Blog Archives
Severed Echoes
In Severed Echoes, author D.V. Chernov weaves a compelling mystery centered around Detective Nick Severs, who stumbles upon a perplexing case. A tip from an old school friend leads Nick to investigate a suspected murder, initially disguised as a suicide. The story gains complexity as Nick’s friend’s honesty comes into question, and he grapples with a haunting, recurring nightmare.
Chernov skillfully uses sharp, succinct sentences to escalate tension, exemplified in lines like “woman’s startled shriek. Short, sharp, and clear.” This narrative style not only builds suspense but also immerses the reader in the role of a detective, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. Parallel to Nick’s story is Kat, engaged in a quest for retribution with the aid of the hacktivism group ‘f8sabitch’. The connection between their paths remains an intriguing aspect of the plot. The book’s opening line, “The boy’s skull cracked, and the sound made Nick open his eyes,” sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. From the outset, Chernov captivates readers with questions that can only be answered by delving deeper into the narrative.
Severed Echoes incorporates contemporary themes, including references to COVID, which adds a layer of relatability for modern readers. This novel is a compelling read for those drawn to mysteries, providing a rich blend of suspense, character development, and relevant societal commentary. Chernov’s storytelling is engaging, making it a challenging book to put down for anyone captivated by unraveling a good mystery.
Severed Echoes is an intricately crafted narrative that masterfully balances suspense and character-driven storytelling. D.V. Chernov presents a modern mystery that not only engages readers in a complex plot but also resonates with contemporary themes. The book’s strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in the detective’s journey, turning each page into a step deeper into its enthralling mystery. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to mystery novels, this book offers a captivating reading experience, marking D.V. Chernov as a noteworthy voice in mystery fiction.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0B65Q8K78
Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins
In Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins, by Rhys Hagan, readers are transported into the life of Amphion, an ambitious Roman banker whose thirst for recognition and fame leads him down an unconventional path. In his quest for renown, Amphion conceives a plan that intertwines the resurgence of the city’s religion with his financial aspirations. His search for a collaborator leads him to an unexpected partnership with Jesus Christ, setting the stage for a narrative that blends historical intrigue with thought-provoking dilemmas.
As a piece of historical fiction, I feel Sovereignty offers a captivating premise that may provoke contemplation among readers with deeply held beliefs. Narrated from the perspective of the avaricious Amphion, Hagan crafts a narrative that is both accessible and fluid, inviting readers to ponder the delicate balance between morality and ambition. The novel challenges readers to reassess their perceptions of right and wrong, advocating for introspection over blind adherence to established norms. Hagan’s storytelling is marked by its neutrality, allowing readers to engage with the tale and its characters without feeling coerced. The author’s boldness shines through in his willingness to juxtapose fictional elements with real-world implications, encapsulated in the provocative assertion: “Luke if there’s one thing to take away from Christianity, it’s that faith is profitable.”
Sovereignty: He Lied For Your Sins boldly navigates a subject fraught with complexities, handling the theme of religion with the subtlety and respect it demands. Hagan’s prose is immersive, managing to be both unpretentious and direct. The characters are vividly drawn, each contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative. Rhys Hagan’s novel is a compelling and articulate novel that deftly explores a contentious topic with skill and sensitivity.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 978-1642049589
One Bad Day
The Fall follows a private detective in London who, after losing his wife and daughter, tries to find redemption in life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I imagined a man who was bored of life. How he would feel if he lost what he cared about. What he would feel in pain, and how the experience would change him. How he would seek redemption, only to find a sense of shame for the way his life turned out.
What emotional and moral guidelines did you follow when developing your characters?
I attempted to demonstrate that the world and its inhabitants are more than just black and white characters. There are more shades of gray than there are of transparency. Where even wicked people can make moral decisions. People who are good can be harsh. And the main character strikes a balance between the two. He tries to help and do good, yet he isn’t afraid to get his hands filthy.
Ariel Fall feels that every decision he makes is wrong, sending him further into failure. Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
I believe in keeping things simple. At the moment, a slightly different worldview is being given. Where people can do whatever they want with no consequences. I believe in the outcomes of our decisions. Every action we make has an impact on the future. Just as I am aware that the majority of us are decent individuals. But, sadly, we are also capable of change. Not always for the better. “Sometimes all you need is one bad day.”
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 wrote the book as a single piece. However, near the end of the writing process, I had the notion to continue Ariel’s adventures. I can divulge the book’s title: The Fallen. But will it ever be revealed? There is a concept if people want it to continue. I simply hope that this time I won’t have to open up healed wounds to grasp the character and accurately represent him.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
Regrets are like birthdays—they keep coming, each one a new scar slowing you down and dragging you closer to your grave.
