Blog Archives
86 The Chef
Adam K. Watson’s 86 The Chef is a razor-sharp and soul-searching novel that follows Trey Chapman, a celebrity chef whose once-brilliant culinary empire is now cracking under the weight of ambition, exhaustion, and emotional disconnection. The book paints a vivid picture of the entire Chapman family, all tangled up in the food world. From Trey’s aging critic brother Jackson to the elusive fixer Joey, each with their own dreams, demons, and disappointments. Through a swirling cast of chefs, critics, smugglers, and hustlers, the story unpacks the tension between art and commerce, legacy and identity, all wrapped in the steamy and cutthroat chaos of the restaurant scene.
I loved how real this story felt. The writing is cinematic, funny, and biting. There’s this effortless flow to Watson’s sentences, some clipped, others lush, that mimics the chaos of a kitchen and the pacing of an exhausted heart. The characters are layered and messy, especially Trey, who is both brilliant and broken. Watching him claw his way through ego, fatigue, and physical pain was gut-wrenching but deeply compelling. I could feel the weight of his fame pulling him apart. And yet, the story never becomes a pity parade. It’s sharp, darkly funny, and full of those little observations that make you pause, laugh, or wince.
What really hooked me wasn’t the food, the fame, or the drama, it was the grief. Not loud, tear-soaked grief, but the quiet, creeping kind that sneaks in when success costs you yourself. Trey is a man haunted by what he’s lost, time, purpose, connection, and that quiet sadness echoes through every chapter. Watson’s ability to explore that without spelling it out or dragging it into melodrama is fantastic. The supporting characters, like Jackson and Erica, aren’t just props, they have their own bruises, their own bitterness, and it makes the world feel lived-in and raw. The whole book is a balancing act between fire and finesse, and it sticks the landing.
I’d recommend 86 The Chef to anyone who loves stories about ambition and the emotional collateral it leaves behind. Foodies will be thrilled by the behind-the-scenes grit of the industry, but it’s not just for chefs or food lovers. It’s for anyone who’s chased a dream and realized too late they were running from something else. This is a book about burnout, brilliance, and the blurry line between building an empire and losing your soul.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0F549F1RN
The Story Comes First
Switched at Death follows a local baker and cat daycare owner who becomes involved in the investigation surrounding the town’s beloved mayor, who collapsed and died at the town’s tree lighting ceremony. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Since Switched at Death is the second book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series, I needed to tap a character from the first book (A Whale of a Murder) as the next victim. Who better to kill off than the beloved long-time mayor of charming Chatham Crossing? His death during the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting creates instant chaos and a falling-out between his wife and Venus Bixby, who are best friends and business partners. Can their relationship and joy in the town be restored by Christmas?
Were there any characters that you especially enjoyed writing for?
Actually … Venus Bixby made her literary debut as a minor character in What’s Not Lost, the last book in my romantic comedy trilogy. I loved her so much, I decided to give her own cozy mystery series. Even though her niece, Lexi Moore, had a major role in that romcom, I didn’t bring her into the cozy series until Switched at Death, which takes place a good ten years earlier than What’s Not Lost. So, I faced a dilemma. How do I roll back the ages of two characters and move them into a totally different storyline? Venus was kind of easy, as she’s a mature sleuth, kind of set in her ways. But in Switched at Death, Lexi is a teenager. As the youngest character in the mystery, Lexi brought not only a fresh perspective to the story, but also contemporary cultural references and dialogue only fit for a teen. I loved the challenge, but having a pre-teen granddaughter certainly helped!
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
Story comes first. If there’s no story, there can be no plot twists. The story needs characters that drive the plot, and a cozy mystery especially needs a world readers will want to settle into and come back to in future books. For me, I might have a major plot twist in mind when I start writing, but I try to keep an open mind for whatever path the characters take me. I tend to ask them “What if …” Their answers almost always surprise me and add more colorful twists than had I plotted them out initially. In fact, half way through writing the manuscript of Switched at Death, I switched the villain. In doing so, I needed to do some minor edits on the earlier pages, but the twist made for a much more delightful crime.
What is the next book that you’re working on and when can your fans expect it out?
The next installment of the Venus Bixby Mystery series is definitely a work-in-progress. If all goes well, it’ll follow in the footsteps of the first two books and publish in the month of April next year.
