Tag: fiction

The Cost of Conscience: Exploring Justice and Corruption in ‘The Middleman’

‘The Middleman’ is Mike Papantonio’s new thought-provoking legal thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble

“The Middleman” by Mike Papantonio is a gripping legal thriller that explores the high-stakes world of whistleblowers, corruption, and corporate greed. Drawing heavily from real-world headlines, the novel weaves a fast-paced narrative that’s as timely as it is thrilling. Papantonio, a renowned trial lawyer, uses his insider knowledge of the justice system to craft a story that feels disturbingly authentic.

The plot centers around Amy Redmond, the president of EirePharma, the Redmond family business and a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO Connor Devlin who she suspects of using racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin for his own profit that ultimately harms consumers.

Amy is engaged to Connor but she tentatively decides to become a whistleblower as she tries to gather evidence to make sure Connor pays for his crimes. Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm have a reputation for taking on America’s Big Pharma, so when Deke’s college friend and Amy’s cousin Matt Redmond presents him with a case of possible fraud, he agrees to investigate the matter. Amy is caught in the middle of a deadly game of wills between a formidable gangster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to investigate and uncover Connor’s crimes.

As the stakes rise, the characters are drawn into a deadly game of cat-and-mouse, where truth comes at a steep price. Murder, manipulation, and lies blur the lines between right and wrong, keeping readers on edge until the final page. The narration is non-linear, providing the necessary character development to make them relatable. There is not much court drama and the language doesn’t include too much legal terminology; instead, it focuses on the intense relationship between Amy and Connor, as Amy tries to gather the necessary evidence to convict him and Connor’s use of mobster-like tactics to preserve his way of life. Papantonio doesn’t just tell a story—he delivers a wake-up call about the consequences of unchecked power and the courage it takes to stand against it.

Overall, “The Middleman” is a suspenseful blend of mystery and moral urgency. By exploring the themes of family, friendship, justice, and good vs. evil, it creates a compelling and thought-provoking story. With sharp dialogue and a plot full of twists, this book is recommended for fans of John Grisham or anyone intrigued by the dark intersections of law, politics, and corporate influence.

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

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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

‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’: The Sweetest Children’s Book You’ll Read This Year

‘The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce’ by Monica R. Velasquez teaches children the virtue of patience and sweet rewards. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Monica R Velasquez is a bilingual kindergarten teacher and children’s books author. Writing is her passion because it allows her to share her culture with others. “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce,” her first book, is about a little girl anxiously counting the days until Sunday when she and her family eat sweet bread. Her feelings change day by day as she dreams of eating different types of “pan dulce.”

“The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” – This is a rhyming book for children and children at heart. Different types of Mexican sweet bread are beautifully drawn, bringing the book to life. Sweet bread is something that many people enjoy around the family table with a cup of coffee. Some wait to eat the “pan dulce” at the end of the week when everyone can gather around, enjoy each other’s company, and eat delicious, sweet bread.

A charming and heartwarming children’s book, it vividly captures the beauty of anticipation and family tradition. It follows a little girl as she counts down the days of the week, eagerly awaiting Sunday—her family’s special day to buy pan dulce, or sweet bread.

Velasquez skillfully weaves a simple yet engaging narrative that highlights the joy of a weekly ritual and teaches young readers the concept of patience and the comfort of routine. Each day is thoughtfully described, showing how she struggles through each, all while dreaming of her favorite treats. The colorful and inviting illustrations by Natasha Bolonna add warmth and charm to every page, perfectly capturing the coziness of the little girl’s world.

Overall, “The Wait Until Sunday for Pan Dulce” is a wonderful introduction to the rich heritage of Mexican cuisine and the small joys of family rituals. It’s relatable, rhythmic, and sweet—just like the pan dulce it celebrates. Ideal for preschoolers and early readers, it’s a delightful read-aloud that encourages children to find magic in the everyday.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Also by Monica R. Velasquez: “Sana, Sana, Frog’s Butt.”

Cyberpunk Noir at Its Best: A Review of ‘Two Truths and a Lie’

‘Two Truths and a Lie’ by Cory O’Brien. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Orr Vue is an aging combat-drone veteran who lives in a mostly underwater near-future Los Angeles, where information is the most valuable currency. He makes a living as a Fact Checker for InfoDrip and sells snippets of information on the side. As he’s going through data files, he finds one about Thomas Mahoney, CEO of InfoDrip, who has been found dead. He needs the money, so he’s willing to sell it but must find a broker willing to buy the Rumor off of him. The police show up at his place and want to question him but he is able to evade them.

Everyone has implants on their brains that allow them to chat with other people. When he gets a chat request from Auggie Wolf, an old boyfriend who has been arrested for murder and needs him to bail him out, he can’t help but get involved. He goes to the police station and talks to Detective Mar Coldwin who tells him that Auggie is the prime subject because he has no alibi, he was in the area at the time of the murder, and he knew Thomas Mahoney personally.

