We are back with the international Krewe team known as Blackbird in Secrets in the Dark by Heather Graham. This is the second volume in the Blackbird Trilogy. The tale continues as this special group of FBI Agents, Interpol and local police hunt down a modern day Jack the Ripper.

Secrets in the Dark
by Heather Graham
Series: Blackbird Trilogy #2
Genres: Mystery, Paranormal
Source: Publisher
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Over a century after Jack, a new Ripper is on the loose.

Following in the footsteps of notorious serial murderer Jack the Ripper, a killer is stalking the streets of London. The self-dubbed Ripper King strikes at night, leaving a trail of eviscerated bodies in his wake. Fresh off a case with potential ties to the recent rash of killings, FBI agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter are all too familiar with a slayer set to rule with a lethal fist. And they’ll stop at nothing to end his reign.

The killer’s MO may be nothing new, but his desire to be infamous makes him dangerous. Della and Mason know it’s only a matter of time before their investigation emboldens this new Ripper, forcing the agents to work quickly before another woman winds up dead. But now that the heat is on, their game of cat and mouse takes an unexpected turn, leading Della and Mason into a deadly trap they never saw coming…

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After a woman is brutally slain and the killer announces that Jack is back, FBI agents Della Hamilton and Mason Carter, along with their international team, are in London. In their last case, they arrested the mastermind behind the Dracula murders. A man who recruited others to kill. The team believes one of his disciples is responsible for this killing.

Rich in history and Ripper details, Graham lead us through Whitechapel as the team investigated. All of London is on high alert, including the ghost of a woman who walked the streets when the first Ripper reigned.

Unlike the Krewe of Hunters, where we get a new romance between new agents, this continues Della and Mason’s romance. It hinted at others, but the story leans heavily towards the murder-mystery. The romance is very subtle, with moments of heat behind closed doors.

I always appreciate the way this author weaves in history about the location of her stories. From the King to conditions, we learn a lot of tidbits as we search for clues. Even interviews with local theaters and archeologist sites provided rich historic details.

While this case wrapped up, the story is far from over and I look forward to Cursed at Dawn coming August 22, 2023. Fans of murder-mysteries & FBI Crime thrillers with a dash of paranormal will enjoy the Blackbirds trilogy.

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/08/secrets-in-the-dark-by-heather-graham.html

Emma is an avid bird-watcher. She is laser-focused on the big red bird feeder in her backyard. She even has a bird-watching station ready to go so she can monitor the comings and goings at her feeder. Emma has noticed a pattern though. Almost as soon as the feeder is filled with delicious berries and grains, it all disappears. She is more than determined to discover exactly what is happening to the food she leaves for the birds. When she makes the decision to implement a night-vision camcorder, she soon discovers who is responsible for taking the birds’ treats!

The Big Red Bird Feeder, by Priya Ramesh, is a lovely children’s book with a hint of mystery. Ramesh’s main character Emma is set on keeping an eye on her bird feeder and figuring out how the bird food keeps disappearing soon after the feeder is filled. The illustrations in Ramesh’s book are soft, comforting, and spark the imagination. There is a certain soothing element to the drawings that support this sweet story.

I highly recommend The Big Red Bird Feeder by Priya Ramesh. Young readers will love the suspense associated with Emma’s mission in this quick read. They will enjoy making guesses as to the culprit’s identity. As a teacher and writer myself, I especially liked the way in which Ramesh chose to reveal the suspect’s identity. To the very end, The Big Red Bird Feeder, is a fun story with a twist elementary students will appreciate.

Pages: 25 | ASIN : B0C5FRJ5DY

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/07/the-big-red-bird-feeder/

Benign Dystopia, written by Kody Killam, is an outstanding novel with an engaging narrative that should captivate the imagination of dark fantasy and cyberpunk science fiction enthusiasts. The tale introduces us to Jadecan, an adept warrior, possibly the last of his race, the Akiko. Propelled into a mission to retrieve an “item” for his companion, Stet, Jadecan quickly reveals a personal agenda. Joining forces with Amelia, a liberated convict, the duo embarks on a quest to locate a vault, with the future of Jadecan’s species hinging on their success. The narrative is densely populated with futuristic and extraterrestrial themes and features a diverse array of races from various planets.

The storyline is exquisitely crafted with a diverse array of characters that enrich the narrative. The overarching concept carries echoes of Star Wars, mirroring its thrilling energy and high stakes. Despite being penned in the third person, the narrative maintains an intimate connection with the protagonist. Readers gain profound insights into Jadecan’s psyche, his motivations, and his approach to challenges from the very outset. An early, surprising act of betrayal from Jadecan towards Stet effectively establishes his character’s traits, conveying his urgent need to save his race and the lengths to which he is prepared to go.

While the book is titled Benign Dystopia, it offers an intriguing narrative steeped in the engaging elements of science fiction. As the start of a series, the story stands as an exceptional novel. This story truly sets itself apart. The pacing is well-balanced, making this dark fantasy novel a riveting read that will offer much to any reader fond of such fiction.

Pages: 394 | ASIN : B09SVXTJBX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/07/benign-dystopia/

In A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld, author Kody Killam invites readers on an interstellar journey steeped in both science fiction and fantasy elements. The narrative follows the last akiko, Jadecan, as he embarks on a relentless quest for retribution. From the desolate moon Niushki, Jadecan navigates an array of obstacles and adversaries, including sirens, automatons, jinn, and enigmatic aliens, all in his pursuit of the immortal sorcerer, Savaro.

The protagonist, Jadecan, operates as an enduring fulcrum of the narrative, holding readers’ attention with his unwavering determination and commitment to avenging his people. The diverse and captivating company he keeps along his journey further enriches the narrative landscape, crafting an immersive reader experience.

