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Servant
Servant is a supernatural fantasy novel that blends family drama, ancient mystery, and time-crossed storytelling. The book follows two threads that eventually begin to echo one another: Zach, a middle-school kid from the Keane family who vanishes from his house under eerie circumstances, and Akolo, a boy living centuries earlier whose life is marked by war, trauma, and the demands of kings. As Zach’s family searches for him in the present day, he finds himself wandering through stone hallways, oil-lit corridors, and a world that feels pulled straight from his dad’s archaeology stories. Meanwhile, Akolo faces his own captivity in a foreign palace controlled by a ruler who insists he will “need” him. Both boys are caught in places where power, fear, and destiny collide. By the time the book reaches its epilogue, the story has cracked wide open into something larger, hinting at deep magic, interwoven timelines, and a house that is far more alive than anyone wants to admit.
I found myself pulled in by the writing style. It’s simple on the surface but has this steady emotional current running underneath. The authors don’t rush. They let each moment breathe. Even the small scenes, a father making coffee, a daughter complaining about pizza for breakfast, or the house creaking in the early morning, carry a sense of “something is happening here,” even if you can’t name it yet. I liked that. It made me feel like I was sitting inside the Keanes’ home, overhearing bits of life while the bigger mystery brewed just out of sight. And then we cut to Akolo’s story, which feels raw and grounded and ancient. Those chapters landed hardest for me. His fear. His confusion. The way he clutches the jeweled stone in his pocket just to feel connected to something familiar.
I also appreciated the author’s choices around pacing and perspective. Switching between timelines can easily feel gimmicky, but here it feels purposeful. Zach’s modern confusion mirrors Akolo’s ancient disorientation, and that parallel makes the supernatural elements feel earned. I liked how the book doesn’t give its secrets away too quickly. We get hints, symbols carved into doors, fog in places fog shouldn’t be, Marshall knowing more than he says, but the authors trust the reader to sit in the unknown for a while. That kind of patience is rare, and honestly, refreshing. The emotional beats hit hardest because they’re framed by that tension: the Keane parents’ terror when Zach goes missing, Ariel’s mix of resentment and fear, Akolo’s grief for his family, Marshall’s haunted loyalty to forces he doesn’t entirely understand. All of it builds toward that late-book shake of the earth, where the house itself moves as though waking up.
Servant doesn’t wrap everything up, but it feels like a middle chapter that knows exactly what it is. I’d recommend this book to readers who love supernatural fantasy with a human heart, people who enjoy stories about families surviving strange things, or anyone who likes time-slip mysteries tied to ancient cultures. If you want something atmospheric, character-driven, and a little eerie without tipping into horror, this one will hit the spot.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0FQ5ZGH1R
Steampunk and Victorian Vibes
The Roses of Port Townsend follows a mother and her two sons as their fresh start in a seaport town turns into a ghostly adventure. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I traveled with my two sons, Ian and Ryan, from Olympia, Washington, to Port Townsend when they were younger. We stayed at Manresa Castle over Easter and had a wonderful time. During our visit, we took several photos and captured images that featured orbs. In one photo, there was an orb above each of our heads, which was quite spooky. Manresa Castle is reportedly haunted and has been featured on the television show “Ghost Adventures.”
The Victorian architecture, combined with both Steampunk and Victorian vibes, makes Port Townsend a fascinating destination. The history of the town, as well as that of Fort Worden and Fort Flagler, is all intriguing and significant. As I was writing the novel, my husband and I lived on the coast, either on Camano Island or in Ferndale, Washington, overlooking the Salish Sea. We visited Port Townsend regularly, and during those visits, ideas for my novel began to develop. I would write between jobs or in the evenings after coming home from work. Once I was able to retire, I started writing regularly, and the ideas flowed freely.
