Tag: fiction

A Murder Mystery with a Supernatural Twist: Reviewing Marty Roppelt’s ‘Last Words’

‘Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery’ by Marty Roppelt. Photo: Amazon

“Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” is a murder mystery novel by Marty Roppelt. It follows Chicago police Detective Myles Hanson as he navigates a world of crime and unsettling revelations. After a nighttime raid on a drug lab ends in a deadly shootout that claims the life of an undercover detective, Myles transfers transfers out of the Organized Crime Unit.

On his first night in the Violet Crimes Unit, Maria Peski, a midwife with a normal quiet life is savagely murdered. Back at the station, while filling out the paperwork and listening to music on his headphones, he hears static and voice calling his name. From there, he begins to experience haunting visions and auditory hallucinations that include voices and static on the digital recorder that he uses to take notes.

When a second murder rocks the city with startling similarities, Myles is forced to accept what he fears most: some clues lie beyond the realm of the living. As the line between the supernatural and the real begins to blur, Myles realized that he is hearing the final words of the murder victims, fragments of their unfinished thoughts. Those voices give him clues to help him solve their murder. Together with his new partner Hank ‘The Tank’ Brewer, they race against time to catch the vicious killer before he strikes again.

Marty Roppelt’s new novella takes readers on an eerie journey into the world of the paranormal and crime-solving. As Hanson begins to have paranormal experiences, he must navigate the fine line between solving the crime and protecting his sanity.

Roppelt’s writing is atmospheric, creating a tense, thrilling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The blending of the supernatural with a traditional murder mystery provides an intriguing twist, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline. Myles Hanson is a well-crafted protagonist, balancing the skepticism of a seasoned detective with the growing realization that the paranormal forces at play are very real. The suspenseful plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end.

The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, and Roppelt’s descriptive narrative of the killer’s viewpoint as he is getting rid of the evidence and then preparing to strike again is unsettling but gripping. The language while describing Myles’ hallucinations is vividly descriptive: “The woman – Maria Peski- stared back at him in the mirror. Dead eyes, frozen deep in their sockets, gazed through him.” The narrative is in the third person point of view that alternates between the characters and towards the end, it hints at an unreliable narrator when the police is interviewing a witness who crossed paths with the killer.

Overall, “Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” explores the themes of good vs evil, identity, and family. The unique premise of a haunted detective elevates this novel beyond the typical whodunit. Judging by the ending, this is only the beginning of Detective Myles Hanson’s paranormal experiences. It’s a captivating read for fans of both supernatural thrillers and crime mysteries by authors like James Patterson and John Sandford.

“Meandering through the growing crowd as carefully and slowly as he could, he positioned himself to within an arm’s length of his intended victim’s back. He stopped there. How easy it would be to simply stab her in the liver from here, and be done with her…”

Rating: 5 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.

Blood Ties and Haunting Secrets: The Chilling World of ‘Listen to Your Sister’

‘Listen to Your Sister’ by Neena Viel. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Neena Viel is a horror writer who lives in a cabin in the Washingtonian woods with her husband and the best dog on the planet. Her passion for philanthropy (almost) rivals her love for ghost stories. For fans of Jordan Peele’s films, Stranger Things, and The Other Black Girl, “Listen To Your Sister”is a laugh-out-loud, deeply terrifying, and big-hearted speculative horror novel from electrifying debut talent Neena Viel. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Listen To Your Sister” – Twenty-five year old Calla Williams is struggling since becoming guardian to her brother, Jamie. Calla is overwhelmed and tired of being the one who makes sacrifices to keep the family together. Jamie, full of good-natured sixteen-year-old recklessness, is usually off fighting for what matters to him or getting into mischief, often at the same time. Dre, their brother, promised he would help raise Jamie–but now the ink is dry on the paperwork and in classic middle-child fashion, he’s off doing his own thing. And through it all, The Nightmare never stops haunting Calla: recurring images of her brothers dying that she is powerless to stop.

