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A Chance to Make a Difference
Postmarked Castle Cove follows a US Postal Inspector struggling with sobriety grapples with a small-town mystery involving missing mail and suspicious church leaders. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My intent was to get MC focused on more than just drinking — or not drinking in her case. I wanted a deeper, darker, more gritty investigation that would hit her hard and make her realize she had a bigger purpose in life. Something to really sink her teeth into. A chance to make a difference.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
I don’t think there’s any one character I relate to more than any other. However, the one I’ve had the most fun with recently is Jim Bob O’Malley, the youngest and newest postal inspector in the same office MC works in. Although, Jim Bob’s role ended up being smaller than originally planned in book three, I can foresee expanding his character in a book four. He’s a bit of a nuisance in MC’s opinion, but his humor breaks through her hard shell at times. And MC grudgingly acknowledges he will be a good inspector—with a bit of stern direction at times from her and other senior inspectors.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The themes I focused on were grief and how MC is handling the overwhelming grief over the murder of her life partner Barb, which happened in the first book in the series. I think up to the point of book three that grief has molded MC into an emotional cripple. Barb had been MC’s world. Along with that grief comes a sense of guilt. Guilt over not being at home that fateful day to save Barb. Guilt over not having the courage to share with Barb while she had the chance, some dark locked-away personal secrets from childhood. And of course, the theme of recovery. An arc that stretches from day-to-day progress; back-sliding; thinking she’s tamed the beast and has no need for any further intervention; to the point where MC realizes that recovery is a life-long journey. And finally justice—MC observes that a number of her cases have involved child victims. Some survivors. Others not. And with that observation comes a sense of a chance at redemption. She hadn’t been able to save her sister Cindy when they were children. And she hadn’t been able to save little Emmy in book two. But MC decides to embark on a crusade to protect child victims. She wants to dig into those dark, disturbing cases and bring light to the voiceless victims and make a difference, no matter how small, in their lives.
Can we look forward to a fourth installment in this series? Where will it take readers?
I’m leaning toward another book for the series. I’ve begun gathering research for the possibility. I think MC will visit a different area of our great state of Minnesota in book four. Maybe somewhere a bit west, the St. Cloud area perhaps. And there might be a cold case revealed to her during an active investigation. The cold case is out of her wheelhouse, but MC can’t help but get sucked in. Thanks for the opportunity to talk about MC and her story!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
I Was On To Something
One Night With Finnbar follows a young aristocrat set to join the Royal Fusiliers who develops an unlikely connection with a stable boy, causing the course of his life to shift dramatically as he embarks on an emotional journey of identity. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One Night With Finnbar came to me through the characters themselves. When I agreed to write their story, it was with the understanding that I would recount it honestly — warts and all. I always enjoyed studying history, but knew little to nothing about Georgian England. I relied upon the characters to enlighten me then followed up with my own research.
When I started writing, I had the basic facts of what happened in the 27 days of their time spent together. I was determined to bring their story to life on a canvas that felt both real and relatable. I wanted to anchor the story in actual events, using known historical persons and locations, some of which still exist today in modern-day London. While mining the judicial system and court records of the Old Bailey, I came upon the trial transcript of Elizabeth Brownrigg who murdered a young servant girl, Mary Clifford. As it happened, Brownrigg’s trial and execution (14 September 1767) precisely matched the dates key in my story. I knew then that I was on to something. I can’t count the number of times such coincidences occurred.
It seemed like you took your time in building the characters and the story to great emotional effect. How did you manage the pacing of the story while keeping readers engaged?
I have received critiques from opposite camps on the pacing issue. I believe it has more to do with the preferences of the individual reader than the actual pace itself. Fans of the historical literary genre seem okay with taking the time needed to flesh-out a credible backstory, as long as the pay-off is worth the wait. I never really took pacing that much to heart; instead focusing on crafting a believable world in which the story could flourish.
Martin and Finnbar are in the same city at the same time but are having two completely different life experiences. Boredom and restlessness cause Martin to fall back into the forbidden libertine lifestyle that, if discovered, would bring his downfall. Finnbar, a naïve country boy, struggles every day just to survive in a city that, given half a chance, would happily grind him to pulp. Where their lives do touch, calamity ensues.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Loyalty v betrayal is likely the first theme readers pick up on. Martin demands truth and fealty from Finnbar who has no choice but to comply, then selfishly betrays him.
Martin Atwater is not a likeable character. Born into a world of privilege, he manages to squander his advantage through a life-style of hedonism. He steals from his uncle right under the old man’s nose; racks up gambling debt, then embezzles from the family business, carelessly involving others in a cover-up scheme. He is unwilling to accept responsibility when his plans go awry, instead he blames his troubles on his meddlesome cousin Pierson. Worst of all, when Martin should have manned-up and protected Finnbar by standing up against pure evil, he caves and plays Finnbar as a ‘get out of blackmail free’ card.
