transitions from ordinary persons to special agents were natural and comfortable. The description of where polonium and alpha particles come from and the devastation they could cause were interesting, and even an uninformed person like me could understand it. This book is excellently written and very interesting.
Recommend this book:
The Black Raven's Song
A Chase Harper Thriller
Macklin Grey
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
Reviewed by Gaius Konstantine for Readers' Favorite
“Behind closed doors, everything is invisible,” and as the novel The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey suggests, some doors are best left unopened. Chase Harper is a man of secrets who has lost the will to live. He hides behind his own closed doors and kills his days working as a supply chain manager for a business that means little to him other than a reason to wake up in the morning. When a nuclear explosion of unknown origin devastates Saint Petersburg and severely disrupts global commerce, Chase and his boss, Carolyn, fly to Singapore looking for new shippers. As luck would have it, the owner of the shipping company in Singapore is an old friend who is like family to Chase. But luck is fickle, and Chase finds himself in the middle of an undeclared war by a rogue state that will stop at nothing to achieve its goals.
The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey is an exquisite espionage thriller full of twists and surprises that breaks many genre stereotypes. An intricate and superbly crafted plot focuses on a devious scheme by a ruthless dictator to blackmail the world and the efforts of a spiritually broken man and his unlikely ally as they try to stop him. Themes of friendship, good versus evil, and a man rediscovering the beauty of being alive add depth and an emotional punch to the story. Strong character development comes from a surprising cast of villains and heroes who add some unique twists to the tale. With an adrenaline-fueled, high-speed pace, which includes parachute jumps, explosions, and scuba dives, The Black Raven's Song is a superb read that will satisfy and delight thrill seekers everywhere.
“Behind closed doors, everything is invisible,” and as the novel The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey suggests, some doors are best left unopened. Chase Harper is a man of secrets who has lost the will to live. He hides behind his own closed doors and kills his days working as a supply chain manager for a business that means little to him other than a reason to wake up in the morning. When a nuclear explosion of unknown origin devastates Saint Petersburg and severely disrupts global commerce, Chase and his boss, Carolyn, fly to Singapore looking for new shippers. As luck would have it, the owner of the shipping company in Singapore is an old friend who is like family to Chase. But luck is fickle, and Chase finds himself in the middle of an undeclared war by a rogue state that will stop at nothing to achieve its goals.
The Black Raven's Song by Macklin Grey is an exquisite espionage thriller full of twists and surprises that breaks many genre stereotypes. An intricate and superbly crafted plot focuses on a devious scheme by a ruthless dictator to blackmail the world and the efforts of a spiritually broken man and his unlikely ally as they try to stop him. Themes of friendship, good versus evil, and a man rediscovering the beauty of being alive add depth and an emotional punch to the story. Strong character development comes from a surprising cast of villains and heroes who add some unique twists to the tale. With an adrenaline-fueled, high-speed pace, which includes parachute jumps, explosions, and scuba dives, The Black Raven's Song is a superb read that will satisfy and delight thrill seekers everywhere.
Recommend this book:
The Third Girl
S.C. Shannon
2025 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Eric Ferrar for Readers' Favorite
The Third Girl by S.C. Shannon tells the harrowing story of three teenage friends—Christina, Penelope, and Emily—whose lives are devastated by a dreadful kidnapping. The story commences on the day before Christina's seventeenth birthday in their idyllic little town of Tranquility Ridge. The girls are invited to a house party, and that's when everything goes wrong. That night, Christina wakes up in an unknown house, bound to a rusty bed. Emily is missing, but Christina manages to escape with Penelope's help, leaving the latter behind. Upon returning to the house with police assistance, Penelope is nowhere to be found. Twenty-five years later, Emily mysteriously winds up dead, and Christina receives a note hinting that Penelope is still alive. The message prompts Christina to return to her hometown to uncover what happened on that fateful night.
The Third Girl by S.C. Shannon is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of PTSD, trust, and resilience. It masterfully intertwines dual timelines, revealing secrets and startling mysteries that have been buried for twenty-five years. The storyline is pulsating, well-executed, and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is full of plot twists and dramatic moments, leaving readers intrigued and guessing. Christina's, Penelope's, and Emily's characters are well-written and intricately portrayed. The author provides just enough details to give readers a vivid sense of their personas and possible motives. The secondary characters are also well-crafted and nuanced, making the book hard to put down for too long. If you enjoy complex mysteries with realistic characters, riveting tension, and profound psychological depth, this novel is designed to satisfy your literary curiosity.
