Blog Archives
This Must Be The Place
An unexpected car breakdown in the midst of a road trip throws Alex Whitaker and his three closest friends into the heart of a peculiar town. As the hours slip by, they must race to uncover the truth about where they’ve landed—and whether they can trust those around them. This Must Be The Place by Beth Curry is an engrossing tale of mystery, laced with surreal moments and enigmatic characters, all while hinting at a deeper, hidden message waiting to be unraveled.
At first glance, Harmony Springs appears idyllic—tranquil, picturesque, and utterly inviting. When Alex and his companions find themselves stranded, the townsfolk embrace them with an almost unsettling warmth. Every need is met with uncanny precision, their wishes granted as though by magic. While his friends revel in the town’s charm, Alex grows uneasy. Small, eerie details start to unravel the illusion: the perpetually cheerful residents, the strange manipulation of time, and the subtle yet persistent resistance to their departure. What begins as a haven soon morphs into a cage. Is the town truly a sanctuary or a carefully constructed trap? With his friends blinded by the allure, Alex must uncover the town’s secrets and find a way out—before it’s too late.
From the opening page, Curry pulls readers into an immersive world steeped in intrigue. Every moment crackles with tension as each peculiar event draws readers deeper into the mystery. The narrative expertly blurs the line between reality and illusion, leaving both Alex and the audience questioning everything. The mounting paranoia is palpable, creating a reading experience as unsettling as it is mesmerizing. By the final page, the story delivers not only an electrifying conclusion but also a poignant message of resilience and self-discovery.
Curry’s characters shine with depth and individuality. Each member of Alex’s group carries a distinct personality, making their joys, doubts, and fears resonate on the page. Through their eyes, we witness the pull of Harmony Springs: a place where dreams seem tangible but at a cost. As the group navigates this emotional minefield, the narrative pushes them toward growth and hard-won realizations about themselves. Along the way, clues scattered throughout the town create a breadcrumb trail for Alex and readers alike, driving the suspense toward its riveting climax.
Suspenseful, thought-provoking, and richly atmospheric, This Must Be The Place captivates from start to finish. Curry takes readers on a twisting journey that isn’t just about uncovering secrets—it’s about confronting the allure of perfection and the truths we hide from ourselves. Will Alex and his friends escape the magnetic pull of Harmony Springs or succumb to its promises of fulfillment? The answers lie in a tale that will ignite your imagination.
Pages: 373 | ASIN: B0DFVSH5L7
The Ivory Obelisk
Eli Kale’s The Ivory Obelisk delves into the life of Fabian Loxely, a man weighed down by a lifetime of regrets. When a near-death experience forces him to confront both his mortality and the haunting echoes of his past, Fabian embarks on a journey of redemption. Determined to heal himself and mend broken relationships, he transforms the titular ivory obelisk from a symbol of regret into one of hope, renewal, and reconciliation.
What sets The Ivory Obelisk apart is its exceptional narrative depth. The story intricately weaves Fabian’s encounters with figures from his past, each rendered with vivid detail and emotional resonance. This meticulous craftsmanship breathes life into every character and moment, creating a story as layered as it is poignant.
The novel’s emotional arc is profound. It offers a richly textured exploration of grief, regret, and forgiveness. It is far from a simple tale. Instead, it takes readers on a journey through complex emotions that are both heart-wrenching and uplifting. The author expertly captures these sentiments, creating a story that leaves a lasting impression. Few books manage to balance such raw, heartfelt moments with the delicate promise of healing, making this one an unforgettable experience.
While the pacing begins as a deliberate slow burn, it gradually builds into a gripping narrative that refuses to let go. Admittedly, the opening can feel a bit disorienting, but as the layers of the story unfold, everything comes together seamlessly in a satisfying and impactful conclusion.
There’s little to critique in this remarkable work, a testament to Kale’s skill as a storyteller. The Ivory Obelisk is a deeply moving tale that lingers in the mind and heart, and it’s left me eager to explore more of the author’s creations.