This story which took place two-and-a-half centuries ago in the dark and monstrous streets of Georgian London could just as easily have occurred yesterday. Sadly, the innocent are not always protected and are frequently exploited. Finnbar’s low-born status made him a commodity ripe for sacrifice. Fifteen-year-old Irish Catholic boys in 18th century England were, as far as the elites were concerned, a nuisance factor to be dealt with through rigorous application of the 150 laws in the Bloody Code.
But I think there is another, deeper theme here. That being a faith in God that holds our world together when all else fails us. Finnbar’s abiding faith sustained him even in his darkest hours. Martin didn’t have a belief in God, and when he came to the end of his rope, there was no knot to hold on to.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Currently I am working on a story which immediately follows One Night With Finnbar, but is not a sequel. Constable Bobbie Qualls, a minor character in the first book, works to rehabilitate his reputation for corruption in hopes of becoming a Bow Street Constable. I have also reprised the role of molly house keeper Violet Fennimore, and will be weaving in as much of the city’s colorful ambiance as the plot determines useful. These things take time, but hope to have it done in a year.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
The Last Dungeon Crawler
The Last Dungeon Crawler by Mike Simpson is a fast-paced and pulpy adventure that blends modern archaeology with high-stakes treasure hunting, political intrigue, and just a hint of the fantastical. The story follows Dr. Frank Barbarossa, a seasoned explorer with a mysterious past, as he embarks on a perilous underwater journey to uncover the Mantle of King Tobanya, an artifact steeped in myth and danger. What begins as a daring dive beneath an ancient pyramid quickly spirals into a race against time, filled with deadly traps, collapsing tunnels, and secrets that reach far beyond archaeology. Alongside his loyal but unsuspecting companions, Frank navigates both physical hazards and the moral minefields of ownership, truth, and exploitation in the world of antiquities. The narrative switches between Frank’s perspective and that of Sarya Barzani, an ambitious young journalist determined to expose him, adding a layer of cat-and-mouse tension to the tale.
What I enjoyed most about Simpson’s writing is its sense of momentum. The opening chapters throw you headfirst into the action, and the book rarely lets up from there. Scenes are tightly choreographed, with just enough detail to make the environments feel rich without bogging down the pace. The action sequences, particularly the tense underwater dive and the puzzle-solving in the ancient vault, are visual and clever, clearly inspired by the spirit of classic adventure serials. I also appreciated how Frank isn’t portrayed as a flawless hero; his quick thinking and skill are matched by a willingness to lie, manipulate, and withhold truths when it suits his goals. It makes him a more layered, if morally slippery, protagonist.
The dialogue often makes the characters’ thoughts and motivations crystal clear, ensuring readers never lose track of what’s at stake. And the novel’s blend of grounded techno-thriller elements with touches of fantasy and ancient magic gives it a unique flavor, appealing to fans of both realism and the supernatural. I personally enjoyed those supernatural glimmers and would have liked to see the book lean into them more boldly. The interplay between Frank’s secrets and Sarya’s investigation is a smart structural choice; it keeps the tension alive even in the quieter chapters and builds toward an inevitable clash between them.
By the time I reached the final chapters, I was fully invested in both the treasure hunt and the personal stakes. The Last Dungeon Crawler is the kind of book that rewards readers who enjoy brisk pacing, cinematic set pieces, and protagonists who thrive in the moral gray. If you’re into stories like Indiana Jones, National Treasure, or the Tomb Raider series, this novel will scratch that itch while adding its own modern twists.
Pages: 230 | ASIN: B0F8VQ7Y24
The Tralls of Maruchus
After reading The Tralls of Maruchus, I found myself swept up in a world that’s tender, rich, and surprisingly grounded despite all the magic. The book, third in the Trall series, follows Maya, a spirited young trall, as she faces devastating fire, looming danger, and mysterious encounters that test her courage and shake her world. Set in a fantastical version of Australia, the story braids together environmental themes, tribal lore, and coming-of-age elements through Maya’s eyes. There’s action, but it’s deeply emotional too, with family bonds, old legends, and new friendships all playing their part.
I really liked Torrens’ voice throughout the novel. It’s gentle, like someone sitting cross-legged and telling a story by the fire. At times, the descriptions lingered, but I found that endearing more than distracting. It gave me time to breathe and soak up the world. There’s something powerful about a book that doesn’t rush to its next battle or twist. What I liked most was how seriously the book takes emotions like fear, grief, guilt, and wonder, especially for a younger audience. Maya’s guilt over Ellie and her deep respect for her elders felt incredibly real. This is a story where consequences matter, and that hit me in the heart more than once.
