Blog Archives
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit
In Carolyn Summer Quinn’s poignant novel, Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit, we are introduced to August La May, a dedicated Vaudeville performer and loving father of two enchanting girls, Florabelle and April. The story unfolds when August thinks he sees his long-lost partner and the mother of his children, Violetta, after four years of abandonment at a Nebraska theater. August grapples with whether or not it was Violetta and, if so, what will it mean to him and his daughters.
Set in the backdrop of 1920s America, the novel follows August’s relentless quest to find his missing daughter, praying for an elusive reunion. However, the journey is fraught with challenges as August, and his family face societal prejudices against performers like them, viewed with suspicion and mistrust. The reader is left pondering, along with August, how will he ever locate them.
Quinn skillfully crafts a close-knit family dynamic between August and April La May, a father-daughter duo whose unwavering support for one another sustains their hope even in the bleakest circumstances. The resolute spirit of the La Mays united against a world seemingly against them evokes a heartfelt emotional response from any reader. Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit succeeds in gripping its audience with a compelling plot. The narrative, primarily told through August La May’s perspective, is filled with slang from the 1920s, adding to the book’s authentic feel. The book’s central themes of family bonds, heartache, and determination remain powerful and engaging, urging readers to accompany August and April La May on their poignant journey to find the elusive Florabelle, whose disappearance has left a void in their vaudeville world.
Vanished on the Vaudeville Circuit by Carolyn Summer Quinn contains emotional depth and a captivating plot making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a tale of perseverance and the unbreakable ties of family.
Pages: 200 | ASIN : B0C7MLMV26
The Palace of the Stars
The Palace of the Stars is an absolutely captivating and brilliantly written novel that is sure to enchant readers of all ages. Set across two distinct time periods, the story follows the journey of a young and inexperienced police officer named Mike, who awakens from a coma to find himself in the care of an elderly bookstore owner named Mari. As he navigates his new reality, he discovers an enchanted portal within the bookstore that transports him back to the early 1900s, where he is suddenly thrust into a world of intrigue and mystery.
What sets The Palace of the Stars apart from other historical romance or time travel books is its perfect balance of magic, mystery, and historical fiction. The transitions between timelines are seamless and easy to follow, and the charismatic characters are so richly drawn that readers will find themselves deeply invested in their fates. Mari, in particular, is an absolutely delightful character, and her courage and empathy toward Mike are genuinely inspiring.
This extraordinary novel gradually unfurls, meticulously weaving the reader into the intricate tapestry of its characters’ world. As one grows to deeply understand these characters, a subtle but steady momentum builds. This gradually simmering action culminates in a climax that is both electrifying and fulfilling, making the initial slow-burn progression not only justified but rewarding. The twists and turns near the end of the book are absolutely thrilling, and the chemistry between the characters, especially Mike and Mae, is electric.
Overall, The Palace of the Stars is a truly fantastic book that will indeed become a classic in the genre of historical mystery and romance. It is a great starting point for what promises to be an exciting and thrilling series, and readers will find themselves eagerly anticipating the next installment from this talented author.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B01HH2OHZ2
Drowning in Deception
In the wake of the unanticipated demise of journalist Sondra “Sonny” Girard, Sam Flanagan, a private investigator, is engaged in unraveling the mystifying conditions surrounding her death. The case comes to him from Senator Victor Girard, Sonny’s former husband, who harbors suspicions of foul play. While Detective Flanagan initially anticipates a straightforward case, an unexpected dismissal by Senator Girard leaves him grappling with dwindling resources yet an abundance of leads to explore. As he ventures deeper into the investigation, a labyrinth of conflicting testimonies, enigmatic clues, and a myriad of suspects awaits him, all potentially hinting at a grander narrative against the backdrop of World War II.
Drowning in Deception, penned by Judith White, is a compelling detective noir novella chronicling the investigative journey of Sam Flanagan, an ex-cop from Detroit who has transitioned into a private investigator. Set amidst the global tumult of World War II, Flanagan must rely on his keen intellect and intuition to delve into a death initially presumed accidental but soon unveils its deceptive layers. Thrown into the milieu of journalists and high-brow politicians, Sam discerns that Sonny’s demise is far from a simple drowning, and uncovering the motive becomes pivotal to cracking the case.