Pages: 293 | ASIN: B0DM9X6VW5
It Was Quite Fun Writing This One
Fertile Ground for Murder follows a podcaster who returns to her hometown to investigate the mysterious death of a childhood friend. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
Well, the idea actually evolved during my writing process. I wanted to create cozy mystery with a more unique flare to it. When I was a late teenager I had a friend who lived in a small town. Everybody knew everybody. The grapevine was a major source of information. Small towns rarely get any big-time news and I thought a small town could use the attention. The cozy mystery required an amateur sleuth. Big city crime podcaster seemed unique enough. As the idea evolved, the podcaster became a former resident of the small town. In the end, instead of a cozy mystery, I ended up with a psychological thriller. It was quite fun writing this one.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
Like I said, the mystery evolved during the entire writing process. Yes, I had a rough idea where I was going, but the in between portion kept changing. Dare I say I went through 10 drafts of the manuscript before I had the published version of the story? My beta readers had a lot of influence with their ideas and 10 drafts later, I had Fertile Ground for Murder.
What was the inspiration for Samantha’s traits and dialogue?
It was the small-town mentality that drove it. Of course, she picked up some big-city lingo while she lived in Chicago and podcast there.
Can we look forward to more mysteries from you soon? YES!
What are you currently working on? I am just finishing up Act 1 of a SciFi/Dystopian mystery with Lyam Lockwood; 30 more chapters to go! Lyam is handling the SciFi aspect of the story and I am working on the mystery. Hard to put a date on completion, but I suspect we will be finished before the end of the year… we hope!
Author Links: GoodReads | X | Website
Safety and Love
AI: Opening follows a young man and his friends as they navigate their final semesters at Credence University, a fictional and somewhat surreal Christian college located on the mysterious island of Ai. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
This novel is based on the author’s non-fiction, unpublished work, which weaves five children’s stories together. Unfortunately, they weren’t The Little Engine That Could and The Cat in the Hat. They are histories of real children in towns we know, who experienced things unbelievable, with implications that can be paralyzing. Only a few could read it.
But their stories deserve hearing and need to be told. How? Truth in fiction. Everyone knows what a Good Samaritan is and what to do when a stranger needs help, even if they’ve never read the original story. That parable was fabrication, told by a master storyteller, but created from whole cloth.* Truth is where it is found, fiction or not.
Going to an imaginary island requires, well, using one’s imagination. It gives you, the reader, the distance necessary to choose to look at things that might have gone unnoticed in your city or village. And if the need to close the crack in Mt. Ai is pressing, shut the book for a short time. The island and its story are there, waiting patiently for your return.
You flawlessly blend Science Fiction, Psychological Drama, and Mystery in this book. It takes exceptional talent to do this. How did you go about blending them without disrupting the story?
The author read dozens of people’s life stories, and then miraculous strangers started walking into life and saying, “Oh, that’s so similar to my childhood. Let me begin–,” the author listening, all ears, with heart wide open. And other friends shared life experiences with him, some that were pretty intense, and others that were incredibly funny, and the only thing he did was to honestly, with the greatest integrity, fictionalize what they told. As for the psychological drama and mystery, that is what the author deals with on an hourly basis. Might as well be honest about those discoveries as well, right? And now you can read the author like a book. Ha!
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Children. Especially hurting children, and encouraging all those farther down the path of life to do something in their power to bring safety and love to them. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Don’t be surprised if these children are sometimes disguised, maybe walking around in a seventy-year-old body. But all need the exact same safety and love. You innately love. Develop that gift. Use it.
The Book.
A mystery that begs to be solved.
Wordplay. Gotta have fun!
Easter Eggs for the reader. They’re there. There, there. And everywhere.
Call to action. The author acknowledges that he cannot change the world. But he sure as shootin’ can change his world. He has chosen to think, to write, to share with the world, and this novel will create opportunity to teach and speak. This is his chosen path. However, his main focus in life right now is to encourage and help his amazing wife who teaches elementary school. There are about eight hundred students in her school. You know what that means. If not, read it! And then, change your world.
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?
