Tag: books

A Killer Returns: ‘First Cut’ by J.T. Bishop Slices Into the Psyche

‘First Cut’ is Book 1 in the Family or Foe Saga by J.T. Bishop. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Spotlight: First Cut: A Serial Killer Murder Mystery Thriller by J.T. Bishop

(The Family or Foe Saga with Detectives Daniels and Remalla – Book 1)

Synopsis

He stole everything from her. But when he lines up his pieces for a rematch, he’ll be surprised at how well she’s learned to play the game. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

In a gripping tale of obsession and revenge, former detective Jill Jacobs must confront her darkest nightmare: the Makeup Artist, a twisted serial killer whose gruesome crimes and disturbing fixation on Jill nearly destroyed her.

Now, with the psychopath striking again, Jill’s uncanny telepathic bond with the killer becomes the only hope for Detectives Daniels and Remalla to end the carnage. But to catch him, Jill must re-enter the chilling mindset that once connected them—a connection he still craves.

As Jill grows closer to one of the detectives, the killer’s obsession reignites, and the danger escalates. Will she find the strength to stop the sadistic murderer who shattered her world—or will this deadly game claim more innocent lives, including her own?

“First Cut” is the thrilling opener of the Family or Foe Saga, blending psychological suspense with paranormal crime fiction. It’s an electrifying read that probes the darkest corners of justice and the human psyche.

Series Titles in the Family or Foe Saga

  • “Second Slice: A Murder Mystery Suspense Thriller“
  • “Third Blow: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“
  • “Fourth Strike: A Murder Mystery Paranormal Thriller“

Review

“First Cut” is a chilling and fast-paced thriller that immerses readers in a nightmare of obsession, trauma, and vengeance.

The story centers around Jill Jacobs, a former Seattle detective who reluctantly returns from indefinite leave to assist Detectives Aaron Remalla and Gordon Daniels in stopping the Makeup Artist before he kills again. Bishop wastes no time, opening with a disturbing crime scene:

“The body stared up with vacant eyes, the garish lipstick smeared across the lips, and the cheeks streaked with harsh red.”

Bishop excels at psychological tension. Jill is a layered, compelling protagonist—haunted but resilient—while the killer’s eerie presence and grisly calling card are nightmare fuel. As the investigation deepens, so does the emotional complexity. With language that is easy to follow, the action flows naturally through the pages. The story explores themes of fear, identity, justice, and trauma, and the bond Jill shares with the killer adds a chilling supernatural twist.

Bishop’s prose is crisp and evocative:

“Peering around the corner, he looked inside. It was quiet and the only things moving were the tiny dust particles in the air that caught the light.”

This is a dark, engrossing tale of survival and reckoning. Fans of gritty crime thrillers and psychological suspense will enjoy this book—and eagerly await Detective Daniels and Remalla’s, as well as Jill Jacobs’ next harrowing journey.

“At that moment, her protective wall disintegrated. Images assaulted her. Screams of rage and fear bubbled up, and she could see it in her mind’s eye. Vicky’s terror.”

About the Author: J.T. Bishop

J.T. Bishop is an award-winning author known for writing mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist. She loves weaving tangled relationships, unexpected plot turns, and heart-stopping love stories—sometimes with a dose of paranormal fun.

Her works include:

  • The Red-Line Trilogy
  • The Fletcher Family Saga
  • The Family or Foe Saga, starring the charismatic Detectives Daniels and Remalla
  • A crossover series featuring a gifted paranormal P.I. and his spunky sister

Her evil plan? To hook readers with suspense, thrills, and just the right touch of the unknown.

Have you read “First Cut“? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
📚🔪✨

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

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

Book Spotlight: “Black Sun Rising” by Otho Eskin

A long-buried Nazi weapon resurfaces. America stands on the brink of destruction. One man must stop history’s darkest nightmare from happening again in “Black Sun Rising,” the electrifying thriller by former Foreign Service Officer Otho Eskin. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2025)

Release date: June 10, 2025. It is available for pre-order.

The Story

When Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn’s partner is murdered, his pursuit of justice leads him into the heart of Black Sun—a violent neo-Nazi movement born from the ashes of World War II’s most sinister forces.

