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The Kirkwood Killer
Justin Foster’s The Kirkwood Killer is a brutal, fast-moving horror-crime novel that follows Brandon Walls, a man shaped by violence from childhood and unleashed into a quiet golf-club community where his killing spirals into something almost mythic. The story moves from one shocking act to the next, weaving in twisted alliances, bizarre loyalty, and a growing sense that no one in this place realizes the monster living among them. It’s a grisly, relentless ride, and it never pretends to be anything else.
The writing is blunt and unfiltered, almost like someone telling you a wild story they shouldn’t be telling. At first, I wondered if the simplicity was intentional, but the more I read, the more it felt like the right fit for this kind of horror. The murders are vivid and disturbing, not in an artistic way but in an uncomfortably direct way, which honestly makes them land harder. The book doesn’t linger on psychological depth; instead, it barrels forward with raw energy, like the narrative is sprinting to keep up with Brandon’s impulses. It’s not graceful, but it is gripping in that “I shouldn’t look, but I can’t look away” kind of way.
What surprised me most was how strange and darkly fascinating the world around Brandon becomes. This isn’t just one man doing horrible things. The people around him, especially the cart-girl twins and later even the chef, get pulled into his orbit in ways that are unsettling and weirdly believable in the logic of this book. There’s a twisted humor to some scenes, the kind that makes you question whether you should be laughing. And while the plot is outrageous, it’s paced in a way that kept me turning the pages because I truly didn’t know what boundary the story would cross next. Sometimes it felt like watching a late-night slasher film with a friend where you keep elbowing each other with “Are you seeing this?” energy.
The Kirkwood Killer is not subtle. It’s pure horror with a crime-thriller backbone, told in a voice that’s bold enough to commit fully to its own chaos. If you’re someone who loves slasher stories, extreme horror, or villains who are monsters without apology, you’ll probably have a wild time with this. It’s definitely for fans of gritty, bloody, over-the-top horror.
Pages: 130 | ASIN : B0F9ZZCZ4K
Inescapable Guilt
Say Your Goodbyes to the Light follows a man who thinks he has covered his tracks after committing murder, who is unprepared for the vengeful spirits that are soon following him and invading his life. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The inspiration stemmed from my deep fascination with the consequences of guilt and the belief that one can never truly escape the wrongs they’ve committed—nor should they. I wanted to explore how someone who believes they’ve outsmarted justice faces an unstoppable force beyond their understanding or control. The concept of vengeful spirits intrigued me as a metaphor for inescapable guilt and retribution.
What intrigues you about the horror and paranormal genres that led you to write this book?
Horror and the paranormal fascinate me because they allow us to confront fears that are deeply rooted in the unknown. These genres create a space where we can explore themes of morality, mortality, and the supernatural in ways that challenge our perceptions of reality. Writing this book was an opportunity to delve into those fears, particularly the fear of unseen consequences and the price of our actions, in a way that’s both thrilling and unsettling.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
One of the central themes is the idea of justice and how it can manifest in unexpected ways. I also wanted to examine guilt and its psychological toll, as well as the inevitability of facing the repercussions of one’s actions. Redemption—or the lack of it—is another theme I wove into the story, asking whether true atonement is ever possible when you’ve crossed certain lines.
What is the next book that you’re working on, and when can your fans expect it?
I’m currently working on a new horror novel that continues to delve into the darker side of human nature, combined with a deeply unsettling supernatural twist. Fans can expect it to be released within the next year, and I’m excited to share a story that will push boundaries even further. Stay tuned for updates!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
It starts innocently enough: whispers in the dead of night, flickers of her face in mirrors, and the oppressive chill of a presence he refuses to believe is real. At first, Elliot dismisses it as paranoia—his mind cracking under the weight of what he’s done. But Delyla’s ghost grows stronger, turning his world into a waking nightmare. She invades his thoughts, manipulates his surroundings, and forces him to confront the life he destroyed and the dark corners of his soul.
As her vengeance becomes more unrelenting, Elliot spirals into paranoia and despair. Delyla is determined to make him pay, forcing him to relive her pain, her fear, and her final moments. Trapped in an inescapable cycle of torment, Elliot must make a choice: confess his sins and face the justice of the living, or endure an eternity of punishment at Delyla’s ghostly hands.
Say Your Goodbyes to the Light is a gripping psychological and supernatural thriller that delves into the depths of guilt, justice, and the fragility of the human mind. For fans of chilling hauntings and dark character studies, this novel is a harrowing exploration of crime, punishment, and the shadows we can’t escape.
