The Debt Collector By Steven Max Russo

Gritty and intense with a side of playfulness, The Debt Collector is a captivating story set in New Jersey’s dark underworld of bookies, hoodlums and organized crime.  Steven Max Russo has delivered a novel  filled with fascinating characters and dangerous liaisons.

Abigail Barnes is an attractive young woman who leverages people underestimating her to thrive as a collector, seeking out and intimidating people to pay their debts to bookies and loan sharks.  Now in New Jersey and in need of work, she gets an introduction to a couple of low-level thugs who hook her up with a job collecting for a local bookie.  After successfully completing the job, the bookie is found murdered in his office with all signs pointing to Abigal as the main suspect.  But she didn’t do it and believes it’s either the thugs behind the killing or possibly their boss, mobster Ronnie “Slacks” Falcone.  Now being hunted by criminals, the mob and the police, she needs to figure out who took out the bookie before she goes on the run…or is caught and thrown in jail…or winds up swimming with the fishes.

Following Abigail’s journey through this labyrinth of crime is entertaining as hell.  She’s intelligent and tough as nails, able to hold her own in a physical confrontation with men twice her size.  Her calculating nature allows her to see various angles and pick the best path forward.  And she’s able to use her appearance and the prejudice of others to her advantage.  Simply put, Abigail’s a pro’s pro who gets the job done, doesn’t take things personally and wins over those who initially doubt her capabilities.  

And in The Debt Collector, she’s in the deep end facing off against powerful and dangerous forces out to get her.  Forcing a grand battle of wits between law enforcement, crooks and herself where the losers are certain to end up dead or in prison.  No higher stakes than that, leading to an exceedingly engaging entanglement that thrills, delights and results in multiple “oh shit” moments.  It’s a great read!

Perhaps we’ll see more of Abigail in the future as there are more stories that can be told while she continues to navigate the illicit collections business.  Would be a highly entertaining series if Steven Max Russo is so inclined to go that route.  I for one hope that’s the case.  

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Lethal Horizon By Jason Kasper

Treacherous, unrelenting and satisfying, Lethal Horizon is a gunslingers delight of hot lead, dead bad guys and heroic action.  Jason Kasper continues to deliver exhilarating tales in this adrenaline-fueled series.

David Rivers and his Project Longwing team of CIA paramilitary contractors finally have a bead on Erik Weisz, the elusive terror mastermind they’ve been hunting for the last couple of years.  The team travels to Yemen with authority for a capture/kill mission, finding themselves forging shaky alliances with locals who would gladly sell them out for the right price while having to navigate the treachery of a land that is divided between the official government, Houthi rebels and Al-Qaeda terrorists.  But they’ve never been this close to achieving their goal of bringing Weisz to justice and nothing will stop them.  Not even the questionable motives of their CIA handler or the discovery that they are not the only ones after Weisz.

Once more, David Rivers and team go headfirst into the breach with little regard to their own safety.  This band of highly capable operators have devoted years of their lives to this moment and they’re not going to let it pass.  But as they get closer to their prey, they show more transparency and introspection than in previous books.  Talking about the emotional toll this hunt has taken on them, what they’ve had to do to keep their heads in the game, and questioning what’s next if/when they succeed. It’s an intriguing look inside the minds of elite operators, showing their humanity even while they are charged with a mission rife with moral ambiguity and requiring questionable actions.  

And rest assured, Lethal Horizon is jam packed with action.  Gun battles, explosions, vehicle pursuits, and more.  With danger and death around every corner.  Creating suspense of who will live and die with every page.  Leaving behind a mountain of bodies.  It’s intense to say the least.  And while this story brings resolution to a major storyline, it opens the door to new possibilities that will keep David Rivers and his band of brothers busy into the foreseeable future.

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Lilith By Eric Rickstad

Lilith is a hauntingly tragic and stirring story that will punch you in the gut, leaving you teary eyed and breathless.  Eric Rickstad has expertly crafted a profound tale that holds up a mirror to today’s society and asks us to explore our humanity.

Elisabeth Ross is a teacher who heroically saves her class from a school shooter, then returns to rescue her wounded son.  Their lives will never be the same and she dedicates herself to caring for her physically and mentally traumatized son.  But there are powerful men who use this tragedy as a means to further their second amendment cause, enraging Elisabeth and making her wonder how this epidemic of violence will ever end.  She decides to act and posts a video of her crime under the biblical name Lilith.  As people both praise and demonize Lilith online, and with the FBI closing in on her, Elisabeth questions the justification of her actions and wonders if she’s a hero or a part of the problem.  Regardless of the answer, she knows she will do anything to protect her son and stay out of prison to continue caring for him.