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Thanksgiving weekend always marks the start of Christmas festivities in Chatham Crossing. But, this year, when the annual tree lighting ends in flames, this charming and usually joyful town finds little to celebrate.
After the town’s long-time, beloved mayor, collapses and dies at the scene of the tree lighting, nearly a week passes before details as to what actually caused his heart attack begin to emerge.
Preoccupied with the recent opening of her kitty daycare service, Venus Bixby thinks twice before getting involved in the investigation. But once her popular cookie bakery is linked to the mayor’s death, she has no choice.
As clues begin to surface, Venus grapples with the possibility that someone she cares about may be responsible for the mayor’s death.
Will Venus’s clever sleuthing be enough to save Christmas for this charming seaside town?
Includes cookie recipes and a playlist!
In the second installment of this cozy mystery with a romantic twist, Valerie Taylor brings back scrappy sleuth Venus Bixby and her mischief-maker twin sister. Switched at Death is as strikingly entertaining as A Whale of a Murder, with a holiday theme to enjoy all year long. Order Switched at Death today!
Switched at Death: A Venus Bixby Mystery
This book is like if Murder, She Wrote had a baby with Gilmore Girls and then let a cat run the town council. It’s a cozy mystery set in this quirky New England town called Chatham Crossing, where everyone knows everyone… or thinks they do. The story kicks off with the sudden death of the mayor—right at the town’s holiday tree lighting, no less—and from there, Venus Bixby gets tangled up in a web of secrets, politics, and small-town pettiness. Oh, and there’s definitely murder afoot.
I’m a sucker for cats and chaos, so when Venus opens her kitty daycare and adoption center (adorably named Cats & Their Cradle), I was in. The whole scene of her prepping for the grand opening while juggling relationships, rivalries, and her very active imagination had me both rooting for her and laughing. And her cats, Sonny and Cher, are icons.
The writing is super fun—Valerie Taylor has this cheeky, breezy style that makes even the gossip feel juicy instead of mean. Venus’s “friendship” with Carole (the mayor’s wife and her cookie shop partner) is messy. Like, Real Housewives messy. Carole throwing that dinner party where she low-key hijacks the night just to boost her own political ambitions was cringe. I wanted to fling a cookie at her. Poor Venus thinks the dinner’s to celebrate her new business, and instead she ends up sidelined while Carole plays power games and drops some seriously shady digs about the Sabinas.
But what really grabbed me were the emotional undercurrents. Venus misses her late husband, she’s trying to figure out what love looks like with Budd (her delightfully flirty and surprisingly deep boyfriend), and she’s constantly trying to prove herself in a town that still clings to its old boys’ club.
Switched at Death totally worked for me. It’s a little sassy, a little sentimental, and full of sneaky surprises. If you love small-town drama, strong female leads, and cats, this one’s for you. Highly recommend for cat moms, cozy mystery fans, and anyone who enjoys watching people stir the pot.
Pages: 293 | ASIN : B0DYVVGFL7
Not A Shovel In Sight
Not a Shovel in Sight kicks off in New York City with a bang or, more accurately, with a million-dollar theft and a missing woman. Our protagonist, Alana Lorenz, is a bestselling author who finds herself drawn back into a former workplace, a nonprofit called Golden Sunrise International Foundation. But this isn’t just a sentimental return, it’s an undercover mission. Money has vanished, employees are acting shady, and Alana’s old boss, Elliott Zane, needs someone he can trust. What starts as a favor quickly turns into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where nothing is quite what it seems.
The writing style is engaging and crisp, and Quinn doesn’t waste time with unnecessary flourishes. This book reads fast and fun, with dialogue that crackles and characters that pop off the page. I particularly enjoyed Alana’s voice; she’s sharp, witty, and just a bit cynical. Her internal monologue is pure gold, whether she’s sizing up an old acquaintance or mentally rolling her eyes at an obvious red flag. The moment she steps into her old office, you feel the history and tension in the air. Some colleagues are warm and welcoming. Others like the hilariously awful HR guy Hans Holtzapple seem hostile from the jump. That immediate sense of suspicion keeps the pages turning.
What really shines here is the plotting. The mystery unfolds naturally, with just enough misdirection to keep you guessing. The missing woman, Razima, is an especially intriguing element. She’s the one who first noticed the financial discrepancies before disappearing without a trace. Coincidence? Not likely. And then there’s Lance Alderman, a former employee who quit suddenly, giving a flimsy excuse that doesn’t add up. Alana’s skepticism is infectious. She’s asking the same questions we are, and as she peels back layers of deception, the tension builds.
