Blog Archives
Childhood Memories
Surf and Sand follows an adventurous twelve-year-old girl living in a seaside hotel with her mother and brother, who helps a detective to solve a missing person’s case, which is similar to a case in which he worked at the hotel before. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I used my childhood memories of the old Hermosa Biltmore Hotel for inspiration. I was 13 or 14 years old, and my mother often booked a room for weekends during the summer of ’58 and ’59. While the adults visited a nearby casino in the evenings, my pals and I explored the old hotel’s dark hallways and basement for hours. Plus, they rented surfboards on the strand outside. So, my novel is based upon childhood memories and not so much on any research, although it was in fact called the Surf and Sand when it was built.
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing or did it develop organically?
Organically. Mary Nell Morgan is 11 years old, sitting on the roof of the hotel, watching her brother and his friends surf, I was listening to her, and I suppose the mystery was something she needed because it kind of popped into my head.
Why choose this place and time for the setting of the story?
While reminiscing with my oldest friend one evening, he asked if I remembered our visits to the old hotel, and then suggested I write a story “where they find a body in the swimming pool!” Thanks, Fred!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
Hypnotized should be published by summer, 2025. I am still working on it.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | The Independent Author Network | Amazon
Originally published in 2019, the author thoroughly revised this work in 2023.
All Mortal Greatness
In All Mortal Greatness, Nelson Cover delivers a gripping murder mystery that plunges readers into a suspense-filled chase. Thomas Simpson and Zoltan Vastag find themselves on the hunt for a relentless drone assassin targeting the top ranks of Sessions University. The mystery intensifies with every chapter. How will they outsmart this elusive killer? What strategies will they employ to bring the murderer to justice? These questions kept me hooked, eager to unravel the mystery alongside the characters.
Cover’s storytelling shines with its fast-paced, engaging narrative. From the very first chapter, the plot captivated me, and there wasn’t a single moment where the momentum faltered. Each page pushed the story forward, and the pacing was spot on, allowing the reader to stay deeply immersed. Cover’s ability to maintain suspense while keeping the storyline clear and concise is impressive, and he masterfully keeps readers on edge, eager to see what happens next. The standout feature of this book, however, is its characters. Thomas Simpson and Zoltan Vastag are far from ordinary protagonists. Their intelligence, integrity, and deep care for others make them both relatable and admirable. Their thoughtful, well-developed personalities added richness to the plot and made their journey all the more compelling. I found myself invested not only in solving the mystery but also in the dynamic between these two remarkable individuals.
If you’re looking for a thrilling page-turner that combines mystery, suspense, and characters you’ll care about, All Mortal Greatness is an excellent choice. Nelson Cover has crafted a story that will hold your attention from start to finish. It’s a novel that leaves no room for boredom, only excitement and anticipation for what comes next. Highly recommended!
Pages: 257 | ASIN : B0CYCLX1GM
2024: Attack on America
2024 Attack on America is an action-packed techno-thriller that dives into the world of cyber warfare, government secrets, and espionage. The plot follows Gabriel Brinkerhoff as he navigates a crisis involving hackers, leaked intelligence, and global cyber threats. Throughout the story, Gabriel interacts with world leaders, military officials, and even supercomputers as he works to unravel a conspiracy threatening national security. The novel uses real-world technology and touches on themes of privacy, governmental overreach, and the ethical dilemmas inherent in national defense.
One of the strengths of Sasha Zarustin’s book is its almost breathless momentum. Zarustin keeps the reader engaged with frequent plot twists and a sense of urgency that rarely lets up. For example, Gabriel’s race against time to expose hackers using VPN breaches and the manipulation of social media algorithms keeps the tension high. The dialogue is sharp and feels authentic, whether in the Oval Office or among tech moguls.
The novel also leans into a particular masculine bravado, which feels over-the-top at times, but some readers may appreciate these more intimate asides in an otherwise gripping thriller. On the other hand, Zarustin does a great job portraying the intricacies of modern technology and its potential for manipulation. His exploration of social media as a tool for mind control, as explained by the character Demiurge is fascinating and chilling. The book’s detailed analysis of cyber-attacks and the vulnerability of infrastructure makes the story feel real even when the characters venture into somewhat implausible heroics. Gabriel’s reflections on cyber warfare and the ethical consequences of whistleblowing add depth to an otherwise action-driven story.
