Blog Archives
Devourer from Beyond
The Devourer from Beyond is a high-octane fusion of supernatural horror, police procedural, and cosmic dread that launches readers straight into the heart of a conspiracy involving ancient evils, cult fanatics, and federal agents caught in a nightmare beyond comprehension. The story begins with a routine flight unraveling into chaos when a monstrous figure unleashes carnage midair, forcing federal air marshals into a fight for survival. From there, the narrative spirals outward to include secret government divisions, a doomsday cult led by a charismatic reverend, and a dark tome recovered from a buried temple in Antarctica that may usher in the end of the world. Told through a series of deeply personal and action-packed perspectives, the book charges forward with little reprieve, culminating in a showdown that blends Lovecraftian horror with gritty realism.
What impressed me most about RK Jack’s writing is how grounded and human the characters feel despite the wildness of the plot. The air marshals, Thomas and James, carry the weight of duty and broken personal lives with them, and their weariness comes through in the smallest moments like sipping burnt coffee, trading tired jokes, and hoping for just one easy day. These little details made the action hit harder when things went sideways. I found myself genuinely caring about them, which is rare in a genre that often sacrifices character for spectacle. The writing itself is clean, direct, and cinematic. Jack has a knack for pacing. He wastes no time, and each chapter ends with that “just one more” pull that kept me flipping pages deep into the night.
Parts of the book made me feel genuinely unsettled in the best way. The cult segments, involving an eerily calm reverend and his silver-tinged disciple, Margret, were creepy and weirdly intimate. The way Jack slowly drips in the supernatural elements made my skin crawl. It’s not just gore or jump-scare horror; it’s this slow-building, stomach-tightening dread. Some of the scenes involving the tome and the summoned creatures had me whispering “nope” under my breath. It reminded me of The Thing meets True Detective with a healthy dose of The X-Files. A few times, I had to pause to sit with the imagery because Jack doesn’t shy away from making it visceral. The only minor note I had was the slight overload of names and acronyms early on, but once I got into the rhythm, the story pulled me in completely.
By the end, I was equal parts thrilled, rattled, and strangely moved. This book isn’t just a horror-thriller, it’s a story about people trying to hang on to sanity and purpose while staring into the abyss. I’d recommend The Devourer from Beyond to anyone who loves smart horror, especially readers who appreciate action mixed with emotional stakes and eerie, cosmic weirdness. If you like your monsters unknowable and your heroes flawed but fierce, you’ll devour this one like I did.
Pages: 302 | ASIN : B0DTP7C561
And Then There Were None
The Spire follows a New York City detective who is put on a high-profile case when four people are found murdered in a luxury penthouse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The idea stems from the classic Agatha Christie mystery, “And Then There Were None.” The key difference being the setting – not an island but instead, a luxury skyscraper. The idea of a group of strangers being murdered, one by one. However, the concept evolved to more of a howcatchem as opposed to a whodunit. As well, the novel draws from the Jeffrey Epstein case, and is an integral plot element.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
I like to apply rules to my characters. In this instance, Mike Vogel wasn’t going to use his gun. This directly contradicts the classic American detective story, in which the gun is used to solve most problems. My approach with Mike is from the opposite side.
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?
The ending. In any novel, it’s coming up with a satisfying conclusion. This book was no exception. But, with a mystery, it requires something more. The reader themselves must have an opportunity to crack the case. And they expect the detective to solve it. The reader expects the solution to be complex. Not simple. Otherwise, they are let down. Which makes that the most challenging part of the writing process. At least it was for The Spire.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it out?
Although The Spire is the first in the Mike Vogel series of novels, the book I’m writing now is a departure from that. It’s titled The Special. The story takes place inside a cargo plane hijacked over the Atlantic. The captain is forced to play a cat and mouse game with the thieves while attempting to take back control of her aircraft. The challenge is being able to maintain momentum for the entire novel, while keeping the setting in mostly one location. It will be available in 2025.
Author Links: GoodReads | Instagram | Website
To find the killer, Mike must use all of his investigative skills and grapple with his own dark secret, while searching for the purported sex tapes of the world’s most powerful men—videos worth killing for—and holding the key to the entire investigation.
Pursued by Talon—a shadowy private intelligence company—with ties to the U.S. government, and perhaps the killer too, Mike must uncover the truth about what happened that night in The Spire.
Once Upon A Crime
Once Upon a Crime by Alan Brenham dives into the complex world of vigilante justice, illuminating the perils of taking the law into one’s own hands. The narrative centers on Madison Chase, a detective entangled not only in a harrowing hunt for a serial killer targeting sexual predators of children but also in a personal custody battle, adding layers to the already intricate plot.