When Jamie’s actions at a protest spiral out of control, the siblings must go on the run. Taking refuge in a remote cabin that looks like it belongs on a slasher movie poster rather than an AirBNB, the siblings now face a new threat where their lives–and reality–hang in the balance. Their sister always warned them about her nightmares. They really should have listened.

“A knockout debut.” -Ashley Winstead

“Incredibly original and seriously scary.” – Nick Medina

“A brilliant fever-dream of a novel that effortlessly dances between horror, literary, and family saga—sure to appeal to fans of Grady Hendrix, Tananarive Due, Mona Awad, and Stephen King.” – Maria Dong

Mystery, Suspense, and Organ Trafficking: Exploring the Depths of Cristina LePort’s ‘Change of Heart’

‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon

After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

Review:

“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.

The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.

Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.

Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.

“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”

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.

‘When I Hear Spirituals’: A Heartfelt Journey Through Music and History in Children’s Literature

New from Cheryl Willis Hudson and London Ladd – “When I Hear Spirituals.” Photo: Amazon

Illustrated children’s books play a crucial role in early literacy development by combining visual and textual elements to engage young readers. The vibrant images capture attention, making stories more accessible and easier to understand, while the text introduces new vocabulary and concepts. These books stimulate imagination, foster emotional growth, and help children connect with the world around them. The visual storytelling also supports comprehension and retention. Illustrated books offer a pleasant aesthetic experience that can make reading enjoyable, encouraging a lifelong love for books. Their appeal lies in their ability to entertain while nurturing cognitive and emotional development.

Out this month is the illustrated children’s book “When I Hear Spirituals” by Cheryl Willis Hudson and illustrated by London Ladd. (Holiday House Publishing, 2025)

Cheryl Willis Hudson is an author, editor, publisher, and respected member of the children’s book community. She is cofounder of Just Us Books, publisher and packager of books that celebrate African American children, as well as co-author of “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” a groundbreaking picture book. Cheryl enjoys singing spirituals a cappella and creating handmade story quilts. She lives in New Jersey with her husband Wade Hudson.

London Ladd is a graduate of Syracuse University with a BFA and MFA in illustration. His critically acclaimed artwork has been featured in picture books, newspapers, magazines, and community-based murals. “When I Hear Spirituals” is his first book for Holiday House. London lives in Syracuse, New York.

“When I Hear Spirituals” – A girl connects with heritage, history, and a higher power through the lyrics of twelve beloved spirituals and four seminal events in African American history.

A beautiful keepsake to be shared by multiple generations.

When I hear spirituals
Sometimes
A big, full feeling
Grows in my chest . . .

Her heart pounds, she gets a lump in her throat, and tears flow down her cheeks. She wants to clap her hands and stomp her feet. There is healing, tenderness, strength, pride, and above all, hope.

The author of the classic picture book “Bright Eyes, Brown Skin,” Cheryl Willis Hudson, has woven together lyrics of twelve timeless, Black spirituals with a moving exploration of how music holds memories, emotions, and empowerment.

Songs include “Go down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Troubles I See,” “Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child,” “Rock-a-My Soul,” “Get on Board, Little Children,” and more.

Evocative illustrations by award-winning artist London Ladd depict important people and places in Black history and culture: Harriet Tubman, Martin Luther King, Jr., the Great Migration, and the Enslaved People’s Uprising of 1811.

Journey through Black history and music in this layered picture book.

Reading age: 6-9 years
Grade level: 1-4
Pages: 40

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

“No matter the level of reader familiarity with spirituals, this title brims with lyricism and soul-lifting strength through its emotional illustrations and compelling text.”—School Library Journal, Starred Review

“A deeply resonant work that speaks to these songs’ historical—and present—meaning.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Willis Hudson movingly exalts the power of African American spirituals in a lyrics showcase that pairs existing verses with feelings they can evoke.”—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“Cut paper, tissue paper, and acrylic paint give the art layered depth, much like the spirituals themselves, and the various changes in perspective and composition echo the emotion behind the songs;”—The Bulletin, Starred Review

“A personal tribute to a beloved American art form.”—Booklist, Starred Review

Truth, Lies, and the Deep Blue Hour: A Gripping Psychological Thriller by Peter Stamm

