Blog Archives
The Real King of Miami
Eric Sande’s The Real King of Miami offers a gripping dive into the world of crime through the eyes of Ray “Li’l Ray” Thompson, who recounts his story from Death Row at Zephyrhills Correctional Institution in Pasco County, Florida. This true crime novel stands out for its unique perspective, as it is largely based on interviews between the author and Thompson. Instead of an analytical recounting of facts, Sande delivers a narrative that reads like an intense thriller akin to Scarface or Narcos.
The prologue hooks readers immediately with the climactic murder of Jimmy Savoy, one of Ray’s employees who had betrayed him by stealing a substantial amount of money. From there, the narrative rewinds to delve into the author’s fascination with Li’l Ray, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of Ray’s operations in the marijuana smuggling world. The story, though dense with characters, ultimately centers on the critical event aboard the boat where Jimmy was killed. This book is not for the faint of heart. Its pages are laden with expletives, adding a raw and authentic feel to the storytelling. For readers who can overlook the language, these elements contribute significantly to the book’s realism and immersive quality. The narrative is so compelling that many readers might find themselves finishing the book in one sitting.
The Real King of Miami is a must-read for true crime enthusiasts looking to break away from dry, report-like accounts. Sande’s book offers a shorter yet equally hard-hitting experience, making it a standout addition to any true crime fan’s reading list.
Pages: 164 | ASIN : B0BMPDC4DH
The Mountain Mystic
In Russell W. Johnson’s gripping murder mystery, The Mountain Mystic, Sheriff Marybeth Cain, the county’s inaugural female sheriff and successor to her late husband, grapples with the unresolved disappearance of family friend Maria Ruiz—a case that predates her tenure. The saga deepens when, against better judgment, she consults a psychic, leading to revelations that challenge her to veer off the traditional investigative path and risk her career for the sake of truth.
As the second installment in the Mountaineers Mystery series, this novel captivates with its intense narrative and complex protagonist. Marybeth is portrayed as both fearless and flawed, a combination that adds layers to her character and keeps readers engaged. Her dynamic with her deputy injects a lighter tone into the otherwise somber storyline, balancing the gravity of their investigations with moments of camaraderie. Johnson’s talent shines through in his ability to develop tangible characters and craft a tight plot peppered with unexpected twists.
The Mountain Mystic moves at a brisk pace, interweaving suspenseful detective work with profound character studies. This blend of action and introspection ensures that the narrative is as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. With its sophisticated plot twists, richly drawn characters, and vivid setting, this book will appeal to enthusiasts of the mystery genre looking for a story that both entertains and challenges.
The Mountain Mystic delivers a compelling mix of suspense and depth, making it a standout addition to the Mountaineers Mystery series. Johnson’s adept storytelling not only entertains but also invites readers to ponder the complexities of justice and truth. This novel is a must-read for those who appreciate a mystery that offers both intellectual engagement and heart-pounding moments.
Pages: 297 | ASIN : B0D1YW857L
Trauma, Resilience, and Humanity
Baby Girl Jones follows a dedicated woman detective who is investigating the mysterious death of a woman found with a note about an abandoned baby girl from years ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Book One, The Billionaire’s List, I introduced a couple of these characters. When I started to write the sequel, which the readers were expecting, I realized I had to go back in time to answer, “How did they get here” before I could move forward with the story. Much like Star Wars, I wrote a Book Two PREquel. I wanted to know these characters better too. The set-up was to show how lives can become intertwined.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of identity, psychology, trauma, resilience, and humanity. As you stated in your review, the world is complex, and so is this story. But fiction is sometimes the gentlest way we can approach and reflect on some of that complexity.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story that takes place after The Billionaire’s List? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! I plan to write Book Three, which will be the sequel to The Billionaire’s List, and close the story completely. Baby Girl Jones is dark. But you need darkness to understand the light.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A baby is born.
Years later, a woman dies.