Their chilling goal: to unleash a catastrophic attack that will plunge the nation into chaos.

To stop them, Zorn must:

  • Outwit a mysterious and deadly woman known only as the Bride of the Apocalypse
  • Navigate the treacherous ambitions of two of the world’s wealthiest—and most ruthless—men
  • Expose a conspiracy stretching from the highest levels of power in Washington to the darkest corners of the underworld

Can Marko Zorn save the country from annihilation?

“Black Sun Rising” is a pulse-pounding thriller in the tradition of Baldacci, Clancy, and Patterson, delivering nonstop suspense, razor-sharp political intrigue, and a chillingly timely tale of hatred, extremism, and one man willing to risk everything to stop it.

“A taut, fast-paced thriller with unforgettable characters and high stakes from the very first page.”

About the Series

“Black Sun Rising” is the fourth book in Otho Eskin’s acclaimed Marko Zorn series, which includes:

  • “The Reflecting Pool”
  • “Head Shot”
  • “Firetrap”

Each novel can be read as a gripping stand-alone or as part of the ongoing series.

About the Author: Otho Eskin

Otho Eskin launched his career as a thriller writer in 2020 with “The Reflecting Pool,” which was met with rave reviews and chosen as an Amazon Editors’ Pick for Best Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense. (Otho Eskin, 2025)

Before turning to fiction, Eskin served in the U.S. Army and as a diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service. His postings took him to Syria, Yugoslavia, Iceland, and East Berlin (then part of the GDR), where he witnessed political corruption and international intrigue firsthand—experiences that now inform his high-stakes novels.

While stationed in East Berlin during the Cold War, Eskin was named in a Soviet-backed propaganda publication titled Who’s Who in the CIA—a false accusation meant to discredit and endanger American diplomats. Though not a spy, the disinformation campaign shaped his understanding of global deception and power plays—key themes in his writing today.

Eskin is also an accomplished playwright. His works—including Act of God, Murder as a Fine Art, Duet, Julie, Final Analysis, and Season in Hell—have been professionally staged in Washington, New York, and Europe.

Are you ready for a thriller that doesn’t let up?
Pick up “Black Sun Rising” and join Marko Zorn in a race against time to stop a nightmare’s rebirth.

1749571320

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘Black Sun Rising’ release date

Writing Through Grief: Matteo B. Bianchi’s Unforgettable Novel of Love and Loss

‘The Life of Those Left Behind’ is the new novel by Matteo B. Bianchi. Photo: Other Press.

“The Life of Those Left Behind”: Matteo B. Bianchi’s Devastating and Luminous Novel of Grief

In “The Life of Those Left Behind: A Novel,” acclaimed Italian author Matteo B. Bianchi delivers a profoundly intimate meditation on grief, love, and the transformative power of storytelling. Set to be released in English on May 27, 2025 by Other Press, this luminous novel is a raw and moving testimony born from personal tragedy. (Other Press, 2025)

A Story Born from Loss

When Bianchi published his debut novel in 1999—a fierce, coming-of-age portrait of a gay boy in 1980s Milan—his life was shadowed by unbearable loss. Just months earlier, S., the man he had loved and lived with for seven years, had taken his own life in the apartment they once shared. Matteo was the one who found him.

From that harrowing moment, Bianchi describes being trapped in a “dark labyrinth”—a psychological and emotional whirlpool of grief, confusion, guilt, and sorrow that haunts those left behind after a loved one’s suicide. He becomes the unwilling protagonist in a tragedy that feels both intimately unique and universally unfathomable.

Writing Through the Pain

In the midst of this devastation, the writer within Bianchi begins to take notes—not as a project, but as a reflex, a lifeline. At first, they are broken fragments: raw nerves on the page, splinters of memory and emotion. Over time, those fragments evolve into a heartfelt and unfiltered conversation with S.—a record of pain, love, memory, and the slow, uncertain path back toward life.

“The Life of Those Left Behind” is the result of two decades of healing and reflection. It’s a novel both radical and vulnerable, both deeply personal and resonant with universal truths. In his journey through trauma, Bianchi joins a literary lineage of authors who have wrestled with loss on the page—writers like Joan Didion (“The Year of Magical Thinking”), Ocean Vuong (“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous”), and Lidia Yuknavich (“The Chronology of Water”).

