Blog Archives
SABOTAGE
Dave McKeon’s Sabotage is a high-stakes thriller that plunges readers into a world of crime, deception, and hidden identities. The story follows Lou Gault, a former elite soldier turned peaceful resort owner, and Santino Varni, a ruthless crime lord with an alter ego, Luigi Secondo. As Varni seeks refuge in Gault’s remote fishing lodge, tension builds when he tries to buy the land for mysterious reasons. Meanwhile, a brutal murder in Boston signals that Varni’s world of corruption is far from dormant. As these two worlds inch closer to collision, Gault finds himself caught in a dangerous game of power, one that threatens his land, his family, and his life.
McKeon does a fantastic job crafting an intense atmosphere right from the first chapter. The opening scene, where an assassin methodically kills a prosecutor in a parking garage, sets a chilling tone. The detail in this sequence is gripping. The way Popeye, the hitman, relishes the kill, even taking the victim’s Italian leather shoes as a prize, immediately tells us what kind of people we’re dealing with. The book throws you straight into the fire and keeps the heat cranked up.
One of the strongest elements of Sabotage is the contrast between Lou Gault and Santino Varni. Lou is a man of integrity, a protector of the land, and someone who values the simplicity of his life. Varni, on the other hand, is a man who bends reality to his will, eliminating obstacles without a second thought. The scenes where Varni pressures Gault to sell the resort are thick with tension. You can almost hear the underlying threat behind his words, even as he tries to frame the offer as generous. When Gault repeatedly refuses, you just know things are going to get ugly.
The duality of Santino Varni, or rather his dissociative identity disorder, is one of the book’s more fascinating aspects. By day, he plays the role of Luigi Secondo, a charming, well-mannered guest who befriends the lodge’s residents. But at night, the voice of the real Varni creeps into his thoughts, reminding him who he truly is. This internal struggle adds an extra layer to the villain, making him more than just a standard crime boss. At times, I even felt a sliver of sympathy for Luigi, who seems to want to break free from the monster that created him. But then Varni reasserts himself, and the sympathy vanishes as quickly as it appeared.
The book builds to an explosive conclusion, and while I won’t spoil the details, I will say that the slow-burn tension pays off. McKeon lets the danger simmer, letting readers feel the growing sense of inevitability before delivering a hard-hitting climax.
I’d recommend Sabotage to fans of crime thrillers, especially those who enjoy stories with moral dilemmas, intense action, and psychological depth. If you like books where every interaction feels like a potential standoff, this one’s for you. McKeon keeps the stakes high, the characters compelling, and the pages turning.
Pages: 452 | ASIN : B0D9ZWHPXQ
Decay
Andrew Kibe’s Decay plunges readers into a nightmarish, high-stakes experiment that questions the boundaries of human endurance and morality. The story begins with Sam Williams waking up in a mysterious steel room, disoriented and desperate for answers. He and a diverse group of strangers are thrust into a deadly game where survival hinges on their ability to navigate escalating trials filled with horrifying threats, including zombified creatures and brutal ethical dilemmas. Each step in the experiment pushes them closer to their physical and psychological limits while revealing unsettling truths about their captors and themselves.
Kibe’s writing is immersive and visceral, pulling no punches in its depiction of terror and chaos. The opening chapter hooked me instantly; the claustrophobic imagery of Sam’s initial confinement was so vivid that I could almost feel the cold steel walls closing in. Kibe excels in creating tension, whether through eerie silences or the grotesque, blood-soaked battles against the zombified enemies. For instance, the description of the first encounter with a zombie was so graphic and intense that I could practically hear the crunching bones and taste the metallic tang of blood in the air. Yet, amidst the gore, Kibe threads a moving narrative about familial love, as Sam’s quest is deeply rooted in his longing to reunite with his sister.
While the action sequences are gripping, the character dynamics elevate the story further. Sam’s reluctant heroism contrasts with Leon’s hardened pragmatism and Walter’s paranoid conspiracy theories, creating friction that feels raw and believable. The inclusion of Kelly, a ten-year-old girl, adds a heartbreaking layer to the stakes. Watching her try to navigate this hellish reality alongside her protective mother, Heather, and then seeing her resilience after her mother’s tragic death, was both gut-wrenching and inspiring. Kibe’s ability to capture human vulnerability amidst monstrous chaos is commendable.
