Tag: Psychological thrillers

Summer Turns Sinister in J.D. Barker’s Island Horror Masterpiece

‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ is the new thriller by J.D. Barker. Photo: Barnes & Noble

📚 Book Review: “Something I Keep Upstairs” by J.D. Barker

The story begins with 17-year-old Billy Hasler recounting the day everything changed. He and his best friend, David Spivey—known simply as Spivey—have been inseparable since their parents paired them up as kids at the age of four. Raised on New Castle, a small island off the coast of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, their bond is unshakable.

But during the final week of their junior year, everything shifts. Principal Wilson and Police Chief Whaley interrupt their algebra class with shocking news: Spivey’s grandmother, Geraldine Rote—whom he met only once—has passed away and left him her entire estate on nearby Wood Island. That includes a house, a couple of boats, and enough money to secure his future.

A Summer Adventure Turns into a Nightmare

J.D. Barker’s “Something I Keep Upstairs” is a pulse-pounding descent into psychological horror, steeped in folklore, trauma, and the eerie quiet of an isolated island. What begins as a carefree summer quickly spirals into a chilling exploration of generational secrets and supernatural terror.

As Billy and Spivey dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken a force that has long lurked in the shadows—something ancient, hungry, and deeply rooted in the land and its people. Their friendship, once a refuge, becomes fragile. Even Billy’s relationship with his girlfriend Kira is suffering:

“If our relationship was held together by a thread, I was standing on that thread, carefully balanced, and the wrong move would send me teetering over the side and falling into an abyss from which she and I would not recover.”

Vivid, Atmospheric Horror

Told alternately in first-person through Billy’s perspective, the novel is rich in atmosphere and tension. Barker’s writing is cinematic and emotionally layered, balancing fast-paced plot with psychological depth. The horror builds gradually, creeping in before crashing down with relentless force.

“The smell hit me the moment I crossed the threshold. A damp, heady scent of dirt, must, and mold over something horribly sweet, like burnt sugar forgotten in a simmering pan.”

At nearly 500 pages, the pace slows slightly in the middle, but fans of Stephen King and Dean Koontz will appreciate the blend of ghostly apparitions, time distortions, family legacies, and soul-hungry ancient entities.

Final Thoughts

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is more than a horror novel—it’s a haunting tale of memory, legacy, and the things we inherit without understanding. It lingers long after the final page and is highly recommended for fans of ghost stories and supernatural thrillers.

“When left alone, the mind can either be your biggest asset or worst enemy. When mine  began rattling off the possibilities, it became the single voice I no longer wanted to hear…”

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.

**There is still time to enter the contest to win a night in the haunted house that inspired the book. The winner will be selected on June 13, 2025. Related post: Enter If You Dare: Win a Spine-Chilling Night in the Haunted House That Inspired ‘Something I Keep Upstairs.’

Enter If You Dare: Win a Spine-Chilling Night in the Haunted House That Inspired ‘Something I Keep Upstairs’

J.D. Barker’s new novel ‘Something I Keep Upstairs’ will be released in May. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

When it comes to mystery and ghost thriller books, you can’t beath the spine-chilling suspense, eerie atmospheres, and unpredictable twists. They are some of my favorites books to read going back to my early childhood years. These genres tap into our fascination with the unknown, blending psychological intrigue with supernatural elements to keep us on edge. The tension of solving a mystery, combined with the fear of the unseen, creates a gripping reading experience.

Ghost thrillers, in particular, evoke emotions ranging from curiosity to dread, making us question reality and the afterlife. Whether unraveling a whodunit or encountering restless spirits, these stories provide an adrenaline rush, immersing readers in dark, haunting worlds where every shadow holds a secret.

In today’s ever changing marketing landscape, interactive book marketing can create buzz and engage readers in exciting, immersive ways. Hosting contests where winners spend a night in a haunted house is a thrilling way to promote mystery and ghost thriller books, offering fans a real-life spooky experience. It can turn readers into active participants, making the book launch a memorable adventure rather than just a release.

