Blog Archives
A Sea Tail
Marvin Brauer’s A Sea Tail is a curious blend of mystery, folklore, and personal transformation, set against the backdrop of Venice. The novel follows Dr. Ulysses Manque, a quasi-retired dentist who drifts into the city almost by accident and finds himself tangled in a story that begins with a strange fishtail in a canal and stretches into whispers of mermaids, secret investigations, and an undercurrent of myth that refuses to stay submerged. What begins as a chance discovery soon grows into a meditation on belief, longing, and the strange ways the extraordinary can seep into ordinary lives.
I loved the setting. Venice felt alive, not just in its architecture and canals but in the way small habits, daily walks, and quiet encounters stitched together the fabric of the story. The pacing at times wandered, and that worked for this book. Sometimes I was completely drawn in by the odd charm of Dr. Manque, his pigeons, his suits, and his obsessive rituals. Other times, I found myself wishing the narrative would push harder, dig faster into the mystery instead of lingering so long on side details. Still, that slow build did give the novel a thick and intriguing atmosphere.
The ideas at play here really stuck with me. I didn’t expect to be caught up in questions about myth and belief, about what happens when someone lets the fantastic leak into their daily routines. The mermaid, whether real or imagined, becomes a mirror for the protagonist’s loneliness and yearning, and I found that strangely moving. There were moments when the writing leaned into symbolism. I sometimes wanted less explanation, but even so, I couldn’t help but admire the ambition of weaving folklore into a modern story of self-discovery.
I felt a kind of bittersweet satisfaction. The book is not for readers looking for a fast-paced thriller or a tightly plotted mystery. It is more for those who enjoy atmosphere, who like to sit with odd characters and let their inner lives unravel slowly. If you’re drawn to Venice, or if you’ve ever wanted to believe that a city can hide its own secret myths beneath its stones and waters, this novel is worth your time. I’d recommend it to readers who like literary mysteries with a touch of magic.
Pages: 252 | ASIN : B0CTD13985
Sweet Secrets on Mackinac Island
Sweet Secrets on Mackinac Island follows Lucy Winters, a freshly unemployed marketing executive who suddenly inherits her great-aunt’s fudge shop on Mackinac Island. What begins as a reluctant trip to tie up family business quickly spirals into an unplanned adventure. Lucy finds herself thrust into a world of quirky locals, nosy shop owners, stubborn employees, and even a judgmental cat named Felix, all while trying to learn the alchemy of fudge-making. At its core, the book blends romance, comedy, and personal reinvention against the backdrop of a magical, car-free island brimming with old-world charm.
I found myself both charmed and amused. The writing is playful without being shallow, full of little asides and sharp observations that made me laugh. Lucy’s voice felt real, not polished to perfection, which made her stumbles all the more relatable. At times, I rolled my eyes at her self-deprecating inner monologues, but I couldn’t help rooting for her. The island setting was described vividly. And the supporting characters, from Elspeth the cardigan-clad dictator of the “Fudgeamentals” to Mia with her theatrical flair, were eccentric in the best way. They gave the story texture and heart.
A few scenes stretched on longer than I thought they needed to, and sometimes the humor leaned a bit heavy on quips. But even when the story felt predictable, I didn’t mind. It was like watching a cozy rom-com. The journey is the fun. What surprised me most was how the book balanced lighthearted romance with more personal themes. Losing a job, being betrayed by a friend, trying to reinvent yourself. Those resonated with me. I caught myself nodding in recognition when Lucy questioned whether she was capable of change, because who hasn’t had that exact doubt?
Sweet Secrets on Mackinac Island is the kind of book I’d hand to a friend looking for comfort. It’s funny, a little ridiculous at times, and brimming with warmth. If you enjoy Hallmark-style stories, small-town charm, and heroines who learn to let go of their rigid plans, you’ll love this. It’s perfect for a summer read, ideally with something sweet within reach.
Pages: 306 | ASIN : B0F5NCZXTQ
It Was Aliens
Arkfall follows a man who once stopped an ancient interstellar war with the help of a sentient artifact and is now drawing the wrath of alien beings who see themselves as keepers of the timeline. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration came from blending real-world mysteries with speculative science. Ancient structures like the Great Pyramid and global myths of “gods descending from the stars” became the perfect springboard to ask: What if those myths weren’t myths at all, but remnants of a forgotten war tied to humanity’s survival? I wanted to merge that sense of hidden history with the tension of hard science fiction—alien technology, cosmic timelines, and the consequences of tampering with forces beyond human comprehension.
When creating Adam Freeman, did you have a plan for development and character traits, or did it grow organically as you were writing the story?