First things first. Thank you, fans! Each and every one of you are amazing in your own right, and together, a force for good to be reckoned with.
Yesterday, chapter seventeen of the sequel was brought into this world, so yes, another novel is being birthed. The research is done. All of the characters return, and I Will I am is introduced. Dean takes a much more prominent role. And what he discovers–, this author is still shaking his head in amazement at what he uncovered, and can’t wait to finish reading the book himself. The editing rounds will take a while, but expect it in stores the 5th of November, 2025. Remember, remember? The 5th of November?
*Got it? Whole cloth? Fabric-ation?
Author Links: Website
Join Walt Walls as he navigates the hidden battles and secrets of the Island of Ai. Decode encrypted messages, uncover hidden truths, and experience an exhilarating adventure unlike any other.
Starving For Some Excitement
The Devil’s Den—A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1 follows a young woman looking for a fresh start in New York who gets herself into danger with a serial killer as she seeks revenge for her missing roommate. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I’m an avid reader whose favorite genres are mysteries and thrillers. However, after a while, the concepts and plots of the books I read became redundant. I started craving for something new and realized I couldn’t have been the only one who felt this way. After fantasizing about the kind of story I’d love to read, I grabbed my laptop and started writing it instead.
Phoenix is a complex character who keeps readers in suspense, unable to anticipate her next move. What inspired the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Phoenix’s character is a fusion of some of my favorite heroines – fictional and literal. She needed to be fiery and fearless, but also vulnerable. She needed to be extraordinary in some traits yet fractured in others so as to connect with the reader. These qualities often reveal themselves in her internal dialogue, as well as her external dialogue. Phoenix’s attributes are what makes her, and other heroines, unforgettable.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
Starving for some excitement, I wanted this novel to explore two themes I felt I hadn’t come across in a while: the fine line between madness and genius, and the price of revenge. However, I am curious to know if the readers’ interpretations of the book’s themes differ from what I intended.
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?
This is most certainly the beginning of a greater story. The next novel will be released in early-to-mid 2025. I intend for this particular series to be a trilogy; however, throughout my creative process, the number of books this series has could change. Nonetheless, the readers can expect major character development and shocking revelations. As they continue this journey with me, they’ll be grinding their teeth and ceaselessly turning the pages.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Book Review
The Broken Dollhouse
In The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom, readers are drawn into a haunting psychological thriller with elements of horror, weaving together themes of trauma, mental illness, and suspense. The protagonist, Micayla, has been haunted since childhood by a devastating event, the brutal murder of her aunt, which she witnessed at the age of five. The trauma left deep psychological scars, affecting her well into adulthood. Now living in a villa by a lake steeped in dark folklore with her husband, she finds herself ensnared in an eerie mystery. The legends surrounding a mystical creature lurking in the lake are mere whispers—until her husband dies under suspicious circumstances, and her 17-month-old son vanishes. As Micayla seeks answers, she uncovers unsettling connections between these events, the lake, and its cryptic secrets.
Ekebom’s novel intricately explores mental health, beginning with the abandonment of Micayla and her brother due to their mother’s postpartum psychosis. As the story progresses, Micayla’s struggles with anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts create a vivid portrait of a woman teetering on the edge. Her character becomes increasingly layered, shaped by a toxic marriage and long-standing abandonment issues, leading her to distrust those around her. When her son disappears, the narrative takes a sharp turn, propelling her into a desperate search filled with suspense and uncertainty. She encounters various characters along the way, some trustworthy, others far from it, heightening the tension and adding depth to her journey. While the novel’s title is captivating and the premise promising, it falters in execution. The lack of descriptive detail, particularly surrounding the mythical lake creature, leaves readers craving more. Key elements, such as the creature’s motivations and the ritual mentioned in passing, remain frustratingly vague. This underdevelopment of the horror aspect detracts from the novel’s potential to fully immerse its audience in fear and suspense.
The Broken Dollhouse by Sofia Ekebom presents a compelling blend of psychological thriller and horror centered around trauma, mental illness, and a chilling mystery. The novel offers a strong premise and intriguing character development. Readers of psychological thrillers and dark fiction will find the story engaging.
