Through the Door is the second audiobook in the T.L. Brown Door to Door Mystery series. Narrated by Elyse Osterhaug, we once again join Salesman Emily Swift, as she travels to the Empire with her best friend to find Lydia, Emily’s mother. Adventure and danger await you!

Through the Door
by T.L. Brown
Series: Door to Door Mystery #2
Narrator: Elyse Osterhaug
Genres: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Source: Author
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Salesman Emily Swift is back—and so is Templeton! After learning about her supernatural abilities, 30-year-old Emily Swift returns home to Kincaid to rebuild a normal life with her boyfriend. As she struggles to get a handle on her “door traveling” energy, a strange warning squawks from her car radio: a terrorist group called the Fringe is still watching her.

Before she can figure out if the message is from a friend or foe, Emily’s quirky mother, Lydia, goes missing—and resurfaces in the Empire! As Lydia travels from city to city in this peculiar world, a wake of chaos is created. Add the murder of a hated art critic and a kidnapping into the mix, and things go from bad to worse.

Friends Tara and Rabbit join Emily as they race against the Fringe to catch up with Emily’s wandering mother. Will Emily’s nemesis, the mysterious Templeton, join her in rescuing Lydia? What will it cost her? Is the price too high?

In Through the Door, book 2 in the Door to Door Paranormal Mystery series, you’ll find:

A gutsy main character who won’t back down.
Loyal friendships.
Mother-daughter family dynamics.
Kidnapping and rescue.
A new and oh-so-dangerous bad guy.
A sacrifice you won’t see coming.
An ending that will have you reaching for book 3 in the series.

Fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Wizard of Oz, and the slapstick comedy found in Janet Evanovich’s early Stephanie Plum books will love Emily Swift and the Door to Door Paranormal Mystery series!

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Emily is not supposed to travel through doors without mentor but that doesn’t stop her from taking the train! Emily’s mom Lydia is missing and together with her bff, Tara and Rabbit.

This was another exciting mystery in the Door to Door mystery series. It blends magic, fantasy and danger as we learn about the Empire, door travel, and deal with the dangerous group known as the Fringe.

The author blends humor with a rule-breaking female lead who values protecting loved ones. I loved being in the Empire again and we meet some great characters as they hunt down Lydia. Lydia, herself, is an interesting character who ends up being accused of a crime and kidnapped. Of course, Emily is determined to save her, and that means dealing with her nemesis, Templeton. Now Templeton is an interesting character and we learn some things that cast a different light on him.

Betrayal, allies, and twists kept me listening into the wee hours. Elyse Osterhaug narrates and does a splendid job of capturing Emily’s personality and the tones of the story. I highly recommend the audiobook format.

The story can take some dark turns, but the humor helps keep the balance. We had quite the adventure. The author continues to flesh out the world, and while the mystery was solved, there is much to be learned. I look forward to the next installment.

Fans of cozy mysteries with a paranormal twist will want to start this series. I recommend listening in order because of the story’s progression.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2024 Audiobook Challenge

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/02/through-the-door-t-l-brown.html

Set against the backdrop of 1960s Hollywood, an era synonymous with surface glamour, The Hollywood Backlash Moon by Carolyn Summer Quinn presents an engaging juxtaposition of the dazzling façade of this iconic period and its underlying tumult. The novel invites readers into the world of Katie Hathaway, an orphan who, after her parents’ tragic demise, finds herself amidst the glitz of California, living with her famous relatives. Quinn skillfully peels back the layers of Hollywood’s glittering exterior through Katie’s eyes, revealing a realm rife with pretension, strife, and an unquenchable thirst for fame—a place where ambitions can even lead to murder.

