‘Kingdom of Bones’ is the new thriller in the Sigma Force series and will be released on April 19, 2022. Photo: amazon
James Rollins is the author of international thrillers that have been translated into more than forty languages. His Sigma series has been lauded as one of the “top crowd pleasers” (New York Times) and one of the “hottest summer reads” (People magazine). In each novel, acclaimed for its originality, Rollins unveils unseen worlds, scientific breakthroughs, and historical secrets. His new book “Kingdom of Bones: A Thriller,” is the latest riveting, deeply imaginative thriller in the Sigma Force series, told with his trademark blend of cutting-edge science, historical mystery, and pulse-pounding action. It will be released April 19, 2022. (amazon, 2022)
“Kingdom of Bones”– It begins in Africa. A United Nations relief team in a small village in the Congo makes an alarming discovery. An unknown force is leveling the evolutionary playing field. Men, women, and children have been reduced to a dull, catatonic state. The environment surrounding them—plants and animals—has grown more cunning and predatory, evolving at an exponential pace. The insidious phenomenon is spreading from a cursed site in the jungle — known to locals as the Kingdom of Bones —and sweeping across Africa, threatening the rest of the world. What has made the biosphere run amok? Is it a natural event? Or more terrifyingly, did someone engineer it? Commander Gray Pierce and Sigma Force are prepared for the extraordinary and have kept the world safe, vigilance for which they have paid a tragic personal price. Even these brilliant and seasoned scientific warriors do not understand what is behind this frightening development—or know how to stop it. As they race to find answers, the members of Sigma quickly realize they have become the prey. To avoid global catastrophe, Sigma Force must risk their lives to uncover the shattering secret at the heart of the African continent—a truth that will illuminate who we are as a species and where we may be headed.
Harlan Coben’s new novel ‘The Match’ will be out Tuesday, March 15, 2022. Photo: amazon
Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in forty-five languages and have been number one bestsellers in more than a dozen countries, with seventy-five million books in print worldwide. His Myron Bolitar series has earned the Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards, and five of his books have been developed into Netflix original series, including his adaptation of ‘The Stranger,’ ‘The Innocent,’ ‘Gone for Good,’ ‘The Woods,’ and ‘Stay Close,’ which was released on December 31, 2021. His new book, ‘The Match’ will be released on Tuesday, March 15, 2022, is book two of the Wilde series. In this new thriller, Wilde follows a tip that may finally reveal the truth behind his abandonment—only to end up in the sights of a ruthless killer. (amazon, 2022)
‘The Match’ – After months away, Wilde has returned to the Ramapo Mountains in the wake of a failed bid at domesticity that confirms what he has known all along: he belongs on his own, free from the comforts and constraints of modern life. Suddenly, a DNA match on an online ancestry database brings Wilde closer to his past than he has ever dreamed, and finally gives Wilde the opening he needs to track down his father. But meeting the man brings up more questions than answers. So Wilde reaches out to his last, most desperate lead, a second cousin who disappears as quickly as he resurfaces, having experienced an epic fall from grace that can only be described as a waking nightmare. Was his cousin’s downfall a long time coming? Or was he the victim of a conspiracy as cunning as it is complex? And how does it all connect to the man once known as The Stranger, a treacherous fugitive with a growing following whose mission and methods have only turned more dangerous with time?
‘Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles’ will be released May 3, 2022. Photo: Steven Joseph
Award-winning author Steven Joseph releases a new children’s book this May 3, 2022. Filled with outlandish humor and lively storytelling, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” is a feel-taste-smell good story for children ages 5-10, who will surely be left wanting more. (Steven Joseph, 2022)
“Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” – In a cranky world where cars run on sauerkraut, there is a new invention that will change everything: the SnoodleMobile, the brainchild of Herbie Snoodleman. Now cars are powered by noodles, and the delicious aroma produced fills everyone with happiness. While this is a major upgrade for society, the inventor of the KrautMobile, Sour Croodleman, is far from elated. Mr. Croodleman is furious that this newfangled pasta fad destroyed his business and the reputation of his beloved KrautMobiles, and his envy grows deeper every day. When Herbie Snoodleman unveils a flashy new art installation in the local museum, it is the final straw, and Croodleman hatches a plan to destroy it.
