Category: Book news

Nuclear Threats and Espionage: A Review of ‘The Moldavian Gambit’

‘The Moldavian Gambit’ is Brad M. Meslin’s debut geopolitical thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Book Review: The Moldavian Gambit by Brad M. Meslin

A Suspenseful Dive into Nuclear Blackmail and Geopolitical Intrigue

Brad M. Meslin’s The Moldavian Gambit is a pulse-pounding geopolitical thriller that catapults readers into a shadowy world of nuclear threats, political deception, and high-stakes espionage. Set during the unraveling days of the Soviet Union, the novel blends intense action with chilling realism.

A Story Rooted in Global Tension

The story opens in Israel, where Maj. Gen. (ret.) Dov Ma’alat reflects on his years of diplomatic service as he gazes out over a field behind his Tel Aviv home—recently settled by Soviet Jewish immigrants. His quiet moment of reflection contrasts sharply with the instability unfolding in Tiraspol, Moldavian SSR.

There, armed clashes between Moldavian nationalists and Russian-backed militias erupt into chaos. Amid the violence, nationalist forces steal a portable nuclear weapon from a secure Soviet armory. Their chilling demand: declare Moldavian sovereignty and withdraw Soviet troops—or they will detonate the weapon in Paris.

Racing Against Time

A classified U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team, led by Peter Grantham, is dispatched to locate the weapon. Dov Ma’alat (now working with Mossad) and Lt. Col. Sergei Rostov, a seasoned KGB investigator, are also investigating the matter. With the clock ticking, these operatives uncover a sinister conspiracy that could trigger a global catastrophe.

A High-Stakes Espionage Thriller

Meslin masterfully blends espionage and political strategy, creating a web of intrigue filled with intelligence agents, military leaders, and treacherous politicians. The pacing is sharp and the stakes are high, delivering nonstop tension from the first page to the last.

With a background in political consulting and international affairs, Meslin brings unnerving plausibility to the novel’s complex scenarios. Action sequences, especially in the climactic final scenes, are vivid and cinematic. The prose is accessible yet descriptive, as in:

“At more than 65,000 feet, Peter could clearly make out the curvature of the distant horizon superimposed against the deep blue tones of the thinning atmosphere.”

Room for Character Depth

While the large cast adds richness to the plot, some characters—particularly Maria Colline, a Soviet sleeper agent central to the conspiracy—could benefit from deeper development. Still, their interactions and roles add layers to an already gripping narrative.

Final Verdict

Overall, The Moldavian Gambit delivers a suspenseful, smartly written tale of international intrigue and nuclear brinkmanship. Fans of Tom Clancy, Daniel Silva, and political thrillers alike will be hooked.

“Gripped by an increasing sense of urgency but not wanting to appear alarmed, he forced himself to remain calm and polite. Alert Stefan and get Mihai and Paul out of there; that was what mattered at the moment.”

Highly recommended for thriller enthusiasts who crave realism, complexity, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Mosaic PR for the gifted copy for review consideration. I have not been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Related Post: Brad M. Meslin’s ‘The Moldavian Gambit’: A Modern Geopolitical Thriller

Thirty Cats, One Memoir, and the Power of Showing Up

‘Poets Square’ is the new memoir by Courtney Gustafson. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats

How One Woman, Thirty Feral Cats, and a Bit of Dumb Hope Sparked a Movement of Care

What happens when you move into a new house—and discover that it comes with thirty feral cats?

In “Poets Square: A Memoir in Thirty Cats,” Courtney Gustafson shares the deeply personal and unexpectedly viral story of how a scrappy colony of stray cats transformed her life, her neighborhood, and the way she thinks about care, resilience, and community. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

A Pandemic, a New Relationship—and Then, the Cats

When Courtney moved into a rental in Tucson’s Poets Square neighborhood, she was already in survival mode. She was navigating a new relationship, working a job that didn’t pay enough, and dealing with mental health challenges—all during the chaos of a global pandemic.

So, when she realized her new home came with thirty unclaimed, unfixed, and hungry feral cats, her initial response was: not my problem.

But the cats had other ideas.

With their pleading eyes, visible ribs, and litters of kittens born in the gravel driveway, they became impossible to ignore.