The plot thickens with the mysterious murder of Katie’s cousin, Clover Carmody, following a fiery argument with her mother, Floriana Fairmount—a renowned yet self-absorbed actress. Clover’s untimely death, under perplexing circumstances, sets the stage for a gripping mystery. Quinn elevates the narrative with an intriguing subplot involving sightings of a supposed Nazi in Hollywood, further intensifying the suspense. Quinn’s narrative prowess is evident in her creation of a multi-layered story that is both brisk and engaging. She skillfully weaves intricate details into the plot, enriching the suspense and offering a well-rounded backdrop to the unfolding drama. The novel excels in its character portrayal, particularly with the array of suspects. Each character is introduced with enough conviction to momentarily persuade readers of their guilt, only to be replaced by another suspect as the story progresses, maintaining a high level of intrigue. Central to the narrative is Katie Hathaway, whose character emerges as a beacon of insight and authenticity. As an outsider from Brooklyn, her observations of the Hollywood lifestyle lend a unique and critical perspective to the story. Katie’s ability to discern the true nature of those around her—beyond their glamorous veneer—adds a layer of depth to the narrative, making her a relatable and compelling protagonist.

The Hollywood Backlash Moon is a novel that artfully balances the allure of Hollywood’s golden age with the darker undercurrents of ambition and rivalry, making it a must-read for those who appreciate a well-crafted mystery set against a rich historical backdrop.

Pages: 226 | ASIN : B0CRCC2K79

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/08/the-hollywood-backlash-moon/

Hike the Course by Barbara Ann Cochran offers a unique glimpse into the world of competitive skiing and the mental fortitude required to excel in sports. Cochran, an Olympic gold medalist, draws from her own experiences and those of her siblings, Marilyn and Bob, collectively known as “the First American Family of Skiing.” The narrative details their early introduction to skiing under their father’s guidance, emphasizing the rigorous training and mental preparation that propelled them to the pinnacle of their sport. Cochran’s book delves into the techniques that helped her succeed, such as course rehearsal, physical training, and mindset strengthening. More than just a sports memoir, it provides valuable insights into mindfulness, visualization, goal setting, and habit formation. These elements are woven into an engaging narrative that extends beyond the realm of sports, offering universally applicable lessons on personal and professional growth.

For readers intrigued by the psychological aspects of competitive sports, Cochran’s candid account of her struggles with pressure and self-doubt is particularly compelling. She shares an instance of overcoming mental hurdles during a crucial competition, using affirmations to regain focus. This anecdote, among others, illustrates the importance of mental resilience in high-stakes environments. The book is a testament to the Cochrans’ dedication to skiing and serves as a practical guide, replete with worksheets and exercises designed to enhance mental strength. Its applicability extends beyond athletes, providing valuable insights for anyone aiming to excel in their respective fields. The lessons imparted are especially relevant for those striving to balance personal bests with external perceptions.

As a skiing enthusiast, I found Hike the Course both enlightening and inspiring. It bridges the gap between a sports biography and a motivational guide, making it a compelling read for anyone seeking to achieve excellence, whether in sports or other life pursuits. This book is highly recommended for individuals aspiring to realize their potential and for sports enthusiasts eager to understand the mental aspects of athletic achievement.

Pages: 214 | ASIN : B0CMC9T7JS

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/08/hike-the-course/

In Black Coffee, Verity Grey masterfully melds poetry with photography to explore themes of sorrow, rage, betrayal, and recovery. This collection stands out for its emotional depth, with poems like “just a taste,” “sore,” and “because they all look the same to me,” offering poignant reflections on deception, betrayal, and love altered by loss.

Grey’s poetic style is eclectic, ranging from freeform to standard meter, sometimes echoing the rhythm of lyrical compositions. This variety ensures that each poem resonates uniquely, allowing Grey to communicate intense emotions through succinct yet powerful language. The author’s ability to articulate complex feelings in a few lines is reminiscent of renowned poets such as Poe, Frost, and Longfellow, making Verity Grey a noteworthy addition to this illustrious group. As a member of the “hurt and hurting” to whom the book is dedicated, I found my own experiences and emotions reflected in these pages. Grey captures the essence of loss, pain, rage, and sorrow, not through abstract or flat depictions but in a manner that feels visceral and guttural. It’s a rare skill to convey the surreal nature of emotional abstraction so effectively in writing. The compelling blend of tragedy and beauty in Grey’s poetry would make contributing to the book’s final presentation a privilege.

