Blog Archives
While The Jury Waits
While The Jury Waits is a legal thriller with a pulsing heart and a flair for drama. It follows the story of Gio Rossi, a self-absorbed but magnetic defense attorney who gets tangled in the most personal case of his career, the murder trial of his lover, Nicoletta Bianchi. What starts as courtroom theatrics soon spirals into a deep web of secrets, manipulation, and unexpected twists that push Gio to the edge of both love and justice. Part courtroom drama, part psychological thriller, the story delves into the performance of law and the cost of wearing too many masks for too long.
What grabbed me right away was the voice of Gio Rossi. He’s unapologetically cocky, a peacock in a suit, strutting through the courtroom like it’s a runway. Chapter 1 sets the stage with cinematic flair, with his luxury car, his ego, the scent of his cologne filling up the office like he’s spraying his own myth into the air. It’s ridiculous, but it works. The writing here shines by leaning into Gio’s vanity without flinching. The books on his shelf? “Decorations.” The cases he handles? Mere “performances.” I was torn between wanting to punch him and cheer for him, which, to me, is the mark of a well-drawn character.
But it’s when his lover Nicky is arrested for murder that the tone shifts hard. Suddenly, the peacock becomes a hawk. Gio gets stripped down emotionally, and the writing reflects that. His overconfidence gives way to anxiety, even desperation. I appreciated this change because it gave depth to a character who could’ve stayed a caricature. Watching him unravel, especially in scenes where he second-guesses his own instincts or sits slumped in his office drinking whiskey, made him feel human. Messy, but human.
And then there’s the trial. The back-and-forth between Gio and the prosecution is absolutely electric. The courtroom scenes are paced fast and tight, with just enough flair to stay entertaining without losing the stakes. The moment when Gio brings in Agnes McAllister as a surprise witness is pure drama. I literally exhaled when she said, “I’ll testify, Mr. Rossi, but I have one condition.” I was leaning in. The gamble pays off, and the jury’s verdict feels earned. But even then, the book doesn’t let you relax. There’s a shadow of something darker still to come. The vibe shifts into an almost noir detective territory, complete with ominous symbols, late-night investigations, and masked stalkers.
Sometimes the writing leans a little heavy on the melodrama. People don’t just feel things, they feel them ferociously. There are a lot of poetic metaphors and long monologues that feel like stage lines more than thoughts. But I didn’t mind because it added to the theatrical energy that Gio thrives in. Readers seeking strict realism may find aspects of the narrative exaggerated, but those who approach it as a high-stakes legal drama infused with strong emotional depth will find it thoroughly compelling.
While The Jury Waits is for readers who love character-driven drama, courtroom mind games, and stories where love, ambition, and justice crash into each other like runaway trains. If you’re into shows like The Good Wife, Suits, or even How to Get Away with Murder, this is your book. It’s bold, messy, stylish, and absolutely impossible to put down.
Pages: 213 | ASIN : B0F4RRXKBN
The Killing Kind
The Killing Kind is a gritty, high-octane crime thriller that throws you headfirst into the darkest corners of humanity. Set in a bleak Australian city plagued by a string of grotesque abductions and murders, the story follows Detective Sergeant Paul Anderson, a worn-down, whiskey-soaked investigator trying to hold himself and the case together. When Catherine Elliott, a missing woman thought to be dead, reemerges traumatized but alive, a twisted network of abuse, trauma, and corruption begins to unravel. As Paul navigates his crumbling personal life and the mounting pressure from the public and media, the reader is dragged into a murky world where no one escapes clean.
The opening scene with Catherine crawling away from her captors was raw and horrifying. Hamilton doesn’t ease you in. He grabs you by the collar and throws you into it. The prose is punchy, blunt, and sometimes brutally descriptive. The prologue alone had me clenching my jaw. And while it can be over-the-top in its violence, there’s an authenticity in how the characters respond to their trauma. Paul, in particular, is a fascinating mess. His scenes with Billie—the young bar owner who offers him comfort, and then some, walk a strange line between vulnerable and morally muddy, and I couldn’t look away. The contrast between his broken-down soul and her unexpected tenderness made those scenes oddly tender and uncomfortable all at once.
Just when you’re in the thick of a serious plot twist, Hamilton slaps you with a sharp turn into explicit territory. Still, the character work redeems it. Sharon’s chapter, where she wakes up bruised, broken, and unsure of what happened the night before, was honestly one of the most harrowing depictions of domestic abuse I’ve read. And then there’s Danielle Wise, a detective digging through old social media records, who adds this whole layer of procedural nerdiness that I enjoyed. Her backstory with Bridget was refreshingly open and real, it gave me a break from all the pain without feeling like filler.
