#Lizard People

 Reviewed by Daniel Ryan Johnson

Lizard People: Death Valley Underground is a fascinating look into the lost souls that make up the populations of our most remote and harsh climates. In the novel, author David A. Ek takes us all the way down several rabbit holes as he explores the paranoia that consumes people in these parts of the world at a much higher rate than among the population as a whole. While the story revolves around Lizard People and their dealings with the government, it expands to contain a wide variety of eccentrics with wild ideas about the world in which we live.  

The action gets going as a woman from Boston arrives in Death Valley and enlists the services of a reluctant loner running away from his past to help her find her missing uncle. During their investigation, the two slowly begin to develop a close bond as their search takes them to every corner of Death Valley and the surrounding region.

Ek does great character work, building a large cast of fascinating folk drawn to Death Valley and the (often unfulfilled) promises it holds. What begins as a simple missing person case evolves rapidly and draws in more and more elements from the mountains and valleys that make up the region. With every turn of the page, you are flipping over a new rock to find what creepy crawlers lie beneath.

As the book progresses, the reader begins to question which elements within the story are real and which are simply the mad ideas of these characters who have spent far too much time in the oppressive desert heat.

The story of Lizard People: Death Valley Underground never gets boring or feels as if it is dragging on, as the mysteries just continue to pile up throughout the book. With plenty of twists and turns, it will keep you guessing right until the very end. And even then, you will find yourself wondering if the person sitting across from you on the bus, or working in the cubicle next to yours, or lying beside you in bed, just might be one of the Lizard People.

#The Moaning Lisa

Reviewed by Lilly Andrews

“The Moaning Lisa: A Paco and Molly Mystery” by Rosemary and Larry Mild is a sweeping mystery that begins in 1998, and follows two love-birds, Paco, a retired Baltimore police detective and the former head of the Black Rain Corners police force who is now eighty-seven, and Molly, eighty-two, who must use their wits to unravel a sinister plot while tolerating the aches and pains of advanced age.  Purchase Here.

The opening scene places Paco outside a supermarket where he is writhing in pain from his third heart attack. This unexpected event sends him directly to the surgery where doctors get his heart’s rhythm back in control. Their love is visible even at this dark moment, and their affectionate banter becomes a lifeline and a defibrillator that constantly shocks their spirits back to joy. Six months later, the duo comes to a crucial decision – to sell their house due to the cumbersome stairs now turned into an insurmountable mountain, and the difficulty in taking care of their charming cottage. Moving to an assisted living facility is the last thing they would want, but with age catching up, little is left to procrastination.

Their first stop is at Gilded Gates, where, as soon as the tour of the premises is over, a gaunt-looking, stooped man with hollow eyes and a sharp chin approaches them in the corridor, warning them that the place is evil. This is quickly followed by a dream that haunts Molly, the whisper of the same man twisting into a chorus of moans that seem to echo from the very walls of their new suite. It doesn’t take long for Paco to realize that the place holds a labyrinth of chilling secrets during his pursuit of a sleepwalker through the facility’s darkened underbelly. He is shocked to discover a hidden network of passages as he attempts to locate the source of a chilling, unearthly moan, which he believes the night walker may have been following. The tension mounts with every creak and shadow, culminating not in an answer but in a terrifying question that eclipses all others: in choosing this place, did they secure a peaceful retirement, or did they willingly lock the door on their own grave?

This is a humorous mystery since it is a chilling exploration of covered secrets. The humor between Molly and Paco is one of the story’s defining charms. Molly unintentionally mixes up words, creating hilarious and often strangely insightful new ones that Paco has to correct or decipher what they mean. She says things like Paco’s “serially hurting” and has had “hearty attacks”, calls his defibrillator his “defibber” or “refriberator”, calls a “real estate agent” a “real mistake person,” says lookers can be “disbelieving,” and refers to residents as “inmates.”  Their humor isn’t just comic relief but a vital part of their characterization that ably highlights their deep affection, their resilience in the face of aging, and the quirky partnership that makes them such effective and endearing sleuths.