The narrative unfolds at a brisk pace, driven by succinct and punchy sentences that complement the high-octane plot. White masterfully orchestrates the narrative such that readers become active participants in the unfolding mystery, formulating theories and conjectures as new characters and details are introduced.
White triumphs in crafting a credible period mystery rife with unexpected twists and red herrings that will undoubtedly captivate mystery aficionados. I recommend Drowning in Deception to readers who enjoy intriguing murder mystery stories.
Pages: 253 | ASIN : B073FM2KC6
A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder
In A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder, author David Unger introduces us to David, an unconventional therapist who accompanies his clients on offbeat adventures. Invited by Eve and Sheridan to attend The Whole Life Expo—a diverse gathering of vendors specializing in the new age, natural health, metaphysical, and even extraterrestrial subjects. While not David’s usual interests, he finds himself being drawn into this world and starting to believe. Soon, however, he finds himself embroiled in a mysterious death that may not be an accident.
Unger’s writing style is both witty and direct, immediately drawing the reader into the world of the quirky protagonist, David. By telling the story from David’s perspective, the reader gains an intimate understanding of his thoughts and outlook on events. Unger masterfully sets up the murder mystery at the New Age convention and builds tension throughout the narrative, keeping readers on their toes with unexpected twists. Unger adds some romance in with a psychic foretelling that romance is in his future, though David is skeptical at best when receiving this news.
The novel’s exploration of New Age topics adds a refreshing and engaging dimension to the story, which many readers may find relatable and intriguing. In addition, the diverse cast of characters, such as aura-reading Eve and fortune-telling Madame Vadama, further contribute to the story’s mystique. Initially skeptical of their abilities, David begins to question the reality of their supernatural talents, and readers are drawn deeper into the story’s enigmatic atmosphere.
A Lesson in Woo-Woo and Murder is a distinctive and entertaining amateur sleuths mystery. This engaging novel is highly recommended for those seeking a satisfying and open-minded literary experience.
Pages: 254 | ASIN : B0BSRKGD37
The Butterfly’s Cocoon
Thornton Park, set on a vast estate shrouded in mystery and hidden secrets, provides an ideal backdrop for a conference on immortality. Intended to highlight cultural similarities and differences in beliefs, the conference takes an unexpected turn even before it begins. Alexandra and her family soon find themselves entangled in a paranormal quest to uncover the secrets of eternal life. To add complications to the quest, people are being murdered. As the family’s detective, Alexandra is determined to unravel the mystery and apprehend the culprit. While uncovering clues, she finds herself discovering dark tales and myths that could place her unborn child and herself at risk. Are they unfounded, or are Alexandra and her baby in danger?
Amidst the unfolding enigma, romance blossoms as Edith falls for the enigmatic James. Author Ellen Read masterfully crafts an engaging narrative that effortlessly blends critical plot points with an immersive scene setting. Readers are transported to Thornton Park, as if joining Alexandra and the conference speakers in their pursuit of eternal life’s elusive secret. The novel boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with a unique story to share. While keeping track of each conference attendee’s origins may prove challenging, their individual theories and backgrounds enrich the overall narrative. Readers will be drawn into each character’s backstory and get to know them, seeing how they fit into the story’s overall plot. Ellen’s skillful storytelling breathes life into the world of the Thornton Mysteries, leaving readers eagerly anticipating future installments.
The Butterfly’s Cocoon is a captivating read that combines mystery, romance, and a touch of the paranormal. The author’s deft handling of the plot and setting creates an immersive experience that transports readers back in time. With its intriguing cast of characters and thought-provoking themes, this novel is a must-read for fans of the Thornton Mysteries series.
Pages: 322 | ASIN : B0BV3CNBNC
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case
Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a captivating tale that transports readers to 1932 Los Angeles. This engrossing story follows the journey of an 11-year-old girl named Sparky, a street-smart and resolute young girl who unwittingly becomes the prime suspect in the murder of a young blonde girl she found dead on a bench. The story begins on her birthday when she had saved up a box of sweets to celebrate her special day. However, her birthday takes a drastic turn when she finds herself accused of a crime she did not commit.
