Tag: Mystery

New Digital Releases: Shadow Force & Battle Cabin

Battle Cabin is one of two movies being released in digital this September 29. Photo: Lionsgate, used with permission.

Digital Release Alert

Movie night just got an upgrade! Two action-packed thrillers are heading to digital platforms on September 29, 2026. Whether you are in the mood for a post-apocalyptic survival story or a high-stakes espionage chase, here is everything you need to know about this week’s biggest releases from Lionsgate. (EG PR, 2026)

🏕️ Battle Cabin

  • Release Date: September 29, 2026 (Digital)
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Rating: R (for violence and some language)
  • Runtime: 100 minutes

Synopsis

In the wake of a massive global attack, the world has become a brutal, lawless landscape where electricity, government, and civility are distant memories. When Kellan is forced to venture outside his secure homestead to save his wife, he is met by a wave of murderous thieves with a connection to his past. His family’s survival now depends on a brilliant battle plan and an unlikely alliance with a hardened warrior.

Cast & Crew

  • Starring: Josh McKenzie, Delaney Tabron, Michael Hurst, Kali Kopae, Rama Marrow, Nell Fisher, Marshall Napier
  • Directed By: Aaron Falvey
  • Written By: Justin Eade

Technical Specs: Audio: English Dolby Digital 5.1 | Subtitles: English SDH, French, Latin American Spanish | CC: Yes

Where to Stream: Fandango at Home, Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Google Play.

🕶️ Shadow Force

  • Release Date: September 29, 2026 (4K, Digital)
  • Genre: Action, Thriller
  • Rating: R (for violence, and language throughout)
  • Runtime: 104 minutes

Synopsis

Kyrah (Kerry Washington) and Issac (Golden Globe nominee Omar Sy) were once the leaders of a multinational special forces group called Shadow Force. They broke the rules by falling in love, and in order to protect their son, they go underground. With a large bounty on their heads, and the vengeful Shadow Force hot on their trail, one family’s fight becomes an all-out war.

Cast & Crew

  • Starring: Kerry Washington, Omar Sy, Mark Strong, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Cliff “Method Man” Smith, Jahleel Kamara
  • Directed By: Joe Carnahan
  • Written By: Leon Chills and Joe Carnahan

Special Features

  • Shadow Force: Declassified — Audio Commentary with Writer-Director Joe Carnahan and Editor Kevin Hale
  • Making Shadow Force — Ain’t Nothing to F*** With
  • International Waters: The Locations Behind Shadow Force
  • Isla Gunfight: Final Battle Breakdown
  • Couples Therapy: Stunts and Weapons Training
  • Theatrical Trailer

Buy 4K Blu-ray

Technical Specs: Format: 16×9 (2.39:1) Presentation in Dolby Vision | Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English Descriptive Audio, French 5.1 Dolby Audio | Subtitles: Spanish, English, English SDH, French | CC: No

Where to Stream: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Google Play, Fandango, Apple TV

‘Ironwood’ Review: Detective Stilwell and Renée Ballard Team Up in Catalina

‘Ironwood’ is the second book in Michael Connelly’s Catalina series featuring Detective Stilwell. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Ironwood: A Catalina Novel
Author: Michael Connelly
Format: Audiobook
Previous Book In Series: Nightshade

The Story

Detective Sergeant Stilwell knows that his posting on Catalina Island is no paradise, but to most residents, it seems blissfully separated by twenty-two miles of ocean from the troubles of Los Angeles County. But now, a threat is coming to his safe haven. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

It begins with Stilwell and his deputies watching a plane land in the middle of the night at the Airport in the Sky, a remote airstrip in the mountains. The operation starts going sideways the moment a duffel bag of drugs is dropped and the deputies move in. Stilwell chases the fleeing pickup man into the mountainside brush, but shots are fired on the runway and the plane flies off.

Because of the internal inquiry that follows, Stilwell is benched until he is cleared of responsibility for the failed operation. Determined to find out who brought deadly violence to his island, he begins a secret investigation into the drug deal gone wrong.

To fill his time while under orders to remain in the sheriff’s substation, he begins organizing the lost-and-found bin. He uncovers a valuable, unclaimed backpack and traces it to a woman who disappeared while hiking on the island four years ago. Why was the pack only recently turned in? This discovery sparks an off-the-books investigation that bridges the mainland and the island, drawing in LAPD Open-Unsolved Unit Detective Renée Ballard.

Stilwell and Ballard work the case from both sides of the channel, soon realizing they are on the trail of a criminal who enjoys taunting the authorities. Frustrated at being shut out of an investigation on his own island, Stilwell risks his already shaky standing in the department to pursue a case whose reach is far wider than he ever imagined.