There were moments when the pacing slowed, especially as the action started to build. At times, Maya’s reflections and the revisiting of earlier events felt a bit familiar, and I found myself eager to move forward. I wanted to see more dialogue and dynamic scenes rather than internal reflection. Still, I appreciated the emotional honesty. The way the natural world was treated, fire, water, and wildlife, made me ache. It’s rare to see ecological themes so woven into fantasy without feeling preachy.
I think The Tralls of Maruchus would be a lovely read for kids around ten and up, especially those who like nature, fantasy, or heartfelt adventure. It’s got an old-fashioned charm to it. Not flashy, not fast, but quietly magical. If you’re someone who remembers what it feels like to climb trees, get grass-stained knees, and dream of creatures in the river, then this one’s for you.
Pages: 306 | ISBN : 1797446037
Cold Case Investigators: The Prostitute Killer
The Prostitute Killer follows a dogged investigation into a string of gruesome murders, beginning with an innocent traveler’s death in a sleazy Bakersfield motel and unraveling into a chilling serial killer case. Set across multiple cities in California and Nevada, the novel centers on Patrick Johnson, a retired Air Force investigator turned private detective with Cold Case Investigators. He and his team retrace the steps of a methodical murderer who preys on prostitutes. Each victim found smothered and with their throat slashed on the same date year after year. The story becomes an intricate web of cold leads, dark motel rooms, and unsettling truths.
The book reads like a throwback to classic procedural dramas. I enjoyed how the story didn’t just throw readers into a whirlwind of twists, but instead took its time. It builds tension slowly and methodically, just like its killer. I enjoyed how Johnson felt real. He’s flawed but determined. He’s no superhero. He’s just smart and stubborn and still trying to make sense of the world post-military. The domestic scenes with his wife and kids gave the story heart. They broke up the violence and grit with warmth. I didn’t expect to laugh at the scenes with his son outshooting a grown man or feel a lump in my throat during the baptism. Those little moments made the stakes feel personal.
The dialogue leaned into a report-like style that gave the book an authentic, procedural feel, like sitting in on a real investigation. The detailed exposition added to that immersive, boots-on-the-ground atmosphere, making it feel like I was right there with the team piecing things together. The killer’s motives were slowly revealed in a way that kept me guessing, though I was left curious for even more twists or deeper psychological layers by the end, which speaks to how invested I was in the case. The pacing in the second half picked up, and I found myself eager to see how Johnson would put the final pieces together.
I’d recommend The Prostitute Killer to fans of true crime-style fiction and slow-burn detective novels. If you like methodical investigations, ex-military protagonists, and reading about cold cases coming to life again, this book’s got you covered. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t rely on shock value. It’s steady, gritty, and oddly comforting.
Pages: 163 | ASIN : B0DNRNB3PV
Cold Case Investigators: The Happy Paperhanger
Merrill Vaughan’s The Happy Paperhanger is a twisty cold-case mystery centered on an elusive con artist who’s been baffling law enforcement across Southern California for years. The story kicks off with the introduction of the CCI team, Cold Case Investigators, led by seasoned veterans Paul Gibbons and John Sommers, who are called in by the Riverside PD to track down a smiling, soft-spoken fraudster who passes bad checks while remaining entirely anonymous. As the investigation unfolds, a complex cat-and-mouse game emerges between the team and the mysterious perpetrator, eventually revealed to be Scott Thayer, a millionaire with a dangerous hobby. Woven throughout the narrative are glimpses into Scott’s opulent life and twisted motivations, giving readers both sides of the chase. Along the way, we get entangled in personal stakes, including a prior kidnapping case and emotional family developments that add warmth and urgency to the investigation.
I have to say, this book hooked me early and kept me flipping pages. I liked how it didn’t rely on explosions or gunfights but rather old-school gumshoe work like tailing suspects, cross-checking bank records, and chasing down threads that seemed to lead nowhere. That felt real. The way Vaughan slowly peeled back the layers on Scott Thayer was clever. He wasn’t your average villain. He had a high life, a loving wife, and even a conscience, sort of. That made him feel oddly relatable and, honestly, more dangerous. The scenes where he mingles with cops and detectives at galas and fundraisers, all while hiding in plain sight, gave me chills. On the other side, the CCI team’s chemistry felt natural, with good back-and-forth banter, personal depth, and even humor. The subplot around Patrick’s family added an emotional undertone that didn’t feel forced. I cared about these people, which made the stakes feel higher.
That said, the writing isn’t flashy, and at times, it can be plainspoken. But that’s the charm. There’s no unnecessary gloss. Vaughan gets to the point, and the plot marches forward with the kind of pacing I appreciate in crime fiction. I also enjoyed the change of scenery. It wasn’t just another big-city thriller. The story roamed through small towns, dusty police stations, diners, and backyard BBQs, which grounded everything in a believable world. One thing that struck me was how the con artist was always just a step ahead. That tension, that not-knowing-what-will-happen-next feeling, stayed strong right up until the last few chapters. And while the mystery wraps up more cleanly than I expected, the road there was full of little surprises.