What’s most remarkable about this story is its themes, which include reclaiming power and purpose in an age often defined by loss, the enduring power of love and partnership, and turning perceived weaknesses into strengths. This beautifully elevates it from a simple mystery to one with resonance and depth. It excels in ending its chapters with unsettling revelations through characters that are well-carved with definition, depth, and a strong sense of authenticity.

While many mysteries often depict protagonists who are at their physical peak, “The Moaning Lisa: A Paco and Molly Mystery” by Rosemary and Larry Mild reveals a unique choice that unexpectedly pays off brilliantly. It is intensely suspenseful and entertaining, making you look at your granny and grandpa in a whole new light, wondering whether beneath those cozy sweaters lies the heart of a detective.

 #The Third Estate

 

“The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor” by D. R. Berlin is a gripping tale that parallels two story lines that at first seem worlds apart, but then chillingly begin to converge, creating a psychological thriller wrapped in the moral ambiguity of espionage and family secrets. 

The story begins with Kai Lovac, a cold, meticulous, and hyper-professional assassin, who finds himself on a mission that doesn’t make sense to him. He feels paralyzed with dread and indecision as he recalls the events of the day – complications, delays, and awkward interactions that plagued his every move. The thoughts paralyze him with doubt, unraveling years of trained detachment. Still, duty prevails, pushing him to the execution even as he gets haunted by the suspicion that he may have just pulled the trigger on someone who may not have been a stranger at all.

Twelve years later, the story introduces Cadet Sophie Allard, who has invested the last four grueling years in intensive studying, muscle-aching physical training, and mental conditioning to earn her position as a fighter pilot. Things, however, take a new turn when she is made aware of an explosion at the lab at Grand Lake Manor, where her father, Professor Anderson, works. Many believe that he was the only one working at the time of the explosion and thus may have been the only casualty. Sophie hates it when people refer to him as her father- he never wanted to be a father to her and had instructed her always to call him “the Professor.” “I was a nuisance to him, nothing more…” These bitter words set the stage for a story charged with emotional tension and hidden family truths.

This story takes a sharp twist with the entrance of a figure, not a stranger, but a ghost from the deepest corners of Sophie’s past. It brings with it memories of a scar-faced man who murdered her adoptive mother, secrets of organizations operating in the shadows of government, a life’s work so dangerous that they had to hide it, and of a threat that never truly left the family. At this point, Sophie finds herself thrust into a battle for survival and forced to use every ounce of her elite military training not in the skies, but in the very place she once called home.

This story deftly confronts the nature of truth and deception through its well-hewn characters whose flaws and decisions blur the line between loyalty and betrayal. Each holds a mirror of what truth really is, according to them, as well as how it can be weaponized or twisted into motive, shield, or trap. The novel employs a dual timeline structure, which builds momentum through contrast and cliffhangers that mimic the rhythm of a cinematic thriller. It also uses a cause-and-effect design as well as short declarative sentences that heighten tension and mirror the characters’ sense of control.

I appreciated how Berlin’s writing style adapts to capture the emotion of the moment. The short, sharp dialogue makes the scene feel urgent and real, while the quick, active words show the protagonist’s determination. You can really feel the tension between following orders and following her own conscience. Berlin’s short, clipped sentences, such as “Still behind schedule. Not acceptable,” and “No more delays. Still behind schedule. Not acceptable,” make the moments feel fast and intense. Her writing style matches the well-drawn antagonist’s strict and focused mindset, while the quick rhythm of her words makes you feel his pressure and drive, pulling you right into his world.

“The Third Estate: Secrets of the Manor” by D. R. Berlin is the right pick if you love stories that combine the technical detail of a military techno-thriller with the shadowy conspiracies of a political espionage novel and family drama. If you are fascinated by the question of “Who truly holds the power,” you will not want to miss it. It is a gripping and clever read that masterfully blends compelling elements, hooking the reader from start to finish without feeling forced or formulaic.

