Day: May 28, 2025

Detective Zorn Faces His Darkest Case Yet in Otho Eskin’s ‘Black Sun Rising’

‘Black Sun Rising’ is the thrilling new Marko Zorn novel by Otho Eskin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Black Sun Rising by Otho Eskin

Otho Eskin’s “Black Sun Rising” is a riveting, high-stakes thriller that masterfully blends political intrigue, historical resonance, and relentless action. In this fourth installment of the Marko Zorn series, readers are pulled into a suspenseful, chillingly timely narrative that stands strong as a standalone read.

The action begins with a jolt: “The bomb explodes at 8:42 a.m.” A device detonates at Friendship House—a sanctuary for the poor and vulnerable—signaling the start of a far more dangerous plot. Detective Marko Zorn, reeling from the murder of his partner, soon uncovers a violent neo-Nazi conspiracy rooted in WWII and designed to destabilize the nation. Global chatter hints at an assassination attempt on the new president during the upcoming inauguration, and Zorn must infiltrate the movement to stop an attack that could cripple the country.

Told in the first person through Zorn’s sharp, often wry perspective, the novel features a fast pace, vivid language, and even moments of humor:

“One must always answer a summons from Mount Olympus. Even before morning coffee. Otherwise, be prepared to be zapped by a thunderbolt.”

Zorn is a morally complex, emotionally grounded lead, matched by unforgettable villains—particularly the ominous “Bride of the Apocalypse,” whose mythic menace lingers long after the final page. Eskin’s experience in the U.S. Foreign Service brings striking authenticity to the geopolitical stakes, while fans of WWII history will appreciate the rich historical context woven into the plot.

Overall, “Black Sun Rising” is a smart, fast-paced, and thought-provoking thriller that confronts modern threats head-on—with style, heart, and deadly precision. With its tight narrative, compelling themes of extremism, power, and corruption, and razor-sharp suspense, it’s a standout thriller and recommended for fans of David Baldacci, Lee Child, and Daniel Silva.

“In the chaos and darkness, I could slip away, unnoticed. I could hide in this labyrinth of caves and secret passages for days, maybe weeks. But it would mean giving up Zyklon. Not to mention, dying of starvation.”

*The author was contacted for an honest review of this book and received an ARC. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Marko Zorn Returns: Otho Eskin’s New Thriller Delivers High-Stakes Suspense

Grayson Jenkins Finds His Voice on ‘Hard Heart to Hold’ and Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Grayson Jenkins leans into the rock side of country with new song and video. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Grayson Jenkins Unveils New Single “Hard Heart to Hold” Ahead of Forthcoming Album Country Parables

Kentucky-born country artist and songwriter Grayson Jenkins has released his new single “Hard Heart to Hold,” an anthemic country-rock track from his upcoming album Country Parables, set to release everywhere on July 25. (Covered Bridge Creative Co-op, 2025)

The single is paired with a live performance music video, filmed at Jenkins’ 2025 headlining show at The Burl in Lexington, KY—the very venue that inspired the song’s creation.

A Rising Voice in the Appalachian Country Scene

“Hard Heart to Hold” follows a string of successful releases, including:

  • “Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow” (feat. Brit Taylor), featured on Spotify’s All New Country playlist
  • “Taxes & Time”
  • “Good Times Go” (feat. Pony Bradshaw), highlighted by The Bluegrass Situation and Whiskey Riff

Fans can watch the video, stream the new single, and pre-order vinyl and merch online.

A “Hillbilly Springsteen” Sound

Jenkins’ bandmates jokingly describe “Hard Heart to Hold” as sounding like a “hillbilly Springsteen”—a track driven by pulsing drums and heavy guitars, elevating Jenkins’ vocals and vivid storytelling.

Jenkins views the song as a reflection of both his influences and his ongoing sonic evolution.

Telling Stories from the Heart of Kentucky

Lyrically, the track tells the story of a young woman navigating early adulthood and finding comfort in the Lexington music scene—a nod to the thriving musical culture of Kentucky and the greater Appalachian region.

Nearly a Decade on the Road

Grayson Jenkins is no newcomer. With nearly ten years in the music industry, his career has weathered:

  • The ups and downs of indie artistry
  • A global pandemic
  • Over 250,000 miles touring across the US, Canada, and Europe

Raised on a small farm in Muhlenberg County, KY—yes, that Muhlenberg County from John Prine’s “Paradise”—Jenkins carries with him a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that continues to shape his music and career.

Country Parables: Jenkins’ Most Ambitious Work Yet

Now in his 30s, Jenkins returns with Country Parables—a ten-track LP that marks his most comprehensive and mature work to date. The album combines the lyrical depth fans have come to expect with a fully realized sonic palette that Jenkins has long been chasing.

Crafted by a Powerhouse Team

To bring this album to life, Jenkins teamed up with frequent collaborator and touring partner Pony Bradshaw to co-produce the record. The album was recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR, with a team of acclaimed musicians, including:

  • Paddy Ryan (Parker Millsap, John Fullbright)
  • Jesse Aycock (JR Carroll, John Moreland)
  • Aaron Boehler (Wilderado)
  • Fats Kaplin (Jack White, John Prine)

Collaborations on the album include Brit Taylor, Madelyn Baier, and Pony Bradshaw, with two tracks co-written by Nashville veteran Pat McLaughlin (John Prine, Bahamas).

With Country Parables, Grayson Jenkins offers a heartfelt, roots-driven collection that further cements his place in the next wave of Americana storytellers.

Country Parables tracklist:

1.Old Trails
2.Hard Heart to Hold
3.Nobody’s Stopping You Anyhow (feat. Brit Taylor)
4.Grand Slam
5.Scarecrow
6.Taxes & Time
7.Good Times Go (feat. Pony Bradshaw)
8.From Now On
9.Calling Out Your Name (feat. Madelyn Baier)
10.Country Parables

“But beyond the smoky bars and days out on the farm, Jenkins embodies one of Country’s more abstract, yet most important qualities: its philosophical soul.”

— American Songwriter

“In case you aren’t familiar with Grayson Jenkins’ prior work, the Muhlenburg County, KY native aptly follows in the footsteps of John Prine and all of the other folk and country troubadours before him who forged their career on the strength of clever lyricism and truthfully authentic storytelling.”

— Whiskey Riff

1753439483

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

Country Parables release date