Blog Archives
Severed Echoes
In Severed Echoes, author D.V. Chernov weaves a compelling mystery centered around Detective Nick Severs, who stumbles upon a perplexing case. A tip from an old school friend leads Nick to investigate a suspected murder, initially disguised as a suicide. The story gains complexity as Nick’s friend’s honesty comes into question, and he grapples with a haunting, recurring nightmare.
Chernov skillfully uses sharp, succinct sentences to escalate tension, exemplified in lines like “woman’s startled shriek. Short, sharp, and clear.” This narrative style not only builds suspense but also immerses the reader in the role of a detective, encouraging them to piece together the mystery alongside the characters. Parallel to Nick’s story is Kat, engaged in a quest for retribution with the aid of the hacktivism group ‘f8sabitch’. The connection between their paths remains an intriguing aspect of the plot. The book’s opening line, “The boy’s skull cracked, and the sound made Nick open his eyes,” sets the tone for the unfolding mystery. From the outset, Chernov captivates readers with questions that can only be answered by delving deeper into the narrative.
Severed Echoes incorporates contemporary themes, including references to COVID, which adds a layer of relatability for modern readers. This novel is a compelling read for those drawn to mysteries, providing a rich blend of suspense, character development, and relevant societal commentary. Chernov’s storytelling is engaging, making it a challenging book to put down for anyone captivated by unraveling a good mystery.
Severed Echoes is an intricately crafted narrative that masterfully balances suspense and character-driven storytelling. D.V. Chernov presents a modern mystery that not only engages readers in a complex plot but also resonates with contemporary themes. The book’s strength lies in its ability to immerse the reader in the detective’s journey, turning each page into a step deeper into its enthralling mystery. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or new to mystery novels, this book offers a captivating reading experience, marking D.V. Chernov as a noteworthy voice in mystery fiction.
Pages: 348 | ASIN : B0B65Q8K78
Then Came Four
Then Came Four, by Edward Izzi, is a compelling and gritty portrayal of Detroit in 1964, a time marked by racial tensions, police brutality, and societal upheaval. The novel masterfully interweaves the lives of diverse characters, each representing a facet of Detroit’s complex social landscape. Central to the narrative is the infamous “Big Four” – a group of police officers notorious for their violent tactics, particularly against African Americans. Through their actions, the novel exposes the deep-rooted systemic racism and corruption within the Detroit Police Department, The Big Four’s aggressive enforcement methods, and their eventual trial.
Cynthia Young is a 23-year-old African American prostitute. Cynthia’s harrowing existence on the streets of Detroit, fighting poverty and marginalization, offers a stark contrast to the power wielded by the Big Four. Her character is a heartbreaking representation of those who bore the brunt of the city’s racial and economic disparities.
Author Edward Izzi delves into the community’s response to police brutality, encapsulated in the figure of Moses Abbott, a vocal activist leading the anti-police brutality movement. His efforts to mobilize the community against the Big Four underscore the novel’s theme of resistance and the fight for civil rights. What makes Then Came Four particularly impactful is its vivid depiction of the city’s atmosphere. From the sweltering summer heat to the tense encounters in Detroit’s bars and streets, the setting becomes a character in itself, reflecting the city’s volatility during this period. The story culminates in a dramatic courtroom showdown, bringing a sense of closure to the narrative. However, the novel doesn’t shy away from highlighting the systemic issues that persisted beyond this legal battle, suggesting a continual struggle for justice and equality.
Then Came Four is not just a historical novel; it’s a resonant piece that speaks to ongoing issues in contemporary society. Its raw, unfiltered portrayal of Detroit’s darkest days serves as a powerful reminder of the past and a call to acknowledge and address the underlying issues that still affect many communities today.
Pages: 326 | ASIN : B0CRW11X8F
Spike: 35 Kills and Smiling
Spike: 35 Killings and Smiling by Mike Slavin begins as a dynamic action narrative, immediately immersing the reader in its fast-paced world. The novel poses a compelling question: What does it entail to abandon a familiar life, cross a border, and navigate the world anonymously? This forms the crux of Spike’s journey, as he discovers the paradox of escaping his past – it is both simple and complex. Once Spike tastes the freedom of a new identity, his relief is fleeting, replaced by the necessity to adapt to an unfamiliar existence. This central theme explores whether Spike can detach from his murky, perilous history or if he’s doomed to repeat it.