Review

With the second book in the Catalina series, Michael Connelly takes readers away from the familiar streets of Los Angeles and drops them straight onto Catalina Island. In Ironwood, paradise proves to be far more dangerous than it appears.

Detective Sergeant Stilwell is experienced, stubborn, and deeply committed to protecting the island he calls home. His persistence is inspiring, and his willingness to risk his career when he knows something isn’t right makes him a compelling protagonist.

Connelly excels at exploring the illusion of safety. Catalina may be separated from the mainland, but distance cannot keep violence, corruption, or greed at bay. The underlying themes – loyalty, justice, corruption, and the blurry line between following the rules and doing what is right-elevate the story’s suspense.

The introduction of Renée Ballard adds another strong dimension to the narrative. Stilwell is a principled, island-bound lawman fighting to protect his jurisdiction, while Ballard brings the perspective of an experienced mainland cold-case detective. As they unravel the trail left by a cruel criminal, Connelly blends local island logistics with procedural grit.

Overall, Ironwood is a suspenseful, atmospheric mystery packed with complex characters and tight twists. Connelly demonstrates once again why he remains a master of procedural thrillers and cross-jurisdictional dynamics. Rich with realistic detective work, Ironwood is a stellar addition to his universe and a must-read for fans of crime fiction.

“It was as if he liked dropping these hints. That he gets off on it. It’s the I’m-smarter-than-you complex. Most serials have it. It’s the fulfillment of hiding in plain sight.”

Rating: 4.5 out of 5.

About the Author

Michael Connelly is the author of forty-one previous novels, including New York Times bestsellers The Proving Ground, Nightshade, and The Waiting. His books. which feature the Harry Bosch, Lincoln Lawyer, Renée Ballard, and Catalina series, have sold more than 92 million copies worldwide. A former newspaper reporter and award-winning journalist, Connelly is also the executive producer of four hit television series: Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, The Lincoln Lawyer, and Ballard.

‘It Hunts’ Review: A Neon-Soaked Psychological Thriller on Prime Video

The indie horror movie It Hunts is available now on Amazon Prime. Photo: Gabriel Black, used with permission.

New Release: Indie Horror-Thriller It Hunts Arrives on Prime Video

Rain of Fire Productions, in partnership with distributor Indie Rights, has announced the streaming release of It Hunts, a gripping new supernatural horror-thriller written and directed by Gabriel Black. The 98-minute feature is now available to stream on Amazon Prime Video. (Rain of Fire Productions, 2026)

Synopsis & Official Details

The film follows Casey, a lazy nightcrawler with a diet almost as bad as his dead-end job. With his life and relationship going nowhere, his mundane existence is shattered when he begins to experience hallucinations, recurring nightmares, and escalating paranoia. Casey finds himself desperately trying to unravel the mystery of a supernatural entity that is relentlessly hunting him.

  • Genre: Supernatural Thriller / Psychological Horror / Drama
  • Rating: 18+ (Violence, Substance Use, Foul Language)
  • Directors & Producers: Written and directed by Gabriel Black; produced by Gabriel Black and Stephanie Black
  • Cast: Izzy Martinez, Katlin Svadbik, J.J. Crowne, Gabriel Lopez, Red Devigne, and Joyci Lucia
  • Production Company: Rain of Fire Productions

“We wanted to create a story that merges the gritty reality of nightcrawling with an inescapable, atmospheric horror. Casey is a deeply flawed protagonist whose lack of direction is suddenly replaced by the most primal instinct of all: survival.” — Gabriel Black, Director

Film Review: A Neon-Soaked Portrait of Modern Dread

Gabriel Black’s indie psychological horror It Hunts paints a suffocating, neon-soaked portrait of modern dread.

The story follows Casey (Izzy Martinez), a sluggish night shift worker stuck in a dead-end job and a strained relationship with his girlfriend, Alex (Katlin Svadbik). Casey has stopped imagining a future, making his sudden fear of being hunted feel both like an external threat and a physical manifestation of everything he has repressed.

When he begins experiencing recurring nightmares and paralyzing paranoia, he turns to medical professionals. Every test comes back normal, and a therapist simply prescribes antipsychotic medications. Alex, a nursing student, notices that Casey seems to be missing two years from his past and suspects he may be experiencing dissociative amnesia. Together, they attempt to uncover the missing time period, raising more questions than answers.

Character Analysis

  • Casey (Izzy Martinez): Serves as a compelling avatar for urban burnout. His laziness acts as a psychological shield against past traumas, making his frantic spiral feel painfully recognizable. His quest to unravel the mystery becomes an accidental journey toward self-awareness.
  • Alex (Katlin Svadbik): Provides a vital, grounding contrast. Though initially frustrated by Casey’s inertia, she evolves into an indispensable ally as the boundary between reality and hallucination blurs.