A Novel That Redeems Grief

This book is not only an account of what it means to survive, but also a testament to how writing can redeem and reframe even the most unspeakable pain. It is a powerful reminder that while grief may never fully release its grip, art can help us find light inside its darkest corners.

About the Author

Matteo B. Bianchi, born in Milan in 1966, is a novelist, editor, and screenwriter. His previous works include “Generations of Love” and “Maria Accanto,” both celebrated for their emotional depth and cultural insight.

About the Translator

Michael F. Moore is an award-winning translator known for his masterful renditions of Italian literature. His recent work includes “The Betrothed” by Alessandro Manzoni, and he has translated works by Alberto Moravia, Primo Levi, and Mario Desiati. In 2024, Moore was honored with the Thornton Wilder Prize for Translation. He holds a PhD in Italian from NYU and has served as an interpreter and staff member at the United Nations.

📖 Don’t Miss This Unforgettable Story

“The Life of Those Left Behind” is a novel that will stay with you long after the final page. Pre-order your copy today and be among the first to experience this powerful journey through love, loss, and healing.

👉 Pre-order now from Other Press

Advance Praise for Matteo B. Bianchi (The Life of Those Left Behind):

***One of FRESH FICTION’s Not To Miss June 2025 Titles***

“With The Life of Those Left Behind, Matteo B. Bianchi, one of Italy’s finest writers, attains new heights of intimacy, acuity, and eloquence. A chronicle of a loved one’s suicide—what led up to it and what followed it—the novel is also a testament to human endurance and compassion, fallibility and wisdom. A necessary book.”
—David Leavitt, author of Shelter in Place

“Haunting and haunted. As beautiful as it is devastating. The Life of Those Left Behind is one of those rare books to capture the brutal nature of grief and loss while soaring as a stunning work of literature. Matteo B. Bianchi serves as both traveler and guide into a terrifying underworld we never expect to enter. It’s an indelible meditation on suicide, precision-tuned to break your heart.”
—Christopher Bollen, author of Havoc

1748344996

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

‘The Life of Those Left Behind’ release date

Step Into Joy: Inside Out Exhibit Comes to The DoSeum This Summer

The DoSeum to premiere Emotions at Play with Pixar’s ‘Inside Out’ this summer. Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

🎉 Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out – Now at The DoSeum! 🎉
📅 May 24 – September 1, 2025
📍 The DoSeum, San Antonio

Step into the colorful world of Pixar’s Inside Out at The DoSeum’s newest interactive exhibit, Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out. Designed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh, this exhibit helps children and families explore the science of emotions through joyful, hands-on experiences. (The DoSeum, 2025)

👀 What to Expect:

  • Take charge at Headquarters’ Control Panel to explore emotional responses
  • Reflect on feelings with Emotion Mirrors
  • Capture powerful moments inside glowing Memory Spheres
  • Create stories at Dream Productions
  • Balance feelings on the Train of Thought and Emotion Blocks

🧠 Focused on the five core emotions—Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear—this playful exhibit supports emotional literacy, self-expression, and imagination, making it the perfect learning adventure for kids and caregivers alike.

About The DoSeum

The DoSeum is San Antonio’s museum for children and a cornerstone of interactive learning. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, with roots dating back to 1995 when it first opened as the San Antonio Children’s Museum, The DoSeum has grown into one of the nation’s top children’s museums. The DoSeum features interactive exhibits spanning science, math, art, and literacy, designed to spark curiosity and ignite imaginations. Committed to fostering hands-on learning and discovery, The DoSeum serves as a premier educational resource for educators, caregivers, and children in the San Antonio community.

About Inside Out 

Pixar’s hit animated feature Inside Out is the story of 11-year-old Riley, who like all of us, is guided by her emotions – Joy, Fear, Anger, Disgust, and Sadness. The emotions live in Headquarters, the control center inside Riley’s mind, where they help advise her through everyday life. Riley and her emotions struggle to adjust to a new life in San Francisco as Joy, Riley’s main and most important emotion, tries to keep things positive. Inside Out was released in 2015. 