One aspect that stood out was the philosophical undertone running through the narrative. As the group progresses through the trials, they’re forced to confront not only external threats but also their moral boundaries. In one chilling moment, Leon’s assertion that they must kill to survive raises uncomfortable questions about humanity’s instinctual drive for self-preservation versus its capacity for compassion. Similarly, Sam’s internal struggle weighing his promise to protect Kelly against his own desire to find his sister adds depth to his character and keeps readers emotionally invested.
Decay is a gripping blend of survival horror and psychological drama. Andrew Kibe’s prose is sharp, his pacing relentless, and his world-building immersive. The book is perfect for fans of dystopian thrillers like The Hunger Games or survival horror stories such as The Walking Dead. If you enjoy exploring the darker corners of human nature under extreme circumstances, this book is a must-read. But fair warning: it’s not for the faint-hearted; brace yourself for a bloody, emotionally charged ride that will linger with you long after you’ve turned the final page.
Pages: 233 | ASIN : B0CPQWXW5W
A Perilous, Twisty Road Trip
Outlaw follows an ex-con who, when released from prison, joins forces with his former captain to take down a ruthless tycoon responsible for the devastating fires across California. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I spoke with a number of real-life ex-cons about their journey from incarceration and back into society. Their challenges, their setbacks, and how it felt. I delved into where Mason was emotionally at the end of Book 1, Fireline, and built on the characters and conflicts of Fireline to craft the most authentic and thrilling continuation possible.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
In Outlaw, Mason is a man obsessed with finding a way to do something so undeniably good that it will “clean the slate” and free him from his past—even if it kills him. He is goaded along this path by former CalFire captain Mark Hallenbeck, who suffers from a disability for which Mason is responsible. Taking the role of the angel on his shoulder is Mason’s estranged mother, who seeks to make up for neglecting Mason because of her meth addiction.
Each main character in the book is reckoning with guilt (a healthy emotion) and/or shame (an unhealthy one) in some way—and each has something to learn from one another. All while trying to survive a perilous, twisty road trip.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I try to make sure that every beat in an action scene has stakes—something or someone that can be gained or lost—and that what’s happening is clear. It’s easy to get carried away if you love action, which I do, so I always try to come back to those goals.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I’m still figuring that out, actually. I think the next book will combine elements from Mason’s journey so far, like hazardous first responder situations and the bad actors who take advantage of these situations, while also exploring something new and different. It will continue Mason’s journey of figuring out how to live with himself—and how to just live. He’s come a long way from the guy who went along with his brother’s criminal ways, and he still has a lot of room to grow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Resourceful ex-con Mason “Mace” Jones will be damned if he lets Marshall get away with it.
Blacklisted from wildland firefighting, Mace’s last shot at redemption lies in finding a murderous fugitive who can expose Marshall’s deadly conspiracy.
But when he embarks on this perilous journey into California’s backcountry, Mace becomes a fugitive himself and must face assassins, renegade cops, and shadows from the past.
Can Mace survive this treacherous path, or will the flames of his past consume him?
A heart-pounding thriller, Outlaw will leave you breathless. With fierce action and searing depth of feeling, there’s never been a more riveting exploration of reckoning and forgiveness.
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Outlaw
Outlaw, the second installment in Anthony DeCapite’s Mason Jones thriller series, weaves a gripping tale of redemption, danger, and the enduring scars of one’s past. Eight months after his release from prison, Mason Jones is determined to rebuild his life, but his mission is far from straightforward. Haunted by choices made while serving on a prison fire crew—particularly his impersonation of a professional firefighter to avenge his brother’s death—Mason finds himself grappling with the consequences of his actions. To atone, he reluctantly joins forces with the former captain of the prison fire crew, targeting Erik Marshall, a ruthless tycoon responsible for devastating fires across California. As Marshall’s corrupt influence extends even into law enforcement, Mason’s quest for redemption becomes a perilous journey fraught with betrayal, danger, and the constant risk of losing everything he holds dear.
