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D.O.L Light Running in Afghanistan
The book plunges headfirst into a world of secret military projects, hidden powers, and tangled family ties. Lilly and Aurora, caught between loyalty and betrayal, navigate brutal battles, heartbreaking losses, and a storm of revelations about who they are and where they come from. The story moves with a wild energy, shifting from explosive action in New York to covert missions in Afghanistan, all the while threading in the complicated web of love, grief, and survival that binds its characters together. The book is about identity and the cost of power, wrapped inside high-octane scenes and sharp dialogue.
I found myself both entertained and unsettled. The writing has a raw pulse to it, like the author wanted every scene to bleed emotion or crackle with tension. Sometimes that worked beautifully. The fight sequences felt cinematic, and the dialogue between Lilly and Aurora was charged with anger, sorrow, and just enough dark humor to keep it human. But there were moments when the avalanche of detail threatened to bury the emotional core of the story. Even then, I couldn’t put it down, because there was always another twist, another confession, another blow waiting around the corner.
I also caught myself feeling torn about the ideas underneath the action. The story plays with big questions: what it means to be family, how much pain someone can carry, and how power both saves and destroys. The story also leans hard into chaos and violence, which keeps the energy high and the tension unrelenting, never giving the characters or the reader much chance to breathe. The author clearly loves his cast, though, and that affection comes through in the banter, the awkward humor, and the way even the most hardened fighters carry their scars like open wounds. It gave the book a surprising tenderness under all the blood and bullets.
Light Running in Afghanistan reminded me of the relentless drive you find in early James Patterson thrillers mixed with the emotional grit of something like Suzanne Collins or even Stephen King at his more chaotic. It isn’t neat or carefully buttoned up the way a Tom Clancy novel might be. Instead, it thrives on the jagged edges, the mess that makes its characters feel human. Readers who want a story that punches fast and doesn’t apologize will feel right at home here.
Pages: 364 | ASIN : B0F9TV3ZX2
It Started With a Drawing
D.O.L: Light Running, Part 1, which has recently been renamed Light Running in Parris Island, follows a fiery, sharp-tongued woman who becomes entangled in government secrets and paramilitary organizations while battling her own haunted past. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The entire saga started from a drawing I did in art school in 2005 and a horrible experience I had during a short story class I took in 2009. When I turned in my final assignment for that class I will admit I was full of myself. I thought my final draft was God’s gift to man. My classmates were less than enthused and humbled me with their criticism:
‘I didn’t like it.’
‘Writing isn’t your thing.’
‘I thought the plot was too generic.’
This devastated me, and I didn’t touch the story for another three years. Between 2012 and 2020 I tried to rework the narrative but never got very far into the storyline. Then Covid struck and, like many, I found myself with an abundance of free time. In seven months I completed the first book. After a two-year editing process I submitted my book for review. I’m proud to say that, so far, I have not received less than a five star review.
There was a lot of time spent crafting the character traits in this novel. What was the most important factor for you to get right in your characters?
The short answer is ‘realism’. My characters are alive and real in my head. I can see them move about in the real world. Furthermore, I am able to hear the inflections in their voices and even accompany certain scenes with background music. It is my job – my purpose – to make sure that my characters live just as vibrantly in your mind.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The primary theme of the book was Lilly’s first mission as an ARMOR agent. An unknown adversary has infiltrated Parris Island, forcing Lilly to rely on someone with less experience than herself. In the previous books most of the heavy lifting had been done by side characters like Joe or Andrew. This was Lilly’s maiden voyage and I wanted to keep the reader guessing as to whether she would sink or swim.
Supporting themes include: Sisterhood in the military; reunion and loss and unexpected betrayal.
Where does the story go in the next book, and where do you see it going in the future?
The next book is already out on Amazon, and it is called D.O.L: Light Running In Afghanistan. I’ll give you three guesses where Lilly is going, but you’ll only need one.
In this installment, Lilly must embark on her second mission with little-to-no recovery time from the first. Things escalate when her transport plane is shot down behind enemy lines. Light Running In Afghanistan gives an intriguing alternative story to the book/movie ‘Lone Survivor’. However, in this version, Lilly ends up being the lone survivor and she encounters a village that houses a centuries-old secret. The story will keep you guessing and your questions will be answered but, of course, more questions will arise.
I see this entire series seamlessly spanning a multitude of literary genres. The major themes for the entire saga are already completed in my head; it’s the fine points that need further development. With that in mind, I won’t reveal too much about where things are going. After all, the entire series is one gigantic mystery. And the title: D.O.L is classified. The name of the game is escalation and fun and I intend to deliver on both.