Core Themes

Black uses classic horror tropes to explore stagnation vs. mortality and escapism. The dread haunting Casey represents the inevitable crash of ignoring one’s mental health and unresolved past. While the title suggests a literal predator, the film’s strongest tension comes from the possibility that the monster is essentially tied to Casey’s repressed memories.

While occasional dialogue-heavy scenes slow the pacing and the open-ended ending leaves Casey’s final fate to viewer interpretation, It Hunts succeeds as a moody, atmospheric thriller that turns an ordinary life into a nightmare of suspicion and dread.

About Rain of Fire Productions

Rain of Fire Productions is an independent film production company dedicated to crafting engaging, character-driven stories across the thriller, horror, and drama genres.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

*Thank you to Gabriel Black for the screener link for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Izzy Martinez, Katlin Svadbik, and J.J. Crowne in It Hunts. Photo: Gabriel Black

Slasher Cult Classic ‘Sorority Row’ Coming to 4K UHD: Special Features & Technical Specs

Lionsgate Limited announces ‘Sorority Row’ 4K steelbook release. Photo: Lionsgate

Sorority Row Coming to 4K Ultra HD

Digital Release Alert

U.S. Release Date: September 15, 2026
Formats: 4K Steelbook, Blu-ray, and Digital

Get ready to revisit Theta Pi in glorious high definition! The 2009 slasher favorite Sorority Row is making its long-awaited 4K Ultra HD debut on September 15, 2026. Available in a premium 4K Steelbook, standard Blu-ray, and Digital formats via Lionsgate Limited. Pre-order here. (EG PR, 2026)

The Synopsis

Who’s killing the sisters of Theta Pi?

In Sorority Row, making its 4K debut, the sisters of Rosman University’s Theta Pi, Cassidy (Briana Evigan), Chugs (Margo Harshman), Jessica (Leah Pipes), Ellie (Rumer Willis), and Claire (Jamie Chung), are committed to staying mum regarding the prank that ended in tragedy for Megan (Audrina Patridge), one of their own.

But when graduation day arrives, so does terror, as a killer hunts Theta Pi’s sisters one by one.

Film Information

  • Genre: Horror, mystery
  • Rating: R for strong bloody violence, language, some sexuality/nudity, and partying
  • Running Time: 101 minutes
  • Directed by: Steward Hendler
  • Screenplay by: Josh Stolberg and Peter Goldfinger
  • Based on: The original screenplay Seven Sisters by Mark Rosman

Cast

Briana Evigan, Leah Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Audrina Patridge, Julian Morris, Margo Harshman, Matt Lanter, and Carrie Fisher

Program Information

  • Year of Production: 2009
  • Title Copyright: Sorority Row © 2009, Artwork & Supplementary Materials © 2026 Summit Entertainment, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Closed-Captioned: No
  • Feature Run Time: 101 minutes
  • Subtitles: Spanish; English SDH
  • Format: 16:9 (2.40:1) presentation
  • Audio: English Dolby Atmos; Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital

Lionsgate Limited Extras

  • Reconsidering Sorority Row — Final TRT: 10:48
  • The Making of a Queen B*h with Leah Pipes** — Final TRT: 12:23
  • Loyal Friends and Untimely Ends: Writing Sorority Row — Approx. TRT: 11***
  • Grit and Glamour: The Visual Design of Sorority Row — Approx. TRT: 16:30

Legacy Special Features

  • Audio commentary with the director and cast — Feature length
  • Sorority Secrets: Stories from the Set — TRT: 10:28
  • Killer 101 — TRT: 14:00
  • Kill Switch — TRT: 10:25
  • Deleted Scenes — TRT: 6***
  • Outtakes — TRT: 5:27
  • Sorority Pledge — TRT: 1:01
  • EPK B-Roll — TRT: 8:53
  • Confessional — TRT: 4***
  • Shower Rehearsal — TRT: 2:53
  • TV Spot — TRT: 0:31
  • Theatrical Trailer — TRT: 2:30
  • International Trailer — TRT: 1:40

About Lionsgate Limited

Created for movie lovers by movie lovers, Lionsgate Limited celebrates the artistry of film with premium, limited-edition releases curated from Lionsgate’s expansive entertainment library.

Its mission is to enrich your connection to your favorite films through careful movie restoration, specially designed collectible packaging, and bonus content that honors the vision of the filmmakers.

Photo: Lionsgate

Dean Koontz’ ‘The City’ Review: A Coming-of-Age Thriller

‘The City’ by Dean Koontz is a poignant combination of music and mystery.

Book Review: The City by Dean Koontz

Synopsis

The City centers around Jonah Kirk, a young piano prodigy whose extraordinary musical talent allows him to recognize the hidden pulse of the metropolis surrounding him. Joined by his brilliant best friend, Malcolm, Jonah embarks on a journey that balances the sheer wonder of creation against profound mortal danger.