The Third Girl by S.C. Shannon tells the harrowing story of three teenage friends—Christina, Penelope, and Emily—whose lives are devastated by a dreadful kidnapping. The story commences on the day before Christina's seventeenth birthday in their idyllic little town of Tranquility Ridge. The girls are invited to a house party, and that's when everything goes wrong. That night, Christina wakes up in an unknown house, bound to a rusty bed. Emily is missing, but Christina manages to escape with Penelope's help, leaving the latter behind. Upon returning to the house with police assistance, Penelope is nowhere to be found. Twenty-five years later, Emily mysteriously winds up dead, and Christina receives a note hinting that Penelope is still alive. The message prompts Christina to return to her hometown to uncover what happened on that fateful night.
The Third Girl by S.C. Shannon is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into themes of PTSD, trust, and resilience. It masterfully intertwines dual timelines, revealing secrets and startling mysteries that have been buried for twenty-five years. The storyline is pulsating, well-executed, and will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative is full of plot twists and dramatic moments, leaving readers intrigued and guessing. Christina's, Penelope's, and Emily's characters are well-written and intricately portrayed. The author provides just enough details to give readers a vivid sense of their personas and possible motives. The secondary characters are also well-crafted and nuanced, making the book hard to put down for too long. If you enjoy complex mysteries with realistic characters, riveting tension, and profound psychological depth, this novel is designed to satisfy your literary curiosity.
Recommend this book:
The Client
A Domestic Psychological Thriller
Kat Goss
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
Reviewed by Alma Boucher for Readers' Favorite
In The Client by Kat Goss, Natalie Kemp earned a good income for three years while working as an editor for Alan Peckin. However, Natalie suddenly stopped hearing from Alan entirely, without any explanation or new assignments. Natalie quickly began questioning her abilities, feeling that perhaps she had not performed well enough. Since Alan's projects constituted the bulk of her income, losing this caused her and her husband, David, to almost lose everything. As a freelancer, Natalie sought other job prospects, only to discover that none of the work she had completed for Alan had ever been published, leaving her without an official portfolio. One day, she received an email from Alan’s wife stating that he was missing and that she and her private investigator wanted to meet with Natalie. Despite David's objections, Natalie agreed to the meeting and soon found herself entangled in a situation that could jeopardize both her career and her marriage.
The Client by Kat Goss has all the elements of an exceptional psychological thriller. The story began with such a calm, almost serene tone that it was easy to overlook the tension simmering beneath the surface. As the story unfolded, that tension steadily built, making it harder and harder to put the book down. The characters were vivid and convincingly realistic. Most of the plot centered around Natalie and David, with Amanda and a private investigator joining in later. Despite the small cast, the story never felt lacking—in fact, it was gripping from start to finish. The writing was superb; I found myself flying through the pages. The ending was mind-blowing. I had imagined plenty of possibilities surrounding Allan’s disappearance, but nothing prepared me for the twist that came. It was a perfect, shocking conclusion that left a lasting impression.
In The Client by Kat Goss, Natalie Kemp earned a good income for three years while working as an editor for Alan Peckin. However, Natalie suddenly stopped hearing from Alan entirely, without any explanation or new assignments. Natalie quickly began questioning her abilities, feeling that perhaps she had not performed well enough. Since Alan's projects constituted the bulk of her income, losing this caused her and her husband, David, to almost lose everything. As a freelancer, Natalie sought other job prospects, only to discover that none of the work she had completed for Alan had ever been published, leaving her without an official portfolio. One day, she received an email from Alan’s wife stating that he was missing and that she and her private investigator wanted to meet with Natalie. Despite David's objections, Natalie agreed to the meeting and soon found herself entangled in a situation that could jeopardize both her career and her marriage.
The Client by Kat Goss has all the elements of an exceptional psychological thriller. The story began with such a calm, almost serene tone that it was easy to overlook the tension simmering beneath the surface. As the story unfolded, that tension steadily built, making it harder and harder to put the book down. The characters were vivid and convincingly realistic. Most of the plot centered around Natalie and David, with Amanda and a private investigator joining in later. Despite the small cast, the story never felt lacking—in fact, it was gripping from start to finish. The writing was superb; I found myself flying through the pages. The ending was mind-blowing. I had imagined plenty of possibilities surrounding Allan’s disappearance, but nothing prepared me for the twist that came. It was a perfect, shocking conclusion that left a lasting impression.
