At the City University of New York’s College of Staten Island, where I taught for twenty-three years, I consistently had police officers, their partners, and their children as my students. Most were Italian American or Irish American, but in recent years I saw more Latino, Asian, and Black police officers and their family members. When […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/red-lights-blue-lines-the-streets-belong-to-us-fischer/
In Tomb of Sand, the first Indian-language novel to win the International Booker Prize, the Hindi writer Geetanjali Shree combines linguistic energy with unflagging wit to uncover the secrets and lies of Indian family life. To this are added frequent interpolations on the out-of-joint times, marked as they are by “the jacking and hijacking of […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/endless-trances-tomb-of-sand-geetanjali-shree/
In his 2005 book Ringside Seat to a Revolution, the historian David Dorado Romo chronicles the often garish manner in which the Mexican Revolution—one of the first mass uprisings of the twentieth century—was consumed and commodified by American spectators. His account centers on his hometown of El Paso, which, when large-scale hostilities broke out in […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/an-american-story-bad-mexicans-hernandez/
We were sitting on the floor. I started writingas the window darkened and the grass grewbright. By morning, half the trees weresubmarine. What was it about being young andwanting to write? You said it wasn’t choice, itwas dictation. You had to ask. A frog leapt through the cat flap taking refuge by our feet.You knew […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/cuttlefish-will-harris/
I swam without ceasing around the rocks guarding the island, the looming black rocks slick with surf. In sunlight they shone like onyx, as if polished. In a storm they were flat and dull as slate. I used to search for an opening in the rocks, some small gap through which to slip my body, […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/the-island-lauren-k-watel/
Narrated by Claire Duncan, The Founders by Stacy M. Jones is the first novel in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh series. The story takes us to Boston where a serial killer has it out for ancestors of the founding fathers. Twists and turns await you in this suspenseful FBI thriller.
The Founders
by Stacy M. Jones
Series: FBI Agent Kate Walsh #1
Narrator: Claire Duncan
Length: 10 hours and 19 minutes
Genres: Suspense Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A serial killer has the city of Boston in his grip. He’s killing with antique Revolutionary War weapons and leaving bodies at markers on the city’s historical Freedom Trail. No one is safe – especially those with ancestry ties back to the Patriots.
FBI Special Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James rush to the aid of local authorities to help catch a killer in their hometown. As a descendant of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Agent Walsh is in the killer’s crosshairs. Part madman and part mastermind – no one knows who is next.
With potential ties to an underground subversive group known as The Founders, can the FBI stop a killer whose wake of destruction has only just begun or will the city become paralyzed by this killer’s centuries-old political agenda?
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I’ve been on a bit of a crime thriller, murder mystery binge which brought me to The Founders. This is the first in the FBI Agent Kate Walsh series featuring Agent Kate Walsh and her partner, Declan James.
Set in Boston, the story introduces us to Kate and Declan and does a wonderful job of providing their backstories & history as we investigate a serial killer. The killer is leaving bodies along the city’s historic Freedom Trail and there seems to be a tie to the Revolutionary War.
As a descendent of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, it seems Agent Walsh may be on the killer’s list. The mystery was suspenseful, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists. The killer seems to be one step ahead of them.
Working with Detective Briggs from Boston PD, Walsh and Declan, reach out to the university, local newspaper and investigate a group known as The Founders. I enjoyed the way the author allowed us to follow along as they gathered clues, made deductions and caught the killer.
While not heavy on procedure, the tale felt grounded and pulled me in. Kate is interesting and I look forward to their next case. Jones wrapped up the case, gave us some closure on Declan’s personal issues and set us up for the next case, where they will head to Miami.
Claire Duncan narrates and did a delightful job of capturing Kate’s personality and those of Declan and others. Her pacing and tone work well for the story, and I’d listen to her again. The writing lends itself to the audio format, making listening an excellent choice.
Amazon | Audible
Stacy M. Jones was born and raised in Troy, New York, and currently lives in Little Rock, Arkansas. She is a full-time writer and holds masters’ degrees in journalism and in forensic psychology. Stacy offers three series – the hard-boiled PI Riley Sullivan Mystery Series, the FBI Agent Kate Walsh Thriller series, and the paranormal mystery Harper & Hattie Magical Mystery Series.
Claire Duncan is a multi-award-winning actress and narrator living in New York City. She has performed Off-Broadway, regionally, and in national tours, and appeared in the Drama Desk–nominated revival of The Threepenny Opera. She received a Best Actress Award for her work as Rosetta in the dark comedy Rosetta’s Blues, which debuted at Cannes, and has played the lead in a dozen other indie films. As a singer, she had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and toured the country as a travel host and writer for Visit The USA. She grew up in Canada to a Texan mother and British-born father, and holds an Honors Bachelor of Science in psychology, linguistics, and English from the University of Toronto. Claire’s broad career has shaped her into an exceptional and flexible voice artist. You can hear her on Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network, in hundreds of national commercials, and as the narrator of over fifty audiobooks, specializing in mystery, romance, and YA.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/03/the-founders-by-stacy-m-jones.html
The Orchid Tattoo is an exceptional work of fiction that cleverly intertwines two critical issues; human trafficking and mental health. After finding out her sister is missing, a social worker unexpectedly finds herself uncovering a brutal human trafficking network. Meanwhile, the book follows the lives of two girls trapped inside the trafficking ring, with two different yet equally devastating roles. Each story overlaps over time as more secrets and links are discovered. The book shifts between the stories of each character, aided by Carla Damron’s smooth and realistic writing style, to deal with a topic that is usually shied away from, despite being an extremely important issue in today’s society.