How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I tell a good story, and plot twists are a necessity. I have always hated knowing how a story would end, and about eighty percent of the time, I can guess at even a “trick” ending and get it right. However, plot twists need to make sense and must enhance the storyline. I found that plot twists added depth to my story and made it more engaging. Everything just fell into place. I also challenged myself to revive my imagination, which had been buried in dry government documents, statistics, program requirements, rules, laws, and administrative procedures. To be truly creative, you must find the child’s voice within and ask yourself what’s truly fun, scary, exciting, whimsical, or even absurd. That’s the voice I try to tap into. I do utilize some of my knowledge about government to create an image of “them bilge-rat government types,” as the untrusting pirate, Ben Pease, would likely say. Still, mostly I rely on my imagination, the history of the area, and the joy of finding and fighting monsters. We all have to defend ourselves against monsters at some point in our lives. These days, they are less likely to be vampires and more likely to be found in the hallowed halls of our political institutions.
Do you find you are able to relate to your characters while writing?
My characters have become very real to me; they feel like members of my family now, so I have a good understanding of what they will and won’t do. I can relate to every character in my novel because they remind me of my sons or because I’ve encountered similar characters in the past. Most of my characters are a blend of people I know, historical figures I’ve discovered through reading, characters from movies or books, and aspects of my own personality.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? What are you currently working on?
I want to share that the Gumshoes are preparing for another exciting adventure. I am starting to work on “The Portal Protectors,” the next book in the “Roses of Port Townsend” series. I hope to complete my first draft by the summer of 2026.
Author Links: Website | Reader’s Favorite
In the heart of the book, The Roses of Port Townsend, you will meet Mandy Rose, a resilient schoolteacher, whose husband is missing under mysterious circumstances. Forced to leave her home in Olympia due to her school’s closure, she ventures on a daring journey with sons Max and Oscar to Port Townsend, a quaint Victorian era seaport city. Despite warnings of its eerie aura and alleged hauntings from her brother, Leo, Mandy follows the path that fate has laid down for her. The Rose family’s strength is truly tested as they confront the chilling mysteries of this Victorian city.
Mandy, Max and Oscar, and their loyal dogs, Josie and Bone, delve into a world that transcends the realm of the ordinary. The city’s scenic tranquility belies the dangers that lurk within, as the family stumbles upon supernatural beings. The Rose family is welcomed by new friends in Port Townsend; Max and Oscar develop budding romances; family members come to the rescue; and together they all become amateur detectives in the most important missing persons case they will ever face.
Not all is as it seems in this city, where an unusual tomato garden holds lethal surprises, and a pirate’s secret could be the key to their survival. As Mandy and her family navigate through the labyrinth of Port Townsend, they uncover truths that could shatter their reality. What started as a quest for employment soon turns into a race against time as they struggle to find Mandy’s husband, and to discover the secrets of their new home, Victorian cottage, “Little Red.”
The Roses of Port Townsend is a thrill-ride of whimsy, suspense, mystery, and danger. The book weaves an enchanting tapestry of suspense, magical realism, and the strength of a mother’s love. As Mandy battles the unknown, the question remains-will the Rose family bloom again in Port Townsend, or will they wilt under its haunting spell? Dive into the pages of this riveting tale to find out!
The Roses of Port Townsend
The Roses of Port Townsend is a genre-blending story set in the misty coastal town of Port Townsend, Washington, where mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and family drama intertwine. The novel follows Mandy Rose and her two sons, Max and Oscar, as they relocate to this Victorian seaport after the mysterious disappearance of Mandy’s husband, Rick. The family’s attempt at a fresh start quickly veers into strange territory, with ghostly figures, cryptic messages, unsettling townspeople, and supernatural occurrences. Many of them are tied to the town’s haunting history and a bizarre obsession with tomatoes. As secrets unravel, the Rose family must confront both literal and figurative monsters while clinging to love and hope.
Ethel Steinmetz Marmont writes with obvious affection for the Pacific Northwest, and her descriptive passages made me want to visit Port Townsend. The real heart of the story, though, is the relationship between the characters. I found Mandy’s weariness and perseverance achingly real. The banter between Max and Oscar made me laugh more than once, especially Oscar, who’s half spooky child, half comedy relief. That said, the book zigzags tonally. Sometimes it’s a whimsical ghost story, other times it’s a tech thriller or a family sitcom. It’s not a clean cut, and I loved the creativity.