‘In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel’ is the new novel by Peter Stamm. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Psychological thrillers are some of my favorite books. They go into the inner workings of characters’ minds, exploring their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This genre often blurs the line between reality and perception, creating complex, unpredictable narratives that challenge readers’ understanding of truth. The appeal lies in the deep emotional engagement it fosters, inviting readers to confront their own psychological experiences and question the nature of identity, memory, and consciousness. By emphasizing internal conflict, psychological thrillers offer a more intimate, introspective experience compared to traditional plot-driven stories. This immersive exploration of the human psyche resonates with readers seeking to understand themselves and the complexities of human behavior.

From Other Press, the latest addition to acclaimed Swiss author Peter Stamm’s impressive body of work, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” will be released on March 18, 2025. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2024)

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” – A documentary filmmaker uncovers the secrets of an enigmatic author in this subtly enthralling novel from “one of Europe’s most exciting writers” – (New York Times Book Review).

For days, documentary filmmaker Andrea and her team have been waiting for Richard Wechsler in his Swiss hometown. During their first shoots in Paris, the famous writer had not wanted to reveal much about himself, and now the whole film threatens to fail.

In the narrow streets and alleys of the village, Andrea searches for traces of Wechsler’s life, contrary to their agreement. But it is not until she starts reading his books again that she discovers a clue to a childhood sweetheart who might still be living there. An old love who influenced his whole life, but whom no one ever knew about.

Written with Stamm’s trademark subtlety and devastating precision, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” is a captivating work of psychological fiction perfect for lovers of Jon Fosse’s “Septology,” Jenny Erpenbeck’s “Kairos,” and Stamm’s previous work. In this elusive novel, Stamm explores the meeting point between reality and fiction. I hope to stay in touch with you about possibilities for it.

Peter Stamm is the author of the novels “The Archive of Feelings,” “The Sweet Indifference of the World,” “To the Back of Beyond,” “All Days Are Night,” “Seven Years,” “On a Day Like This,” “Unformed Landscape,” and “Agnes,” and the short-story collections “It’s Getting Dark,” “We’re Flying,” and “In Strange Gardens and Other Stories.” His award-winning books have been translated into more than forty languages. For his entire body of work and his accomplishments in fiction, he was short-listed for the Man Booker International Prize in 2013, and in 2014 he won the prestigious Friedrich Hölderlin Prize. He lives in Switzerland.

About the Translator: Michael Hofmann has translated the work of Gottfried Benn, Hans Fallada, Franz Kafka, Joseph Roth, and many others. In 2012 he was awarded the Thornton Wilder Prize for Translation by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His “One Lark, One Horse: Poems” was published in 2019, “Where Have You Been? Selected Essays” in 2014, and “Selected Poems” in 2009. He lives in Florida and London.

“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” by Peter Stamm • Translated by Michael Hofmann
Other Press Trade Paperback Original
On-Sale Date: March 18, 2025 • Price: $17.99

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Exploring Love and Choices in ‘Something Better’ by Diane Parrish: A Reflective Review

‘Something Better’ is the debut novel by Diane Parrish. Photo: Amazon

“Something Better” by Diane Parrish centers around Ruth, David, and Annabeth. Ruth and David are a seemingly happy couple living in the suburbs. After Annabeth’s parents die in a tragic car accident, their lives intersect in ways that will test all three of them.

Annabeth’s father, Jack Brady, was a close friend of David’s, so when Annabeth arrives in town, David and Ruth help her out during her time of grief. Ruth is a lawyer who dreams of starting a family, but then she gets the opportunity of a lifetime at work with a new client, Brian Bishop, in San Francisco. She decides to take the new client despite it being on the West Coast and having to spend time apart from David.

David is a successful landscape designer but he’s having trouble tackling all the work, so he hires Annabeth to work in the office. David grows closer to Annabeth while Ruth develops an attraction to Brian and before it’s all over, relationships will be tested. Each must decide if they will remain faithful or risk it all for the promise of ‘something better.’

