Reviewed by Warren Maxwell

A Texas campground mystery filled with switchbacks, betrayals, and the warm camaraderie of friends

“Following the map, Lizzy led Holly deeper into the woods, in the general direction of the lake. Mavis chased butterflies and barked at shadows.”

In the wake of disasters back home, famous writer Elizabeth Hornwhistle—Lizzy—and her best friend Holly are going on an RV round trip to warm weather in Texas.

At the same time, Lizzy is preparing to step back into the literary spotlight she’s been hiding from in her small South Dakota town. Yet, their trip is barely underway when they become embroiled in a case of blackmail, murder, and even deeper secrets rocking Serenity, Texas.

What should have been a short stay in a campsite is extended indefinitely when they find themselves at the center of an investigation into the murder of Salamander, Sal—the bullied son of the local police chief who had dreamed of becoming a paparazzi. Taking the wrong photo at the wrong time seals his fate and it falls to Lizzy, Holly, and her tiny dachshund Mavis to navigate local corruptions and secrets, all while staying safe themselves.

“A motor home pulled up at the check-in gate and the driver descended from the cab. Sal’s pulse quickened as she rounded the front. Can it be? His research had finally paid off. A real-life celebrity: one who disappeared three months ago. He was almost afraid to believe his good luck. Yet there she was, Elizabeth Hornwhistle, her unmistakable waist-length brown hair blowing in the light breeze.”

As the novel begins, shifting perspectives weave the story of Lizzy and Holly with that of Sal, who’s making ends meet by working at the Serenity campground while waiting for a big break to launch his paparazzi career, This drums up tension and drama in the plot. Each move between characters generates a growing sense of danger as nuggets of information are alluded to, yet stay hidden in the gaps between perspectives.

An attempted break-in is mysteriously averted by Sal’s shadowy presence in the woods, ever on the lookout for a good photo. A peaceful scene of relaxation—Lizzy and Holly enjoying themselves in a woodland pool—is tainted by the hint of someone watching in the woods. As the novel progresses, the woods themselves that surround the campsite become a symbol for the way beauty and tranquility are often inseparable from danger. There is nowhere easier to hide than in plain sight.

“‘Why do you keep finding bodies?’
“‘Just lucky I guess.'”

Plot-wise, Camping Canine stands alone, yet as the third installment in a series, pieces of background information and history from the preceding books can prove confusing. Likewise, the trauma that spurs Holly to join Lizzy on her roadtrip—an arsonist burning down her animal clinic—appears off the page and prevents a certain level of emotional depth and connection from being established.

That said, the bond between Lizzy and Holly, and, above all, their mutual dedication to Mavis, comes across beautifully on the page. It’s an organic friendship you can step into at any moment and feel their connection immediately.

One of the joys of this book is the way it slowly accumulates and integrates new characters into the plot. There are love triangles, bereaved family members, local heroes, turncoats, and ambiguous characters who balance on the thin line between culpability and innocence. Each of them—from the unhelpful police officers Garcia and Corporal Quirk to the mysterious Helene who knows more than she says—are integrated into the world of this story so resolutely that it feels like building a small, life-like community from scratch. These hometown elements are masterfully created.

The book largely relies on narration and introspection, entering the minds of characters to push the story forward, while the dialogue can sometimes feel rote and obligatory.

A heartening exploration of relationships, small communities, and the sudden revelations that shake them to their core, Camping Canine follows a reclusive writer, her best friend, and her preternaturally talented dog as they overcome ruts in their lives and help Serenity, Texas get to the bottom of a curious murder investigation.

Thank you for reading Warren Maxwell’s book review of Camping Canine by Alice Kanaka! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Addison Ciuchta

A charming, lighthearted amateur sleuth mystery full of puzzles, puppies, and personality

Lucky Secrets is the third in the Mauzzy & Me mystery series by B.T. Polcari. When it begins, amateur sleuth Sara Donovan is heading into finals before college graduation. But then a mysterious package arrives with two envelopes: one with an invitation to participate in a mysterious competition and the other containing doctored blackmail photos that suggest Sara doesn’t have a choice in whether to agree.

With her best friend Zoe and her loyal sidekick sleuth dog Mauzzy, the trio report to a mansion where the competition will take place. Under strict non-disclosure agreements, vague threats from the mysterious organizer, and the pressure of seven other contestants, Sara’s investigating skills will be pushed to their limits as she tries not only to win but to unmask the person pulling the strings behind it all.