If you’re into crime stories where the thrill doesn’t come from action scenes but from clever twists, tight investigative work, and rich character dynamics, this book will be right up your alley. Fans of low-boil suspense, police procedurals, or classic mystery novels will feel right at home with this one. I’d recommend The Happy Paperhanger to anyone who loves the chase more than the capture and prefers brain over brawn in their fiction.
Pages: 212 | ASIN : B0FGB9YQX8
Cold Case Investigators: The Kidnapping
After reading The Kidnapping by Merrill Vaughan, I can say this gripping crime thriller delivers a compelling and emotionally charged story. Set against a backdrop of military life and a chilling cold case, the novel follows the abduction of a child and the traumatic events that ripple through the lives of those involved. At the heart of the story is Master Sergeant Patrick Johnson and his wife, Sherrie, whose son is kidnapped by a disturbed figure from Sherrie’s past. The narrative jumps between timelines, slowly unraveling the dark motives and relentless pursuit of justice by a tight-knit group of investigators. With its mix of suspense, heartbreak, and action, the book reads like a true crime story with the pulse of a fast-paced drama.
What I liked most was Vaughan’s attention to procedural detail and the emotional realism in the characters. The dialogue between military personnel feels authentic, probably helped by the author’s own background or deep research. The tension builds steadily, and although the plot can be dense with acronyms and chain-of-command nuances, the stakes remain deeply human. Vaughan’s writing shines when focusing on the psychological toll of the crime. Like the way it tears at relationships and rattles the characters’ sense of security. I especially appreciated how the protagonist, Patrick, balances his personal grief with his professional instincts, which adds layers of complexity to the story.
Some sections leaned a bit heavily on exposition or extended dialogue, which slowed the pace in places. The villain’s storyline was intense and emotionally charged, and it had moments that felt a little heightened compared to the grounded tone of the rest of the book. A few of the antagonist’s choices made me pause, as they seemed more about pushing the story forward than staying true to his character. That said, these were small things in an otherwise gripping and emotionally rich read.
The Kidnapping is a powerful story of loss, determination, and justice. It’s a book for readers who love detailed crime fiction, especially those with a taste for military or investigative thrillers. If you enjoy novels that dig into the emotional wreckage of trauma while keeping the plot moving, this one’s worth your time. I walked away from it, moved, unsettled, and honestly impressed by how much heart the story held.
Pages: 434 | ASIN : B0DQ63BBVM
Land Without Shame
Land Without Shame is a fast-paced Christian action thriller set in a gritty future where Cody Musket Jr. carries the legacy of a heroic family name. Twenty years from now, the world is plagued by political chaos, human trafficking, and high-tech warfare. When Cody finds himself in Caracas, rescuing a baby from a dumpster, he’s thrown into a whirlwind of danger involving plane crashes, guerrilla warlords, underground resistance groups, and a starlet who discovers her strength in the middle of tragedy. The story follows Cody’s mission to rescue victims of trafficking while wrestling with his own call to bravery, sacrifice, and faith.
Let me say this right off the bat, I was hooked from the very first chapter. The writing is raw and cinematic. It doesn’t waste time with fluff. It hits you with emotion, action, and conviction. I appreciated the way Miller balances suspense with moments of heart. The book feels personal, like the author poured his soul into these characters. There’s grit in Cody’s journey, but also tenderness. I felt the danger in the jungle, the pressure inside the crashing plane, the lump in my throat when Cody rescues a newborn from the garbage. Miller knows how to build tension, and he does it with simple words that hit hard. The inclusion of grounded Christian values didn’t feel preachy, it felt like backbone.
What surprised me the most was how much the characters grew on me, especially Diamond Casper. At first, she seemed like just another spoiled celebrity, but watching her come apart and rebuild herself through pain and survival, that hit differently. It’s not just a rescue story. It’s about redemption. About choosing courage even when your knees are shaking. The villains are ugly in all the right ways, but the heroes? They’re messy, complicated, sometimes broken, but they rise. And I admire that. Even the sci-fi tech isn’t overdone. It just feels like part of the world without stealing the spotlight from what matters.
Land Without Shame is a bold, unapologetic adventure. It’s thrilling, emotional, and deeply rooted in themes of family, sacrifice, and faith. I’d recommend this book to readers who enjoy clean but intense stories with spiritual weight, especially fans of action thrillers, survival tales, or stories with strong moral centers. If you like your heroes bruised but brave, and your endings hard-earned, this book delivers.
Pages: 247 | ASIN : B0F4MDDH9C
LITERARY TITAN 