Author Rosalind Barden’s writing had me hooked from the first page, and Sparky’s character immediately drew me in. The author has done an excellent job of painting a vivid picture of the buildings and characters, making them easy to visualize. Tootsie’s character adds an interesting layer to the story, and her home is described in such detail that it feels like a character itself. The food Sparky is offered at Tootsie’s house is also beautifully described, making the reader’s mouth water. Sparky’s character is tough and independent, but the author has also demonstrated that she has a kind heart that she tries to keep hidden. This makes her a lovable character, and the reader cannot help but root for her as she tries to solve the case and live her life without fear. The mystery in this story is expertly crafted, pulling the reader in and keeping them gripped until the very end. The suspense is palpable, making it difficult to put the book down. I found myself constantly wanting to know what would happen next and how the story would unfold.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-written, suspenseful mystery. Sparky of Bunker Hill and the Cold Kid Case is a page-turner that will leave readers eager for more.
Pages: 218 | ASIN : B07H49P46T
White Sands Gold
White Sands Gold by Mike Torreano is a classic Western story set in the late 18th century in New Mexico, America. The story starts with Yancy, who is searching Victoria mountain for the pile of gold his father died trying to find. He discovers a hidden entrance but is buried beneath stone rubble before he can finish exploring the cave. Back at home, his twin sister Lottie waits for him, knowing full well that people come back from the mountain empty-handed or they don’t come back at all.
The story does one thing and does it well – it’s a Western. There are dry plains, guns, plenty of horse-riding, and some shoot-outs, and the scene wouldn’t be complete without a failing ranch in the middle of nowhere that no one visits without a purpose. While the story sticks to its roots, it nonetheless shows that it was written recently. There are several protagonists sharing the spotlight, and one of them is a strong woman who never relies on a man if she doesn’t have to. There are men who are cool but are open about their feelings at the same time. And there’s also a matriarch who doesn’t need to raise her voice to assert dominance in a room of rowdy boys.
The plot is thrilling, the characters are lively, and even the romantic subplot is slow and steady, making it seem more believable than a rushed romance just to include romance. Both pairs are on equal footing in the relationship, which is also very nice to see, especially since the story is set in a time when women had much less power than men. It is a great intro to western literature for anyone interested in these kinds of stories but not knowing where to start.
White Sands Gold is a captivating historical Western mystery that gives readers everything they love about the old west. With characters that are relatable, readers will be engaged and invested in the story’s outcome. This is a novel readers will think about after the story is done.
Pages: 313| ASIN : B0B3714RXS
The House of Spark
The House of Spark by Luminita LaFlash is the story of Virginia, a university student in 1957 who grew up during the fall of the Romanian monarch. It was a time when many citizens of Romania experienced terror and fear, only to finally find a sense of peace following the fall of an empire. The House of Spark tells the story of struggle, love, and facing injustice. When Virginia begins dating Janica, a passionate and kind man, everything changes when he suddenly vanishes, without any clues or trace of his location.
As Virginia tries to find Jenica’s whereabouts, she grabbles with the possible loss. But, having already suffered through the death of close family members in a very uncertain era, Virginia demonstrates bravery in her fight for her love and finding out what happened to Jenica.
The author does an incredible job of portraying the uncertainty of Romania in the 1950s and how history makes a lasting impact on the lives of many, especially on a deeply personal level. The ripple effect of historical events and tragedy can teach us how to appreciate life and fight for a better day in the present, though it also leaves the scars of loss and trauma.
I found this book an emotional read, with a sense of hope amid despair. Will Virginia find Janica alive and well, or will she need to face yet another loss? If he is alive, how will Virginia and her friends find him, and how does a person continue living with the knowledge they may lose, or have lost, someone they love? The author describes the unsteady political situation, which is raw and bleak, as a backdrop to the beauty of humanity and the power of determination. When I read this book, I didn’t want it to end! The characters are well-developed and interesting.
The House of Spark by Luminita LaFlash is a historical fiction novel with suspense, mystery, and thrills. It has an excellent storyline and one woman’s fight for justice in an uncertain time makes this a must-read for those interested in political fiction of the 1950s.
Pages: 164 | ASIN: B09V3KC214
LITERARY TITAN 