Do you love challenging contests and haunted houses? If so, then this contest is just for you. J.D. Barker, the New Your Times and international best-selling author is offering readers the chance to spend the night in a real haunted house as part of the promotion for his new novel “Something I Keep Upstairs.” The story centers around 17 year old Billy Hasler and his best friend David Spivey who are out to spend their final summer before college in the New Hampshire house that Billy has inherited. What could possibly go wrong? The novel is inspired by an abandoned house in Wood Island and the lucky winner will be spending 24 hours in this house, which is rumored to be haunted. (J.D. Barker, 2025)

On June 13 one name will be drawn and the winner, along with 3 of his/her closest friends, will get this once in a lifetime opportunity. They will meet in Kittery Point, Maine and then be transported by boat to the island and the house. Once the boat leaves, it will not be back until 24 hours later. Can you survive the night? Find out more about the contest and click here to enter.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” will be released on May 13, 2025 and is available for pre-order now.

For a haunted house to be born, somebody has to die.

In the sleepy coastal town of New Castle, New Hampshire, seventeen-year-old Billy Hasler’s life is about to take a terrifying turn. When his best friend David Spivey inherits a mysterious house on a nearby island, it seems like the perfect place to spend their final summer before heading off to college. No parents. No police. No responsibilities. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)

As they dig into the island’s dark past, they awaken an ancient evil that has influenced generations. What begins as an innocent summer adventure quickly descends into a nightmare.

“Something I Keep Upstairs” is a haunting exploration of friendship, sacrifice, and the darkness lurking just beyond our understanding.

Courtesy photo, used with permission.
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Dean Koontz’ Latest Masterpiece: ‘The Forest of Lost Souls’

‘The Forest of Lost Souls’ by Dean Koontz. Photo: Amazon

I have been a fan of Dean Koontz’ books for years because of their unique blend of suspense, horror, and philosophical depth. The characters usually face extraordinary challenges, navigating a world filled with malevolent forces and moral dilemmas. He often explores the themes of love, loyalty, and the battle between good and evil and his ability to weave humor and warmth into tense narratives adds an engaging layer, make his books thrilling and emotional. That’s why I’m so excited for his newest book “The Forest of Lost Souls” and can’t wait to read it for myself.

International bestselling author Dean Koontz was only a senior in college when he won an Atlantic Monthly fiction competition and he hasn’t stopped writing since. He is the author of “The Bad Weather Friend,” “After Death,” “The House at the End of the World,” “The Big Dark Sky,” and seventy-nine New York Times best sellers. Hailed by Rolling Stone as “America’s most popular suspense novelist,” his books have been published in thirty-eight languages and have sold over five hundred million copies worldwide. In his new book “The Forest of Lost Souls,” a fearless woman, raised in the forest, fights against a group of powerful men in a novel about good versus evil, the enduring nature of myth, and the power of love.

“The Forest of Lost Souls” – Raised in the wilderness by her late great-uncle, Vida is a young woman with an almost preternatural affinity for nature, especially for the wolves that also call the forested mountains home. Formed by hard experience, by love and loss, and by the prophecies of a fortune teller, Vida just wants peace. If only nearby Kettleton County didn’t cast such a dark shadow.

It’s where José Nochelobo, the love of Vida’s life and a cherished local hero, died in a tragic accident. That’s the official story, but Vida has reasons to doubt it. The truth can’t be contained for long. Nor can the hungry men of power in Kettleton who want something too: that Vida, like José, disappear forever. One by one they come for her, prepared to do anything to see their plans through to their evil end. Vida is no less prepared for them.

Vida, the forest, and its formidable wonders are waiting. She will not rest until goodness and order have been restored.

Review and Insights: ‘Side Effects Are Minimal’ by Laura Essay

‘Side Effects Are Minimal’ is the new legal thriller by Laura Essay. Photo: Amazon

Laura Essay attended the University of Nebraska and obtained a law degree from Creighton University School of Law. When her three grown children moved on to graduate programs in other cities, writing became her passion. “Side Effects Are Minimal,” her debut novel, is about a corrupt pharmaceutical industry, the guilt of physicians prescribing the opioids that kill, and the pain experienced by families who have lost loved ones to a widespread epidemic. Her knowledge of the opioid crisis stems from her passion for research and countless hours spent searching for the truth about opioids in America.

Synopsis:

“Side Effects Are Minimal” – ambitious attorney Claire Hewitt is asked to represent the Satoris, one of Philadelphia’s most prominent families in a lawsuit over the death of their daughter Emma. She is thrust into an opioid nightmare with deadly impact—and not for the first time. Even after twenty years after her sister Molly’s death from what she believes to be an opioid-related death, Claire still feels guilty for not being able to help her. Now, with this new assignment, her guilt comes full circle. Who was really at fault in Molly’s death? And who is at fault now?