Reading the first two books might help add some context to this third book in a series, but it’s not required to pick this up. The author does a great job setting up the history between characters without spending too much time re-hashing the previous two books. Sara is a classic amateur sleuth ala Veronica Mars or Nancy Drew. She’s sharp, determined, and at times in over her head, but she isn’t afraid to ask those around her for help either.

It’s the mark of a well-designed character that she isn’t always confident in her answers to some of the puzzles and instead takes suggestions and ideas from those she trusts like her friend, her dedicated dog companion, or her rough-around-the-edges boss. Of course, the presence of a dog in a mystery like this just adds to its charm! She is clumsy, which is played up quite a bit in some moments, but it adds to her complexity as a sleuth.

Zoe, Sara’s feisty friend, is a fun sidekick as well. Her abrasiveness and constant bickering gets slightly grating, especially in high-stress moments when Sara could have used a perhaps kinder tone from her friend to help her through it, but it’s clear Zoe would do anything for Sara and vice versa. Some friends like a little bit of bickering with each other and it adds comical moments to the lighthearted mystery.

Just because it’s lighthearted doesn’t mean the stakes aren’t high though! Sara’s pulled into the competition because of doctored blackmail photos, but after violence happens on the mansion grounds, the tension escalates. It’s even higher as it becomes clear the unknown villain running the whole thing is deadly serious about their threats. With access to her information, and also the information of those she loves, Sara’s forced to keep at the competition no matter the cost.

Every single loose end may not be tied up in the end, but there’s enough of an ending to wrap things up while still setting up the narrative to lead into another Mauzzy & Me mystery.

If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted mystery to dig into this summer, I’d recommend starting here, or for more context on the characters, start with book one and read your way through! They’re sure to keep you entertained and giggling.

Thank you for reading Addison Ciuchta’s book review of Lucky Secrets by B.T. Polcari! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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by Addison Ciuchta

A beach read lives outside genre.

With summer fully upon us, the annual discussion of what makes a beach read a beach read is back in full force. Some say beach reads are lighthearted romances to speed through by the surf. Others say a sucker punch of a thriller is the best for those sand-filled afternoons. I, however, think a beach read is any and all of the above. As long as it fits a few criteria.

A beach read must be absorbing. It must keep you hook you at the start and keep you engaged until the end. But should you get interrupted by a mid-afternoon ice cream break or a dip in the water, it should be easy to dive back into. It probably shouldn’t be too sad either, but that one’s up for debate.

This list is made up of dazzling romance, the spectacular adventure, and twisty-turny mysteries, all of which are easy to breeze through. And bonus points: they’re all indie books!

Here are 7 books perfect for your beach bag.

(Book lists on Independent Book Review are chosen by very picky people. As affiliates, we earn a commission on books you purchase through our links.)

1. Empire of Shadows

Author: Jacquelyn Benson

Genre: Fantasy / Romance

Print Length: 476 pages

ISBN: 9781958051337

Bookshop

Amazon

After she is arrested at a women’s rights protest, Ellie Mallory is fired from her archivist job. Her archeological dreams crumbling before her, she finds a map that documents the route to an ancient, mythical city. She’s not the only one interested in what lay at the end of the x, a sleekly vicious villain named Jacobs hot on her heels as she spontaneously decides to sail to Honduras to investigate. There, she meets a local surveyor Adam Bates, a rough-around-the-edges rascal who agrees to help her navigate the dangerous route.

It’s a thrilling adventure full of dense brush, ancient history, and unexpected connection between Ellie and Adam who both, in their own way, fight against a society that tells them who they should be, lending a sincerity to the narrative even as gashes, gore, and gun fire erupt. Fair warning, it’s on the longer side, so don’t forget to reapply that sunscreen!

2. Make a Scene

Author: Mimi Grace

Genre: Romance

Print Length: 230 pages

ISBN: 9781999108236

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Amazon

Bakery-owner Retta Majors is thrown off kilter when, at a family gathering, her cousin announces she’s engaged to Retta’s ex-boyfriend. As her family congratulates the couple, Retta tries to keep her composure. Wanting to show everyone how fine she is with it all, Retta agrees to attend the wedding against her better judgement, making up a boyfriend who is supposed to come along with her.

After a few failed attempts, she finds her fake boyfriend in the boxing gym next to her bakery; one of the owners, Duncan Gilmore, is the perfect candidate. All she has to do is give up a coveted parking space and a recipe to get him to say yes.

As Retta and Duncan get to know each other so they can ace their act at the wedding, real chemistry blooms between them. Through descriptions of pastries you can practically taste, not-so-pretend dates, and background family drama, you’ll be smiling through it all.