Now that he is officially investigating Mahoney’s death, Orr takes his illegal horde of drones out of retirement alongside his busted knees. He has to deal with the militarized police, a family of megarich corporate heirs, a clan of emancipated AIs, and a cult. Staying alive is just the tip of the iceberg, and with every clue he collects, he comes to realize that this is not just any murder, but a conspiracy that threatens Auggie’s very existence. In a world where memories can be bought and sold, can you honestly know who anyone is—or what you yourself are capable of?

Cory O’Brien’s “Two Truths and a Lie” is a thrilling exploration of a drowned Los Angeles where memories are commodities and identity is as fluid as the floodwaters. In this richly imagined blend of noir and cyberpunk, O’Brien introduces readers to Orr Vue, an unforgettable investigator—gritty, sharp-witted, and haunted by a past that he barely remembers. The story unfolds with the sharp pacing of a classic detective tale, but with a futuristic twist: memories can be edited, stolen, or sold, making truth a slippery concept. After Orr takes a taxi, he tips the driver with a memory: “….I tipped him the memory of a good breakfast for his trouble.”

More than a mystery novel, it’s also an insightful view into the human condition. Amidst the high-tech corruption and existential questions, O’Brien gives us a human story about trust, trauma, and the lengths we go to protect what matters. The narration is in the first person point of view through Orr’s perspective and it’s divided into Submissions instead of chapters. It’s a submission to a checker to verify the facts and contains his memories and everything else he remembers about the case.

The writing is smart, cinematic, and layered with moments of dark humor and poignant introspection. “She sat in an ornately carved dining chair with her fists balled tightly on the tabletop, unwilling to allow even the dead skin cells from her palms to escape her grasp.” Each twist challenges not only the characters’ sense of self but also the reader’s understanding of reality. It explores the themes of identity, love, redemption, and justice.

Overall, “Two Truths and a Lie” is an action filled mystery and a philosophical exploration of identity in a world where even your own memories might lie to you. It’s a must-read for fans of noir, cyberpunk, and thought-provoking speculative fiction and those who appreciate the works of Raymond Chandler.

“I was furious at Auggie. For leaving all those years ago, for asking me to kill him now, for even being here, in this place, where he had no business sacrificing his beautiful mind. I didn’t hate him, but I hated how he made me feel, and that was enough.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

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

‘Living Beyond Borders’ Review: A Powerful Mosaic of the Mexican American Experience

‘Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

Stories and essays about the Mexican American experience in the United States provide a vital perspective on culture, identity, and resilience. They illuminate the struggles and triumphs of a community that has shaped American history, offering insights into immigration, family, tradition, and social justice. These narratives resonate with readers of all backgrounds by exploring universal themes of belonging, perseverance, and the pursuit of the American Dream. They also challenge stereotypes and foster understanding, making them essential in a diverse society. By engaging with these stories, readers gain a richer, more inclusive view of the American experience as a whole.

“Living Beyond Borders: Growing Up Mexican in America,” edited by Margarita Longoria, is a compelling anthology that features short stories, poetry, essays, and comics to paint a vivid portrait of the Mexican-American experience. Featuring a diverse group of voices, this collection provides an intimate and multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, family, and resilience.

Each piece in this anthology offers a unique perspective on what it means to straddle two worlds—balancing the rich traditions of Mexican heritage while navigating the complexities of American society. From heartwarming tales of family bonds to sobering reflections on discrimination and the challenges of immigration, it doesn’t shy away from the struggles faced by the Mexican-American community. It celebrates its beauty, strength, and enduring spirit.

Contents:
Ghetto Is Not an Adjective – Dominic Carrillo
Yoli Calderon and Principal Hayes – Angela Cervantes
Warning Bells – Anna Meriano
I Want to Go Home – Justine Marie Narro
How to Exist in a City of Ghosts – Carolyn Dee Flores
Filiberto’s Final Visit – Francisco X. Stork
CoCo Chamoy y Chango – e.E. Charlton-Trujillo
Tell Me a Story/Dime un cuento – Xavier Garza
My Name is Dolores – Guadalupe Ruiz-Flores
“There Are Mexicans in Texas?”: How Family Stories Shaped Me -Trinidad Gonzales
Morning People – Diana López
Ode to My Papi – Guadalupe García McCall
The Body by the Canal – David Bowles
Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? – Alex Temblador
Sunflower – Aida Salazar
La Migra – René Saldaña Jr.
La Princesa Mileidy Dominguez – Rubén Degollado
Ojo – Sylvia Sánchez Garza
La Llorona Isn’t Real – Xavier Garza
This Rio Grande Valley – Daniel García Ordaz

Highlights:

La Llorona – a comic about a young boy, with fear in his eyes, trying to convince himself that La Llorona is not real and therefore cannot hurt him. As children, if we misbehaved, our parents would tell us that the Llorona would come and take us. It’s short and to the point and it’s highly relatable to those of us who grew up hearing about the Llorona.