The co-plot dives more into Gabriel’s personal life, his emotional struggles and often raw interpersonal relationships. This aspect of the story contrasts sharply with the techno-thriller elements and gives the novel an introspective and existential layer. These scenes, which are marked by frank dialogue, everyday tensions and moments of self-reflection, evoke a Bukowski-esque tone as they explore masculinity, disillusionment, and the messiness of life in a more grounded way.
2024 Attack on America is a fast-paced read that will appeal to fans of political thrillers and anyone looking for a good cyber warfare story. Its action-packed narrative offers a compelling look at the dark side of technology and the fragile balance between national security and privacy.
Pages: 296 | ASIN : B0D5Z2H9GS
Heroes and Heroines With Flaws
Blood Dagger: Thomas Berenford Chronicles follows a warrior visiting a small fishing village to relax who winds up being pulled into several jobs involving what he calls pest control. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The story was inspired by one of my favorite movies, The Godfather. I imagined Berenford in a turf war between competing crime syndicates. Instead of mob bosses and their families, the story includes madams, magians, and an assassin that’s part man, part centipede. And violence, lots of it. One of my goals is to experiment with different genres.
I find the world you created in this novel brimming with possibilities. Where did the inspiration for the setting come from and how did it change as you were writing?
Big reveal here! The setting for Berenford’s travels takes place in a world that’s 100% geographically identical to this world. Same oceans, seas, rivers; same continents, mountain ranges, and valleys. The human element is completely different, of course. With that foundation, I followed the character’s footsteps, going east to west, and placed him on what would be, in this world, the southern United States. New Orleans, to be exact. Changes did take place as I was writing. Lore was added, plot points were written and rewritten, and characters revealed.
Your characters are well-developed and engaging, keeping readers hooked on your story. What character did you enjoy writing for? Was there one that was more challenging to write for?
Berenford was fun to write, especially when he struggled, which was often. Readers are attracted to heroes and heroines with flaws. The hardest character was the centipede demi assassin. His voice changed a few times. The danger with a character that demonic was to portray it in a trite, superficial manner. I’m not sure I succeeded.
When will book 2 be available? Can you give us an idea of where that book will take readers?
Actually, the next book will be the third book released, but since The Thomas Berenford Chronicles have not been written in order, I hesitate to call it book 2. In any case, The Broken Coil will tentatively be released at the end of 2024. It will take readers westward, with vistas of mountains, prairies, and blue skies that go on forever. And monsters. Sounds like the western genre, doesn’t it? With monsters!
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon
Pest number one is a naïve kid with a huge heart and a knack for getting me into trouble. Pest two is an aging Madam of a brothel, with enough gold up her silky sleeve to hire my sword for yet another day. The final pest is the kid’s female cousin, a fiery warrior with a special spirit. She might be a better brawler than I.
Compounding the mayhem are ruthless bosses, brutal thugs, wily prostitutes, a swamp monster, and an assassin that’s half human and half insect—all conspiring to make my stay in this town a cursed ordeal. Lurking in the background is a pair of malevolent sorcerers who possess the power to seize control of the entire operation while sending all of us to an early grave.
Some call my job “Pest Control.”
I call it survival.
Unimaginable Lengths
In Run, a woman must protect her son after he witnesses a crime and the gang responsible sets out to silence them both. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration for this story is loosely based on a real-life experience. When my son was a teenager, he was jumped by two gang members who put him in the hospital for two weeks with a serious injury. During the investigation, and before his subsequent arrest, one of the gang members involved moved into the same condominium complex we lived in, constantly harassing us, and eventually necessitating our relocation. After his arrest, he continued to contact us via a cell phone smuggled into jail, threatening my son if he testified against him. Needless to say, I was frightened for my son’s life and was very close to moving him out of the area until the trial started.
That experience made me think about what I would do to protect my son if the situation escalated and the police couldn’t protect us. What would I do? Where would I take him? And how would we ever be able to resume our normal lives after that? Of course, my book is fiction, and very loosely based on our experience, as thank goodness, things turned out well for my son and his perpetrators are still in prison today.
Are you a fan of the crime thriller genre? What books do you think most influenced your work?
I have always been a fan of the thriller, suspense, and adventure genre. I am a huge fan of David Baldacci, Harlen Coben, and Lee Child, to name a few of the all-time greats.
Do you find that you relate to any of your characters? If so, which one(s)?
I can definitely relate to my protagonist, Kendra Thompson. She had to make some tough choices, but it was all done in the name of protecting her son. I believe most mothers can understand going to unimaginable lengths to save your child. Even when they are a typical snarky teenager with attitude, as Kendra’s son is!
What is the next book you are working on, and when will it be available?
