Blog Archives
The Vulnerable
Ed DeJesus’ The Vulnerable is a suspense thriller that weaves together a tangled web of crime, family drama, and societal corruption. The story follows multiple characters, but at its heart, it centers around Dan DeCosta, an environmental engineer caught in the crosshairs of powerful enemies. His father, Dick DeCosta, a former solar energy entrepreneur and author, is entangled in the fallout of exposing corporate gaslighting on climate change. Meanwhile, a series of violent crimes, personal betrayals, and ominous threats ripple through the lives of various interconnected characters, from single mothers trying to escape their pasts to law enforcement officers struggling with moral dilemmas. The book balances high-stakes action with intimate emotional struggles, making for a gripping read.
DeJesus doesn’t just stick to one storyline, he juggles multiple perspectives, each one adding another layer to the mystery. While I appreciated the depth, there were moments when the frequent shifts between characters felt overwhelming. At times, I found myself flipping back to earlier pages to keep track of who was connected to whom. That said, this ambitious storytelling approach kept me on my toes. The author has a knack for weaving together different threads into an intricate plot. Take, for example, the storyline of Robin O’Rourke, a woman trying to escape her abusive ex, only to find herself tangled in something even more dangerous. Her arc is particularly gripping and one of the novel’s strongest elements.
The writing style is punchy and straightforward, making the book easy to devour despite its complexity. DeJesus leans into dialogue-heavy scenes, which makes the characters feel more real. However, sometimes the exposition gets a bit heavy-handed. There were moments when the characters would explain things in a way that felt more like a news report than natural conversation. That said, when DeJesus lets the action speak for itself, like the intense confrontation scenes or the eerie moments of foreboding text messages, the tension is palpable. One standout example is when Dan receives threats from extremists after his father’s book on climate change stirs up controversy. These moments hit hard and elevate the suspense.
What I loved most about The Vulnerable was its social commentary. It’s not just a thriller, it’s a book that forces you to think. The novel touches on issues like climate change, political extremism, opioid addiction, and even corporate corruption. DeJesus doesn’t shy away from tough topics, and he presents them in a way that feels deeply personal rather than preachy. One of the most haunting subplots involves Dan’s wrongful termination and the underhanded tactics used against him. The way his downfall is orchestrated feels chillingly plausible, making it one of the book’s most compelling aspects.
The Vulnerable is a strong debut that delivers both suspense and substance. It’s a great pick for readers who enjoy thrillers with multiple viewpoints, morally gray characters, and a plot that mirrors real-world issues. While the shifting narratives can be a bit dizzying at times, the payoff is worth it. If you like books that keep you guessing while also making you reflect on society’s biggest issues, this one’s for you.
Pages: 374 | ISBN : 1644568098
A Clique To A Cult
Justin Foster’s A Clique to a Cult is an absolutely wild ride through the underbelly of small-town corruption. The book follows Carter Smalls, a ruthless lawyer-turned-judge who slowly tightens his grip on the town of Haven Springs, Mississippi, alongside his equally twisted wife, Emmylou. What starts as a power-hungry clique of business elites morphs into something far more sinister—an exclusive club of deceit, blackmail, drugs, and, ultimately, cult-like control. It’s a story of power gone unchecked, with each chapter diving deeper into the excess, arrogance, and moral decay of those at the top.
Foster’s writing is bold and unapologetic. He doesn’t sugarcoat the depravity of these characters, and that’s what makes it so compelling. From the very first chapter, where Carter miraculously survives a car explosion and reminisces about all the people he’s wronged, the book sets itself up as a dramatic, no-holds-barred exposé of power gone wild. The Halloween party scene, where Carter pressures school board members into doing cocaine while their wives trade husbands for the night, is one of those moments where you almost can’t believe what you’re reading—but that’s exactly what makes it so gripping. The absurdity is part of the appeal, making it feel like a Southern gothic soap opera on steroids.
The novel’s strongest point is its ability to make readers feel something—disgust, anger, even dark amusement at how far these characters will go. Carter’s violent outbursts, particularly towards his son Zach, are some of the hardest parts to read. The scene where he punches his own child in front of the team after a football game is gut-wrenching. And yet, Foster doesn’t let up, instead pulling readers deeper into this toxic world where appearances matter more than integrity. The power dynamics, the fear that keeps everyone in check, and the slow realization from outsiders like Winston Ferris, the school principal, that they’re trapped in something much darker than they signed up for—it all adds up to a suffocating, tense read that keeps you turning pages.
The over-the-top debauchery, the outlandishness of some situations can make it feel less like a serious drama and more like a fever dream of corruption. But maybe that’s the point. Foster doesn’t just tell you about unchecked power—he shoves your face in it and dares you to look away. If anything, it’s a cautionary tale about what happens when people with too much influence stop caring about consequences.
