To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms on March 25. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Survivalist thrillers create high-stakes scenarios where characters must overcome extreme challenges to stay alive. These films often explore themes of resilience, resourcefulness, and human instinct, making them both thrilling and thought-provoking. Whether set in the wilderness, post-apocalyptic landscapes, or disaster-stricken environments, these movies keep viewers on edge with intense action, suspenseful storytelling, and psychological depth. The appeal lies in the raw tension and the characters’ fight against overwhelming odds, allowing audiences to experience danger vicariously while contemplating their own survival instincts in similar situations. These films offer both adrenaline and emotional depth.
If you like these types of movies, there’s a new one coming out next week: To Die Alone.
Following its world premiere at the San Francisco Independent Film Festival and its Audience Award win for Best Narrative Feature, the survival thriller To Die Alone will be available on all major digital platforms starting March 25.
Directed by Austin Smagalski Produced by Connie Jo Sechrist, Austin Smagalski Starring James Tang and Lisa Jacqueline Starrett
In this gripping survival thriller, after suffering a devastating injury while hiking the remote Pacific Crest Trail, Irving must navigate the treacherous wilderness alone, battling not only physical pain but her own inner demons. With only a stranger named Ford to help her, she faces her deepest fears to survive.
To Die Alone movie still. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
‘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
‘The Middleman’ is Mike Papantonio’s latest legal thriller. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
Legal thrillers blend courtroom drama, high-stakes legal battles, and moral dilemmas. They often feature sharp-witted attorneys, complex cases, and unexpected twists that keep readers on edge. I like that they provide a behind-the-scenes look at the legal system, showcasing both its strengths and flaws. With elements of crime, suspense, and ethical conflicts, legal thrillers challenge readers to question justice and truth. The first legal thriller I read was John Grisham’s “The Client” and I was instantly hooked on the genre. Authors like John Grisham and Scott Turow write stories that combine legal intricacies with human drama, making the genre both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping.
Mike Papantonio is another excellent author worth reading. I have read and reviewed several of his legal thrillers, the most recent one being “Inhuman Trafficking.” His newest one, “The Middleman,” will be out this week and promises another thrilling and suspenseful thriller involving Big Pharma.
Mike Papantonio is a senior partner of Levin Papantonio, one of the country’s largest plaintiffs’ law firms, and was one of the youngest inductees into the Trial Lawyer Hall of Fame. He has aggressively taken on Big Pharma, tobacco, weapon manufacturers, human trafficking, and the automobile industry, among other strongholds of corporate greed, and uses his own cases as springboards for his novels. He was a lead lawyer in the national opioid litigation and the national PFAS litigation.
Papantonio is also a well-known media presence as host of America’s Lawyer, and founder and former co-host of the syndicated radio show Ring of Fire. His new legal thriller is “The Middleman” is an epic drama of whistleblowers, murder, thrills, and legal combat—torn from today’s headlines. It will be released on March 4, 2025. (Wunderkind PR, 2025)
“The Middleman” – Nicholas “Deke” Deketomis and his law firm take on America’s Big Pharma when Deke’s college pal, Matt Redmond, presents him with a case of criminal fraud involving EirePharma, a powerful Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM). PBMs serve as the “middlemen” between drug manufacturers and insurance companies. The Deketomis firm unravels the details about how governmental graft enables PBMs like EirePharma to create America’s catastrophic price gouging crisis.
EirePharma was recently taken over by the charismatic CEO, Connor Devlin, who has a Rasputin-like influence over the company’s president. Devlin utilizes racketeering practices—and perhaps murder—to raise the prices of insulin and other drugs for his own profit and to the detriment of consumers.
Amy, the president of EirePharma, decides— at great peril—to become her company’s whistleblower and provide evidence to Deke and his team. When key witnesses and even Redmond family members meet mysterious and violent deaths, Amy finds herself a pawn caught in the center of a frightening and deadly game of wills between a formidable mobster, who in the eyes of the public is a respected businessman, and a law firm that is determined to put an end to the Middleman’s crimes.