Slavin skillfully intertwines a spy-thriller ambiance with action and mystery, enriching it with Spike’s personal odyssey. The protagonist’s layered personality, marked by his criminal past and his resolve for redemption, adds depth to the narrative. Mike Slavin’s prowess in character development shines as he intricately maps Spike’s psychological landscape against the backdrop of his evolving circumstances. The book engages the reader with a blend of suspense and action, making it difficult to set aside.
For enthusiasts of the action-adventure and thriller genres, Spike: 35 Killings and Smiling is a compelling choice. The book not only stands alone as an engaging read but also sets the stage for potential sequels, inviting readers to anticipate more of Spike’s transformed life.
Pages: 379 | ASIN : B0CNV85T7F
It’s About Balance When Writing
Running on Broken Bones follows a talented hacker who is on the run from a government agency while his body struggles to keep up with his mind. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
Part of the second book in the Tanto Thriller series is based on a true story. There was a news article about three guys running a very successful drug smuggling business out of a hospital. As I followed the story, I only found where two of three people were arrested. That made me think, “who could’ve gotten away scott-free?” Answer, “a hacker.”
Tanto is an exciting character to follow; readers never know what he will do next. What was the inspiration for the main character’s traits and dialogue?
Tanto, while benevolent, is full of pride and self-inflicted burdens. He’s made some mistakes, so he thinks it is up to him to save everyone. I’ve read a good bit (and I have much more to read) about Bushido lifestyle, culture and history, so it’s influenced this character a lot. As for the dialogue, I used to write for film and television, so smartass dialogue is one of my favorite things to write!
How did you balance the action scenes with the story elements and still keep a fast pace in the story?
Balance in writing is so important. While readers love action, they need breaks in a book. Part of what helped me become a better thriller writer and balance my scenes was reading StoryGrid by Shawn Coyne and Steven Pressfield (a book I highly recommend to authors). However, a larger part comes from reading thrillers and taking inspiration (adapting rather than stealing) from multiple thriller authors. Riley Saeger. Ruth Ware. J.D. Barker. Chuck Wendig. And others, as well as great TV shows and movies.
As for pacing, readers hate-hate-hate an info-dump (when a writer overwhelms the reader with backstory or needless information). I truly hate writing them, so I parse them out over the entire book. You will get an info chapter here and there, but as a reader myself, I don’t want to get slammed with backstory while in the middle of a chase scene.
Where does the next book in the series take Tanto?
Burn It All Down, the third book in the Tanto series, answers the questions initially asked in the first book in the series. In a trilogy, whether it’s sci-fi, thriller, fantasy, whatever, I’ve learned that your first and third books should mirror each other in certain ways. Flow. Obstacles. Questions asked then become questions finally answered at the end. For example, my favorite trilogy is the Star Wars Trilogy (New Hope, Empire, Return). New Hope and Return both have the ultimate weapon: a Death Star. They both take place in sandy places (Darth Vader’s real nemesis). And there are other parallels. Now Empire is its own story. It starts at the end of the New Hope and addresses issues left undone from the first movie. Then it has its own story. And finally it sets up the last battle that viewers see in Return. That’s what I’m (hopefully) doing in the Tanto Trilogy.
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Tanto is crumbling. Recently escaping a brutal covert institution, the follower of the Bushido code struggles to keep one step ahead of the merciless government agency hot on his heels. But sought-for sanctuary slips through the hacker’s fingers when he loses the ability to communicate and collapses in a debilitating fit.
Fighting his way back to consciousness in an unfamiliar hospital bed, Tanto makes a break for the streets as military choppers and agents storm his refuge. And hoping to find the answers to his worsening ailment, he returns to his former prison to discover old acquaintances wielding a cure worse than death.
As his body fails, can Tanto’s brilliant tactical mind stand against a relentless host of obstacles and killers?