If you love stories about corruption, scandal, and deeply flawed characters, A Clique to a Cult is for you. Fans of dark satire and books that expose the twisted realities behind closed doors will eat this up. It’s uncomfortable, it’s shocking, and it’s impossible to put down.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0DSJTZ89L
Relying on Wits and Creativity
One Icy Night follows a twenty-year-old bassist and fugitive who gets stuck in a bar waiting out a winter storm with the sheriff while trying to hide her true identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
“I love a story where the protagonist has to rely on her wits and creativity to survive, especially when she holds a secret or two,” says Pepper. “The winter storm itself brings out some secrets as well. As for the inspiration for Rook, I’m very blessed to have known some strong, resourceful, and brave women in my life. Rook is a combination of them and having her as the lead of this book made perfect sense. She’s smart, cunning, and has been taught by her grandmother how to be prepared in almost any situation. She’s probably as fun to write as she is to read!”
Rook Kellum just wants to get away and avoid the people who are after her, but she is compelled to help someone else, even if it means risking her own safety. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
“One of the traits that Rook does not possess is indecision. She will act, even if it backfires. She will risk her life for a stranger’s because it is the right thing to do. That sometimes comes back to bite her.”
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
“I spend 20-40 hours on a manuscript just outlining, finding ways to truly ruin a character’s life. If my characters ever met me in real life, they’d slit my throat. Then I play with the scenes and the pacing, maybe move a flashback in when I’m trying to slow the pace, or have something truly horrific happen to move the story in a new direction. It’s a marathon with sprints and runs, but never walks.”
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
“The next book is the sequel to You Will Know Vengeance entitled Running on Broken Bones. It comes out March 26th. It follows our escaped hackvict (hacking convict) Tanto as he faces not just the Mercator Agency hunting him down, but Tanto’s own body turning against him. It’ll be good for fans of Breaking Bad and Mr. Robot.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Abandoned by her now-ex-boyfriend at a dive bar in the middle of nowhere, the last thing resilient Rook Kellum needs is the local sheriff confiscating her I.D. when one phone call could expose her true identity and the reason she is on the run from the law. So when she’s trapped by a deadly ice storm that destroys the Mississippi Delta, the twenty-year-old fugitive has a plan: get everyone drunk, steal back her license (and a madman’s car), and get the hell out of town.
It is only when she escapes to a secluded cabin does Rook discover she isn’t the only one in need of rescue. As she fights her way out of one disaster just to get pounded with another, will Rook live to see the light of day?
One Icy Night is Taylor Adam’s No Exit meets Rachel Hawkins’s The Wife Upstairs.
One Icy Night: 30th Anniversary of the ’94 Delta Ice Storm Edition
In One Icy Night, author W.A. Pepper presents a gripping narrative centered around Rook Kellum, a twenty-year-old bassist caught up in the chaos of the 1994 Delta Ice Storm. The story unfolds in a small-town setting, where Rook, left stranded by her bandmates, finds herself passing the time in a local bar. The narrative takes an intriguing turn as Rook interacts with a cast of distinctive characters, including the bar owner Stalin, Sherriff Roberts, and the enigmatic Riley. Pepper skillfully weaves a tale where secrets are unveiled amidst a backdrop of a severe blizzard, compelling Rook to navigate through escalating tensions and unexpected revelations.
Pepper’s writing is notable for its blend of wit and intensity, creating an engaging and thought-provoking thriller. The novel is structured around three closely linked timelines within a year, offering a deeper understanding of Rook’s past and the circumstances that have shaped her resilient and resourceful character. This narrative approach, while involving shifts in time, remains clear and coherent, enhancing the overall storytelling. The character of Rook, particularly her relationship with her grandmother and her ability to persist in the face of adversity, is a highlight of Pepper’s character development. The reader is drawn into rooting for Rook, partly thanks to the well-placed plot twists that keep the suspense high. The author’s humor provides a balanced contrast to the more action-packed and dramatic scenes, enriching the reading experience.
With its brisk pacing, engaging flashbacks, and a collection of well-crafted characters, One Icy Night is a commendable choice for fans of thrillers. Its appeal lies in the compelling combination of high-stakes scenarios, a strong female lead, and an addictive narrative rhythm. This novel is especially recommended for those who appreciate stories with dynamic action scenes and complex protagonists.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0CN5C9RHB
Beautiful Little Furies
Laurel Osterkamp’s Beautiful Little Furies is an intense exploration of the human mind and self-discovery through the intersection of the characters’ stories. This book revolves around the story of an English teacher, Hazel Ford, who gets into an accident and suffers a traumatic brain injury that causes her to lose some of her memories.
Why did her fiancé leave her when she needed him most? Was the accident her fault? Is her best friend lying to her? Could she be endangering her students? Who can she trust? What started as an unrelenting show of curiosity soon put all in mortal danger. This central conflict catalyzes a chain of events that leads the characters to make decisions that influence events.