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.
‘Neon Prey’ by John Sandford. Photo: Barnes & Noble.
John Sandford is the pseudonym of John Roswell Camp, an American author and journalist. Camp is the author of more than fifty-four published novels, all of which have appeared, in one format or another, on the New York Times best-seller lists, many debuting at #1. In addition to the Prey, Virgil Flowers, and Letty Davenport novels, all part of the Prey universe, he is also the co-author of three young-adult books in the Singular Menace series, written with Michele Cook, and co-author of the science-fiction thriller “Saturn Run” with Ctein.
“Neon Prey” is the 29th novel in the Prey series. Clayton Deese is a small-time criminal, muscle for hire when his loan shark boss needs to teach someone a lesson. Now, seven months after a job that went south landed him in jail, Deese has skipped out on bail, and the U.S. Marshals come looking for him. They don’t care about a low-level guy–it’s his boss they want–but Deese might be their best chance to bring down the whole operation.
When they track him to his rural Louisiana cabin, they find a jungle full of graves behind a dirt trail. Now Lucas Davenport is on the trail of a serial killer who has been operating for years without notice. The killer is ruthless, and–as Davenport will come to find–full of surprises. (Barnes & Noble, 2025)
Review: “Neon Prey” is a gripping thriller that has Lucas Davenport, now a US Marshal, pursuing a cunning serial killer with a long history of eluding capture. The story begins with the discovery of a gruesome crime scene and quickly spirals into a tense, high-stakes hunt for a killer whose motives and methods remain elusive. Davenport, always a sharp and resourceful investigator, follows a trail that stretches across states, using his expertise and determination to connect dots that others have missed. Together with two of his most trusted agents, Rae Givens and Bob Matees, as well as the FBI Agent in charge Tremanty, they are hot on Deese’s trail, who is now part of a home invasion burglary ring.
Sandford’s writing is fast-paced and immersive, drawing readers into the intense atmosphere of the investigation. With highly descriptive language, the fights scenes come to life: “Paine rolled up on his side, not screaming but choking and in pain, and with Deese’s pant leg now up, Paine, with no other weapon, bit him on the calf, like a feral tomcat, wrenching his head from side to side as his teeth sank in.”
The detailed character development is impressive—especially of Davenport, who continues to evolve throughout the series. He’s a man of deep intellect, but also someone who struggles with personal demons and moral ambiguities, making him a complex and compelling protagonist. Deese, the antagonist, is equally well-written, with a chilling presence that makes every encounter feel high-stakes.
This suspenseful crime thriller is filled with twists and turns as the hunt for a sadistic killer takes Davenport to the neon lights of Las Vegas. It explores the themes of good vs evil, revenge, death, and friendship and while it does have its dark moments, the satisfactory conclusion is worth the ride.
Overall, with its intricate plot and twists and turns, as well as Sandford’s sharp, engaging prose, “Neon Prey” is a standout in the crime genre. Though it’s a stand alone novel, it continues Lucas Davenport’s journey as a US Marshal. It’s a thrilling, intelligent read that will satisfy both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.
“He slipped the tan ski mask out of his pocket, pulled it over his head, turned towards the door and knocked, raising the cane, ready to kick it open. Like many perfect plans, his didn’t go quite right.”
‘Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery’ by Marty Roppelt. Photo: Amazon
“Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” is a murder mystery novel by Marty Roppelt. It follows Chicago police Detective Myles Hanson as he navigates a world of crime and unsettling revelations. After a nighttime raid on a drug lab ends in a deadly shootout that claims the life of an undercover detective, Myles transfers transfers out of the Organized Crime Unit.
On his first night in the Violet Crimes Unit, Maria Peski, a midwife with a normal quiet life is savagely murdered. Back at the station, while filling out the paperwork and listening to music on his headphones, he hears static and voice calling his name. From there, he begins to experience haunting visions and auditory hallucinations that include voices and static on the digital recorder that he uses to take notes.