The envy monster is something we all deal with at some point, and kids are not exempt from this experience. From being jealous of a sibling to envying the birthday kid, childhood is rife with opportunities to feel frustrated at what others have. But the happy ending of the book teaches a valuable lesson: you do not always need to the most popular person in your group — if you have someone in your life who appreciates you for who you are and what you do, that is the most meaningful appreciation of all. However, perhaps for all readers, the most important lesson is this: Never be afraid to move your world.
Praised as an “adorable children’s book” by Reader’s Favorite, “Snoodles, Kidoodles, Poodles and Lots and Lots of Noodles” invites readers to enter a world where imagination can solve any challenge, and even the crankiest person can find happiness. The book is filled with “outlandish humor and lively storytelling” and includes beautiful, full-color pictures. In a five-star review, Booktrib raves, “Whether this book is read as a bedtime story to children, or a story time read for the whole class, children will be able to enjoy the characters’ misadventures while also absorbing the important life lesson.”
Steven Joseph is an author, attorney, negotiator, and speaker. He is also a five-time Boston Marathon and 17-time NYC Marathon runner and a humorist who has spent 30 years as a partner with therapists, a lifetime of schuckling at countless synagogues, and practicing zen sitting on a cushion staring at a white wall at the Village Zendo. He is, however, a person still smart enough to know that he has not figured everything out – except for crankiness. His first children’s book, “The Last Surviving Dinosaur: The TyrantoCrankaTsuris” was distinguished with the Mom’s Choice Award, and his self-help book, “A Grownup Guide to Effective Crankiness: The Crankatsuris Method” received over 300 five-star ratings on amazon.
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‘Dry Heat,’ Len Joy’s new novel, will be out March 1, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Len Joy is the author of three previous novels, “Everyone Dies Famous” (2020), “Better Days” (2018) and “American Past Time” (2014) and a collection of short fiction, “Letting Go” (2018). In his new book “Dry Heat: A Novel”which will be out Tuesday March 1, the day All-American Joey Blade turns 18, he learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, is betrayed by his new girlfriend, and is arrested for the attempted murder of two police officers. Then things get bad. Below is an excerpt from “Dry Heat.”
3 P.M. – SATURDAY – NOVEMBER 20, 1999 ROADRUNNER PARK – PHOENIX, AZ
The gangs were always stealing the nylon basketball nets, so the park director had replaced them with galvanized steel chain, which rattled obnoxiously on every bad shot. Joey frowned as his jump shot clanked off the front rim.
“Your shot sucks today, Joey Blade,” Mallory said as she bounced the ball back to him.
“Your boobs are distracting me. Maybe it’s time you started wearing a bra.” Blonde, with a pixie cut that framed her cute little-girl face, Mallory could have passed for a twelve-year-old if it hadn’t been for her huge breasts. She was fifteen, two years younger than Joey, and they had been playground buddies for ten years. She lived with her creepy father in a rundown brick house a block away and escaped to the park most afternoons.
“Come on, concentrate, Mr. All American.” She lifted up her sweatshirt, flashing him as he took his next shot. An airball.
“Aargh.” Joey chased after the errant shot, hip-checking Mallory as he grabbed the ball. He dribbled out to the corner and swished a turnaround jumper. “Yes! No distractions that time.” He pumped his fist.
Mallory smirked. “Better get used to it. You’ll have plenty of distractions when you’re in Lala Land next week.”
Lala Land.
Joey was out of time. He had to make a decision about his trip to USC and he had to make it now. He clanked another free throw off the rim.
“What’s wrong, Joey?”
“Dutch.”
Mallory scowled as she bounced the ball to him. She knew what Joey’s dad was like. Dutch Blade was an unfiltered, heart- on-his-sleeve guy. He could chew someone out one moment and be hugging them the next.