I recommend The Killing Kind. This book isn’t shy. It’s for people who can stomach the dark stuff and appreciate characters that feel real even when they’re doing ugly things. If you’re into thrillers that flirt with noir, crime procedurals with grit, and stories where the city feels like a character in itself, you’ll want this on your shelf.
Pages: 266 | ASIN : B0DZPFX5D9
The Tangled Mane
Charlie Tyler’s The Tangled Mane is a tangled web of mystery, trauma, and resilience, bouncing between two timelines to tell the interconnected stories of Mikey and Cally. Mikey’s childhood is one of neglect, hunger, and a deep, unwavering bond with his sister, Lucy. Their lives are spent navigating the bleak reality of Hazelton Towers, dreaming of escape, and finding solace in small kindnesses, a tattered copy of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, a stolen moment with a caged lion they call Aslan, or the rare indulgence of a cheap hotdog. In the present, Cally is an undercover investigator at an elite country club, caught up in a case of theft that takes a dark turn when a wealthy bride-to-be is found dead in her bathtub. As these two stories unfold, the past and present inch closer together, revealing long-buried secrets and shocking connections.
Mikey’s chapters, set in 2004, broke my heart. His voice is a mixture of innocence and desperation, a kid who finds magic in the smallest things while surviving a childhood no one should have to endure. Lucy, his older sister, is his rock and his protector, and their dynamic is beautifully written. Tyler doesn’t sugarcoat their reality, the grimy flat, the mother who cares more about drugs than her kids, the men who come and go. And then there’s Aslan, the lion in a cage, who mirrors Mikey’s own trapped existence. Every time Mikey sneaks him scraps of food or strokes his matted mane through the bars, I found myself hoping against hope that this boy would one day escape his own cage.
On the other hand, Cally’s chapters felt like stepping into a different world. If Mikey’s life is about survival, Cally’s is about intrigue. Her job at The Phoenix, a club catering to the rich and powerful, seems glamorous on the surface, but beneath the expensive champagne and designer suits, something sinister lurks. The death of Luella, the spoiled influencer-bride, is chilling, and Cally’s sharp, no-nonsense attitude makes her an engaging protagonist. I loved her banter with Dan, her detective fiancé, even when he annoyed her (which was often). And the little details like her regrettable pixie cut and her deep-seated love for hot chocolate made her feel like someone I could be friends with.
What ties this novel together is the way the past and present slowly converge. Tyler drops breadcrumbs throughout the story, each clue tightening the tension. By the time I started seeing how Mikey and Cally’s lives might be linked, I was flipping pages at lightning speed. And the final reveal? Gut-wrenching. The book makes you question how much of our past defines our future, how trauma shapes us, and whether escape is ever truly possible. It’s dark, yes, but it’s also about love, the love between siblings, the bonds we make in the unlikeliest places, and the quiet hope that even in the worst circumstances, there’s still a way out.
I’d recommend The Tangled Mane to anyone who loves a gripping mystery with deep emotional stakes. If you’re into crime thrillers with heart, this one’s for you. It’s not a light read, it hits hard and lingers long after the final page but that’s what makes it brilliant.
Pages: 274 | ASIN : B0DP1886LH
Passion for Technology
The Ransom Enigma follows a former model and her husband, who move to Magnolia Bluff only to discover a blackmail letter at their housewarming party, leading her husband to become the key suspect in a murder case. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The simple answer is having parties that didn’t go quite right. For example, have you ever planned a big event that seemed to grow legs and get out of control? Things like the wrong catered food, not enough ice, partying that lasted way too late, police asking for the music to be turned down, or neighbors mad because your friends parked on their lawn? With our passion for technology, we chose a ransom demand, and it took off from there.
With engaging and likable characters and plenty of action, readers will find it hard to put this book down. What scene in the book did you have the most fun writing?
That’s a tricky question. We crafted many scenes to create the right amount of suspense. Lily gets the attention of a handsome European gentleman when Jo realizes her comatose husband is accused of murder. Developing the criminal characters was fun, especially with so many bad guys to choose from. We think readers will love chasing all the threads. We aim to have all the scenes play together to deliver a satisfying story to the fans and new readers.
Can you tell us about a book or author that has greatly inspired your own work?
Rox loves the storytelling of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, which she considers high benchmarks. Charles is a lifelong fan of everything Kevin J. Anderson, with a special emphasis on the Dune books where he collaborated with Brian Herbert.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for the town of Magnolia Bluff and the direction of the next book?
Breakfield & Burkey signed up for our fourth season with the Underground Authors to deliver another cozy mystery. Our esteemed Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles colleagues each provide satisfying stand-alone mysteries with their unique flair. We hope your fans will enjoy the entire collection of excellent stories. Our target for August 2025 is called The Flight Enigma. Stay tuned.