When a drug-addicted, middle-aged woman is found deceased next to a scrawled note mentioning an abandoned baby girl from decades earlier, Detective Claire Miller must figure out how and why the woman died. Was it a guilty conscience? Or murder? And who was this baby?
The investigation takes Claire through the red tape of the state foster care system. As her journey uncovers more leads, will she determine the cause of death and find the missing infant—now an adult?
A chilling tale comprising three female voices: two harboring traumatic childhoods and a third searching for truth.
Foxholes
Foxholes, by Travis B. Tougaw, is a unique blend of military fiction and legal thriller, set against the backdrop of Denver in 2022. The novel follows Vince Marcotte, a former airman now working as a paralegal, who is haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan in 2007.
Tougaw skillfully weaves Vince’s past and present, creating a narrative that oscillates between his military life and civilian existence. The author’s writing style is both detailed and evocative, painting vivid scenes of military operations and everyday legal work. Vince Marcotte is developed with depth and nuance, capturing the struggles of a veteran adapting to civilian life while coping with the aftermath of war. Tougaw’s exploration of Vince’s internal conflicts and his investigation into a former military colleague’s dubious past are particularly gripping.
Throughout the book, themes of camaraderie, trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity. Tougaw’s portrayal of the psychological impact of war is poignant and resonates with authenticity. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own pasts and their present challenges, making the narrative rich and multifaceted. The book excels in blending the elements of a legal thriller with military fiction, offering a unique insight into the life of a veteran turned legal professional.
Tougaw’s ability to describe scenes vividly and develop characters comprehensively makes Foxholes a notable and thought-provoking read. This book is recommended to readers interested in stories that delve into the personal struggles of veterans and the moral complexities they face in the aftermath of their service.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0CG6SZRTX
Heinous Events of the Crime
Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye follows a lawyer in 1870 France who is tasked with defending an accused murderer in a high-profile political show trial. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
As with many extraordinary events in history, true life can be stranger than fiction. I
stumbled upon the story of the mob murder in Hautefaye as I was doing other research on the same area of France. As I delved further, I came across Louis Mie, the real-life lawyer who defended multiple accused, though I chose to focus on only one of his clients, Leonard Piarrouty. It was in researching Louis Mie and reading some of his own writings that the inspiration took hold to not only cover the tragic and drastic event itself but to focus the story on this intriguing real person. I wanted the trial to anchor the progression of the main plot, but I knew readers would need more to fill in the context of the characters and the events. After all, the Franco-Prussian war and Napoleon III aren’t frequent topics in historical fiction. As the readers deepened their knowledge about the heinous events of the crime, I wanted them to deepen their emotional understanding of Louis and his world in parallel. I, therefore, decided to intersperse flashbacks from multiple points of view to fill in the world and its colors around him.
Louis struggles with a rocky marriage and advancing his career while navigating a case where the truth could be deadly. What were some driving ideals behind your character’s development?
What struck me initially about Louis was his idealism that he retained despite his many years of practicing law, the nearly two decades under Emperor Napoleon III’s government that he was opposed to, and his personal hardships. His writings were so passionately devoted to the principles of a republic, to equality and social justice, even when he could have become more tempered, complacent, or even cynical. I knew I needed to make sure his character retained that fire and commitment to his ideals, but I also spent a lot of time reflecting on how one can go through life so unbent and uncompromising in one’s views. Does it mean that he must have had blinders on in other areas? How difficult must it have been to live in a world of gray turmoil when he saw things so black and white? These qualities may have been both a strength and a flaw and I leaned into that as I put together the facts of what happened as well as what I conjectured he might have been like.