This book might be a work of fiction, but damn if it doesn’t feel real.  It probes the fear, helplessness and rage that follows every school shooting we hear about in the news.  And it puts the reader in Elizabeth’s shoes, giving us a taste of the pain and anguish survivors feel in the aftermath.  It then makes us all question what we would do if this was our own child.  If the system and protocols fail us.  If others use our suffering to further their own interests.  Would it justify perpetrating violence on those who use it for their gain?  Or does that make us no better than them?  Tough questions that require a lot of introspection and Lilith forces the poignant discussion.

This novel is emotional to say the least.  It wrecked me.  Left me a mess with tears streaming down my face.  But I’m grateful to Eric Rickstad for having the courage to write such a challenging, significant and powerful story.  It’s an important book to read.  One that goes well beyond literary excellence and entertainment, pushing readers to search the depth of our souls to determine who we want to be as a society.  

Not for the timid or feeble minded, Lilith requires strength and bravery to read.  But if you can summon the guts to pick it up, you will be rewarded with one of the finest books you’ll read this year.

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The Stars Turned Inside Out By Nova Jacobs

Physics and philosophy collide with a murder investigation in The Stars Turned Inside Out, a contemplative read wrapped inside the mysteries of malevolent crimes and the infinite universe. Nova Jacobs has crafted a novel that will educate and make you think while engaging you in an entertaining whodunit inquiry.

Howard Anderby is found dead by irradiation in the tunnels of the Large Hadron Collider at CERN near Geneva. However, the minimal security footage available shows no evidence of the enigmatic physicist entering the tunnels. With critical future funding hanging in the balance, the lab’s director summons private investigator Sabine Leroux to quietly investigate the matter. While navigating the labyrinth of relationships, secrets and rivalries that the pursuit of scientific discoveries elicits, Sabine will find herself in the middle of more than just a single murder investigation.

While there is enough physics in The Stars Turned Inside Out to satisfy science enthusiasts, it’s not overwhelming for us laypeople. In fact, Jacobs does a great job keeping the technical details easily understandable while not watering it down too much. And pairing the scientific with the philosophical and spiritual within the confines of a crime novel creates a nice balance to the story that triggers intellectual curiosity without scaring off anyone that’s just looking for a good murder mystery. Which this book deftly delivers.

A cerebral novel with intriguing characters and existential quandaries, The Stars Turned Inside Out is perfect for the pensive thriller fan who also likes to unlock a good puzzle.

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Kill For Me, Kill For You By Steve Cavanagh

In the realm of heart-stopping psychological thrillers, Kill For Me, Kill For You is an absolute work of art. Crafted by the brilliant Steve Cavanagh, this tale of loss, revenge, and murder hits you like a freight train, leaving you dazed and electrified. Cavanagh weaves a Hitchcock-esque narrative bursting with gut-wrenching blows and unexpected turns that'll have you exclaiming "oh shit" at every twist.

Ruth's New York City brownstone becomes a battleground when she survives a brutal attack, but the ordeal leaves her forever altered, robbed of her sense of safety. Meanwhile, her guilt-ridden husband, absent during the assault, is desperate to restore normalcy to her shattered world.

In a different corner of the city, Amanda, grappling with grief and a court-mandated counseling program, connects with Wendy, a fellow sufferer. United by their shared tragedies and a burning desire for revenge, they concoct a plan to eliminate each other's tormentors. But as they dive into the murky waters of murder, complications arise at breakneck speed.

Kill For Me, Kill For You is a symphony of suspense, expertly orchestrated to keep readers teetering on the precipice until the final curtain. It delves into the depths of trauma, fear, and the struggle for control in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. The narrative challenges conventional norms, exploring the lengths individuals pushed to the brink might go to reclaim their power – even if it means embracing the taboo.

Cavanagh's strength lies in his portrayal of morally ambiguous characters, each flawed and vulnerable. This complexity adds a layer of realism that makes it effortless for readers to connect with and invest in the characters. Empathy isn't just handed out; it's earned, especially when rooting for women seeking retribution through unconventional means. It's a testament to Cavanaugh's skill.

Every chapter oozes relentless, heart-pounding suspense, crafting a narrative that grabs you by the collar and refuses to let go. Kill For Me, Kill For You immerses thriller enthusiasts in a riveting saga of vigilante justice, deception, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. This novel is a tour de force, a must-read that will leave you breathless and begging for more.

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What Happened To Nina? By Dervla McTiernan

Pulsating with emotion, intensity, and exasperating events, What Happened to Nina? delivers a powerful impact. Dervla McTiernan has skillfully woven every parent's nightmare into a thrilling narrative that captivates while delving into the ease with which the rich can manipulate the public to sculpt a narrative of their preference, making it an uphill struggle for those less well-off to secure the justice they deserve. The result is both fascinating and infuriating.