Without a doubt, The Orchid Tattoo is the best book I’ve read in a long time. Carla Damron personifies the victims involved in human trafficking. The reader realizes that behind each statistic on the news are real individuals with unique personalities and backgrounds, all with enormous bravery. The Orchid Tattoo is a gripping book that will break your heart and fill you with anger. Although it is a heavy topic, and some parts may be hard to read, it also opens the reader’s eyes and inspires change. It is fast-paced, with thrilling action and unpredictable twists. I love how the book’s main character is a social worker who also struggles with her own mental health difficulties. This bridges the gap between those giving and receiving help and makes the character much more relatable. It is unsurprising to find out that the book was written by a social worker, as it reflects a deep knowledge and understanding of the subject.
The Orchid Tattoo is an emotionally charged crime mystery filled with suspense and thrilling twists. It is a story that will stay in your mind for a long time after reading and will force you to question why we aren’t discussing the atrocities of human trafficking more often.
Pages: 401 | ASIN : B0B7BB616Y
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/02/the-orchid-tattoo/
Adventures on the Can Do Trail is a heartwarming and inspiring book by author Jothy Rosenberg. The story follows Alex, a young boy who fulfills his dream of hiking the Can Do Trail, where he encounters animals with disabilities that prevent them from participating in activities with their friends. With his determination, Alex finds ways to include these animals and help them enjoy life to the fullest despite their limitations.
Rosenberg’s story is a testament to the power of determination and inclusion, delivering an empowering message to young readers that they can achieve anything they set their minds to. The story’s unique twist ending is unexpected and adds an extra layer of depth to the already powerful message.
One of the most notable aspects of this book is the character of Alex, who is kind, thoughtful, and empowering. He teaches young readers the importance of being inclusive of everyone, regardless of their abilities. The illustrations are also detailed and colorful, transporting the reader into Alex’s world and enhancing the overall reading experience.
In addition to the story itself, the author includes a powerful message at the beginning of the book to encourage readers to approach challenges with a “can-do” attitude. This message is reinforced throughout the story, giving young readers the confidence to believe in themselves and their abilities. The inclusion of a fun scavenger hunt at the end of the book is an added bonus, encouraging young readers to explore and engage with the story on a deeper level.
Adventures on the Can Do Trail is an inspiring and empowering book that instills confidence, compassion, and a “can-do” attitude in young readers. It is a highly recommended read for parents, teachers, and anyone looking to teach young readers the importance of having self-confidence and compassion toward others.
Pages: 41 | ASIN : B0BHTX4YGX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/02/adventures-on-the-can-do-trail/
In a big law firm in San Francisco, a junior lawyer is thrown into the deep end with a complex and infuriating case concerning an inheritance. During this case, he must navigate the challenges of a complex legal system, demanding clients, and formidable adversaries. Along this journey, he’s helped by close friends and mentors and hindered by superiors and villains. As well as this, he faces personal problems and joys, including meeting the charming ex-model and cafe owner, Marybeth. Behind all these legal hurdles and personal relationships lies an intrigue that places the young lawyer and those close to him in the way of potential danger.
O’Brien’s Law by John McNellis follows the journey of hot-headed but ultimately extremely likable Michael O’Brien, a junior associate at the firm Drummond, Upton, and Isherwood. Even though it covers complicated legal matters and contains legal jargon and issues in the business world, it’s completely accessible to those with little former knowledge of these areas.
The story takes the reader through an exciting journey, covering themes such as justice, romance, and mystery. The plot is superbly well-crafted and packed full of unexpected twists and turns. Additionally, McNellis’ characters are fully fleshed out with their flaws and imperfections. The protagonist, Michael O’Brien, is a particularly well-portrayed character with whom it’s easy to empathize. The author’s writing style is engaging and integrates moments of comedic relief while becoming emotional at specific points. I would recommend this novel to those interested in a fun read that covers engaging legal issues.
O’Brien’s Law by John McNellis is an adrenaline-filled and fast-paced read that keeps the reader in the story and eager to discover what happens next. This is a romantic thriller that readers will not want to miss out on, as the suspense will have them hooked from the opening lines.
Pages: 294 | ASIN : B0B7Z21KHD
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/02/obriens-law/
Bella’s life has been a rollercoaster of hardships, from a childhood without proper care to bouncing between foster homes. She thought she had seen it all. But now, the devastating news of her terminal cancer diagnosis and only having one year to live shatters her world once again. Seeking solace, Bella travels to South Carolina, where she meets the quirky and charming Tilly, her new landlady and unexpected best friend. Tilly is determined to help Bella make the last year of her life count. Although they are many years apart, they share something in common. Both women know their deaths are soon.
Together, they embark on a journey of living life to the fullest and making every moment count. Bella’s unwavering strength and resilience are a true inspiration, and Tilly’s unpredictable nature will have you laughing one moment and tearing up the next. Without a family to support her, she has always been strong on her own. She has such a beautiful soul. Tilly was a fascinating character. The 90-year-old woman had unpredictable moods and was known for her sharp tongue. Although she said mean things sometimes, she had a big heart and was loved by almost everyone.
Mary Perrine provides masterful character development and an absorbing plot, and you’ll find yourself hooked from the first page. Outside the Lines explores the depths of friendship, love, and the power of the human spirit. It’s a powerful story of triumph over adversity that will touch your heart and leave you feeling inspired. The author’s writing is powerful, and I found myself at times wishing things were different for Bella, and then I would burst out laughing at Tilly’s remarks.
Outside the Lines is a must-read for fans of realistic fiction. Get ready to be transported into Bella and Tilly’s world and experience a story that will stay with you long after the last page. Don’t miss out on this beautiful and touching tale of courage and hope.
Pages: 349 | ASIN : B0BQ5D1F2J
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/03/02/outside-the-lines/