“He doesn’t want you following in the immortal footsteps of O.J.?”
Joey gave her a look. Mallory was always a smartass. Three weeks ago, in his last high school football game, the Shadow Mountain Matadors had defeated Apache Junction, last year’s state champion, 28 to 24. Joey rushed for 264 yards and scored all four touchdowns for Shadow Mountain. After the game, he was contacted by every school in the PAC 10, all promising that he would have a bright future playing football for their university.
He thought it would be cool to have all that attention, but it was really like trying to date five girls at once. Everyone insisted their school was the best choice for Joey. He didn’t like disappointing people and he didn’t want to string anyone along, so he quickly narrowed the search to USC in Los Angeles and the University of Arizona in Tucson.
He dribbled out to the foul line and took another turnaround jumper. The shot was a foot short and wide left.
Mallory scampered over and picked it up. “You can’t blame that one on me.”
Joey tried spinning the ball on his index finger, but he couldn’t keep his focus. “Dutch grew up in Tucson. He loves the Wildcats. He’s always said that if his folks had had the money, he would have gone to U of A instead of Vietnam.” He glided out to the corner again. “Ball!” he shouted. Mallory fired a chest high pass to him and he swished a fifteen-footer.
“Maybe he just wants to keep you close so you can help with the family business,” Mallory said with a faux expression of innocence.
Dutch had started Blade Engine and Crankshaft when he returned from Vietnam. With the help of Joey’s mom, Callie, it had become the largest engine rebuilder in the southwest.
“My dad thinks anyone who goes to California just wants to be a movie star.”
Mallory tilted her head and squinted at him. “You’re pretty cute with that curly hair and those girly eyelashes. I could definitely see you in the movies.”
“Shut up, Mallory. This is serious.”
“What do you want to be when you grow up? A football player? Or are you planning to take over the business?”
Joey gave her the finger. They’d had that discussion before. “I want to be a writer. USC would be better for that, but to my dad, a writer is even worse than a movie star. He doesn’t think it’s a real job unless you’re sweating.”
“So, your big problem is deciding between a free education in California or Arizona?” Mallory arched her eyebrows, suggesting that was the kind of problem most people would love to have. Then she grinned and said, “You want to come over to my place for a glass of ice tea?”
“Uh . . .” Joey stared down at his feet. Mallory was cool, but he couldn’t stand her father. Donny Stewart worked at Blade Engine as a mechanic doing engine installs. He thought he was some kind of comedian. He was always telling stupid, dirty jokes and his delivery sucked. He acted like Joey was disrespecting him for not laughing his ass off. Joey knew Stewart resented him because he was the boss’s kid. Donny Stewart was an all- around creepy guy.
“My dad’s running the install center today.” Mallory said. “He won’t be home for two hours.”
‘Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller’ is the new novel by Mike Papantonio and Alan Russell. Photo: amazon
Mike Papantonio is a senior partner of Levin Papantonio, one of the country’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer and co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire.
Alan Russell is the #1 bestselling author of seventeen mystery and suspense novels, including “Burning Man,” “Shame,” “St. Nick,” and “A Cold War.” Russell’s novels have been nominated for most of the major awards in crime fiction, and he has won a Lefty award for best comedic mystery, a USA Today Critics’ Choice Award, multiple San Diego Book Awards, and the Odin Award for Lifetime Achievement from the San Diego Writers/Editor Guild.
In their new novel “Inhuman Trafficking: A Legal Thriller,” while taking on a human trafficking case, the past comes calling with word that Nick “Deke” Deketomis’ fifteen-year-old goddaughter, Lily Reyes, is missing.
“Inhuman Trafficking” begins with Lily Reyes being set up by her boyfriend Carlos Navarro and handed off to a strange man who calls himself ‘Tío Leo’ as collateral for a planned score gone bad. Seven days after Lily disappears, her mother Sylvia contacts Deke for help in bringing her home safely. This is a sideline from his current case with Welcome Mat Hospitality.