Review:

This debut novel by Diane Parrish is best described as literary fiction combined with contemporary women’s fiction. Set in a small Connecticut town, it follows the journey of Ruth and David, as they navigate a turbulent time in their life while they struggle with loss, betrayal, and the search for inner peace.

Parrish’s writing is poetic and descriptive, offering readers a glimpse into the emotional landscape of someone struggling with difficult truths about love, redemption, and the choices we make. It explores the main theme of forgiveness without offering easy answers but allowing the characters to struggle with their decisions, creating a narrative that feels authentic and relatable.

The subtle interplay of faith—both religious and personal—adds another layer to the story, prompting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the role of grace in healing. The narrative is from multiple points of view and the language is simple and easy to understand. While the plot of strained marriages is far from original, the character exploration is intriguing.

Overall, “Something Better” is a thought-provoking work of literary fiction that aside from forgiveness, also deals with the complex themes of faith, family, love, identity, and human resilience. Parrish gives us a story about the human capacity to change, to forgive, and to hope—no matter how impossible those actions may seem. This novel is a quiet, powerful meditation on life’s challenges and the possibility of redemption. It is recommended for readers who enjoy character driven literary fiction with religious undertones.

“…he would have to learn to live with the silence of his shame, his own frailty, his unspeakable desire, all the things that made him unworthy to call himself Ruth’s husband, not good enough for anyone who loved him, let alone himself.”

*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.

Exploring the Final Frontier of Crime: The Risks and Realities of Criminal Activity Beyond Earth

‘Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit’ by Marc Feldman and Hugh Taylor. Photo: Amazon

Space exploration offers tremendous opportunities for scientific discovery and technological advancements, but it also brings potential risks. As nations and private corporations compete for control over space resources, the possibility of space-related crime and corruption increases. The privatization of space may lead to monopolies, enabling unethical practices. Piracy in space, including the hijacking of satellites or spacecraft, could emerge as new threats. Furthermore, the militarization of space might escalate tensions between countries, potentially leading to conflicts or even war. While space exploration holds vast promise, these negative consequences must be carefully managed to prevent harm to humanity.

The Center for the Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and the Governance’s new book “Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit” is a comprehensive exploration of humanity’s potential for criminal activities in outer space. It will be released on February 11, 2025. (Center for the Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and Governance, 2024)

“Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit” is a forward-thinking resource that considers, analyzes, and provides solutions to the influence of the dishonorable side of humanity in the realm of outer space, where potential for crime, corruption, piracy, and war increases as the exploitation of space as a commercial resource continues to develop. This book blends the authors’ knowledge with that of subject matter experts to deliver a holistic understanding of criminality in space and help readers broaden their horizons beyond their own area of specialization.

Some of the topics explored in this insightful book include:

  • Space hacking, from software, data, network, and hardware risks to existing cybersecurity standards and practices in space
  • Criminal organizations that might pursue criminal activities in space, including cartels, kidnappers and devicenappers, and governments
  • Laws and treaties relevant to space crime, such as the Communications Satellite Act and the Outer Space Treaty of 1967

Filled with practical, thought-provoking knowledge and guidance, “Space Piracy: Preparing for a Criminal Crisis in Orbit” earns a well-deserved spot on the bookshelves of professionals working in the best of humanity’s institutions, including law and intelligence services, finance, insurance and risk management, corporations, and the sciences, who seek to combat what the worst of us may be dreaming up.

“This is a serious meditation on a space future that is all too plausible. Anyone concerned with building a safe and robust space economy―lawmakers, policymakers, law enforcement, CEOs, space – security officers, and the USSPACECOM and US Space Force commanders―should read this book. A well-researched and fascinating synthesis of the history and current-day piracy, privateering, organized crime and syndicates, cyber-crime, private security companies―and how and why they might plausibly move to space.” – PETER GARRETSON, Senior Fellow in Defense Studies, American Foreign Policy Council and Author of “Scramble for the Skies: The Great Power Competition to Control the Resources of Outer Space” and “The Next Space Race: A Blueprint for American Primacy”

The publication of the book is part of the launch of the Center for the Study of Space Crime, Piracy, and Governance (CSCPG). The Center is an independent, nonpartisan think tank whose purpose is to serve as a policy resource for government officials and business executives on issues related to space governance, sovereignty, commerce, law, crime, and piracy. 