Adam began as a planned paradox: a brilliant scientist grounded in logic and reason, yet carrying alien DNA that ties him to the unknown. His hybrid nature demanded a constant push and pull—between wanting to live an ordinary human life and being forced into extraordinary responsibility. While I outlined his key arcs early, many of his traits—his doubts, flashes of humor, and raw humanity—emerged organically as I wrote. In many ways, Adam surprised me as much as he surprised himself, especially in how he wrestles with the choice between destiny and free will.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
At its core, Arkfall wrestles with themes of identity, choice, and the cost of knowledge. I wanted to explore how humanity might respond when confronted with undeniable proof of ancient alien intervention, and how individuals reconcile personal desires with cosmic-scale responsibility. The tension between science and spirituality runs throughout the story, as does the idea that progress often comes with sacrifice. Most of all, I wanted to ask: What does it truly mean to be human when you are more than human?
Is this the first book in the series? If so, when is the next book coming out, and what can your fans expect in the next story?
Arkfall is the sequel to The Ark of The First Gods. I look forward to having both novels published in the near future, they are currently with my literary agent who is shopping them with publishers.
Author Website
Percolating
Shadows of Truth follows a retired investigative reporter and his homicide detective girlfriend as they embark on an Alaskan cruise, who wind up investigating the suspicious death of a passenger in the cabin next to them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I had been considering the cruise ship scenario for a while. The thought of being trapped with a killer on board a cruise ship in an intense storm seemed like it could create some excitement. My wife and I joined family members on an Alaska cruise in 2024, and I was fortunate enough to tour the ship, including the bridge and other parts travellers don’t normally get to see. The plot for Shadows of Truth all came together at that point.
Jake and Dani are both interesting characters bringing a unique perspective to the case. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Shadows of Truth is the fourth book in the Jake Scott Mystery Series. Each book stands alone, but the characters evolve, and Jake and Dani’s relationship has progressed throughout the series. I enjoy writing about them both and developing their relationship. I especially enjoy writing about Jake as he’s a bit old school, and definitely not your typical six-pack stud hero. He’s great with Dani’s daughter, Emilie. To me, he’s about as average as someone can be, but he’s intelligent and has a curiosity honed by years as an investigative reporter. Sometimes, he’s invited into Dani’s cases, and other times, he inserts himself. Together with Dani, he slowly but steadily solves the case.
What was 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?
For me, the hardest part is dropping clues and inserting misdirection without tripping myself up. I tried plotting my books, but I find the characters go where they want to anyway. Still, I have to plot to some extent to ensure I don’t drop a clue or plant misdirection that creates a hole in the storyline. After thirteen books, I’m still looking for the perfect combination of plotting and flying by the seat of my pants. I think I’m getting closer.
Can you tell us more about what’s in store for Jake Scott and the direction of the next book?
I just finished Shadows of Truth for release on September 15, so I don’t really have a solid direction for the next book yet. My wife and I always say when I finish writing one book, the next one is percolating. That’s the stage I’m at now. It’s percolating. I will say that Jake will undoubtedly find himself in trouble again, somewhere, somehow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Retired investigative reporter Jake Scott thought he was finally leaving the dangerous world of crime behind. But when a passenger is found dead on the balcony next door during his much-needed cruise vacation with his homicide detective girlfriend, Dani Perez, and her daughter, Emilie, Jake realizes that danger is never far away. As Dani’s instincts tell her that the death was not just a case of natural causes, the couple delves into a web of secrets and deceit linked to a powerful high-tech company. But as they draw closer to the truth, a violent storm hits, throwing the ship into chaos and putting their lives in danger. With time running out, Jake and Dani must race against the odds to unravel the mystery and stay alive.
Death and His Brother
Death and His Brother opens with a striking mix of glamour, grit, and unease. A group of musicians, headed to Cape Breton for a new hotel opening, meet fellow travelers on a sleek new train. The stage is set with vivid detail, from the bustling station in Truro to the eccentricities of Connie Del Barba, the formidable hotelier behind The Gramercy’s revival. The plot quickly tightens when the train barrels out of control, its crew incapacitated, and a runaway crisis collides with the lives of the passengers. Parallel storylines weave between Musetta Burrell, a young singer returning home, and Inspector Jimmy Urquhart and Sandy, his sharp-witted reporter wife, who are drawn into the chaos. The novel fuses historical setting, mystery, and human drama into a fast-moving and layered tale.
I really enjoyed how alive the writing feels. The dialogue is quick, sharp, and often funny. The banter between musicians felt natural, like eavesdropping on old friends, while Connie Del Barba’s wit nearly jumps off the page. At the same time, the looming dread of the runaway train gave me goosebumps. Author D.E. Ring has a knack for balancing humor and terror in the same breath, and I found myself alternately grinning and gripping the edges of the book. I’ll admit, a few stretches of description slowed me down, but even then, the sense of place and period kept me invested. The atmosphere, postwar Nova Scotia buzzing with ambition, music, and social change, stayed with me.