Need gifts for your book-loving kid? Check out these gifts for kids who love to read.

3. Lucky Secrets

Author: B.T. Polcari

Publisher: Wild Rose Press

Genre: Mystery / Cozy

Print Length: 414 pages

ISBN: 9781509261420

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Amazon

Amateur sleuth Sara Donovan is heading into finals before college graduation when two envelopes arrive, one with an invitation to take part in a mysterious competition and the other containing doctored blackmail photos that suggest Sara doesn’t have a choice in whether to agree.

With her best friend Zoe and her loyal sidekick sleuth dog Mauzzy, the trio report to a mansion where the competition will take place. Under strict non-disclosure agreements, vague threats from the unknown organizer, and the pressure of seven other contestants, Sara’s investigating skills are pushed to their limits as she tries not only to win but to unmask the person pulling the strings behind it all.

Sara’s sleuthing skills, her adorable sidekick Mauzzy, and riddles galore make this an excellent cozy mystery to read beach-side. But just because it’s lighthearted doesn’t mean the stakes aren’t high!

Blackmail, white collar crime, and violence raise the tension to keep you guessing.

4. Tap Dancing on Everest

Author: Mimi Zieman

Genre: Memoir / Climbing

Print Length: 244 pages

ISBN: 9781493078431

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Amazon

Tap Dancing on Everest is part adventure, part inspiration—perfect for a sunny break from your daily life.

Mimi is still in medical school when she accepts the invitation to be a doctor that accompanies a team of climbers striking out a new path on Mt. Everest. But they have limited resources and no possibility for rescue.

Fighting her own self-doubt, the rough conditions, and the biting cold, Mimi recounts her experience with the climbers, reflecting on her childhood, her education, and her heritage as she does.

What makes this unique is the perspective, Mimi approaching the narrative of her trek from more of a layperson’s point-of-view rather than a technical take on the climb. It’s also full of vulnerability as she reflects on her upbringing as the child of Jewish immigrants, her insecurities in studying medicine, and her true dedication to help others.

5. His Third Victim

Author: Helen H. Durrant

Publisher: Joffe Books

Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense

Print Length: 235 pages

ISBN: 9781912106196

Amazon

After the death of his partner in an ambush last year, Detective Inspector Matt Bridle is taking a break from investigative work, maybe forever, to heal his own injuries from the attack.

But after a young boy goes missing and five seemingly unconnected people turn up dead in Yorkshire with the same Chinese symbol on them, his boss needs him back. Now paired with a new sergeant, Lily, the pair must find out who the killer is before there are more bodies to be found.

With glimpses into the meticulous, chilling mind of the killer, you’ll be rooting for D.I. Brindle to put a stop to this before it’s too late. With leads that go nowhere, suspicious witnesses, and his own trauma, though, Brindle’s up against more than a simple open-and-shut case. A truly thrilling beach read!

6. Looks Good on Paper

Author: Kilby Blades

Publisher: Entangled Publishing

Genre: Romance

Print Length: 310 pages

ISBN: 9798849930459

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Amazon

Zuri Robinson likes paper. Okay, maybe she loves paper. It’s kind of her thing. Pen pal letters written on that fancy paper? There’s nothing better. One of the only things that keeps her pushing through her customer service job, fielding calls from disgruntled users of a not-so-respectable dating app, is knowing a package of wonderful stationary or a letter from her Italian pen pal, Alessandro, is waiting for her.

What she doesn’t know is that the person writing the letters is actually Nico, Alessandro’s brother. When Zuri jets off for Italy for a much-needed vacation, the secret can’t stay secret for long.

With beautiful descriptions to Italy (and Italian men), this is an adorable romance between Zuri and Nico, framed by the touching letters they sent each other. What’s stunning about this one is the way love can bloom amongst every day, mundane topics, the small details of each other’s lives where they find a deep connection in each other before they ever meet.

7. Murder in First Position: An On Pointe Mystery

Author: Lori Robbins

Publisher: Level Best Books

Genre: Mystery

Print Length: 260 pages

ISBN: 9781947915749

Bookshop

Amazon

Leah Siderova, a ballerina, is knocked from top billing and lead roles after a knee injury requires surgery. Her competitor, a younger ballerina named Arianna, is now in the spotlight, taking Leah’s place. Back in action, Leah’s determined to knock Arianna down a peg.

But when Leah finds Arianna stabbed to death, Leah’s shocked to find she’s prime suspect number one in the police’s eyes. Everyone knows ballet is cutthroat, and sure they may have had an altercation or two, but she’d never actually murder anyone. Now, as the company turns on her, Leah must solve the case and prove her innocence before bars keep her from dancing again.