There were a few spots where I wanted a little more depth. Some characters, like Beverly Bannon, feel like they could have been developed further. She’s abrasive and problematic, sure, but I wanted to understand why she was the way she was. That said, the book’s fast pace and sharp humor more than make up for any minor shortcomings. Plus, the setting is a treat, New York in the summer, with its sticky heat and bustling energy, adds a layer of atmosphere that makes everything feel real.
Not a Shovel in Sight is clever, fast paced, and packed with twists that will have you second-guessing every character. Whether you’re a longtime mystery reader or just looking for something fresh and fun, this book is worth picking up.
Pages: 138 | ASIN: B0DX6VF4DG
A Commotion on the Ocean
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s A Commotion on the Ocean kicks off with Ashley Calloway, a seasoned cruiser, embarking on a long-awaited voyage to escape the stress of personal loss and estate management. What starts as a relaxing getaway quickly turns into an eerie trip down memory lane when Ashley runs into a nightmarish former coworker, Delphina Durand. As if that wasn’t enough to shake her, the ship is also hosting a notorious film director whose wife mysteriously vanished years ago. Old tensions and unresolved history collide in an unpredictable storm of past drama and potential danger.
From the start, Quinn’s writing is smooth and full of personality. Ashley’s narration feels like a close friend venting over coffee, which makes it easy to connect with her. She’s witty, observant, and hilariously blunt. The way she describes Delphina, nicknamed Shit Fit Delphina for her explosive temper and manipulative ways, had me cracking up. Quinn’s character work is sharp, with every person on the ship feeling distinct, from the chipper cruise staff to the enigmatic Reginald Conti. The pacing is also well done; just when you think Ashley might actually get a moment to relax, another twist pops up.
One of my favorite parts of the book is the humor laced throughout the narrative. Despite the tension of running into an old workplace terror, Ashley’s sarcasm and sharp inner monologue keep the story from ever feeling too heavy. Her descriptions of cruise quirks, overpriced ship shops, mandatory lifeboat drills, the never-ending search for the perfect deck chair are spot-on. It makes the setting feel incredibly real, like you’re right there on the M.V. Exploration, trying to dodge Delphina’s piercing gaze.
That said, there’s an underlying unease that builds beautifully. The presence of Conti, a man forever under suspicion of killing his wife, adds an extra layer of intrigue. Even though he’s on board to give a talk about his film career, Ashley (and the reader) can’t help but wonder if there’s something more sinister going on. When Delphina and Conti cross paths, the tension skyrockets. Quinn weaves in these suspenseful elements masterfully, making you wonder if past crimes or new ones might unfold on the open sea.
A Commotion on the Ocean is a delightful mix of humor, suspense, and sharp social commentary, making it a must-read for fans of witty mysteries. If you enjoy a narrator with a strong, no-nonsense voice, a bit of workplace drama that refuses to die, and a cruise full of potential suspects, this book is definitely for you. Quinn’s writing is engaging, fresh, and full of life, just like a good vacation story should be.
Pages: 174 | ASIN: B0DT66QHQ1
We Change and Grow Thought Our Lives
A Rising Tide follows a bookstore owner with supernatural gifts who starts having haunting dreams sending her on a journey of self-discovery filled with danger and a confrontation with her detiny. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This is the 13th book in the series and Jessie has wondered where her gift came from. Matt paid for her to go to Ireland because her family came from Ireland. The idea shows up in several of the books but I knew the trip had to show her why she had the gift that she does. This would be a crucial point in the series. The culture of Ireland is perfect for the possibility of magic with all its wonderful legends and magical creatures.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Yes, it is possible that one single moment can alter the course of our life. But I also believe we have many life changing moments in our journey, We can change and continue to grow through out our lives. To me Jessie epitomizes the idea of what would happen if we became truly aware of the world around us and could seen what is often unseen.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Keeping the mystery with a few red herrings to keep the story interesting is the tough part. Sometimes I feel like my characters are leading me and I like that. My editor tells me to read the manuscript like a reader. I try hard to take subjects that are important to me and make them somehow entertaining at the same time.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
My next book is in the final galley stage and ready to be signed off on. It will be out this year and will take Matt and Jessie through their wedding, but not without some problems.
