Blog Archives
Hero Journey
Malanoche’s Curse follows two teenage sleuths who investigate a devastating drought and eerie supernatural events, and wind up uncovering an ancient curse threatening their Texas hometown. How does this installment in the series build upon the characters, relationships, and adventures established in the earlier Arthur and Marya mysteries?
I think that from the very beginning my intent was that the Arthur and Marya mysteries would be a trilogy. The events and key characters in the first book reappear in the second, and now the third. This is really one story told in three parts. In a sense, I think, it is Arthur and Marya’s hero journey.
How did you develop the supernatural forces at the center of your story, and what inspired their connection to the town’s history?
I knew from the beginning of this process that these kids were going to have to face some adversity. That’s what a hero journey is about. And not just ordinary adversity, because I also knew that their adversity would involve magic and would place them squarely in the timeless battle between good and evil. Even though they don’t understand it at first, they have been chosen to do some pretty amazing things in the name of “good,” while their adversaries tend to be people or creatures who are at least imbued with all sorts of magical qualities and abilities.
As for their connection to Coronado Springs, several factors come into play. First, I knew before I started that the story would be set in my favorite part of Texas. But beyond that, because magical events are featured so prominently in the story, I figured that the city itself should have a role to play. Thus, Dr. Chomsky reminds the kids that many worlds exist beyond the one we can see and feel. Sometimes, those worlds intersect our world at a particular, special place, and Coronado Springs is one of those special places. He also reminds them that only special people can experience that intersection, and they, Arthur and Marya, are among those special people.
How does Malanoche’s Curse explore how historical events and traditions can continue to influence the present?
Well, that’s really at the core of the story because it was an event that occurred in 1890 that set the entire story in motion. The event was the cruel treatment of a native American family by the white people in Coronado Springs. It was an event that some never forgot, and an event that stoked an ongoing desire for revenge. As William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.”
What do you hope readers take away from the story’s emphasis on courage, curiosity, and questioning appearances?
That’s a good question because it goes to one of the things I hoped to achieve in all three of these books: encouraging the young reader to look around, to be aware of the magic all around him. That, of course, is easier said than done, but it was very much in the forefront of my mind as I was writing. In fact, it was probably the primary motivating force behind the trilogy. I wrote the first book for my Grandson on his ninth birthday, and I knew from the beginning that what I hoped to impart to him was that magic does exist, but one must be open to it.
The Area Could Use A Good Murder
A Child’s Guillotine follows a Tennessee detective in 1982 who is investigating a young girl’s murder that is connected to a Croatian immigrant and horrors from WWII. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’ve long felt that WWII was a worldwide trauma that has left its mark well into the 21st century. People don’t talk about it, but those who experienced its horror will never forget. Unfortunately, there are very few of those people left and the rest of us need to be reminded that this is what can happen if we let our guard down. Croatia and the Balkan states were a theater of the war that has still not been fully analyzed or understood. The hatred goes back centuries, and no one knows why. I lived in Tennessee for a year and it’s a very beautiful and peaceful place. I thought the area could use a good murder.
What interested you about exploring the ways historical atrocities can influence individuals and communities decades after the original events?
What are we but for our history? We all scurry like rats hiding our secrets and our pasts, but when we admit to the worst of our past, we become more strongly committed to change, where cruelty and violence might just become a thing of the past.
How does Morris’s struggle with alcohol and personal regret contribute to his character development throughout the investigation?
Morris is your typical tough guy with a heart. His character evolved as I wrote. I realized that if I had seen what he saw in Detroit, I’d be drinking up a storm. I tried to make his character less stereotypical and more human. His city lifestyle smashing up against good country folk was my attempt at humor, and I do believe it helped round out his character. I didn’t want to minimize his struggle. Too many stories or movies have a heavy drinker who quits, wins a big victory, and then has a drink to celebrate. That’s not how it works.
What were the greatest challenges of balancing the novel’s murder mystery with its extensive historical and psychological themes?
