Tag: fiction

Echoes of the Rio Grande: A Reflection on ‘The River Runs: Stories’

‘The River Runs: Stories’ by Thomas Ray Garcia. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Thomas Ray Garcia is the author of the award-winning short story collection “The River Runs: Stories” and the co-author of “El Curso de la Raza: The Education of Aurelio Manuel Montemayor.” At Princeton University, he received the Ward Mathis Short Story Prize for his fiction on the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. He is the founder and co-chair of College Scholarship Leadership Access Program (CSLAP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that teaches college access classes and connects near-peer mentors to students in the Rio Grande Valley. (Thomas Ray Garcia, 2025)

“The River Runs: Stories” is his debut short story collection that presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation. It won the Américo Paredes Literary Arts Prize for Fiction sponsored by FlowerSong Press from McAllen, Texas, and Prickly Pear Publishing from Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Stories include:
Seventh Man
Prosperers
Watcher in The Sky
La Lomita
The Curandera on Alameda Street
Burn The Sun
Sunset Station
After The Wall
I Know I Will Be Leaving Here
A South Texas September
Scholarship Boy

Thomas Ray Garcia’s short stories explore the deep, often turbulent connections between people and the communities that shape their lives. Set in the borderlands where the Rio Grande river is both a life-giving force and a dividing line, Garcia’s narratives illuminate the struggles, hopes, and identities of those living alongside it.

Each story is a poignant reflection on themes of survival, migration, heritage, and resilience. Garcia’s prose is lyrical yet grounded, capturing the stark realities of his characters with authenticity and emotional depth. “The pain behind every word was not like the rush of deoxygenated blood rushing to and from the brain, but the exertion of reaching a finish line obscured by hand and shouts and incense.” The river, more than just a setting, becomes a symbol of change, separation, and continuity—shaping destinies in ways that are both beautiful and heartbreaking.

The highlight is its diversity of voices, from immigrants seeking a better future to those who feel trapped by their circumstances. Garcia doesn’t shy away from difficult truths, but he also highlights moments of tenderness and connection. As someone who grew up along the border, these stories resonate with me as they reflect a commonality not usually present in modern literature.

Overall, “The River Runs” is both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It appeals to readers who appreciate literature that examines cultural identity, the human condition, and endurance. With its rich storytelling and evocative imagery, it explores the themes of family, coming of age, and friendship. Garcia’s work is a powerful testament to the lives shaped by the ever-flowing, ever-changing river.

“The Rio Grande was the only river I knew at the time, although I had only seen it once. I remember it made a lasting impression on me because Mom said something about rivers changing all the time. Every time you looked into it, it wouldn’t be the same river and you wouldn’t be the same person either.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.
@thomasraygarcia

Do I have favorite stories from The River Runs? Three of these stories speak to me for very different reasons. —– The River Runs: Stories presents revitalized insights into the Texas-Mexico border region by centering the Rio Grande as a site of belonging and becoming. These 11 stories feature characters facing the realities of living alongside a river running through their countries, communities, and cultures. Winner of the Bronze Award at the 2024 International Latino Book Awards for “Best Short Story Collection (English)” The River Runs is available at South Texas bookstores and online retailers like TikTok Shop, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, and Amazon. Click the link in my bio. #booktok #readersoftiktok #956rgv #riograndevalley #pharrtx #rgvauthors #texasauthors

♬ original sound – Thomas Ray Garcia

From Paris to Tel Aviv: The Global Intrigue of ‘Lovers of Franz K.’ by Burhan Sönmez

‘Lovers of Franz K’ is the new novel by Burhan Sönmez. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Burhan Sönmez is the author of six novels, which have been published in more than thirty languages. He was born in Turkey and grew up speaking Turkish and Kurdish. He worked as a lawyer in Istanbul before going into political exile in Britain. Sönmez’s writing has appeared in such publications as The Guardian, Der Spiegel, Die Zeit, and La Repubblica. His previous novels include “Labyrinth” and “Stone and Shadow.” He was elected president of PEN International in 2021.