D.O.L Light Running Part 1
D.O.L: Light Running, Part 1 plunges the reader into a high-octane, emotionally-charged dystopian military drama that follows Lilly Lamberton—a fiery, sharp-tongued heroine entangled in government secrets, paramilitary organizations, and her own haunted past. The narrative starts in explosive fashion and rarely lets up, blending raw action with psychological depth. From secret missions and violent ambushes to quiet reflections on loss and identity, this book is both a survival story and a deeply personal coming-of-age saga, set in a world cracking at the seams.
Jason Logan Maxwell writes like he’s trying to outpace a storm—fast, punchy, and relentless. The dialogue is witty, often hilarious, and refreshingly grounded. Characters feel alive because they’re flawed, they fight dirty, and they bleed. The pacing is intense, almost breathless at times, and while that energy keeps the story charging forward, it does leave some emotional moments a bit rushed. Still, when the book slows down, it doesn’t lose power—it hits harder. The flashbacks, the trauma, the tenderness buried under tough exteriors—they all ring painfully true. There’s something raw and human beneath the sci-fi military veneer, and it pulled me in more than I expected.
The book doesn’t shy away from the gritty or the grotesque. Some of the backstory, especially the POW sequences, are harrowing, borderline horrific. But it wasn’t gore for gore’s sake. It served a purpose. It gave weight to the trauma these characters carry. And Lilly—god, Lilly. She’s tough, smart, impulsive, and deeply broken. Watching her navigate betrayals, boot camp, and blackmail was riveting. She’s someone I rooted for fiercely, even when she messed up. She doesn’t ask for your sympathy—she earns it. The book also isn’t afraid to call out military systems, toxic leadership, and blind patriotism. It’s bold in the best way.
Light Running isn’t just an action novel, it’s a gut-punch of a character study dressed in tactical gear. It’s perfect for readers who like their stories gritty, their characters layered, and their themes heavy. If you enjoy works like The Hunger Games or Codename Villanelle but crave a sharper edge and darker truths, this book is for you. Be warned: it’s a wild ride with sharp turns. But if you can hang on, it’s worth every second.
Pages: 194 | ASIN : B0DN85DM2K
D.O.L City Lights Part 1
Set in 1998 Queens, DOL City Lights follows 17-year-old Lilly Lamberton, an asexual, sharp-witted martial artist with a past that grows darker by the day. She wants nothing more than to blend into the background, quietly navigating high school without drawing attention. But fate has other plans. Unwillingly thrust into a world of crime and mystery, Lilly soon realizes that staying invisible is no longer an option. Armed with her sarcasm, combat prowess, and a relentless spirit, she faces a reality where the stakes are higher than she ever imagined.
What sets DOL City Lights apart is Jason Logan Maxwell’s distinct and immersive writing style. His storytelling is bold, compelling, and brimming with personality. Maxwell’s true strength lies in his character development, particularly with Audrey. Her dialogue, rich with natural cadence and an unmistakable accent, feels authentic, adding depth that makes her voice stand out. His humor is another highlight sharp, effortless, and perfectly timed adding a layer of charm that keeps the story engaging and immersive. More than just telling a story, Maxwell infuses it with energy, making each page a pleasure to read.
Lilly embodies teenage defiance, yet beneath her tough exterior lies an instinct for self-preservation. She has spent years fortifying walls around herself, resisting connection at every turn. Vulnerability, to her, is a liability. Her refusal to seek help isn’t rooted in arrogance but in fear an all-too-relatable human response. Watching her struggle to accept support makes her character feel raw and real, capturing an emotional depth that lingers long after the page is turned.
Joe’s compassion toward Lilly is striking. His kindness isn’t just a passing gesture—it’s a force of change. For someone who has spent so long keeping others at arm’s length, Lilly’s tentative acceptance of help is more than just a moment; it’s a transformation. Seeing the cracks in her armor, even briefly, underscores the profound impact of genuine care. It’s a beautifully executed character shift, a testament to how even the most guarded hearts can be reached.
Both DOL City Lights Part 1 and Part 2 deliver an enthralling, uniquely crafted experience. Fans of crime dramas with a distinctive edge will find much to love, from gripping action sequences to deeply layered character arcs. Part 2 masterfully sets the stage for an even more thrilling continuation, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for Lilly in Part 3.