From Reluctant Rescuer to Accidental Influencer

Courtney hadn’t planned on becoming an animal rescuer. She certainly didn’t anticipate the grief, exhaustion, or heartbreak that comes with trying to help creatures in need—especially within a system that fails both animals and people every day.

But in feeding, fixing, naming, and loving this colony—Monkey, Goldie, Francois, Sad Boy, and so many others—Courtney found something she didn’t expect: a way forward through her own personal darkness.

As she began documenting the daily lives of the cats on TikTok and Instagram, she quickly amassed a devoted following. Poets Square Cats became a viral phenomenon—and the support from her online community ended up saving her home.

A Story About Cats—and So Much More

This memoir is more than a chronicle of rescue work. It’s a meditation on what it means to show up—for others, for yourself, and for the broken spaces in between. Courtney takes readers from dark alleyways to trashed living rooms to her own front yard, revealing a raw, powerful journey that’s as much about humanity as it is about cats.

With tenderness, humor, and hard-won wisdom, “Poets Square” is a story about finding hope where it seems least likely, and building community—even when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

About the Author

Courtney Gustafson is a cat rescuer, community organizer, and creator of Poets Square Cats. She lives in Tucson, Arizona, and shares stories (and cat updates) with thousands on TikTok and Instagram.

Praise for “Poets Square”

“Truly moving; a heartfelt exploration of the humanity at the heart of animal welfare. Courtney masterfully weaves together stories of cats with stories of her own life and the lives of her community members—raw, flawed, and striving for goodness in a complex world. Her journey from cat observer to dedicated caregiver and community builder is profoundly inspiring.”—Hannah Shaw, New York Times bestselling author of Cats of the World

“Courtney Gustafson writes with uncommon grace about the castoff, the abandoned, the invisible. This book should be read and treasured for its ability to make the reader more human and humane.”—Lauren Slater, author of Blue Dreams and Lying

“Poets Square is charming and tender, funny-sad, quirky in the best possible way. It’s a story about care and compassion and acts of kindness big and small. I flew through it— and I’m not even a cat person.”—Chloë Ashby, author of Wet Paint

📚 Want more stories like this? Subscribe to my blog for book reviews, memoir spotlights, and reflections on resilience and community.

Teamwork, Courage, and Language Learning: A Look at Naivi Vera’s Debut Book

‘The Wonderful World of Susy’ by Naivi Vera. Photo: Amazon

📚Book Review: “The Wonderful World of Susy” by Naivi Vera

A Bilingual Tale of Bravery, Teamwork, and Heart

Naivi Vera’s “The Wonderful World of Susy” is a heartwarming and beautifully illustrated bilingual (Spanish-English) children’s book that delivers meaningful life lessons through the joyful adventures of a spirited young ant named Susy.

Written with both accessibility and imagination, Vera’s story is a vibrant journey into core values like bravery, teamwork, and kindness. Recommended for readers ages 3 to 7 years.

Meet Susy: A Brave and Curious Heroine

Susy, a curious and courageous ant, explores her world with an open heart and a determination to help others. Along the way, she encounters challenges that test her resolve and creativity. These moments show young readers that true bravery isn’t about facing things alone—it’s about learning to work together and ask for help when needed.

A Bilingual Story with Educational Value

One of the book’s standout features is its bilingual format, which presents English and Spanish text side-by-side. This makes it an excellent tool for early language learners and multicultural families. It’s a gentle and fun way to build vocabulary while enjoying a story that’s universally relatable.

A Celebration of Childhood Discovery

With its colorful illustrations and engaging narrative, “The Wonderful World of Susy” is both entertaining and educational. It encourages emotional intelligence, celebrates cooperation, and highlights the magic of discovery through a child’s eyes.

Perfect for story time at home or in the classroom, Naivi Vera’s debut is a charming addition to any children’s bookshelf.

“Every day, as night fell, Susy sat at the entrance to her home and contemplated the sky, the moon, and the stars. She thought about all the fantastic adventures she would have with her beautiful, hard-working family the next day. Susy knew they were not just a family, but a united team capable of achieving more.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: South Texas AuthorCon: A Celebration of Stories, Creativity, and Community

Time Travel Meets Thermopylae: ‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ Is Here

‘The Spartan Sacrifice’ by Andrew Varga is Book 4 in the time travel series. Photo: Imbrifex Books, used with permission.

