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Criminal Elements
Secrets of the Shield is a collection of raw, pulse-pounding crime thriller stories rooted deep in real-world law enforcement, and told through the lens of a seasoned cop. Where did the idea for this novel come from and how did it develop over time?
The genesis of Secrets of the Shield stems from my twenty years of frontline experience investigating cases that few civilians ever witness. Throughout my career in specialized investigation units, I documented harrowing encounters with ruthless cartel operations involving human trafficking, drug distribution networks that spanned continents, execution-style homicides, and systematic extortion. My notebooks captured the chaos of the LA riots from inside the police perimeter, the tense negotiations of high-profile kidnappings where lives hung in the balance, and government corruption cases that revealed shocking betrayals of public trust. These weren’t distant news stories—they were realities I lived through daily, meticulously recording details that accumulated in field notebooks over two decades.
Among these cases was a seemingly routine undercover assignment in North Hollywood where I arrested suspects targeting grocery stores throughout LA for high-end merchandise. One of these suspects was Ricardo Ramirez, aka The Night Stalker, 5 years before his murder spree began. I took a Polaroid photo on the date of his arrest that I still have today and included in the book. The fingerprints and booking photo from his arrest at North Hollywood LAPD eventually identified him as Richard Ramirez. I found this photo well after his arrest and decided to tell the untold story that no one had documented in the news media, movies, or docuseries, including the Polaroid that had never been released to the public. This unexpected historical connection became one compelling element in my larger mission to document the hidden criminal landscape I navigated throughout my career.
What brings a smile to my face is that my wife Debbie deserves full credit for inspiring this book. She took one look at my growing collection of storage bins overflowing with case notes and said, “Either those notebooks become a book, or they’re moving into their own house—our garage needs breathing room!” That gentle nudge was all it took to transform decades of field notes into my first published work.
What was the most challenging part of writing Secrets of the Shield, and what was the most rewarding?
The most challenging aspect of compiling this book was exercising extreme caution regarding what information I could disclose. I needed to protect the integrity of the cases while, most importantly, safeguarding the victims and their families who were violently impacted by these predators who forever altered their lives.
The most rewarding outcome has been sharing these stories with readers to reveal the truth about criminal elements lurking in plain sight—predators waiting for their next helpless victims, completely devoid of empathy for the devastation they cause not only to their immediate victims but also to families and associates. These cases exist only in the memories of my fellow investigators and special agents who lived through them, and I felt compelled to help the public understand what transpires around them daily—incidents that often never receive media attention.
How did you decide what to include and leave out in your book?
My decisions about content were primarily guided by the protection of victims and their families, alongside maintaining both the criminal and civil integrity of these cases. Throughout the project, I sought professional legal counsel to ensure these objectives were met.
Will there be a follow-up novel to this story? If so, what aspects of the story will the next book cover?
Yes, I have two sequels launching toward the end of this year: Encrypted Patriot and The Coin Collector. These works elevate Secrets of the Shield into heightened crime thrillers with incredible action and government espionage drama that extends to other parts of the world. Many characters from the first book continue their journeys into covert government agencies, operating at the highest—sometimes officially nonexistent—security levels.
Author Links: GoodReads | X (Twitter) | Facebook | Website | Amazon
The truth has been buried—until now.
Los Angeles County: a sprawling metropolis where power, corruption, and violence collide in the shadows. For decades, the public has only seen the surface. Now, a retired veteran police investigative sergeant rips the veil off the city’s darkest secrets.
From the arrest of Richard Ramirez, the Night Stalker—five years before his reign of terror began—to the chaos of the Los Angeles riots, from covert operations dismantling cartel murder networks to exposing corrupt government officials, these are the cases that were sealed away. Until now.
What you’re about to read has never been disclosed to the public, including a single Polaroid photograph within these pages that tells a story of its own. This book reveals how a routine arrest led to the early identification of one of history’s most infamous serial killers. It uncovers the untold truth of the Los Angeles riots—what really happened in the streets and behind closed doors. It takes you deep inside covert missions that infiltrated the cartels’ blood-soaked empires and into the silent war against public official corruption.