CSCPG was recently featured in Space War in reference to its paper on the potential for a hostage crisis in space. 

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Tech and Tensions: ‘Sentience Hazard’ and the Fight for AI Supremacy

‘Sentience Hazard’ is the exciting new science fiction thriller by Alexandru Czimbor. Photo: Reader Views

Speculative fiction books exploring science fiction and artificial intelligence (AI) captivate readers by presenting futuristic worlds where technology evolves beyond human control. These narratives often explore the ethical dilemmas, power dynamics, and societal shifts brought on by AI, sparking questions about humanity’s future. Themes such as sentience, autonomy, and the consequences of machine learning challenge readers’ perceptions of technology and its role in society. AI-driven speculative fiction offers thrilling, thought-provoking plots, while engaging readers’ imaginations and fears about a rapidly advancing technological landscape. This blend of innovation and existential uncertainty is what makes the genre so compelling.

I recently read and reviewed “Sentience Hazard” by Alexandru Czimbor for Reader Views and highly recommend it for fans of speculative fiction centered around artificial intelligence.

Alexandru Czimbor is an award-winning author who was born and raised in Transylvania, Romania during the oppressive communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. He has lived in the United States since 2001 and spends his summers in Europe. Alexandru taught at a Romanian university, worked in the software industry, and has been an executive since 2011. He has a master’s degree in computer science and studied at UTCN Cluj-Napoca and ETH Zürich. In his latest book is “Sentience Hazard,” a tense global standoff looms as China’s superior AI technology threatens to tip the scales of power. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

“Sentience Hazard” – Set in 2053 and amidst the chaos of an AI standoff, Zhèng Yang, a renegade Chinese scientist unveils vital intel, sparking a race against time. As the US scrambles for a solution, François DeSousa, a maverick French genius and Professor Ian Ndikumana, a Scottish-African professor offer controversial expertise. Love, sacrifice, and ingenuity converge in a battle for humanity’s future.

The US and Chinese artificial beings, developed with radically different principles, share one essential quality: their cognitive abilities go well beyond those of any human being. The future of the world hangs in the balance. Can humanity survive the clash between two sentient forces of its own creation?

Finalist in:

  • 2024 Cygnus Science Fiction Awards
  • 2024 Independent Author Network Book of the Year Awards
  • 2024 American Writing Awards
  • 2024 Literary Global Book Awards

Recipient of:

  • Literary Titan Book Award
  • Outstanding Creator Award
  • Pinnacle Book Award
  • Firebird Book Award
  • Book of the Earth Award
  • 2024 BREW Science Fiction of the Year

‘Change of Heart’: Cristina LePort Blends Medicine and Mystery in Her Latest Thriller

Cristina LePort’s new medical thriller ‘Change of Heart’ will be released in February. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Medical thrillers blend the high-stakes tension of thrillers with the intrigue of medical science. These novels often involve intense situations, such as dangerous viruses, unethical experiments, or life-and-death medical dilemmas, creating a gripping sense of urgency. The appeal lies in the combination of suspense, intellectual challenge, and emotional investment. Readers are drawn to the complex characters—doctors, patients, and scientists—navigating moral gray areas, and the fast-paced plots keep them on the edge of their seat. Additionally, the real-world connections to medical advancements or crises make the stories feel both thrilling and plausibly terrifying, heightening their impact.

These are some of my favorite novels to read and Robin Cook’s were some of the first ones I picked up. Since then, there’s been Michael Palmer, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, and Tess Gerritsen. A couple of years ago, I read Cristina LePort’s debut novel “Dissection” and was thrilled to have another such author on my must-read list. Her next one, “Change of Heart,” comes out in February and takes readers into the shadowy underbelly of organ trafficking, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. So if you’re a fan of gripping medical thrillers, I wholeheartedly recommend her novels. “Change of Heart” will be released on February 4 and is available now for pre-order on Barnes & Noble.

