The child couldn’t tell the time. It was 1953, and she was looking up at the clock hanging on the wall in the vast, shadowy, central rotunda of her new school in Brussels, and couldn’t read the hands. Why she’d been asked to leave the classroom and find out the time is unclear; surely the classroom […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/14/temporale/
My thirst for crime thrillers & mysteries continues with Mad Jack by Stacy M. Jones, the third audiobook in the FBI Kate Walsh series. This time Kate & Declan are undercover to infiltrate a cult. Posing as a married couple, they’ll need to get invited and address their own attractions.
Mad Jack
by Stacy M. Jones
Series: FBI Agent Kate Walsh #3
Narrator: Claire Duncan
Length: 9 hours and 52 minutes
Genres: Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
Something sinister lurks behind the perfect homes and well-manicured lawns of Mulberry Grove. Wealthy tech investor Jack Harlow, known to the FBI as Mad Jack, has been running a personal development program for the past ten years. Locals call it a cult. Few leave, and those who try, end up dead under mysterious circumstances. Six couples in all over the last five years.
FBI Agents Kate Walsh and Declan James are sent in undercover, posing as a married couple interested in the program. Out of her normal FBI profiler role, Kate is challenged by Jack Harlow’s instant recognition of her insecurities. Even her relationship with Declan is under the microscope.
Kate and Declan must work together to figure out who is friend and foe in the tight-knit community where nothing is as it seems. When Kate is targeted similarly to the other women, she and Declan’s lives are on the line. Can the two stop a killer before they become the next victims or will Jack Harlow continue to wreak havoc in the community?
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Kate & Declan pose as husband and wife and move into Mulberry Grove, a suburban community where wealthy tech investor and motivational guru, Jack Harlow, resides. Here, he hosts an exclusive club where members live in the community and pay membership fees to advance. Some call it a cult. No one leaves and those who do, end up dead.
It was fun seeing Declan & Kate pose as a married couple. There is already some chemistry that hasn’t been addressed and I enjoyed the sizzling friction. Both are excellent investigators, and getting into the inner circle of Harlow’s club isn’t easy.
The more they investigate, the closer they get to uncovering information about the group. However, the risk of discovery increases at every turn. This was suspenseful with twists, dark secrets, and danger at every turn.
I recommend the audiobooks. Claire Duncan does a great job of giving voice to both Kate & Declan and the rest. Her pacing, tone and multiple voices enhance the tale, making listening a solid choice. I am hoping Tantor continues to bring this series to audio.
If you’re looking for an edge of your seat crime thriller that will keep you guessing, you’ll want to start the FBI Agent Kate Walsh series.
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/2023/04/mad-jack-by-stacy-m-jones.html
A Cult of One follows Genevieve, an aspiring officer from a family with a notorious history of criminal activity. As she embarks on a new path in life, Genevieve finds herself at odds with her family’s past as she strives to safeguard her city from the nefarious Internet Maniac. However, to bring down this criminal mastermind, Genevieve must rely on her brother, who is entrenched in the criminal underworld. As she endeavors to solve the case while staying on the righteous path, Genevieve grapples with the constant struggle between being a virtuous person and following in her family’s footsteps.
Author CH Morgan captivates the reader’s attention and maintains engagement from start to finish. From the outset, the book emanates a captivating blend of crime, family drama, and enigmatic mystery that makes it challenging to put down. Genevieve’s character is intricate as she is vulnerable but reluctant to show it to others due to being let down in the past. Her tough exterior as an MMA fighter serves as a means of relieving stress and protecting herself. Genevieve and her brother Bruno have a strained relationship owing to her family’s involvement in crime and her being a cop. This creates tension throughout the story since Genevieve desires to trust her family but is unable to do so. I relished reading from Genevieve’s perspective as it allowed me to comprehend her motivations and the reasoning behind her actions. The fight scenes were realistic, and I could vividly imagine Genevieve battling in the ring. I appreciated the unpredictability of the storyline, which kept me guessing about its direction.
I wholeheartedly recommend A Cult of One to aficionados of crime fiction, podcasts, or popular crime/police-related TV shows. This book offers a thrilling and captivating read that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the very last page. Morgan’s plot is engaging, and the characters are dynamic, leaving an indelible impression on readers.
Pages: 268 | ASIN: B0BWPW16LC
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/14/a-cult-of-one/
A Walk in the Turkey Woods: Wandering Thoughts and Revelations by Mike Joyner is a charming and delightful read that blends whimsical prose and verse with evocative photographs. Divided into small, titled sections, Joyner’s writing provides a vivid sense of the turkey woods as a place of communion with oneself and a higher power rather than simply a hunting ground.
Through richly detailed descriptions of the scenery, rituals, and emotions of turkey hunting gatherings, Joyner creates a strong bond with the reader, conveying the depth of his personal connection to the woods and the gratitude he feels for the good health that allows him to enjoy them. Joyner’s intimate reflections on life, death, and the passage of time add a profound depth to the narrative, illuminating the precious moments and lessons learned throughout his experiences. Despite being dedicated to Joyner’s mother, who has passed away, the book is not solely about the death of a loved one. Rather, death serves as a thematic anchor, reminding Joyner to be grateful for the moments he has lived and inspiring him to maintain a journal of his thoughts and reflections to ensure that none are left unsaid.