For Deke, going head to head with some of the most dangerous cases has long been a way of life. His target this time is Welcome Mat Hospitality, a firm known for its truck stops and lodging throughout the United States. What Welcome Mat does not advertise is the human trafficking—for sex work and slave labor—going on at many of its properties. For the sake of better profits, Welcome Mat’s ownership has turned a blind eye to this lucrative enterprise. When Deke learns that Lily has fallen prey to a notorious trafficker, his personal and professional worlds converge when Lily comes in contact with Karina, a Russian woman who is one of the many victims of a madwoman’s human trafficking operations. For his goddaughter to survive, Deke must prevail not only in the legal arena but outside of it.
Mike Papantonio is the author of the Nick “Deke” Deketomis series of legal and courtroom thrillers including “Law and Addiction,” “Law and Disorder,” and “Law and Vengeance.” Even though “Inhuman Trafficking” is not a “Law and..” titled book, Deke is back in action trying to save the world from man’s inhumanity to man, in this case, human trafficking, which includes slave labor and sex traffickers.
There is not as much courtroom drama as in Papantonio’s previous books, but Deke and his team shine as they work incessantly to find Lily while trying to identify Karina and bring down the system that is taking advantage of her and countless others. The language is down to earth, easy to understand and expressive at times “Colors shimmered, appearing and disappearing like will-o’-the-wisps.”
With action that flows easily through the pages, one of the highlights is the heart-pounding action when Karina finally gets the nerve to call Deke’s office for help while looking over her shoulder to make sure no one sees her. Some of the details of human trafficking, including Lily’s survival mechanisms, are hard to read but are not overly graphic. The main takeaway is that everyone has had their challenges but nevertheless survived and are stronger because of them. Filled with relatable and well-developed characters, investigative action, and unpredictable developments, “Inhuman Trafficking” is a fast-paced thriller recommended for John Grisham fans who root for the little guy.
“Deke knew the ‘damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead’ look in Gina’s eyes. As she opened her mouth to reply, Deke surreptitiously banged the side of her chair. Gina turned his way, took a read of his eyes, and swallowed her commentary.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
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.
‘Race For What?’ by JD Mass will be released March 29, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
In 2017 JD Massachieved his doctorate in Organizational Psychology and became heavily involved in white antiracism groups in Los Angeles and later in St. Louis. This work in anti-racism reflecting on what he learned throughout his journey inspired him to write “Race for What?” A wise thinker and guide, JD dares white folks to stay the course to finally correct the harm of racism and help create a humane world. (JD Mass PsyD, 2022)
JD Mass PsyD’s “Race for What? A White Man’s Journey & Guide to Healing Racism from Within” will be released on March 29, 2022. Mass tells the story of growing up in a black community and witnessing racism firsthand, as well as his successes and missteps in building powerful alliances with the community in which he was raised.
Part memoir, part how-to, and entirely real, this masterfully woven book takes readers back in time to St. Louis in the 80s and 90s, when Mass was growing up with a circle of creative friends and influences. The talent he bonded with, such as the rapper Nelly, would set the stage for a life of music, religion, culture, community development, and politics.
Of his new book, Mass says, “I have been on a lifelong journey to learn why racism was created and what we can look forward to without it. Change is happening. Will it be the superficial change that doesn’t bring forth justice, or the transformational healing that is needed? Race for What? provides a vision for the latter.”
“Race for What?” provides stories with a unique perspective from a white man’s experience and illustrates seven steps to healing. Mass encourages white people to work through the emotional and psychological obstacles in order to repair and heal the harm racism has caused.
“Race for What? A White man’s Journey & Guide to Healing Racism from Within” is available for pre-order on Amazon.