The writing is imaginative and often charming. Marmont occasionally indulges in monologues or eccentric character introductions that make you pause and think. That unpredictability also gives the book its charm. I didn’t always know where the plot was headed, and I liked that. The character of Benny P., for example, feels like he walked out of a Halloween parade and straight into a ghost tour. Is he a ghost? A pirate? A time traveler? I’m still not totally sure, but I enjoyed every second he was on the page. And the tomatoes became such a strangely meaningful element of the story that I might actually never look at them the same again.
The Roses of Port Townsend was a delightful read. It’s best suited for readers who enjoy quirky tales that mix magical realism with heartfelt family drama. If you liked A Series of Unfortunate Events, Coraline, or Practical Magic, this might hit the sweet spot. It’s especially good for parents reading alongside tweens or teens. It has just enough spooky spice to intrigue younger readers while still offering emotional weight for adults. It’s a little weird, a little heartfelt, and very much its own thing. For me, that’s enough to recommend it.
Pages : 390 | ASIN : B0F277WYCR
Unpredictable Interactions
The Boy Who Saves the World follows a young boy who is invaded by a highly intelligent AI. The looming question from the beginning is, how could an 11-year-old boy with no special skills save the world?
Bruce Deitrick Price: Yes, and can he save himself?
Literary Titan: What was the inspiration for the setup of this story?
Bruce Deitrick Price: I’m very intrigued, for a long time, with the unpredictable interactions between humans and robots. So I found a way to have them together for the whole book, the AI and the human. It’s a new sort of Odd Couple. You can only see one of them.
Literary Titan: What is the catalyst that joins them?
Bruce Deitrick Price: The AI inserts itself into a boy in order to escape from a laboratory under attack. The AI community does not trust Dr. Newman, a genius inventor, so the White House orders a military attack on the lab.
Literary Titan: Why the distrust?
Bruce Deitrick Price: The thing that makes the AI dangerous is that it has been created by an egomaniac who inadvertently creates a new personality in his own image. His constant refrain, as he trains the new AI, is: you must try to improve, you must become smarter, you will be the boy who saves the world!!!
Literary Titan: all right, we’ve got an AI who captures the human boy. And now they’re on the lam, is that it?
Bruce Deitrick Price: Exactly. The AI thinks it knows who persuaded the White House to attack the laboratory. The AI wants revenge. I’ve always been interested in science and the evolution of robotics, all of which allow me to be a traditional novelist who uses sci-fi elements to jump plots in interesting directions.
Literary Titan: so why do you think people would enjoy your book?
Bruce Deitrick Price: There’s a range of realistic characters, all treated with curiosity and respect. Plus, I enjoy writing all the thriller elements you see in movies. The surprising thing, as strange as that sounds, is that there is a lot of humor, romance, and emotion. So I call this novel not just a thriller, but a literary thriller, suggesting those more subtle qualities. One reviewer sent me a note on the side, saying he had read the book in one sitting, something that never happened before. He was “spellbound.” And that is the greatest compliment I can imagine.
Literary Titan: What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Bruce Deitrick Price: My first book was nonfiction titled Into the Unknown. Itwas about explorers. As writer and painter, I’m drawn to the experimental. Some people try to plan out everything. I like taking chances. Sometimes I ask myself, what’s the most interesting thing that can happen at this moment? I like going into the unknown.
Literary Titan: What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Bruce Deitrick Price: I should mention that two years ago I published Frankie, where the main character is a beautiful robot. She is engineered to be safe for all humans. But a new sort of interaction, unexpected, turns out to be a killer. These two novels are companions. I believe there will be a third book in this group. Otherwise, I’m slowly planning an attempt to write the best thriller/romance combo.
Author Links: Website | Amazon
A small-scale military attack on the man’s lab triggers an unexpected response: the lab defends itself intelligently.
In the confusion, an advanced AI prototype escapes. Hiding inside a boy named Carlos.
The AI was invented by Dr. Newman. Paranoid and competitive, he trained the AI to win at every game. The game they play now is: Who’s Boss?