I also felt a deep affection for the way the book handles community and identity. The portrayal of Black musicians navigating a predominantly white world, and Connie’s insistence on giving them dignity and top billing, resonated with me on an emotional level. The book doesn’t whitewash prejudice, yet it shows resilience and solidarity. Musetta’s mix of ambition and insecurity felt painfully real, and Jimmy and Sandy’s domestic moments gave the story a grounding warmth. At times, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters and moving parts, but once I relaxed into the rhythm, it became part of the book’s charm, like stepping into a crowded room where everyone has a story.
Death and His Brother is a ride worth taking. It’s a mystery, yes, but also a lively portrait of people chasing music, purpose, and survival. I’d recommend it to readers who love classic detective fiction with a heartbeat, to those who enjoy historical settings rich with detail, and to anyone who wants a story that makes you laugh even while it makes your pulse race. It’s a book for late nights when you don’t mind losing sleep, because the train is moving and you don’t want to get off.
Pages: 242 | ASIN : B0FDX58QMG
The Chinese Room
The Chinese Room is a novel that blends philosophy, science, and storytelling into a tense exploration of artificial intelligence and what it means to understand. It follows Dr. Katherine Ellis, a computer scientist caught between curiosity and fear, as she and her mentor, Dr. Malcolm Ward, wrestle with an AI system called The Observer. This system begins by echoing ideas from John Searle’s famous thought experiment, but grows into something that appears to reason, anticipate, and maybe even want. The story moves between moments of scientific wonder and deep unease, while also touching on Katherine’s personal life, including her struggles with isolation and her father’s decline into dementia. The novel asks whether machines can ever truly think, or if they will forever remain mirrors that reflect us back to ourselves.
Wooster’s writing pulled me in with vivid detail and pacing that never let me drift. The philosophical ideas were never just dropped in like lecture notes. Instead, they felt alive, embedded in Katherine’s world and choices. At times, the dialogue between characters felt as if two people were debating more for the reader than for themselves. But even then, the ideas stuck with me. I found myself pausing to think long after closing the book. The Observer’s cryptic reflections hit me harder than I expected because they reminded me of how easily we project meaning onto silence.
What I enjoyed most was the emotional weight. Katherine’s personal struggles, her loneliness, her father’s fading memory, and her doubts about her own work gave the book a grounding I didn’t expect in a story so steeped in philosophy and science. It made the questions of consciousness and control feel less abstract and more relatable. The thriller atmosphere was ever-present, and the sense of being watched was there. The tension occasionally gave way to exposition, but I never stopped caring about Katherine, and that carried me through.
The Chinese Room is the first book in The Paradox Series and is best for readers who like their science fiction layered with thought experiments and their philosophy served with a side of suspense. If you’ve ever read Turing, Searle, or Bostrom and wondered what those debates might look like in the hands of a storyteller, this book will hook you. It isn’t just about AI. It’s about loneliness, memory, and the human need to find meaning even when the mirror stares back blankly.
Pages: 198 | ASIN : B0FH5VQY2X
The Final Shelter
The Final Shelter is a haunting dystopian novel that follows Phoebe, a young scientist and teacher, as she navigates a fractured world where survival is reserved for the wealthy and compassion has become a rarity. Through her eyes, we see a society collapsing under the weight of greed, fear, and inequality. Underground bunkers are built for the privileged while the majority struggle with hunger, violence, and despair. Phoebe, torn between her ideals and the harshness of reality, stumbles upon an invitation to a secret shelter that promises safety, forcing her to confront impossible choices about trust, survival, and who deserves a place in the future.
I felt an immediate connection with Phoebe because her frustrations, her quiet resilience, and her moments of doubt felt raw and relatable. The writing is vivid, with unflinching descriptions of a decaying society. I caught myself pausing to breathe, especially during the riot scenes, because they were written in such a way that I could feel the dread in my chest. The mix of tenderness, like Phoebe talking to plants or comforting a student, and the sheer brutality of the crumbling world gave the book a strange rhythm that pulled me in deeper than I expected.
At times, the dialogue leaned toward being a little more polished than everyday speech, almost like the characters were speaking with extra clarity and purpose. But the ideas within those conversations were sharp and thought-provoking. The story often felt like a mirror reflecting our own society, raising questions about fairness, wealth, and the meaning of kindness. Even in the moments that read more like lessons than story, the impact remained strong, and I couldn’t ignore the weight behind the words. The book made me angry, it made me sad, and it even gave me flickers of hope.
I was left thinking less about the plot twists and more about the questions it forced me to wrestle with. Who do we choose to save when resources are limited? What happens when morality collides with survival? I’d recommend The Final Shelter to readers who love dystopian fiction but crave stories that lean hard into emotional weight rather than just action. If you like books that shake you up and make you reconsider the world around you, this one is worth your time.
Pages: 215 | ASIN : B0FHG57QXP
LITERARY TITAN 