 

 #Hunting the Red Fox

Reviewed by Lily Andrews

From the moment Perry Barnes opened his mouth, I knew I was in for more than a story about golf. Told through the lens of Roger Mace, an earnest, aspiring writer and amateur golfer determined to collect honest, unembellished life stories, "Hunting the Red Fox" by W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr., unfolds as a novel that reads like a true account, blending historical fiction, sports, espionage, and personal reinvention. As Mace listens, Barnes, an enigmatic 82-year-old with a disarmingly smooth voice and a shadowy past, reveals far more than tales from the PGA Tour in the early 1950s, with one earlier appearance during World War II. What begins as a look back at his golfing days in the 1950s soon gives way to a sweeping, layered confession, one that traverses war, theft, deception, love, and the fragile pursuit of redemption.  

The story centers on Perry Barnes, an 82-year-old Southern gentleman whose charm and mystique immediately draw you in. As he begins to peel back the layers of his past, it becomes increasingly clear both to the reader and to Mace that what he is about to reveal has never been spoken out loud before, not even to his wife.

Barnes’ confessions unfold in unexpected bursts. They are stories of wartime missions that never officially happened and high-stakes encounters where the wrong move could mean a life lost or a secret exposed, as well as one impossible decision involving a priceless object and a promise made in the dark. At times, they leave Mace speechless, his pen hovering in midair, unsure whether he's listening to fact or fable until Barnes provides just enough detail to make disbelief impossible.

These aren’t the nostalgic ramblings of an old man clinging to faded glory but rather the haunting recollections of someone who has lived on the edge of history, love, and law and who now seeks not forgiveness but to be fully known before it’s too late. Barnes does not seek pity, nor redemption, nor even understanding but rather wants to be seen for who he truly is, not just the golfer, the gentleman, or the husband, but the man behind the "carefully constructed" life, the man shaped by war, tempted by power, shadowed by regret, and compelled by something he still cannot name. Through his story, the author speaks powerfully to something far greater than one man’s extraordinary past- to the universal longing to get known before we are forgotten, to reckon with the choices that shaped us, and to confront the truths we’ve spent a lifetime burying. He also speaks to the fragile, often uncomfortable space between who we were, who we may have pretended to be, and who we might have become.

"Hunting the Red Fox" doesn’t rush in waving flags or demanding your attention with loud, dramatic scenes. It rather unfolds like a conversation you're lucky to overhear, gradually pulling you closer and drawing you into something far more layered and unexpected than you initially thought. Structurally, the novel is framed through interviews that give the narrative both intimacy and tension while allowing the past and present to sit beside each other, overlapping in ways that feel natural and emotionally earned. The story development itself has been handled with a kind of quiet confidence and in a manner that requires the reader to be patient, to pick up on small details, and to recognize that even in seemingly light moments something weightier may be brewing beneath the surface. In terms of pacing, this isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense, though it carries the tension and intrigue of one. Instead, the book takes its time, letting scenes breathe and allowing the backstory to unfold at a human rhythm, much the way someone might tell you their life story across several evenings. There are, however, moments when the pace slows down, such as when Barnes reflects on his childhood or the mechanics of golf or wartime detail, but these aren’t fillers; rather, they serve as essential grounding points. The prose is clear, unpretentious, and conversational, which suits the oral-history-style narrative beautifully. The language is never flowery or overwrought, but it’s smart and deliberate, with a kind of Southern lilt that is particularly effective in the way word choice mirrors character.

"Hunting the Red Fox" by W. Kenneth Tyler, Jr., sparkles especially in how the author layers the mystery, not in a puzzle-box, high-stakes kind of way, but through character revelation, through implication, and through the emotional weight of memory. Readers will love how it carries the sense that something is always being withheld. It will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, from those who enjoy watching a life unfold in slow, textured detail to those who enjoy slipping into time periods like the 1930s to 1950s, where world events and personal decisions intersect in meaningful, sometimes unexpected ways.