Author Links: Charles Breakfield | Rox Burkey | Amazon
Emails are sent. Lily offers to provide all the side dishes to complement the barbeque. Chief Tommy Jager bartends until the last guest leaves. The teenagers act as servers. Guests dance outside until the wee hours. Toasts are made to honor JJ and Jo’s dearest friends. Max the Labrador will clean up the crumbs.
After the last guest departs, JJ finds a housewarming gift addressed to Jo. She excitedly opens it and gasps with dismay. Someone left behind not a present but a blackmail letter. Jo crumbles into tears, fearing they must sell and never return. Her outraged husband swears to kill the wretched blackmailer. Unfortunately, the Chief of Police cannot unhear the threat.Two days later, the police find JJ unconscious next to a dead man.
Who will help her navigate this investigation?
Who knows the blackmailer?
All the world’s problems rest on her shoulders as her greatest love lies in a coma.
With Full Intent
Jon Gaskins’ With Full Intent unfolds like a slow-burning bonfire in the heart of 1930s Virginia. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression, the novel begins with a chilling discovery of multiple murders on a plantation. The narrative hooks you immediately, transporting you to a time when law enforcement relied as much on intuition as emerging forensic science. The story explores the hunt for justice in a community torn by secrets and the lingering shadows of systemic inequality.
Gaskins doesn’t just describe the rolling fields or dusty roads; he places you there, with the smells of manure and tobacco leaves filling the air. The descriptions are sharp and raw, setting a stark contrast to the brutality of the crime at the heart of the story. The pacing, particularly in the first few chapters, builds tension effectively, even if some scenes linger longer than necessary. The characters are a standout feature, particularly Deputy Kendricks, who serves as a lens into the complexities of the investigation. His mix of naivety and determination brings authenticity, especially as he navigates not only the crime but also the entrenched prejudices of his environment. Floyd Williams, the black farmhand who discovers the bodies, is another compelling character. His role highlights the intersection of race and justice, especially poignant when he’s thrust into suspicion simply because of proximity to the victims. These dynamics made me empathize with Floyd, even as I winced at the systemic injustices he faced. Thematically, the book succeeds in exploring the fragility of trust and the consequences of greed. The depiction of the Cannon brothers’ wealth as both a shield and a target is particularly sharp. Scenes involving the safe—both as a physical object and a symbol of secrets—stood out as both metaphorical and plot-driving. The novel’s treatment of burgeoning forensic science is another highlight. Kendricks’ visit to the Bureau of Investigation’s lab was a fascinating window into early criminology, showcasing both the potential and the limitations of technology at the time.
With Full Intent is a gripping historical thriller that thrives on its evocative setting and layered characters. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy crime dramas with a strong sense of history and don’t mind a bit of narrative indulgence. It is a story that lingers, reminding us of the human cost of justice and the ever-present scars of history. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with moral complexity and atmospheric depth, this one’s for you.
Pages: 229 | ASIN : B0CZV272RY
The Ransom Enigma
Step into the vibrant world of Magnolia Bluff, Texas, and prepare for a gripping thriller in The Ransom Enigma, the latest offering by Breakfield and Burkey as part of The Magnolia Bluff Crime Chronicles. With a fresh twist and high stakes, this novel promises to keep readers on edge. Jo, a former top model from Brazil, seeks a quiet life after the chaos of her career. Instead, she’s thrust into a whirlwind of extortion and danger. Alongside her tech-savvy husband, JJ, she becomes entangled in a shadowy game of blackmail. Breakfield and Burkey masterfully develop Jo’s character, showcasing her emotional turmoil alongside her unyielding determination to protect her family and preserve their idyllic life—no matter the cost.
The supporting cast adds richness and complexity to the narrative. JJ’s sharp business acumen and protective instincts are skillfully portrayed, offering a striking balance to his grounded, empathetic nature. Joyce, a believable and dynamic local realtor, breathes life into the setting, while Brandon, a former New York detective, brings investigative prowess to unravel the mystery. These characters are vivid, relatable, and integral to the plot’s momentum. The story unfolds with unexpected twists that defy predictability. The authors expertly weave elements of cross-border crime, small-town intrigue, and advanced technology into a narrative that captivates from start to finish. Magnolia Bluff, with its vivid descriptions and lively spirit, feels tangible and immersive, a town brimming with secrets waiting to be unearthed. Breakfield and Burkey’s approachable writing style draws readers in, combining sharp dialogue, dynamic action, and evocative detail into a seamless reading experience. The tension mounts with every scene, compelling the reader to keep turning pages until the smartly crafted resolution.
The Ransom Enigma is a thrilling tale brimming with complex characters and high-octane action. Whether you’re visiting Magnolia Bluff for the first time or returning for another adventure, this novel adds depth and intrigue to the series. For readers seeking the perfect mix of suspense, vibrant characters, and unexpected turns, this story delivers in every way.