When a second murder rocks the city with startling similarities, Myles is forced to accept what he fears most: some clues lie beyond the realm of the living. As the line between the supernatural and the real begins to blur, Myles realized that he is hearing the final words of the murder victims, fragments of their unfinished thoughts. Those voices give him clues to help him solve their murder. Together with his new partner Hank ‘The Tank’ Brewer, they race against time to catch the vicious killer before he strikes again.
Marty Roppelt’s new novella takes readers on an eerie journey into the world of the paranormal and crime-solving. As Hanson begins to have paranormal experiences, he must navigate the fine line between solving the crime and protecting his sanity.
Roppelt’s writing is atmospheric, creating a tense, thrilling narrative that keeps the reader hooked. The blending of the supernatural with a traditional murder mystery provides an intriguing twist, adding an extra layer of suspense to the already gripping storyline. Myles Hanson is a well-crafted protagonist, balancing the skepticism of a seasoned detective with the growing realization that the paranormal forces at play are very real. The suspenseful plot twists keep the reader guessing until the end.
The pacing of the novel is steady, allowing the mystery to unfold gradually, and Roppelt’s descriptive narrative of the killer’s viewpoint as he is getting rid of the evidence and then preparing to strike again is unsettling but gripping. The language while describing Myles’ hallucinations is vividly descriptive: “The woman – Maria Peski- stared back at him in the mirror. Dead eyes, frozen deep in their sockets, gazed through him.” The narrative is in the third person point of view that alternates between the characters and towards the end, it hints at an unreliable narrator when the police is interviewing a witness who crossed paths with the killer.
Overall, “Last Words: A Supernatural Murder Mystery” explores the themes of good vs evil, identity, and family. The unique premise of a haunted detective elevates this novel beyond the typical whodunit. Judging by the ending, this is only the beginning of Detective Myles Hanson’s paranormal experiences. It’s a captivating read for fans of both supernatural thrillers and crime mysteries by authors like James Patterson and John Sandford.
“Meandering through the growing crowd as carefully and slowly as he could, he positioned himself to within an arm’s length of his intended victim’s back. He stopped there. How easy it would be to simply stab her in the liver from here, and be done with her…”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
‘Change of Heart’ is the exciting new medical thriller by Cristina LePort. Photo: Amazon
After Amy Winter, a promising young medical student is found dead, Detective Kirk Miner is called to the scene and quickly uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving organ donations and high-stakes crime. As the investigation unfolds, Miner realizes the case is far more complex and dangerous than it initially seemed.
FBI Agent Jack Mulville and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom join forces with Miner to find Amy’s killer. Together, they unravel a web of corruption, revealing that her death is connected to a ruthless organ trafficking ring. Her death triggers an investigation that pulls Miner, Mulville, and Bloom into a labyrinth of deceit and desperation. As they dig deeper, they discover that Amy’s heart is not just a donor’s gift but a coveted prize in a deadly game controlled by criminals willing to kill to keep their secrets hidden, revealing the lengths to which people will go to secure life-saving transplants. Amidst the danger, they face moral dilemmas and personal risks, pushing them to their limits as they strive to protect innocent lives and dismantle a powerful criminal network.
Review:
“Change of Heart” by Cristina LePort is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that unearths the dark world of organ trafficking, exploring the moral and ethical dilemmas surrounding life-saving transplants. The story follows Det. Kirk Miner, FBI Agent Jack Mulville, and Special Agent Charlotte Bloom, as they investigate this unusual case and bring their own unique skills and motivations to the pursuit of justice. As they uncover a network of illegal organ trade, they are forced to navigate dangerous alliances and face tough choices about what is right and what is necessary for survival.
