Blog Archives
Finding Emily
Finding Emily is a riveting psychological thriller with a splash of romance and a strong dose of suspense. The story dives into the chaos of a small-town community after the mysterious disappearance of a child named Emily. From the tense town meetings to the personal turmoil of the protagonists, Amani B. Clarke captures the desperation and fracturing of human connections under pressure. This book is as much about finding Emily as it is about uncovering the truths about human relationships, vulnerability, and resilience.
One of the strongest aspects of the book is its ability to paint tension. Scenes like the town hall meeting are electric, with Clarke’s description of the crowd’s anger and disillusionment almost leaping off the page. This intensity gives the story its gripping atmosphere but occasionally overshadows quieter moments that could have deepened the characters’ emotional arcs. The book’s twists and turns kept me intrigued, though the numerous subplots occasionally made it harder to stay fully connected to the primary narrative. Clarke’s exploration of Emma’s loneliness, especially her musings about love and family, adds a relatable layer to her character, making her both inspiring and deeply flawed.
The writing is evocative, though at times uneven. Chief Mark Johnson’s internal monologue often unfolds like a stream of consciousness, offering vivid glimpses into his personal struggles. Conversely, Emma Miller’s chapters stand out as particularly engaging. Her efforts to connect with the community show a natural charisma and leadership.
Finding Emily is a multifaceted story that blends emotional depth with heart-pounding suspense. The book reminds readers that even in the midst of chaos, human connections can heal, transform, and inspire. If you’re a fan of gripping psychological mysteries with strong characters and a dash of romance, this book is for you. Clarke delivers a story that keeps you hooked and invested right up to its emotional finale.
Pages: 430 | ASIN: B0DJPGC5K8
A Small Mountain Murder: A Murder on Skis Mystery
In A Small Mountain Murder, by Phil Bayly, Ronny Schwartz, an executive from an out-of-town skiing company, mysteriously disappears in a quiet Wisconsin town. To cover the developing story, a team of reporters—JC, Milt, and Robin—arrive on the scene. What begins as a missing-person case quickly escalates when two additional murders occur, seemingly unconnected at first. Among the victims is Carol “Quip” Kelly, a hard-hitting investigative journalist known for exposing corrupt politicians. With the stakes rising and the body count climbing, JC, Milt, and Robin race to uncover the hidden threads tying these crimes together and bring the elusive killer to justice.
Bayly’s integration of skiing into the story is a standout element. The sport is not merely a setting or a throwaway detail; it serves as a critical component of the plot, enhancing the narrative in unexpected ways. Bayly’s deep knowledge and clear passion for skiing shine throughout the book, from vivid descriptions of the mountain landscape to fascinating bits of trivia that enrich the reader’s experience. The result is an immersive backdrop that feels essential rather than incidental.
The mystery itself is layered and engrossing. Bayly deftly juggles multiple storylines that, at first glance, seem to pull in disparate directions. Yet, as the plot unfolds, these threads come together seamlessly. The resolution feels both surprising and inevitable—a testament to Bayly’s ability to balance complexity with clarity. The constant sense of unpredictability keeps the tension high. Anything feels possible, and that edge-of-your-seat uncertainty holds firm until the very last page. However, I feel certain moments in the story lean a bit too heavily on coincidence. Strangers conveniently provide key information, and breakthroughs often hinge on lucky hunches. While these instances move the plot forward, they sometimes strain believability.
A Small Mountain Murder is an engaging and well-paced investigative thriller, perfect for readers who enjoy intricate mysteries with unexpected twists. With its dynamic characters, gripping tension, and a unique integration of skiing culture, the book delivers both suspense and charm. Bayly’s ability to craft a story that feels alive with possibility makes it a worthwhile read for fans of the genre.
Pages: 325
Letter 26
Abby Carlson never connected her job as a dietitian with danger. Not even when the Minneapolis serial killer targeting women based on the first letter of their jobs had yet to take a “D” victim. But when she finds herself his captive, she must summon every ounce of grit to withstand his twisted games and survive long enough to escape or be rescued by police. From the author of the thriller novels Furlough and Dead Reckoning comes this chilling tale about a rare quirk of the funeral industry, and how the worst of monsters often take human forms.