Pages: 262 | ASIN : B0CZLGZRHR
Twists and Turns
Muddy the Water follows a detective in pursuit of a suspected murderer who manages to reinvent himself as a reporter for a small-town newspaper in South Carolina. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
In 1997 Matt drove south from Virginia to Hilton Head, SC, to start a job as a reporter for a small newspaper called the Hilton Head Island Packet. That’s when he started thinking: what if he got bumped off and the guy who showed up for work the next day at The Packet was an impostor? After all, Matt had been hired over the phone. No one had any idea what he looked like. That kernel of an idea rattled around in Matt’s head for decades. He even sketched out the plot and wrote down character names. Abraham Mink was one of them. But it never went beyond that until February 2020, when he relayed the rough idea to Jessica during a family dinner. “Let’s write it together” she said, her eyes on fire. A few days later, Jessica had contacted a coroner from Jasper County, SC, to confirm that a dead body could, in fact, travel seventy-five miles downstream and make it largely intact to the ocean. With the coroner’s blessing, we were off!
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
As we mentioned, the kernel of the mystery occurred to Matt as he drove to his first job, but there were 30 more chapters to come up with. One day early in the pandemic, we both woke up before dawn, caffeinated ourselves thoroughly, and got on a Zoom together to map out the plot. On a whiteboard, we outlined about 20 chapters, which we hoped would be enough for a full novel. We found out after about six months of writing that the manuscript was a bit thin so we added a few more twists and turns to flesh it out.
What do you find is the hardest part about writing a mystery story; where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?
We find the hardest part of writing a mystery is laying the trail of hints that we leave for the readers. It has to be subtle enough not to give away the big reveal, but clear enough that the reader notices it. There also have to be carefully considered “red herrings” that also catch the readers’ attention and softly distract them from figuring out the ultimate ending. One of the good things about writing as a team is you can bounce those ideas back and forth to determine what will really work.
Can we look forward to more work from you soon? What are you currently working on?
Yes! Matt and Jessica are pleased to announce a sequel to Muddy the Water (whose title is yet to be determined) with many of the same characters, including Lillian Grimes, Ben Broome and Florence Park. It, too, will be grounded in facts with lots of believable twists and turns and a fantastic finale!
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website | Amazon
When a half-eaten body washes in, it becomes the biggest story in the paper’s history and brings cunning, charismatic Ben immediate success. But it also leads Grimes closer to the truth. She soon teams up with hungry rival reporter Florence Park to hunt Ben down before he can charm-or kill-his way to freedom.
Shown from three perspectives, killer, detective, and reporter, Muddy the Water brings readers inside the newsroom of a struggling small newspaper on the bucolic South Carolina coast and speaks to the concept of identity-and whether anyone ever shows his or her true self.
A Hush at Midnight
In A Hush at Midnight, Marlene M. Bell crafts a fast-paced and suspenseful murder mystery that plunges celebrity chef Laura Harris into a nightmare. Accused of the brutal murder of her confidant and mentor, Hattie Stenburg, Laura finds her life spiraling out of control. The headlines splash her name and the accusation everywhere, and the question haunts us: how could someone like Laura, admired and celebrated for her culinary genius, end up at the center of such a dark scandal? As everything around her unravels, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
Laura Harris is a powerhouse of resilience. Her journey through false accusations and the fight to clear her name is inspiring. Despite the crushing weight of public scrutiny, she pushes forward, showing incredible strength and determination. I found myself rooting for her at every turn. Laura emerges from her ordeal not just stronger but transformed, and it is impossible not to admire her grit. She quickly became my favorite character, a testament to Bell’s skill in crafting a compelling and relatable heroine. The plot had me hooked from the very start. Every twist and revelation pulled me deeper, refusing to let go. I couldn’t help but keep turning the pages, desperate to piece together the mystery. Bell’s narrative keeps the suspense high and the action relentless, making the book nearly impossible to put down. As I read, the story’s rhythm kept me constantly engaged. The way the tension built and unfolded made for an utterly consuming reading experience. But it’s not just the plot that stands out. Bell’s writing style is another highlight. She writes with a vivid and immersive quality that brings every scene to life. Her descriptions are rich and detailed, making the atmosphere almost tangible. As someone who deeply appreciates the craft of writing, I was impressed by her ability to paint such a vivid picture with words. Her prose pulls you right into Laura’s world, and it’s clear that Bell has a gift for creating a setting that feels as real as the characters.
Marlene M. Bell proves herself to be an exceptional novelist. Her storytelling captivates, her characters resonate, and her writing elevates the entire book. I highly recommend A Hush at Midnight to anyone searching for a gripping, well-written mystery. If you’re a fan of thrilling plots and strong, enduring protagonists, this novel will not disappoint. Bell has crafted a story that stays with you long after the final page.
Pages: 303 | ASIN : B0DFWW9GWF
LITERARY TITAN 