With many a possible murderer, Leah has her work cut out for her. Juxtaposed between the seemingly soft and pretty world of ballet and the harsh light of a murder, Leah finds out quickly just how similar the two worlds are. Plus, author Lori Robbins’ knowledge of ballet shines through, showing a backstage look at what really goes on in a ballet company, flaws and all. This is a fun, cozy mystery, especially for those interested in dance.

And of course…those kids need books too!

About the Author

Addison Ciuchta is a reader first, a writer second, and an everything else third. She spends her days hiding from the Arizona heat, spending time with her fluffy cat, enjoying any sweet or sour candy she can get her hands on, and making plans to travel anywhere and everywhere.

Thank you for reading “7 Contemporary Beach Reads to Pack This Summer!” If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Josie Prado

An unpredictable story of the mysterious deaths of top Democratic candidates

Fast-paced and a real shock to the system, Mystery of the Poison Cups is rather self-explanatory. During a secret emergency meeting of the National Democratic Party’s Election Committee, Bertha Bagley, a top contributor to the party, drinks from a cup laced with cyanide and dies. This event sets the stage for the avalanche to come, focused mostly on Senator Mudbuttom, another member of the Committee, and his family.

Unbeknownst to many, Bertha and Senator Mudbuttom are planning a coup to have Mudbuttom replace the current top candidate, Nix, as the Democratic Presidential election pick. With Bertha’s murder and more deaths from cyanide poisoning happening during the campaign trail, Senator Mudbuttom may face a detour from the White House into a jail cell.

The investigation begins with local police, but as the number of cyanide-related deaths rises following a watch party at the hotel, the FBI steps in to take over. Agents Lewis and Shelton Ledbetter, along with their boss Bob Cummings and his daughter Phyllis, form a task force to identify those responsible and prevent any future attacks. For every rock they lift, though, nefarious political snakes slither out and complicate their case. They would gather evidence and come close to an arrest, only for their prime suspect to be killed. In a room with corrupt politicians, who is actually willing to be cutthroat in the literal sense?

Mystery of the Poison Cups is a compelling exploration of the ultra-wealthy and the political underbelly that prioritizes power over morality. The story is filled with affairs, backstabbing, and complicated family dynamics, all while the characters struggle to maintain a respectable image. Senator Mudbuttom, for example, has a mistress and is simultaneously searching for evidence of his wife’s infidelity to justify divorcing her. The text does not attempt to dulcify any character’s actions; rather, it portrays them naturally and unapologetically. The Mudbuttom family feels like a real, tense family that has learned to survive with one another as opposed to loving each other.

I enjoyed traveling down this winding road of twists and turns, but sometimes I did find myself wanting more of a foundation in the setting to make the plot clearer. The text is primarily in dialogue with limited exposition and description, which is great for the pacing, but leaves some to be desired when it comes to building the conflict. Since everything is happening so quickly with no time reference, it can be difficult to feel impacted by the deaths other than Bertha’s. The shifts between FBI agents to campaign events can also sometimes feel jarring.

For readers looking for a fun, novel approach to murder mystery and politics, Mystery of the Poison Cups would be a great choice. It’s a fast-paced whodunnit for a rainy day, a mystery to solve with the soundtrack of a storm.

Thank you for reading Josie Prado’s book review of Mystery of the Poison Cups by D.K. Caldwell! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Peter Hassebroek | Content Warnings: School shooting

A compelling novel about the ironies of the Second Amendment and rationalizing stricter gun legislation

Austin McGuirk gets bullied frequently at the fictional Brushy Ridge High School. Simmering rage prompts the purchase of an AR-15 through a private advertisement. He keeps the gun in his locker, ready to enact his revenge when he boils over. It happens with the ultimate humiliation that’s compounded by being recorded and shared online:

“. . . but none of it was as bad as this, none had ever stripped him so mercilessly of his dignity, had laid it out so blatantly for all to exploit and take delight in. Nothing sank his heart so deep into his bowels, no one had so mockingly exposed both his feelings and his self.“

He targets the bullying ringleader and girlfriend, isolating them in a hallway. He starts shooting. And then the moment overtakes him. He ends up killing eleven in all, including other unintentional innocents like his guidance counselor and, when cornered, himself.

While obvious blame lies with Austin for the shooting and Blake for its provocation, it’s not enough for the grieving parents and husband of the guidance counselor. They feel it could have been prevented and determine a root cause: the ease with which a boy like Austin could acquire such a powerful weapon.