Pages: 290 | ASIN : B0CR8RN8D9
Calling Tsela
Calling Tsela is a rich blend of historical fiction, spiritual exploration, and modern-day crime drama, centered around the Navajo Nation and its people. The book weaves together two narratives: one of a silver mine in 19th-century Navajo country, full of mysticism and legend, and the other of a Navajo cop in the present day dealing with visions, crime, and his cultural roots. Tsela, the protagonist, finds himself drawn into a spiritual journey that connects the past to the present, as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding Navajo traditions, crime on the reservation, and his own haunting visions.
I was immediately captivated by the vivid descriptions of the Navajo landscape and the seamless way the author brings historical context into the story. The opening chapter drops you right into the 1800s with a gripping tale of Mortimer Cade’s quest for a lost silver mine, setting the stage for the entire novel. Thompson’s ability to contrast this historical narrative with the present-day struggles of Tsela is one of the book’s greatest strengths. The way he uses the landscape as a backdrop for both eras creates a sense of timelessness. I found myself emotionally invested in Tsela’s internal struggle as he tries to reconcile his duties as a cop with his connection to his Navajo heritage.
Thompson’s writing shines brightest in the personal moments, especially during Tsela’s peyote ceremonies and visions. The surreal, almost hallucinogenic quality of these passages was mesmerizing, yet it still felt deeply rooted in the spiritual realities of the Navajo culture. Tsela’s encounter with the zebra-man and his subsequent vision of a murdered woman were particularly powerful. These moments brought an intensity and urgency to the story that had me questioning what was real and what was part of Tsela’s spiritual journey. The balance between reality and the supernatural was handled with finesse, never feeling over the top but always keeping me on edge. The crime drama element was intriguing, though at times it felt a bit disconnected from the more mystical parts of the novel. While Tsela’s role as a Navajo police officer grounds the story in the real world, I did feel like the pacing slowed down during the investigation scenes. The gritty reality of gang violence, drugs, and murder was well-portrayed, but I found myself more drawn to the spiritual and cultural aspects of the book. Still, I appreciated how Thompson did not shy away from depicting the harsh realities faced by the Navajo community today. The loss of culture, crime, and economic hardship gave the novel a layer of depth that enhanced Tsela’s personal struggles.
Calling Tsela is a multi-layered novel that seamlessly blends Navajo history, spirituality, and modern-day issues into a compelling narrative. Thompson’s evocative writing, combined with a unique storyline, makes this a book that will resonate with readers interested in indigenous cultures, mystical storytelling, and crime fiction. I’d highly recommend it to those who enjoy stories that challenge the boundaries between the seen and unseen, and anyone who appreciates a deep dive into cultural heritage.
Pages: 372 | ASIN : B0B2TPRS6P
Complex Story About Murder
Hell’s Heart follows a small-town sheriff whose dying father asks him to look into a cold case to prove a man innocent and find the real killer. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I live in Florida so I feel at home writing about it. I wanted a fictitious small- town police department so I didn’t get entangled with department hierarchy. The west coast north of Tampa seemed a good out-of-the-way place. The idea started as a short story, two classmates in abusive families conspire to kill their abusers, but figure out how to get away with it. The story expanded into a more complex story about murder, illicit drugs, and a deadly assassin who uses snakes to murder her victims.
What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Jake Long was the easiest. He’s a troubled guy on a lot of fronts, he committed a crime in the past, his crumbling marriage, and his dying father. I enjoyed writing the banter between Jake and Maxine, his rookie cop. And, of course, the bad guys are always fun, especially a beautiful, deadly woman. Poor Nell was fun also.
I felt that there were a lot of great twists and turns throughout the novel. Did you plan this before writing the novel, or did the twists develop organically writing?
I knew the twist at the end but was stumped as to how I’d pull it off logically. I do some outlining, but very loosely. I have to know the direction the story is heading and then I fill in details as I go along. Sometimes the story takes a turn I think is good, so I go with it.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I have four other books on Amazon. All have won top prizes in The Florida Writers Association’s Royal Palm Awards. Two, Hell’s Heart, and Downhill Fast won book of the year. I have one I haven’t put on Amazon yet. The title is Dirty Hazel and the Cat Woman. And I’m in the middle of one I’m having a blast with titled, Sundown Highway. Stay tuned.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
In Oakley, Florida, in 2005. Frank Jackson and Diane Ferguson are killed with a pipe wrench. The problem? Frank and Diane have no connection. Guy Fowler was convicted but claims to have been drunk at home when the murders occurred. Fingerprints on the wrench say otherwise. Retired police officer Bart Long, now riddled with cancer, believes Fowler is innocent. As a last request, he asks his son, small-town cop Jake Long to find the real killer. Jake wants no part of the cold case that nearly cost his father his marriage. But when Nell Stoner reports her boyfriend missing, Jake is drawn back in time. Neck-deep in the double homicide, Jake contends with an unfaithful wife, illicit drugs, killer twins, and a psychotic woman who uses snakes to murder her enemies.