These aren’t just stories. They are confessions from the front lines. Each chapter is a pulse-pounding descent into a world where monsters don’t hide in the shadows—they walk among us. Where justice isn’t always served, and the truth is more terrifying than fiction.
Once you step into this world, you won’t emerge unchanged. Buckle up. You’ve been warned.
Fans of Mindhunter, American Predator, and Don Winslow’s The Cartel will be drawn to this gripping, unfiltered account of crime and corruption. Based on real cases. Written by the man who lived them.
“Get your copy of Secrets of the Shield today and uncover the truth for yourself.”
Fun-Loving, Intelligent Women
The Sole Sisters follows a retired defense attorney who teams up with a quirky group of women to investigate her husband’s murder. Where did the idea for this novel come from?
For the past 10 years, I have been co-leader of The Villages True Crime Book Club. Our community is sometimes called ‘A drinking community with a golfing problem’. We have over 100 members, 70% of whom are women. Our group of women resembles Noah’s Ark; we have one of everything. I took bits and pieces of the members and developed a group of fun-loving, intelligent women, all interested in solving cold cases. Thus began The Sole Sisters.
While living in Washington, D.C., the Beltway Sniper Murders took place. Eleven died as a result. A female FBI officer was shot and killed at a location I had just left. It was an easy step to have the defense attorney husband of The Sole Sisters leader shot by a mysterious sniper. Once the local law enforcement gave up the investigation, the Sole Sisters became the force driving the investigation. The crime taking place in a fictional upscale retirement community known as ‘The Hamlets’ allowed me to tie into many of the real and imagined goings-on of my own community, The Villages, FL. The Sole Sisters, who firmly believe they do not have to follow all those ‘silly rules’ imposed upon law enforcement, begin to identify small pieces of evidence that continue to grow in size.
Which character in the novel do you feel you relate to more and why?
With this being the first of a series. I had a special relationship with each character as they entered the story. A crazy psychiatrist who did his residency at a fertility clinic (who picked up walking around money by being a sperm donor), and his knockout gorgeous fiancée-attorney, provide many opportunities for me to relate to. Of course, Kate, the group leader, is a strong, dominant character. Her husband was shot, and they are going to identify the shooter, even after local law enforcement had given up all hope.
While I can relate to all of them, I suppose my favorite is Linda, who is introduced as the dark angel of death; she ends up being a guardian angel. Who cannot love a beautiful lingerie model/designer, who owns her own very successful business, and has a side job as a professional hitwoman?
How did the mystery develop for this story? Did you plan it before writing, or did it develop organically?
I’m a planner when it comes to writing; almost everything I do is thought about prior to it happening. Many of the true crime cases our book club was reading at the time involved DNA. That allowed using DNA as key evidence. This allowed me to explore how it could be used and misused. It allowed adversaries of a suspect to wrongfully accuse and prosecute that suspect. Then the surprise ending proves that DNA is not always unique.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
The Sole Sisters celebrate their first case success and begin looking for another. The Sole Sisters Case #2, The Hydra begins with a local high school girl’s disappearance. Her kidnapping leads to a local sex trafficking ring. What began as a local case soon goes national and then international. As usual, the Sole Sisters’ rather unorthodox methods allow them to discover items overlooked by local, national, and international law enforcement. This book is currently available on Amazon.com.
Available on Amazon.com late summer 2025 is the third in a series, The Sole Sisters, Case #3: The Crape Myrtle Murders. When naked female and male bodies are discovered at the entrance of Pelican Country Club, law enforcement is stymied. There is no way they can be identified. Just when the community begins to calm down, another two bodies are found at the Bandstand across from City Hall. No fingerprint matches, no DNA matches, no Missing Persons Reports, it’s almost as if they never existed.
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Can’t tell you much more without giving away clues, I know you will enjoy THE SOLE SISTERS..
The Sole Sisters, Formerly known as The Widows Club.