Recommend this book:
Secrets of the Shield
Dennis Currie
2025 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Secrets of the Shield by Dennis M. Currie is a work that blends realistic crime writing with creative non-fiction. Los Angeles County has always been a city of shadows, but what lies beneath its surface is darker than anyone imagined. Retired investigative sergeant Currie unveils the truth behind some of the most infamous cases in history. He takes us from the early arrest of the Night Stalker to secret operations against cartel murder networks in a gripping, no-holds-barred account. Currie leaves no stone unturned when he takes readers inside the world of law enforcement, where justice is never guaranteed and the truth is often stranger than fiction.
Author Dennis M. Currie makes it clear from the start that he knows his subject matter inside out, and that confidence and authenticity come through in the narration for a hard-hitting, insider’s account of crime, corruption, and the hidden battles fought behind the badge. Anyone interested in true crime will love the raw honesty of this work, but there’s also a great sense of stylistic flair taken from the crime writing genre that makes for a gripping, real-life thriller that reads like the best of action-packed mystery fiction. The cherry on top is that it’s all from real life. I enjoyed the dry undertones of humor that only those hardened to the world of real crime can get away with. Currie also pulls back the curtain on law enforcement with an emotional vulnerability and depth that’s rarely seen, giving us an insight into how hard it can be to walk in his world. Overall, Secrets of the Shield is a raw and unfiltered exposé that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in American law enforcement and true crime.
Secrets of the Shield by Dennis M. Currie is a work that blends realistic crime writing with creative non-fiction. Los Angeles County has always been a city of shadows, but what lies beneath its surface is darker than anyone imagined. Retired investigative sergeant Currie unveils the truth behind some of the most infamous cases in history. He takes us from the early arrest of the Night Stalker to secret operations against cartel murder networks in a gripping, no-holds-barred account. Currie leaves no stone unturned when he takes readers inside the world of law enforcement, where justice is never guaranteed and the truth is often stranger than fiction.
Author Dennis M. Currie makes it clear from the start that he knows his subject matter inside out, and that confidence and authenticity come through in the narration for a hard-hitting, insider’s account of crime, corruption, and the hidden battles fought behind the badge. Anyone interested in true crime will love the raw honesty of this work, but there’s also a great sense of stylistic flair taken from the crime writing genre that makes for a gripping, real-life thriller that reads like the best of action-packed mystery fiction. The cherry on top is that it’s all from real life. I enjoyed the dry undertones of humor that only those hardened to the world of real crime can get away with. Currie also pulls back the curtain on law enforcement with an emotional vulnerability and depth that’s rarely seen, giving us an insight into how hard it can be to walk in his world. Overall, Secrets of the Shield is a raw and unfiltered exposé that I highly recommend to anyone with an interest in American law enforcement and true crime.
Recommend this book:
Beneath the Lake: A Time Travel Romantic Suspense (Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 1)
Casi McLean
2025 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Time Travel
Reviewed by Antoinette Wessels for Readers' Favorite
In Beneath the Lake: Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 1 by Casi McLean, Lacey Montgomery deeply mistrusts all men. When she catches her then-boyfriend, Cale, in the arms of another woman, her mistrust soars to new heights. In an impulsive move, she races away in a severe thunderstorm and crashes her car on an embankment near Lake Lanier. When a dark figure tries to pull her up from the crash site, Lacey is convinced it is a ghost or stalker. She pushes herself away from the figure and falls into the lake, waking up in 1949 in a little town called Sidney. When she is rescued by a handsome stranger named Bobby Reynolds, everything in her tells her not to trust him. Soon, feelings grew within Lacey, and she couldn’t lie to herself anymore. She was falling in love with this stranger from a different era. But will their love be able to survive the uncertainties of her going back to her own time?
Embark on a unique journey through time and love with Casi McLean’s Beneath the Lake: Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 1. This novel offers a rare blend of mystical time travel and old-fashioned romance, set against the captivating backdrop of the 1950s. Prepare to be transported to a different era, all while being enthralled by the intriguing storyline. I don’t believe there is a romantic soul on this planet who hasn’t dreamed about the possibility of time travel and the thrill of falling in love with a handsome stranger from another era. Casi McLean makes this fantasy a reality. The character development is fantastic. The main character, Lacey, develops the most of all the characters. She changes from a mistrusting young woman to someone ready to change the world. The backdrop of the 1950s adds to the intrigue, making readers yearn for a bygone era. I highly recommend that any romance lover who loves mystery and time traveling should give this novel a try; they won’t be disappointed.
