To the Editors: In “Tools to End the Poverty Pandemic” [NYR, January 18], Matthew Desmond has made two false claims about my book, The Viral Underclass: The Human Toll When Inequality and Disease Collide: “Inexplicably, The Viral Underclass ignores pandemic aid altogether” and “Thrasher even goes so far as to claim that during the pandemic […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2024/03/21/covid-and-governance-an-exchange/
Simone St. James has become an auto-buy for me. Her mystery thrillers, horror stories, and ghostly tales have all been fantastic. Murder Road was an atmospheric tale about a series of missing person/murders along a stretch of highway in Michigan called Atticus Line. You’ll want to turn the phone off and dive in.
Murder Road
by Simone St. James
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Length: 9 hours and 10 minutes
Genres: Mystery, Thriller
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
A young couple find themselves haunted by a string of gruesome murders committed along an old deserted road in this terrifying new novel.
July 1995. April and Eddie have taken a wrong turn. They’re looking for the small resort town where they plan to spend their honeymoon. When they spot what appears to a lone hitchhiker along the deserted road, they stop to help. But not long after the hitchiker gets into their car, they see the blood seeping from her jacket and a truck barreling down Atticus Line after them.
When the hitchhiker dies at the local hospital, April and Eddie find themselves in the crosshairs of the Coldlake Falls police. Unexplained murders have been happening along Atticus Line for years and the cops finally have two witnesses who easily become their only suspects. As April and Eddie start to dig into the history of the town and that horrible stretch of road to clear their names, they soon learn that there is something supernatural at work, something that could not only tear the town and its dark secrets apart, but take April and Eddie down with it all.
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It’s 1995 and April and Eddie just got hitched. They are driving to a small lakeside resort in Michigan to spend their honeymoon. The two make a wrong turn and end up in Cold Lake Falls when they help a young woman on a dark, deserted highway known as Atticus Line. The two find themselves murder suspects and the tale that unfolds was chilling.
St. James knows how to spin a good story and she hooked me from the first chapter. April and Eddie both have some baggage and as the story develops, we learn about their pasts as they try to hunt down a killer.
The mystery is about murders and missing people off of Atticus Line, with a focus on the first victim known as “The Lost Girl.” James wove in supernatural elements that had me gripping my Kindle more than once.
Local police, Rose, the woman who hosts April and Eddie and the Snell sisters (locals who research the murders) added to the tale and sometimes stole the show. The author gave us well developed, complex, witty, and weird characters. I loved Rose and the sisters.
The author threw in some twists as April & Eddie investigated, some I saw coming and others I did not. This might not be a full horror novel, but the murders and happenings on Atticus Line were truly eerie and gave me chills.
I also had the opportunity to listen to the narration by Brittany Pressley and she added to the atmospheric tale. The story lends itself perfectly to audio. So whether you read or listen, prepare for chills.
Amazon | Audible
Simone St. James is the award-winning author of The Haunting of Maddy Clare, which won two RITA awards from Romance Writers of America and an Arthur Ellis Award from Crime Writers of Canada. She wrote her first ghost story, about a haunted library, when she was in high school, and spent twenty years behind the scenes in the television business before leaving to write full-time. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and a spoiled cat.
Audiobook Narrator of over 450 titles. Voice Over for brands including Stouffer’s, Tic Tac, Ulta Beauty, Whirlpool and more. Series regular on the Netflix animated shows Robocar Poli and Winx Club.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/03/murder-road-by-simone-st-james.html
Ann Göth’s children’s book, Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend, is a delightful tale centered around Tom Turkey, a curious young bird who embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As Tom hatches and sets out to explore his surroundings, he encounters a variety of animals, including ducks, emus, and a lapwing. However, Tom soon realizes that none of these creatures resemble him, leading to feelings of isolation and a quest to find others like himself.
Göth skillfully weaves a narrative that is both captivating and educational, holding the attention of young readers from the very beginning. The book is adorned with vivid, colorful illustrations that not only enrich the storytelling experience but also visually engage its audience.
An underlying message about the importance of self-acceptance and the beauty of diversity runs through the narrative, providing a gentle yet impactful lesson for children. In addition to the engaging storyline, Göth intersperses the narrative with interesting facts about turkeys, subtly incorporating educational elements that enhance young readers’ understanding and appreciation of these birds. The introduction of Tina, another turkey who instantly bonds with Tom, is a highlight of the story. Their immediate acceptance of each other adds a heartwarming dimension to the tale, underscoring themes of friendship and belonging.
Bush-Turkey Needs a Friend is not just a story about a turkey’s search for companionship, but a tender exploration of identity and diversity, presented in a manner that is both enjoyable and enlightening for young readers.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CNG5QLCS
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/04/bush-turkey-needs-a-friend/
Foxholes, by Travis B. Tougaw, is a unique blend of military fiction and legal thriller, set against the backdrop of Denver in 2022. The novel follows Vince Marcotte, a former airman now working as a paralegal, who is haunted by his experiences in Afghanistan in 2007.
Tougaw skillfully weaves Vince’s past and present, creating a narrative that oscillates between his military life and civilian existence. The author’s writing style is both detailed and evocative, painting vivid scenes of military operations and everyday legal work. Vince Marcotte is developed with depth and nuance, capturing the struggles of a veteran adapting to civilian life while coping with the aftermath of war. Tougaw’s exploration of Vince’s internal conflicts and his investigation into a former military colleague’s dubious past are particularly gripping.
Throughout the book, themes of camaraderie, trauma, and the quest for truth are explored with sensitivity. Tougaw’s portrayal of the psychological impact of war is poignant and resonates with authenticity. The characters are complex, each dealing with their own pasts and their present challenges, making the narrative rich and multifaceted. The book excels in blending the elements of a legal thriller with military fiction, offering a unique insight into the life of a veteran turned legal professional.