R.E. Markland II’s The Sole Sisters is a cozy crime novel wrapped in the warmth of community and the grit of old-school detective work. It’s a story about Kate Elder, a retired defense attorney whose peaceful life is shattered when her husband, Tom, is shot on a golf course by an unknown sniper. What begins as a tense crime mystery soon blossoms into a charming narrative about friendship and second chances, as Kate teams up with a quirky group of women who call themselves The Sole Sisters. Each member brings her unique talents to the table, forming an unofficial, wine-fueled investigative team determined to crack the case that law enforcement has all but given up on.
The pacing here is tight. Markland wastes no time in throwing us into the heart of the action, and the emotional shock Kate experiences is palpable. What I really appreciated was how grounded the story felt despite the high stakes. The details, Kate’s sarcastic internal dialogue, the way her friend Jackie tries to keep her calm, even the ambulance tearing through sleepy neighborhoods, all felt painfully real and wonderfully human.
As the story unfolds, the true heart of the book is revealed in the bond between the women. The Sole Sisters are hilarious, heartfelt, and so authentically drawn that I felt like I’d known them for years. Their decision to start investigating on their own is both noble and chaotic, there’s this brilliant scene where they’re drinking wine and renaming their club, and it had me laughing. But there’s more than humor here. Crystal, the forensic psychologist, brings genuine insight, while Rita’s cop instincts give the group backbone. These women aren’t caricatures, they’re layered, vulnerable, and brave. Watching them work around Lt. Brady’s constraints, using everything from AI tech to homemade tip lines, felt like watching a master class in amateur sleuthing with heart.
The writing can be overly expository at times, especially during flashbacks. And sometimes the dialogue veers into the melodramatic. Still, the charm of the characters and the clever layering of clues pulled me right back in every time. By the end, I found myself completely attached to these women. I cheered when they got closer to the truth, and I worried for their safety. Markland balances suspense with warmth, crafting a story that’s not just about solving a crime, but about reclaiming purpose after loss. That’s what stayed with me the most: the emotion, the friendships, and the quiet strength of women who refuse to be sidelined.
I’d recommend The Sole Sisters to fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love character-driven stories with strong female leads. Think The Thursday Murder Club meets Golden Girls, with a little more heart and a lot more sass. It’s not just a mystery, it’s a reminder that it’s never too late to matter, to make a difference, or to find your tribe.
Pages: 338 | ASIN : B0CGQ5SL2B
Down and Out in the River City
Wm. Stage’s Down and Out in the River City is a gritty, no-nonsense dive into the underbelly of St. Louis, where homelessness, crime, and corruption bleed into each other under the glow of neon tavern signs. The story follows Francis, a process server whose job forces him to navigate both the seedy and bureaucratic sides of the city. What starts as a routine attempt to serve a legal document quickly turns into something much bigger as Francis gets swept into the chaos of a city-wide protest, a police crackdown, and a mystery surrounding the overdose of a troubled young man. The novel paints a vivid and often brutal picture of a city grappling with racial tension, crime, and the slow erosion of morality in the face of desperation.
Stage’s writing is sharp, fast-paced, and packed with a dark wit that makes even the bleakest moments sting with humor. Francis is a character who sees the world in shades of gray, a refreshing break from the typical hero. He’s cynical yet strangely principled, acknowledging the corruption on both sides of the law while trying to keep his head above water. One of the most compelling parts of the book is the way Francis interacts with different factions of St. Louis society like bar regulars who rib him for getting arrested with protesters, hardened cops who see him as an outsider, and the desperate people caught in the crossfire. The riot scene early in the book is electric. Its filled with tension and sharp dialogue that makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of the chaos. It’s one of the best examples of how Stage captures the raw energy of a city on edge. While the novel thrives on its gritty realism and immersive atmosphere, there are moments where I felt the story meanders. I think some of Francis’ internal monologues and interactions, especially in barroom settings, could be trimmed down to maintain the narrative’s momentum.