It becomes their mission to thwart future occurrences by tightening the gun laws. In this, they have much support, including from their congressman and the US president. But not the resolute Speaker of the House, Fred Grantham. A formidable obstacle who would never consider tabling any bill encroaching on the Second Amendment. This he makes directly clear by spurning their appeal in Washington.

Thus is born the eponymous Brushy Ridge Militia, consisting of most of the parents and others. They scout the logistics and design an elaborate, costly months-long plan to kidnap the speaker to compel him to see the light. Ironically, the same Second Amendment Grantham uses to deny them provides rationale for the group:

“Why is it perfectly legitimate to use that ambiguous set of words to support the premise that a bullied eighteen-year-old youth can legally purchase a semi-automatic weapon, while the Brushy Ridge Militia’s actions are considered illegal, even though much more consistent with the Amendment’s original intent?“

To add further irony, the members must acquire guns and take NRA training. It’s a risky plan. A low percentage plan. Success depends on so many factors falling in place as expected. However, their collective grief has coalesced to overcome initial and ongoing doubts. Their resoluteness equals Grantham’s. And what the militia’s leader, Hank Patrick, a former DC lawyer, argues is highly persuasive and inventive. Will it work?

This is a well-paced read where the writing is economical yet complete; cohesiveness is one of its strengths. Readers will become easily invested in the militia’s efforts and whether they’ll succeed or not. The three stages of the plot—the mass murder, the kidnapping, the trials—are given thorough treatment, and the progression from one to the next is consistently smooth and logical.

The points-of-view shift from omniscient to close third person for many characters, from the murderer to the militia members to the FBI to the kidnapped speaker and more. This provides a broad perspective of events while remaining solicitous to each character. It also retains objectivity and avoids bias. Considering the number of characters, it’s impressive how all but the most minor are relatable and real.

For a story grounded in such heartbreaking sadness, The Brushy Ridge Militia is tastefully entertaining. The ironic use and cogent interpretations of the Second Amendment highlight this absorbing novel.

Thank you for reading Peter Hassebroek’s book review of The Brushy Ridge Militia by Roger Chiocchi! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Shelby Zwintscher

An exhilarating international scavenger hunt for a powerful ancient relic

The Arcane Religious Knowledge and Numinous Experience Institute, ARKANE, is an international organization dedicated to solving supernatural and religious mysteries. Morgan Sierra, an ARKANE agent surrounded by loss, was recently cursed on a mission. But while paying respects to a friend who died during that same, fateful mission, Morgan receives a call about a new assignment from her partner, Jake Timber.

It turns out that an archivist at the national library archives in Vienna has found a Nazi Enigma machine containing a long-forgotten, encoded letter depicting a drawing of The Spear of Destiny. Also known as the Holy Lance, the Spear is a relic said to have been stabbed into the side of Jesus Christ during his crucifixion. It is believed to contain unimaginable power which can wield great good or tremendous evil.

While many have claimed their relics are the real Spear, Morgan and Jake are inclined to believe the Spear in Vienna could be the true, power-wielding lance due to this newly uncovered note. Written by a Nazi officer who transported this Spear fragment to the museum, the note confirms that the Spear has been “split into four pieces, as directed.”

As the Spear’s WWII historical connections are uncovered, Morgan and Jake suddenly find the museum under attack. Jericho Command, a military group under the rightwing US Presidential candidate Ezekial Stronghold, will do whatever it takes to gain the Spear fragment.

While fighting to flee the attack, Morgan has an encounter with a tattooed man who is part of this mysterious group. In their brief interaction, both can sense darkness around the other. Is this man cursed too?

The quest to find and reunite the Spear fragments begins with the personal. Morgan learns the true weight of her blood curse when her niece is hospitalized with a potential cancer of the blood. This emotional gut punch sets up a story that’s as satisfying on the human level as it is on the high-stakes plot level.

Spear of Destiny takes Morgan and Jake to archives filled with WWII artifacts, across borders and oceans, into crypts as dark as their history, as they race to find the Spear before it can be used for evil.

It’s a heart-pumping supernatural thriller that takes the reader to real locations all around the world. From Historischer Kunstbunker in Nuremberg to Potala Palace in Tibet, every historical location that Morgan and Jake visit is described in vivid detail and adds immense value for the historical fiction fan. The settings jump off the page and make the supernatural elements all the more frighteningly believable.

The settings are specific but so is the historical detail. Penn aims to satisfy in multiple arenas—from real history to real thrills to the real possibility of the occult—and does. There’s even a bibliography and details of the research at the end of the novel for those getting lost in the fascinating history.