Ariel Fall, a seasoned private investigator, knew this well. After the devastating loss of his wife and young daughter, Ariel attempts to forge ahead, leaving behind the painful memories that threatened to ensnare him. But his quest for redemption proved more elusive than anticipated, and his entanglement in a series of harrowing investigations were proving rather useless, only serving to expose the darkest corners of humanity’s nature and the enigmatic depths of the human mind.
Haunted by the relentless pursuit of truth, Ariel embarks on a treacherous journey, encountering a seductive femme fatale and an enigmatic “guardian angel” along the way. As he delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Lavender Killer, the League of Damned, and the notorious Dirty Joe, he discovers the pervasive corruption lurking within the very heart of the London police force.
In a world where rules and morality blur, Ariel is forced to confront his own limitations and question the validity of conventional approaches. Struggling with the weight of his decisions, each one seeming to lead to his downfall, he realizes that true impact requires bending and even breaking the rules. With the specter of failure looming, Ariel must navigate treacherous waters where every choice feels like a waking nightmare.
Isolated Chamber: The Powder Keg
Isolated Chamber: The Powder Keg, penned by K. Mann, presents a gripping narrative in the realm of science fiction and crime thrillers. It centers around Sil Wochman, a despondent software developer whose existence is irrevocably altered by a devastating crime that claims the lives of his family. Grappling with his sorrowful history, Sil endures each day until a sudden twist upends his world. Thrust into a dangerous game of survival, he becomes the target of both law enforcement and relentless mercenaries. The reality Sil once knew is no more. In his quest for truth, he must outwit the police and confront a formidable foe, all while facing his inner turmoil.
This novel resonates with the notion that true strength is often discovered in dire circumstances. Sil transforms from a dispirited alcoholic to a formidable adversary, challenging assassins and unraveling a child trafficking conspiracy. His remarkable evolution exemplifies the resilience and tenacity inherent in human nature when pushed to the edge.
Mann’s meticulous attention to detail sets this novel apart. The descriptive writing conjures vivid imagery, akin to a cinematic experience. The narrative delves into both significant aspects, like Sil’s mindset, and seemingly trivial details, such as a character’s meal choice. These nuanced elements lend an air of authenticity to the tale.
I recommend Isolated Chamber: The Powder Keg to those who enjoy psychological thrillers and science fiction, particularly fans of time-travel narratives. The novel’s intricate plot and rich character development make for an absorbing read. However, due to mature themes, I feel it may not be suitable for younger readers.
Pages: 590 | ASIN : B0BTQ5WQNB
Corrupt Corporation
The Black-Eyed Baby follows a detective who ends up on a gruesome case involving the richest members of society and starts uncovering secrets they want to keep buried. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
It started with a corrupt corporation that was a community pillar and grew from there.
Was there anything from your own life that you put into the characters in your novel?
Absolutely. People I’ve seen over my lifetime have influenced many of the characters. For instance, my mother-in-law lived to be 98 years old, and the last fifteen years of her life were in an independent care facility. Twice a week, we went to play bingo with her. Many of the people at Freedom Pointe are patterned after the people there.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I keep an Excel file labeled Autoposy of the Book Name. In this file, there is a column for the chapter number, chapter name, characters in that chapter, word count, how the chapter opens, the action in the chapter, senses used, purpose of the chapter, what is foreshadowed, and what is an open item that needs to be addressed later on.
Will this novel be the start of a series, or are you working on a different story?
This is a series. A contract for the second book has just been signed, and I am about two-thirds of the way through writing the third book.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
He now wishes he never had to…
Days after an unidentified woman is found murdered and dumped behind an IHOP, police connect her murder to the death of a young thug named Rocco Maxen and discover her infant son dead inside her home.
Jane Doe is Nicole Hensen, a young woman who was fired mere days ago from a big corporation for not showing up for work.
But why do her colleagues claim they never had any dealings with her, and why would her employers rather fire her than look into her strange disappearance?
As Mansfield and his partner, Landers, delve into the sinister business of one of the richest and oldest families in the city, they find themselves blindsided by the darkness and secrets buried beneath its crushing wealth.
When it comes right down to it, the poor and the rich have one thing in common…
They would both do anything for money.
A Murderous Rampage
Retribution follows a detective investigating several connected murders who suspects the killer may not be human but a supernatural being. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Retribution started out as a short story. I knew it was unusual and a little disturbing, but it wasn’t until I’d finished it that I realised the potential for a longer story. The original short story is featured in the book. It helps explain the origin of the killer.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
After finishing the last few paragraphs of the short story, I had a good idea of where I wanted to go with it, but, as I progressed, a lot of the scenarios came as I wrote. It is the same with all my stories, they evolve during writing.
What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story; were you constantly having to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
Yes. In Retribution, the killer is described fairly early on and then the real mystery becomes – What It is, where It came from, and why It’s on a murderous rampage, giving more detail as the story unfolds.
