Editorial Reviews

Taking to mountain solitude to overcome heartbreak and trauma leads to a new chance at fulfillment in Moonshadow Over Red Moon Hill by Cynthia L. Clark. Driven by emotional reflection and tentative romance, Brody and Tessa are escaping the past in different ways, but the intertwined fate of these two deftly drawn characters is a patient pleasure to witness, each coming with layered stories that unfold within an unexpectedly thrilling drama. Exploring the core issues of rediscovering trust, revisiting tragedy, and finally accepting the truth, Clark’s layered novel neatly transcends romance fiction, reminding readers of the hard-won resilience we are […]

Ben Hackett is an affable man-about-town reporter in Hackett at Large: Tales from a Reporter’s Life in Paris 1961–68 by Jack Fitzgerald. In this collection of stories and anecdotes, Hackett interviews top-line celebrities such as Frank Sinatra, Marlon Brando, and JFK, which aren’t necessarily historically accurate, but give us a chance to witness Hackett in action, with all his wit and charm. The story veers to feeling like fantasy fulfillment, with the celebrities seemingly star-struck by Hackett himself, but it’s a fun fantasy nonetheless, spurred on by the colorful characterization of the endearingly old-school, cigar-chomping reporter. The story doesn’t entirely […]

Tapping into a classic noir vibe with a good dose of contemporary flair, Involuntary Flashback by Dave Garrett is a fast-talking, razor-sharp Big Apple mystery. When a young ingenue named Lilly seeks sanctuary with Rod Weyhengrubber and his partner, Ida, it becomes a race to crack the case before her wannabe kidnappers find out where she’s been tucked away, and Rod soon discovers that the conspiracy is much larger than he first thought, with extortion, espionage, and geopolitical consequences hanging in the balance. Garrett is wickedly sharp with a turn of phrase, and readers will find themselves smirking and nodding […]

Unsettling and evocatively written, The Quelling by C.L. Lauder is an affecting work of dystopian fantasy, and an enticing first installment of a new trilogy. The planet of Aurora Saura is overrun by two parasitic invaders: the monstrous Tarrohar and the insidious, body-possessing Rhemans, whose victims are known as “The Quelled.” 19-year-old Kyjta must form an alliance with the enemy – the rebel Rheman Kranik – to rescue her friend Calipsie and confront the Rheman leader head-on. With chapters alternating between the perspectives of its two compelling protagonists, The Quelling is an intricate and skillfully realized piece of imagination, unveiling […]

Shining a light on the powerful work and legacy of a legendary couple, Politics, Partnerships & Power: The Lives of Ralph E. and Marguerite Stitt Church by Jay Pridmore and Christine Wolf is an illuminating glimpse into America’s unpredictable history. Examining the political rise of Ralph E. Church and his wife’s bold decision to enter politics and win his Congressional seat, the story is rich in historical context and well-researched detail, illustrating how this long series of events shaped the landscape of Chicago and national politics for the better part of four decades. Reading at times like a novel, this […]

A witty collection of poignant quotes concerning the financial burdens we all bear, The Little Black Book of Tax Wisdom: Quotes, Quips, & Quiddities Every Tax Advisor Should Know by Mike Kowis, Esq. is a lighthearted book for anyone whose wallet has ever been lightened by the government, i.e. most everyone. From economists and presidents to actors and modern thinkers, this sardonic text gathers the snarkiest, smartest, and most painfully accurate comments made about the inevitable toll of paying taxes. Loosely grouped according to theme, this critical musing on “legalized larceny” will have you rolling your eyes and nodding your […]

Dominic Haynes provides a systematic and extensive introduction to the birth and evolution of ancient Greek culture in A Brief History of Ancient Greece: Traveling the Hellenistic World: An Odyssey Through Political Dynasties and Cultural Mosaics. Tracing the prehistoric origins and later migration of the Greeks across the Mediterranean, the book is thorough in its scope, including demographic and topographical details, and a useful map in the front pages. With succinctly edited content and well-structured chapters, Haynes seamlessly hones down his subject, covering art, culture, architecture, sports, religion, politics, and the spread of Greek influence across the region, for […]

Following a haunted musician with dreams of center-stage and two aging legends seeking a final flash of stardom, “Hello Hammersmith!” by Tim O’Shaughnessy is a gritty blend of musical memoir and emotional drama. The time-leaping storyline moves between a potential comeback for the two synth-pop veterans, and their son Jack’s diverted artistic path after a tragic accident redirects his life. The dialogue crackles with colloquial charm and the narration is viscerally immersive, pulling readers onto the stage of real-life headliners and heartbroken youth with alluring authenticity. A peek into multiple generations of the UK music scene, and a sensitive exploration […]