The Body by the Canal – Oscar, a young teenage boy, is swept away by Ariel, the new neighbor whose looks made him an instant target. As time goes by, they become close but fearing for Ariel’s safety, Oscar distances himself from him. He feels guilty about it, but eventually Ariel and his family move away. “Boy or girl, the kid was beautiful. And from my own experience, this town would do all it could to destroy that beauty.” This insightful story of one boy’s early experience with romance and homophobia is refreshing to read; it is seldom written about in the Mexican American community.

The range of storytelling styles and language makes it accessible and engaging for readers of all backgrounds. Whether through powerful poetry, heartfelt personal essays, or striking visual storytelling, every contributor adds depth to the broader narrative of cultural identity. The list of discussion questions at the end helps readers reflect on the themes and topics presented.

Overall, “Living Beyond Borders” is an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the richness of the Mexican-American experience, making it a powerful and necessary addition to contemporary literature. It is recommended for readers who appreciate diverse personal narratives.

“Though I was always curious and grateful for those Latinos who openly welcomed my exploration of identity, secretly, hot shame filled me inside, reminding me that I had taken so long to learn all these things.” – Is Half Mexican-American Mexican Enough? by Alex Temblador

Rating: 5 out of 5.

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

The Fragility of Perception: ‘Your Steps on the Stairs’ Weaves Suspense and Unease

Prolific and celebrated author Antonio Muñoz Molina returns with ‘Your Steps on the Stairs.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble.

“Your Steps on the Stairs: A Novel” (Other Press Trade Paperback Original; On Sale 4/8/25) is a disquieting psychological thriller charting the unraveling of a couple’s new life in Lisbon.

Laureat of the Prix Médicis in France in 2020, shortlisted for the Man Booker International award in 2018, author of nearly 20 novels, a number of book-long essays, memoirs and a short story collection, Antonio Muñoz Molina’s deep well of experience comes to life on the page in this latest novel about solitude, expectation and memory. Always keeping in mind the stories by Henry James, which seem to straddle the ambiguous terrain between the ordinary and the mildly fantastic, memoirs of people subjected to rigorous isolation, as in Admiral Richard E. Byrd’s “Alone,” and Oliver Sacks’s essays about the vagaries of human perception of time, space and memory, here, Molina strove to grant a narrative, even poetic, sense of discovery. (Other Press, 2025)

“Your Steps on the Stairs” – A man travels to Lisbon ahead of his wife to prepare their newly purchased home, while she stays in New York to oversee a research project on the neuroscience of memory and fear. Leaving behind a phase of their relationship indelibly marked by 9/11, he revels in the Portuguese capital’s temperate weather and the neighborhood’s calm, meticulously planning the details of their future.

Yet beneath the peace and quiet of this routine, he feels a growing unease he can’t explain. Is it the similarity between the two cities, and the two apartments? A mysterious threat waiting in the wings?

A brilliant, deceptively simple novel of psychological suspense, perfect for fans of literary thrillers in translation and the introspective and unnerving work of writers like Clarice Lispector, “Your Steps on the Stairs” explores how our emotions and memories shape our perception of reality. With his subtle, masterful style, Antonio Muñoz Molina lays bare the fragility of the stories we so carefully craft about ourselves.

Antonio Muñoz Molina is the author of more than a dozen novels, among them “Sepharad, A Manuscript of Ashes,” and “In Her Absence” (Other Press). He has been awarded the Jerusalem Prize for the Freedom of the Individual in Society and the Prince of Asturias Award, among many others. Muñoz Molina lives in Madrid and New York City.

About the Translator: Curtis Bauer is a poet and translator of prose and poetry from Spanish. He is the recipient of a PEN/Heim Translation Fund Grant and a Banff International Literary Translation Centre fellowship. His translation of Jeannette Clariond’s Image of Absence won the International Latino Book Award for Best Nonfiction Book Translation from Spanish to English. Bauer teaches creative writing and comparative literature at Texas Tech University.

Praise for Antonio Muñoz Molina (Your Steps on the Stairs):

“An American expat in Portugal obsessively prepares for his wife’s arrival in this disquieting psychological suspense novel from Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd)…The narrative unfolds in a woozy flow of first-person musings and reminiscences, making it difficult to gauge time’s passing, but the more books the narrator reads and the more calls he dodges, the more questions arise surrounding Cecilia’s continued absence. Anxiety and dread mount steadily, while elegiac prose and eccentric supporting characters amplify the story’s surrealism straight through to the sucker-punch ending. It’s a stunning blend of mystery and literary fever dream.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY (starred review)

“Anticipating the arrival of his beloved, a man ruminates about intimacy, memory, and loss…Contrasting Bruno’s brooding, anguished interior landscape with the relative serenity of his old-town Lisbon surroundings, Muñoz Molina (To Walk Alone in the Crowd, 2021) emphasizes his narrator’s blind spots and the distortions of perception that follow heartbreak. Originally published in Spain in 2019, this psychologically informed exploration of loss may resonate even more with readers in our current tumultuous moment.”
—BOOKLIST

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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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“Madame Sosostris and the Festival for the Brokenhearted” release date