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Once again Matt will be challenged to think outside the box when Jessie’s look-alike relative from the past shows up along with several ancient artifacts, and a grumpy ghost who takes up residency in her store to guard them. With all the strangeness that surrounds their relationship Matt finds himself more in love with his little warrior than ever.
The Good, the Bad, and the Absurd
Into the Mist follows a woman running from heartbreak who is drawn to the mysteries behind the walls of the abandoned Victorian home she stumbles across. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In the mostly rural area I live in it is not uncommon to see abandoned Victorian houses tucked away here and there along the country roads. As I began writing Into the Mist, I thought again of those lonely old mansions, some of them still standing strong, and I instantly pictured the main character Cheyenne, in her emotional distress, being drawn to one of them out of desperation. And then while she’s still reeling, experiencing a sort of disconnect from reality as she seeks to escape her own life by obsessing over the previous inhabitants of the home, which in turn leaves her susceptible to certain effects. And the story just evolved from there.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
How people cope with life’s ups and downs, in particular when ordinary people facing extraordinary circumstances are jarred out of their normal lives and how they react to it — the good, the bad, and my favorite, the absurd.
Time travel fiction always intrigues me. What do you find is the key to getting it just right?
I believe the key is to focus on the characters and what they are experiencing, providing just enough explanation and detail to make it believable while not getting mired down in the methodology and technicalities of it, especially if you don’t have the necessary background and know-how. The mind-boggling and possibly long-term ramifications of time travel to me holds much more weight than any theoretical mechanism causing it to occur. The wonder of being able to step into the past, or the future, and experience it firsthand is what I think makes it truly compelling.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I do have one novel, The House on Chestnut Circle, that I recently completed coming soon. In it a man follows his ex-wife to another state to be near his son and moves into a house that soon has him embroiled in a decades-old mystery involving a woman’s disappearance. And, in addition to that book, I am also working on a collection of short stories and a dystopian novel to follow sometime after.
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Facebook | Website | Book Review
Cheyenne Tanner, a woman who has lost everything, journeys down a road shrouded in mist and stumbles upon an abandoned home. The aging house, once a grand Victorian mansion, is now in decline with leaning posts on an overgrown property.
Inside, forgotten moments whisper through dusty hallways, beckoning her to bygone days. But is there something more going on there than a structure slowly sinking into ruin?
Slipping into the year 1895, she encounters the owner, Augustus Moore, who is struggling to keep pace with a changing world as well as with conflicts of his own. Little does she know how closely their fates are about to intertwine, and how far she is willing to go for him.
The Ransom Enigma
Step into the vibrant world of Magnolia Bluff, Texas, and prepare for a gripping thriller in The Ransom Enigma, the latest offering by Breakfield and Burkey as part of The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. With a fresh twist and high stakes, this novel promises to keep readers on edge. Jo, a former top model from Brazil, seeks a quiet life after the chaos of her career. Instead, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of extortion and danger. Alongside her tech-savvy husband, JJ, she becomes entangled in a shadowy game of blackmail. Breakfield and Burkey masterfully develop Jo’s character, showcasing her emotional turmoil alongside her unyielding determination to protect her family and preserve their idyllic life—no matter the cost.
The supporting cast adds richness and complexity to the narrative. JJ’s sharp business acumen and protective instincts are skillfully portrayed, offering a striking balance to his grounded, empathetic nature. Joyce, a believable and dynamic local realtor, breathes life into the setting, while Brandon, a former New York detective, brings investigative prowess to unravel the mystery. These characters are vivid, relatable, and integral to the plot’s momentum. The story unfolds with unexpected twists that defy predictability. The authors expertly weave elements of cross-border crime, small-town intrigue, and advanced technology into a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Magnolia Bluff, with its vivid descriptions and lively spirit, feels tangible and immersive, a town brimming with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Breakfield and Burkey’s approachable writing style draws readers in, combining sharp dialogue, dynamic action, and evocative detail into a seamless reading experience. The tension mounts with every scene, compelling the reader to keep turning pages until the smartly crafted resolution.
The Ransom Enigma is a thrilling tale brimming with complex characters and high-octane action. Whether you’re visiting Magnolia Bluff for the first time or returning for another adventure, this novel adds depth and intrigue to the series. For readers seeking the perfect mix of suspense, vibrant characters, and unexpected turns, this story delivers in every way.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0CZLGZRHR
LITERARY TITAN 