Blog Archives
Where’s Jackson Pollock?
Jim Davidson’s Where’s Jackson Pollock? is a vivid blend of art, crime, and human frailty that moves from the smoky streets of 1960s Brussels to the humid shores of modern-day Florida and Virginia. It begins with an art thief named Henri who steals two priceless paintings, a Pollock and a Rothko, and then follows their strange afterlife through decades of greed, betrayal, and reinvention. By the time the paintings resurface, they’ve become more than works of art, they’re ghosts of guilt and ambition that haunt every character who touches them. The book stitches together these timelines with sharp pacing and a film-like rhythm that makes the mystery feel alive and personal.
I found the writing punchy and cinematic. Davidson has a knack for giving even the quiet moments a pulse, a sense that something is about to go wrong. His characters feel flawed; greedy, desperate, and self-justifying, but never cartoonish. The dialogue sounds natural, almost overheard, and the detail in the settings makes every scene easy to picture. There’s an undercurrent of sadness beneath all the clever plotting, a recognition that beauty and corruption often share the same frame. That mix of tension and melancholy made me care more about the people than the paintings.
The story can linger inside a moment or a minor side story, but I forgave that because the author writes with conviction. The characters talk and act like real people, selfish, hopeful, scared, and funny. The theme that money distorts art and love both feels timeless and painfully true. I caught myself grinning at his dry humor one minute and shaking my head in frustration the next. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just tell a story; it makes you sit with what greed and loss do to a person’s soul.
I’d recommend Where’s Jackson Pollock? to anyone who loves a good art-world mystery or character-driven crime story. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy novels where the moral lines blur and everyone has something to hide. If you liked The Goldfinch or The Thomas Crown Affair, this one will hit the same nerve. It’s smart, layered, and surprisingly emotional.
Pages: 324 | ASIN : B0FVBL15J3
Only Ann Knows
Months after losing her only son in the Virginia Tech shooting, Ann Miller remains consumed by grief. The tragedy is made all the more jarring by her profession; she works for a gun rights organization. When she receives an AK-47 to deliver to her boss, the weapon inexplicably discharges, killing 13 people in a single, horrifying moment. Ann insists it was an accident. But was it? Or did the sorrow of losing her son drive her to a calculated act of violence?
In Only Ann Knows, Baird Smart crafts a riveting crime and mystery novel that unfolds with measured intensity. The courtroom drama echoes the legal tension of John Grisham’s best work, yet Smart’s voice remains distinct. The narrative hinges on a single, devastating question: Did Ann pull the trigger on purpose?
What elevates this novel is its commitment to character. Ann is an enigma, vulnerable, composed, inscrutable. Smart reveals just enough of her inner life to make her real, while withholding enough to keep her mysterious. She is, in every way, the novel’s anchor.
Smart manipulates reader expectation with impressive precision. Just when you think you understand Ann’s motives, new details shift your perspective. This is not a story that offers easy answers.
Equally compelling are the two FBI agents assigned to the case, distinct in temperament and method, yet both indispensable to the investigation. Their dynamic adds further layers to a narrative already thick with ambiguity and moral complexity.
Timely in theme and meticulous in execution, Only Ann Knows is a masterclass in suspense. Few novels manage to maintain this level of tension without veering into melodrama. Fewer still offer a conclusion that feels both shocking and entirely earned. Smart delivers both.
Only Ann Knows is a gripping, immersive thriller that doesn’t let go. A standout in the genre, thought-provoking, emotionally charged, and impossible to predict.
Pages: 371 | ASIN : B0D8R9LRB2
Whatever It Takes
Whatever It Takes is a gritty and fast-paced crime thriller that follows Fort Worth detective Kit Hanover as she’s recruited by the FBI to go undercover in a seedy Las Vegas nightclub to take down an organized crime ring involved in money laundering and murder. Posing as a cocktail server and as an exotic dancer, Kit is thrust into a world of danger, deception, and personal reckoning. As she navigates the murky underworld of the Pink Kitten club and balances the threat of a powerful crime boss, Kit must rely on her instincts, strength, and sheer will to survive and gather enough evidence to bring justice to the victims.
Alan Brenham writes with a sharp edge and a deep understanding of the law enforcement world. The dialogue pops with realism, sometimes brutal, sometimes darkly funny. The pacing is relentless, pulling me through each scene with a white-knuckled grip. Kit is not your standard heroine. She’s tough but wounded, confident but struggling with demons, and her complexity made me root for her even harder. Her backstory, especially her strained ties to her heritage and her late adoptive father, added a real sense of weight to her choices. What really got me was the emotional toll the assignment took on her, especially the moments she doubted herself but still pushed forward.