📚 Book Spotlight: “The Spartan Sacrifice” by Andrew Varga

Coming August 5, 2025

If you love time travel, epic battles, and historical adventures, mark your calendars—“The Spartan Sacrifice” is almost here! This highly anticipated fourth installment in Andrew Varga’s A Jump in Time series takes young readers on a thrilling journey to one of the most iconic moments in history: the Battle of Thermopylae. (Imbrifex Books, 2025)

About the Book

In “The Spartan Sacrifice,” seventeen-year-old Dan and his partner Sam know their only chance to stop Victor Stahl’s quest for global domination is one more jump into the past. But this time, they land in ancient Greece, just before the legendary showdown between 300 Spartans and the massive Persian army.

As the warriors prepare for battle, a sudden accident threatens the very fabric of history. With the stakes higher than ever, Dan and Sam must navigate danger, loyalty, and sacrifice to prevent a catastrophe far worse than Victor’s evil plans.

Packed with fast-paced action, emotional depth, and historical intrigue, this book is a must-read for middle-grade and YA fans who crave adventure, courage, and clever storytelling.

Why You’ll Love It

  • 🛡️ Incredible Historical Hook
    From Hollywood epics to viral TikTok explainers, the Battle of Thermopylae continues to capture imaginations—and this novel dives into the real history behind the myth.
  • 🤝 Friendship Over Romance
    Dan and Sam’s bond grows stronger in this installment, highlighting the power of platonic friendships in a genre often dominated by romance.
  • 📚 History That’s Both Accurate and Fun
    Learn surprising details (like what Spartan shields really looked like!) while exploring themes of identity, courage, and sacrifice.
  • 👨‍👦 Parent-Inspired Origins
    This series began as a father-son exploration of history—and continues to be shaped by that shared curiosity and love of storytelling.

Series Recap

Catch up on the first three books in the A Jump in Time series:

  • The Last Saxon King
  • The Celtic Deception
  • The Mongol Ascension

Each adventure offers a stand-alone journey through a different era—perfect for young readers eager to time travel with purpose.

Meet the Author

Andrew Varga has been fascinated by history ever since his mother revealed he’s descended from Vikings. With a BA in history and English from the University of Toronto, Andrew has traveled across Europe, explored castles and museums, and collected swords and medieval weapons along the way.

Now living in the greater Toronto area with his wife Pam, three kids, and a lively household of pets (including dogs, cats, a turtle, and some fish), Andrew draws inspiration from his family’s passion for reading. His mission? To make history exciting, accessible, and unforgettable for the next generation.

Stay tuned for the release of “The Spartan Sacrifice” on August 5, 2025—and don’t forget to grab your shield. 🛡️

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‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’: Post-Apocalyptic Fiction with Heart and Roots

‘Sentinels in the Oakwood’ is the new novel by J.P.S. Stalder

📚 Review: Sentinels in the Oakwood by J.P.S. Stalder

J.P.S. Stalder’s Sentinels in the Oakwood is a richly imagined post-apocalyptic novel set in the Missouri Ozarks, more than 100 years after a devastating nuclear war. Nature has reclaimed much of what was destroyed, and the region has become a vast wilderness of woodlands, lakes, and caves.

Two Ways of Life, One Fragile Balance

The novel presents a vivid contrast between two types of survivors:

  • The Oakwood people, who have returned to a life of simplicity and harmony with the land
  • The underground dwellers of Fort Leonard Wood, descendants of those who took refuge in high-tech subterranean shelters

Their coexistence is uneasy, and a new threat from the north—intent on domination—forces both groups to confront their differences and unite for survival.

More Than a Survival Story

This is not just a story of endurance. Sentinels in the Oakwood is a deep examination of human resilience, community, and the tension between tradition and technology. Stadler’s lyrical, atmospheric prose paints a vivid picture of a world rewilded:

“The fallen slabs of weathered grey concrete jutted out from the edges of the shoreline like giant teeth waiting to swallow those foolish enough to pass through its mouth in a small canoe.”