‘Treachery Times Two’ is the new mystery novel by Robert McCaw. Photo: google
Robert McCawis an author who grew up in a military family traveling the world. He is a graduate of Georgetown University, served as a U.S. Army lieutenant, and earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. He was a partner in a major international law firm in Washington, D.C. and New York City, representing major Wall Street clients in complex civil and criminal cases. Having lived on the Big Island of Hawaii, McCaw fills his writing of the Islands with his more than 20-year love affair with this Pacific paradise. His new book “Treachery Times Two” is book four in McCaw’s Koa Kāne Hawaiian Mystery Series and follows “Death of a Messenger,” “Fire and Vengeance,” and “Off the Grid.” This new mystery novel involves secret military weapons, saboteurs, a volcanic eruption—and a probe of Chief Detective Koa Kāne’s criminal past.
“Treachery Times Two” – The action begins with a vivid description of a volcanic earthquake as “Pele, masquerading as a glassy-haired old woman,” destroys an abandoned cemetery and unearths a mystery that will shake up Hilo Hawaii’s Chief Detective Koa Kāne’s life as he knows it. The destruction brings forth the body of a woman mutilated by her killer to conceal her identity. While trying to solve this mystery, he finds himself at odds with a mysterious defense contractor with a politically connected board of directors. Defying his chief of police, Koa becomes entangled in an FBI espionage investigation of Deimos, a powerful secret military weapon. To top it off, Koa—a cop who thirty years earlier killed his father’s nemesis and covered up the murder—now faces exposure by the dead man’s grandson who mysteriously comes into town demanding answers. Koa is forced to investigate his own homicide, and step by step, his cover-up unravels until another man is falsely accused. His character is tested as he debates whether to stand by and let an innocent man pay for his crime or come clean and risk losing it all.
Detective Koa Kāne is on the trail of another killer who thought the crime would be covered up by volcanic lava. Not only does he need to find out who killed the mysterious woman, he is constantly looking over his shoulder and dreading the day when his past crime will be revealed. It follows him constantly: “The investigation which had consumed his waking hours had now invaded his sleep.” Every time he closes a case, he visits Anthony Hazzard’s tombstone. As with the previous books, “Treachery Times Two” features highly developed, complex, and relatable characters, as well as Hawaiian terms, language, and history. Sometimes these Hawaiian terms and names slow down the pacing of the story, but it is worth it and readers are rewarded with a thrilling murder mystery filled with one plot twist after another. The author’s love of Hawaii is evident in his writing by his use of beautiful poetic language, especially when describing volcanic activity, as when the lava was “spreading thin, glassy particles of Pele’s hair like strands of cotton candy.” Koa Kāne is a deeply flawed character, comparable to Jack Reacher and Jason Bourne. He is running from his past while trying to be the best detective he can be all the while people he thought he knew disappoint him but he still struggles on. The highlight is Chapter 9, which has eye-opening historical background on Hawai’i including how in 1893, the Committee of Safety, a group of western businessmen, with the backing of US Marines, staged a coup d’état against the reigning monarch and five years later, the United States annexed the islands. The plot twists keep the reader guessing until the shocking end. “Treachery Times Two” is another remarkable murder mystery by Robert McCaw and is recommended for fans of Michael Connelly who also appreciate a historical lesson or two. The good thing about this excellent mystery series is that each novel stands on its own and can be read in any order.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Love in Hopeless Places’ is the new romance novel by Mitchell Megaley
Mitchell Megaley is a romance and fiction Australian-based author who began writing at a very young age, guided by his creativity. While he was growing up, his parents restored an old brewery, which also had been a village school and a farm. Fascinated by his environment and its happenings, this fueled his inspiration for writing after wandering through stories of his new home’s previous owners. Mitchell became fond of making notes and consolidating the patchworks into more extended stories that he would rather keep for himself. He nurtured a great passion for writing and was compelled to let others in on his archive of drafts. Mitchell Megaley began distributing more elaborated stories to the inhabitants of the surrounding villages and cities, introducing them to his world of possibilities. He moved to Australia on a journey of self-discovery. Mitchell’s books are comprised of stories inspired by his past and new experiences in Australia, accompanied by unparalleled creativity. Mitchell paints the awe-inspiring landscape of Australia in the minds of his audience in form of mouth-watering literature on each page.