What is the next book you are writing, and when will that be published?
I am working on two books. One is a sequel to my short horror stories collection Down a Dark Path, and the other is a book of flash fiction containing dark, macabre, and unusual tales. The flash fiction book will be out first. I’m working on a cover for it and have a little editing to do before publishing. I’m hoping to get it done before the end of the year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Bitter Reality
Night Princess is a gripping exploration of a fourteen-year-old girl’s entrapment in the world of prostitution, unveiling the dark and often unspoken reality of human trafficking. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
About eight or ten years ago I started learning about sex trafficking in other countries. Next, I learned that it happened in the U.S. Finally, I learned that it was happening very close to where I live in Minneapolis. Disturbed, I wanted to spread awareness about this bitter reality. At first, I wanted to make a documentary, but I have a job and a family, and a project like that would be difficult to manage with my schedule. Then I remembered (duh) that I’ve been writing my whole life, and resolved to write a non-fiction book about sex trafficking. After a year of doing research, I pivoted again, choosing to tell the story of a fictional character going through the realities I was learning about. I thought following a character through a real-time Hell would pack more emotional punch than non-fiction. When it came time to create a plot, it was easy – I just looked at patterns of things that happen and decided how I could tell a compelling story within the framework of realistic situations. The world I wrote about is full of drama.
On a personal level, I also went through an awful relationship when I was younger, and I drew on that emotional experience when I wrote about Persephone’s encounters with 8. People have told me that their relationship is believable, and that’s because there is some real-life experience undergirding the fiction.
Persephone Wolf is an intriguing and well-developed character. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
The fact that Persephone is fourteen is no accident because the average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years. Another source for Persephone was a group of “at risk” foster kids I used to work with. It was amazing to learn how vulnerable they are in spite of the tough veneers. In addition, I wanted Persephone to have a few “superpowers.” It was fun to give her the superpowers of escaping and figuring out how to get other people in trouble. Aren’t middle children good at that?
A final thing I wanted for Persephone was for her to be a survivor and not just a victim. In the first few drafts, she was too passive, and I really fought to give her agency in the rewrites. I was contacted by a reader who had experienced sexual assault and she actually found my novel healing because Persephone was so strong. The reader told me that Persephone’s story made her feel safe for the first time in years. That was immensely gratifying feedback.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One theme is what love really is. I tried to set up a contrast between Persephone and 8’s relationship and Bruce and Adenike’s. Persephone and 8’s relationship is based on lies, delusion, desperation, greed, and lust. On the other hand, Bruce is attracted to Adenike, but he’s a better, more noble person because of her, whereas Persephone is much worse because of 8.
There are also the themes of vulnerability, strength, and courage, as well as freedom and bondage.
It was also important to have Persephone revisit her relationship with her mom at the end of the novel because her mom, in some ways, was the cause of Persephone’s suffering. The mother/daughter relationship is another theme.
What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
I’d love to pop out another book next month, but I’m sort of like an elephant in that I have a very long gestation period. All I know about my next book is that it might include chases in underground passages and a monster. Beyond that, I know nothing.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | TikTok | Website | Amazon
Author Lily B. White spent six years writing and researching this book, and it is based on the combined and imagined experiences of thousands of American sex trafficking victims who live largely invisible lives. This book was written to make the invisible visible.
Godsmack Part I
Godsmack Part 1: The Mother Earth is an intriguing book that combines a criminal gang, spirituality, love, and regret. This suspenseful book follows the story of Yahn Marynugh, who, in his quest for a simple life, ends up in the heart of a dark plot (or so it may seem!). After leaving his day job, he embarks on a journey of peace and natural living. Meanwhile, a group of heroin producers, under surveillance by the police, wreak havoc on themselves and those around them.
I really enjoyed Josie Peterson’s writing style. She writes formally and ornately, which is a pleasant change from most crime thriller literature. This formed a nice contrast to some of the controversial topics covered, such as drugs and violence. In addition, it was interesting that the majority of the characters in the book were homosexual men, especially considering the book’s direction.
The whole story is unique and makes the reader work hard to uncover the details. This fast-paced story is filled with suspense and exhilarating moments. The plot takes twists and turns when readers least expect it so readers should be fully engaged if they want to follow the action. I think that readers would benefit from an author’s note to explain the relevance of the first chapter and its overall meaning to the story. There are a lot of characters to keep up with, but each has its own backstory that adds to the plotline. I especially like the way that Josie Peterson developed each of their personalities, creating a mix of empathy and somewhat disdain for most.
Godsmack Part 1: The Mother Earth is a stimulating crime novel laced with dark humor. Readers who enjoy life’s darker side and an engaging crime novel will find this one hard to put down.
Pages: 357 | ASIN : B0BFNN1KBM
LITERARY TITAN 