As the 13th installment of a series, you’d think it’d be difficult to jump into as a first-time reader. But Penn takes care to sprinkle in the relevant histories of Morgan and Jake in ways that we can understand quickly and get moving.

Fast-paced, surprising, and dark, Spear of Destiny is a can’t miss thriller for fans of Dan Brown and action-packed historical fiction.

Thank you for reading Shelby Zwintscher’s book review of Spear of Destiny by J.F. Penn! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Erin Britton

An action-packed thriller that traverses the globe and plumbs the depths of political conspiracies and power struggles

Nikki Yanu Kanati’s The Savagery of Man: Operation Homecoming offers a gripping exploration of a world on the brink of catastrophe. As government factions, megalomaniacal individuals, and sinister secret societies compete to seize and retain power in the face of global devastation, the fate of the world hinges on the actions of one covert operative.

The tipping point comes with the assassination of US President Abraham Bancroft Calhoun. “Unfathomable, gruesome violence. Explosions. Dozens of thunderous explosions shatter the serene, beautiful spring morning of a quaint Virginia town as smoke, flame and deadly shrapnel poison the air.” This is closely followed by the sound of gunfire, and when the smoke clears, the body of the president is seen lying in the street.

The hero of the piece is Max Doss, a freelance operative with a history of taking whatever steps necessary to secure his country’s interests. “Unlike many in his profession, the man took no pleasure in administering pain,” although he is certainly willing to do so.

As Doss and his temporary (and unwanted) partner Tactical Agent Alejandra Bijeau traverse the country and then the world in search of the assassins and their paymasters, their mission is complicated by the machinations of two powerful individuals: Kurt Stromquist, an unusually charismatic UN administrator with a plan to forge a European empire, and Temüjin the Blessed, a direct descendent of Genghis Khan who is seeking to recreate his ancestor’s kingdom.

Complicating matters even further is the ongoing and highly confidential extraterrestrial arms race, which was triggered by the discovery of odd humanoid remains and alien tools in a cave system in Ethiopia. “For some time, we’ve known that Germany acquired an alien spacecraft, the first, right around 1954 and now we know how -.” Since then, the world’s major powers have all been searching for similar alien artifacts, with the USA, Russia, and China all seeming to have succeeded.

There are plenty of strands to The Savagery of Man: Operation Homecoming, allowing plenty of opportunities for action and keeping the story moving at a cracking pace. From the recognizable political intrigue to the malevolent secret societies and diabolical individuals to the extraterrestrial technology, there are certainly wheels within wheels when it comes to the plot.

While some of the leaps between incidents can be a bit sudden, especially when involving detailed backstory, all the different aspects ultimately hang together well. It helps that Max Doss has spent a lifetime in international security circles, which has afforded him insight into all the shady dealings that are afoot.

In fact, Doss is a true Renaissance Man when it comes to covert operations. He has all the skills, knowledge, and tools needed to thwart a number of international conspiracies. He’s an impressive hero—arguably verging into antihero territory—who isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty and always proves more than a match for the various villains he encounters. His partnership with Alejandra Bijeau also works well, even if their banter is sometimes a bit much.

While the story largely follows Doss and Bijeau in the course of their investigation, valuable background information and insightful analysis is provided by Hermann Adelman, both through his diary and via explanations he provides to his daughter Gretchen, who has been in a coma for two years following a car accident. “When you are strong enough to hear a story, I will tell you a story. I fear it is neither a short nor happy story. Much has changed in the world over the past two years. Our own country is at war with itself.”

Adelman’s role as an almost omniscient narrator is an interesting one, ensuring access to top secret information that helps drive the plot forward. However, as he remains a shadowy figure—his role within the US government and as Max’s boss are obscure—it is questionable just how reliable a narrator he is. This adds tension to the story, making it difficult to get a handle on who can be trusted and what is true, as does the input of the mysterious Mother.

There’s also a background mystery concerning Max’s real identity, his training, and his ultimate employer. “Our fearless leader once upon a time assigned code names to certain field agents. X was for the experimental program they were in. The number five meant that our Max was the fifth Max in the program to graduate. The boss later discontinued the project along with these designations for reasons unknown.” It adds an extra layer of depth and suggests there might be more in store for Max in the future.

Although the exact timeframe isn’t specified, it seems that The Savagery of Man: Operation Homecoming is set in the relatively near future. There are new technologies, political shifts, and conflicts, but the world is largely recognizable. In this regard, Kanati has clearly put a lot of thought into the worldbuilding and alternative history, blending reality with both current conspiracy theories and projections of possibilities for the future.