The narrative is full of suspense, where the stakes grow higher with every twist. With relatable characters that are well-developed, their personal stakes—whether it’s a search for redemption, vengeance, or justice—add emotional depth to the story. Special Agent Charlotte Bloom is naive but determined to make it as an FBI agent, even if it puts her life in danger. By exploring the lengths to which people will go for a lifesaving transplant, it is thought-provoking and disturbing. The plot twist at the end took me by surprise but it explains so much.
Right from the beginning, I was hooked by the descriptive language used to describe the damage done to Amy’s head by the bullet: “The bullet carrying Amy Winter’s name whooshed through her hair at a speed of fifteen hundred feet per second, burned a jagged hole into her smooth 24-year-old flesh, burst through the thin layer of her temporal muscle, and shattered the temporal bone.” The author’s medical knowledge gives it an authentic voice.
Overall, “Change of Heart” is a compelling and intense medical thriller that will resonate with anyone interested in the intersection of crime, morality, and the human condition. It explores the themes of power and corruption, family, and identity while tackling complex issues like the value of human life and the gray ethical areas in medical practices, making readers question the price of survival. I recommend it for fans of medical dramas and suspenseful thrillers by authors such as Robin Cook, Patricia Cornwell, and Michael Palmer.
“A jagged, irregular line, like a drawing by a shaking hand. Her heart wouldn’t beat or squeeze any longer. Her heart muscle would just wiggle – flaccid, without power. She was going to die.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4 out of 5.
*The author received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.
The thriller Never Have I Ever is now available for streaming. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
When it comes to movies, thrillers captivate moviegoers by blending suspense, mystery, and intense emotional conflict. These films often explore the complexities of the human mind, where perception and reality blur, leaving audiences on edge. The tension stems from characters’ internal struggles, psychological manipulation, and unexpected twists, which keep viewers guessing and engaged. Rather than relying on gore or action, these thrillers build fear through atmosphere, ambiguity, and mind games, tapping into universal anxieties. The appeal lies in the challenge they present, including trying to outwit the story, questioning what’s real, and experiencing a sense of unease long after the credits roll.
Now available for streaming on Fandango at Home is Never Have I Ever.
Directed by Damon Rickard, it stars Andrew Lee Potts, Beatrice Fletcher, and Amber Doig-Thorne. (One Tree Entertainment, 2025)
Never Have I Ever – Sam is already having a bad day but an incident from Sam’s youth resurfaces in ways he couldn’t imagine and starts a series of events that send his life spiraling out of control and embroiling him in an escalating game of cat and mouse.
He is having a terrible day. He is late delivering a screenplay and the threat of being forced to repay his advance looms ominously over him as he simply doesn’t have the money left. But his day goes from bad to worse when a variety of strange things start happening. From simply losing his wallet to seemingly having multiple break-ins to his home. Then a chance encounter whilst drowning his sorrows sends his day in directions he couldn’t possibly have anticipated.
Still from Never Have I Ever. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Dead Before They Wake will be available to rent or own in the UK from 27th January. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Topical thrillers take current events, real-world issues, or contemporary themes to create fast-paced, suspenseful narratives. Their appeal lies in their relevance, making them feel immediate and relatable. By incorporating elements such as political intrigue, technological threats, or social tensions, these stories tap into the anxieties and curiosities of today’s world. Viewers are often drawn to the sense of urgency and the high stakes, feeling a personal connection to the situations depicted. Topical thrillers offer not just entertainment, but also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and risks facing society, heightening emotional engagement and anticipation.
London – Shepka Productions have announced the UK release of the brutal, topical thriller, Dead Before They Wake. The feature will be available to rent or own on Digital Platforms in the UK from January 27th and is available to download in the US now. (Strike Media, 2025)
Based on true events, the film follows nightclub bouncer Alex who is hired by a retired lawyer to track down a missing teenage girl, suspected of being snared by a trafficking ring, and to bring her home no matter what it takes.