I Want My Books To Be “Real”
Otello’s Oil follows a Special Agent with the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service who is investigating the murder of the Kuwait Oil Minister and trying to find out if he was the target or if the Secretary of State was the real target. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Several things inspired this story. First, many years ago, I appeared as a supernumerary in two operas at the Kennedy Center: Otello and Aida. Both “grand operas” by Verdi. Indeed, in Otello, I had the same “role” as the Egyptian assassin who poisoned the Kuwaiti oil minister and murdered Emilia (“Emmy”) Treadwell on stage at the center. Second, I am a lawyer. I have practiced international law all over the world for the better part of the past 40 years. I worked on Capitol Hill and in the administration. I know about global oil markets and international diplomacy, and I have spent time at many of the places featured in the book (e.g., the US Mission in Geneva, the President Wilson Hotel in Geneva, the Ritz Carlton Reserve in Bali). Thus, I won’t say it was “easy” to write Otello’s Oil, but I certainly wrote about what I know.
I found Elliot Jones to be an intriguing character with a unique backstory. What was your inspiration for this character?
Honestly, no particular inspiration. Although, I did like the fact that my protagonist was affiliated with a national security service that most people have never heard of: the US Diplomatic Security Service. And if I may, allow me to digress for a minute. I dislike books and movies that are far-fetched and just plain unrealistic (e.g., the vice-president conspires with the president’s secret service detail to assassinate the president at Camp David). I want my books to be “real.” My plots to be plausible. In the sequel to Otello’s Oil, the reader will, among other things, learn more about Jones and his backstory. They will also learn much more about Secretary Farnsworth’s Qatari lover and her reasons for helping Qatar win some of the oil auctions conducted by Iraq.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
Although i often wrote about what i know, i still conducted seemingly endless research about every place and every scene in Otello’s Oil (e.g., the navy seals in suriname). Again, I want my books to be accurate. Realistic. Thus, when i write, i tend to have two laptops in front of me: one with the manuscript on it and one that i can conduct research on.
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
I am really excited about the sequel to Otello’s Oil — “St. Crispin’s Eulogy.” The first four chapters are complete. Not sure when it will be finished. If i had to guess, i’d say late summer 2025.
In St. Crispin’s eulogy, readers will learn why Secretary Farnsworth helped Qatar win oil leases awarded by Iraq and what she intended to do with the “commission” paid to her by Qatar. They will also learn that the false flag operation in Kuwait was not the only plan the white house had for trying to avoid catastrophic gas prices in the US right before the presidential election in 2032. Finally, they will learn that Kuwait’s oil minister was not the only person killed on October 25, st. Crispin’s day.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
The Lonely Prisoner
In The Lonely Prisoner, Michael J. Kundu crafts a compelling tale of injustice and resilience, shedding light on systemic corruption within the justice system. At 25, Michael Fletcher’s promising life is shattered after a drunken night leads to his wrongful conviction for murder. Sentenced to 26 years, he loses his youth, family, and future. Emerging from prison hardened by isolation, Michael begins to question the forces behind his ordeal. Why was exonerating evidence ignored? Why did the system fail him at every turn? With help from an unexpected ally, Michael uncovers a web of greed and corruption that orchestrated his downfall. Kundu’s vivid storytelling brings to life a harrowing journey through loss, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth.
Michael J. Kundu has a knack for immersing the reader in his protagonist’s emotional state. The opening chapter vividly captures the cold sterility of prison, painting a bleak picture of Michael’s initial shock and despair. This emotional rawness is a strength throughout the book. Kundu’s characters are well-drawn. Michael’s interactions with Jack, the night guard, are among the book’s most engaging moments. Jack’s enigmatic presence, marked by his piercing blue eyes and reserved demeanor, added a layer of mystery and camaraderie. I found their conversations a highlight, as they offered Michael (and the reader) a glimpse of humanity in a cold environment. That said, I feel the lawyer, Vincent, felt somewhat underdeveloped. I was left wanting more insight into his motivations and perspective on the case. While the tension between the defense and prosecution was palpable and made for a compelling read, some aspects felt a bit too dramatized. That said, the injustice of the trial is what makes the story so fascinating, and Kundu does a good job of stirring frustration in the reader—a sign of highly effective storytelling.
This slow-burning thriller unfolds at its own deliberate pace, immersing readers in its layered narrative and emotional depth. The Lonely Prisoner is a masterful blend of crime fiction and psychological exploration, a must-read for those who crave stories that linger long after the final page. Kundu’s work is both a chilling indictment of systemic failure and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 198 | ISBN : 978-1962987387
Stinger: An International Thriller
If high-stakes espionage and morally complex situations get your heart racing, Stinger delivers a relentless and nerve-wracking thriller. Gregory D. Lee crafts a story set against the backdrop of global intrigue, terrorism, and betrayal, beginning with a heart-stopping kidnapping in Lebanon and spiraling into a tangled web of secret deals and dangerous alliances. The plot centers on Robaire Assaly, a former DEA informant coerced by the CIA into a precarious operation to secure a Stinger missile for a shadowy buyer in hopes of rescuing his kidnapped family. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Lee pulls no punches as he propels the reader through a world where trust is a luxury no one can afford.