🎂 You’re Invited: Hooray for 10! A Community Celebration
📅 Friday, June 6 | 10a.m. – 8p.m.
Celebrate The DoSeum’s 10th birthday with a FREE day of fun, including the Inside Out exhibit, live performances, treats, activities, and more!

🎟️ RSVP Required – Limited Tickets Available!
Reserve your free spot online during one of these RSVP windows:

  • May 16 at 8a.m.
  • May 17 at 12p.m.
  • May 18 at 3p.m.
  • May 19 at 7p.m.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn, laugh, and grow with your community!

The DoSeum
2800 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78209

Photo: The DoSeum, used with permission.

Gothic Noir in Wartime France: Franck Bouysse’s ‘Clay’

‘Clay’ is Franck Bouysse’s new novel. Photo: Other Press

New Release: Clay by Franck Bouysse

A Dark, Lyrical Tale of War, Vengeance, and Buried Passions

Critically acclaimed French author Franck Bouysse, a master of gothic noir, returns this month with his latest novel, “Clay: A Novel”—a powerful, Faulknerian story of love, masculinity, and vengeance set against the backdrop of World War I. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)
Release Date: May 20, 2025

A Story Set in Shadows and Heat

In the summer of 1914, in the rugged heart of Cantal, France, the able-bodied men of a rural mountain community march off to war. Left behind are the women, the elderly, and the young—those who must now bear the weight of survival.

Fifteen-year-old Joseph is one of them. With his father gone, he’s left to run the family farm alongside his mother, grandmother, and their aging neighbor Leonard. Across the property line lives Valette, a bitter man excused from the war due to a malformed hand. When his brother’s wife and daughter seek refuge with him, their arrival ignites long-simmering resentments and awakens passions that had long been buried.

Gothic Noir Meets Historical Fiction

Clay is a haunting, propulsive novel that blurs the line between historical fiction and literary noir. With richly textured prose and emotionally raw characters, Bouysse crafts a deeply affecting narrative of isolation, violence, and human resilience. The novel explores themes of abuse, family bonds, suppressed desire, and the way trauma seeps through generations.

This is essential reading for fans of Bouysse’s previous work and readers who love dark, atmospheric fiction in the tradition of Tana French or William Faulkner.

About the Author

Franck Bouysse was born in France in 1965. Before becoming a full-time writer in 2007, he worked as a biology teacher. His breakout novel, “Born of No Woman,” won multiple prestigious French literary awards, including the Elle Readers’ Grand Prize, the Booksellers’ Prize, and the Prix Babelio. His follow-up, “Wind Drinkers,” received the Prix Jean Giono and further cemented his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary French literature.

About the Translator

Lara Vergnaud is a celebrated translator of French literature, known for her work across fiction, nonfiction, and scholarly texts. She has received two PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grants and a French Voices Grand Prize, and has been nominated for the National Translation Award. Her recent translations include “The Most Secret Memory of Men” by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr and “Demoiselles of Numidia” by Mohamed Leftah. She currently lives in France.

Advance Praise for Franck Bouysse (Clay):

“Franck Bouysse builds novels like an architect, writes prose like a painter, and with Clay captures both the beauty and bleakness of nature, the horrors of conflict and matters of the human heart with a poet’s precision. This is a masterwork of historical fiction—born of the Cantal region’s people as much as its mountains, rivers, and soil—that renders with staggering authenticity the volatile dramas created in the voids of the Great War. A translation to be cherished, Clay is an unforgettable story…superb, sublime, and heartbreaking.”
—Peter Farris, award-winning author of The Devil Himself

‘Ingress’: A Grief-Stricken Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is available on digital and on demand. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

New Movie: Ingress – Beyond Grief, Beyond Time, Beyond Reality.

Directed by Rachel Noll James

Starring: Rachel Noll James, Christopher Clark, Tim Dekay, and Johnny Ferro

Ingress is available to rent/buy at Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

The Story

A woman with the ability to travel between parallel realities is devastated when she loses her husband in a tragic accident. Overcome with grief, she journeys through the multiverse in search of a reality where he’s still alive. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)

Movie Review: Ingress – A Haunting Journey Through the Multiverse

Ingress is a gripping sci-fi drama that combines emotional depth with mind-bending concepts. At its core is Riley (played masterfully by Rachel Noll James), a woman shattered by the sudden loss of her husband in a tragic accident. But Riley isn’t like most people—she has the rare ability to travel between parallel realities. Fueled by grief and desperation, she begins a journey across the multiverse in search of a world where her husband still lives.