His new novel “Lovers of Franz K.: A Novel” is an inventive literary obituary for Kafka, perfect for both Kafka fans and lovers of historical literary page turners in the vein of Anne Berest’s “The Postcard” and Colm Toibin’s “The Magician.” Translated by Samî Hêzil, it will be released on April 1, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2025)

About the Translator: Samî Hêzil is a writer and translator from northern Kurdistan. He holds a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, and has been translating literary and scientific works from English into Kurdish since 2000. His short stories and scholarly articles in Kurdish have been published by a variety of literary publications. He teaches Kurdish literature at Kurdî-Der (The Kurdish Language Association) in Van, Turkey.

“Lovers of Franz K: A Novel” – This thriller of love and revenge brings the Cold War to life, from Paris and Istanbul to West Berlin and Tel Aviv.

Amid the student protests in 1960s Europe, Kafka’s best friend Max Brod becomes a target of their ire. Against the dying writer’s wishes, he had published texts that never should have been part of his legacy. After Brod is injured in an attempted assassination, assailant Ferdy Kaplan is captured and questioned by Commissioner Müller at the West Berlin police station.

As his interrogation progresses through dialogues in the police station, the courtroom, and prison, Kaplan’s background is revealed piece by piece. From the love story between him and his childhood friend Amalya, to their shared passion for Kafka, it leads them to join a radical group. But when a shocking discovery is made about the person who ultimately set Brod’s attempted murder in motion, Kaplan and Müller agree to work together to expose the truth.

In this gripping, thought-provoking tribute to Kafka, Burhan Sönmez vividly recreates a key period of history when the Berlin Wall divided Europe and women were fighting for freedom and against tradition, adopting Jean Seberg’s iconic short haircut from Breathless. More than a typical mystery, “Lovers of Franz K” is a brilliant exploration of the value of books, and the issues of anti-Semitism, immigration, and violence that recur in Kafka’s life and writings.

“PEN International president Sönmez (Stone and Shadow) wrestles with fraught questions of loyalty and legacy in this contemplative literary thriller…Sönmez’s sharp thematic layering and concise worldbuilding impress. This is a good bet for mystery readers seeking something off the beaten path.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY

“A gripping tale of youthful single-mindedness and institutionalization…a glass-bottomed boat swirling through the Bosphorus of Kafka’s consciousness and works, glaring into the depths of him, his mercurial shadows and shifting states.”
—Lemn Sissay, author of My Name Is Why

“Lovers of Franz K. is a gripping tale of idealism colliding with history and moral uncertainty. It portrays characters scarred by their past as they grapple with unanswerable questions and make startling decisions. Exploring passion, loyalty, and history, Sönmez’s novel will leave you questioning what it truly means to write, to love, and to honor the literary creator versus the creation.”
—Ava Homa, author of Daughters of Smoke and Fire

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

‘The Moldavian Gambit’ is the new geopolitical novel by Brad M. Meslin. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Geopolitical thrillers explore the complex and often dangerous world of international relations, power struggles, and high-stakes conflicts between nations, often involving espionage, terrorism, and political intrigue. They create a sense of urgency and realism. Readers are drawn to their fast-paced narratives, intricate conspiracies, and morally ambiguous characters, which reflect real-world tensions.

The genre offers both escapism and insight, allowing audiences to experience the adrenaline of global conflicts while considering the ethical dilemmas of diplomacy and war. With unpredictable twists and meticulously researched details, geopolitical thrillers keep readers on edge, making them a compelling blend of suspense, intelligence, and real-world relevance.

Today’s new book spotlight is on “The Moldavian Gambit” by Brad M. Meslin. It was recently certified Amazon bestseller status (Top 100) in two categories: #43 in Espionage Thrillers and #21 in Political Thrillers and Suspense.

Brad M. Meslin draws on nearly 40 years of experience in the aerospace, defense, and national security sectors, where he advised global private equity firms on over 1,000 merger and acquisition transactions. His firsthand knowledge of military and intelligence operations lends unparalleled authenticity and depth to his storytelling. “The Moldavian Gambit” is his first novel. Inspired by actual events, this heart-pounding geopolitical thriller transports readers to a world filled with nuclear blackmail, political deception, and high-stakes espionage. (Mosaic PR, 2025)

“The Moldavian Gambit” – In the summer of 1991, as the Soviet Union teeters on the edge of collapse, a violent uprising erupts in the Soviet Republic of Moldavia. Amid the chaos, a portable nuclear weapon is stolen from a secure armory by nationalist forces seeking to blackmail the Kremlin. When the weapon’s location is uncovered, the world faces a terrifying threat that could draw NATO and the United States into a nuclear conflict of unprecedented scale.