His remarkable family, tested by the extremes of evil and bound by the depths of love, is on a collision course with a band of killers about to unleash anarchy. Along the way, he finds two unlikely allies: Mr. Yoshioka, an everyday hero strengthened by his past, and Miss Pearl, a woman of mystery who holds the key to the future.

These are the people of The City—a place where enchantment and malice interweave, courage and honor are found in the most unexpected quarters, and the way forward lies buried deep inside the heart. Their unforgettable story is a riveting, soul-stirring saga that speaks to everyone.

Review

Dean Koontz’s The City is a captivating blend of suspense, fantasy, music, and coming-of-age drama. Some books simply tell a good story, while others take you somewhere and make you feel as though you’ve become part of the characters’ lives. The City is that kind of book.

Jonah is an engaging protagonist because despite his extraordinary musical talent, he’s not invincible. He still feels like a kid trying to understand the complicated world of adults. His friendship with Malcolm and his sister Amalia provide emotional depth and demonstrate the importance of loyalty and companionship.

The narrative is told through Jonah’s first-person point of view as he reflects on his experiences as a young boy and how they shaped his future. The prose is haunting and poetic:

“But fear can lead people to do things they would never contemplate in placid times. Fear can blind us, but so can anger.”

Family is another powerful part the novel. Jonah’s multi-generational family faces unimaginable danger, but their love for one another becomes a primary source of strength. That devotion is put to the ultimate test and the senseless cruelty of Fiona Cassidy and her conspirators contrasts sharply with Jonah’s warmth.

The mysterious Miss Pearl, who moves in and out of Jonah’s life, remains an enigmatic figure. Her knowledge and insights suggest a larger destiny awaiting Jonah, while the city itself functions as a living character, brilliantly illuminated by light and dark magic, where fate, music, and moral choices intersect.

The novel explores timeless themes:

  • Good versus evil and moral choice
  • Courage, sacrifice, and enduring friendship
  • The power of love and discovering your true purpose

The way music is woven into the story stands out in particular; it represents creativity, beauty, and the ability of the human spirit to rise above darkness.

Koontz combines suspense with heart. It’s mysterious, sometimes frightening, but also surprisingly tender. Ultimately, it’s a story about finding courage within yourself and discovering that even in the darkest circumstances, love and hope can still light the way.

Final Thoughts

Overall, The City is a supernatural thriller about growing up, discovering one’s purpose, and finding strength through love and courage. It suggests that the way forward through hardship lies buried deep within the human heart. Readers who appreciate a mix of mystery, suspense, and literary fiction will find it both entertaining and deeply heartwarming.

“Outside the wind blew cold and the sun shone bright. On that bustling street, among those many big trucks and busy people, with the city all around for miles and miles, I felt terribly small, and worse than small. Suddenly I felt alone.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

About The Author

Dean Koontz is an American author of suspense thriller that frequently incorporate elements of horror, fantasy, science fiction, mystery, and satire. Many of his books have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, with fourteen hardcovers and sixteen paperbacks reaching the number-one position. He has published over 105 novels and a number of novellas and collections of short stories, and has sold over 500 million copies of his work. He has been acknowledged as “America’s most popular suspense novelist” by Rolling Stone and as one of today’s most celebrated and successful writers.

Post-WWI Trauma Meets Classic Detective Noir: ‘No Saints Only Killers’ Review

‘No Saints Only Killers’ by Luke Deckard is 1920s post-war nor at its finest. Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours, used with permission.

Book Review: No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard

Part of Paste Creative Book Tours

The Story

Logan Bishop is an American war-damaged private investigator living in London in 1922. On a cold Monday morning, he returns to his modest home to find a postcard in the mail from his estranged father, Reverend Daniel Bishop of Chicago. He’s in town and needs to meet up with Logan to talk about important matters.

Logan hasn’t heard from him in over a decade, and for good reason. Daniel was abusive to Logan throughout his childhood and Logan equates contacting him with being back at war. Reluctantly, he calls the hotel room. Daniel sounds desperate and paranoid, pleading for Logan’s help with an urgent matter. But before he can explain, the line goes dead after what sounds like a violent confrontation.

Before slipping into a coma, Daniel leaves Logan with a desperate plea: find Greta Matas, a woman tied to his past, before she’s killed.

Logan heads to Edinburgh in search of answers, but from the moment he arrives, nothing adds up:

  • Greta is missing.
  • Her son is wanted for murder and on the run.
  • Logan is being watched—by the police, by gangsters, and by men who will do anything to keep the truth buried.

As Logan encounters police officers, gangsters, and dangerous secrets, his investigation becomes both a hunt for the truth and a search for personal redemption… provided he doesn’t end up dead first.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

Get your copy of ‘No Saints Only Killers’ today!

