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Human Are Not Predictable
Hall of Deception follows a young woman who finds her life in danger after she accepts a job as a tutor at a mansion and becomes intrigued with the handsome and mysterious owner. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my favorite stories is Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. The story inspired me to write a novel about a young woman whose favorite book was also Jane Eyre. She carried it around with her. A bit obsessive, she wants to leave her humdrum life for a more glamorous environment.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes! I had the most fun writing this book. In fact, this book opened the door to my first series.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
Humans are not predictable. When we find ourselves in a completely new situation, we surprise even ourselves by what we will think and feel and presents a writer with great plot twists.
Can readers look forward to seeing more releases from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Absolutely. My upcoming new release October 17, 2024, Sea of Doubt: Can You Ever Escape Your Secrets, is the sequel to Hall of Deception Book 1, and is Book 2 of The Roth Saga. And, I’m working now on Book 3 with more from the Roth family. Plus there is a prequel also in the works.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In 1953, Dee Danes, an orphan raised by her spiteful cousin, is inexperienced in love and desperately wants to fit in. She takes a job tutoring a little girl at a mansion, secretly fantasizing about romance with the owner, just like her beloved heroine Jane Eyre.
The strikingly handsome and wealthy owner of Rothmorton Hall, Hugh Roth, appears to enjoy embarrassing her and Dee worries she’s made a terrible mistake. Mystery surrounds the other staff and Hugh, particularly the ex-wife everyone is forbidden to discuss.
Shocking truths about Hugh are exposed and Dee struggles to accept the lies and deceptions questioning the man he truly is. When frightening attempts on Hugh’s life and other strange incidents occur, Dee fears for the lives of those she’s come to care for-and perhaps even her own.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5, by Mac Fortner, is an engaging blend of mystery, adventure, and historical intrigue. The story follows Alex Stone, who wakes up in Cuba with no memory of who he is or how he got there. As he struggles to piece together his identity, he becomes entangled in a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and a quest for a hidden treasure linked to Ernest Hemingway himself. The narrative takes readers from the gritty streets of Cuba to the sun-soaked locales of Key West, weaving a tale that is as rich in atmosphere as it is in suspense.
Fortner’s writing shines with vivid descriptions and a keen sense of place. The portrayal of Cuba, in particular, stands out with its vibrant and sometimes harsh realities. The author’s ability to create such a vivid sense of place makes the book a visual and sensory experience, drawing readers into the heart of the story. The character development is another highlight. Alex Stone’s journey from confusion to clarity is compelling, and his interactions with Ernesto Cabrera and Liliana add depth to the narrative. Ernesto’s revelation about his past with Hemingway and the hidden treasure adds a layer of historical intrigue that enriches the plot.
The relationship dynamics are well-crafted, particularly the bond between Alex and the enigmatic Liliana, which evolves with a mix of tension and tenderness. The pacing of the novel is dynamic, with the initial chapters setting a gripping tone that captivates the reader. The author provides extensive background details that enrich the story and add depth to the plot, ensuring a well-rounded and engaging reading experience. Fortner’s knack for cliffhangers and unexpected twists keeps the reader engaged and eager to uncover the next piece of the puzzle.
Hemingway’s Treasure: Cam Derringer Series Book 5 is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of historical mysteries and adventure novels. Fortner successfully combines a compelling storyline with rich character development and evocative settings. This book is perfect for readers who enjoy unraveling intricate plots and exploring historical connections. Whether you are a Hemingway aficionado or simply looking for an engrossing mystery, this book is a treasure trove of literary enjoyment.
Pages: 289 | ASIN : B07Z5GXVPY
Hands of the Maker
Hands of the Maker, by Swinn Daniels, the captivating second installment of The Dark Photography Folio, further immerses readers in the enchanting world of photography. Saxon Payne’s lens captures the essence of his enigmatic client, Daizu. Juliette’s quest to uncover her past takes an unexpected turn, leading Saxon toward a new and alluring figure, Persephone. Simultaneously, Saxon’s history resurfaces, adding an extra layer of complexity to his journey.
While the first book primarily revolved around Juliette, this installment beautifully shifts its focus to Saxon. However, it still provides valuable insights into other characters’ perspectives, particularly Maxine. While her backstory is shared through expository dialogue, I believe a more gradual and seamlessly crafted unveiling could have further deepened the intrigue and mystique surrounding her character. Nonetheless, the glimpses of Saxon’s past, as well as the intriguing Airstream Series shoot involving Saxon, Mason, and Mia, held my fascination. The gradual revelation of Mason’s inner turmoil and the introduction of Rider left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their story.
One delightful aspect to note is that while Juliette’s and Saxon’s narrative arcs are left open-ended in this installment, leaving room for even more exploration in the upcoming chapters. The intricate tapestry of Saxon, Mason, and Mia’s storylines, while tantalizing, merely hints at the depth of their potential. It’s quite conceivable that these threads are intricately interwoven with Juliette’s journey, promising readers an exciting and highly anticipated revelation in the third book.
I relished the opportunity to explore this richly developed world further. The second book bursts with heightened action that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. While conflicts do arise, I feel they maintain a certain one-sided dynamic, which, in its own way, adds a unique layer of suspense and anticipation to the narrative. Even so, the story remains engaging, as the outcome seems evident despite the narrative twists and turns crafted by Daniels.