 #Creed of Legends

Reviewed by Diana Coyle

In the book “Creed of Legends” by A.K. Kubica, decades ago the kingdom of Kresha created alliances with certain individuals and as a result, it caused a continent to divide because of the poor choices made. From that time, two men, both with legacies to follow, are at a battle with each other. Nothing will stop them and their hatred for each other is obvious to everyone around them. Tarison, given the title of king at a juvenile age, has developed intense animosity for Brudais, Leifuis and Xenia’s son. As these boys grow and become adults, their hatred has grown deeper as each year passes. To the point that Tarison would do anything to take Brudais’ life, even if it means with his own hands. Brudais, although despising Tarison, defends his homeland serving the king he very much hates and knows wants him dead. But both have legacies they must fulfill. Are they able to achieve their destinies?

A.K. Kubica has masterfully written an epic fantasy adventure tale that is so descriptive, you feel as if you are in the kingdom of Kresha as another resident within the story. As I turned the pages, not only the characters, but the world she created came right off the pages for me to delve into. Considering this is her first novel, this author has a talent that not many can achieve within their first attempted novel, and a detailed novel at that.

One of the points that I really enjoyed about the presentation of this novel was how Kubica dedicated chapters to certain characters. Within those chapters, that dedicated individual was able to tell their story from their point of view and allow readers to see things through their eyes personally. I really enjoyed this approach, not seen done in many novels, and it worked perfectly for this fantasy novel. Readers could immerse themselves more by having each chapter dedicated to an individual, which then added to the storyline as a whole overall.

The characters she created were real people and having the chapters dedicated to them telling their stories allowed me to develop stronger bonds with each one of them, even if they weren’t a favored character of mine like King Tarison. The internal and external battles both Tarison and Brudais experienced with each other throughout the entire novel were believably real to me. These weren’t created cardboard characters I was reading about. On the contrary, they became real human beings that had thoughts, fears and emotions. They truly hated each other and wanted the other to be eliminated in any possible way that could happen.

A.K. Kubica is a fantasy author and poet. She has published several poems over the past fifteen years in anthologies, and even published a book of short stories that has been published this past year. Being a fantasy reading fan herself, Kubica felt that she wanted to create something that readers would enjoy as much as she loved reading herself. This is how this novel was born. Ironically, the author has had many insecurities throughout the years in regard to her not being worthy enough to produce meaningful writing that readers would love. Thankfully, she overcame her insecurities enough to have tried her hand at writing this wonderfully entertaining novel. This is the first book in the Fear and Fortitude series.

If you’re looking for a fantasy book that has a wonderful storyline to follow along with and well-developed characters you invest in getting to know personally, then “Creed of Legends” by A.K. Kubica is one novel you must look into. Well done, Ms. Kubica!

Please click on the link below for more information on the Kickstarter Program and how Backers will get their special editions and digital rewards by September 2025, two months ahead of the official release!

Kickstarter Program Link

 

#The Regression Strain

Reviewed by Timea Barabas

The Regression Strain grips you from page one and doesn’t let go. Kevin Hwang delivers a fascinating medical thriller set aboard the luxury cruise ship Paradise. Dr. Peter Palma signs on as the ship’s physician, expecting smooth sailing. Instead, he finds himself facing a terrifying unknown that drives human behavior into dangerous regression.  

Peter steps away from his quiet family practice to join the medical staff aboard a cruise ship, hoping the change of pace will lead to some much-needed self-discovery and escape. It feels good to be somewhere he’s needed, somewhere he can truly make a difference. But his fresh start hits rough waters quickly.

Dr. Elizabeth Hartley, the ship’s stern chief physician, greets him with cold hostility, and even Luisa, one of the nurses, keeps her distance. Only Nurse Mandy brings warmth to the clinic, her presence a welcome contrast in an otherwise frosty atmosphere.

In an attempt to distance himself from his family after a devastating loss, Peter sets out on this unexpected journey only to discover he's not as alone as he thought. Unknowingly, he finds himself sharing the voyage with a loved one, offering a rare chance to mend a strained relationship before it's too late.