Claire struggles to balance her desire for justice with the Satoris’ thirst for revenge. She knows she needs to expose the greed that transforms legal opioid production into illicit fabrications and the neglect that is the breaking point between physicians and their patients. There are powerful people who will seemingly stop at nothing to prevent these truths from seeing the light of day, and she is sabotaged at every turn. Can she push past the obstacles in her way to build a winning case?

Review:

The opioid epidemic in America has devastated communities nationwide, claiming countless lives and leaving a trail of shattered families. Laura Essay expertly combines real events with a compelling narrative. The story begins as Claire is excited at being assigned the Sartoris case even though in the long run it might be a class action suit. She is nervous but looking forward to the challenge partially because the opioid crisis affected her family as well when her sister Molly passed away and she sees this case as a way to get justice for her as well. Her character is confident and qualified but right from the beginning when she is assaulted and her briefcase is stolen, it becomes evident that there will be strong forces out to stop her at all costs.

I was drawn to this novel because of its exploration of the human experience within the medical and legal systems. The fictional court case brings to light the heartache faced by families touched by this crisis and how it transcends demographics, but at least the parents in this story are lucky to be wealthy enough to be able to sue the pharmaceutical supplier. The courtroom drama and the hard work by the lawyers and everyone working behind the scenes to bring these cases to court is gripping and eye-opening.

Essay’s writing style makes it easy to follow the medical and legal terms because she doesn’t use overly complicated jargon. Her use of descriptive language immerses the reader in the action: “Beads of sweat glistened on his upper lip and beside the veins spider-webbing his nostrils.” The characters she creates are vivid and relatable, each struggling with their own challenges and triumphs. This story explores the themes of family, courage, and power/corruption and the challenges that come in times of crisis. Highlights include the in-depth research on the case and Chapter 24 No Friend of Mine when Claire is given the spotlight when the trial begins.

Overall, “Side Effects Are Minimal” is a compelling novel that reminds us of the power of the court system and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of medical challenges. It is recommended for readers interested in learning more about the opioid epidemic and enjoy medical thrillers by Robin Cook, legal thrillers by Mike Papantonio and John Grisham, and strong female characters.  

“Claire’s movements revealed the sorrow she felt. Her fingers glided along each line as she read. She whispered their names. She grimaced and smiled and often looked to the ceiling for a break. She squeezed her eyes shut when a break wasn’t enough.”

*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.

New horror movie release: Beware the Boogeyman

The new horror movie Beware the Boogeyman had a digital release this week. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

If you’re a horror fan and looking for a new movie to stream this weekend, here is one to consider.

Breaking Glass Pictures is thrilled to announce the upcoming release of Beware the Boogeyman, a gripping psychological thriller written and directed by the talented Calvin Morie McCarthy. It is available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

“Calvin is a talented filmmaker, and we enjoy working with him. His keen vision and creative prowess have brought ‘Beware the Boogeyman’ to life in a truly captivating way. With its gripping storyline and haunting atmosphere, this film promises to enthrall audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats until the very end.” – Rich Wolff, CEO of Breaking Glass Pictures
 

In this chilling tale, Dr. Tristian MacKenzie embarks on her first day of orientation at the Silverdale Psychiatric Hospital for the criminally insane. There, she encounters the enigmatic Dr. Moon, who reveals a series of bizarre cases involving five patients and their shared delusion: THE BOOGEYMAN.

As Dr. MacKenzie delves deeper into the unsettling files, she unravels a web of intrigue and horror that challenges her understanding of reality. With each revelation, the line between sanity and madness blurs, leading to a heart-stopping climax that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

Elissa Dowling, Airisa Durand, and Chynna Rae Shurts star.

Prepare to be captivated by Beware the Boogeyman, a masterfully crafted thriller that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche.

New book release ‘Hunt for The Shepherd’ by Susan Bennett

‘Hunt for The Shepherd’ is the thrilling new novel by Susan Bennett. Photo: Susan Bennett, used with permission.