Daniels divided this story into thirds to create a trilogy, allowing for a more immersive and expansive exploration of the characters and their interconnected tales, leaving us eager for the next installment. Hands of the Maker is a fantastic follow-up to Daniels’ first book in the series, and I look forward to reading the next installment.
Pages: 172 | ASIN : B0973CW95K
My Name is Nelson
![My Name is Nelson: Pretty Much the Best Novel Ever by [Fairchild, Dylan]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51Aq52qX2nL.jpg)
My Name is Nelson by Dylan Fairchild is a political thriller set in modern-day America. Nelson Troutman is a phenomenal scientist who has been working under the radar until one day he snaps at his treatment under his employer’s hand. Armed with an extensive background, tons of knowledge and access to weaponry equipment, Nelson moves into his familiar strip club with favorite acquaintance Tiffany Golden, where he sets up an office for himself. His plan is to begin exacting his revenge to teach both his boss and the thousands of bullies out there a lesson in how to treat people with respect!
From the very first page to the last, My Name is Nelson is a captivating read with spectacular prose throughout. The forthcoming action and story line are not immediately apparent in the first few chapters, as Fairchild develops our relationships with some fascinating and likable characters, such as the President Andrew Macintyre and his National Security Advisor Chet Addington, alongside Nelson’s favorite stripper, Tiffany Golden. There are also other enjoyable characters including a security guard named Walt and Julie the Presidents Science Adviser. I found I only had to read a few lines of each chapter and immediately felt a connection with every character in this thrilling story.
However, what I personally think is done to perfection in this book is Fairchild’s pacing as it all begins to come together. With many strands all initially unrelated, when the plot does start to take shape, each character and chapter is perfectly woven together, so much so that you continue to marvel at just how good Dylan Fairchild is as a writer!
It does feel at times, albeit naturally so, that the book weaves effortlessly between several genres, including that of political, thriller, sci-fi and even a hefty dose of humor! This only succeeds in making it a more approachable and enjoyable read for a broader audience.
Then there is the man himself, Nelson. When we are first introduced to him, it is perhaps not in the best of lights, more so as in awkward scenarios, as an odd guy who likes to frequent one particular strip club which is home to his favorite girl. However, Nelson is not your average strip club customer, and Tiffany has become more of a trusted companion and the club his safety net when things get tough with his boss, Hawthorne.
What follows is an enthralling, though peculiar, character whom you cannot help but root for as the story progresses, despite what Nelson intends to do. It does not take much for his character to pull you in and encourages you to begin thinking he just may have some form of entitlement, some sort of right, to continue on the path he has prepared for himself, after the way he has been treated throughout his childhood and indeed his adult life.
I could not find fault with this book and devoured it with enjoyment. My Name is Nelson is most certainly a worthy five-star contender.
Pages: 222 | ASIN: B07B4KCTYR
Vatican Protocol
A mystery novel that tackles uncomfortable issues with a splash of adventure is what readers will find within the pages of The Vatican Protocol by Brian Gallagher. This book contains all the basics of a mystery: intrigue, conspiracies, subterfuge and best of all, aliens. Whether or not the aliens are real and what relationship they have to the story that is told is up to the readers to discover. It’s a grand journey that crosses over the Atlantic Ocean to Europe in search of answers. Almost Indiana-Jones-esque, this adventure will surely have readers turning those pages to discover just what the relationship is between these aliens and the ever esteemed Vatican church. The answer might just surprise all who pick this up.
We follow our protagonist, Sean O’Sea, as he begins his journey from his comfortable home to Europe where his life is placed in jeopardy several times. It’s not a good action story without some sort of armed confrontation. Sean seems like a regular man with very irregular friends as he pursues his latest obsession with alien theories and whether or not there is any truth to the stories that have been told. He’s a likeable character and his ‘everyman’ flavouring will allow all readers to feel a bit of them in him. This allows readers to connect with the story on a more personal level and demonstrates the clever wordsmithing at play. The cast of characters is easy to keep track of even if it may seem like there are a few more than necessary.
The small downfalls of this book is the dialogue and how convenient everything seems. There are points in the novel when characters are conversing between themselves and their words seem stilted and forced. As if they are speaking just for the sake of speaking. This detracts slightly from the overall tone of the novel, but it is easy to move past.
As for the convenience of everything, this could just be a story element to help solidify the conspiracy flavour of the book as a whole, but it seems contrived in some areas. Our protagonist just happens to have a summer home that is looked after by a man who just happens to have worked with the CIA on top secret missions. Our protagonist also just happens to make friends with some very influential people during his travels and just happens to uncover a massive plot while being an ordinary man. Perhaps this is what makes a great conspiracy tale, however it felt a little too easy. But these are minor and don’t take away from the joy of reading.
For readers who enjoy reading conspiracy theories that involve the church and global cover-ups, you will definitely find an enjoyable read in The Vatican Protocol by Brian Gallagher. This action story knee-deep in such a controversial subject is entertaining to read and the twist at the end will have all readers questioning exactly what transpired in the pages of the book.
Pages: 286 | ASIN: B01G0Y8ZFG
LITERARY TITAN 