Such touches enhance the realism of the story, keeping it grounded in the present and likely future, even with the extraordinary elements of various threads, like the alien technology. The story is truly immersive, and as Kanati’s vision of the possible decline of the established global order is frighteningly plausible, there is a real sense of tension and peril.

The Savagery of Man: Operation Homecoming weaves together political chicanery with brutal violence and action to craft a disturbingly realistic thriller. It’s an ambitious novel carried on the shoulders of an archetypal action hero, and the various conspiracies and double-crosses mean that there’s never a dull moment.

Thank you for reading Erin Britton’s book review of The Savagery of Man: Operation Homecoming by Nikki Yanu Kanati and Mark McMillin! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Elizabeth Reiser

A sweet middle-grade mystery about a boy and his dog on the quest to stop a bully

Ben and his loyal Basset Hound are back for the second installment of the Ben & Blue series: The Case of the Nasty Notes. This time, they are on a mission to find out who is sending their friend Cooper mean poems.

Just as you’d hope for, this second book works well as a standalone. The author does a great job reintroducing the characters, and new young readers will be able to hop into it easily.

Ben is kindhearted and energetic, and Ellen Melissa Cohen captures the voice of the young boy perfectly. His frenetic energy comes through the pages with an effective use of fragments in narration. It is also lovely how Ben never manages to be malicious when thinking about the person bullying his friend; if anything, he shows great empathy when realizing there are instances when he hasn’t been so nice himself, like in the case of a classmate with ADHD.

Ben’s best human friend, Cooper, is another delightful character. Spirited and confident, she expresses her emotions by spiking her hair and spraying it different colors to match her mood. Cohen emphasizes the impact both the bullying and the divorce of her parents are having on her by using her hair.

Throughout the book, Cooper’s hair slowly goes to more muted colors with smaller spikes until her hair reaches its natural state. It is a subtle and significant way to highlight her folding into herself, and this loss of his friend’s spark propels Ben to work even harder to solve the mystery.

While bullying is the overarching theme for the book, Cohen also touches on the notion of finding yourself and being honest about that self. This is shown via one of the other things causing Cooper’s sadness, mainly her dad dating after the divorce. Cooper is dealing with her anger of not wanting things to change, but eventually she is led to acceptance when she realizes her parents have layers that she hasn’t yet learned about. This storyline will strike a chord with readers from LGBTQ+ families and is handled so that it reads as heartfelt and believable.

Donald Wu’s illustrations add a fantastic visual layer to the book as well. Wu captures Cohen’s descriptions accurately and with personality. This is especially apt for the scenes at the zoo or involving the dogs, which will appeal to any animal lover reading.

This is a touching book about kindness, inclusion, and being true to yourself. Lovable characters, heartfelt stories, and an altogether charming series—the Ben and Blue series is about to get some new, devoted fans after this installment.

Thank you for reading Elizabeth Reiser’s book review of The Case of the Nasty Notes (A Ben & Blue Mystery) by Ellen Melissa Cohen! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Peggy Kurkowski

A thrilling sequel where the symbol of American freedom is the target for a ruthless cabal of Iran-backed Hezbollah operatives inside the U.S.. 

Navy pilots Sarah “Danger” Freeman and her boyfriend Jessie Hampton must work together with local law enforcement and the FBI to stop Hezbollah terrorists from blowing up Independence Hall in Attack from Within by James Bultema. 

Following up on the first book of the series, Sea of Red, Sarah and Jessie are on leave from the Navy, spending time with Sarah’s aging father in a suburb of Detroit. On the table for the in-love but often-separated couple is whether they can make their relationship work. 

Meanwhile, in Dearborn, Michigan, FBI Special Agents Harley Jennings and his Lebanese partner, Ali Mohsen, are on a stakeout of a known member of the Warren Bros, a Muslim street gang. As part of their work in the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division (CTD) for the International Terrorism Operations Section (ITOS-II), they are on the lookout for any cooperation or collaboration with the Lebanon-based terrorist organization, Hezbollah. 

Harley and Ali are effective partners, and Ali brings his own personal reasons to his work: in 1983, his father was killed by a suicide bomber at the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Using his Lebanese descent as a cover, Ali enters the local Dearborn mosque and gleans additional information essential to their investigation. In his heart, “the desire to confront the terrorist who took his father’s life further motivated him.”