Dead Before They Wake stars Nathan Shepka (Lock & Load, The Baby in the Basket), Grace Cordell (Cara), Manjot Sumal (The Last Bus, hit BBC sitcom Scot Squad), Kareem Nasif (The Job). Also starring Dr Who legend Sylvester McCoy (The Hobbit trilogy, The Munsters), and Patrick Bergin (Sleeping With the Enemy, Patriot Games).
“We wanted to base the film on real events and researched how UK sex trafficking gangs operate to give the film a grounded sense of reality. It is important to highlight what goes on every day and can often by ignored by the mainstream. We don’t feel any studio would have taken on the story in this way, it is likely to be a divisive and controversial portrayal. Ultimately there still has to be a pay-off for the audience; the film culminates in a brutal revenge-driven showdown.” – Producer Nathan Shepka
Dead Before They Wake is directed by Andy Crane and Nathan Shepka. The film features an original score by Academy Award winning composer Joseph Renzetti and is produced by Nathan Shepka.
‘In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel’ is the new novel by Peter Stamm. Photo: Barnes & Noble
Psychological thrillers are some of my favorite books. They go into the inner workings of characters’ minds, exploring their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. This genre often blurs the line between reality and perception, creating complex, unpredictable narratives that challenge readers’ understanding of truth. The appeal lies in the deep emotional engagement it fosters, inviting readers to confront their own psychological experiences and question the nature of identity, memory, and consciousness. By emphasizing internal conflict, psychological thrillers offer a more intimate, introspective experience compared to traditional plot-driven stories. This immersive exploration of the human psyche resonates with readers seeking to understand themselves and the complexities of human behavior.
From Other Press, the latest addition to acclaimed Swiss author Peter Stamm’s impressive body of work, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” will be released on March 18, 2025. It is available for pre-order. (Other Press, 2024)
“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” – A documentary filmmaker uncovers the secrets of an enigmatic author in this subtly enthralling novel from “one of Europe’s most exciting writers” – (New York Times Book Review).
For days, documentary filmmaker Andrea and her team have been waiting for Richard Wechsler in his Swiss hometown. During their first shoots in Paris, the famous writer had not wanted to reveal much about himself, and now the whole film threatens to fail.
In the narrow streets and alleys of the village, Andrea searches for traces of Wechsler’s life, contrary to their agreement. But it is not until she starts reading his books again that she discovers a clue to a childhood sweetheart who might still be living there. An old love who influenced his whole life, but whom no one ever knew about.
Written with Stamm’s trademark subtlety and devastating precision, “In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” is a captivating work of psychological fiction perfect for lovers of Jon Fosse’s “Septology,” Jenny Erpenbeck’s “Kairos,” and Stamm’s previous work. In this elusive novel, Stamm explores the meeting point between reality and fiction. I hope to stay in touch with you about possibilities for it.
Peter Stamm is the author of the novels “The Archive of Feelings,” “The Sweet Indifference of the World,” “To the Back of Beyond,” “All Days Are Night,” “Seven Years,” “On a Day Like This,” “Unformed Landscape,” and “Agnes,” and the short-story collections “It’s Getting Dark,” “We’re Flying,” and “In Strange Gardens and Other Stories.” His award-winning books have been translated into more than forty languages. For his entire body of work and his accomplishments in fiction, he was short-listed for the Man Booker International Prize in 2013, and in 2014 he won the prestigious Friedrich Hölderlin Prize. He lives in Switzerland.
About the Translator: Michael Hofmann has translated the work of Gottfried Benn, Hans Fallada, Franz Kafka, Joseph Roth, and many others. In 2012 he was awarded the Thornton Wilder Prize for Translation by the American Academy of Arts and Letters. His “One Lark, One Horse: Poems” was published in 2019, “Where Have You Been? Selected Essays” in 2014, and “Selected Poems” in 2009. He lives in Florida and London.
“In a Deep Blue Hour: A Novel” by Peter Stamm • Translated by Michael Hofmann Other Press Trade Paperback Original On-Sale Date: March 18, 2025 • Price: $17.99
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