Teri Altro is a no-nonsense Special Investigator whose whole life revolves around putting drug dealers behind bars. The Valley Walker is a soldier who walked away from the Vietnam war, wandering aimlessly until he is taken in by a Hmong woman in Laos. The meeting in a Michigan drugstore between Teri and the Valley Walker is otherworldly and begins a story that will keep you entranced.
Wow. This is an intriguing combination of crime/thriller, Hmong folklore/mysticism, and the devastation and trauma experienced by soldiers during the Vietnam war. It is so much more than a typical crime story. Hmong shamans, a former soldier with unbelievable abilities, and a mystical “dragon” are interwoven with flashbacks to the Vietnam war, as well as the fight against the drug lords in Asia and the U.S. This book is about battling back against the powerful, who use whoever and take whatever they want. Underneath it all, the devastation that the Vietnam War wrought upon so many people is made evident. As T.W. Dittmer puts it so matter-of-factly in this novel, “No matter which side wins a war, the soldiers and their families always lose.”
I enjoyed the “story within a story” of Bao and her rescue, which shows Hmong mythology and tradition, as well as the fight against evil.
The Valley Walker is filled with powerful mysticism, intrigue, love, pain, and loss. It is a lesson in Hmong folkore and legends. It is an absolute adventure ride that slips between reality and myth, normal and paranormal. But most of all, it is a fight of good against evil, and a story of those willing to sacrifice and fight for others. Throughout this novel, a mantra is often repeated, once which I think the author, a Vietnam Vet, knows well…”Two salt tablets, a canteen of water, and push on.”
Read this book. It’s so good on so many levels.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
T. W. Dittmer’s full name is Timothy Watson Dittmer.
He was raised in Gary, Indiana, the son of a steelworker who turned to preaching the Gospel. After high school, he joined the Army, volunteered for service in Vietnam, then reenlisted for service in Vietnam. When his time with the Army was over, he studied music, digital electronics, and information technology.
He started writing music and poetry in high school, and has carried the love of those arts through his life.
Two days ago, I was in a car accident with my sister-in-law, Torrie. Before she slipped into a coma, she asked my husband and me to care for her four-month-old son, Levi.
Yesterday, a woman claiming to be Torrie’s estranged sister knocked on our door. But Torrie has no siblings . . . or so she said. She and my brother were only together a short time before he left, and Torrie has clearly been keeping secrets.
Today, another of Torrie’s “sisters” has come to town. Both say the other is lying about who they are.
Neither of them is telling the truth.
Both of them want Levi.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Erik Therme
Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he can be found cheering on his youngest daughter’s volleyball team, or watching horror movies with his oldest. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only twenty-eight places in the world that UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature. Join Erik’s mailing list to be notified of new releases and author giveaways: Mailing List
After a car accident causes serious injuries to her sister-in-law, Torrie, Tess and her husband Josh begin taking care of their nephew, Levi. They are almost immediately besieged by Torrie’s two sisters, who have conflicting stories. Put in a situation where she does not know who to trust, Tess tries to figure out the truth. She is also still dealing with a marriage at the breaking point, as well as an obsession with Brady Becker, the man who killed her five-year-old daughter.
This is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing. The plot is riveting and the characters are full of intrigue. The reader literally never knows who to trust. Manipulation, secrets, and lies seem to underscore most of Tess’s relationships, and I was glued to the page, trying to figure out who was being deceptive. Tess, the grieving mother, is easy to connect with. The other characters are somewhat in shadow, but they are all part of the expertly crafted plot, which keeps you in suspense until a mastermind suddenly emerges. Captivating, mournful, and thrilling, this book will not let you go until the end.
If She Wakes is Book 2 in the Harlow series by Erik Therme. It can be read as a standalone. However, reading Book 1, If She Dies, would be beneficial.
This is a dual timeline novel, set in Round Hill, North Carolina, in both 1965 and 2010. In 1965, Ellie has decided to volunteer for SCOPE (Summer Community Organization and Political Education), which organized students in an effort to help African Americans in the South register to vote. She expected her family to object, but was not prepared for the level of anger aimed her way. In 2010, Kayla has just lost her husband to a tragic accident and is in unbelievable pain, continuing their plans to move into their new house in Round Hill. Then strange things begin happening, and it appears that someone does not want her there.
I enjoyed the description of and research into events in 1965. I was impressed with the character development of Ellie and Win. However, the events occurring in the 2010 timeline were not fully realized. Although there was a surprise at the end, the plot wasn’t completely developed or resolved. So much could have been added to make this a complete novel, such as more representation of the African American community in the 2010 timeline. Also while I loved the 1965 Ellie for the most part, the 2010 version of Ellie was a real letdown.
I was surprised, as I have loved all of Diane Chamberlain’s books prior to this one.
I received a free copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Diane Chamberlain
Diane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 27 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.
Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.
More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.
Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole
Kara returns to her hometown after her father’s unexpected death from a heart attack. She is there to get his affairs in order and sell the house. She has not been back since she was raped at a party ten years ago. She believes the rapist is Dalton Rolenfeld, who is from a prominent family and is now running for political office. Haunted by traumatic memories, she leans on her best friend Brent for support. Detective Kim Ellis has transferred to the town of Paige and has to work with an old boys’ club in the Police Department that is heavily influenced by the wealthy local family, the Rolenfelds. Despite objections from other detectives who don’t want to rock the boat and upset the prominent family, Kim begins to try and find out who assaulted Kara that night ten years ago.
This is a compelling and captivating psychological thriller. The villain of this story is well written and the mind games that they perpetrate and will keep you turning the page. The foreshadowing and subtle hints woven into the story are excellent. The mystery is well thought out, and we follow Detective Ellis as she tries to piece it together. This story is told from multiple viewpoints, and each chapter is titled with the name of the person who is speaking. One of the viewpoints is that of the villain, and I found this a valuable and fascinating addition to the book. The typical prejudices, favoritisms, and rumors of a small town are very much existent in the town of Paige. The reader is kept in suspense throughout the book, and the ending is surprising and satisfying. This combination of trauma, deception, manipulation, and the quest for justice is a compelling read and will keep the reader in suspense.
I received a free copy of this book from Bleau Press. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lee Chappel enjoys writing suspense and psychological mysteries but still can’t handle the surprises in Scooby Doo.
Lee’s writing patterns are dependent on the whims of a rare green scream chicken, pictured here.
Self-Published Saturday is my effort to help Self-Published/Indie authors with marketing. These authors have to do it all, from cover design to editing to marketing. If I can help even a little bit with marketing, I’m happy to do it. This week’s feature is a The Perfect Sister, a murder mystery set in 1904.
BOOK REVIEW
The Perfect Sister is a well-written, intriguing, and engaging historical mystery set in 1904. Katherine, the “good” and “quiet” sister, has never felt good enough in her father’s eyes. When her “perfect sister,” Lorraine, is murdered, and she encounters Lorraine’s accused killer, Katherine begins to learn the truth.
This is a compelling murder mystery/thriller and historical love story. The characters are well written and I connected with them right away. Katherine and Michael capture the reader’s attention right away, and the villains in the story are perfectly loathsome. The mystery held my interest, and I enjoyed the growth that Katherine experienced.
I received a free copy of this book via BookSirens. My review is voluntary.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Gail Meath writes historical romance novels that will whisk you away to another time and place in history where you will meet fascinating characters, both fictional and real, who will capture your heart and soul. Meath loves writing about little or unknown people, places and events in history, rather than relying on the typical stories and settings.
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My husband was not a monster. No matter what they say…
The day my husband, Michael, stepped in front of a lorry after being questioned by the police, my world fell apart. He was devoted to me and our six-year-old daughter. But they’d connected him to the disappearance of a young mother from our tiny village.
Now I stand at Michael’s funeral, clutching my little girl’s hand, with tears in my eyes as I insist to all our friends that he died an innocent man. Yet the questions have started, and nothing I say will stop them digging for the truth.
But none of them can read the secrets in my heart, or know about the phone I found hidden in his toolbox…
I’m determined that my daughter will not remember her father as a monster. I will erase any hint of wrongdoing in this house whatever the cost.
Because to keep my daughter safe, the last thing I need is for people to start looking at me…
A completely gripping psychological thriller from the author of the number one bestseller The Marriage. If you like Gone Girl, The Girl on The Train and The Wife Between Us then you will love The Widow.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
K.L. Slater
For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.
Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’
Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.
The Widow is a compelling psychological thriller that will keep you guessing and turning the page. The characters are well written, and the mystery is complex, with many twists and turns. The heartbreak of a young widow trying to protect her daughter and possibly clear her late husband is so real. The children, Tansy and Aleks, are captivating, and such a big part of the story. The author does a great job with character development and world building. The points of view change seamlessly between the various characters and the police department, and it does not disrupt the story. The reader will find themselves rooting for the widow as she tries to solve the mystery her husband left her. The final revelations in this multifaceted tale left me praising the author for a job well done. Fans of thrillers will be completely captivated by this enthralling mystery.
This incredible story is based on true events concerning young Betsy Roberts – how she was kidnapped and abused but survived America’s first serial killers – the evil Harpe brothers – how she outlived and ultimately profited using her wits and sheer determination.
Betsy Roberts, a young woman from Kentucky is brutally kidnapped by notorious outlaws Micajah and Wiley Harpe who abuse then exploit her. The novel describes how Betsy uses her wits and courage to survive, and then ultimately prosper despite the most appalling conditions and treatment she suffers, in the wilderness of late eighteenth century America. She gradually becomes tainted by the evil, murderous activities of the Harpe brothers who, amongst other things, use her as bait to lure travelers to their deaths. She does this under duress initially but later becomes indifferent, even to the extent of being a willing accomplice.