Multiple Perspectives, Complex Themes

The story unfolds through three compelling narratives:

  • Jimson, a young Oakwood native connected to the natural world
  • Sarah, from the underground facility, apprehensive but curious about life above
  • BOB-e, a sentinel robot beginning to evolve beyond his programming

BOB-e’s storyline is particularly moving. When his fellow sentinel KYLE-e is critically damaged in battle, BOB-e scours the area for parts, driven by an emerging sense of loyalty and grief. His actions—and Sarah’s eventual recognition of sentient rights—raise profound questions about identity, free will, and the definition of life.

A Thoughtful, Gripping Read

Themes of survival, moral complexity, artificial intelligence, and ecological balance run deep. Stadler crafts a story that is not only thrilling but also introspective. The growing threat from the outside world pushes these disparate communities to confront hard truths and seek common ground.

“The future, it occurred to her, would always be the product of those who were courageous enough to stand for what they had grown to believe in, and that courage mattered most when everything was at stake.”

Final Thoughts

Sentinels in the Oakwood is a gripping and thought-provoking blend of speculative fiction and ecological storytelling. For readers who enjoy post-apocalyptic narratives with emotional depth and philosophical weight, this novel is a must-read.

Recommended for fans of: Station Eleven, The Overstory, The Broken Earth trilogy

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

‘Tiger Chair’: Max Brooks’ Haunting Vision of a Future American Warzone

‘Tiger Chair’ is a short story by Max Brooks. Photo: Amazon

📚 Book Review: Tiger Chair by Max Brooks

A Chilling Vision of America at War

What happens when the world’s most powerful nation becomes the battleground? In “Tiger Chair,” Max Brooks—the #1 New York Times bestselling author of “World War Z”—offers a provocative and unsettling answer.

Set in a near-future where China has invaded the United States, “Tiger Chair” plunges readers into the heart of a guerrilla war raging through the streets of Los Angeles. The Chinese military believed it would be a quick and easy conflict, but years later, the insurgency continues to escalate while state propaganda refuses to shift. One Chinese officer, torn between loyalty to his homeland and the wellbeing of his soldiers, risks everything by writing a brutally honest—and possibly suicidal—letter home, exposing the harsh truths behind the war.

A Compact Yet Powerful Narrative

Brooks’s meticulous research, combined with his talent for creating vivid, emotionally complex characters, makes “Tiger Chair” a standout in the realm of speculative fiction. The titular “tiger chair”—a real-life torture device—emerges as a harrowing symbol of power, fear, and moral ambiguity. With a first person point of view narration by the Chinese officer, it makes it more personal.

Though brief, this story hits hard. It asks difficult questions about nationalism, duty, and the future of warfare, all within a fast-paced and highly believable narrative.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Max Brooks is the author of “World War Z,” “Devolution,” and “The Harlem Hellfighters.” He is also a nonresident senior fellow at the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security. Brooks frequently lectures at institutions including the U.S. Naval War College, U.S. Special Operations Command, and the Army’s Mad Scientist Conference.

Final Thoughts

“Tiger Chair” is both a gripping tale of war and a sobering warning. For readers interested in speculative military fiction with sharp political undertones, it’s a must-read.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

“If our way is the only way, why is it leading us off a cliff? I wish I knew. But I’m not a political scientist, or a philosopher, and if the last three years have proved anything, I’m not much of a soldier, either.”

Dragons Love Tacos Brings Fire-Breathing Fun to San Antonio

Magik Theatre stages the wildly popular story for a special summertime run. Photo: Magik Theatre, used with permission.

🌮🔥 Dragons Love Tacos Heats Up the Stage at Magik Theatre This Summer

Hey, San Antonio! Did you know that dragons love tacos? And kids absolutely love the bestselling picture book “Dragons Love Tacos” by Adam Rubin and Daniel Salmieri! This summer, Magik Theatre brings that beloved story to life in a hilarious, high-energy stage production perfect for the whole family. (Magik Theatre, 2025)

Thanks to support from the Russell Hill Rogers Fund for the Arts and presented in special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences, Dragons Love Tacos opens June 21 and runs through August 3 at Magik Theatre in Hemisfair Park.

🎭 From Page to Stage — With Spicy Surprises!

“But wait,” you might wonder, “the book is only a few pages long—how can that stretch into a full show?” Don’t worry, the creative team at Magik has cooked up something special!