As chaos erupts aboard the ship, a loved one’s presence adds another layer of complexity. Still, Peter is unexpectedly grateful, for in the heart of the medical storm, this unlikely ally helps him connect the dots and face what lies ahead.

What initially appear to be isolated incidents of extreme and reckless behavior soon form the outline of a pattern. It falls to Peter to connect the dots and decipher the medical mystery behind a rapidly escalating outbreak of aggression. New to the job and still struggling to establish his authority, Peter faces mounting challenges as the invisible threat begins to compromise the ship’s staff and crew including the captain.

In an environment clouded by uncertainty, he must make critical decisions to contain the crisis and minimize casualties. But as suspicion grows that he himself may be affected by the unknown agent, Peter finds himself racing against both time and his own unraveling sanity to protect the people of Paradise before they reach their final port, New York.

Kevin Hwang delivers a compelling medical thriller set aboard the Paradise cruise ship, where every turn brings a new twist. The Regression Strain is the perfect choice for readers seeking a compelling summer read or a captivating escape from the everyday.

 #The Museum of Lies

Cary Scott's remarkable life story of spectacular good fortune, mixed with soul-crushing abuse, is frankly unbelievable.

Even to Cary himself.

In a series of disturbing, unfiltered monologues, Cary unburdens himself of his memories -- of being raised by a psychopathic single mother who was abandoned by her gay husband, of becoming the target of a pedophile, of becoming morbidly obese, followed by quack treatments that boomerang him alarmingly into anorexia. Cary recalls being a bullied gay teenager who literally crucifies himself with a hammer and nails to get out of gym class. From a psych ward, he finds himself instantly famous after an unintentionally homoerotic poem he wrote for a high school assignment finds its way to becoming the #1 pop song in the nation. In the years that follow, Cary's life nosedives again and again, yet he always finds himself rescued by bizarre deus-ex-machina occurrences.

All these tales, however, are placed into doubt after his former therapist is accused in the media of implanting false memories in patients. Cary is labeled a pathological liar in a national magazine cover story.

Refusing to believe that his exceptional life never actually happened, Cary creates a grotesque, secret, museum to himself filled with artefacts of atrocities and miracles which prove that his memories are true -- but is it only a museum of lies?

 #Believe:  A Memoir of Stories

At its core, this book is about the evolution of a frail child into a woman shaped by intense love, incredible upheavals, and ultimately, a deep personal wisdom.

At the age of 36, Christina had it all:  two young and healthy boys, an uber-successful husband, a big house in a gated community...she was rich, young and on top of the world.  Then on the morning of September 11, 2000 a devastating phone call would upend everything and life as she knew it.  While this cataclysmic event didn't mark the beginning or end of her life, it would be the test of her character, agency, and faith.

The story begins with a childhood marked by illness where books and fairytales became her refuge and compass.  These early influences are woven throughout her life, not as naive fantasies but emotional frameworks that at times conflict with reality.

At twenty-five, Christina meets Jeffrey, a Wall Street Titan.  The connection is all consuming and their life is thrilling, exciting, and materially abundant.

Then her world takes a drastic twist where her journey is all about transformation and a deeper meaning.  The book becomes less about the external events and more about the quiet and radical changes and Christina's understanding about self, love, spirituality, grief, and the journey of life.

This is a story of life lessons that teach resilience, self-discovery, unconditional love, and finding the inner strength and faith you need to get through life's challenges.

 #My Wingman

Clover's life is a beautiful mess, and she's not quite sure how to untangle it. With the loss of her mother at birth and a grandmother slipping into the fog of dementia, Clover feels crushed under the weight of all that has been lost. Add to this the heartbreak of losing her platonic soulmate, Elliot, in a tragic accident, and you have a recipe for a walk on the wild side of grief.