Part 2 of the novel describes her long, gruelling journey of escape to New York in the early eighteen hundreds. It covers how she became a key figure there, developing businesses, illicit and legal, and the family dynasty she establishes.
The story is an extraordinary and gripping tale of horrific violence, a kaleidoscope of extraordinary characters, settings and and yet also incredible willpower, survival instincts. Betsy ultimately becomes a strong, determined woman but also uses almost any means to achieve her ends.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
N.G. Neville is the pseudonym or pen name of Geoff Burke and Nick Fisher, co-authors of ‘BETSY ROBERTS’ their first major novel. It was preceded by a shorter novel entitled ‘DEGENERATION The Story of Betsy Roberts’ which forms the first part of the full novel ‘BETSY ROBERTS’.
A sequel or more accurately prequel, a collection of short or not so short in some cases, stories will be published in 2021. It has a working title ‘DEATH and SALVATION’. Many of the amazing characters in ‘BETSY ROBERTS’ are present before they appear in the full novel. How they got to where they were in the novel forms a fascinating collection of truly extraordinary stories.
The story of Betsy Roberts is set in America, just after the Revolutionary War. This is a chilling, true tale of a young girl kidnapped by two ruthless and violent murderers, the Harpe Brothers, who are often described as America’s first serial killers. Used by the Harpe brothers in truly horrific ways, Betsy later becomes an almost willing accomplice, luring unsuspecting men to their deaths. When it becomes apparent that the brothers’ days are numbered, Betsy uses her good looks and charm to escape charges of wrongdoing. She begins a journey of her own that will change her fortunes forever.
This is a fascinating look at real-life events that are not for the faint of heart. The Harpe Brothers were truly evil, and the rapes and murders they committed are described in chilling detail. The effect of all of this on Betsy and how it shaped her life and future decisions is fascinating. Betsy’s future actions were possibly influenced by years of abuse, and, while this book is definitely biographical fiction, it sometimes becomes almost a psychological study of Betsy as well. Were the choices she made shaped by years of physical and mental torment from the Harpe Brothers? The characters are well written. There is sometimes a little more “telling” than “showing,” but this is a compelling story. Readers should be prepared for shocking violence and abuse against adults and children, especially in the first half of the book. Fans of historical fiction and the crime/thriller genre will be fascinated by this story of the first serial killers in America.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
Married to a leading medical consultant, with a fabulous career, two amazing children, and a beautiful house in the suburbs of Galway City.
Everything is perfect – or is it?
Because Amanda hides a secret.
One she has lived with for years. A secret so terrible she has no doubt it will destroy her life if ever it is revealed.
And this is exactly what happens, starting with a note pinned to her car, on it just four words: I Know Your Secret.
Who knows her secret? Who does she turn to? Who does she trust?
Amanda’s worst nightmare has just begun.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
(In his own words) I’ve been writing all my life and have an M.Phil in Creative Writing from Trinity College, Dublin. However, I never really had the confidence, or focus, to pursue it properly until relatively recently. I am a civilian employee of the Irish police, An Garda Síochána. Since 2014 I have written six novels, three published by Bookouture. More recently, I Know Your Secret, a domestic psychological thriller, will be published by Question Mark Press on November 1 next. I also like to play guitar, write the odd ditty, and sing American country songs.
This is a gripping psychological thriller that will keep you turning the page. The reader will be taken on a dark and dangerous adventure where mind games are in play. The characters are well developed, and there are shocking twists, turns, and surprises. The main character, Amanda, is surrounded by deceit and terror, and nothing is certain as danger draws ever closer. Fans of thrillers will want to try this compelling and mind-bending read. As a warning, readers should be aware of a rape in the main character’s past.
I received a free copy of this book from Question Mark Press via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
It was the most anticipated summer break of their young lives.
For Bran Lampshire, that summer of 1986 would be far different. The lure of a wilderness adventure sends him and his friends on a troublesome journey that would see them far from home and into the isolated shadows of the Sleathton Estate. In a forgotten land where nature thrives, an unexplained mist settles upon the shaded grounds. And stories were told of events so chilling, they were forcibly buried over time.
Lose yourself beneath the endless trees. And discover that legends are sometimes so much more than ghost stories.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
M.L. Rayner
Born and bred in the county of Staffordshire. Matt is a keen reader of classical, horror and fantasy literature and enjoys writing in the style of traditional ghost stories. During his working life, Matt joined the ambulance service in 2009, transporting critically ill patients all over the UK. After writing his first novel, Matt was welcomed into the family of Question Mark Press publishing and now dedicates his time on future releases. His hobbies include genealogy and hiking, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Emma, his children, and his family.