Director Anthony Runfola spices up Rubin’s text (adapted by Ernie Nolan) with slapstick comedy, silent film-style hijinks, and classic clowning. Vibrant dragon costumes by Sarah Steele and Salmieri’s whimsical illustrations help bring the story of a boy, his dog, and one very explosive taco party to life. Suitable for ages 3 and up, this show is packed with fast-paced fun, music, and laughter.

🌮 Special Events & Add-On Experiences

📚 Preview Performance

Saturday, June 21, 2p.m.
Be among the first to see the show—and every child gets a free book (while supplies last), courtesy of H-E-B’s Read 3 literacy initiative.

🎉 Opening Night Party in the Park

Saturday, June 21, 5p.m. | Show at 6:30p.m.
Celebrate opening night with free mini tacos from Estela’s Concessions (while supplies last), aguas frescas, music by DJ Mayhem, dragon crafts, photo ops, and more. The party is free and open to the public!

🌮 Taco Tuesdays

June 24, July 8, & July 22 | 5–7p.m.
Join us outside the theatre for delicious bites from Estela’s Concessions and summer fun in Hemisfair Park before or after the show.

🎭 Backstage Experience Add-On

Available after every performance (except during special events) — just $20/person for a backstage tour, meet & greet with the cast, and ice cream.
Note: Not wheelchair accessible. An adult must accompany all minors.

🎂 Birthday Party Packages

Celebrate your child’s big day with a Magik Theatre birthday party after a main stage performance. Includes show tickets, party space, crafts, a backstage experience for the birthday child, and more. We handle setup and cleanup!

🎟️ Special Performances

  • Sensory-Friendly Show: Saturday, July 19 at 10a.m.
    A relaxed performance for children and adults with sensory sensitivities.
  • Pay What You Wish: Saturday, July 26 at 2p.m.
    Sponsored by H-E-B. Enjoy the show and a reptile encounter with Once in a Wild Petting Zoo! Tickets are available only at the door.
  • ASL Interpreted Show: Saturday, August 2 at 2p.m.
    Featuring ASL interpretation by Robert Cardoza for deaf and hard-of-hearing patrons.

🎫 Ticket Info

Magik Theatre has options for everyone:

  • Family four packs
  • Single tickets
  • Flex passes
  • Group rates (10+ guests)

📍 Visit: 420 S Alamo, San Antonio, TX 78205
📞 Call: (210) 227-2751
💻 Buy online.
🕒 Box Office: Monday–Friday, 10a.m.–3p.m.

Note: All patrons, including children under 2 who require a seat (including car or booster seats), must have a general admission ticket.

Whether you’re a taco fan, dragon lover, or just looking for a fun summer outing, Dragons Love Tacos at Magik Theatre is a sizzling good time for the whole family. Don’t miss it—grab your tickets today and bring some extra napkins… just in case! 🌮🐉💥

‘A Remarkable Man’: Marc Petitjean’s Portrait of a Hiroshima Survivor

‘A Remarkable Man’ is an eye-opening portrait of a man who dedicated his life to treating and advocating for radiation survivors. Photo: Other Press

📚 A Remarkable Man: Honoring Dr. Shuntaro Hida, From Hiroshima to Fukushima

Book Release: June 24, 2025

In “A Remarkable Man: Dr. Shuntaro Hida from Hiroshima to Fukushima,” author Marc Petitjean—known for “Back to Japan” and “The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris”—delivers a powerful and intimate portrait of a man whose life was defined by resilience, compassion, and truth-telling in the wake of unspeakable devastation. (Other Press, 2025)

Dr. Shuntaro Hida (1917–2017) was a young military physician stationed just six kilometers from ground zero when the atomic bomb fell on Hiroshima. In the aftermath, he played a vital role tending to the overwhelming number of victims, eventually dedicating more than six decades to treating survivors and warning the world about the long-term dangers of nuclear radiation.

Through thoughtful interviews and detailed reportage, Petitjean paints a vivid picture of Dr. Hida’s unyielding commitment to justice and care. “A Remarkable Man” is both a tribute and a timely reminder of the human cost of nuclear warfare and energy misuse—particularly relevant today amid rising global authoritarianism and escalating geopolitical tensions.

The book also highlights the ongoing work of Nihon Hidankyo, a survivors’ organization co-founded by Dr. Hida, which was awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for its tireless advocacy.