Nina and Simon, a couple since age 16, attempt a long-distance relationship during college. Upon returning to Vermont for a school break, they visit Simon's family cabin. However, only Simon returns. Nina is missing, prompting law enforcement involvement and casting suspicion on Simon. He blames Nina for breaking up with him and suggests that’s behind her reluctance to return home, but inconsistencies emerge in his story. Simon's affluent family supports him with high-priced lawyers and a PR offensive, painting Nina's family negatively. Despite fewer resources or connections, Nina's family fights back, determined to uncover the truth and ensure justice for their daughter.

What Happened to Nina? is a suspenseful and stirring tale of two families with different socio-economic statuses, connected through a dreadful scenario, showing to what lengths parents will go for their children. A story of how the wealthy have all the advantages against those of lesser means in relation to the law and shaping the court of public opinion, yet how they can still be held to account for their actions by those with dogged determination and nothing left to lose.

It's gripping, emotional, and occasionally maddening as you observe the experiences of the two sets of parents, each taking distinct approaches while being on opposite sides of the same crisis. The novel compels you to step into their shoes, prompting honest reflection on how far you would go for your children—whether to protect them or to allow them to rest in peace.

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Outlaw By Jack Stewart

Do you feel the need?  The need for speed?  If the answer is yes you need to pick up a copy of Outlaw, step into the cockpit of a FA-18E Super Hornet, strap into the driver’s seat of a Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye, and hold on for dear life with a kung fu death grip while Jack Stewart fires the afterburners and takes you through this nail-biting story at supersonic speeds.  

A CIA officer goes missing in China.  A US aircraft carrier is under quarantine due to an unidentified illness.  An infectious diseases academic is being pursued by both American and Chinese operatives.  And in the middle of it all are fighter pilot Colt Bancroft and NCIS Agent Emmy “Punky” King.  One taking to the skies to support the mission to rescue the missing CIA officer.  The other is trying to figure out how all these pieces fit together to uncover the larger plot.  And with time ticking down to a military showdown between world superpowers, they better get the job done quickly.  Or the world will never be the same.   

The action in Outlaw is nonstop, pulsating, hair on fire stuff.  Vehicular pursuits between muscle cars and high-performance motorcycles through the streets and freeways of southern California.  Foot pursuits and gunfights during daring rescue missions on an island in the South China Sea.  Aerial pursuits between fighter jets and helicopters in the skies above disputed territory in Southeast Asia.  It’s a veritable smorgasbord of missiles and machine guns, fisticuffs and combat, for readers to gorge on.  Layer in international intrigue, spy hunts, and heavyweight twists that land like a sucker punch to the solar plexus and this thriller is seriously cooking with gas.

Outlaw is a tremendous follow up to Stewart’s debut novel Unknown Rider and deftly sets the stage for the upcoming Bogey Spades to continue the intense and electrifying Battle Born narrative.  Don’t sleep on this series or it’s author.  Both are poised to catapult up the ranks of this genre in the not-too-distant future.  

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The Chaos Agent By Mark Greaney

Cross The Terminator with a Bond villain and you get The Chaos Agent, a thriller that paints a frightening reality of how AI in the wrong hands could cause a serious threat to the entire planet. Mark Greaney has delivered another captivating Gray Man novel that excites and terrifies in equal measure.

Deaths are piling up across the globe as the world's leading AI experts are being systematically targeted for assassination. Is it tech rivalry gone too far or something more sinister? AI, the new battlefield gamechanger, prompts a lethal race. The Gray Man, seeking peace in Central America along with Zoya Zakharova, can't hide forever. Offered a job by an old Russian acquaintance of Zoya’s, they decline but nonetheless find themselves in the crosshairs of autonomous killing machines. With enemies closing in, flight is no longer an option and realize they must confront the threat head on. Pulled into a fight they didn’t ask for, Court Gentry and Zoya must find another level to survive a remorseless enemy and save the world from certain machine-led annihilation.

In The Chaos Agent, Mark Greaney crafts a narrative that is not only a thrilling page-turner but also a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical tightrope walked by those wielding the power of AI. A timely look at the potentially dark underbelly of artificial intelligence, reflecting many people’s simultaneous fears and fascination with technological advancements. It explores the concept that even when intentions are good, unchecked technology can end up causing great harm. This novel serves as a cautionary tale to which humanity must pay attention. Or we might find ourselves in a real-life Skynet scenario.