Review

Set against the backdrop of 1922 London and Edinburgh, No Saints Only Killers delivers a sharp and atmospheric slice of post-World War I noir. The novel follows Logan Bishop as he is forced out of his isolated routines by the brutal attack on his estranged father, launching him into a deadly, fog-shrouded investigation to find a missing woman from his father’s past.

Character Analysis

Logan Bishop is a complex and deeply flawed protagonist who embodies classic hardboiled detective tropes while remaining grounded and human. As a former military sniper struggling with severe shell shock and a crippling morphine addiction, Logan’s willingness to pursue the mysterious Greta Matas reveals a stubborn sense of loyalty beneath his damaged exterior. His troubled relationship with his father gives the story personal stakes, driving Logan into dangerous territory despite his instincts to stay hidden.

Core Themes

  • Trauma and Disillusionment: The shadow of the Great War hangs over every chapter, illustrating the psychological scars left on a generation trying to numb their pain in the early years of the Jazz Age.
  • Systemic Corruption: The narrative explores the dark underbelly of 1920s Britain, exposing a world where institutions offer no salvation and power rests in the hands of ruthlessly corrupt forces.
  • Moral Ambiguity: True to its title, the novel demonstrates that in a broken society, absolute virtue is an illusion and everyone is navigating varying shades of grey.

“‘You want compassion?’ I wanted to laugh. ‘There are no saints in this world, only killers.’”

Style & Tone

In true noir fashion, the story is told entirely through Logan’s first-person perspective. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and packed with plot twists around every corner. The prose balances gritty edge with vivid, poetic language:

“Two teardrops landed on the table and exploded. I crushed my eyes shut and inhaled as I pushed Tim and the hate I had for myself to the back of my mind.”

Final Verdict

Overall, No Saints Only Killers by Luke Deckard expertly combines historical mystery and postwar trauma, successfully transplanting gritty American noir into 1920s Britain. With its complex protagonist, high stakes, and dark atmosphere, readers who enjoy historical crime fiction and hard-boiled detectives will find this one hard to put down.

“Maybe I was a sucker for her pretty face. Maybe my motivation was shallow. I don’t know. I wanted to believe her. I also wanted to believe that maybe there was something between us, which possibly made me ignorant, or foolish.”

Rating: 5 out of 5.

About the Author

Luke Deckard is the author of No Saints Only Killers, which was shortlisted for the Amazon New Voices Awards and a finalist at Bloody Scotland’s Pitch Perfect. He is the co-host of the CINEMA SLEUTHS podcast, a reviewer for Get Your Comic On, and a creative writing mentor at the University of Westminster.

Photo: Paste Creative Book Tours

**Thank you to Stephanie Caruso, Paste Creative Book Tours, and Luke Deckard for the gifted copy for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Book Review: ‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir – Life on the Moon & High-Stakes Heists

‘Artemis’ by Andy Weir is a sci-fi crime story set on the Moon. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Book Review: Artemis by Andy Weir

Synopsis

Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara lives in humanity’s first lunar colony, Artemis. She never signed up to be a hero—she just wanted to get rich. Not crazy, eccentric-billionaire rich, like many of the visitors to Artemis, but rich enough to move out of her coffin-sized apartment and eat something better than flavored algae. Rich enough to pay off a debt she’s owed for a long time. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a chance at a lucrative heist presents itself, Jazz can’t say no. But engineering the perfect crime is just the start of her problems, because that little heist is about to land her in the middle of a conspiracy that threatens the future of Artemis itself.

Trapped between competing forces, pursued by a killer and the law alike, she’ll have to hatch a truly spectacular scheme to have a chance at staying alive and saving her city. Jazz is no hero, but she is a very good criminal.

Review

Artemis begins with Jazz reeling from failing her EVA exam, which she needs to join the EVA Guild. Members of the guild lead groups of tourists across the lunar surface and earn a significantly better living. She tries to talk her way into passing, but Bob Lewis, former US Marine and head trainer, doesn’t budge. He tells her to try again and focus on the quality of her equipment.

The story centers around Jazz, a clever, sarcastic porter and small-time smuggler who dreams of escaping poverty. She’s an engaging protagonist whose intelligence, resilience, and moral ambiguity make her both flawed and relatable. Unlike the idealistic heroes often found in science fiction, she survives through quick thinking, technical expertise, and sheer determination. Her growth from a self-serving opportunist to someone willing to risk everything for others forms the emotional core of the story.

“How dare you call me lazy? I’d come up with a scathing retort but, meh, I’m just not motivated.”

Weir once again showcases his talent for making complex engineering and scientific concepts accessible without slowing down the narrative pace. Themes of survival, greed, class inequality, and redemption are woven throughout the novel, highlighting the real-world challenges of building a human society beyond Earth.