👩‍💻 About the Author

Marc Petitjean is a writer, filmmaker, and photographer. His documentaries include From Hiroshima to Fukushima, which profiles Dr. Hida; Living Treasure, about kimono artist Kunihiko Moriguchi; and Zones Grises, a personal exploration of his father’s past. His books include “Back to Japan” (2021) and “The Heart: Frida Kahlo” in Paris (2020), both published by Other Press.

✍️About the Translator

Adriana Hunter has translated over 90 books from French to English, including Petitjean’s “The Heart: Frida Kahlo in Paris” and Hervé Le Tellier’s “The Anomaly.” She is the recipient of the French-American Foundation’s 2013 Translation Prize in Fiction and resides in Kent, England.

“A Remarkable Man” is more than a biography—it is a call to remember, to resist, and to act. Don’t miss this essential read when it hits shelves on June 24, 2025.

Praise for Marc Petitjean  “A Remarkable Man”

“Remembering a heroic doctor. Shuntaro Hida (1917-2017) was a longtime antinuclear campaigner whose work as a young doctor began when tending to victims of the destruction of Hiroshima in 1945…Petitjean’s short book offers a warm tribute to this “frail figure” whose eyes “gleamed with intelligence and humanity” as he recounted his experiences in Hiroshima. In excerpts from interviews and speeches, Hida offers a rare account of the horrors that he witnessed…True to his word, he kept traveling throughout Japan—speaking out against the dangers he had seen with his own eyes—until he was nearly 100. Invaluable testimony from a witness to war.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“Shuntaro Hida saw the destructive and long-lasting consequences of nuclear weapons firsthand, and dedicated his life to understanding and revealing them for decades after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Japan. Now, eighty years after the radioactive end of World War II, A Remarkable Man looks back on Hida’s life of research and advocacy. With an intimate narrative style, including Hida’s own words and Marc Petitjean’s vivid reporting and observations, A Remarkable Man illuminates not just the damage of our nuclear past but what it means for our future.”
—Sarah Scoles, author of Countdown: The Blinding Future of Nuclear Weapons

“Dr. Shuntaro Hida, who witnessed the atomic attack on Hiroshima eight decades ago, spent the rest of his life helping survivors and warning of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Now, writer and filmmaker Marc Petitjean has spotlighted Dr. Hida’s powerful crusade in his excellent narrative A Remarkable Man. From the ashes of Hiroshima to the tragedy of Fukushima, Dr. Hida’s powerful and haunting story is as relevant today as it was on that fateful August morning in 1945. This is a book not to be missed.”
—James M. Scott, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Black Snow, Rampage, and Target Tokyo

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Summer Turns Sinister in J.D. Barker’s Island Horror Masterpiece

‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ is the new thriller by J.D. Barker. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 Book Review: “Something I Keep Upstairs” by J.D. Barker

The story begins with 17-year-old Billy Hasler recounting the day everything changed. He and his best friend, David Spivey—known simply as Spivey—have been inseparable since their parents paired them up as kids at the age of four. Raised on New Castle, a small island off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, their bond is unshakable.

But during the final week of their junior year, everything shifts. Principal Wilson and Police Chief Whaley interrupt their algebra class with shocking news: Spivey’s grandmother, Geraldine Rote—whom he met only once—has passed away and left him her entire estate on nearby Wood Island. That includes a house, a couple of boats, and enough money to secure his future.

A Summer Adventure Turns into a Nightmare

J.D. Barker’s “Something I Keep Upstairs” is a pulse-pounding descent into psychological horror, steeped in folklore, trauma, and the eerie quiet of an isolated island. What begins as a carefree summer quickly spirals into a chilling exploration of generational secrets and supernatural terror.

As Billy and Spivey dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken a force that has long lurked in the shadows—something ancient, hungry, and deeply rooted in the land and its people. Their friendship, once a refuge, becomes fragile. Even Billy’s relationship with his girlfriend Kira is suffering:

“If our relationship was held together by a thread, I was standing on that thread, carefully balanced, and the wrong move would send me teetering over the side and falling into an abyss from which she and I would not recover.”