Enter Reese, the college bestie, spirited yoga studio owner with a knack for quirky pep talks and a rebel heart straight out of a rock band. When Reese encourages Clover to take an escapade to Franklin—an enchanting town where coffee flows freely and friendships spark like fireworks—Clover is thrown into a whirlwind of unexpected connections, including Sadie, a kind-hearted single mom with a penchant for dark roast, and Everett, Elliot’s younger brother who is just as charming (if not cheeky!).

Facing life-altering decisions while haunted by ghostly glimpses of Elliot, Clover begins to question everything. Should she step into the light of a new yoga studio with Reese or return to the familiarity of family in Savannah, or take an unlikely path entirely new to her? And what about that doppelgänger who seems to have stepped right out of her dreams?

As Clover slowly reclaims her laughter, navigates the complex threads of friendship, and unearths a budding romance, she discovers that healing is less about moving on and more about creating a life that feels true to her heart. Can she find the courage to embrace the uncertainties, or will fear of loss keep her tethered to the past?

Join Clover as she learns to dance between heartbreak and the sweet embrace of new beginnings—after all, sometimes the best wingman is the one that stirs your soul.

 #Divine Adventure:  Time and Eternity

If God is eternal, why does our universe appear to have a beginning?

This apparent contradiction has challenged human understanding for millennia. In this thought-provoking sequel to "The Divine Adventure: Why We Exist," Zelise explores the relationship between time and eternity through an illuminating dialogue that unfolds revelation after revelation.

What if our fundamental assumptions about both time and eternity were incomplete? What if the paradox itself points toward a more profound truth hiding in plain sight?

Drawing on her unique background in both law and ministry, Zelise guides readers through a logical yet inspiring journey that challenges conventional thinking and offers unexpected insights into the very nature of existence. Each chapter builds toward discoveries that reframe our understanding of cosmic purpose and our place within it.

"The Divine Adventure: Time and Eternity" doesn't just pose questions—it unveils a coherent framework where ancient paradoxes dissolve and new possibilities emerge.

Join the conversation and experience for yourself the moments of clarity that transform complexity into elegant understanding.

 #The Matriarch Messiah

Six months after their harrowing search for the black object in "The Matriarch Matrix," Zara, a devout Kurdish woman, finds herself thrust into the spotlight. Heralded as the next messiah by the Russian oligarch Alexander Murometz, her name echoes across the globe as the world searches for answers in a time of turmoil. But Zara, plagued by her past and her troubled relationship with Peter, an American editor she had come to love, is unsure of her role in this new world order.

Enter Rachel, a brilliant Israeli Torah historian, who has been tasked with refuting Zara's claims of divine inspiration. Rachel is a woman driven by her own personal quest to uncover the secrets of her family's history and the truth behind the ancient goddess Asherah. Her research leads her to discoveries that could rewrite biblical history and change the course of global affairs.

Meanwhile, Peter, still grappling with the aftermath of his near-death experience and the emotional turmoil of Zara's disappearance, finds himself caught in a love triangle. He carries a deep affection for Zara, but he is drawn to Rachel's unwavering intellect and shared passion for uncovering the truth. Their search for the "blue cavern," an ancient sanctuary said to hold immense power, becomes a race against time as the world teeters on the brink of nuclear war.

As the lines between ancient prophecy and modern-day reality blur, Zara, Peter, and Rachel are pulled into a breathtaking adventure where ancient myths and cutting-edge technology collide. They must navigate a world of political intrigue, hidden agendas, and dangerous conspiracies to find the truth about the blue cavern and the mythical black object that holds the key to saving humanity.

 #Vademecum of English:  A Complete Reference Guide for Teachers and Learners

This handbook is intended as a reference aid for both teachers and students of English. It concentrates all the relevant information related to a specific subject in a few charts, helping the user spot the important issues at a glance, including examples and main exceptions.

Divided into four parts —Phonetics, Grammar, Vocabulary, and Etymology— the user will discover why many “irregular” verbs are not so irregular, why English spelling is not as chaotic as it seems, and how easy it is to enrich your vocabulary with hundreds of words by just paying attention to roots and affixes all in charts and tables.