Additionally, I’m impressed with the way Mark Greaney deftly evolves Court Gentry in this book. Despite his superhuman abilities, Gentry is shown to have “normal people” thoughts of being left alone to live his life, highlighting vulnerabilities and feelings not normally conjured when thinking of the Gray Man. And at the center of this is his relationship with Zoya and how he reacts to her being in danger. Showing that, at his core, Court is just a man who wants to settle down with the woman he loves.

But that doesn’t mean he’s gone soft. In fact, as the story hurtles toward a cliffhanger, it's clear that Gentry's evolution might lead him down a path where no holds are barred. A tantalizing prospect that leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next installment, poised on the edge of their seats for the Gray Man's next move in the dangerous dance of direct action and retribution.

Lastly, in homage to the major role artificial intelligence plays in Mark Greaney’s new book, The Chaos Agent, I’ve asked ChatGPT to write a final paragraph/blurb as my own little AI experiment. After entering a few instructions and parameters into the tool, this is the output:

Mark Greaney's electrifying thriller, The Chaos Agent, unleashes a relentless cascade of heart-pounding suspense as the world's top AI experts meet a chilling demise, unveiling a malevolent chess game played at breakneck speed. Greaney's masterful storytelling, infused with riveting plot twists, razor-sharp intrigue, and a relentless pace, cements his status as a virtuoso in the realm of espionage thrillers, delivering a tale that's as intellectually stimulating as it is exhilarating.

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Lone Wolf By Gregg Hurwitz

You can never go wrong with an Orphan X book. No, scratch that. An Orphan X book will never fail to blow your fucking mind. And Lone Wolf is just the latest example. A tremendous thriller and exemplary piece of writing by Gregg Hurwitz that will exhilarate through action and suspense while provoking thought and introspection on the ethics and usage of innovative technology.

Evan Smoak – aka Orphan X – has begrudgingly agreed to find a little girl’s lost dog. While this mission seems unusual and beneath the world class skill set of The Nowhere Man, it quickly turns kinetic when he enters a home to collect the dog but unknowingly walks in on an assassin murdering a leading AI expert. Now on the run from law enforcement and the highly capable assassin, Evan finds himself in a world of tech billionaires and Artificial Intelligence while still trying to find the lost dog and now needing to protect an innocent young woman caught in the crossfire. Furthermore, Evan is struggling with unfamiliar feelings stemming from the personal nature of this mission. But he will have to put that aside and use every ounce of strength, skill and intelligence he possesses to survive his most important mission to date.

Lone Wolf feels like two books in one. The first book is Orphan X doing what he does best – assisting innocents who need his help. He fully commits to his mission, continuously puts himself in harm’s way and stops at nothing to come through for the people counting on him. And he picks up mission creep along the way that his moral code demands he not ignore, complicating things and increasing the danger but for just causes that he needs to see through. And in the middle of all this, he faces off against an assassin every bit as good as he is. It’s an incredible storyline on its own.

But the second book is equally if not more important. This is a story about Evan Smoak’s personal development. Learning to live outside of the ten commandments passed down to him by his father figure/assassin trainer Jack. Figuring out how to navigate personal relationships and be a member of a regular community. Building a deeper connection with fellow Orphan program member Joey and helping her navigate the perils of young adulthood and trying to find your people. Basically just understanding that he’s a human first and foremost and that “never make it personal” is a commandment in need of modification. It's an amazing continuation of a brilliant development arc over a long running series.

And if that’s not enough, you’ll be faced with a deep dive into the existential threat of AI and technology, tied to the age old problem of the few accumulating power and wealth at the expense of the common person, that will make you seriously consider throwing all your devices in a deep body of water and moving into a log cabin deep in the woods.

To summarize: This book bangs. Get a copy. Thank me later.

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The Year Of The Locust By Terry Hayes

An extraordinary espionage thriller that morphs into something unexpected and exhilarating, The Year of the Locust delivers a fascinating, thought-provoking and emotional story for the ages. Ten years after the hit novel I Am Pilgrim, Terry Hayes has delivered an immensely engaging page turner that burrows into your brain and heart in equal measure. A book that will invade your dreams and beckon you like a siren song to return if you dare put it down. An epic tale that was worth the wait.

Kane is a Denied Access Area spy for the CIA who has operated in some of the most dangerous places on earth. Even with his vast experience, nothing could prepare him for the mission of a lifetime – infiltrating Iran to extract the courier of a notorious terrorist organization who possesses information about the plans for a spectacular attack on the west. But what he can’t anticipate is how this mission will result in a confrontation that will challenge the impossible and change the course of humanity.