A Walk in the Turkey Woods is a charming and intimate work of life-writing. Joyner’s verse is unpretentious yet touching, and the photographs, while ordinary, invest the narrative with a poignant sense of continuity and tradition. This book is a compelling entryway into Joyner’s thoughts and reflections on life and a reminder of the power of nature to inspire gratitude and reflection.
Pages: 104 | ASIN: B0BWYTSXR7
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/14/a-walk-in-the-turkey-woods/
Severed Roots by Nego Huzcotoq takes readers on a thrilling dystopian journey into a world where women hold all the power and men are relegated to a subordinate position. Nick, a mankey who questions everything, is on a mission to help his best friend Beatrice, who is struggling with the fact that she cannot experience motherhood. Along the way, he befriends Morrie, whose hidden secrets challenge Nick’s understanding of the world he grew up in.
The intricate plot had me hooked from beginning to end, and while it was emotionally challenging to imagine such a world, it also prompted me to ponder the possibilities of a world where women are in control. Nick is a fascinating character, a magician who brings joy to children and who evolves from a hesitant and timid person into a determined and strong-willed individual. Beatrice is a compelling supporting character whose mental health decline is palpable and poignant, and Morrie provides invaluable support and guidance throughout the story. Severed Roots is an exceptional novel with a plot that is meticulously crafted. The book concludes on an exciting cliffhanger that leaves readers eagerly anticipating another follow-up novel.
Huzcotoq has created a gripping dystopian novel that elicits a range of emotions, from laughter to tears and everything in between. I also enjoyed how it does not follow standard dystopian tropes found in other novels in the genre. This book is a must-read for fans looking for a unique dystopia, especially readers who enjoy works that challenge societal norms and conventions.
Pages: 225 | ASIN: B0BQ8HK8KV
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/14/severed-roots/
Lori Schneider’s The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur is a captivating collection of poetry designed to inspire children. The author takes us on a journey through the life of Ella Rose, describing her world in a beautiful and engaging way. Divided into distinct parts, the poems provide insight into Ella Rose’s family life, her relationships with her pets, friends, and teachers, her interests, and her travels. The touching book concludes on a happy note, promising a bright future for our beloved protagonist.
The writing style of the book is simple yet effective, with rhyming quatrains and tercets that create a pleasing rhythm. The chapters are filled with the innocence and simplicity of childhood, but the author also addresses real-world issues with a sense of understanding and morality that adds depth to the work. This book provides children with numerous opportunities to learn about the importance of pets, happiness, friends, and family. In addition, the book teaches valuable lessons about compassion, sympathy, love, and care for both loved ones and strangers. The relatable nature of Ella Rose’s daily routine and activities make her character endearing and relatable, which allows young readers to connect with her and learn from her experiences. This book will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on its readers.
The Inspiring World of Ella Rose La Fleur is an excellent choice for young readers who want to explore a relatable character with a heartwarming story. In addition, the book’s simple language and powerful messages make it an ideal read for budding readers who want to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
Pages: 115 | ASIN : B0BTRRJWX7
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/14/the-inspiring-world-of-ella-rose-la-fleur/
High Risk, written by T.S. Maynard and W.J. McNally, is a thrilling novel that follows the life of a self-centered businessman named Jim. After receiving an opportunity to work on an important business deal, Jim decides to stay late at work, causing him to miss his flight home to his family. Unfortunately for him, Jim finds himself locked inside his own office building. With no way out, no phone or internet connection, and the water turned off, Jim is forced to fend for himself for four long days until the staff returns to work.
The story commences with Jim on the rooftop of his building, contemplating his life choices while clutching a forty-five-degree ledge at the top of a fifty-story skyscraper. This opening scene instantly captivates the reader and creates suspense, setting an excellent tone for the rest of the novel.
The story then transitions back four days to give readers an insight into how Jim ended up in this predicament. The third-person narrative allows readers to gain an overview of the situation, with a primary focus on Jim’s experiences. However, dialogue between other characters when Jim is not present, helps to build a more vivid picture of his character.
Maynard and McNally have crafted a book full of suspense and drama, with a classic closed-room mystery of who locked Jim in and how he will escape. Each chapter, while some may be brief, offers a glimpse into the characters’ stories, is action-packed, and poses intriguing questions that drive the reader’s curiosity.
High Risk is an easy and captivating read that I would highly recommend to anyone seeking an engaging and entertaining story. This is a quick and smooth mystery thriller that will have you guessing until the very end.
Pages: 103 | ASIN: B09MZLQV2L
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/14/high-risk/
Our picks for the best biographies and memoirs of April
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Our picks for the best mysteries and thrillers of April
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Our picks for the best literature and fiction of April
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