I didn’t really think of this as a murder mystery until about halfway through writing it. When I realized I had created a whodunit, I knew I needed a twist, so I came up with the commandant of the concentration camp, which was exactly what I wanted to write about in the first place. “Who are these people?” “How could they do such a thing?” These are the questions I wanted readers to ask. The challenge is in making ethical self-examination entertaining. If I succeeded in doing that, then I have done a good thing.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award
Celebrating the brilliance of outstanding authors who have captivated us with their skillful prose, engaging narratives, and compelling real and imagined characters. We recognize books that stand out for their innovative storytelling and insightful exploration of truth and fiction. Join us in honoring the dedication and skill of these remarkable authors as we celebrate the diverse and rich worlds they’ve brought to life, whether through the realm of imagination or the lens of reality.
Award Recipients
F F F by Al X. Griz
Pixie by Nightdancer Slater
Ada, Old and New: A Brother-Sister Tale by Madeleine Van Hecke
A Child’s Guillotine by Daniel Klein
The Restoration of Man-A Journey to Healing, Identity and God-Anchored Masculinity by Eli Brackenbury
The STEWARD Blueprint: A Compass for a Purposeful Life by Andy Tseng
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Taken
Abby Farnsworth’s Taken is an emotional blend of paranormal suspense, romance, and family drama that takes the familiar idea of monster hunting and brings it into a surprisingly domestic setting. The story follows Annie, a young wife and mother living in a secluded cabin in Appalachia with her husband, Jace, their infant daughter, Bella, and Jace’s older brother, Blake. On the surface, their days are filled with baking, gardening, raising a baby, and enjoying the quiet comforts of country living. But Jace and Blake have a dangerous family legacy. They’re hunters who track down supernatural creatures for powerful people who prefer to keep their existence secret. Annie has accepted this unusual arrangement, even though she’s kept largely in the dark about what the brothers encounter. When the dangers of Jace’s profession begin creeping closer to home, Annie starts questioning whether love and trust are enough to keep her family safe. It’s an engaging premise that gives the story both emotional stakes and a steady sense of unease.
I liked how Farnsworth develops Annie’s character through her relationships. Annie genuinely loves being a wife and mother, and her enthusiasm for creating a warm, comfortable home feels central to who she is. There’s something endearing about a protagonist who finds as much happiness in making sourdough bread as she does in spending time with her husband. At the same time, her sheltered existence creates an interesting conflict as she begins recognizing the importance of protecting herself. Jace is equally central to the story, with his fierce devotion to his family influencing nearly every decision he makes. His protective instincts can become controlling, creating some of the book’s most emotionally charged moments. Blake provides a welcome balance, bringing humor, patience, and a different perspective to the household. The relationships among these three characters are what give the novel its personality, particularly when affection, loyalty, and conflicting ideas about safety collide.
Readers familiar with Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight will recognize some similarities in Farnsworth’s approach to supernatural romance. Both authors explore relationships in which love is complicated by extraordinary dangers, and both feature intensely protective male characters whose supernatural worlds create risks for the women they love. Farnsworth also shares Meyer’s interest in emotional intimacy, lingering on conversations, romantic gestures, and the small interactions that strengthen relationships. What makes Taken distinctive is its focus on an established marriage and the responsibilities of parenthood. Annie and Jace are already building a life together, so their challenges involve family obligations, communication, and the practical consequences of living alongside supernatural threats. Farnsworth’s writing is straightforward and accessible, with plenty of dialogue and vivid descriptions of everyday routines.
What I appreciated most about Taken was its attention to the connection between love, fear, and personal strength. Farnsworth explores how wanting to protect someone can bring out tenderness and courage while also creating disagreements about independence and trust. Annie’s development is especially satisfying because her determination grows out of the qualities she already possesses, particularly her devotion to her children and her willingness to stand up for the people she loves. The Appalachian setting adds another appealing element, with its isolated woods, changing seasons, and atmosphere of hidden danger. The supernatural encounters bring bursts of action and suspense, while the family relationships provide the emotional foundation. Taken is a story about a woman discovering what she’s capable of when the people she loves matter more than her fears. It’s a heartfelt, occasionally intense read that should appeal to fans of paranormal romance who enjoy strong family themes, protective heroes, and heroines finding their courage.
