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Impulsive and Reckless
Switch follows a former CIA operative turned private investigator, who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
I wrote it like a reader – expecting the peril and drama to flow and ebb in a certain rhythm. For a main character who’s often impulsive and reckless, sometimes the adrenaline feels nonstop and I think that’s something she struggles with in the story and also in this series.
What was one of the most complex parts of Switch for you to write?
The quantum computing details were very tricky because the technology is constantly and rapidly evolving. This is an area of technology I’ve been following for some time so I had some frame of reference, but I needed to help my characters understand it so their conversations about it would feel authentic.
When can readers expect to see Switch available to purchase?
September 30, 2025 it will be available on Amazon, B&N, and from all book retailers.
Author Links: GoodReads | Linktree | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Switch
Lisa Towles’ Switch is a breakneck techno-thriller that dives headfirst into the world of private investigations, buried family secrets, and high-stakes covert operations. At the center is Marissa Ellwyn—a sharp, seasoned former CIA operative turned private investigator—who’s recovering from a hit-and-run attack that lands her in the middle of an investigation laced with mystery, betrayal, and emotional landmines. As she navigates through the murky entanglements of a multi-million-dollar heist, her missing mother, a mysterious John Doe, and a midnight visit from a coroner, the layers of plot unravel in a satisfying tangle of danger and introspection.
I found the writing electrifying and, at times, deeply poignant. Towles excels at keeping the tension high without sacrificing emotional depth. Her dialogue crackles. It’s smart, biting, and authentic, and the first-person narrative gives us raw access to Marissa’s inner world. The pacing is intense. Scenes leap from intimate reflections to explosive action, and it works because Marissa is such a magnetic narrator. That said, the rapid switches in location and the density of subplots made me double back more than once. But honestly, I didn’t mind. The richness of detail, particularly in how Marissa analyzes people and situations, kept me anchored even when the plot went labyrinthine.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional honesty behind all the spy games and shootouts. Marissa’s relationship with her elusive and emotionally detached father resonated with me because it felt real and messy. The themes of abandonment, trust, and resilience ground the story in something human. And the dog, Trevor, was a total scene-stealer. I would’ve liked a touch more clarity around some of the secondary characters, who sometimes blurred together in the thick of the action. Still, this wasn’t a dealbreaker. I appreciated how the book never spoon-fed answers; it trusted me to keep up, and that felt refreshing.
Switch is for readers who crave a smart and emotionally charged thriller with an awesome female lead and just enough espionage spice to keep things edgy. If you love Karin Slaughter, Robert Dugoni, or early Patricia Cornwell, you’ll devour this. It’s not a beach read—it’s a bunker-down, turn-off-your-phone, and hang-on-tight read. And I loved it.
Pages: 372
Specimen
Specimen is a gripping YA thriller for readers who love mystery, suspense, ambition, betrayal, and intrigue. A 17-year-old puzzle solver, Thea Riggs unravels the murder of her best friend’s mother, Roberta Fenning, only to become the next victim in a homicide game. The action-filled story explodes with tension as Thea explores the dark corners of San Francisco to find out who killed her best friend’s mother and why.
I was hooked from page 1. The prose is sharp. Right from the start, you are brought into Thea’s unsettled world, where every dark corner could be a harbinger of terror. The author, Lisa Towles, writes with a cinematic approach, creating scenes that exude a dark atmosphere for the Fenning estate. The tension never abated, and the tale was as much about mood as it was about plot. The book also delves into themes of betrayal and secrecy, primarily through Thea’s growing knowledge of those who surround her.
I was always left unsure as to what was coming next. The plot is compelling, and the tension between Thea and the mysterious Kit Fury is unpredictable enough to maintain tension, even if his motivations are sometimes unclear. The nuances of her relationships are well-developed.
Specimen is a good pick for fans of YA thrillers who love fast-paced plots with dark twists. It is also for those readers who like a female protagonist and a story that blurs the lines between friend and foe. It’s an intense and intriguing read that’s definitely one to keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. If you’re looking for a thriller that’s as much of a puzzle to solve as it is to survive, then pick up Specimen.
Guilt and Remorse
Codex follows a former FBI agent living off the grid after his wife’s death who becomes the suspect in two separate murders after being gifted three million dollars. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As a writer and a reader, I’m always inspired by human stories of people who are at rock bottom and life circumstances force them to look within and rebuild themselves from the bottom up. This is Angus Mariner at the beginning of the story – off-grid after his wife’s death, blaming himself for the accident that killed her, separated from everything and everyone. And it is here, in this rich moment of loss and desperation, that his heart and soul are most impressionable to the events that begin to unfold.