Cristina LePort, MD is a renowned cardiologist and a respected author, known for her compelling medical thrillers that explore the high stakes of medical crises and moral conflicts. Born in Bologna, Italy, she new resides in Southern California and combines her medical expertise with her narrative prowess to create stories that are informative and engaging. (Meryl Moss Media Group, 2024)

“Change of Heart” – In the bustling heart of New York City, a young medical student’s life is tragically cut short, though her heart continues to beat, holding the promise of life for another. Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.

Enter FBI Agent Jack Mulville, who steps in to supervise Special Agent Charlotte Bloom as they join forces with Miner. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that Amy Winter’s death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Amy Winter, a promising pre-med student, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.

“Change of Heart” is a gripping medical thriller that intertwines the intricacies of modern medicine with the relentless pursuit of justice. Cristina LePort, M.D., masterfully combines her medical expertise with edge-of-your-seat storytelling, delivering a novel that will keep you turning pages long into the night. Dr. LePort is an accomplished physician with a passion for weaving medical knowledge into thrilling narratives. Her extensive background in medicine lends authenticity and depth to her stories, making the Miner & Mulville series a unique blend of fact and fiction.

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Layers of Emotion in ‘The Bella Vista’: Emma Ruth Rundle’s Poetic Journey

Emma Ruth Rundle announces her debut poetry book “The Bella Vista.” Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Poetry books offer a powerful blend of emotion, imagination, and expression in concise, rhythmic forms. They invite readers into intimate worlds where language dances and meanings are layered, offering both intellectual stimulation and emotional resonance. The beauty of poetry lies in its ability to distill complex experiences into few words, allowing for deep reflection and personal interpretation. Whether through vivid imagery, striking metaphors, or simple truths, poetry books captivate readers by fostering a sense of connection to universal themes, emotions, and the human condition, making them timeless treasures.

There’s a new poetry book coming out February 11, 2025 by Emma Ruth Rundle – “The Bella Vista.”

“rip up this book, my love / i wrote it for you” So opens Emma Ruth Rundle’s book of poetry, entitled “The Bella Vista.” The multidisciplinary visual artist and musician has now released six solo albums over the past decade to commercial and critical acclaim. The release of “The Bella Vista” will mark her literary debut. (another side, 2024)

With “The Bella Vista,” Emma Ruth Rundle turns to language as the best and perhaps only tool suitable to express, in her words, “the tenderness and brutality of romantic love.” The collection of poetry is a concept, an addiction memoir, a family tree, and a love letter all at once—to music, mistakes, and humanity; to cross-country drives and other artists and the long road to finding oneself.

“Written on the road over the course of a year, ‘The Bella Vista’ is equal parts travel-log, love story and journal of dark existential reflection. It is what I have spent the last two years of my creative life working on and I am both relieved and excited to finally be sharing it.”- Emma Ruth Rundle

“The Bella Vista” will be published by Unnamed Press and available at bookstores and online on February 11, 2025 – pre-order here. To coincide with the book, Rundle will release a limited edition audio album consisting of minimalistic, contemplative piano sketches à la Harold Budd of whom the book was named in honor of, and was highly influential to “The Bella Vista.” Copies will be limited to 300 and available in a signed first edition hardcover + exclusive vinyl bundle here.

Early praise for “The Bella Vista”

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s debut collection of poems, The Bella Vista, is a gorgeous, fierce, and devastating account of romantic love. Rundle has found a new form for her prodigious lyrical gifts; here is a lucid and haunting collection that moves with a kind of dream logic to ‘summon the unseen.’” – Deborah Landau, author or Skeletons and Soft Targets

“Emma Ruth Rundle’s The Bella Vista is more than a poetry collection—it’s a memoir charted by stars, an autobiographical scrapbook and lyrical compass that helps us navigate our everyday lives through its wisdom, beauty, and fingerprint specificity.” – Brandon Stosuy, author of Sad Happens and the Make Time for Creativity series

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