One of the book’s strongest aspects is its unflinching look at race relations and police violence. The story doesn’t shy away from the ugliness on both sides, whether it’s protesters eager to turn a tragedy into an opportunity for anarchy or police officers who have lost all patience and resort to brute force. The courtroom scene following the Stockley verdict is gut-wrenching, a moment where you can feel the weight of history pressing down on the city. Stage doesn’t try to push an agenda, he just presents the chaos as it is, which makes it all the more powerful. Francis’ own discomfort in navigating these tensions adds depth to the story, making him a compelling guide through this moral minefield.
Despite its heavy themes, the book doesn’t drown in its own darkness. The dialogue is lively, the humor biting, and the characters feel like people you’d run into at a South City dive bar. The subplot involving Francis being hired to investigate the death of Austin Lambert, a privileged kid who spirals into drug addiction and homelessness, adds a noir-like mystery element to the book. The scenes where Francis and his partner Cale chase leads through homeless encampments and sketchy motels are gripping, giving the novel a detective story edge that keeps you hooked.
Down and Out in the River City is for readers who like their fiction raw, real, and unpolished. Fans of Elmore Leonard or George Pelecanos will appreciate its punchy prose and morally complex characters. If you’re looking for a book that doesn’t sugarcoat reality but still delivers an entertaining and thought-provoking ride, this one’s a must-read.
Pages: 272 | ASIN : B0DZ7MJ2MK
Midnight Justice
Robin H. Dobbins’ Midnight Justice is an adrenaline-pumping vigilante thriller that follows Alexandria McCord, a formidable and mysterious force of retribution. Armed with a Kevlar suit, a muscle car, and an unshakable sense of justice, she takes the law into her own hands, targeting criminals who have slipped through the cracks of the legal system. As she prowls the streets, bringing justice where the authorities fail, she becomes a legend. Feared by criminals, admired by some, and relentlessly pursued by law enforcement. But beneath the tough exterior lies a woman grappling with her past, her convictions, and the ever-present risk of exposure. The story weaves together high-octane action, moral dilemmas, and an undercurrent of personal loss, making for a gripping read.
What struck me most was the book’s unapologetic embrace of classic vigilante tropes while still managing to carve out a unique identity. Alexandria is a complex character, a history teacher by day and a fierce avenger by night. The opening chapter wastes no time in throwing us into the action. A masked figure unloading a shotgun, taking down criminals in brutal efficiency, and escaping in a roaring Dodge Challenger. The sheer energy of the scene had me hooked instantly. Dobbins writes action sequences with an old-school, cinematic flair. The pacing is relentless, giving the reader barely a moment to breathe before the next encounter. If there’s one thing this book doesn’t lack, it’s excitement.
The writing style can be a bit over-the-top at times, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It leans into its pulpy, almost comic book-like roots. But there are moments of genuine emotional depth, particularly when Alexandria reflects on her past and the trauma that set her on this path. Those moments, where her armor cracks just enough to show her vulnerability, are some of the strongest in the book.
The novel’s themes—justice versus vengeance, the failures of the legal system, and personal sacrifice—are explored with a clear passion. One of the most compelling aspects is how Alexandria’s actions are viewed differently by various characters. Some see her as a hero, others as a menace no better than the criminals she hunts. This moral ambiguity adds layers to the narrative, preventing it from being a simple black-and-white tale of good versus evil. The subplot involving Detective Kinstley and his reluctant pursuit of her adds another interesting layer. He respects her work but is bound by duty to bring her down, which creates an intriguing cat-and-mouse dynamic.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes action, tough-as-nails protagonists, and stories that question the boundaries of justice, Midnight Justice will be right up your alley. It’s not a subtle read, but it doesn’t try to be. It revels in its fast cars, brutal takedowns, and moral dilemmas, delivering a story that’s equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking. This book is perfect for those who love vigilante stories in the vein of The Punisher or Death Wish.