In his new book released this month, ‘Love in Hopeless Places: Her Dangerous Experiment,’ will Alexa and Jude live happily ever after, or does the hopelessness of dangerous circumstances make theirs the cautionary tale of once in a lifetime love that was too good to last? (Mitchell Megaley, 2022)
‘Love in Hopeless Places: Her Dangerous Experiment’ – Alexa Williams lived a simple life. As an athlete and a programmer, she had her troubles and had always pushed through…but this time was different. She definitely was not looking for love, nor was she looking to get mixed up in any ugly dealings, but when they say love is found in hopeless places, this could easily have been what they had in mind.
Forcefully taken away from her home and all that she was familiar with for a dangerous experiment that threatened her life, things could not be more hopeless. And as for love…
Jude was careless with a lot of things, including his finances, and it was this carelessness that led him to the mess in which he now found himself. He needed solutions and he needed money—lots of it and fast. So, when a job as a researcher for a deadly project became his latest opportunity, it was an offer he could not refuse. It was never part of the plan to get head over heels distracted, but there is no other way to describe his situation once he set eyes on the beautiful Alexa.
Things heated up fast, and now it seems like it is all about to come crashing down. He is stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea, and now Jude must choose between what he desperately needs and what he desires more than anything.
‘Harbor City Homicide’ is the new mystery novel by David Bradbury. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
David Bradbury is a former newspaper crime reporter who has long been fascinated with the gang culture of Los Angeles. His new book “Harbor City Homicide” takes readers into the underworld of LA’s gangs. It is available now on Amazon.
“Harbor City Homicide” – Exciting action, danger and crackling dialogue – a reader’s comment. Early morning. The concrete forecourt of a Los Angeles motel you would not check your family into. The owner, a man with a past who was planning a particular future, has been shot in the back. Career detective Helen Freitag’s investigation of the murder takes her into the underworld of LA’s gangs, as racial tensions and arson attacks rise across the sweltering city. Looming in the background is an official inquiry into her questionable shooting of a bank robber, as well as increasing trauma from her army service. The handsome, disgraced journalist Prentice Taylor is drawn into the inquiry by Freitag when the dead man’s daughter runs away from home.
Harrison Taylor raises the bar with his breakout novel “Those Who Hunt Wolves.” It will be released February 22, 2022. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Readers who love sci-fi, thrillers, and action-adventure are in for a treat with Harrison Taylor’s debut, “Those Who Hunt Wolves.” Published by Metal Rooster Publishing House, the techno-thriller officially releases February 22, 2022 and offers a terrifying wake-up call of what our world might become if certain technology goes astray. (Harrison Taylor, 2022)
The fate of nations, and humanity itself, revolves around the Blackout, the United States’ most powerful—and most enigmatic—weapon. It is the United States government’s most guarded secret, as well as the key to unthinkable control for those who know about it and wish to leverage its potential for their own endeavors. When the last remaining Wolf, a super-soldier created by a military experiment, steals it, it is up to the three former members of a top-secret group to hunt down the Wolf and get it back before it is too late. But who is working for whom? Amid political intrigue and an impending international crisis, no one is who they seem, and anything can happen.
Born in Colorado, Harrison Taylor found his love for literature in movies. With a deep love for cinema, Harrison started his creative career writing screenplays for low budget shorts. He then switched to becoming a novelist, where there are no budgetary constraints. He first prose story was “The Pharmacy.”
As a movie buff, Harrison crafted his writing style with a cinematic flair that keeps the pages turning. “I love storytelling, and movies,” says Taylor, who is also a medical doctor. “My goal with this book is to give readers an exhilarating experience, like they are reading a movie. I watch scenes from Quentin Tarantino movies before I start writing.”
Metal Rooster Publishing House is an independent publishing house dedicated to telling captivating stories across the genre spectrum. They believe the best stories are not told in black and white, but many shades of grey. The company is dedicated to inspiring others to pick up that pen, paintbrush, or mic, and to create.