The story unfolds with Madison chasing a serial killer known from the outset as Penny Grimes. This unconventional approach of revealing the killer’s identity early in the story intriguingly shifts the focus from the ‘who’ to the ‘why’ and ‘how,’ pulling readers into a deeper engagement with the narrative. Brenham skillfully balances the revelation of information, providing just enough to propel the story forward while peppering the plot with sufficient twists to maintain suspense. Brenham’s narrative prowess shines as he weaves complex characters and tightly knit plot elements without leaving any loose ends. Detective Chase is portrayed with a blend of professional acumen and personal vulnerability, making her character both compelling and relatable. The addition of her daughter to the storyline does more than just add a personal stake; it enriches the narrative, offering a poignant glimpse into the personal drives that fuel Chase’s professional endeavors.
For aficionados of crime thrillers and readers drawn to stories of justice and ethical dilemmas, Once Upon a Crime offers a gripping, well-paced read. Alan Brenham’s knack for detailed storytelling is evident as he deftly navigates the moral complexities of vigilante justice, making this book a notable addition to the genre.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0CJLXT8ZW
Sins Revealed: A Joe Erickson Mystery
Detective Joe Erickson, a dedicated officer with the Chicago Police Department, confronts yet another challenging case in Lynn-Steven Johanson’s latest novel. Tasked with investigating a potential crime scene involving a burned pickup truck and two charred bodies, Erickson and his team delve into a mystery fraught with intrigue and danger. As suspicions of murder arise, Erickson’s meticulous approach uncovers a tangled web of relationships and secrets. The discovery of the victims’ identities, Gina Whitmore and Perry Gardiner leads to revelations about their unconventional lives and involvement in illicit activities. With each twist and turn, Johanson skillfully constructs a narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Johanson’s background as a playwright shines through in the narrative’s depth and complexity. The thematic richness of the novel, exploring themes of friendship, betrayal, love, and substance abuse, adds layers of intrigue to the gripping plot. The attention to detail displayed by Erickson and his fellow officers underscores their commitment to justice, making for a compelling read. Among the cast of characters, Detective Joe Erickson emerges as a standout, his blend of people skills and compassion endearing him to readers. Gina Whitmore, with her enigmatic persona, adds an element of mystery to the story, her complexities unraveling gradually as the plot unfolds. The impeccable character development, coupled with the novel’s captivating storyline, ensures that readers are fully immersed in the world Johanson has created.
Johanson’s crime novel, Sins Revealed: A Joe Erickson Mystery, is a thrilling and thought-provoking read. It skillfully weaves together suspense, drama, and human emotion. For aficionados of the genre, this book is a must-read.
Pages: 271 | ASIN : B0CV7KSNYN
The Spire
Set against the backdrop of New York City’s contrasting landscapes, Shaun Goldsmith’s The Spire delves into the dichotomy of a metropolis that is both a tourist’s paradise and a locale with a darker, hidden side. The narrative follows veteran detective Mike Vogel as he navigates through the complexities of a double homicide in The Spire, a symbol of affluence in Midtown Manhattan. Characterized by his formidable ego, Vogel faces a convoluted case teeming with an abundance of suspects, pushing his detective skills to their limits.
Goldsmith’s writing style is notably brisk and impactful, characterized by straightforward sentences that convey a certain ‘too-cool-for-school’ attitude commonly found in notable works of the cops-and-robbers narrative. The influence of revered authors such as Elmore Leonard and Raymond Chandler is palpable, with Goldsmith even paying direct homage to Chandler in his writing. The protagonist, Mike Vogel, is a quintessential detective figure whose personal life is overshadowed by his dedication to solving crimes. This portrayal taps into a recurring theme in detective literature: the transformation of a detective’s persona, often towards cynicism, due to the nature of their profession. Vogel’s character may ring familiar to avid readers of the genre, yet his journey remains engaging.
The Spire excels in its gradual narrative build-up, with the plot intensifying progressively. As readers explore the upper tiers of New York’s social strata and delve into the city’s underbelly, it becomes clear that the mystery surrounding the Spire murders may not conclude with a definitive resolution. However, this aspect does not detract from the novel’s appeal. Instead, the journey alongside Mike Vogel, an intriguing and dynamic character, becomes the focal point of Goldsmith’s storytelling.
The Spire offers an immersive experience into the life and mind of a dedicated detective while painting a vivid picture of New York City’s multifaceted character. Goldsmith skillfully delivers a narrative that is as much about the intriguing protagonist as it is about the unfolding mystery, making it a captivating read for fans of the genre.
Pages: 369 | ASIN : B0CVFY99DG
One of Ours
In One of Ours, author Lynn-Steven Johanson crafts an exhilarating mystery that follows the astute Chicago detective, Joe Erickson, as he delves into a complex cold case on the verge of retirement for Captain Vincenzo. However, when the captain himself falls victim to a fatal shooting, the stakes are raised, and Joe, alongside his partner Sam, find themselves embroiled in a web of intrigue and deception that expands far beyond a single murder. With each new revelation, the line between coincidence and connection blurs, leaving the detectives—and the readers—questioning who can truly be trusted.