Red Herrings
Torment – A Harper Jones Novel follows a detective haunted by the unsolved murder of his former partner who winds up investigating a gruesome crime leading him to suspect a serial killer is on the loose. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
One of my all-time favorite series is Criminal Minds, and I have always been fascinated by how/why an evil mind works the way it does…the motivations/experiences that contribute to a person’s character. Nature vs. Nurture?
I felt this novel’s supporting characters were intriguing and well-developed. Who was your favorite character to write for?
I would have to say I enjoyed writing for Medora. She was cast as both a victim and a vigilante/antagonist. Somewhere in her captivity, a switch flipped, and she became empowered and independent. Her methods of retribution and revenge were obviously not preferred, but they allowed her to achieve her goal of revenge.
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?
You pretty much nailed the most difficult part, which is giving enough to tease the reader without giving away the ending. My biggest difficulty was that I wanted to offer enough “red herrings” to keep the reader guessing, while at the same time not making the storyline too convoluted to where the reader gets frustrated or confused. I tried to walk this line by having a lot of dialogue, and have the characters “think out loud.”
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
Pawns is about half-written. It revolves around a series of political murders in Wolf Hollow, as well as delving into Harper’s past, with an old foe from his military days coming back to haunt him, endangering those that he cares about. At the same time, Harper and Angie’s romantic rebirth will be tested as the tension in the seaside town begins to ratchet up.
Author Links: GoodReads | Amazon
On an early fall morning, the sleepy oceanside town of Wolf Hollow awakens to a gruesome crime. Alison Newton, an innocent young woman who was senselessly murdered six months ago, has been dug up and brutally violated.
Veteran Detective Harper Jones, the lead investigator in her murder, is called upon to track down the offender, and he quickly realizes that this isn’t some random act. Instead, he discovers that a ruthless serial killer has descended upon Wolf Hollow with his own cruel motives.
Harper and his new partner, Medora Dunning, must track him down quickly before he strikes again, all the while slowly learning that not everything and everyone in this unsuspecting paradise is what they seem.
So Much Forever
So Much Forever continues the captivating journey of Phoenix, Curt, and Rose Martinsen as they navigate new challenges in their small-town life. Danbury masterfully weaves a tale that pulls the family back into a life-or-death situation filled with suspense and emotional depth. The introduction of Tempest as the antagonist adds a thrilling layer to the story, her obsession with Curt creating tension that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is the richly developed characters. Curt emerges as a compelling figure, showcasing strength and dedication that resonate deeply. It’s clear why fans wanted more of him, and Danbury delivers by placing him at the heart of the narrative. Phoenix and Rose also shine, their relationships and individual personalities adding warmth and authenticity to the story. Pop Pop brings wisdom and charm, enhancing the family dynamic and providing moments of levity. Danbury’s writing is technically proficient, with seamless pacing and transitions that make the substantial length of the book fly by. The word choice is precise and evocative, painting vivid scenes that immerse the reader fully into the Martinsens’ world. The blend of action, emotion, and character development is handled with skill, ensuring that each element enhances the others. Tempest serves as an excellent villain—complex and unpredictable. Her interactions with the main characters add intrigue and propel the plot forward in unexpected ways. The exploration of her background provides depth, making her more than just an adversary but a fully realized character with motivations that add to the story’s richness.
So Much Forever is a thrilling and emotionally engaging novel that showcases Danbury’s talents as an author. It builds upon the previous entries in the series while also standing strong on its own, making it accessible to new readers. The combination of a compelling plot, well-developed characters, and proficient writing makes this book a rewarding read that will leave fans eagerly anticipating what comes next for the Martinsen family.
Pages: 485 | ASIN : B0D9CB79CX
Trauma, Resilience, and Humanity
Baby Girl Jones follows a dedicated woman detective who is investigating the mysterious death of a woman found with a note about an abandoned baby girl from years ago. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
In Book One, The Billionaire’s List, I introduced a couple of these characters. When I started to write the sequel, which the readers were expecting, I realized I had to go back in time to answer, “How did they get here” before I could move forward with the story. Much like Star Wars, I wrote a Book Two PREquel. I wanted to know these characters better too. The set-up was to show how lives can become intertwined.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I wanted to explore the themes of identity, psychology, trauma, resilience, and humanity. As you stated in your review, the world is complex, and so is this story. But fiction is sometimes the gentlest way we can approach and reflect on some of that complexity.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story that takes place after The Billionaire’s List? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes! I plan to write Book Three, which will be the sequel to The Billionaire’s List, and close the story completely. Baby Girl Jones is dark. But you need darkness to understand the light.
Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website | Amazon
A baby is born.
Years later, a woman dies.
When a drug-addicted, middle-aged woman is found deceased next to a scrawled note mentioning an abandoned baby girl from decades earlier, Detective Claire Miller must figure out how and why the woman died. Was it a guilty conscience? Or murder? And who was this baby?
The investigation takes Claire through the red tape of the state foster care system. As her journey uncovers more leads, will she determine the cause of death and find the missing infant—now an adult?
A chilling tale comprising three female voices: two harboring traumatic childhoods and a third searching for truth.
Baby Girl Jones
Baby Girl Jones delves into the intricate lives of three women, each shadowed by traumatic pasts linked to their adoptions. Claire, a detective, unravels the mysterious overdose of a woman; Mallory, emerging from the instability of dangerous foster homes, finds solace with her adoptive parents; and Greta, adopted early into a home marred by aloofness and abuse, harbors destructive desires that threaten to entangle all their lives.
The narrative masterfully interweaves the distinct paths of Claire, Mallory, and Greta, offering a rich exploration of their backgrounds and how they shape their present. The mystery of Baby Girl Jones’s origin is both compelling and unsettling, driving the plot forward through the perspectives of these three characters. Each narrative voice is fully developed, with Mallory displaying significant growth. Greta and Mallory serve as intriguing foils to one another, while Claire’s investigative thread propels the storyline. As a prequel, the novel skillfully sets the stage for future events, hinting at pivotal decisions and brewing conflicts that promise to escalate in subsequent installments. Particularly notable is the exploration of themes such as adoption, foster care, and the enduring impact of abuse—handled with sensitivity and depth. This balance of thrilling elements with poignant social commentary positions Baby Girl Jones as a compelling read within the thriller genre, offering both suspense and insightful reflections on complex issues.
Baby Girl Jones adeptly mixes suspense with deep social insights, making it a standout thriller that captivates and resonates emotionally with its readers. Through its well-crafted characters and their interlinked stories, the book invites readers to reflect on the profound effects of family dynamics and personal history. The unfolding mystery, combined with the promise of future revelations, ensures that the anticipation for the next book in the series is palpable and exciting.
Pages: 328 | ASIN : B0CW1H387R
FARMERVILLE EPISODE 1: Till Those Cows Come Home
Set against the backdrop of Halloween’s festive yet eerie atmosphere, Farmerville Episode 1: Till Those Cows Come Home by Marty Martin is a unique blend of absurdity and suspense. The story unfolds in a seemingly tranquil rural town, where Deputy Ron Farmer’s routine duty takes a horrifying turn. He intends to rescue a family from two convicts, only to uncover the true menace: the family itself. The Holcombs, with their sinister torture barn and a penchant for murder, thrust Ron into a vortex of unexpected challenges.
Martin skillfully shifts the narrative from the initial portrayal of an idyllic town to revealing the murky underbelly of Farmerville and its inhabitants. The novel’s brisk pace aligns with its shorter length, swiftly unveiling surprising antagonists and the grisly pastimes of the Holcomb family. Despite the grim subject matter, the portrayal of the Holcombs’ unhinged nature injects a peculiar lightness into the narrative. Sensitive themes are tactfully prefaced with a disclaimer, addressing the array of potentially triggering content within. The plot escalates as the convicts stumble upon the wrong targets, intertwining their fate with Ron’s, who harbors his own hidden history. Laura, Ron’s daughter, emerges as an unexpectedly strong character, though less entangled in the town’s mysteries than her father. The novel crescendos into an intense culmination of violence and suspense, befitting a cinematic Halloween thriller, leaving an open-ended suggestion of further mysteries and conflicts. The ending leaves readers pondering Ron’s ominous future.
Martin’s narrative is engaging and enjoyable, capturing the reader’s imagination with the promise of more secrets to uncover in Farmerville. The concept of each series installment focusing on different town elements is intriguing, promising an expansive and detailed exploration of Farmerville’s enigmatic character. Martin’s storytelling assures that future episodes will be equally compelling, making Farmerville Episode 1: Till Those Cows Come Home a captivating start to what promises to be an absorbing series.
Pages: 86 | ASIN : B0CFD39DQ8
LITERARY TITAN 