Pages: 94 | ASIN : B0D2446WB9
The Library Between Worlds: The House That Lies
In The House That Lies, Mark K. McClain brings readers into a wonderfully strange world where an eerie mansion, a frightened town, and a string of unexplained disappearances create the perfect setting for a supernatural mystery. This young adult fantasy adventure follows fourteen-year-old Emma and her companions, Cedar and Faylen, as they travel through a magical portal to Dunhallow, a gloomy coastal town with secrets lurking behind its quiet streets. Their investigation centers on Ashford House, an imposing Gothic mansion with a troubling reputation. Strange sounds, ghostly apparitions, and rumors of a curse have convinced the townspeople that something sinister lives within its walls. Emma, however, has an analytical mind and a healthy dose of skepticism. She’s determined to uncover what’s happening, even when the evidence challenges her understanding of the situation. McClain combines fantasy, mystery, and paranormal suspense to create an adventure that invites readers to question every unusual encounter and suspicious conversation.
Emma is intelligent, observant, and stubborn enough to follow a question until she finds an answer. Cedar brings humor, impulsiveness, and a fascination with the supernatural, while Faylen, an elf princess with impressive fighting skills, provides a steady presence when situations become dangerous. Their personalities complement one another, and their conversations give the story an easygoing, conversational energy. Cedar’s dramatic reactions are particularly entertaining, especially when his curiosity gets the better of him. There’s also a touching emotional thread involving Emma’s attachment to her friends and her awareness that their lives may eventually lead them in different directions. The supporting characters add another layer of intrigue. From the mysterious Dorian Sable to the elegant spiritual medium Talia Ashveil, nearly everyone Emma encounters seems to know something about Dunhallow’s unsettling history. These relationships give the fantasy adventure a warmth that makes spending time with the characters just as enjoyable as following their investigation.
McClain has a talent for making Dunhallow feel like a place with a personality of its own. Fog-covered streets, persistent rain, shadowy forests, and aging buildings establish the atmosphere of a Gothic mystery without overwhelming the story’s adventurous spirit. Ashford House is especially memorable, with its dark corridors, unsettling rooms, and disturbing history. The setting provides plenty of opportunities for suspense as the characters investigate strange occurrences, interview reluctant townspeople, and piece together clues. What makes the mystery particularly engaging is Emma’s approach to solving it. She pays attention to inconsistencies, considers different explanations, and keeps questioning the stories people tell her. The investigation develops through conversations, exploration, and moments of genuine danger, giving the book the feel of a classic detective adventure wrapped in a portal fantasy. There’s a playful quality to the storytelling, too, with humorous exchanges and occasional mishaps providing welcome breathing room between tense encounters.
The House That Lies is an entertaining choice for readers who enjoy young adult fantasy, supernatural mysteries, haunted-house stories, and adventures driven by friendship and discovery. McClain blends the wonder of traveling between worlds with the familiar pleasures of investigating an old-fashioned mystery. The story’s accessible writing, lively dialogue, and clearly defined characters make it easy to follow, while the atmospheric setting and expanding questions encourage readers to keep turning pages. Some conversations spend considerable time explaining theories and revisiting clues, which gives the investigation a deliberate, methodical rhythm. That approach also allows readers to participate in the mystery, weighing possibilities alongside Emma and her friends. Beneath the spooky atmosphere, the book explores curiosity, loyalty, courage, and the importance of thinking independently. Readers who appreciate clever young protagonists, mysterious old houses, magical worlds, and a generous helping of humor will find plenty to enjoy in this fantasy mystery adventure. McClain creates a story where friendship and intelligence are every bit as important as bravery, and where opening the wrong door might lead to the most interesting discovery of all.