For ~550 pages, this book stacks up with some of the best pure espionage thrillers of recent memory. Then it takes a left-hand turn, implements science fiction elements and becomes something that defies simple genre categorization for the remainder. Throw in a metric ton of action, psychological mind fuckery, deadly consequences hanging like a guillotine over the collective necks of the unsuspecting citizenry of the world, and enough emotion to choke up the most stoic among us, and you get a uniquely and expertly blended story that comes together to bridge reality with futuristic possibilities in the most entertaining and provocative of ways.

There’s a lot more that can be said about this novel but will leave it at that because it’s recommended you go into The Year of the Locust knowing little about the plot. Experiencing the journey free from expectations and getting blindsided with the unforeseen only enhances the reading experience. One that Terry Hayes painstakingly crafted for the last decade. So pick up a copy, dive in and be propelled through the legendary account of one spy’s voyage through hell with only the fate of the world hanging in the balance.

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Past Crimes By Jason Pinter

Past Crimes is a true crime lover’s wet dream coupled with a metaverse house of horrors. Jason Pinter has designed a dystopian world of the not-too-distant future that is unthinkable yet plausible, and makes today’s debates about technological ethics, privacy, and freedom seem cute and rudimentary by comparison.

It’s 2037 and most human interaction is now on Earth+, a virtual world filled with various experiences from going to school, to creating and experiencing art, to being able to witness and participate in simulations of the biggest crimes in history. Past Crimes is the leader in criminal entertainment and a multibillion-dollar business that even has a physical theme park dubbed the Disneyland of Death. And the most famous crime of them all has just happened – The Blight. A mass murder-suicide that resulted in the immolation and death of thousands. To Cassie West, The Blight is much more than a famous crime. Her departed husband has been convicted of being the mastermind, something that Cassie cannot reconcile with the man she knew and loved. Now a decade later, she is still trying to clear his name when new information comes to light that changes everything. But there are powerful forces at play that will do anything to silence Cassie and those she enlists for help….and they’ll be damned if they let the wife of the most notorious criminal in recent memory disrupt their plans to release the greatest crime simulation ever created.

There is plenty of propulsive action, blindsiding twists and innovative technology to enthrall any thriller or sci-fi fan for hours. However, that’s not what makes Past Crimes so compelling. It’s the combination of multiple topics – the metaverse, AI technology, true crime obsession, loss of civil liberties and due process, corporate greed, the destruction of the middle class, and more – that come together into one fascinating story of a potential future that should scare everyone for so many reasons. This novel makes you explore your own ethics and values, look at the type of the content you consume and its impact on society, question what you should be willing/not willing to trade off in the name of technological convenience, and think differently about what choices we need to make and policies we need to enact today to avoid creating a future that is lived in a corporate controlled and curated virtual environment versus a personal connection-driven humanity in the physical world.

One thing’s for sure. After reading Past Crimes, you won’t think about technology the same or take the future for granted ever again.

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The Price You Pay By Nick Petrie

Emotional and dark with heart-stopping action, The Price You Pay packs a powerful punch you’ll feel in your bones. Nick Petrie has taken this wonderful series to another level by providing an unforgettable story about trying to outrun your past and the strength of unconditional friendship.

Lewis has always been there for Peter Ash, no questions asked. Now Lewis’ criminal past – which he thought was behind him – has come back with a vengeance and it’s Peter’s turn to be by his friend’s side no matter what they may face. With a ruthless, wealthy and powerful adversary pulling out all the stops to make Lewis pay dearly for a past transgression, Lewis will get his old crew back together and, with Peter’s help, flip the script and go from the hunted to the hunters. And nothing short of the lives of everyone he cares about hang in the balance.

The Price You Pay is amazing. Full Stop. It doesn’t allow you to catch your breath for a second. An enemy out for blood at any cost. Peter’s complete commitment to Lewis regardless of the level of danger or number of laws they might have to break. June’s resolve to support their efforts and do whatever is necessary. Lewis’ emotional journey and reflection on his worthiness to have a family and life after what he’s done. Compelling character development wrapped around a violent and propulsive story. It’s fantastic stuff.

It's no secret that this series is one of my favorites and that I love these characters. Peter is an incredible protagonist and has been exquisitely developed over the course of the prior seven books. And I absolutely adore Lewis and June, two of the best and most entertaining supporting characters in the genre. So, to get a book that deep dives into Lewis’ backstory and is dedicated to further strengthening the bonds between these friends through intense adversity is a fantastic way to progress this series. Add the fact that it’s brilliantly constructed, gorgeously written and hits you squarely in the feels, and you get a book that is a beautiful gift from Nick Petrie.