Director Rachel Noll James crafts a visually stunning and emotionally charged narrative that explores not only the scientific “what-ifs” of alternate realities but also the human heart’s unwillingness to let go. Every effort at a reunion gives her glimpses of hope, heartbreak, and hard truths, challenging her understanding of love, fate, and identity. Along the way she meets Daniel Cassanders, an author who tries to help her with his specialized skillset.

The production value is good and the cinematography is striking. Rachel Noll James skillfully brings Riley’s struggles to life and given Daniel’s complicated role in her life, Christopher Clark handles his role well.

Ingress skillfully combines intimate storytelling with grand speculative ideas. It’s not just about science fiction—it’s about the emotional consequences of clinging to the past and the cost of rewriting fate.

With a haunting score and a poignant conclusion, Ingress will linger long after the credits roll. It’s a must-watch for fans of cerebral, emotionally driven science fiction.

Have you seen Ingress? Share your thoughts.

Ingress movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

*The author was contacted for an honest review and received a link to this movie. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Hard Work, Humility, and the Human Spirit: A Powerful Read from Elyezer Shkedy

‘Who the F*ck is Michael?!’ is the debut bestselling book by General (Ret.) Elyezer Shkedy. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” by Elyezer Shkedy
Leadership, Humility, and the Power of Personal Responsibility

If you’re looking for a book that packs a punch in both inspiration and life wisdom, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!: An Israeli Air Force Chief’s Uncompromising Code for Achieving Greatness” by Elyezer Shkedy deserves a spot on your reading list.

The Premise

In this thought-provoking collection, Shkedy—former Commander of the Israeli Air Force—distills over 100 life stories into concise lessons on leadership, success, integrity, and personal responsibility. The stories are short, engaging, and packed with real-world relevance. Each one describes a real event in his life as he remembers it and are not presented in a linear format.

The provocative title comes from a story about humility and hidden greatness. Michael was the principal at their son Omer’s school and one day he told them that Omer would never learn to read or write. The phrase became their family’s defiant battle cry whenever someone would tell them they couldn’t do something they were determined to do. It sets the tone for what’s to come: a reminder that extraordinary people often live quietly among us.

Life Lessons

This collection of stories contain life lessons filled with emotional intelligence. Shkedy doesn’t lecture—he shares. His anecdotes range from military missions to personal reflections, each offering a glimpse into the kind of leadership that values character over charisma and action over words. He manages to do all this without sounding condescending and by using straightforward language. Most of the stories end with a section on the specific lesson he learned.

Some of these stories include:

  • Superhighway to Change
  • The Real Estate Shark
  • You Have No Approval
  • The Ego Beneath the Surface

Highlights

21 – They Are Just Like You – He grew up in an institution for children at risk because his father ran the place and the family lived on the premises. He was taught at an early age that we’re all basically the same, this is one of the lessons that he took to heart during his lifetime. Part of his gold rule for living is to treat others like you would like to be treated.

129 – You Wouldn’t Want to Live In The Past – “When you have completed a significant chapter of your career, let it go.” Be proud about what you did, but move on.

Whether you’re in business, education, healthcare, or just navigating life, this book will challenge you to think deeply about what it means to lead, serve, and strive for excellence.

Final Thoughts

Overall, “Who the F*ck is Michael?!” is more than a leadership book—it’s a mirror for anyone who wants to live with purpose and accountability. It is recommended for readers who appreciate sensible personal advice and also enjoy books on business leadership and personal success.

“A person may appear pitiful and pathetic at first glance; their accent and vocabulary may not be impressive; their attire may not be striking — but that tells you nothing about their ability, their wit, their intelligence or their potential.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Related post: Leadership Lessons from a Military Commander: What Elyezer Shkedy’s Book Teaches Us About Success

Sci-Fi with Soul: Why ‘Echoes From A Distant Star’ Deserves a Spot on Your Shelf

‘Echoes From A Distant Star’ by John McCool. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: “Echoes From A Distant Star: Ranger Book One”
A Chilling Sci-Fi Mystery Where Silence Speaks Louder Than Words

The Premise

In the depths of space, a long-abandoned vessel conceals the whispers of something tragic.