Meanwhile, in the Bekaa Valley of Lebanon, twenty-two-year-old American Ahmad Nadar is “no ordinary Hezbollah terrorist newbie.” Growing up bullied after the events of 9/11, Nadar chooses to fight back and shun the country that made his childhood hell. Nadar attracts the eye of senior leaders within Hezbollah, as well as their shadow backer, Iran. 

Nadar is soon selected for the elite Quds Force, under the command of the Supreme Leader of Iran. His mission is top-secret and high-level: return to America, assemble a local team of recruits, and plan a devastating attack to shock and awe America: the destruction of Independence Hall in Philadelphia on the Fourth of July. 

Bultema moves easily between multiple locations and characters who come together to notice suspicious individuals and actions. While Sarah and Jessie enjoy their visit and decide to take their relationship to the next level, they witness something on a dusk jog that puts the hair up on their necks. 

Fearing terrorist activity at a secluded power station along their route, they contact the FBI. Indeed, events escalate as Nadar successfully infiltrates the Warren Bros and recruits willing Muslims to fight for Hezbollah (and serve as dupes for Iran’s grand plan). 

Bultema cobbles together a likable assortment of goody guys and gals, from former Marine Jennings, Mohsen, Freeman, Hampton, and the humble former Philadelphia police officer-turned-security guard at Independence Hall, Kordell Jackson. Bultema expertly captures the mindset of law enforcement, as Jackson muses on the nature of his work: “In war, they call it post-traumatic stress disorder; in police work, they tell you to cowboy up…”

The action is cinematic in scope and savagely real (and not for the squeamish). Bultema takes the reader everywhere: Iran, Syria, Lebanon, and back to Detroit, Dearborn, and D.C. But the climax is Philadelphia, July 4, and all hands are on deck to stop Nadar before he can achieve his fanatical holy quest to strike at the heart of the country he loathes. Will this group of ordinary Americans who are called to do extraordinary things be able to stop the unthinkable? 

Immediate and timely, Attack from Within is movie ready with a climax readers will not believe. Bultema continues to grow his story-verse with this sequel that anticipates another entry, but certainly not soon enough for us.

Thank you for reading Peggy Kurkowski’s book review of Attack From Within by James Bultema! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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Reviewed by Warren Maxwell

A sprawling story of espionage, international intrigue, and family ties

Unfurling in the year 2031, Otello’s Oil tells the story of Elliot Jones, a senior agent with the US Diplomatic Security Service tasked with protecting diplomats, foreign dignitaries, and the Secretary of State. 

His world descends into chaos when the oil minister of Kuwait is assassinated in the heart of Washington D.C. while seated beside the Secretary of State at an opera. The beginnings of a landmark oil deal between Kuwait and the United States are disrupted, and Elliot begins investigating threads that lead from Middle Eastern political leaders to Russian oligarchs and all the way to U.S. officials. Meanwhile, he stumbles onto a plot to blow up a major Seattle ferry and, through heroic action, draws further unwanted attention onto himself and his college-age daughter Rachel. 

“Elliot could have revealed more. He could have shared with them the photos and recording of Abramovich’s meeting in Jakarta with the SVR agent, but that would have to wait.”

In sketching political governments, power hierarchies, and global business dealings, the narrative sparkles with real world knowledge and an ability to create histories that blend fact with fiction. The infamous Enron Corporation collapse becomes an element of the story, as do figures like Madeleine Albright and past U.S. presidents.

The attention given to practical matters—how characters landed in their current careers; what foreign political and business negotiations look like—gives the novel credibility and veracity. Yet, this level of background detail can become ponderous. Action sequences can be dragged down by exposition-filled dialogue that makes events move slower. Sometimes, when facing imminent danger, characters even take their time to introduce themselves and unload exposition instead of deal with the situation at hand. A similar pattern plays out in some narrative descriptions, like the use of geographic details. These moments can feel out of place and break with the suspenseful nature of the book.

The book has an impressive ability to develop and maintain an enormous universe, not merely of characters but also of political forces and underlying intentions. As the perspective freely shifts between Elliot and other characters, from the Secretary of State herself to members of the president’s cabinet, we’re also given insight into the myriad perspectives that, together, form the book’s plot. Along with its clear erudition, this makes the power machinations of, say, a Russian SVR agent and an American businessman thrilling to follow.

Espionage, politics, and intimate relationships become intertwined inOtello’s Oil, a richly imagined novel about a government agent facing off against the corruptions of a not-so-distant future. 

Thank you for reading Warren Maxwell’s book review of Otello’s Oil by D.W. Layton! If you liked what you read, please spend some more time with us at the links below.

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