One of my favorite books to read are mystery novels. The fun part of reading crime and mystery fiction is trying to figure out who is the bad guy, especially if there’s a plot twist or two involved. Today’s new book release is a modern day thriller and whodunit to get you thinking. “Hunt for the Shepherd” by Susan Bennett centers around a serial killer known as The Shepherd. Start the year off with a thrilling mystery novel – pick up your copy of “Hunt for the Shepherd” and get immersed in an intense storyline. It is available on Amazon UK, Amazon US, and Barnes and Noble.

Originally from London, Susan Bennett is an English author, currently residing in Norfolk. Spending most of her career as a teacher, Susan has taken the skills and expertise she gained to fulfil her dream of becoming a writer. Using a plethora of research and knowledge into the crime genre, Susan combines suspense, mystery, and law enforcement realism to ultimately create gripping narratives you cannot put down. Her first published novel ‘Hunt for the Shepherd’ is now available in all formats. (Susan Bennett, 2024)

“Hunt for the Shepherd” – Beside the unforgiving railway tracks, the discovery of a lifeless young girl shatters the tranquility, propelling the unyielding Serious Crime Squad into action. Urgent briefings crackle with intensity, plans take shape, and leads are pursued in a race against time. As the body count rises, an enigmatic figure emerges – The Shepherd.

With time slipping away, the imperative to capture this relentless murderer intensifies. As the squad races against the clock, the stakes soar higher, and justice becomes a fragile thread, threatening to unravel. Gripping and intense, this tale ensures that every heartbeat counts in the pursuit of an adversary who thrives in the shadows.

This is no ordinary whodunit; it’s a modern-day thriller that grips the reader from the first page. The detectives navigate a roller-coaster of triumphs and setbacks, thrust into a sinister game orchestrated by a psychopathic mind.

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New book release: ‘Holly’ by Stephen King

‘Holly,’ Stephen King’s new novel, will be release September 5, 2023. Photo: Amazon

My all time favorite author is Stephen King. I have read almost all his books and his are the only ones I have in my library, aside from Dean Koontz, of course. Naturally, I have to write about his new release coming up next month: “Holly.” Holly is one of the characters from the Bill Hodges series and this novel is a continuation of her story. This Constant Reader will always recommend Stephen King’s books.

Stephen King is the author of more than sixty books, all of them worldwide bestsellers. His recent work includes “Holly,” “Fairy Tale,” “If It Bleeds,” Sleeping Beauties,” (cowritten with his son Owen King), and the Bill Hodges trilogy: “End of Watch,” “Finders Keepers,” and “Mr. Mercedes” (an Edgar Award winner for Best Novel and a television series streaming on Peacock). He is the recipient of the 2020 Audio Publishers Association Lifetime Achievement Award, the 2018 PEN America Literary Service Award, the 2014 National Medal of Arts, and the 2003 National Book Foundation Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters. In his new book “Holly,” Holly Gibney, one of Stephen King’s most compelling and ingeniously resourceful characters, returns in this thrilling novel to solve the gruesome truth behind multiple disappearances in a midwestern town. It will be September 5, 2023. (Amazon, 2023)

“Holly” – this new release marks the triumphant return of beloved King character Holly Gibney. Readers have witnessed Holly’s gradual transformation from a shy (but also brave and ethical) recluse in Mr. Mercedes to Bill Hodges’s partner in “Finders Keepers” to a full-fledged, smart, and occasionally tough private detective in “The Outsider.” In King’s new novel, Holly is on her own, and up against a pair of unimaginably depraved and brilliantly disguised adversaries.

When Penny Dahl calls the Finders Keepers detective agency hoping for help locating her missing daughter, Holly is reluctant to accept the case. Her partner, Pete, has Covid. Her very complicated mother has just died, and Holly is meant to be on leave. But something in Penny Dahl’s desperate voice makes it impossible for Holly to turn her down.

Mere blocks from where Bonnie Dahl disappeared live Professors Rodney and Emily Harris. They are the picture of bourgeois respectability: married octogenarians, devoted to each other, and semi-retired lifelong academics. But they are harboring an unholy secret in the basement of their well-kept, book-lined home, one that may be related to Bonnie’s disappearance. And it will prove nearly impossible to discover what they are up to: they are savvy, they are patient, and they are ruthless. Holly must summon all her formidable talents to outthink and outmaneuver the shockingly twisted professors in this chilling new masterwork from Stephen King.