Vivid, Atmospheric Horror

Told alternately in first-person through Billy’s perspective, the novel is rich in atmosphere and tension. Barker’s writing is cinematic and emotionally layered, balancing fast-paced plot with psychological depth. The horror builds gradually, creeping in before crashing down with relentless force.

“The smell hit me the moment I crossed the threshold. A damp, heady scent of dirt, must, and mold over something horribly sweet, like burnt sugar forgotten in a simmering pan.”

At nearly 500 pages, the pace slows slightly in the middle, but fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz will appreciate the blend of ghostly apparitions, time distortions, family legacies, and soul-hungry ancient entities.

Final Thoughts

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is more than a horror novel—it’s a haunting tale of memory, legacy, and the things we inherit without understanding. It lingers long after the final page and is highly recommended for fans of ghost stories and supernatural thrillers.

“When left alone, the mind can either be your biggest asset or worst enemy. When mine  began rattling off the possibilities, it became the single voice I no longer wanted to hear…”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

**There is still time to enter the contest to win a night in the haunted house that inspired the book. The winner will be selected on June 13, 2025. Related post: Enter If You Dare: Win a Spine-Chilling Night in the Haunted House That Inspired ‘Something I Keep Upstairs.’

A Quiet Summer in Japan: Masashi Matsuie’s ‘The Summer House’

‘The Summer House: A Novel’ by Masashi Matsuie. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

📚Book Spotlight: “The Summer House” by Masashi Matsuie
Release Date: June 17, 2025

Japanese author Masashi Matsuie makes a powerful debut with “The Summer House: A Novel,” a richly atmospheric and deeply observant story set in the world of architecture. This award-winning novel offers a unique window into modern Japan, told through the eyes of a young architect navigating personal and professional transformation. (Other Press, 2025)

At the heart of the novel is Tōru Sakanishi, a recent university graduate who joins the prestigious Murai Office—a boutique Tokyo architecture firm founded by a former student of Frank Lloyd Wright. Sakanishi’s keen, introspective voice captures the artistry and care that defines the firm’s ethos.

As the oppressive Tokyo summer approaches, the Murai Office decamps to Kita-Asama, a faded artists’ colony in the mountains. There, the team—Sakanishi, his enigmatic boss Murai, and two intriguing women who stir Sakanishi’s affections—embark on a high-stakes design competition: creating the new National Library of Modern Literature, while contending with a rival firm dominating government commissions.

Elegantly translated by Margaret Mitsutani, National Book Award winner, “The Summer House” is a quiet yet compelling exploration of creativity, tradition, and longing. Matsuie’s prose evokes the serene beauty of Japan’s natural world while probing the tension between modern ambition and enduring heritage.

This character-driven novel is ideal for fans of Mitsutani’s acclaimed translations and for readers interested in Japanese literature, architecture, and coming-of-age stories with artistic depth.

👩‍💻About the Author
Masashi Matsuie began his career as a fiction editor at Shinchosha Publishing Company, where he worked with literary icons including Yoko Ogawa, Banana Yoshimoto, and Haruki Murakami. He also helped launch Shincho Crest Books, a translation-focused imprint. “The Summer House” is his debut novel and winner of the prestigious Yomiuri Prize for Literature, an honor rarely given to first-time authors.

👩‍💻About the Translator
Margaret Mitsutani is a renowned translator of Japanese literature, known for her work with Yoko Tawada and Nobel laureate Kenzaburō Ōe. She was a finalist for the National Book Award for “Scattered All Over the Earth” and won the award for her translation of The Emissary.

Advance Praise for Masashi Matsuie (“The Summer House”):

“Elegantly understated novel of a tenuous love affair in modern Japan…Matsuie, renowned as an editor (of Haruki Murakami, among other writers) before becoming an author, delivers a simple but graceful tale that’s full of intriguing asides on architecture, which Sensei insists is “function, pure and simple.” A novel packed with ideas about art, life, and love.”
—KIRKUS REVIEWS

“The more I read, the more I fell in love with this beautiful novel…Its foremost charm is the fluent, clean-cut use of words. Nothing in Matsuie’s descriptions is superfluous, nor is anything missing, and the refreshing vitality of his prose is impressive…The birth of such a writer is cause for celebration.”
—Hiromi Kawakami, author of Strange Weather in Tokyo and The Nakano Thrift Shop

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‘The Summer House: A Novel’ release date