A classified U.S. Nuclear Emergency Search Team is deployed to locate the weapon, as a legendary Mossad agent and a tenacious KGB investigator each uncover evidence pointing to a complex – and seemingly contradictory – international conspiracy. The final hours to the climax are a riveting blur of geopolitical brinksmanship that can change the course of history – or possibly end it.

“…an ambitious and frighteningly convincing international thriller…” -BookLife Reviews

“Meslin’s debut novel is an action-packed thriller featuring a robust cast of characters contending with sky-high stakes.” -Kirkus Reviews

“…cinematic in its delivery…[a] shocking thriller” -Pacific Book Review

Illuminating ‘Going Dark’: Insights and Reflections on Mehok’s Latest Work

‘Going Dark’ is George K. Mehok’s latest techno thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

It is the sixth year of the American Revolution in 1781 and Captain John “Jack” Jouett is traveling through the Virginia forest with his horse Celer. The British have captured his father and as he reaches a stand point trying to avoid British troops, he sees ghostly riders walking along and they appear to be taking his father towards the sea, possibly towards a British prison ship. Jouett’s ultimate mission is to deliver a critical message from Thomas Jefferson to General Henry Knox.

In present day Illinois, Hassan and Yousef are brothers and getting ready to commit an act of terrorism. Yousef is only 25 years old and he’s excited for the mission but Hassan is hardened by his life experiences. Commander Khalid is their leader and they are trained to follow orders to the letter and without question, even if it involves family.

In Ohio, Paul Knox is having a hard time sleeping because the web’s usual chatter has gone quiet and he knows that’s not a good sign. It’s still early in the morning and he’s in bed with Sara and reminiscing about their life together. He is distracted; he needs to go back to the lab and go over the data because he has the nagging feeling that he has missed something. With his daughter Emma on his mind, he turns to say goodbye to Sara but she was only a hallucination.

These three narrative are connected and as the lines between past and present blur, Paul races against time to protect Emma and unravel past mysteries that could change history. He has spent his life tracking the “worst of the worst” on the dark web but this case is unlike any he has ever seen.

“Going Dark” is a gripping cyber-thriller that plunges readers into the high-stakes world of digital warfare and national security. The story follows Paul Knox, a seasoned cyber forensics expert and former Air Force officer, as he faces a relentless adversary determined to cripple critical infrastructure.

Mehok’s writing is sharp and immersive, blending technical cyber warfare details with heart-pounding action. It is descriptive and hooks you in from the very first sentence: “A pine branch reached out, raking Jack’s face, its needles stabbing his neck like a swarm of angry yellow jackets.” Paul is very observant and his descriptions of the TSA agents are vivid and spot-on: “His sunken, dark brown eyes radiated emotionless confidence, yet his stare carried a hint of weary tension.”

The action is fast-paced, keeping readers on edge as Knox unravels a conspiracy that extends beyond digital realms into real-world danger. The character development is strong—Knox is a compelling protagonist whose intelligence and resilience make him an engaging lead while the conflicts feel urgent and authentic. Since there are multiple story lines, the narrative is non-linear but easy to follow along. *Trigger warning: the action during the Thanksgiving Day terrorist attack may be too intense for some readers.

Overall, “Going Dark” by George K. Mehok is a suspenseful and thrilling novel with realistic portrayals of cyber threats and national security risks, making it a timely and thought-provoking read. Fans of techno-thrillers and military espionage similar to the works of Dan Brown and Brad Thor will find this book both thrilling and insightful.

“Revenge burns deep in your heart. Revenge can be a powerful elixir; beware, it must be consumed in small quantities.”