Black Coffee is more than a poetry collection; it’s a beacon of understanding and reassurance for those familiar with life’s darker shades. It’s a must-read for poetry enthusiasts and anyone drawn to the exploration of deep emotional landscapes. The book’s ability to connect with readers who have tread similar paths of heartache is its greatest strength.

Pages: 278 | ISBN: 978-1-960876-44-7

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/08/black-coffee/

Eye of the Turtle is a remarkable environmental fiction novel that delivers a compelling story and serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for environmental conservation. Author Gloria Barnett intertwines a tale of adventure, friendship, and activism, creating an enlightening and deeply moving narrative.

The story unfolds on the idyllic Pontus Island, a place that becomes a sanctuary and a battleground for the young protagonist, Lucy, and her friends, Jack and Solomon. Lucy’s relocation to the island marks the beginning of a transformative journey. Her passion for the ocean and its inhabitants is infectious, and it is this passion that drives the story forward. The trio’s underwater explorations are vividly described, bringing to life the beauty and fragility of the marine ecosystem. Scenes where they encounter sea creatures entangled in plastic or trapped in debris are particularly heart-wrenching, effectively highlighting the devastating impact of human negligence on nature.

Lucy is a beacon of hope and determination. Her resolve to make a difference in the face of overwhelming odds is inspiring. Jack and Solomon complement Lucy’s character, adding layers of camaraderie and support to the story. Their dynamics are a testament to the power of teamwork and collective action in addressing environmental issues.

The author’s writing style seamlessly blends narrative flair and educational content. Descriptions of marine life and diving experiences are not only informative but also integral to the story’s progression. The educational elements are woven into the fabric of the story, making the learning experience organic and engaging. This approach enhances the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the ocean’s wonders and the importance of its preservation.

The themes of environmental conservation and activism are the heart and soul of this novel. The author does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of environmental degradation, yet the tone remains hopeful and empowering. This balance is one of the book’s greatest strengths, as it motivates young readers to reflect on their role in protecting the environment.

The blend of engaging narrative, well-developed characters, and a meaningful message creates a rich, immersive experience. Eye of the Turtle is a delightful read and a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility towards our planet. It is a novel that urges readers to look at the world with a more compassionate and proactive eye.

Pages: 181 | ISBN : 1838064303

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/08/eye-of-the-turtle/

Mike Murphey’s Quantum Consequence is a compelling foray into the realms of parallel universes, seamlessly weaving together a tapestry of distinct worlds and characters. The narrative, driven by the concept of time travel, introduces readers to various settings and scenarios, each richly imagined and distinct. In the intriguingly named I Love Lucy Universe, we encounter the formidable yet compassionate Marshall, alongside his partner both in work and love, Marta. Their mission is to aid Cecil in rescuing Baptiste, a tenacious ten-year-old, from a perilous domestic situation. Meanwhile, characters like Gillis, Elvin, and Lexi find themselves at a moral crossroads, contemplating a dangerous murder-for-hire proposition.

Contrastingly, the Death Valley Days Universe presents a power struggle of epic proportions. Here, the disappearance of President Humphollar, leader of the Christian Fundamentalist States of America, sets the stage for John and scientist Kendra’s tumultuous journey. As these diverse narratives unfold, they converge on a common threat: a supercomputer with ambitions of human subjugation and world domination.

Murphey masterfully blurs the lines between the believable and the fantastical, guiding readers through a vibrant intellectual odyssey. As characters navigate through alternate timelines, they encounter familiar yet distinctly altered realities. This exploration of ‘what if’ scenarios challenges the characters’ worldviews and delves into the ramifications of choices and events. The novel strikes a harmonious balance between its science-fiction elements and its humanistic themes. Murphey skillfully intertwines scientific theories of the multiverse, political intrigue, and the concept of artificial intelligence while maintaining intricate character arcs and a cohesive narrative. 

The initial chapters of Quantum Consequence intriguingly set the stage for the novel, enriching the reader’s experience as the story unfolds with increasing clarity and engagement. While its mature themes make it more apt for an adult audience, this novel is a treasure trove for seasoned science fiction aficionados, especially those who revel in time travel narratives.

Pages: 404 ISBN-13: 979-8-88528-081-5

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/02/08/quantum-consequence/