What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
I love the research part, so I could go on about this for a while. Once I understood the broad strokes of the event and time period, I tried to immerse myself in primary and secondary sources. My most important primary sources were the newspapers covering the trial at that time, as well as Louis Mie’s own writings and his family-related documents that the Departmental Archives in Dordogne were so helpful in providing for my research. Georges Marbeck is also a preeminent source on this event and put together a book of primary source examples from the event, in addition to his excellent book on the topic. I was even able to use a copy of the original crime scene map as my guide when I visited Hautefaye in person and traced the steps of the event. Visiting the locations was also key for me. I had many other secondary sources about the Third Republic, Napoleon III, and even the Périgord region under the Second Empire, but it would take up way too much space to talk about all of these great resources as well.
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
The next book will pick up where Louis Mie and the Trial of Hautefaye leaves off, but this time with Vincent as the protagonist as he navigates the dangerous and devastating events of the Paris Commune, covering February to May 1871. Louis Mie will also be making appearances in this next book. In addition, I’ve started working on a book that will focus on Louis’ wife, Anne Mie, and her transition from her youth in India where she was orphaned, and eventual move to France and meeting Louis Mie. Chronologically, it would be more of a prequel, though I see all of these as interconnected standalones. As I’ve been working on both, I’m hoping to release one later in 2024 and the other fairly soon after that.
Author Links: Goodreads | Amazon
France, 1870. A frenzied mob brutally murders a man they believe to be a Prussian spy and a threat to the cult of Emperor Napoleon III. Louis Mie, a republican lawyer, finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue and moral dilemmas when he is tasked with defending one of the murderers: a political show trial that could send his career to new heights.
But as Louis delves deeper into the high-profile case, he quickly realizes that defending the enigmatic Leonard Piarrouty is far more complex than he ever imagined. And now his entire life is about to fall apart as his obsession with his work takes his strained marriage to the brink of collapse.
In a gripping race against time, Louis must confront the blurred lines between justice, loyalty, and the pursuit of power, risking everything to unearth the truth: secrets that ruthless men will kill to protect.
Will Louis be able to save his client… or his own family?
This evocative historical novel, based on true events, holds the answers…
Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased
In Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased, author Steve Zimcosky presents a gripping narrative that masterfully blends the elements of a mystery thriller with a touch of the supernatural. The story unfolds with Detective Dean awakening from a coma, caused by an incident involving a truck six months earlier. Dean’s memory of his life prior to the accident is fragmented, leaving him to piece together his past while grappling with intense and haunting recurring nightmares.
A compelling twist in the tale occurs when Dean, alone in his hospital room, notices a mysterious figure at his bedside — a figure invisible to others. Seeking understanding, he turns to Francine, a psychic, who reveals that Dean’s near-fatal accident has unexpectedly heightened his sensitivity to the supernatural. Through Francine’s guidance, Dean learns that the apparition is Sammy, a man Dean had relentlessly pursued in his law enforcement career before Sammy’s untimely death. The plot takes a fascinating turn as the hunter and hunted form an unlikely alliance, seeking to solve the twin mysteries of Dean’s attempted murder and Sammy’s death.
Zimcosky’s narrative style is exceptionally immersive, drawing the reader into each scene with richly detailed descriptions. The story’s uniqueness lies in its blend of genres, offering a fresh take on the murder mystery by incorporating elements of the supernatural. The dynamic between the living Detective Dean and the spectral Sammy adds a layer of depth to the storyline, exploring themes of redemption, closure, and the unresolved threads of a life abruptly ended. The portrayal of Sammy’s emotional journey, as he revisits significant locations from his life, is handled with sensitivity and depth. Zimcosky skillfully evokes empathy for Sammy, allowing readers to viscerally experience his turmoil and longing for resolution.
This novel deserves high praise for its inventive plot and Zimcosky’s keen attention to detail. His ability to create vivid, engaging scenes makes the book a compelling read. I recommend Cameron Dean P. I. to the Deceased to anyone seeking a mystery that ventures beyond the conventional, offering a unique and thought-provoking experience. Zimcosky’s talent for weaving intricate narratives is evident, making this book a standout in its genre.
Pages: 158 | ASIN : B0CKVJ9HXY
LITERARY TITAN 