Weir’s signature worldbuilding shines brightest here:

  • Lunar Economics: The realistic financial friction between tourists, workers, and corporations.
  • Life-Support Mechanics: Detailed systems keeping the dome breathable and safe.
  • Industrial Realism: Meticulously researched aluminum-smelting processes that anchor the plot.

The fast-paced plot keeps the tension high as Jazz relies on her sharp technical instincts and criminal ingenuity to pull off a spectacular multi-stage scheme.

However, Jazz’s dialogue and internal monologue can feel somewhat forced and juvenile at times, occasionally undermining the tension. While it doesn’t quite match the sheer survivalist charm of Mark Watney’s journey in The Martian, Artemis still delivers a fun, fast-moving sci-fi crime caper.

The Bottom Line

Artemis by Andy Weir is a fast-paced science fiction thriller that blends suspense, humor, and real-world science into an entertaining lunar adventure. If you enjoy hard science paired with high-stakes action, it is well worth the trip to the moon.

“People will trust a reliable criminal more readily than a shady businessman.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of Artemis today!

About the Author

Andy Weir built a career as a software engineer until the success of his first published novel, The Martian, allowed him to live out his dream of writing full-time. He is a lifelong space nerd and a devoted hobbyist of subjects such as relativistic physics, orbital mechanics, and the history of manned spaceflight.

Bonus

If you enjoyed the fast-paced survival, witty problem-solving, and high-stakes criminal plots of Andy Weir’s Artemis, these sci-fi heist and mystery novels offer a similar blend of technical intrigue and fast-paced schemes.

High-Stakes Sci-Fi Heists

The Quantum Thief by Hannu Rajaniemi features post-human master criminal Jean le Flambeur breaking out of prison to pull off an impossible heist across a high-tech moving city on Mars.
Chasm City by Alastair Reynolds follows a security operative hunting a ruthless killer through a bizarre, virus-corrupted sci-fi metropolis while navigating high-stakes crime networks.

Space-Bound Sci-Fi Mysteries

Six Wakes by Mur Lafferty combines a locked-room murder mystery with cloning technology as a spaceship crew wakes up to find their previous bodies murdered and their recent memories wiped.
Leviathan Wakes by S.A. Corey pairs a hard-boiled detective on an asteroid belt with an ice-miner captain as they unravel a system-wide conspiracy triggered by a missing girl.

Which Should You Pick?

For an intricate, mind-bending criminal heist set in a futuristic solar system, go with The Quantum Thief.
For a claustrophobic, locked-room whodunit packed with survival tension, start with Six Wakes.
For a grounded space-noir investigation with vast geopolitical stakes, choose Leviathan Wakes.

‘The Secret of Secrets’ Book Review: Dan Brown’s Most Ambitious Novel Yet

‘The Secret of Secrets’ by Dan Brown. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Related Post: Dan Brown’s ‘Origin’ Review: Where Science Meets Faith

📚 Book Review: The Secret of Secrets by Dan Brown

  • Author: Dan Brown
  • Genre: Thriller / Mystery / Speculative Fiction
  • Pacing: Fast & Cinematic
  • Audiobook Length: ~23 Hours (Hardcover: ~700 Pages)

📖 Synopsis

Robert Langdon, esteemed professor of symbology, travels to Prague to attend a groundbreaking lecture by Katherine Solomon, a prominent noetic scientist with whom he has recently begun a romantic relationship. She’s getting ready to publish a breakthrough book that contains explosive scientific discoveries about the nature of human consciousness, revelations that threaten to disrupt centuries of established belief. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

When a brutal murder catapults the trip into chaos, Katherine suddenly goes missing and her manuscript disappears. Desperate to find the woman he loves, Langdon embarks on a thrilling race through the mystical landscape of Prague, ruthlessly hunted by a powerful organization and a chilling assailant sprung from the city’s ancient mythology.

As the action expands to London and New York, Langdon plunges into the dual worlds of futuristic science and historical lore, navigating a labyrinth of codes and symbols, and finally uncovering a shocking truth about a secret project that will forever change the way we think about the human mind.

📝 The Review

Dan Brown returns with another intellectually charged thriller in The Secret of Secrets, a breathless, high-stakes story that seamlessly combines ancient lore with cutting-edge science. Set against the atmospheric backdrops of Prague, London, and New York, it delivers the classic, fast-paced puzzle-solving fans expect while raising provocative questions about human potential.

🔍 Character Dynamics

The story centers around Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, whose usual intellectual detachment is challenged by personal dangers. His romance with Katherine Solomon grounds the narrative, significantly raising the emotional tension. Langdon remains a compelling protagonist, balancing academic brilliance with humility and determination, and his personal tie to Katherine adds welcome depth to his character.