“I could never let Holly Gibney go. She was supposed to be a walk-on character in ‘Mr. Mercedes’ and she just kind of stole the book and stole my heart. Holly is all her.” —STEPHEN KING

 

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New horror anthology: ‘Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem’ by Lori Kauldrin

‘Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem’ is the new collection of horror stories by Lori Kauldrin. Photo: Naomi Shulman, used with permission.

We all love to read horror but sometimes the idea of a long overdrawn story can seem daunting. Thankfully there are anthologies. The stories are short and you get several in one collection, all with their own shiver inducing storyline. “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” by Lori Kauldrin is a collection of horror short stories that have one thing in common – all is not what it seems. If you like stories with a plot twist, this anthology is just for you.

Naomi Shulman (writing as Lori Kauldrin) is the author/ghostwriter of over 160 books for children and adults. Lori Kauldrin’s list is comprised of psychological thrillers with emotional depth that grab readers’ hearts and refuse to let go. The stories may be fiction – but they tell the truth. Her new book is “Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” is comprised of seven stories that are at times heart-rending and at times bittersweet, yet these are the stories of the in-between – the place between knowing and unknowing. It is available on Amazon, which includes a large print edition. (Naomi Shulman, 2023)

“Wholesome Horror Anthology: Scary Stories That Aren’t What They Seem” – A young child pens an eerie goodbye. A shy ten-year-old finally makes a friend – a child who shares his obsession with solving an unthinkable crime that was solved long before his birth. A college student with a fractured soul seeks the truth behind her death. As their terrible narratives unfold, a growing sense of unease gives way to a familiar twist: nothing is as it seems. Their horror remains until its completion, at which time they release the reader into the proper emotional sphere – be it grief, loneliness, or aching nostalgia. But tread carefully, for once you reach the ending, there is no going back to the illusion.

Stories in this collection include The Crime Scene in my Bathroom, The House Where I Grew Up, Broken Love, First Train: I Thought I Could, How Did I Die?, Second Train: Together We Can, and Goodbye Mommy. They are all easy to read and pull the reader into the haunting settings. You can easily read it in one sitting, or enjoy it one story at a time. While the language is easy to understand, the writing style is often poetic: “Jealousy burned like the flames of hell inside my empty heart” from How Did I Die? The House Where I Grew Up, First Train: I Thought I Could, and Second Train: Together We Can are written in long prose and showcase the author’s strength in poetry writing. Goodbye Mommy is meant to be a goodbye note, so it is creatively made to look handwritten and the paper looks crumbled. I do not want to give away any spoilers, you will have to read it for yourself to find out why. Overall, “Wholesome Horror Anthology” is a must read for horror fans who love a good plot twist, because sometimes illusions are the scariest when you do not see them coming. 

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Book review: ‘The Family Bones’ by Elle Marr

‘The Family Bones’ is the new psychological thriller by Elle Marr. Photo: Amazon

Elle Marr is the #1 Amazon Charts bestselling author of “Strangers We Know,” “Lies We Bury,” and “The Missing Sister.” Originally from Sacramento, Elle graduated from UC San Diego before moving to France, where she earned a master’s degree from the Sorbonne University in Paris. She now writes and lives in Oregon with her family. In her new book “The Family Bones,” a young woman digs into her family’s shadowy legacy. (Amazon, 2023)

“The Family Bones” – Psychology student Olivia Eriksen’s family is notorious among true-crime buffs. Faced with a legacy of psychopathy that spans generations, Olivia has spent much of her academic life trying to answer one chilling question: Nature or nurture? The story begins with a brief news article about the chaotic events that took place at her family reunion. From there, it goes back two weeks with Olivia going through the 1945 trial recordings of her great uncle Calder Saffron Eriksen, who was charged with patricide, for her psychology dissertation. When she gets home she discovers the invitation to the Eriksen Family Reunion. Although she has kept a safe distance from her blood relatives for years, Olivia agrees to attend a weekend reunion. After all, her fiancé is eager to meet his future in-laws and the gathering may give her a chance to interview her elusive grandfather about the family traits, but nothing is ever peaceful among the Eriksens for long. First, Olivia’s favorite cousin is found dead in a nearby lake. Then another family member disappears. As a violent storm isolates the group further, Olivia’s fears rise faster than the river and an uninvited guest is about to join the party. True crime podcaster Birdie Tan has uncovered a disturbing mystery in her latest investigation—and she is following it right to the Eriksens’ mountain resort. No one, not even Olivia, will see the inevitable deadly twist coming.