Pages: 234 | ASIN: B0HL1W1Y2C
Malanoche’s Curse
Malanoche’s Curse by Tom Blanton is an engaging blend of mystery, supernatural adventure, and historical intrigue set in the fictional town of Coronado Springs, Texas. The third installment in the Arthur and Marya mystery series brings back two resourceful teenage friends whose talent for uncovering secrets keeps landing them in extraordinary situations. This time, their hometown is suffering through a devastating drought, and a series of increasingly disturbing events suggests something far more sinister than a stretch of bad weather. Mysterious owl-headed figures, unexplained electrical failures, and an old legend involving a powerful curse gradually draw Arthur and Marya into a mystery with roots stretching back generations. Blanton does a wonderful job establishing the small-town Texas atmosphere, from a lively Fourth of July rodeo to the dusty countryside surrounding Skeleton Rock. The contrast between these familiar surroundings and the strange forces threatening the community gives the story an appealing sense of unease. There’s something especially intriguing about watching an ordinary summer turn into an adventure where local history, ancient traditions, and supernatural forces become deeply intertwined.
I liked the relationship between Arthur and Marya. Their friendship feels comfortable and genuine, built on shared experiences, mutual trust, and plenty of playful teasing. Arthur is thoughtful, observant, and inclined to analyze situations, while Marya brings confidence, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit to their investigations. Their different personalities complement each other, and their conversations provide welcome moments of humor when the story grows tense. Blanton also surrounds them with an entertaining supporting cast, including the mysterious Dr. Chomsky, the outspoken talking crow Alexander, and the influential Don Pedro Guzmán. Each brings something distinctive to the adventure, whether it’s wisdom, comic relief, or a connection to the town’s complicated past. The story also benefits from its attention to family relationships and community ties. Arthur and Marya may find themselves confronting extraordinary dangers, but their concern for the people around them keeps their journey grounded in recognizable emotions and motivations.
Readers familiar with Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief will recognize a similar appeal in Malanoche’s Curse. Both stories place young protagonists in situations where ancient powers influence the modern world, and both use humor, friendship, and dangerous challenges to make their adventures entertaining. Like Riordan, Blanton understands that young heroes become more compelling when they rely on clever thinking and cooperation as much as courage. The two authors approach their supernatural material from different cultural and storytelling traditions, however. Where Riordan draws heavily from Greek mythology, Blanton builds his mystery around Southwestern history, archaeological discoveries, Indigenous-inspired legends, and the enduring consequences of events from the distant past. Blanton’s storytelling also has the feel of a traditional mystery, with clues, suspicious encounters, and conversations that invite readers to piece things together alongside the protagonists. The combination gives the novel a personality of its own, blending the investigative appeal of a detective story with the imaginative possibilities of fantasy adventure.
I think what makes Malanoche’s Curse particularly enjoyable is the way its mystery expands from troubling incidents in a small community into a much larger adventure involving unfamiliar places, unusual creatures, and challenging decisions. Blanton has a knack for introducing curious details that encourage readers to keep turning pages, and his imaginative settings provide some of the book’s most memorable moments. The pacing occasionally slows during extended conversations explaining the history and supernatural forces behind the mystery, but those passages help establish the background that gives the adventure its significance. There’s also an appealing emphasis on trusting one’s instincts, questioning appearances, and finding courage in uncertain circumstances. Although this is the third book in a series, Blanton provides enough context for newcomers to follow the story while giving returning readers the pleasure of reconnecting with familiar characters. With its likable young detectives, colorful personalities, intriguing historical elements, and imaginative supernatural encounters, Malanoche’s Curse offers an entertaining reading experience for younger audiences and adults who enjoy mysteries with a generous helping of fantasy.