In Beneath the Lake: Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 1 by Casi McLean, Lacey Montgomery deeply mistrusts all men. When she catches her then-boyfriend, Cale, in the arms of another woman, her mistrust soars to new heights. In an impulsive move, she races away in a severe thunderstorm and crashes her car on an embankment near Lake Lanier. When a dark figure tries to pull her up from the crash site, Lacey is convinced it is a ghost or stalker. She pushes herself away from the figure and falls into the lake, waking up in 1949 in a little town called Sidney. When she is rescued by a handsome stranger named Bobby Reynolds, everything in her tells her not to trust him. Soon, feelings grew within Lacey, and she couldn’t lie to herself anymore. She was falling in love with this stranger from a different era. But will their love be able to survive the uncertainties of her going back to her own time?
Embark on a unique journey through time and love with Casi McLean’s Beneath the Lake: Lake Lanier Mysteries Book 1. This novel offers a rare blend of mystical time travel and old-fashioned romance, set against the captivating backdrop of the 1950s. Prepare to be transported to a different era, all while being enthralled by the intriguing storyline. I don’t believe there is a romantic soul on this planet who hasn’t dreamed about the possibility of time travel and the thrill of falling in love with a handsome stranger from another era. Casi McLean makes this fantasy a reality. The character development is fantastic. The main character, Lacey, develops the most of all the characters. She changes from a mistrusting young woman to someone ready to change the world. The backdrop of the 1950s adds to the intrigue, making readers yearn for a bygone era. I highly recommend that any romance lover who loves mystery and time traveling should give this novel a try; they won’t be disappointed.
Recommend this book:
The Timepiece Paradox
Book Two of the Timepiece Series
Kevin D Miller
2025 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Time Travel
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Timepiece Paradox by Kevin D Miller is book two in the Timepiece Series. In the first installment, Bodhi McMullin receives a timepiece from his dying grandmother, who reveals his true lineage and claims the watch allows time travel, claims Bodhi soon confirms as true. He encounters a transcendent love and difficult choices, ultimately embarking on a perilous journey to rescue his daughter Cassie from a time-traveling wormhole. In this installment, it is years later and Cassie visits her dad at Gram's beach house, where she finds a disturbing letter in Gram's diary. Using the timepiece to seek answers, she is unexpectedly transported to frightening, unknown places. Stranded in time and controlled by the relic, Cassie must discern what the piece's true nature is. The answers she uncovers, and whether or not she can see the journey's challenges through, could bring her back or leave her lost in time permanently.
Kevin D Miller does an excellent job of promptly ramping up the emotional conflict, getting readers immediately invested in the story. It should be noted that The Timepiece Paradox reads perfectly fine as a stand-alone, although beginning with book two robs a reader of the build-up through Bodhi's story provided in book one. The most important element in time-travel fiction, aside from its main plot, is its ability to effectively incorporate historical context and setting, transporting readers to different periods with both descriptions and authentic details. The standout for me is in Miller's portrayal of World War II-era Hawaii, including Pearl Harbor and wartime efforts, which completely grounds Cassie's moment in time within a real historical context. All of this ties into the heartbreaking sacrifices Cassie's lineage requires and those themes of destiny and free will are executed by Miller perfectly. Very highly recommended.
The Timepiece Paradox by Kevin D Miller is book two in the Timepiece Series. In the first installment, Bodhi McMullin receives a timepiece from his dying grandmother, who reveals his true lineage and claims the watch allows time travel, claims Bodhi soon confirms as true. He encounters a transcendent love and difficult choices, ultimately embarking on a perilous journey to rescue his daughter Cassie from a time-traveling wormhole. In this installment, it is years later and Cassie visits her dad at Gram's beach house, where she finds a disturbing letter in Gram's diary. Using the timepiece to seek answers, she is unexpectedly transported to frightening, unknown places. Stranded in time and controlled by the relic, Cassie must discern what the piece's true nature is. The answers she uncovers, and whether or not she can see the journey's challenges through, could bring her back or leave her lost in time permanently.
Kevin D Miller does an excellent job of promptly ramping up the emotional conflict, getting readers immediately invested in the story. It should be noted that The Timepiece Paradox reads perfectly fine as a stand-alone, although beginning with book two robs a reader of the build-up through Bodhi's story provided in book one. The most important element in time-travel fiction, aside from its main plot, is its ability to effectively incorporate historical context and setting, transporting readers to different periods with both descriptions and authentic details. The standout for me is in Miller's portrayal of World War II-era Hawaii, including Pearl Harbor and wartime efforts, which completely grounds Cassie's moment in time within a real historical context. All of this ties into the heartbreaking sacrifices Cassie's lineage requires and those themes of destiny and free will are executed by Miller perfectly. Very highly recommended.
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