Locilette, a Ranger patrolling this sector of space, responds to an anonymous call of a potential derelict spotted drifting in the endless void. Thinking this is nothing more than another routine call would end up being one of the greatest mistakes of his career.

What horrors befell the Yanagi’s crew? Were they driven to madness, or did an unknown terror stalk the now dark corridors? Will the Ranger uncover the truth behind the crew’s disappearance, or will he succumb to the same horrors that claimed them? The darkness of the Yanagi awaits… (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Suspense in the Silence

“Echoes From A Distant Star” launches readers into a hauntingly atmospheric space saga that’s as much about mystery and memory as it is about exploration. Set aboard the Theseus, a ship in the far reaches of space, Locilette, a Ranger of the Fifth Degree from the Kronos System has just crossed a large wormhole gate. Part of his job includes responding to missing ships, checking on the status of a communications buoy, or even pursuing a smuggler. Most of this is done in the vast darkness of space but he loves his job because of the adrenaline rush.

After hailing the Yanagi and with no response besides a bright flash of light inside he activates the ship’s Secura-Droid who he calls Brinks. They both board the Yanagi and begin an investigation filled with secrets and unspeakable fears that’ll haunt him for the rest of his life.

McCool masterfully builds suspense through minimalist prose and subtle world-building, letting the isolation of space and the Yanagi’s ghostly silence speak volumes: “He took a few steps down, the eerie feeling hanging over him like a predator in the night made his hand hover close to his holster. This kind of quiet was unnatural.” The vessel isn’t just a wreck; it’s a tomb echoing with unresolved trauma, the “whispers” of an unknown tragedy lingering in every corridor. As Locilette pieces together the fate of the crew, readers are drawn into a chilling narrative that blends hard science fiction with psychological thriller elements and plenty of plot twists to keep them guessing until the final shocking reveal.

With vivid language and employing the senses, he brings the settings to life: “The sound of Brink’s footsteps crunching on the glass grew closer and closer, its eyes like two bobbing blue orbs dancing in the darkness.” The pacing is deliberate, even meditative at times, inviting introspection on grief, loss, and the consequences of hubris in deep space.

More Than a Sci-Fi Thriller

Beneath the surface, this is a story about grief, memory, and the psychological toll of isolation. McCool invites readers to reflect on humanity’s vulnerability, especially when facing the unknown. By deeply developing Locilette’s character, he becomes relatable and readers get emotionally invested in his safety. The eerie quiet of the ship is palpable, and every creaking bulkhead and flickering light hints at a deeper, darker story. Plus, the tension comes not from action-packed battles, but from the slow unraveling of a haunting mystery.

Final Thoughts

Overall, “Echoes From A Distant Star” is a gripping and suspenseful series debut that sets a strong foundation for the Ranger series. It explores the themes of family, friendship, survival, heroism, and good versus evil. I recommend it for fans of science fiction space adventures similar to the Star Trek franchise. McCool’s blend of mystery and melancholy makes for a compelling read that lingers long after the final page.

“This place was getting to him much more than he realized. Although his extensive training and career experience shielded him from a great deal of the trauma he had witnessed to this point, everyone had their limit, and he was almost at his own.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

About the author

John R. MCCool III hails from a small town in the great state of Mississippi. He fell in love with writing at a very young age, oftentimes writing stories during class rather than paying attention. He now resides in Rossville, Illinois where most of his time is spent attending to the day-to-day operations of a local coffee company, which is like a second home to him. When not writing or sipping coffee, John loves spending time with his wife and kids who give him the inspiration to pursue all of his dreams.

Debut Spotlight: Franziska Gänsler’s ‘Eternal Summer’ Explores Climate and Connection

‘Eternal Summer’ by Franziska Gänsler. Photo: Barnes & Noble

New Release: “Eternal Summer” by Franziska Gänsler

Available Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (Other Press)

This week brings an unsettling and mesmerizing work of climate fiction from debut author Franziska Gänsler. “Eternal Summer: A Novel” is set in a once-idyllic German spa town now devastated by climate change. Perfect for fans of Jenny Hval, Julia Armfield, and Olga Tokarczuk, this haunting novel explores themes of trust, abuse, and solidarity through the evolving relationship between two women.