L’homme Fatal, Rather Than Femme Fatal
A Place of Fog and Murder follows a female detective as she asserts herself in a profession dominated by men while fighting to save a missing woman. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m a tremendous fan of the Thin Man movies, as well as the writings of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett. But those were produced in the 1930s and 40s, and thus suffered from the misogyny of the time. I fell in love with the idea of reversing the trope: make the woman the smart, wise-ass detective and let her “drop dead gorgeous” client be a L’homme fatal rather than a Femme fatal. To me, that’s the most interesting challenge – making the heroine the muscle of the story without emasculating a male character … at least not if he himself will be a hero. Nobody likes a wimpy hero. Even those heroes who profess to be cowards turn out to be surprisingly strong.
It is also the witty repartee, the snappy comeback, and the Chandler specialty — profound and striking descriptions wrapped up in unique comparisons. “It was one of those dusty trails that tricks you with a childhood horseback memory while choaking you to death,” or “her eyes were as dark as a dark alley and just as likely to be hiding something deadly.”
What was your approach to writing the interactions between characters?
Studying my Chandler and Hammett. Watching the noir movies of the period. Looking up slang collections. Writing a sentence, then fluffing it up with the right vernacular. Then, throwing myself on the mercy of two great editors: both authors themselves, Sharon E. Cathcart and Ana Manwaring.
Your book is such an interesting blend of noir crime fiction and steampunk. How did you go about achieving a balance between the two genres?
The time period seems ripe for futurism. People were so very hopeful that the technology of the age would save them from the Great Depression. And in many ways, historically, it did. This was also the moment when movies became talkies and started using more special effects. This is when we got Buck Rogers and Flash Gordon. Combined, you get what is called these days Dieselpunk. Period authenticity mixed with technology that was “not yet?” Absolute fun!
Can fans expect to see more of Lou Tanner in the near future? What are you currently working on?
Yes, I am working on a sequel to A Place of Fog and Murder. Tentatively it is being called No Requiem for the Tin Man. Of course, that could change, but I rather like the name. I’m also working on the follow up to my other novel, released through Indies United Publishing House, called The Skin Thief – A Paranormal Romantic Thriller.
Author Links: Facebook | Website
Noir meets Dieselpunk in this twisting tale of 1935 San Francisco. From the corrupt power of its fashionable ultra-rich to the merciless reach of its dirty underworld, deadly secrets hide behind the thin veneer of propriety and a thick wall of fog.
From the charmingly deranged mind of T.E. MacArthur, author of the paranormal thriller The Skin Thief, comes a bold, new take on the hard-boiled detective, femme fatale, and art deco science fiction. A Place of Fog and Murder is MacArthur’s salute to Raymond Chandler, Dashiell Hammett, and the effervescent Myrna Loy.
A Place of Fog and Murder
T.E. MacArthur delves into the atmospheric 1930s noir setting of San Francisco in her novel, A Place of Fog and Murder. The story follows Lou Tanner, a pioneering female private investigator who, in her maiden case, is plunged into the search for a missing woman. Navigating the labyrinthine world of government operatives, unruly gangsters, and less-than-cooperative police officers, Lou is confronted by quite the cast of characters, each harboring their own clandestine motives.
MacArthur intricately weaves themes of justice throughout the narrative, examining its breach through heinous acts like murder and the subsequent path to its restoration. The tale illuminates the contrasting lengths two distinct characters will traverse to see justice prevail. Lou embodies integrity, evident in her unyielding commitment to the case even when faced with potential death and her unwavering moral compass.
Set against a backdrop that melds steampunk and sci-fi elements, A Place of Fog and Murder presents an intriguing take on 1930s San Francisco—complete with robots and authentic period slang. MacArthur’s character development shines, especially with Lou, whose genuine reactions to traumatic events provide a depth of realism.
With engaging writing, authentic characters, and a suspense-filled mystery plot, A Place of Fog and Murder, by T.E. MacArthur, is a must-read for fans of the whodunnit and mystery genres.
Pages: 299 | ASIN : B07RG7YW17
LITERARY TITAN 