Bran and his friend Marcus are going on an adventurous trek from their town of Bonhil Dale into the wilderness surrounding the mysterious Sleathton Estate. Marcus has planned a 9-day hike and decides to also bring along Jack, an odd new boy in town, much to Bran’s displeasure. The three boys hike into the woods and meet an old man, Gregory, who takes them to his house for the night. When one of the boys disappears, Gregory begins to tell a story of children disappearing in the swamps and mists of the forest. Blended into the novel in separate chapters is the story of a missing girl, Olivia, who is chasing a ghostly voice through the same forest.
Amongst the Mists is a clever mix of paranormal and horror fiction with a heavy dose of folklore and sprinklings of the crime/thriller genre. M.L. Rayner perfectly blends ghostly figures, mythical creatures, and mysterious characters into a hair-raising but clever tale. The mystery will keep you guessing until the end, and the cliffhangers between chapters raise the alarm level even more. The fates of the children collide and the ending is surprising and unexpected. The author’s note at the end is not to be missed as he tells of myths and legends that influenced this book. Fans of horror and the paranormal, bring your imagination and a flashlight, and be prepared for some terror, because we are about to travel into the Mists.
I received a free copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
*Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can read the ebook for free.
Q&A WITH AUTHOR M.L. RAYNER
Let’s go beyond the bio. Tell us something about yourself we might not know after reading your bio.
I love comic cons and collecting signed memorabilia. I usually attend these conventions three or four times a year.
You mention your inspiration for Amongst the Mists in your author’s note at the end. Could you share a little of that inspiration for our readers?
Many local stories can just get lost in time. I think there are so many tales of myths and ghosts that many don’t realise there is an element of truth to them. For Amongst the Mists I wanted to capture a little bit of old story telling.
As a reader, I find that genres cross many lines. While some classify your books as horror, I would classify them also as paranormal/magical realism. This one has some of the crime/thriller genre in it as well. How would you classify it?
I would agree with you. Although I set out to purely write a short story of *something* in the woods, it exploded into something much more. The idea I had for this book was horror. But yes, you’re quite right. There is a good slice of Paranormal and crime involved. If I had to pick I would lean towards Paranormal
This is something I’ve always wanted to ask a writer of paranormal/ghost stories: These stories are supposed to be a little scary. Do you ever scare yourself while writing these stories?
I can get Goosebumps from time to time. Its all down to the image you create in your head. You have to translate that to paper and hope the reader envisions the same.
I have read your previous book, Echoes of Home, as well as this one. Tell our readers about your previous work and what you might be working on next.
Echoes of home is written in the style of a classic ghost story, and as clean as I could make it. After reading plenty of horror novels I wanted to write something based on not just ghosts but the unsettling sense of isolation. My first book is very special to me and includes a very powerful, yet true backstory.
What’s up next – I am currently writing my first YA horror book which will be part of the new Question Mark Horror series. I believe it is due for release around March next year.
As your writing journey continues, what are some things you have learned that you can share with other authors?
Help is always at hand. I am involved with a very supportive group of authors and admins that all support each other. Try and share your work to gain feedback and don’t be put down by advice.
Winston Barnes, Sheriff of a Coastal North Carolina town in the 1980s, is investigating a plane crash. The pilot, passengers, and cargo have disappeared, a young black man is dead, and everyone is a suspect. At the same time, racial tension is exploding in the town, and the Sheriff’s daughter has left her husband and returned home. To top it all off, the Sheriff is in the middle of running for re-election.
This is a mystery told from multiple points of view, but also the story of a town torn apart by racism and corruption. Racism is the main theme, but the issue of grief is also explored. The author gives us a look deep into the hearts of the characters, especially Jay, Ed Bellamy, Winston, and Colleen. Not many mysteries can touch the heart, but this one does by baring the souls of the characters so well. It is written with the slow, rhythmical pace of a small town, but will occasionally reach out and slap you in the face with a shock or surprise, just as life will sometimes do. Fans of mysteries will enjoy this novel, but anyone who loves a well-developed story with complex characters should give this a read.
I received a free copy of this book from William Morrow and Custom House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
COVER RATING
The photo on the cover is very relevant to the book. I’ve gotten used to graphic design on the covers, which I think might pop a little more than photos, but the colors in the clouds do stand out. Since Cash is already a best-selling author, is the cover still just as important? What does everyone else think?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Wiley Cash is the New York Times bestselling author of A Land More Kind Than Home. He’s been a fellow at Yaddo and the MacDowell Colony, and he teaches fiction writing and literature at the University of North Carolina-Asheville, where he serves as Alumni Author-in-Residence. His new novel, When Ghosts Come Home, will be available September 21. He lives in North Carolina with his wife, photographer Mallory Cash, and their daughters.
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