DeCapite masterfully balances high-octane entertainment with thoughtful exploration of complex themes. The novel delves into the nuances of redemption, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for Mason’s redemption arc. The narrative launches straight into action, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the harrowing action sequences and the quieter, introspective moments. DeCapite’s descriptions of the adrenaline-fueled confrontations immerse readers without overwhelming them, making every scene pulse with energy and tension. One of the novel’s standout qualities is its climactic payoff. While many thrillers stumble with lackluster endings, Outlaw delivers a finale brimming with suspense, emotion, and cinematic intensity—worthy of comparison to the best in the genre. The well-executed plot twists add a jolt of surprise and elevate the story’s entertainment value, ensuring readers remain engaged and on edge.
Outlaw is a riveting blend of action and reflection, offering not only an exhilarating read but also a meaningful look at the complexities of redemption. A must-read for thriller enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling, thought-provoking escape.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DMKY37B3
Pull Back the Curtain
Bad Pharma centers around a pharmaceutical professional and a medical monitor navigating the consequences of Big Pharma prioritizing of profits over patient safety. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Bad Pharma is based on real-life experiences witnessed by me and other colleagues that were then embellished to make for an exciting reader experience. The basic premise of the novel – that a pharma company could decide not to give those infants who received their failed experimental vaccine a dose of the licensed vaccine shown to prevent the given disease – actually happened, and was likely the most disheartening experience of my pharma career.
What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?
My father was a very intelligent man, who did not harness his intellect to achieve career success and financial comfort. Watching him struggle due to poor decisions made during the college years made me extremely motivated to make the most out of any talent that I had. I was driven to make a difference with my life and chose a career in medicine as the best way to do that.
This is such a timely topic. What kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the essence of the story’s theme?
As the basis of this story are events that occurred in real life, it was very easy to craft the story in a way that was realistic. Many of the scenes in the book were scenes that I lived.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
This novel was my primary passion, as I wanted to pull back the curtain and educate the public on how Big Pharma makes decisions that may impact their lives. The book took four years to put together – mainly because writing is “not my day job.” I am therefore unsure I will write another one soon. I have considered a few topics, though. One would be an expose on the population of individuals who are hooked on gambling as a “Hail Mary” to transform their lives. I am interested in interviewing many of these individuals, understanding their motives, and getting a sense of how realistic or unrealistic their goals are. The title of the book would likely be called “Crapped Out.”
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
When Siddhartha Kumar, OPL’s lead medical monitor assigned to the trial, discovers that RSVIX is not performing as planned, he notifies his superiors, recommending they stop the trial and offer a dose of RESPIRWELL to all the study participants to ensure their protection. When the company refuses to inoculate the trial population with the licensed vaccine, Sid questions the ethics behind this decision while continuing to advocate for the safety of the children. Sid’s insistence leads to his dismissal, leaving like-minded others in the company scrambling to fill the void.
Inspired by a true story, Bad Pharma delves into the consequential issues surrounding drug development, which often puts science and business at odds, and asks the ultimate question: when is the risk not worth the reward?
The Cadieux Murders
The Cadieux Murders, by R.J. Koreto, offers a riveting historical mystery wrapped in family secrets and architectural intrigue. At its heart is Wren Fontaine, a meticulous architect hired to renovate the enigmatic Cadieux House. This alluring mansion, steeped in history, was built in the 19th century by Marius Cadieux as a grand gift for Rebecca Blaine. But its charm hides a shadowy past. The unsolved murder of Rebecca’s husband, Dennis, in 1955 still lingers in the air, with whispers of an affair between Cadieux and Rebecca casting further doubt. Wren’s renovation work becomes a journey into this unresolved mystery, complicated by fresh deaths that seem inextricably linked to the house’s troubled history.
The novel masterfully weaves its historical threads with the present, delivering a story as layered as the mansion itself. Wren Fontaine, a socially awkward yet fiercely dedicated architect, shines as the protagonist. Her relationship with her father, Ezra, adds tension; he disapproves of any changes she might impose on his mentor’s creation. Yet, Wren’s journey isn’t solely about uncovering the truth of the house—it’s about discovering her own capacity for connection. Her relationship with Hadley offers her the emotional grounding necessary to navigate the tangled web of human stories tied to the Cadieux House.