There is no mistaking Osterkamp’s skillful storytelling. It shines through as she intertwines the characters’ lives, dexterously resolving all plot conflicts. This book deftly navigates the subjects of love, trust, and redemption.
A notable aspect of this book is the narrative structure. Alternating perspectives provide insights into the minds of the characters as events unfold. This gradually reveals their pasts, insecurities, and desires, letting readers in on the intimate details of what even the protagonist does not know yet. Osterkamp’s prose flows smoothly, making it easy to transition between these perspectives and helping to build a well-rounded view of the story’s events.
Beautiful Little Furies does not hesitate to address complex topics like racism and religion. They were handled with nuanced sensitivity and authenticity. The interactions between the characters feel genuine, evoking both sympathy and frustration as they grapple with the consequences of their choices. The complexity of the relationships might require readers to stay attentive, as the intricate connections between characters and their pasts can be challenging to keep track of.
Beautiful Little Furies stands out as a powerful exploration of human emotions. It also provides a mirror into a path of self-discovery as readers follow the protagonist on her own journey, weaving through the drama and raw authenticity of the characters’ emotions.
Pages: 347 | ASIN : B0CF296HS6
Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer
Daniel Simmons struggles between his work and family life. His wife, Hannah, wants more kids even after giving birth to their daughter, Lilly, which causes physical and mental trauma. Meanwhile, Simmons, an up-and-coming lawyer, is looking to make his way in the world. After receiving a call, Simmons gets the opportunity to take on his first case. Emmett Kendrick is a prisoner assigned to solitary confinement. Under constant scrutiny and harassment from the staff, Kendrick has made multiple attempts to change his circumstances through the legal system. Together Simmons and Kendrick work to make prison life more humane.
Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer by Michael Stockham is exceptionally well-written. The writing is beautiful, clear, and concise, and the author’s knowledge of medicine and legal commentary is impressive. It’s a relaxing and educational read with a storyline that slowly picks up the pace. Stockham provides much information regarding the legal and medical fields, but he does this to help the reader better understand what is going on.
The main character’s wife, Hannah, seems excessively aggressive towards her husband when the topic of children arises. She’s very stubborn and does not seem to want to explore other options, and she frustrated me as a reader. I feel sorry for Daniel because it almost feels like Hannah is driving him into a corner. It’s wonderful to have children, but at the expense of whom? Daniel’s character is one that many can relate to because he is trying his best to take care of his family while also focusing on his career. The fact that this book is inspired by actual events made this book even more intriguing.
I feel that if the medical scenes were cut shorter and simplified, the story would’ve been much more powerful. Nevertheless, I highly recommend this book because once you get past the medical jargon, the tension begins to rise, and you begin to appreciate how beautifully written this book is.
Confessions of an Accidental Lawyer is a domestic and legal thriller that has been inspired by a true story. Readers will be given a look at the challenges faced by those in the medical and legal fields, as well as the prison system.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0B5YDHHCC
The Walshes
April is a wife, mother, and writer struggling to make ends meet. In order to provide for her family in times of economic crisis, she agrees to take on a potentially risky assignment. Tasked with writing an article that considers the case for the legalization of sex work, April’s traditional values clash with her work — yet she is determined to do what she needs to. In order to get close to the women whose stories she intends to tell, April has no alternative but to experience the lifestyle she wants to write about. But her husband, Joe, is far from approving, and April is left to grapple with the question: how far is too far?
Joe Clark’s The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a domestic drama with adult themes. It follows April’s exploration into the world of sex workers and explicit entertainment, discovering more about herself as she does so. This novel effectively portrays a comfortable family life thrown into jeopardy, raising questions of sexual empowerment and liberation — such as whether sex work truly is the last resort for most women or whether there is sometimes power in upsetting the status quo. In addition, Clark displays how engagement with this taboo lifestyle — in terms of what is deemed acceptable — often varies between men and women; husband Joe is outraged at his wife’s attempts at erotic dancing when he himself frequented strip clubs while they were engaged.
Though social concerns are explored to some extent, the text can sometimes feel uncomfortably voyeuristic. April’s foray into stripping involves graphic descriptions which seem aimed at titillating the reader rather than a wholehearted attempt to deconstruct the expectations for married women. This adds a disconcerting element to the sense of liberation April is reported to feel. Nevertheless, Clark successfully shows how for April, what started out as a way to support her household in troubled times gradually undermines the family unit.
The Walshes: The Coming of Eve is a new take on urban fiction combined with a romantic thriller. Through examining the world of sex work, the author has brought to light the complex dance women face between being a dutiful wife and an alluring sexual being and knowing when and where each role should be presented. This novel showcases the double standards between men and women while providing a strong female protagonist who still battles social judgments despite her strengths.
Pages: 426 | ASIN : B07ZL6B556