Tougaw’s ability to describe scenes vividly and develop characters comprehensively makes Foxholes a notable and thought-provoking read. This book is recommended to readers interested in stories that delve into the personal struggles of veterans and the moral complexities they face in the aftermath of their service.
Pages: 301 | ASIN : B0CG6SZRTX
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/04/foxholes/
Christmas in Evergreen by Mary Schmidt takes readers on a gripping journey into the world of psychological thrillers and crime fiction, interweaving elements of a troubled marriage with suspenseful twists. The protagonist, Kim Daily, is an artistically inclined individual married to a private investigator. Her world turns upside down when she uncovers a chilling secret: her own name on her husband’s hit list. This discovery propels Kim and her best friend Nancy to escape to Evergreen City, where they strategize their survival.
Schmidt’s storytelling prowess shines through in her intricate weaving of suspense and romance. The novel’s structure can be perceived as bifurcated, with the first part delving into a labyrinth of mysteries and the latter transitioning into a more intimate exploration of romantic drama. The author’s talent for creating suspense is notable, with each cliffhanger keeping readers eagerly turning pages. A significant strength of this novel is its authenticity and unpredictability. Schmidt skillfully portrays how the slow divergence of goals and aspirations can strain a relationship, culminating in a dramatic crescendo. Her vivid descriptions bring the setting of Evergreen City to life, immersing readers in its unique ambiance. The narrative flows with rich and engaging language, making it a delightful read. Among the characters, Kim stands out as a particularly compelling figure. Her fearless nature and the realistic portrayal of her challenges make her journey resonate deeply with readers.
Christmas in Evergreen is a compelling blend of suspense and romance, marked by Schmidt’s deft storytelling and rich character development. It’s a novel that entertains and offers a nuanced look at the complexities of relationships under strain. The anticipation for a sequel is a testament to the novel’s engaging and immersive nature.
Pages: 165 | ASIN : B0CRGH8ZVY
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/04/christmas-in-evergreen-heart-of-evergreen-2/
A Coincidental Life delves into the intricate lives of Stevie and Billy, whose paths cross in New York, weaving a tale of lifelong friendship, marked by a spectrum of emotional highs and lows, and interspersed with profound philosophical musings.
Kemper’s portrayal of the protagonists is notably intricate, presenting them as deeply flawed yet aspirational figures. This complexity is compelling, often blurring the lines between fiction and reality for the reader. Stevie’s unique brand of determinism, devoid of divine intervention, contrasts sharply with Billy’s occasional surrender to primal instincts over intellect. This dichotomy not only enriches their characters but also evokes empathy from the reader as they navigate through their triumphs and setbacks, often reverting to old, self-destructive patterns.
Kemper’s skill as an author shines in these character studies, offering insightful glimpses into not only the protagonists’ lives but also the lives they touch. Kemper’s bold choice to fluidly transition between different timelines – the future, past, and present – is a testament to his creative storytelling, although at times it might require the reader to adjust to the pace and perspective shifts. The depiction of Stevie in his later years, notably critical of modern advancements and lacking in certain social graces, offers a stark contrast to his younger self. This aspect, while initially surprising, adds a layer of complexity to his character, inviting readers to explore the multifaceted nature of human behavior and perception.
A Coincidental Life stands as a compelling character study underpinned by Kemper’s adept characterizations. While the narrative structure presents challenges, the depth and realism of the characters anchor the story effectively. Kemper demonstrates a solid foundation in storytelling, with room for refinement in narrative techniques to further enhance the impact of his work.
Pages: 255 | ASIN : B0CV7TBCC4
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/04/a-coincidental-life/
Breaking the Cycle: The 6 Stages of Healing from Childhood Family Trauma by Kaytlyn Gillis offers a comprehensive and accessible approach to addressing and healing from childhood trauma. Gillis, with her expertise in psychotherapy, adeptly navigates the complex terrain of family trauma, presenting it in a manner that resonates with a broad audience. The book’s structure methodically guides readers through the various stages of recognizing and confronting childhood trauma. It starts with the initial realization of its existence, progresses through understanding and acceptance, and culminates in the essential steps toward healing. Gillis enhances her narrative with practical examples and exercises, making the book a source of insight and a tool for personal growth.
From a psychological perspective, integrating family psychology principles with therapeutic practices in Gillis’s work is noteworthy. This blend results in a text that is both intellectually stimulating and universally accessible, catering to readers from diverse backgrounds and stages of life. Gillis emphasizes the equal importance of each section in understanding and resolving trauma. The book illuminates the need to recognize trauma’s presence in one’s life and the journey toward addressing it, underscoring the importance of understanding one’s family dynamics.
The distinction between functional and dysfunctional families is particularly enlightening, offering clarity on the origins of complex emotional experiences. A significant aspect of the healing process, as Gillis discusses, involves understanding the history of one’s caregivers. This exploration can reveal patterns of behavior inherited from previous generations and help in reframing personal experiences and self-worth. This process is not just about understanding but also about forgiveness and personal growth. Gillis’s work is particularly relevant in the current climate of increased awareness and openness about mental health, especially among younger generations. Her book serves as a valuable resource for those dealing with childhood trauma, mental health professionals, students, and anyone interested in exploring the human psyche.
Breaking the Cycle is an insightful read and a testament to Gillis’s contributions to psychotherapy and literature. Her ability to transform complex psychological concepts into accessible knowledge is commendable. This book is a vital resource for anyone on a journey of healing or seeking a deeper understanding of the human condition. I eagerly anticipate future works from Kaytlyn Gillis.
Pages: 309 | ASIN : B0C9GCYXZ3
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/03/04/breaking-the-cycle-the-6-stages-of-healing-from-childhood-family-trauma/