When Iris inherits her grandfather’s hotel in Bad Heim, the town is still a bustling wellness retreat. But as climate change tightens its grip, summers stretch endlessly, scorching heat and forest fires fill the skies with ash and smoke, and guests become scarce. One day, a young mother and her small daughter arrive, seemingly out of nowhere. Iris senses something is off. Is the woman in need of help—or could she pose a threat?

Gänsler vividly conjures the suffocating atmosphere: the sting of ash on skin, the oppressive heat, and the ever-present scent of smoke. “Eternal Summer” is a powerful, immersive novel that captures the intersection of personal trauma and global catastrophe. It’s an intense and timely debut that lingers long after the last page.

About the Author

Franziska Gänsler was born in Augsburg, Germany in 1987. She studied art and English in Berlin, Vienna, and Augsburg. In 2020, she was shortlisted for the Blogbuster Prize and was a finalist at Berlin’s 28th Open Mike competition. Gänsler currently lives in Augsburg and Berlin. “Eternal Summer” is her first novel.

About the Translator

Imogen Taylor studied French and German at New College, Oxford, and the Humboldt University in Berlin. She has translated works by Sascha Arango, Dirk Kurbjuweit, and Melanie Raabe. In March 2016, she received the Goethe-Institut Award for New Translations.

Advance Praise for Franziska Gänsler (Eternal Summer):

“I loved this book. Exploring the unsettling tension between individual lives and the collective upheaval of the climate crisis, it questions what we owe one another. Its haunting is subtle, slow and flickering from page to page until it catches. The two women stayed with me for days afterward.”
—Sarah S. Grossman, author of “A Fire So Wild”

“Gänsler’s language is calm and unerring. Parallel to the fatal consequences of the climate crisis, she also narrates the story of women.”
—DER SPIEGEL

“A feminist climate-fiction novel that gets under the skin in many different ways.”
—BERLINER ZEITUNG

Leadership Lessons from a Military Commander: What Elyezer Shkedy’s Book Teaches Us About Success

‘Who the F*ck is Michael?!: An Israeli Air Force Chief’s Uncompromising Code for Achieving Greatness’ by Elyezer Shkedy. Photo: Barnes & Noble

The Power of Books on Personal and Business Success

Books on personal and business success offer more than just inspiration—they provide actionable insights, proven strategies, and lessons from top leaders across industries. These works condense decades of experience into digestible, practical advice that can help readers improve their mindset, boost productivity, enhance leadership skills, and sharpen decision-making.

Whether you’re launching a startup or pursuing personal growth, these books offer real-world relevance and motivation. Readers learn from the triumphs and setbacks of renowned entrepreneurs and executives, gaining perspectives that can accelerate their own journeys. Ultimately, these books act as mentors on the page, empowering individuals to achieve their goals with clarity and confidence.

Spotlight on Elyezer Shkedy and “Who the F*ck is Michael?!”

General (Ret.) Elyezer Shkedy served as the fifteenth commander of the Israeli Air Force, where he led numerous strategic operations—including the pivotal Operation Orchard airstrike on Syria’s nuclear reactor. After his military service, he became the CEO of El Al, Israel’s national airline, and currently leads over fifteen educational and social NGOs. As president of I Belong Israel, Shkedy is a prominent voice on leadership, tolerance, and personal values.

His bestselling debut book “Who the F*ck is Michael?!: An Israeli Air Force Chief’s Uncompromising Code for Achieving Greatness” has sold over 30,000 copies in its Hebrew edition and was the most-read book among Israeli military personnel in 2022. (CS Lewis Publicity, 2025)

A Leadership Book Like No Other

“Who the F*ck is Michael?!” is a compelling exploration of leadership, resilience, and personal excellence. Drawing from a career that spans elite military command and corporate leadership, Shkedy shares over 100 real-life stories and insights that stress the importance of hard work, accountability, and moral courage.

Originally published in Hebrew and now available in English, the book received the prestigious Golden Book Award. It stands as a powerful guide for anyone looking to lead with intention, discipline, and integrity.