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Related post: Cyber Intrigue and Historical Drama: Mehok’s Debut Novel ‘Going Dark’

From T.S. Eliot to Shakespeare: The Literary Inspirations Behind Ben Okri’s Latest Novel

“Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted” is Ben Okri’s latest novel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Classic literature has remained relevant across generations due to its timeless themes, rich language, and deep exploration of human nature. Whether it’s the tragic fate of Hamlet, the star-crossed love in Romeo and Juliet, or the political intrigue of Macbeth, these stories resonate because they reflect universal emotions—love, ambition, betrayal, and redemption. These stories challenge, inspire, and allow readers to see themselves in characters from centuries past, proving that great storytelling transcends time.

Ben Okri’s new novel blends mysticism, literary homage, and exploration of human relationships. The story revolves around Viv, who organizes a festival for the brokenhearted in a sacred French forest, drawing inspiration from T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land and Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

Ben Okri is a playwright, poet, novelist, essayist, short-story writer, anthologist, and aphorist. He has also written film scripts. His works have won numerous national and international prizes, including the Booker Prize for Fiction. His books include the eco-fable “Every Leaf a Hallelujah,” the play Changing Destiny, the genre-bending climate fiction “Tiger Work,” the poetry collections “A Fire in My Head,” “Wild, Mental Fight,” and “An African Elegy,” and the novels “Astonishing the Gods,” “The Last Gift of the Master Artists,” “The Age of Magic,” and “Dangerous Love.” In 2023 he received a knighthood for services to literature. (Other Press, 2024)

His new novel “Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted” from Other Press offers a wise, enchanting novel about love, power, and our many selves—past and future, public and private. It will be released on March 18 and is available for pre-order.

There are organizations for people who grieve, for alcoholics and other kinds of addicts. But if you’ve been devastated by the love of your life walking out on you, where the hell do you go?

In this modern fable with the impish magic of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a masked ball makes two upper-class British couples see each other in a new light.

On the 20th anniversary of the day her first husband left her, Viv decides to host an unconventional party for those burned by love. She successfully ropes in her reluctant second husband, Alan, and their friends Beatrice and Stephen, and when she meets the famed fortuneteller Madame Sosostris—last seen in T. S. Eliot’s The Waste Land, and rumored to be the secret to success of 5 prime ministers—she believes she’s found the perfect act to headline her masquerade.

In a sacred wood in the south of France, the partygoers disguise themselves and wait eagerly for the great clairvoyant, who might be able to mend their broken pasts and brighten their futures. But the night soon goes awry, in a comically revealing way that causes our couples to question their relationships and the direction of their lives.

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Mike Papantonio’s ‘The Middleman’: A Legal Thriller That Hits Close to Home

‘The Middleman’ is Mike Papantonio’s latest legal thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

Legal thrillers blend courtroom drama, high-stakes legal battles, and moral dilemmas. They often feature sharp-witted attorneys, complex cases, and unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. I like that they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the legal system, showcasing both its strengths and flaws. With elements of crime, suspense, and ethical conflicts, legal thrillers challenge readers to question justice and truth. The first legal thriller I read was John Grisham’s “The Client” and I was instantly hooked on the genre. Authors like John Grisham and Scott Turow write stories that combine legal intricacies with human drama, making the genre both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping.

Mike Papantonio is another excellent author worth reading. I have read and reviewed several of his legal thrillers, the most recent one being “Inhuman Trafficking.” His newest one, “The Middleman,” will be out this week and promises another thrilling and suspenseful thriller involving Big Pharma.

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, human trafficking, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. He was a lead lawyer in the national opioid litigation and the national PFAS litigation.

Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer, and founder and former co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire. His new legal thriller is “The Middleman” is an epic drama of whistleblowers, murder, thrills, and legal combat—torn from today’s headlines. It will be released on March 4, 2025. (Wunderkind PR, 2025)

“The Middleman” – Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm take on America’s Big Pharma when Deke’s college pal, Matt Redmond, presents him with a case of criminal fraud involving EirePharma, a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). PBMs serve as the “middlemen” between drug manufacturers and insurance companies. The Deketomis firm unravels the details about how governmental graft enables PBMs like EirePharma to create America’s catastrophic price gouging crisis.

EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO, Connor Devlin, who has a Rasputin-like influence over the company’s president. Devlin utilizes racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin and other drugs for his own profit and to the detriment of consumers.