Katherine is equally engaging, portrayed as an intelligent and courageous scientist whose research into human consciousness challenges long-held religious and philosophical beliefs. She is far more than a simple damsel in distress; their partnership creates a refreshing dynamic, with both characters contributing equally to the unfolding mystery.

🧠 Core Themes

  • Science vs. Belief: The narrative continuously pits revolutionary neuroscience against rigid, established dogmas.
  • The Nature of Human Consciousness: Solomon’s findings explore whether the human mind holds untapped power capable of altering reality itself.
  • Mythology as Historical Truth: The story weaves Prague’s rich lore—including dark mythological guardians like the Golem—into modern technological secrets, suggesting that ancient myths often mask advanced truths.

“Brown has written a thought-provoking ride that will leave readers questioning the untapped boundaries of their own minds.”

As expected, Brown fills the narrative with cryptic symbols, historical references, and unexpected twists that keep readers hooked. While some plot developments stretch credibility, the intricate puzzles and cinematic pacing make them easy to forgive. With relentless momentum and a haunting antagonist, it’s a deeply compelling read.

🎧 Final Thoughts

Overall, The Secret of Secrets is an entertaining blend of history, philosophy, and speculative science that will satisfy longtime Dan Brown fans while offering newcomers an exciting introduction to Robert Langdon’s world.

At almost 700 pages (or nearly 23 hours on audiobook), it’s one of Brown’s longest books to date. The experience of reading the physical tome versus listening to the immersive narration will likely feel vastly different, but either way, it’s an adventure worth taking.

“Religions had learned long ago that a human mind facing the terrifying prospect of eternal nothingness would believe almost anything. Timor mortis est pater religionis, Langdon mused, recalling the ancient saying made famous by Upton Sinclair. Fear of death is the father of religion.”

Rating: 4 out of 5.

Get your copy of The Secret of Secrets today!

📚 The Robert Langdon Series (In Order)

  1. Angels & Demons
  2. The Da Vinci Code
  3. The Lost Symbol
  4. Inferno
  5. Origin
  6. The Secret of Secrets

✍️ About the Author

DAN BROWN is the author of several #1 bestselling novels, including The Da Vinci Code, one of the bestselling books of all time, as well as Origin, Inferno, The Lost Symbol, and Angels & Demons. His thrillers have captivated readers worldwide and sparked global intellectual debate. He is also the author of the bestselling children’s book Wild Symphony. Brown’s novels are published in 56 languages internationally, with over 250 million copies in print.

From Book to Screen: Harlan Coben’s New Netflix Series ‘I Will Find You’

Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You.’ Photo: Barnes & Noble

From Page to Screen: Harlan Coben’s ‘I Will Find You’ Comes to Netflix

Few authors have mastered the art of suspense like Harlan Coben. His novels captivate readers with intricate plots, unexpected twists, and relatable characters whose ordinary lives are suddenly turned upside down. Each story keeps readers guessing until the final pages, making his books nearly impossible to put down.

That same storytelling brilliance has translated seamlessly to the screen, with numerous Netflix adaptations becoming massive international hits. Series like Fool Me Once, Stay Close, and The Stranger have introduced Coben’s gripping mysteries to an even wider audience. Whether on the page or on the screen, Harlan Coben consistently delivers edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

The latest adaptation to join this thriller lineup is I Will Find You, an eight-episode limited series that premiered on Netflix on June 18, 2026.

📺 The Series: ‘I Will Find You’

Based on Coben’s #1 New York Times bestselling novel, I Will Find You follows David Burroughs, an innocent father serving a life sentence in a maximum-security prison for the murder of his own son, Matthew.

Five years into his sentence, David receives shocking word from his sister-in-law, Rachel, that Matthew may actually be alive. To uncover the truth, he must embark on a high-stakes mission that leads him out of prison and into a dangerous world of deceit and despair.

🎭 Meet the Cast

ActorRole
Sam WorthingtonDavid Burroughs
Britt LowerRachel Mills
Milo VentimigliaHayden Payne
Logan BrowningSarah Greer
Chi McBrideMax Williams
Madeleine StoweGertrude Payne

📖 The Book Synopsis

For those who want to dive into the source material, here is the official setup for this breathtaking thriller:

David Burroughs was once a devoted father to his three-year-old son, Matthew, living a dream life just a short drive away from the working-class suburb where he and his wife, Cheryl, first fell in love. Until one fateful night, David woke to discover Matthew had been murdered while David was asleep just down the hall. (Barnes & Noble, 2026)

Half a decade later, David’s been wrongly accused and convicted of the crime. Grieving and wracked with guilt, he didn’t have the will to fight the system, leaving the world to move on without him.

Then, Cheryl’s younger sister, Rachel, makes a surprise appearance during visiting hours. She brings a strange photograph, and in the background—just barely in frame—is a boy bearing an eerie resemblance to David’s son. David knows it instantly: Matthew is still alive.