A must-read for aficionados of the mystery and true crime genres, One of Ours deftly keeps readers on the edge of their seats as Johanson skillfully unravels the layers of suspense and uncertainty. Just when you think you have solved the enigma of Captain Vincenzo’s murder or connected the dots, the narrative takes an unexpected twist, challenging your assumptions and inviting you to delve deeper into the investigation.
While the novel’s third-person narrative may prevent readers from fully immersing themselves in Erickson’s perspective, it does offer a comprehensive view of the unfolding events. This storytelling choice, though somewhat distancing, does not detract from the overall impact of the novel. The introduction of Joe’s life partner, Destiny, and glimpses into the personal lives of the characters add depth to the story and enrich the investigative process.
One of Ours is a compelling and engaging true crime novel that will captivate readers with its intricate plot and well-crafted suspense. Highly recommended for those seeking a thrilling literary experience that challenges their deductive skills and keeps them guessing until the very end.
Pages: 259 | ASIN: B0BWP996JD
A Colossal Injustice
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. does it again with another heart-pounding ride along with the incomparable Detective Griffin Knight. A Colossal Injustice, a sequel to his first story Do Nothing, Griffin takes a trip to Seattle to help out Kalyx, the anonymous hacker who helped him to solve his last murder case. Kalyx’s fiance, Dylan Walker, was murdered after discovering someone stole money from his high-profile tech company.
Kalyx sets Griffin up with the tools and access he needs for his investigation and with help from two sidekicks, Felix and his sister Aurora. Felix was a close friend of the murdered Dylan Walker and a personal bodyguard. Aurora, his sister, is Seattle PD and helps to ensure that even though Griffin is outside of his jurisdiction and only acting as a civilian, he has police backup. Together, and with the assistance of information cleverly left behind by Dylan Walker, they discover who stole millions of dollars from the company and what other crimes they were using the money for.
The plot twists and turns as they first confront a mob boss, only to find they are following a dead end. The novel concludes in an epic way you will have to read to find out about. Hernandez keeps the door open to a follow-up story and leaves us wondering if justice will be served in the end.
I genuinely enjoy reading about Griffin Knight. He is part detective and part superhero, which is both realistic and fun to read. These two stories from Hernandez Jr. have been easy to follow without being boring or predictable. They are a proper mix of suspense and are easy to read. I would like a little more background on Griffin. We learned a little more about his life in this book, and I will be soaking up the more Hernandez Jr. can deliver!
A Colossal Injustice is a fast-paced and exciting murder mystery. While short in page count, there is no lack of thrills and suspense in this story. Readers are given a compelling mix of fantasy and science fiction in their crime mystery, leaving them wondering what could possibly happen next.
Pages: 94 | ASIN : B0BLT6VB3N
Murder at Amapas Beach
Murder at Amapas Beach by James Gilbert follows American consul Amanda Pennyworth as she finds herself once again in the middle of a murder investigation. During what was supposed to be a romantic excursion to Amapas Beach with her not-quite boyfriend, Romero, Amanda stumbles upon the bludgeoned body of a woman. Amanda finds herself inexplicably drawn to the case and finds herself questioning the shady group of tourists who are somehow able to cast the blame on everyone but themselves. No one is as they seem, and Amanda is unsure who is telling the truth and who knows more than they are letting on. She must uncover the truth behind this murder before it becomes completely unsolvable.
In Murder at Amapas Beach by James Gilbert, Amanda, an American consul living in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, finds herself as a primary witness and translator in a murder investigation after stumbling upon a woman’s body. Unfortunately, the possible suspects are a group of tourists the woman was traveling with. Still, after the Puerto Vallarta Police allow the American suspects to return home to Racine, Wisconsin, Amanda finds herself still closely involved in the case.
At the heart of this book is the theme of keeping up appearances. The police departments Amanda works alongside try to maintain their reputation while the American tourists maintain their innocence despite misleading statements. Yet, even Amanda struggles with self-doubt as she questions her career and romantic life.
Murder at Amapas Beach features engaging, dynamic characters, both likable and unlikable, and a relatable and sympathetic protagonist, Amanda. The police procedure flows well throughout the book; however, some descriptions of the setting or actions of a character feel heavy-handed and even mundane at times. As a result, the reader may find themselves asking questions that remain unanswered other than vague remarks that seem half-baked, like who was the murder victim really? The characters seem to know, but the readers never get the full glimpse.
Murder at Amapas Beach is an enjoyable murder mystery and crime novel that is a quick read. Readers will be drawn into the scenery and the mystery of the crime, allowing them to feel like they are right there with Amanda, trying to figure out what really happened.
Pages: 288 | ISBN : 1639886494
LITERARY TITAN 