Pages: 280 | ASIN : B0DV4RPY69
A Perilous, Twisty Road Trip
Outlaw follows an ex-con who, when released from prison, joins forces with his former captain to take down a ruthless tycoon responsible for the devastating fires across California. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I spoke with a number of real-life ex-cons about their journey from incarceration and back into society. Their challenges, their setbacks, and how it felt. I delved into where Mason was emotionally at the end of Book 1, Fireline, and built on the characters and conflicts of Fireline to craft the most authentic and thrilling continuation possible.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
In Outlaw, Mason is a man obsessed with finding a way to do something so undeniably good that it will “clean the slate” and free him from his past—even if it kills him. He is goaded along this path by former CalFire captain Mark Hallenbeck, who suffers from a disability for which Mason is responsible. Taking the role of the angel on his shoulder is Mason’s estranged mother, who seeks to make up for neglecting Mason because of her meth addiction.
Each main character in the book is reckoning with guilt (a healthy emotion) and/or shame (an unhealthy one) in some way—and each has something to learn from one another. All while trying to survive a perilous, twisty road trip.
I felt that the action scenes were expertly crafted. I find that this is an area that can be overdone in novels. How did you approach this subject to make sure it flowed evenly?
Thank you! I try to make sure that every beat in an action scene has stakes—something or someone that can be gained or lost—and that what’s happening is clear. It’s easy to get carried away if you love action, which I do, so I always try to come back to those goals.
Where does the next book in the series take the characters?
I’m still figuring that out, actually. I think the next book will combine elements from Mason’s journey so far, like hazardous first responder situations and the bad actors who take advantage of these situations, while also exploring something new and different. It will continue Mason’s journey of figuring out how to live with himself—and how to just live. He’s come a long way from the guy who went along with his brother’s criminal ways, and he still has a lot of room to grow.
Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website
Resourceful ex-con Mason “Mace” Jones will be damned if he lets Marshall get away with it.
Blacklisted from wildland firefighting, Mace’s last shot at redemption lies in finding a murderous fugitive who can expose Marshall’s deadly conspiracy.
But when he embarks on this perilous journey into California’s backcountry, Mace becomes a fugitive himself and must face assassins, renegade cops, and shadows from the past.
Can Mace survive this treacherous path, or will the flames of his past consume him?
A heart-pounding thriller, Outlaw will leave you breathless. With fierce action and searing depth of feeling, there’s never been a more riveting exploration of reckoning and forgiveness.
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Outlaw
Outlaw, the second installment in Anthony DeCapite’s Mason Jones thriller series, weaves a gripping tale of redemption, danger, and the enduring scars of one’s past. Eight months after his release from prison, Mason Jones is determined to rebuild his life, but his mission is far from straightforward. Haunted by choices made while serving on a prison fire crew—particularly his impersonation of a professional firefighter to avenge his brother’s death—Mason finds himself grappling with the consequences of his actions. To atone, he reluctantly joins forces with the former captain of the prison fire crew, targeting Erik Marshall, a ruthless tycoon responsible for devastating fires across California. As Marshall’s corrupt influence extends even into law enforcement, Mason’s quest for redemption becomes a perilous journey fraught with betrayal, danger, and the constant risk of losing everything he holds dear.
DeCapite masterfully balances high-octane entertainment with thoughtful exploration of complex themes. The novel delves into the nuances of redemption, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths while rooting for Mason’s redemption arc. The narrative launches straight into action, maintaining a brisk pace that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. The prose is sharp and evocative, painting vivid pictures of both the harrowing action sequences and the quieter, introspective moments. DeCapite’s descriptions of the adrenaline-fueled confrontations immerse readers without overwhelming them, making every scene pulse with energy and tension. One of the novel’s standout qualities is its climactic payoff. While many thrillers stumble with lackluster endings, Outlaw delivers a finale brimming with suspense, emotion, and cinematic intensity—worthy of comparison to the best in the genre. The well-executed plot twists add a jolt of surprise and elevate the story’s entertainment value, ensuring readers remain engaged and on edge.
Outlaw is a riveting blend of action and reflection, offering not only an exhilarating read but also a meaningful look at the complexities of redemption. A must-read for thriller enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling, thought-provoking escape.
Pages: 258 | ASIN : B0DMKY37B3
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
LITERARY TITAN 