The richness of the novel’s landscape is evident, yet it is marked by rapid shifts in setting and the frequent departures of side characters. Some readers may find that this narrative complexity creates a dynamic and layered reading experience, while others may find it challenges the clarity of the plot progression and the depth of connection with the supporting characters.

The novel’s ambitious reach and potential for greatness are unequivocally evident. Killam has successfully constructed an expansive universe within a relatively concise format. His ability to weave such a comprehensive world teeters on overwhelmingly but remains an impressive feat, marking his unique contribution to the genre.

A Fool’s Tragedy: Tome I of Tellurian Otherworld will likely appeal most to die-hard enthusiasts of sci-fi and fantasy. The novel leaves an indelible mark of intrigue, prompting anticipation for future works from Kody Killam. The raw potential within Killam’s narrative world is undeniable and a cause for eager anticipation.

Pages: 365

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/07/a-fools-tragedy-tome-one-of-tellurian-otherworld/

In The Fall Before Love, Nina Maylor masterfully weaves a narrative that explores both the torment of heartbreak and the hope of discovering new love with an unforeseen ally. The story revolves around Alexa Delaney, a committed pediatric nurse, and the newly arrived pediatrician in her unit, Dr. Joe Camden. The two characters are instantly drawn to each other, albeit their connection remains purely physical initially. Despite their conflicts in the professional domain, they find tranquility in their private encounters, fostering a bond that is far from simply being work colleagues.

Both characters grapple with hidden secrets that they’re hesitant to divulge. Their arrangement initially thought to be a casual fling, becomes complicated as they grow emotionally entangled. The question is – will they have the courage to embrace vulnerability and consider the potential for a deeper connection? Maylor keeps readers on tenterhooks with this suspenseful premise.

The Fall Before Love is an intoxicating blend of romance and erotica, with scenes that elicit a range of emotions from profound sorrow to intense passion. The characters, Alexa and Joe, are skillfully portrayed with intriguing backstories that lend depth to the narrative. Please be aware certain elements may necessitate a trigger warning, such as discussions of stillbirth, domestic violence, and emotional abuse.

Alexa’s character is particularly noteworthy for her transformation throughout the story. Initially held back by the shackles of her past, she eventually blossoms into a stronger, more assertive persona. Dr. Camden’s growth, though more gradual, is no less significant by the story’s end. His portrayal is a striking reflection of many men grappling with communication and vulnerability due to past trauma.

Maylor’s craftsmanship shines through every page of this novel. Her exploration of the ‘enemies-to-lovers’ trope is an exciting and satisfying addition to the genre. The Fall Before Love is sure to enthrall readers with its emotion-packed narrative, stirring characters, and the author’s adept handling of complex themes. Dive into this captivating read for an emotional roller-coaster that will leave you yearning for more.

Pages: 343 | ASIN : B09XZDFP3X

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/07/the-fall-before-love/

Queen Molly and Her Friends follows a young GSD puppy who finds her forever family and shares what her life is like living with her amazing humans. What was the inspiration for your story?

I have a summer cottage in PA, the ‘Summer Palace’ in the book. Molly and I spent all last summer there, and much of the time, we had the place to ourselves. I had a lot of time to really get to know how incredibly smart and unique she is. When she first came into our lives as a pup, she had to try to make sense of being taken from her mother and siblings and starting life anew in a whole new place with a whole new cast of characters. I tried to capture that experience and all that followed from her perspective but with a human slant as well.

What were some educational aspects that were important for you to include in this children’s book?

I wanted to show that change is neither inherently good nor bad; our response to change is what matters. Molly chose to accept the changes in her life as positive experiences due to her strong sense of self-confidence. I hoped to show that change is not something to fear but rather something to embrace and grow with.

Also, the characters in the book all have a great deal of respect for each other and care deeply about each other despite being very different from each other. Molly the Mutt is a great example; some people look at mutts as ‘less than,’ but not Molly. She treats Lilly as an equal and a good friend. Despite thinking of herself as a Queen and privileged, she treats everyone in her life with dignity.  I think that’s an important lesson for all of us.

The art in this book is fantastic. What was the art collaboration process like with illustrator Samantha Deir?

I realized that illustrations would be integral to the story, and I researched professional illustrators online. I was getting frustrated and shared that with my daughter, and she suggested that I reach out to her friend, Samantha. Samantha is a very talented tattoo artist but had never illustrated a book. She was looking to step out of her comfort zone, which I respect tremendously, so we decided to test some ideas out. I sent her photos of Molly, Lillly, the ‘palace grounds,’ etc., and explained where I thought they would fit with the text. She sent some sketches, which I absolutely loved. I fell in love with the cover illustration immediately and decided she was the perfect person to bring the book to life. She added some illustrations from scratch, no pics to work from, and added the crown and cape on her own.  I fell in love with the cover illustration right away, of course. The process took a while since her tattoo business is very successful, and she is quite busy, but to me, it was well worth the wait. Interestingly, we have never met in person. It’s been a text and email-only collaboration.

Do you have more books planned featuring Molly and her friends? If so, when will it be available?

I have two more Molly books in mind. One will focus exclusively on her life at the Summer Palace. The other will focus on a huge change whereby Meghan has a baby, and her boyfriend, his dog Cooper and baby Ellie come to live at 300 Elm Street for a while, then move to their own ‘palace’, leaving Molly alone with me. I am writing the Summer Palace book now, but as for timing, that will depend on Samantha’s availability. I like her work so much that I want to keep our team together.

Author Links: Twitter | Facebook

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/08/07/change-is-neither-inherently-good-nor-bad/