Blog Archives
The Dog Ladies
Julie Titterington’s The Dog Ladies is a genre-bending story that blends cozy mystery, small-town gossip, and quirky dark humor into a wild narrative full of twists and unexpected heart. The book follows a group of people—eccentric, nosy, and fiercely loyal—who orbit around a central murder mystery while diving into everything from call transcripts to livestreams, etiquette lessons, soap operas, and the existential dread of insomnia. It’s structured with sharp shifts in tone and form, creating a layered and chaotic tapestry of voices, moments, and digressions that somehow all loop back into the odd little universe of these unforgettable dog-loving people.
Reading this book was like falling down a rabbit hole laced with sarcasm and sentiment. Titterington’s writing is whip-smart, often hilarious, and occasionally moving in a way that catches you off guard. One moment I’d be laughing at a bizarre conversation between characters I wasn’t sure I trusted, and the next, I’d feel a sudden emotional punch, like I’d just been reminded of the ache of growing old or losing a friend. The experimental structure, scenes flip between transcripts, interviews, and dialogue-driven chaos, can be disorienting, but it adds to the charm. This book doesn’t spoon-feed you. You piece it together like you’re one of the nosy ladies yourself, eavesdropping and speculating.
Sometimes the plot meanders. Characters talk over each other. There’s a lot of inside-joke energy that made me feel like I missed a memo. But somewhere along the way, I realized that was the point. The Dog Ladies isn’t about clean resolutions or linear storytelling. It’s about the mess of community, the kind that gossips and schemes and watches out for each other, even when it’s wildly dysfunctional. It’s an ode to oddballs, to late-night phone calls, to memories that come back in snippets and smells and weird phrases.
I’d recommend The Dog Ladies to readers who enjoy voice-driven stories, especially fans of authors like Maria Semple, Shirley Jackson (on a whimsy bender), or even absurdist podcasts. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re the kind of reader who likes a challenge, laughs at dry wit, and doesn’t mind feeling a little lost now and then, this book will win you over. It’s a messy, funny, bittersweet ride—and I’m glad I stuck around until the end.
Pages: 403 | ASIN: B0F4L66CV5
Obligation To The Family
The short mystery thriller novels in this series can be read as stand-alone books but we would recommend following the sequence and feeling the intense build-up as each of the murderers are introduced in Mr Davies, 1A Penn Road and Jay Deux. They all then meet up in the final book, The Gentleman.
The three murderers are tasked with an assassination and must work together to kill the target for the good of the family. But things do not go as planned. The target reveals a secret about the family and as a result… one of them ends up dead!
Literary Titan Gold Book Award: Fiction
The Literary Titan Book Award honors books that exhibit exceptional storytelling and creativity. This award celebrates novelists who craft compelling narratives, create memorable characters, and weave stories that captivate readers. The recipients are writers who excel in their ability to blend imagination with literary skill, creating worlds that enchant and narratives that linger long after the final page is turned.
Award Recipients
Finding Manhood in Scotland by Victor Atyas
Viper Island by Cameron K. Moore
The Ballad of Midnight and McRae by Jess Lederman
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The N.M.E.
Ryan A. Kovacs’s The N.M.E. is a visceral novel-in-verse that plunges readers into a brutal world of prison life, vengeance, and twisted masculinity. Told from the perspective of a hardened inmate with one burning goal—to kill his father—the story explores complex relationships, both inside the prison walls and within the protagonist’s past. Anchored by the monstrous yet magnetic figure of Bruno, the tale veers between poetic introspection and graphically violent episodes, weaving a narrative of trauma, power, and survival. Arlene, the prison shrink, becomes a wildcard in the game, part chess piece, part therapist, and maybe even a pawn in a larger scheme.
Reading this book felt like taking a punch to the gut—again and again—and somehow, I kept turning the page for more. Kovacs writes with a brutal rhythm that mirrors the pulse of prison life. His voice is crude, stylized, and strangely hypnotic. It’s not just the slang or the broken cadence; it’s the honesty that leaks through the grime. The violence is graphic and almost cartoonish at times, but it works—it underlines the absurdity and tragedy of the characters’ lives. I found myself both repulsed and amused, often in the same breath. The absurd muscle-flexing of Bruno, the biting insults, and the chess metaphors hit surprisingly deep.
Yet, what hit me hardest wasn’t the blood and bravado—it was the aching undercurrent of grief and loss. Beneath the rough language and showy violence is a real cry for help, a search for identity buried under rage. The narrator’s desire to kill his father isn’t just about revenge; it’s about reclaiming something stolen, maybe his childhood, maybe his self-worth. Arlene adds an intriguing psychological layer, but I kept wondering—who’s really being played? There’s a sadness in that too. For all the plot’s chaos, it’s the quiet moments—the drip of self-hatred, the memory of a mother in the kitchen—that I still think about.
If you’re squeamish about graphic violence, profanity, or psychological dysfunction, The N.M.E. will be a tough ride. But for those who appreciate gritty storytelling with a poetic edge, it’s a memorable experience. I’d recommend it to fans of Chuck Palahniuk, prison noir, and anyone who enjoys stories where the ugliest truths are delivered with dark, jagged beauty.
Pages: 352 | ASIN: B09PF9969X
Riley’s End
In the gripping novel, Riley’s End, readers delve into the intricacies of friendship and the haunting shadows of the past. Tony Cevilli and Riley Antonelli shared an unbreakable bond on the baseball field, yet strangely absent beyond its confines. This enigma deepens when Riley is tragically murdered, leaving Tony grappling with a myriad of unanswered questions. Was it an elaborate cover-up? Had Riley been unjustly framed?
Fast forward, and a determined Tony seeks answers, enlisting the help of Linda and Tommy, the sharp-witted duo heading a detective agency. Together, they navigate a labyrinth of secrets and deception surrounding the puzzling demise of Riley Antonelli.
Set against the backdrop of the mid-1960s, yet commencing in the present, we witness Tony’s personal battle with cancer. As he confronts his own mortality, his resolve to unearth the truth about Riley’s murder intensifies.
Hansmann’s storytelling prowess shines through with compelling character arcs that captivate from the get-go. The narrative provides a deep exploration of human nature, its intricacies, and nuances. Riley, with his innate desire for righteousness, stood out and resonated deeply, making him a personal favorite.
The book’s got a killer plot that smoothly takes you from one twist to the next. Readers can see Hansmann’s knack for writing a gripping mystery—it’ll keep you hooked from start to finish!
For aficionados of mystery novels, Riley’s End is not just a recommendation—it’s an essential addition to your reading list. Bill Hansmann has truly woven a tale that is both poignant and thrilling, a testament to his skillful storytelling.
Pages: 316 | ASIN : B0CBXWQZSD
LITERARY TITAN 