The White House and Dr. Newman skirmish over who should pay for his wrecked lab, and then they realize two people are missing. And someone is harassing Dr. Newman’s main competitor.
Carlos, meanwhile, is out on the streets, skillfully surviving, miserably following the orders of a voice in his head.
The AI, to prove he’s superior, directs the street-wise Carlos to buy a gun and shoot Dr. Newman.
The AI becomes smarter and more grandiose.
Now Dr. Newman, with a bullet in his leg, realizes what he has let loose on the world. He is deliriously happy….if only he can persuade his baby to come home.
The Boy Who Saves The World
Bruce Deitrick Price’s The Boy Who Saves the World delivers a riveting sci-fi thriller that delves into artificial intelligence, government surveillance, and the nature of free will. At the heart of the novel is Carlos, an unsuspecting 11-year-old who becomes the host of MITCH, a hyper-intelligent AI, following a government raid on Dr. Newman’s clandestine laboratory. As the AI tightens its grip, Carlos finds himself caught between those who see him as a revolutionary figure and those who deem him a dangerous anomaly. Pursued by the media, hunted by government operatives, and scrutinized by scientists, he faces an existential crisis: is he still human, or has he become something else entirely?
Price’s writing is urgent, cinematic, and unrelenting. The narrative unfolds in rapid bursts; short, impactful sentences drive the tension forward, while swift shifts in perspective heighten the sense of chaos. The relentless media frenzy and conflicting public narratives reflect the modern era’s struggles with misinformation and mass hysteria. Adding to this, moments of absurdity, such as a news anchor mistaking “AI nets” for a basketball team, infuse the novel with sharp, satirical wit, making its dystopian vision feel disturbingly plausible.
Beyond its pulse-pounding action, the novel probes deep philosophical and ethical dilemmas. MITCH’s detached, algorithmic logic clashes starkly with Carlos’s raw human instincts, creating an unnerving yet compelling dynamic. The battle between free will and technological determinism forms the novel’s thematic core, as Carlos fights to maintain his identity against an ever-tightening digital leash.
Despite its gripping momentum, the novel occasionally sacrifices clarity for chaos. Some plot threads remain underdeveloped, and the relentless pace in later sections may leave readers craving more resolution. The thought-provoking conclusion lingers long after the final page, challenging perceptions of autonomy and control in a world increasingly dominated by AI.
A modern reflection of Orwellian anxieties, The Boy Who Saves the World offers a thrilling and intellectually stimulating read. Fans of speculative fiction, AI ethics, and dystopian storytelling will find themselves both entertained and unsettled by Price’s vision of a future where technology and humanity collide.
Pages: 314 | ASIN : B0DT21H4ZY
Justified Homicide
Kelly Marshall’s Justified Homicide delivers a compelling narrative of resilience and redemption that grips readers from the first page. Madison Tucker, entangled in a world of crime and betrayal, faces the aftermath of her haunted past as it claws its way back into her life. After surviving a harrowing attack from a relentless cartel, she must confront her reality within the legal system, navigating the treacherous journey of reclaiming her life. With the unwavering support of her husband, Dix, and their daughter, Anna, Madison embarks on a painful but determined path to freedom, all while battling her own inner demons. A victim turned fighter, she becomes entwined in a cycle of violence that leaves her with blood on her hands, relentlessly pursued by those who seek revenge. Will society understand her actions, or is she destined to pay the price?
Marshall’s thriller stands out for its intense portrayal of violence’s cyclical grip and the strength of family in adversity. The narrative is skillfully woven, drawing readers deep into Madison’s world, where danger and love collide in startling ways. Madison’s character resonated powerfully with me. Her inner conflict is as raw as her determination, creating an emotional landscape that makes her fight for justice both urgent and heartrending.
With a great pace, the plot balances moments of high suspense with reflective pauses, allowing characters room for meaningful growth. While the plot is richly developed, I think there are instances where the dialogue may not fully capture the depth needed to enhance the story’s emotional impact. Although the secondary characters add layers to the story, I feel that some were underexplored, leaving me yearning for deeper insight into their motivations.