Nature vs nurture is a frequent topic in stories that deal with psychology and in this case, Olivia is obsessed with her family history because she is nearing the age when most of her family members were diagnosed as “psychopaths” and she fears she may be next. It is fascinating to uncover the family secrets along with her. Halfway through, one begins to wonder if Olivia is the one responsible for the mayhem taking place at the reunion (she is not) and she just does not remember because she is experiencing disassociation from reality. When a book begins with a crowded family tree, you know the character list will be extensive and this one is no exception; it comes in handy as the story develops. It is narrated alternatively though the eyes of Olivia and the true crime podcaster Birdie Tan with newspaper articles filling in the details of the disturbing Eriksen family history. The references to the instances of animal cruelty perpetrated by family members in the past, though only hinted at, are rather cliché and add little substance to the story. Regardless, the language is easy to understand and beautifully descriptive: “moonlight washes the meadow in a white glow.” With relatable characters and a thrilling dialogue driven story that keeps readers guessing until the shocking ending, “The Family Bones” is a must read and recommended for fans of psychological thrillers with smart and multi layered female leads.

“A scream builds in my throat. It scratches at my shoulders, picking my collar. I should be wrestling with some deep-belly grief – the kind worthy of losing a loved one – but I stare at the wool material of the blanket until the urge to fall apart recedes. The precursors of hysteria slink back into the darkness.”

* 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.

Book review: ‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ by James Polkinghorn

‘Liquid Shades of Blue’ is the debut novel by James Polkinghorn. Photo: Amazon

James Polkinghorn is a lawyer and partner in a national law firm specializing in labor and employment law. He has extensive trial and litigation experience accumulated in multiple jurisdictions throughout the country. A Pittsburgh native, Polkinghorn moved with his family to Florida in high school, where he has since stayed. He has a degree in political science as well as a law degree from the University of Florida. He now lives in Key West with his wife, Becki, and their dog, Major Tom. In “Liquid Shades of Blue,” his first novel, after the death of his brother and now his mother, Jack Girard searches for the truth behind his family’s tragedies. (Amazon, 2023)

“Liquid Shades of Blue” – When hungover ex-lawyer and Key West bar owner Jack Girard groggily wakes up one morning, he is greeted by a beautiful woman lying next to him and a shrill, ringing telephone. The call is from his father, Claude “The Duke” Girard, who tells him that his mother is dead in an apparent suicide. Jack then heads back to his childhood home in Miami to face his tyrannical father. His mother’s death brings up haunting memories from Jack’s past—memories of his brother Bobby’s suicide when they were in college together. Being back in Miami only continues to dredge up his family traumas, but things grow more complicated when The Duke suggests that his estranged wife’s alleged suicide may have been a murder. As Jack begins to uncover the truth about his mother’s death, including the secret she had revealed to only two people—the same secret Bobby had taken with him to his grave—he finds himself in imminent danger. Can Jack reveal the true story before it is too late? He has to act quickly, or he fears he may be the victim of the next Girard family tragedy.

Jack Girard has not had an easy life. He comes from a well off family, but his brother committed suicide, his mother is now dead, and he is not in the best of terms with his father who refers to himself in the third person: ‘the Duke.’ This is a clear indication that his father is a strong willed person who demands respect and that what he says is not up for debate. Jack has tried to make a life for himself even after his career derails but when his mom dies, he has to return home. When his father asks him to look into his mother’s death, what he discovers comes as a big surprise. The plot twist at the end will take readers by surprise too. The characters are well developed and relatable. For a first novel, it certainly is impressive; the language is poetic at times: “the kaleidoscopic azure and green surface of Biscayne Bay glistening in the winter sun behind me” and as a whole, it reads like a fine work of literature. It is narrated in the first person point of view as experienced through Jack’s eyes. Even though it is a small book and an easy read, it is packed with action and is destined to become a classic. With interesting characters and beautiful prose, “Liquid Shades of Blue” is this year’s beach read and is recommended for readers who enjoy a good mystery novel. It is perfect for fans of Karin Slaughter and Harlan Coben.

“By the time I passed the airport, the familiar orange and yellow disk had emerged from the sea, casting magnificent white and yellow reflections across the water to the sand. Four brown pelicans flying at my approximate pace were silhouetted against the sun as they began their morning search for baitfish near the ocean’s surface.”

*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.