Determined to achieve the impossible, David plans a harrowing prison escape to save his son, clear his own name, and discover the real story of what happened. But with his life on the line and the FBI following his every move, can he evade capture long enough to reveal the shocking truth?

✍️ About the Author

Harlan Coben is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of the world’s leading storytellers. His suspense novels are published in 46 languages and have topped bestseller lists in more than a dozen countries. His celebrated Myron Bolitar series has earned him the prestigious Edgar, Shamus, and Anthony Awards.

Coben is also the creator and executive producer of numerous television shows. Beyond Netflix hits like Missing You, Fool Me Once, The Innocent, and The Woods, he is the creative force behind Amazon Prime’s Shelter and Lazarus. With Run Away and I Will Find You anchoring his latest screen adaptations, Coben has plenty more thrilling projects in the works.

Have you started watching I Will Find You on Netflix yet, or are you planning to read the book first? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

‘The Girl on the Beach’ Book Review: This Summer’s Ultimate Thriller

‘The Girl on the Beach’ is the new suspenseful thriller by Carol Snow. Photo: Penguin Random House

Book Review: The Girl on the Beach by Carol Snow

Release Date: June 23, 2026, available for pre-order.

Genre: Psychological Thriller / Suspense

Synopsis

On the surface, Sonia and Graham Starr are a glamorous couple: Sonia is the sleek entrepreneur behind a successful lifestyle brand and Graham is a handsome painter with an irrepressible zest for life. They had everything money could buy and the one thing it couldn’t, a precious, precocious four-year-old named Roxie. But when Roxie disappears into the Pacific Ocean on a perfect August afternoon, their world crumbles around them.

Months after the tragedy, the Starrs are divorcing, and Sonia has hired real estate agent Jan Murray to sell their expensive beach house. One Sunday afternoon, Jan waits for Colleen, Roxie’s twenty-one-year-old former nanny, to arrive at the home.

Still haunted by unanswered questions and overwhelming guilt, Colleen returns to the Starrs’ house on the “American Riviera”—the rarefied stretch of land around Santa Barbara where the mountains meet the sea—hoping the environment will trigger buried memories.

Her first night back, she gazes out at the sand and sees a child who bears a striking resemblance to Roxie. When she calls out, the child runs away. Colleen never believed that Roxie, who was deeply afraid of the surf, would run into the ocean on her own. A desperate hunt for the truth begins, forcing Colleen to face her greatest fears.

Review

The Girl on the Beach immerses readers into the devastating aftermath of a family’s worst nightmare. Set against the sun-drenched, wealthy backdrop of Santa Barbara, the story masterfully follows the unraveling of a family unit broken by grief.

A Gripping, Non-Linear Narrative

The heart of the book is Colleen’s journey. Told through her first-person perspective, the story unfolds using alternating BEFORE and AFTER chapters. These flashbacks carefully piece together the timeline surrounding Roxie’s disappearance.

Colleen is a particularly engaging protagonist whose determination and vulnerability make her incredibly easy to root for. Driven by intense guilt, she constantly blames herself for not watching Roxie, even though it was her day off. Snow handles Colleen’s struggles with anxiety, grief, and an unhelpful therapist with remarkable empathy and realism.

Atmospheric and Tense

Snow excels at creating an atmosphere of unease and paranoia, skillfully revealing secrets while forcing the reader to question who is actually telling the truth. The beautiful scenery comes alive through poetic, highly descriptive prose:

“Our feet crunch on gravel. Insects buzz. The scent of wild roses and sage hangs heavy in the air.”

This gorgeous, idyllic setting creates a tense, gripping juxtaposition against the dark, suffocating grief of the Starr family.

The Verdict

The Girl on the Beach is a riveting thriller that beautifully combines family tragedy, suspense, and emotional depth. It uses themes of grief, identity, and the fragility of memory to explore the human condition under extreme stress.

Fans of psychological suspense will appreciate the intricate plotting and emotional complexity. Best of all? The genuinely jaw-dropping finale completely resets everything you thought you knew. It is easily this year’s top summer beach read.

“The sky is white and soggy. The air has a bite. It is winter, after all; some days it even feels like it. And yet, the sea calls to me.”

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

About the Author

Carol Snow holds a BA in psychology from Brown University and an MA in teaching English from Boston College. She is the author of ten novels.

Called “an author to watch” by Booklist, recognition for Snow’s previous titles includes a Target Bookmarked Breakout Selection, Amazon Editors’ Pick: Best Books of the Month, and a Readers’ Crown Award Finalist.

**Thank you to Fauzia Burke of FSB Associates for the gifted ARC for review consideration. I haven’t been compensated for this review and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

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