The fast-paced action in this novel makes it feel like there is a new twist in every chapter, adding depth to the story and keeping readers in suspense. How do you balance story development with shocking plot twists? Or can they be the same thing?
I think it’s just that – there needs to be a balance so that readers have time to figure out the story on their own a bit. Readers want to feel smart, but I also think they like to be surprised.
Angus discovers his wife’s death was no accident; this changes everything in his life and the course of his future. Do you think there’s a single moment in everyone’s life, maybe not as traumatic, that is life-changing?
It’s always shocking to discover that things are not what they appeared to be. For almost two years, Angus has pulled farther away from everything and everyone he knew because he was racked with guilt and remorse. Once he discovers that they were targeted, this causes some old part of his heart to wake up with a new imperative of finding out who did this and why.
What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
A new Young Adult Thriller, called Specimen, will be published by Indies United on December 3, 2024.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Codex
In Codex, Lisa Towles crafts a compelling narrative that intricately weaves the themes of espionage and personal struggle. The protagonist, Angus Mariner, embarks on a quest fueled by revenge and a search for truth following the death of his wife. Believing Wendell Peters to be implicated in this tragedy, Angus’s journey leads him into a labyrinth of conspiracy that extends beyond a mere wealthy adversary.
Towles’s narrative prowess shines as the plot unfolds with unexpected twists, masterfully subverting the reader’s expectations. Initially framed as a quest for retribution against a suspected murderer, the story evolves into a complex tapestry involving characters wielding significant influence and wealth. The emotional depth of Angus grappling with his wife’s loss resonates throughout the novel, adding a layer of poignancy to his quest. Elaine, Angus’s sister, emerges as a memorable character, enhancing the story with her dynamic interactions with Angus.
Towles’s use of vivid descriptions effectively immerses readers, bringing to life the characters’ emotions and actions in a way that is both visual and visceral. Incorporating a keen attention to detail, Codex is a novel that rewards attentive readers. Throughout the narrative, Towles deftly plants subtle clues that could easily be overlooked, yet they are integral to fully appreciating the intricacies of the plot. This aspect of the novel enhances the reading experience, inviting readers to engage deeply with the story and its unfolding mysteries. While the novel concludes on a note that leaves readers anticipating more, it does so in a satisfying and intriguing manner. This anticipation sets the stage for the sequel, making Codex a memorable addition to psychological thrillers.
Codex is a finely crafted story that skillfully blends espionage elements with deep emotional undercurrents. The journey of Angus Mariner is not just a pursuit of vengeance but also an exploration of personal loss and resilience. Towles’s ability to surprise the reader with plot twists and her skill in creating vivid, emotionally resonant characters make this a standout book.
Pages: 373
Finding Balance In The Story
Terror Bay follows an injured detective who, while in a coma, has a presence emerge in his consciousness and must figure out who she is and her connection to him. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The emergence of creative ideas is as mysterious to me now as it was twenty years ago, and it’s different for every book. I do have several personal contacts who have lived through coma and traumatic brain injuries, and I’ve read a number of studies with some very interesting reports about where the brain “goes” during those unplugged times and it’s of eternal fascination to me. But I started with the character of Kurt Farin and it sort of took off from there.
Kurt’s story is one of self-discovery as well as solving the mystery of who Genevieve is. What were the driving ideals behind the character’s development throughout the story?
I had to make him sort of devolve into madness and touch bottom, because that’s where he learns what really matters to him. As the story progressed, he started peeling back layers, learning more, and deepening his resolve to find the truth despite the risks to his family, his career, and his sanity.
What are some things that you find interesting about the human condition that you think make for great fiction?
The clarity that emerges from times of challenge and deep internal crisis.
Were you able to achieve everything you wanted with the characters in the novel?
Yes and no. I write complex crime thrillers, and I find it’s a hard balance sometimes between tying up every single loose end and spoon-feeding your readers. I like to leave some things to the reader’s imagination and not try to control every moment of their reading experience, but I also need to resolve the larger plot elements in a story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website
Driven by an unshakable intuition, Kurt travels to Puget Sound to find her and uncover the truth. As he digs deeper, he realizes that his fate is inextricably tied to the enigmatic woman…and a long-lost treasure that’s been submerged for decades. Pairing up with his former SFPD partner, he follows clues that lead them to Alaska and northern Canada. But can he still trust him, or anyone for that matter? Risking his physical and mental wellness, Kurt follows his instincts and will stop at nothing to find her.