Some of the setup sections, like the training and prep, felt a tad drawn out, but they did add to the realism. The way Kit’s moral boundaries were constantly tested gave the story tension, and I found myself questioning what I’d do in her place. There’s a lot of emotional complexity packed in here—anger, fear, pride, loneliness—and Brenham doesn’t shy away from the sleazier, more uncomfortable parts of undercover work. The club scenes are drenched in smoke, sweat, and that sense of being watched, and you can almost feel Kit’s skin crawl as she tries to keep her cover intact. It’s not just about the mission—it’s about survival. And Kit never stops being human in the face of it all.
Whatever It Takes delivers more than just a suspenseful plot. It’s a raw, character-driven ride into the underbelly of crime, power, and sacrifice. I’d recommend this book to fans of strong female leads, undercover cop dramas, and noir-style storytelling. If you liked Donnie Brasco or The Departed, this one’s for you. Just be ready to ride the emotional roller coaster. Kit Hanover is a great character, and Brenham makes you feel every step of her journey.
Pages: 350 | ASIN : B0F8C2QFHB
Twists and Turns
Once Upon a Crime follows a veteran homicide detective who needs to find a vigilante serial killer before she kidnaps her daughter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration for Once Upon A Crime came from my reading about the hunt for the Son of Sam. He’d sent a taunting message to an NYPD detective threatening the detective’s daughter.
Another part of the inspiration came from a criminal case I worked on when I was a police officer about the sexual assault of a young lady.
How did you come up with the idea for the antagonist in this story, and how did it change as you wrote?
In writing Once Upon A Crime, given that most sex crimes have women as victims, I wanted a female character hunting for sexual offenders to be the antagonist. At first, she was a disgruntled police officer whose back story was about her being dispatched to do a preliminary investigation of the brutal sexual assault of a young girl. A news item gave me the idea for a different antagonist: Penny Grimes.
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?
When I started writing Once Upon A Crime, I had fairly good idea of where I was going with it. As the story took root, several ideas came to mind for the twists and turns used in it.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Detective Madison Chase and the direction of the next book?
At this time, I haven’t decided whether to write a sequel to Once Upon A Crime.
Author Links: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
In a twisted game of cat and mouse, Detective Madison Chase must outwit a serial killer targeting sex offenders—before her own daughter becomes the next victim.
October in Fort Worth takes on a sinister hue for Penny Grimes. She’s not just a vigilante; she’s a poetic executioner, leaving headless pedophiles as her gruesome calling cards. Each murder scene is adorned with a chilling rhyme, taunting the police and, in particular, haunting veteran homicide detective Madison Chase.
But Penny has a darker agenda. She’s set her sights on Chase’s daughter, Emily—a blonde, blue-eyed four-year-old, living image of the child Penny has always yearned for. Unbeknownst to Chase, while she’s hot on the trail of Fort Worth’s most elusive serial killer, Penny is plotting to kidnap Emily.
In the Shadow of the Sun
Poli Flores JR’s In The Shadow Of The Sun is an insightful exploration of the human condition, delving deep into the complexities of war, grief, love, and familial bonds. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Samuel Medoza, the youngest member of his family, artfully capturing the Medoza family’s journey as they navigate the aftermath of Curt, Samuel’s brother, returning from Vietnam with enduring mental and physical wounds.
Set in Allen County, once a barren dust-filled expanse transformed into prosperous farmland, the story introduces a rich tapestry of characters, ranging from Samuel’s childhood friends to Big Bob, the county’s unscrupulous sheriff. The author skillfully intertwines various story arcs, crafting a dynamic and suspenseful narrative. The plot is replete with unexpected twists and intense moments, maintaining a gripping tension that ensures the reader’s engagement from start to finish.
Flores JR’s writing is both compelling and authentic, confronting the harsh realities of life without reservation. The novel poignantly captures the depth of human emotions and the far-reaching impact of war across generations. The author’s narrative style is immersive, characterized by vivid, well-crafted descriptions that transport the reader into the heart of the story. The novel is particularly notable for its use of diverse narrative forms, including radio broadcast transcripts, poems, and even letters to a higher power, which add layers of depth and perspective to the storytelling. The book’s strength lies in its ability to evoke a sense of history and loss, particularly in the context of young lives cut short. The concluding epilogue effectively ties up the narrative, leaving the reader with a sense of closure.
In The Shadow Of The Sun is a compelling read, marked by its rich storytelling and emotional depth. It’s a book that not only entertains but also invites reflection on the enduring effects of war and the resilience of the human spirit.
Pages: 352 | ASIN : B0BXZRJ68T
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye
L.M. Twist’s Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye sets a compelling narrative against the tumultuous backdrop of early 1870s France. This novel, artfully intertwining historical fact with fiction, delves into the brutal mob murder in Hautefaye, an incident emblematic of the era’s societal strife, the aftershocks of war, and the shadow of Napoleon III. At the heart of this storm is Louis Mie, a distinguished lawyer tasked with defending the accused in a case that mirrors the nation’s turmoil. As he navigates the complexities of a high-profile trial, Louis also contends with personal challenges, from a strained marriage to a friendship tested by ideological divides.