Running on Broken Bones is the pulse-pounding second book in the multi-award winning Tanto thriller series. If you like heroes with brains, hair-raising stakes, and pitiless adversaries, then you’ll love W. A. Pepper’s tale of underworld survival.
Buy Running on Broken Bones to live and die with honor today!
Running on Broken Bones: A Tanto Thriller
W. A. Pepper’s Running on Broken Bones delivers an electrifying experience within the thriller category, seamlessly blending suspense and action into a narrative that grips the reader from start to finish.
In this riveting tale, Tanto, an elusive adherent to the bushido code, suffers an accident that lands him in a dire situation. His story begins in the sterile confusion of a hospital bed, only to escalate as military helicopters soon swarm above. The novel thrusts the reader into a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, where strategic cunning is Tanto’s only ally in navigating through a labyrinth of peril and pursuit.
Pepper’s narrative prowess shines as he deftly crafts scenes with vivid, dynamic language, making the unfolding drama almost tangible. This clear and compelling storytelling ensures that even in the midst of chaos, the reader remains firmly anchored in the story’s flow without losing their grasp on the unfolding events.
Set against a backdrop steeped in the underbelly of society, the author expertly captures the essence of the shadowy corners of the world where Tanto’s story plays out. The atmospheric details and authentic settings create a believable and immersive underworld that’s as compelling as it is menacing.
The heart of this suspenseful journey lies in its central character: Tanto, whose intricately designed persona and thought process are a standout feature, adding a layer of psychological intrigue to the action-packed plot.
The novel’s structure is meticulously planned, delivering a series of twists and surprises that elevate the suspense, ensuring that readers remain engaged and eager to see what lies on the next page.
For enthusiasts of the suspense and action genres looking for a story that excels in both pacing and depth, Running on Broken Bones is a compelling selection. This second book in Pepper’s celebrated series not only meets but surpasses the high expectations set by its predecessor, firmly establishing itself as a notable work in its field. Whether you are a seasoned reader of thrillers or new to the genre, this book promises an adventure that will keep you hooked until the last word.
ASIN : B0C927PNY6
Wrong Kill, Kill Crime 3
In Mike Slavin’s gripping third installment of the Jeff Case series, Wrong Kill: Kill Crime III, we once again delve into the captivating world of a decorated combat veteran. Jeff Case, with his troubled history continuously intruding on his present, leads a passionate team dedicated to setting things right in a world filled with wrongs. When their pursuit of justice aligns them with the DEA, they find themselves on a collision course with the notorious Zorro cartel in the harsh expanses of the Nevada desert.
The novel takes a tumultuous turn when an unexpected casualty ignites a chain reaction of high-stakes confrontations between Case and a cartel boss baying for blood. With the entanglement of two ruthless serial killers, the plot unravels in increasingly complex and lethal directions, the tempo escalating as the body count rises.
Jeff Case, as a character, seems to echo the personalities of well-known figures like Jack Ryan and Rayland Givens in his demeanor and manner of speaking. Yet, the resemblance doesn’t diminish the reader’s enjoyment of his character. Quite the contrary, it infuses Case with a familiarity that allows readers to comfortably immerse themselves in his compelling narrative.
Slavin has an undeniable talent for hooking his audience and keeping them riveted. His detailed and audacious set pieces serve as a perfect backdrop for the ensuing chaos, masterfully orchestrated to keep the reader enthralled.
Wrong Kill: Kill Crime III seems to echo a disturbing reality that tragedy can strike anytime, even upon the undeserving. Slavin’s narrative often infers that although good agents are tirelessly at work, they cannot always restore equilibrium to the scales of justice. Despite the grim underpinning, it’s heartening to know that relentless figures like Case and his team are fervently battling to rectify the dire injustices that malefactors commit.
The book is a perfect blend of thrill and entertainment that promises to leave even the most stoic readers astounded as they navigate the unfolding devastation. Wrong Kill: Kill Crime III is an action-packed journey that will captivate readers right up until the last page.
Pages: 410 | ASIN : B0C6FKQWQ4