Fans are going to absolutely love this one and it’s also a great entry point for thriller fans looking for a way into this series. A book that will create early buzz and be talked about as one of the best books of 2024.

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Almost Surely Dead By Amina Akhtar

A pulse-pounding story with intriguing folklore elements, Almost Surely Dead is a page turner that keeps you guessing to the very end.  Amina Akhtar has masterfully woven together a riveting narrative, blending elements of a psychological thriller and a horror story to create an utterly gripping reading experience.

Dunia Ahmed is a pharmacist living in New York, coping with the death of her mother and the breakup of her engagement.  Now she’s missing and the subject of a true crime podcast after several attempts on her life.  And there might be more at play than an individual with ill intent towards Dunia.  Something from her difficult childhood could be in play.  Something that may be otherworldly.  But whatever it is, Dunia is in constant danger.  If she’s even still alive.  

What makes this novel so compelling is that information is released in a slow drip, alternating between podcast transcripts and first-person chronological storytelling interspersed with flashbacks to Dunia’s youth.  So you’re constantly learning new information but yet never able to nail down exactly what’s happening.  And the characters around Dunia appear to genuinely care about her wellbeing but also seem to have hidden agendas, making it difficult to determine who’s looking out for her versus who might be out to cause her harm.  Resulting in a sophisticated puzzle that reveals the full picture only once all the pieces are put in their right spots.  

A fantastic combination of entertainment and education, Almost Surely Dead is one of those thrillers that you can’t put down but don’t want to end.  A story you won’t easily shake.

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The Mountain King By Anders de la Motte

The Mountain King, an unsettling and chilling instant classic by Anders de la Motte, captivates readers with its irresistibility. This gripping thriller propels you through a roller coaster of an investigation, leaving you trying to untangle its intricacies. A book that will be talked about as one of the best releases in 2024.

Criminal inspector Leo Asker faces a setback in her career when she's reassigned from a leadership position in the Malmö Serious Crime division to the so-called Department of Lost Souls during a high-profile kidnapping case. Undeterred by the politics behind the move to sideline her, she continues to investigate the young woman’s disappearance, finding there could be much more at play as she decodes clues left behind by her predecessor and utilizing the underappreciated talents of her new department. Teaming up with an old friend/local architecture expert, Asker delves into abandoned buildings, uncovering a unique and sinister evil hidden in the city's shadows.

Leo Asker is a brilliant, ambitious and relentless investigator with a complicated past that does not stop her from doing the right thing according to her moral code. She doesn’t quit when it’s apparent that forces out of her control are hellbent on silencing her and giving the opportunity she earned to someone else. Especially when that someone is a man who has it out for revenge against Leo and turns the whole department against her. Which is infuriating to witness throughout the book but drives an intense emotional bond with Leo, urging her to stick it to him so we can all enjoy the satisfaction of her solving the case at the expense and embarrassment of this smug and overconfident asshole.

Beyond the kick ass female protagonist, The Mountain King has a lot going for it. Character development is top-notch, building connections and keeping things open for who is benevolent and who is malevolent. The plot is disquieting and will wrack the reader with anxiety. And by having each chapter told from the point of view of a different character provides different perspectives as events unfold that add to the suspense. All of which keep the reader guessing and on the edge of their seat, unable to put the book down without it beckoning you to return most urgently.

Comparisons to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo may arise, given its Swedish origin, but The Mountain King stands on its own merits. While both contain dark plots, the protagonists and supporting casts are distinct, so resist the urge to draw equivalence between the two. However, they do have one thing in common. They are both highly engaging thrillers that deserve all the profusive praise that comes their way.

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The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels By Janice Hallett

Step into the gripping world of The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels, where darkness intertwines with an addictive narrative that beckons readers into the heart of a complex investigation. Told from the point of view of true crime author Amanda Bailey, this tale weaves together a chilling account of a cult, multiple deaths, a brainwashed teenager, and a vanished baby – now 18 years old and waiting to be uncovered.

Amanda's quest for the elusive truth not only promises a riveting read, but also a chance for redemption in the literary spotlight. Enter the scene, rival author Oliver Menzies, adding a layer of suspense and intrigue. As the two reluctantly join forces, their complicated history becomes a backdrop to the ominous forces lurking in the shadows, threatening to derail their mission.

What sets this book apart is its unconventional format, immersing readers in a dynamic experience. No passive consumption here – the story unfolds through a mosaic of text messages, emails, news stories, and excerpts from books and screenplays. You're not just reading; you're decoding clues, studying evidence in real time, and questioning the characters' decisions and motives. It's as if you've been deputized as a detective, riding shotgun as the protagonists unravel the mystery before your eyes.