Koreto’s meticulous attention to detail brings the Cadieux House to life. Its grandeur and mystery pulse through every page. The deeper Wren digs, the more elusive the truth becomes, as few who once lived in the house remain alive to tell their stories. New deaths add urgency, forcing her to confront a chilling possibility: the house itself may hold the answers to a mystery buried for decades. Koreto’s storytelling balances suspense with heart, immersing the reader in a world where architecture and human emotion intersect.
For lovers of historical mysteries, R.J. Koreto’s The Cadieux Murders delivers in spades. It is a tale of suspense, intricate plot twists, and the secrets that haunt both homes and the people tied to them. With its compelling narrative and haunting atmosphere, this book is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the interplay of history, murder, and the enduring pull of forgotten stories.
Pages: 285 | ASIN : B0DGRTWSBG
Childhood Memories
Surf and Sand follows an adventurous twelve-year-old girl living in a seaside hotel with her mother and brother, who helps a detective to solve a missing person’s case, which is similar to a case in which he worked at the hotel before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I used my childhood memories of the old Hermosa Biltmore Hotel for inspiration. I was 13 or 14 years old, and my mother often booked a room for weekends during the summer of ’58 and ’59. While the adults visited a nearby casino in the evenings, my pals and I explored the old hotel’s dark hallways and basement for hours. Plus, they rented surfboards on the strand outside. So, my novel is based upon childhood memories and not so much on any research, although it was in fact called the Surf and Sand when it was built.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
Organically. Mary Nell Morgan is 11 years old, sitting on the roof of the hotel, watching her brother and his friends surf, I was listening to her, and I suppose the mystery was something she needed because it kind of popped into my head.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
While reminiscing with my oldest friend one evening, he asked if I remembered our visits to the old hotel, and then suggested I write a story “where they find a body in the swimming pool!” Thanks, Fred!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Hypnotized should be published by summer, 2025. I am still working on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | The Independent Author Network | Amazon
Originally published in 2019, the author thoroughly revised this work in 2023.
Dual Tracks of Cruelty
Gaviota Island: Birds, Monkeys, and Twisted Love follows a bird enthusiast who falls in love with a hunter and moves to Panama with him, only to discover it is not the happily ever after she hoped for. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Personal experience. All of us know individuals who attach themselves emotionally to other persons who in one way or another are toxic for them. One of these tropes is “opposites attract.” But many of the oppressed/suppressed personalities don’t break free of their relationships except under exceptional duress. This is the setup of the story.
I found Laura to be a very well-written and in-depth character. What was your inspiration for her emotional turmoil throughout the story?
Laura is easy to visualize as she contends with the forceful character of her boyfriend, Bret. She is sufficiently captured by him so as not to run away, even if she is repulsed by his hunting and his treatment of her in bed. Weighing the positive and the negative, she chooses the positive — until the breaking point at the end.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
This book is about dual tracks of cruelty. The first track is the violence of shooting wild animals. Running in parallel is the track about Bret’s abuse of Laura. Laura ends both with a single action.
So was it wrong of her? Or right? That is the question I’d like readers to think about.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?
Not saying.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
Laura Whitley is 22 years old. She meets Bret Belcher at the University of Texas – an unexpected pairing of a bird enthusiast and a passionate hunter. Laura admires Bret’s confidence, ambition, and charm. But she grapples with his unwavering passion for guns and hunting.
As university graduation looms, Laura’s distress intensifies because she has no plans for what she’ll do when she finishes. The Belchers will dispatch Bret to Panama to oversee the family’s property business there. This could be Laura’s pivotal moment to break up with him. But against her parents’ advice, she follows him to Panama in hopes of remaking their lives together.
In Panama, Laura befriends a young biologist who discovers a rare population of monkeys on Gaviota, an uninhabited island meant for Bret’s real estate venture. The discovery is a threat to Bret’s plans.
Bret’s violent solution to the monkey problem and his betrayal with another woman push Laura to the edge. Horrified and desperate, Laura takes drastic measures.
Discover the gripping tale that blurs the lines between right and wrong, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
LITERARY TITAN 