I am just wrapping up my next thriller, which will be released on December 5, 2024. This next book is centered around a young woman named Megan Hamilton, who has just been dumped by her fiancé. After her mother guilt-trips her into going on a cruise to Mexico with her to heal from the heartbreak of her failed relationship, Megan meets a charming man onboard. However, no one is who they appear to be and when Megan goes missing, she soon realizes the truth is much worse than anything she could have imagined. Her perfect vacation is about to turn into a total nightmare. You’ll think twice before booking your next getaway.
Author Links: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Website
Now Kendra and her son are running for their lives, hunted by a vicious street gang with eyes and ears everywhere, who are determined to silence Kyle forever. In a deadly race to stay one step ahead of a ruthless gang, a crooked cop, and a corrupt politician, Kendra is the only one who can save him from a web of corruption that leaves her with almost no one she can trust.
Their lives hang in the balance as two strangers become their best chance for survival-a gutsy truck driver and her brother, a retired DEA agent with a questionable past.
Kendra’s fierce determination to save her son and outmatch their pursuers is put to the test as she discovers just how far she is willing to go and what she will sacrifice to protect her child.
But where can a desperate mother turn for help when she can’t trust anyone, and everyone has a stake in finding them?
Run
Run, by Christy Cooper-Burnett, is an action-packed contemporary novel that immerses its readers in the harrowing life of Kendra Thompson, a nurse and single mother. The plot thickens dramatically when her son, Kyle, becomes an unintended witness to a gang crime, thrusting them both into imminent danger. This novel echoes the tension and intrigue of classic thrillers, where survival is contingent on outwitting pursuers.
Set in a modern American setting, Cooper-Burnett skillfully merges the urgency of a high-stakes chase with the mental strain of being relentlessly pursued. The author’s adept storytelling grips the reader from the onset, employing a rapid pace and convincingly realistic characters. A distinctive feature of this novel is its exploration of the gang’s ties to influential figures, a development that not only elevates the risks involved but also challenges the protagonists’ reliance on the justice system for safety. The journey of Kendra and Kyle, navigating through perilous and unpredictable circumstances, is engaging and maintains suspense throughout.
Cooper-Burnett demonstrates a talent for sustaining a tense atmosphere, underscored by a pervasive fear of the unknown. The alternating perspectives of mother and son add depth to the narrative, offering varied viewpoints that enrich the plot. The characters’ unwavering uprightness amidst the story’s darker elements effectively injects moments of humanity and relief into the narrative, which is otherwise marked by continuous tension. This contrast serves to retain the reader’s engagement, offering a balanced rhythm that prevents desensitization to the story’s swift developments.
Run is not exclusively for aficionados of the thriller genre but is equally inviting for newcomers intrigued by such storytelling. The novel presents a riveting combination of unceasing action and intricate ethical quandaries, marking it as a noteworthy contribution to contemporary thriller literature.
Pages: 275 | ASIN : B0CW1GGG38
Yuri & the Pig
It is often assumed that the true essence of an adventure lies not in the destination but in the journey itself. Consider Santiago from The Alchemist; his ultimate quest was less about the tangible treasure he unearthed, and more about the lessons learned, people met, and paths traveled. Similarly, C. W. Lovatt’s Yuri and the Pig is an impactful tale of resistance and self-discovery.
Set against the backdrop of Eastern Europe, this narrative delves into the life of Yuri, a modest farmer. When new tax impositions threaten his tranquil existence, Yuri finds himself propelled into an unexpected journey with his pig, confronting injustice. Yet, as the tale unfolds, we witness a striking transformation in Yuri’s perspectives and beliefs.
One of the book’s standout features is its rich tapestry of symbolism and underlying messages, reminiscent of riddles. The concise yet compelling chapters ensured a riveting reading experience, often leading me to eagerly turn one page after the next. Yuri’s character resonated deeply with me. His evolution is palpable as he steps out of his comfort zone, encounters the world’s harsh realities, and begins to introspect and challenge lifelong beliefs. A particularly intriguing element is the symbolism behind Yuri’s pig – a deviation from the conventional literary interpretations of pigs, which still leaves me pondering.
Yuri and the Pig, by C.W. Lovatt, is more than just a captivating read; it’s an introspective journey that underscores the transformative power of war, occasionally revealing silver linings amidst the darkness. It’s a tale best suited for mature readers, given its graphic depictions of violence and mature themes. A genuinely thought-provoking novel, it beckons readers to reflect on the intricate dance of life, growth, and self-discovery.
Pages: 305 | ASIN : B0CFYFB312
LITERARY TITAN 