The narrative is a rollercoaster of suspense, teeming with twists, action, and a jaw-dropping conclusion that will leave you breathless. Janice Hallett's storytelling genius shines through in this unique format, inviting readers to become integral participants in the unraveling drama rather than passive observers. Brace yourself for a compelling journey that delivers on every front – The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels is storytelling at its most immersive and exhilarating.

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Dead Man's Hand By Brad Taylor

An intricate game of cat and mouse with WWIII hanging in the balance, Dead Man’s Hand is a scary “ripped from the headlines” story that feels all too plausible. Brad Taylor has outdone himself with this cracking thriller. Let’s just pray he isn’t predicting future events.

The war between Ukraine and Russia rages on, and a cell of Ukrainians known as the Wolves hook up with a rogue sect of Russia GRU agents to put in motion a plot to assassinate Vladimir Putin. But Putin is paranoid and has four loyalists with devices from which they would immediately initiate a nuclear strike in the event of his death, believing this will keep him safe from a coup or assassination attempt. But the Wolves don’t know about this. They also don’t know that a Russian strike team are hot on their tail, looking to take them out before they can complete their mission. And neither the Ukrainians or the Russians know that Pike Logan and his Taskforce team are tracking them, trying to ascertain what is going on and determine the best possible outcome from this madness. But even when they make that call, it might be too late to stop the world from devolving into chaos.

This is Pike like we haven’t seen before. Sent on an ambiguous mission that is outside the Taskforce’s charter, he spends more time pushing back than ever before. But while the direction from above may be frustrating and uninspiring, Pike is a professional who does the right thing even if he doesn’t exactly follow orders. So when things go kinetic, as usual he’s in the right place at the right time and can respond the only way he knows how. By taking the fight to the bad guys. And with his Taskforce team by his side, accompanied by a fan favorite character that shows up out of the blue, Pike is primed to do whatever is necessary to complete the mission.

But there is added complexity in this one that you could call a moral quandary. If you know a world leader is the target of an assassination attempt, are you obligated to tell them? Even if it’s your enemy? Are you an accomplice if you stay silent? How do you know the assassination won’t lead to someone worse taking their place? Tough questions with no easy answers. But the concept is explored in Dead Man’s Hand and leads to an explosive conclusion. One that also shows Pike’s humanity and proves that war is hell.

Gripping, volatile and intriguing, Dead Man’s Hand is an irresistible and fascinating “what-if” grounded in current events. An unforgettable tale that thriller fans will devour.

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Dream Town By Lee Goldberg

Lee Goldberg is one of the most bankable authors in the police procedural genre. He consistently writes entertaining and engaging stories with relatable characters and plots that feel recognizable yet fresh. Has achieved automatic “add to the TBR pile” status with each new release. And Dream Town is no exception. It’s the perfect continuation of the Eve Ronin series. An equal mix of Hollywood theatrics, personal/family drama, criminal mayhem and investigative prowess.

While the television show based on LASD detective Eve Ronin has started production, her focus is still on doing her job and two cases just landed in her lap. First, human bones have been found in a state park and leads to the discovery of more human remains. Second, reality TV star Kitty Winslow is killed during an apparent robbery inside her home located within an exclusive gated community for the rich and famous. Working the cases with her partner, Eve does her best to stay grounded in reality despite the blurring of fact and fiction in her own personal life as well as the investigations. With the pressure mounting, the media attention intensifying, and the danger to Eve’s safety growing, time is of the essence to solve these cases ASAP.

The central theme of Dream Town is exploring how decisions you make impact others in your orbit. In this book those decisions mostly revolve around fame and reputation, but it’s still a relatable concept to all. For Eve, she’s got to decide how to balance the fantasy of the TV show based on her life with the reality of her desire to a great job as a detective to continuously prove she belongs. For Kitty Winslow, decisions about releasing a sex tape, who to get engaged to, the future of her career have major reverberations that ultimately put her life at risk. For other characters, they are faced with fork in the road moments which require picking a direction that can either lead to a successful outcome or contribute to their demise. And for Eve’s partner Duncan “Donuts” Pavone, his main decision is how best to leverage being a character on Eve’s show. A decision in which all roads lead to an abundance of free food from the production’s craft services. Which to be fair is a victimless crime. Except maybe to Duncan’s health.

But don’t worry, there’s plenty of mystery, drama, misdirection and investigative epiphanies to accompany the celebrity glitz and glamor. Making for an exceedingly fun and thrilling novel.

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Northwoods By Amy Pease

Amy Pease comes out of the gates swinging with her first novel. Northwoods is a stimulating crime story that is equal parts thrilling and thought-provoking, admirably folding in challenging and potentially triggering topics such as mental health, PTSD, addiction, divorce, guilt, and greed.