What I loved most about Stinger is its pacing. The story starts with a bang, literally with an intense kidnapping scene that had me gripping the edges of the book. The writing here is visceral; I could feel the tension as the characters navigated dangerous roads in Beirut. Lee’s law enforcement background shines through in meticulous detail, lending authenticity to the narrative. However, some readers might find the intricate plotting around the mechanics of acquiring and dealing military-grade weapons overly technical—it’s fascinating but can feel dense if you’re here more for the thrill than the intricacies.
The characters are where this book really stands out. Robaire Assaly, the reluctant hero, is both flawed and endearing. His desperation to save his family while balancing the fine line of deceit makes him a character you root for, even when he’s making questionable choices. One of my favorite moments was when Robaire is forced to interact with Amir Rahimi, a suave and calculating villain who exudes menace with every word. Their conversations, layered with subtext and tension, were some of the most gripping parts of the novel.
The setting is another triumph of the book. Whether it’s the chaotic streets of Beirut or the shadowy corners of Los Angeles, Lee paints vivid pictures that feel alive and real. The scenes in the Bonaventure Hotel, where a pivotal meeting takes place, are particularly well-drawn, dripping with suspense as layers of deception unfold.
Stinger is a rollercoaster of suspense, betrayal, and survival. I would highly recommend it to fans of international thrillers. While the book’s heavy use of procedural detail may not be for everyone, it’s a must-read for anyone who loves a story steeped in realism and moral complexity.
Pages: 309 | ASIN: B0CT1LSNF1
Spiritual and Reverential
In Black Yéʼii (The Evil One), a young man and his family find themselves the target of a deadly revenge plot tied to a Navajo deity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I wrote a book, Caught in a Web, that was published in 2018. At the end of the book, there was the secret- a made-up version of what took place in the house where 4 members of MS-13 were killed. The secret was the idea of three cops who, out of protection fabricated the story. As long as the secret was never mentioned or spoken of, everyone should have been safe. It was this final chapter in Web that was the springboard for Black Yéʼii. I felt it created a wonderful opportunity for me to develop another story, one with three converging storylines that mesh and join at the ending.
Did you plan the tone and direction of the novel before writing, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came organically. I’m a pantser, not a planner. I might have an idea of what I want to write when I sit down at the computer, but there are times when characters have a mind of their own and I follow their lead. The Navajo are spiritual and reverential towards the earth, and in particular, dreams, visions, and symbols. I knew about Yéʼii from my research. There are many, much like the Catholics have many saints. But the Navajo will never mention by name, or speak of Black Yéʼii because they feel if they do, they are inviting it into their lives. Black Yéʼii literally translates most closely to The Evil One, the subtitle of my book, and it is this evil that permeates MS-13 and other antagonists in the book that I draw on. In a scene from the book, George and Brian, two protagonists who are themselves spiritual, compare Black Yéʼii to Satan, and the evil he brings into the world.
I found the incorporation of Navajo mythology a compelling addition to this psychological thriller. What kind of research was required to put this book together?
Thank you! I appreciate your question. I worked with Navajo on words, Navajo phrases. I try in all my books to be as exact as I can be. Readers are quick to spot falsehoods. I worked with a wonderful woman, Brenda Hat from the Navajo Nation, and with the Navajo Nation Museum, along with various websites on the Navajo. I am a recipient of a podcast featuring a Navajo elder and his son as he explains Navajo culture. My interest in and love of the Navajo actually began when I started reading Tony Hillerman, who I believe was the first to incorporate Navajo beliefs and mysticism into his stories.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can fans expect to see it released?
My next book is tentatively titled Dead of Night, and because I’m still writing it, there is no release date as of yet. My publisher, Black Rose Writing, has been a wonderful home for my writing, and once I finish it, I will submit it to them, and they will determine the publication date. Dead of Night is another thriller-crime-mystery, and it takes place both in Milwaukee and in Waukesha, both in Wisconsin.
Author Links: GoodReads | Bluesky | Facebook | Website | Substack | Amazon
Can Detectives Graff, O’Connor, and Eiselmann find the killers and put a stop to the killing before anyone else dies?
LITERARY TITAN 