Amy, the president of EirePharma, decides— at great peril—to become her company’s whistleblower and provide evidence to Deke and his team. When key witnesses and even Redmond family members meet mysterious and violent deaths, Amy finds herself a pawn caught in the center of a frightening and deadly game of wills between a formidable mobster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to put an end to the Middleman’s crimes.

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

This year’s South Texas AuthorCon featured a variety of authors from the Rio Grande Valley.

Author events, such as book signings, readings, and meet-and-greets, offer readers a unique opportunity to connect with the creators behind the stories. These events are important because they foster personal interactions, allowing authors to share insights, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes details of their work. For readers, attending author events provides a chance to engage with their favorite writers and discover new ones across all genres. The appeal lies in the sense of community and connection that forms, making the reading experience more intimate and memorable. These events also encourage a deeper appreciation of literature and the creative process.

This month, the city of San Benito hosted the second annual South Texas AuthorCon at the San Benito Plaza. The two day event brought readers of all ages to meet authors of all genres, purchase books, and get author autographs. The first day was geared solely towards students while the second day was open to the public and all together, authors, artists, and guests made this event a success.

Before the event, Beyond Borders Books held a writing contest. Valley View High School student Mariano Moreno won the 2024 Creative Writing Contest for his poem “¿Dónde están mis hijos?” which he recited that day.

Many thanks to the authors and artists for their patience in meeting everyone and taking their time to tell their story and answer questions. This event was an opportunity for me to discover authors I hadn’t hear of and meet fellow bibliophiles. I met a handful of authors from several genres including memoirs, children’s books, and YA novels.

Some of the authors included:

Thomas Ray Garcia – “The River Runs” Short story collection. This collection presents insights into Texas-Mexico border culture, highlighting tales of resilience while refusing to shy away from the omnipresent reality the river imposes. Written from 2015 to 2020, these stories resist a singular vision of the border, centering the Rio Grande as a site of transformation.

Monica Velasquez – “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce.” Children’s book. A little girl waits patiently everyday just to get to Sunday, when the family eats sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day in which she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.” The book is a rhyming book for children or children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life.

Cassie Bleu Davila – “I’m Not Waiting for My Mom To Die.” Memoir. When Cassie was 7 years old, she had to leave the only place she had ever known after her mom married a US citizen. Now living in the United States, she puts on a fake smile for everyone, but behind closed doors her life is a nightmare. She is hiding the deepest darkest secret that nobody could imagine. The only person that knows about her secret is her mom. But if her own mom won’t help her, who will?

Rosario Ozuna – “The Tears Behind the Smile: Poems and Reflections from the Heart”– Literary fiction. These poems and reflections mirror daily obstacles and several of our deepest daily emotions, which sometimes we keep chained up within our soul. Several of the themes in this book are kept in our hearts in silence. Many of these experiences are painful, distressing, and even make us cry and doubt, but they also help us to believe in ourselves. Without these sunny and blue situations, we wouldn’t know how to move forward and make the best of these circumstances. This book also debuts ten Spanish poems. Facebook profile

Jaime Perez – “A Risky Yet Worthwhile Endeavor,” “The Vacant Space,” and “Through You.” Fiction.

P.L. Blair – She is author of the Portals series, novels that blend fantasy, detective mysteries and an occasional touch of horror.

Rosa Estela Mora – “Becoming Sofia Bosco” and “The Sofia Bosco Effect” – Teen and YA Fiction.

Patty York Raymond – “It’s Too Windy” “Hay Mucho Viento!” Children’s books. The story is about family and how establishing long lasting traditions leads to developing close family ties that last a lifetime. Jessica and David can’t wait to swim in the grandparents’ pool. But how long will they have to wait? It’s Too Windy is accompanied by a music CD.

Angela Rosko – “Hello Grace” and “Grammy Misses Gracie.” The Adventures of Gracie and Grammy series of children’s books.

Margarita Longoria – “Living Beyond Borders: Growing up Mexican in America” YA short story collection. In this mixed-media collection of short stories, personal essays, poetry, and comics, this celebrated group of authors share the borders they have crossed, the struggles they have pushed through, and the two cultures they continue to navigate as Mexican Americans.