Eli North is a sheriff’s deputy in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. He’s also a former military who was deployed to Afghanistan and is struggling with the toll the war took on his mental health. While trying to get a handle on his drinking and come to terms with his failed marriage, he’s thrust into the middle of a murder/kidnapping case that highlights the dark underbelly of the beautiful little town he calls home. Partnered with a young FBI agent and the minimal resources of a perpetually understaffed Sheriff’s department, Eli is presented with an opportunity to pull himself out of the darkness, use his exceptional investigative skills to solve the case and perhaps find himself on a road towards redemption.

On the surface, Northwoods is a crime novel filled with suspense, twists and turns and compelling characters. If that was it, it would still be an excellent debut. But at its heart, this is a book about humanity. It explores the tenuous hold people have on their mental health, how addiction can control your every action, how it can be hard to ask for help or even forgive yourself, how trauma shapes who we are whether we like it or not, and how all these things can affect the ones we love. It also is a book about love and kindness – both towards yourself and the impact you have on others when you reach out and show you care. Heavy topics to be sure, but adroitly included in this fast-paced, anxiety-inducing tale. Raising this story to another level and going well beyond a common crime novel.

If you’re looking for a thriller that’s mindless fun, this is not the book for you. But if you enjoy contemplation about the ups and downs of life and the consequences of your actions, then Northwoods is a must-read book that should immediately be added to your TBR pile.

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The Heiress By Rachel Hawkins

You’ve never seen a family drama quite like this. The Heiress is a labyrinth of secrets, deceptions, and revelations that continuously astound and prove the old adage “Mo Money Mo Problems.”

Camden McTavish wants nothing to do with his family. Even though he inherited a fortune and the family mansion in North Carolina, he has rejected it all and hasn’t been back there since his mother Ruby passed away 10 years ago. Now he’s summoned to return and help restore the family home, bringing his wife Jules along for the trip. Unknown to Camden, Jules has plans of her own that include influencing him to claim his full inheritance and live happily ever after on the opulent estate. But complications arise, deceit is in abundant supply and new information will come to light that threatens to tear the entire family apart.

This book is drama personified. That’s drama with a capital D. A child gone missing. A woman married and widowed four times under suspicious circumstances leading to the nickname Ms. Kill-more. An adopted son shunned by members of the family. The same family fighting over an inheritance that the young man wants nothing to do with. And he is married to a woman curious about his estrangement and intrigued by the prospect of coming into a large sum of money. And everyone has a hidden agenda. It’s a glorious spectacle tailor made for a television mini-series.

A missing child. Kidnapping. Murder. Legal battles over a large inheritance. Family estrangements. This book puts any family-based reality TV show to shame. So crack open a copy of The Heiress and get cozy as Rachel Hawkins spills the tea on the McTavishes' mischievous past, complicated present and uncertain future. It’s tasty and irresistible.

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The Ascent By Adam Platinga

Brutal, vicious and merciless, The Ascent is a heart-thumping expedition through six levels of nightmare fuel to find salvation. A journey through a wicked hellscape created by Adam Platinga to put his characters through the ultimate test with the vilest evil lurking around every corner.

Kurt Argento is an ex-Detroit cop who’s heading west to figure out his life. During a pit stop in a small Missouri town, he stops a crime in progress, but the crooked local Sheriff arrests him on trumped-up charges and sends him to a maximum-security prison while awaiting arraignment. And that’s when things really go to hell. The prison’s security systems fail and inmates start coming from all directions. Even worse, the governor’s daughter is there on a tour and is in mortal danger. Argento’s moral code won’t allow him to sit this one out and joins forces with a small band of guards, civilians employed at the prison and state troopers protecting the young woman to fend off anyone meaning them harm. But to live they’ll have to find a way out. And the only way out is to ascend six floors containing the worst criminals imaginable to get to the roof and call for help.

There is no way to overstate how violent The Ascent is. It’s harsh, wicked, and ruthless. A non-stop barrage of abhorrent conduct perpetrated by the most deplorable and inhumane beings to walk the earth. But it’s counteracted by strength and heroism from righteous individuals with an overwhelming desire to survive, a will to protect the innocent and the wits to overcome adversity. Making for a compelling clash between good and evil and a study in morality located in a place where decency not only doesn’t exist but is a weakness that’s preyed upon.

It’s fucked up, non-stop, balls to the wall insanity that will make you think twice about committing even the smallest of infractions, lest you get a live and in-person front-row seat to this kind of depravity rather than experience it from the pages of a fantastic book and the safety of your own home.

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Purchase The Ascent
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