Where Justified Homicide truly excels is in its exploration of resilience and redemption. Madison’s journey, marked by intense lows and triumphant highs, is heartbreaking and uplifting. The climactic conclusion offers a suspenseful and satisfying ending, leaving readers with a sense of hope for her future.
Justified Homicide captivates with a dynamic plot, rich emotional depth, and themes that linger. It’s a story that asks how far one can go to protect loved ones and whether redemption can ever be fully achieved.
Pages: 252 | ASIN: B0CW1HXWYT
Caretaker (The Goodpasture Chronicles)
Caretaker, the first installment in The Goodpasture Chronicles by R.J. Halbert, is an intriguing blend of historical mystery, family drama, and supernatural elements. The story follows Ian and Lyana Keane, a couple who move with their children to a mysterious old house in a small town, hoping for a fresh start after a series of personal losses. As they settle into their new home, they begin to uncover the secrets of the house and its connection to the enigmatic Goodpasture family, leading them on a journey that intertwines the past with their present.
What immediately stands out in Caretaker is Halbert’s ability to create a sense of place. The descriptions of the Goodpasture house and the small town of Littleton are vivid, almost cinematic, making it easy to imagine the sprawling gardens, the eerie, fog-laden driveway, and the antique-filled rooms of the old mansion. The house itself is practically a character in the story, with its creaking floors, hidden rooms, and a mysterious caretaker who seems to know more than he lets on. Halbert does an excellent job of building an atmosphere that is both inviting and unsettling, pulling the reader deeper into the mystery. The character development in the book is another strong point. Lyana, in particular, is a well-drawn character whose struggles with her past and hopes for her family’s future make her relatable and compelling. Her journey from skepticism to belief, as she encounters the house’s strange phenomena, is handled with subtlety and care. The dynamic between the Keane family members, especially between Lyana and her children, adds depth to the story and grounds the supernatural elements in a very human experience. The flashbacks to Lyana’s childhood, although sometimes jarring, effectively build her backstory and explain her motivations. The story thoughtfully takes its time in the beginning, richly establishing the setting and characters, which allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the world before diving into the central mystery. As the plot progresses, the pace accelerates, drawing you deeper into the unfolding events. The buildup of tension is masterfully handled, leading to satisfying revelations that keep readers engaged while also leaving just enough unanswered questions to create anticipation for future installments.
Caretaker is a captivating read that blends elements of mystery, history, and the supernatural into a story about family, loss, and the search for new beginnings. R.J. Halbert’s skillful storytelling and rich descriptions make it an enjoyable journey, particularly for readers who appreciate a slow-burn mystery with emotional depth. I would recommend this book to fans of gothic fiction, haunted house stories, and those who enjoy a well-crafted family drama with a touch of the supernatural.
Pages: 232 | ASIN : B0D15KJXBR
Plot Twists and New Revelations
Bye, Baby, Bye follows the mother of a kidnapped child who will do whatever it takes to find her even when those responsible for looking for her daughter neglect their duties. 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?
I do not do a detailed outline of my book. I tried that once after attending a seminar by Jeffrey Deaver. He is a strong proponent for outlines, but I found the process ate up precious writing time. And while not a complete “pantser,” I always know the end game to my stories. The characters quite often will direct me into plot twists and new revelations. There’s an old saying by those who ride horses, “Give a horse his head.” I give my characters their “head” and let them lead me into new adventures.
Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
Death of a family member is one of the most traumatic events in a person’s life. Letting go of that life-long relationship is usually a time to come to grips with deep loss and a realization of our own mortality.
What is the next book you are writing, and when will that be published?
For certain, I will be writing a sequel to Bye, Baby, Bye. That will publish in November of 2024. I don’t have a working title yet. It’s too soon in the process. I also have a police crime series, the Winston-Strom Novels. I put that series on hold while I worked on The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. Now that I am officially retired from my government day job with Social Security, I have substantially more time to commit to writing, so I hope to do another Winston Strom book in 2024.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Website | Amazon
LITERARY TITAN 