Naivi Vera – “El Maravilloso Mundo de Susy: La Pequeña Hormiga Aventurera” “The Wonderful World of Susy: The Adventurous Little Ant” Children’s book. “El maravilloso mundo de Susy, la hormiguita aventurera” is a Spanish-English bilingual children’s book that teaches children values like bravery and teamwork. Through this bilingual tale, they will discover how fun the world of ants can be. In this magical illustrated story, children will learn in a fun and simple way how to overcome big challenges and achieve more when everyone can contribute their part by working together, helping each other, and contributing to nature.

‘Two Truths and a Lie’: The Mind-Bending New Science Fiction Novel by Cory O’Brien

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ will be out on March 4, 2025. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Science fiction books captivate readers by offering thrilling escapes into worlds of limitless possibilities. They ignite imaginations with futuristic technologies, interstellar voyages, and encounters with alien civilizations.Beyond mere escapism, sci-fi often serves as a mirror to our own society, exploring complex themes like technological advancement, social justice, and the human condition. Readers are drawn to the genre’s ability to pose “what if” questions, prompting reflection on our present and potential futures. From dystopian warnings to utopian dreams, science fiction offers a unique lens through which to examine humanity’s place in the cosmos. Its enduring appeal lies in its power to both entertain and provoke thought.

Coming out next month is the new cyber punk science fiction novel by beloved internet humorist Cory O’Brien.

Cory O’Brien is the author of “Zeus Grants Stupid Wishes” and “George Washington Is Cash Money.” He has written for numerous award-winning video games, including Monster Prom and Holovista, and designed multiple tabletop games, including Inhuman Conditions and Hand to Hand Wombat. His new novel “Two Truths and a Lie” introduces an unforgettable investigator to the drowned streets of L.A. in a hugely imaginative and heartfelt blend of noir and cyberpunk. It will be released on March 4, 2025 and is available for pre-order. (Penguin Random House, 2025)

“Two Truths and a Lie” – In a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, aging combat-drone veteran Orr Vue now lives a simple and small life, trading snippets of what’s become the most valuable currency: information. So when the cops show up at his door looking for data on a murder he’s not even aware has happened, things get interesting for the first time in 25 years.

At first, Orr is happy to exchange whatever he knows about the demise of InfoDrip’s top exec to buy booze and pay rent on his memory storage, but that plan goes to hell when Orr’s old boyfriend, Auggie Wolf, shows up as the number one suspect. Forced to stretch his atrophied spy skills and take his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees, Orr finds himself in the crosshairs of the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Barely avoiding getting killed with every clue he collects, Orr realizes he’s uncovered not just a murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. Ahh, the things we do for love…

But in a world where memories can be bought and sold, how can you truly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of? Fast paced, funny, and shockingly romantic, “Two Truths and a Lie” is Raymond Chandler reinvented for the 22nd century.

EARLY GLOWING REVIEWS

“O’Brien’s (George Washington Is Cash Money) fiction debut is a highly intriguing vision of the near future that examines the role of memory in a functional aspect, which also underscores the utility of forgetting: Funes the Memorious by Jorge Luis Borges meets Total Recall by Philip K. Dick, with a wry narration that balances the grim reality.”- Library Journal’s December Debut of the Month Pick & Starred Review

“A stunning achievement, Two Truths and a Lie is many things at once: a hilarious satire, a gripping thriller, a meditation on memory and identity, and a love story that will have you wiping tears from your eyes, all set in a carnivalesque future where the darkest dreams of capitalism have come true. Like other great comic novelists—Thomas Pynchon, Rachel Yoder, Charles Yu—Cory O’Brien balances humor and pathos to marvelous effect, a literary magician who can do almost anything on the page.” – Scott Guild, author of ‘Plastic’

CORY O’BRIEN AUTHOR TOUR

Tuesday, March 4 – 7p.m. PT:
Mysterious Galaxy | San Diego, CA
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore | 3555 Rosecrans St | Suite 107 | San Diego, CA 92110

Wednesday, March 5 – 4p.m. ET:
WORD | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person Stock Signing
Address: WORD | 126 Franklin St | Brooklyn, NY 11222