Pages: 328 | ISBN : 9526502035
The Devil’s Den – A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1
The Devil’s Den – A Phoenix Thriller Vol. 1 is a psychological thriller novel that follows Phoenix Gerard, who is on a mission to find her roommate, Charlotte Cooper, after she goes missing. Phoenix does not suspect that Charlotte has been kidnapped by the Courtship Killer, who recently began targeting women. Instead, Phoenix is determined to stop the killing spree of the serial murderer, and she does it through an obsessive and reckless pursuit that pushes her mental fragility to its limits. Navigating a dark path of revenge, Phoenix finds herself at acute risk of facing a gruesome fate at the hands of her very target. It is a story that grips the reader where it matters the most: in the mind!
D E Nelson has written an amazing novel that is impossible to put down. She taps into the minds of her characters as she expertly weaves the story together. She clearly describes their feelings of hurt, jealousy, and joy through her writing and suspenseful plot. This book provides countless examples of the intense emotions that compel people to do and say things. You will see great examples of descriptions and imagery in the way Nelson writes. She truly allows her characters to come to life in this book. One aspect that makes this story so fantastic is the suspense that buzzes through the entire plot. D E Nelson does an incredible job keeping the tension up and the questions in your mind. She sets things up exactly as they should be before another element is introduced.
D E Nelson’s psychological thriller is a tour de force. Skilfully crafted, it weaves a tight web of complex characters and a gripping plot. Phoenix Gerard’s fight for justice is as much an inner battle with demons as it is an outer quest for truth – a dynamic nature that Nelson captures perfectly. The storytelling zigs and zags and speeds, compelling readers to turn the page. This book is a must-read for psychological suspense fans.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0D1RMVM4G
NAVIGATING DARKNESS
Navigating Darkness, by Eric Greene, is a captivating psychological thriller that immerses readers in the tumultuous mind of sixteen-year-old Lucas Mofit. Seeking an escape from his daily pressures, Lucas’s night of indulgence takes a terrifying turn when he encounters a dog chasing its tail in a ring of smoke—a sinister omen that marks the beginning of his descent into a world of supernatural horrors. Lucas is bombarded with relentless visions, voices, and nightmares that test his sanity. Despite his friends’ efforts to console him, he feels increasingly isolated, yet he is never truly alone. A malevolent presence stalks him, pushing him to the brink of madness. In his desperation, Lucas cries out to God, finding a brief respite before the darkness returns with renewed vengeance. His struggle between lust and salvation, reality and delusion, forms the crux of this chilling narrative.
Navigating Darkness masterfully blends psychological horror and the elements of a supernatural thriller, capturing the harrowing journey of a young boy tormented by inner demons and external malevolent forces. Greene deftly explores the fragile boundary between reality and insanity, urging readers to question what is real and what is imagined. Lucas Mofit is a compelling protagonist whose struggles with fear and isolation are deeply relatable. His supernatural encounters are vividly described, drawing readers into his nightmarish experiences. The recurring motif of the dog chasing its tail serves as a haunting reminder of Lucas’s inescapable dread.
The narrative is enriched by Greene’s introspective style, which delves into Lucas’s psyche, revealing his innermost fears and desires. The supporting characters, particularly Lucas’s friends, add depth to the story, highlighting themes of friendship, loyalty, and helplessness in the face of overwhelming darkness. The pacing is relentless, with each chapter building suspense and intensifying the reader’s sense of unease. Greene’s ability to maintain this tension throughout the novel is commendable, making this book a page-turner from start to finish. Lucas’s cries to God and subsequent moments of peace offer a stark contrast to his experiences of terror, providing a nuanced portrayal of the struggle between good and evil, light and darkness.
Navigating Darkness is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking read that will linger in the minds of readers long after they have turned the last page. It is a testament to Greene’s skill in crafting a story that is as emotionally resonant as it is terrifying. Highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and supernatural horror.
Pages: 106 | ASIN : B0D4N1L33G
LITERARY TITAN 