One of the novel’s standout features is its exploration of intricate relationships, particularly the dynamic between Louis and his close friend, Vincent. Their intense exchanges, especially a pivotal moment where ideals and familial expectations clash, are a testament to Twist’s ability to craft deep, multifaceted characters. Twist excels in storytelling, striking a delicate balance between character development and a wider narrative scope. Before pivotal courtroom scenes, readers are immersed in the setting through rich, evocative descriptions, setting the stage for the drama to unfold. The book is a masterful blend of genres, weaving together historical intrigue, legal intricacies, and romantic entanglements. It paints a vivid picture of 1870s Hautefaye, capturing the political turbulence, legal complexities, and social unrest that culminated in peasant uprisings. These historical elements are seamlessly interwoven with a poignant romantic subplot marked by passion, heartbreak, and the trials of love.
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye offers a multifaceted narrative, shifting through time and perspectives to weave a captivating tale. L.M. Twist’s debut is a testament to the power of a well-told story, marrying historical depth with human emotion. I eagerly anticipate more from this promising author, whose initial foray into novel writing is both impressive and engaging.
Pages: 339 | ASIN : B0CPWZJKBR
Spirits From the Other Side
Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased follows a man investigating the accident that almost killed him while he grapples with helping a man only he can see. Where did the idea for this book come from?
I was writing the Polish Dragon P.I. series when the idea of having a spirit from beyond needing a private detective popped into my head. Not wanting to take the Polish Dragon down a different path, I decided to create a new character and have him work with the spirits from the other side. Plus, I have always been intrigued by ghost stories and people who say they can communicate with the dead. I also wrote it simultaneously with the Polish Dragon P. I. The Missing Gambler. Both books are intertwined with the same storyline.
Did you plan the tone and direction of Detective Dean’s story, or did it come out organically as you were writing?
It came out organically as I was writing this story. The difficult part was making sure that this story fell in line with the Polish Dragon story which I mentioned above. The Cameron Dean story is told in the first person, and the Polish Dragon is told in the third, and I had to make sure the writing style was reflected properly in each storyline. Sometimes things would pop into my head that helped me write the story, and I was wondering if I was actually getting help from beyond. I do believe that our loved ones still look down on us and help us whenever they can.
Are there any emotions or memories from your own life that you put into your characters’ lives?
I always try to put into each story some things from my own life. They might be places where I grew up, schools that I attended, or businesses or things from the old neighborhood that no longer exist. Some people have actually mentioned that when they read my books. Especially people that I grew up with and relatives. For me, adding something personal makes the story more believable.
I find a problem in well-written stories, in that I always want there to be another book to keep the story going. Is there a second book planned?
I have been considering doing another book which is why I ended this one the way I did. It more than likely will be after the holidays, though. It would mean writing two series at the same time. That may prove to be quite a challenge. Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased and The Polish Dragon P. I. series, one for the spirit world and one for the day-to-day world.
Author Links: Goodreads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer: An Original Horror Novel
In The Molossus of Old Man Moyer, Joe Lyon, a U.S. Army veteran, crafts an engaging narrative that seamlessly weaves elements of horror, mystery, and suspense. The story opens with the intriguing premise of Deacon Tibbs, a psychic with remarkable abilities whose earthly journey ends, bringing his body back to Batesville, Ohio. This sets the stage for a series of supernatural events that challenge and enthrall the reader.
The protagonist, Jimmy Myer, a morgue worker with a complicated past, finds himself at the heart of these eerie occurrences. His encounter with the ghost of Deacon Tibbs is just the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected turns. The peculiar incident involving Belky, a Molossus dog with an ancient lineage, further adds to the intricate plot.
The novel’s strength lies in its character development. From Jimmy’s complex persona to the enigmatic Vera Kay, each character is thoughtfully portrayed, adding depth to the story. The plot is a tapestry of interconnected stories and surprising twists, maintaining a gripping pace throughout.
Lyon’s talent for storytelling shines in his dialogue, which is sharp and engaging, keeping the reader completely absorbed. The novel not only delves into paranormal activities and ancient mysteries but also touches on the grimmer aspects of life, such as abuse and suffering, making it a well-rounded and captivating read.
The audiobook version of The Molossus of Old Man Moyer stands out for its excellent narration, which significantly elevates the story’s suspense and mystery. The narrator’s adept voice modulation and pacing vividly bring the characters to life. Their ability to capture the mood of each scene keeps the audience captivated. This rendition is ideal for those who appreciate the depth and atmosphere of storytelling, providing an immersive and enjoyable listening experience.
The Molossus of Old Man Moyer is a must-read for those who love a good thrill. This horror story takes readers into the supernatural realm, where darkness is only the beginning of its suspenseful journey. It’s an absorbing tale that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.
7 hours and 58 min | ASIN : B0CKFM5Y7C
LITERARY TITAN 