Wednesday, March 5 – 7p.m. ET:
POWERHOUSE Arena | Brooklyn, NY
In-Person In Conversation with Mattie Lubchansky, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: POWERHOUSE Arena | 28 Adams St | Brooklyn, NY 11201

Thursday, March 6 – 6:30p.m. ET:
Literati Bookstore | Ann Arbor, MI
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Literati Bookstore | 124 E Washington St | Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Friday, March 7 – 6:30p.m. CT:
The Book Cellar | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: The Book Cellar | 4736 N Lincoln Ave | Chicago, IL 60625

Sunday, March 9 – 4p.m. CT:
Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Bucket O’ Blood Books and Records | 3182 N Elston Ave | Chicago, IL 60618

Wednesday, March 12 – Time TK:
Union League Club of Chicago | Chicago, IL
In-Person Solo Author Event, followed by Audience Q&A and Book Signing
Address: Union League Club of Chicago | 65 W. Jackson Blvd. | Chicago, IL 60604

Saturday, March 15 – 1p.m. CT:
Highland Park Public Library Author Fest X Secret World Books | Highland Park, IL
In-Person Author Fest Event Participation
Address: Highland Park Public Library | 494 Laurel Avenue | Highland Park, IL 60035

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The Power of Reflection: My Review of ‘Lost in Thought’ by Deborah Serra

‘Lost in Thought’ is the inspiring new novel by Deborah Serra. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Deborah Serra is a recipient of the Hawthornden Literary Fellowship, a semifinalist for the Faulkner-Wisdom Creative Writing Award, and nominated for the O. Henry Prize. She has been published in literary magazines and is an editor with the ethics and short story magazine, After Dinner Conversation. Serra is the author of the thriller, “Primal,” and the humorous travel memoir, “2 Broads Abroad.” Her latest book is “Lost in Thought,” a novel about unconscious decision making and the illusion of free will.

“Lost in Thought” – Ilana works at Lyric Opera House and is in a committed relationship with Adam, a neuroscientist, for the last 3 years. They live in a cozy Greenwich Village apartment where they often share meals with friends as they engage in stimulating conversations. She’s adopted, and the questions inside of her are growing insistent including who would she be if she’d grown up in her birth home? Is she truly who she thinks she is? Has she ever freely chosen anything at all? Are these questions in part due to Adam’s research on how people make their decisions. It could also be suppressed grief from the death of her adoptive mother. Her inner dialogue is affecting her daily life: “Her thoughts were loud and they drowned out her words.”

When Ilana learns that her birth mother Fiona Shannon owns a pub in Albany, she figures what harm could there be in casually dropping by for a drink? To see, just to see. What begins as curiosity about her choices evolves into a traumatic shift in her world. She loses control of her life and then chaos breaks out.

Review:
The story begins as Ilana is taking the elevator to her office in the 12th floor. A germaphobe by nature, it intensified by Covid and it shows in every part of her life. She’s the production manager at the opera house and the job requires a sense of authority. To everyone around her, she seems calm and confident, but it’s only a front. She was raised to act confident regardless of her situation, and in her line of work, emotions are a sign of defeat and she refuses to show any weaknesses.

Her adoptive mother died of Covid months ago after being on a ventilator for months. She wasn’t allowed to visit her in person and she helplessly watched her die through her iPad. This experience still haunts her and is slowly chipping away at her confidence and total belief system. She desperately wants to know more about her birth family, if she has any of their traits, physical or otherwise. Her best friend and ex-boyfriend William tries to convince her that her personality is the sum of her experiences, which sets forth the nature vs nurture debate. That impulsive trip to see Fiona and her husband Shea O’Holleran will change her life in ways she never saw coming.

This combination of women’s literature and literary fiction is a compelling exploration of the subconscious mind and how unconscious processes shape our decisions, often without our awareness. The novel invites readers into the life of Ilana, who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after realizing that much of what she believed to be her free will was, in fact, influenced by external forces and internal biases. Serra cleverly examines the illusion of choice, presenting a narrative that challenges the notion that we are fully in control of our actions.