What Lies Next Door
In What Lies Next Door, Shelly M. Patel delivers a psychological thriller that explores the unsettling realities concealed beneath the polished surfaces of suburban life. Sophia and Josh Miller are thrilled to move into their dream home, a beautiful property that represents stability, success, and the promise of a happy future. For Sophia, whose difficult childhood left her longing for security and belonging, the house carries particular emotional significance. Their excitement, however, soon gives way to unease when Sophia begins noticing suspicious activity around the property. Meanwhile, their seemingly friendly neighbor, Hana, takes an unusual interest in the couple’s lives. As strange encounters and troubling discoveries accumulate, the boundaries between neighborly curiosity and dangerous obsession become increasingly difficult to distinguish. Patel establishes an atmosphere in which ordinary domestic interactions take on disturbing implications, transforming a familiar residential neighborhood into a setting filled with suspicion, concealed motives, and psychological tension.
One of the novel’s most interesting features is its use of multiple first-person narrators, allowing readers to experience events through characters whose perceptions, motivations, and secrets differ considerably. Sophia’s emotional vulnerability and desire for a secure marriage contrast with Josh’s increasingly complicated personal and professional circumstances. Hana emerges as an especially intriguing presence, combining outward warmth with an unsettling capacity for observation and manipulation. Her declaration, “After all, I am the queen of secrets,” captures the novel’s central preoccupation with deception and carefully maintained appearances. Patel uses these shifting perspectives to create dramatic irony, giving readers access to information that other characters lack while preserving uncertainty about the larger picture. The approach also encourages readers to reconsider their judgments as additional details emerge. Even relatively minor characters contribute to an expanding network of relationships, grievances, and questionable decisions that gives the central mystery greater complexity.
Patel’s storytelling draws much of its suspense from recognizable experiences, including marital disagreements, uncomfortable encounters with neighbors, workplace difficulties, and the lingering influence of past relationships. These everyday situations gradually acquire more threatening dimensions as the narrative progresses. The house itself becomes an important element of the story, representing both the comfort its owners seek and the vulnerability that comes with believing a private space is secure. Patel’s attention to domestic details, from gardening and preparing meals to home improvements and casual neighborhood gatherings, helps establish this contrast. The relatively short period covered by the novel gives its escalating conflicts a sense of urgency, while the alternating chapters maintain momentum through changing perspectives and new revelations. At times, the characters’ internal reflections repeat emotions or suspicions that their actions have already communicated, and some developments rely on dramatic coincidences. Nevertheless, the steady accumulation of complications sustains the novel’s atmosphere of uncertainty and keeps its interconnected storylines moving.
Beyond its central mystery, What Lies Next Door examines the complicated relationship between trust, intimacy, and the desire to control one’s circumstances. The characters’ efforts to protect their relationships, reputations, and personal interests frequently expose the moral compromises underlying their choices. Patel is particularly interested in the discrepancy between how people present themselves and what they conceal, suggesting that familiarity can create an exaggerated sense of confidence in those closest to us. The observation “Every house hides something” neatly expresses the novel’s governing idea, extending its significance beyond any individual character. Readers who enjoy domestic suspense, unreliable narrators, shifting loyalties, and intricately connected secrets will find much to appreciate in Patel’s approach. With its accessible prose, layered character relationships, and persistent sense of danger, What Lies Next Door offers an absorbing exploration of the troubling possibilities hidden within apparently ordinary lives.
Pages: 359 | ASIN : B0GX9GQ4BY
Colorado Conundrum
A road trip. A milestone birthday. A grueling Ironman. A mountain retreat where nothing is as it seems.
Private Investigator Liz Adams and her husband, Brad, set out with friends on a meticulously planned adventure to Colorado. Along for the ride are their truth-sniffing Labrador, Duke, and Jenny’s adorable mutt, Snooper.
The adventure kicks off with a nostalgic visit to Dollywood where the first unsettling mystery unfolds.
And then . . . a phone call that changes everything.
The cheerful mood evaporates. Unanswered questions loom, and grief rolls in like a dense mountain fog.
When they reach the sprawling rental meant for birthday cake and victory toasts, the search for answers begins. Amid the stark red rock formations of the Garden of the Gods, Duke follows scents no one else can detect.
In the thin mountain air, evil lurks. And this time, danger may be closer than Liz thinks.