Is Genevieve Lucas real, and what does she want from him? Will Kurt unravel the truth before it’s too late, or will his dangerous quest pull him to a watery grave?
With a heart-pounding plot, complex characters, and a shocking twist, “Terror Bay” is a must-read for fans of psychological thrillers and crime fiction.
Terror Bay
Kurt Farin’s most recent case has unveiled a level of danger beyond initial expectations. Readers are introduced to Kurt, a San Francisco-based detective, who becomes entangled in a perilous situation when he attempts to rescue Leticia, a young woman who tragically loses her life. Regrettably, Kurt sustains a gunshot wound during this endeavor, resulting in a brain injury that renders him unconscious and necessitates a medically induced coma. Within this period of vulnerability, a previously unknown presence emerges within Kurt’s consciousness, a mysterious woman who reaches out to him. In the midst of his cognitive turmoil, he utters a solitary name: Genevieve Lucas. The enigma of this connection beckons – who is Genevieve Lucas, and what profound ties bind them? Conviction in the significance of his vision propels Kurt to embark on a quest to unravel this mystery, despite the incredulity of his confidant, who perceives his actions as emblematic of a descent into madness.
Terror Bay, by Lisa Towles, beckons readers into a world saturated with suspense, propelling them through a captivating odyssey of action, intrigue, and enigma. One of the narrative’s standout attributes is its capacity to confound expectations, holding readers rapt as they endeavor to untangle the intricate threads of the plot. Lisa Towles adeptly entwines the genres of crime and self-discovery, crafting a multifaceted story that encompasses not only the unraveling of a mystery but also the exploration of Kurt’s own past.
The merits of this narrative are diverse. Beginning with its meticulous characterization, Lisa deftly shapes a diverse cast of dynamic personas, each contributing a distinct facet to the story’s tapestry. The narrative flows seamlessly, precluding any moments of reader disengagement. Kurt’s introspections are eloquently conveyed, fostering an empathetic connection with the reader, who bears witness to his internal struggles.
Terror Bay stands as an exceptional read, utilizing adept storytelling that both captivates and resonates.
Pages: 371
Choke
Choke by Lisa Towles is a psychological thriller that will leave you wondering what’s real and what’s not.
Kerry Stine is living a normal life working at San Francisco General Hospital, but suddenly everything turns upside down for her. A patient is missing, and she’s the number one suspect. Confused and not understanding what’s happening, she has to run from the police as strange occurrences are happening around her. Dangerous men seem fixed on getting something from her, but she can’t even begin to understand what they could possibly be needing her for.
Just as all this is going on, Grace Mattson, a botanist, and her friend Adrian Calhoun are in serious trouble. Adrian has secretly researched and found a medical treatment that may change the lives of many for good. Now influential people are risking everything to put their hands on Adrian’s research and control the narrative. Paranoid, they have to watch their backs and try their best to find their way out. Both storylines eventually come together, making sense of the characters’ experiences.
Thrilling and with a good pace, this book captures the readers’ attention from the start. Every event described is confusing yet interesting, leaving one with the expectation of seeing more. The story has lots of ramifications and suspense; it’s hard to guess what will happen next or where the story is going. The perspectives are also constantly changing in every chapter, allowing the reader to see a different intriguing angle that will eventually intertwine with the overall story.
While reading, one immediately falls in the position of the characters, who are confused and don’t understand what’s happening to them. They often even question their mental state, making them unreliable and leaving the readers on their own journey trying to figure out what’s real. Because of this, the story is gripping and constantly changing, giving interest to every little detail. Furthermore, with time the attachment to the characters starts to grow, and their relationships solidify in times of uncertainty, providing a new dimension to the entire story and making it even more appealing.
What can be trusted? You’ll have to thoroughly read the story to find out. I give Choke by Lisa Towles 5 out of 5 stars. A psychological thriller and hard to put down, this is the sort of book that one will inevitably want to finish in one sitting to finally find out the whole truth.
Pages: 307 | ASIN: B0BJ7KX1Q9
LITERARY TITAN 