The writing is introspective and open, combining scientific concepts with philosophical musings in a way that’s thought-provoking yet not overly dense. The novel’s pacing keeps readers engaged, blending character-driven drama with intellectual inquiry. As Ilana confronts the complexities of the human mind, the book raises important questions about responsibility, autonomy, and the nature of free will. With highly descriptive language, the action flows easily through the pages: “The industrial breezes from cars and buses and subway vents blew hot into her face, grabbed her silk skirt, and whipped the loose strands of her hair.”

Overall, “Lost in Thought” is a stimulating read that challenges perceptions and invites reflection on the unseen forces that guide our choices. It explores the themes of family, identity, love, and friendship. By making abstract ideas concrete, it offers a relatable and human story while tackling deep philosophical themes. Readers are left questioning their own thought processes and the extent to which they truly have control over their lives. It is recommended for readers who enjoy intellectual literary fiction that features smart and relatable characters.

“Now, her mind was relentlessly chewing. It was thrilling but like a horror film. She asked herself why she was going down the dark basement stairs.”

*The author received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Ruthless Pursuits and Twists: What Makes ‘Neon Prey’ a Captivating Thriller

‘Neon Prey’ by John Sandford. Photo: Barnes & Noble.

John Sandford is the pseudonym of John Roswell Camp, an American author and journalist. Camp is the author of more than fifty-four published novels, all of which have appeared, in one format or another, on the New York Times best-seller lists, many debuting at #1. In addition to the Prey, Virgil Flowers, and Letty Davenport novels, all part of the Prey universe, he is also the co-author of three young-adult books in the Singular Menace series, written with Michele Cook, and co-author of the science-fiction thriller “Saturn Run” with Ctein.

“Neon Prey” is the 29th novel in the Prey series. Clayton Deese is a small-time criminal, muscle for hire when his loan shark boss needs to teach someone a lesson. Now, seven months after a job that went south landed him in jail, Deese has skipped out on bail, and the U.S. Marshals come looking for him. They don’t care about a low-level guy–it’s his boss they want–but Deese might be their best chance to bring down the whole operation.

When they track him to his rural Louisiana cabin, they find a jungle full of graves behind a dirt trail. Now Lucas Davenport is on the trail of a serial killer who has been operating for years without notice. The killer is ruthless, and–as Davenport will come to find–full of surprises. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

Review:
“Neon Prey” is a gripping thriller that has Lucas Davenport, now a US Marshal, pursuing a cunning serial killer with a long history of eluding capture. The story begins with the discovery of a gruesome crime scene and quickly spirals into a tense, high-stakes hunt for a killer whose motives and methods remain elusive. Davenport, always a sharp and resourceful investigator, follows a trail that stretches across states, using his expertise and determination to connect dots that others have missed. Together with two of his most trusted agents, Rae Givens and Bob Matees, as well as the FBI Agent in charge Tremanty, they are hot on Deese’s trail, who is now part of a home invasion burglary ring.

Sandford’s writing is fast-paced and immersive, drawing readers into the intense atmosphere of the investigation. With highly descriptive language, the fights scenes come to life: “Paine rolled up on his side, not screaming but choking and in pain, and with Deese’s pant leg now up, Paine, with no other weapon, bit him on the calf, like a feral tomcat, wrenching his head from side to side as his teeth sank in.”

The detailed character development is impressive—especially of Davenport, who continues to evolve throughout the series. He’s a man of deep intellect, but also someone who struggles with personal demons and moral ambiguities, making him a complex and compelling protagonist. Deese, the antagonist, is equally well-written, with a chilling presence that makes every encounter feel high-stakes.

This suspenseful crime thriller is filled with twists and turns as the hunt for a sadistic killer takes Davenport to the neon lights of Las Vegas. It explores the themes of good vs evil, revenge, death, and friendship and while it does have its dark moments, the satisfactory conclusion is worth the ride.

Overall, with its intricate plot and twists and turns, as well as Sandford’s sharp, engaging prose, “Neon Prey” is a standout in the crime genre. Though it’s a stand alone novel, it continues Lucas Davenport’s journey as a US Marshal. It’s a thrilling, intelligent read that will satisfy both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.

“He slipped the tan ski mask out of his pocket, pulled it over his head, turned towards the door and knocked, raising the cane, ready to kick it open. Like many perfect plans, his didn’t go quite right.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.