Tag: Thriller

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

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

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

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

Review:

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 4 out of 5.

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

Thrills, Chills, and Heart-Stopping Moments: Experience Never Have I Ever

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’: A Thrilling Ride into the Dark Unknown

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.

Dead Before They Wake had its US release on 7th January: Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video.

It will be available to own or rent on digital download in the UK from 27th January.

Dead Before They Wake. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Unraveling the Mind: What Makes Listen Carefully a Must-Watch Psychological Thriller

Listen Carefully debuts on streaming on December 16, 2024. Courtesy photo, used with permission.

Psychological thrillers dig deep into the complexities of the human mind, often blurring the lines between reality and illusion. These stories play with emotions, creating suspense and tension by exploring themes like manipulation, obsession, and fear. The genre’s appeal lies in its ability to keep viewers on edge, offering unexpected twists and challenging their perceptions. By focusing on characters’ inner turmoil and psychological conflict, psychological thrillers engage the audience’s intellect and emotions. This blend of mystery and emotional intensity draws in those seeking both a thrilling experience and a deeper exploration of the human psyche.

In today’s movie news, if you’re looking for your next dose of psychological horror, check out this new one coming to digital streaming on December 16, 2024.

Los Angeles, CA– Haida Street Films and RBG Films are excited to announce the worldwide VOD debut of Listen Carefully, the latest feature from filmmaker Ryan Barton-Grimley. Barton-Grimley returns to the screen following the 2020 premiere of his previous feature Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers. Listen Carefully made its world premiere at Fantaspoa, the International Fantastic Film Festival of Porto Alegre and its North American premiere at Dances With Films. (Justin Cook PR, 2024)

The psychological thriller went on to screen at Macabro Mexico City, Fangofest Amposta and Scarefest Weekend, where Barton-Grimley was nominated for Best Actor.

Listen Carefully debuts worldwide on Digital VOD December 16, 2024, including Apple TV and Prime Video.

Ryan Barton-Grimley (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, The Truth) stars as Andy McNeary alongside co-star / producer Simone Barton-Grimley (Elijah’s Ashes) as Abby McNeary and co-star / producer, Ari Schneider (Hawk and Rev: Vampire Slayers, Elijah’s Ashes) who plays The Voice in Listen Carefully. Frequent collaborators Audrey Haworth (production designer), David Rickabaugh (art director), and Sean Ayers (cinematographer) join them.

When troubled assistant bank manager Andy McNeary’s baby daughter goes missing, he must follow the instructions of a mysterious voice on the other end of a baby monitor to save her before she disappears and his life is ruined forever. 

Listen Carefully
Run Time: 82 minutes/USA

Courtesy photo, used with permission.

“A darkly humorous, blood-soaked,

nightmare-fueled, brain-jarring blast!” — Horror Fuel

“Ryan Barton-Grimley’s aesthetic is not to be ignored.” — Film Threat

“A tense feature that highlights the anxieties new parents feel.”

— Horror Buzz

‘The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm’: A Thrilling Tale of Secrets and Suspense

‘The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm’ is the latest in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series by Patricia Crisafulli. Photo: Barnes & Noble

Mystery novels are known for their blend of suspense, intrigue, and problem-solving. These stories often present a puzzle or crime, inviting readers to unravel clues alongside the protagonist. The thrill of discovering hidden secrets, combined with plot twists and red herrings, keeps them engaged and eager to turn the page. These novels appeal to our curiosity, encouraging us to solve the mystery before the characters do. The genre also offers a sense of justice, as solutions bring order to chaos. Whether set in cozy towns or dark urban landscapes, mystery books provide a satisfying escape into the unknown.

Today I’d like to shine the spotlight on a novel that, according to a Goodreads review, “blends Da Vinci Code and Murder She Wrote” and is a quick and fun read – “The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm” by Patricia Crisafulli.

Patricia Crisafulli is an award-winning New York Times best-selling author. Her debut novel, “The Secrets of Ohnita Harbor,” the first in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series, was published in September 2022 by Woodhall Press. She received a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree from Northwestern University, where she received the Distinguished Thesis Award in Creative Writing. She is the author of New York Times best-seller “House of Dimon: How J.P. Morgan’s Jamie Dimon Rose to the Top of the Financial World,” and the coauthor of “Rwanda, Inc: How a Devastated Nation Became an Economic Model for the Developing World,” an Editor’s Choice book on Amazon. In her latest book, “The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm,” a hike through the pristine wild of Still Waters Chasm becomes a path of mystery and deadly danger for Gabriela Domenici and her boyfriend, Daniel Red Deer. It is book 2 in the Ohnita Harbor Mystery Series. (Barnes & Noble/Advanced Brand Communications, 2024)

“The Secrets of Still Waters Chasm”– On a beautiful September afternoon, Gabriela and Daniel take a side trail to an inexplicable construction site in the middle of the woods where every tree has been cut down and a huge truck bearing strange looking equipment is parked in the middle. As they continue their hike to the lake, they find a man convulsing with his last breaths, not far from the lifeless body of a woman. After going for help, they return to the scene—only to find the two people and their canoe and gear are gone. It seems impossible that two bodies could revive and leave on their own, but there is no other explanation.

When she conducts a library outreach program in the rural Town of Livery, near Still Waters Chasm, Gabriela discovers a community that is both curious and suspicious. There, she meets Lucinda Nanz, an herbalist whose encyclopedic knowledge of plants for help and harm is both fascinating and troubling, and Wendy Haughton, a young woman who desperately wants to sell an old drawing of unknown origin so she can escape her abusive husband. Despite the state police’s warnings to stay out of the investigation, and Daniel’s urging to not get involved, Gabriela cannot stay away from Livery and Still Waters Chasm—which puts her on a collision course with yet another murder and people who will stop at nothing to prevent her from getting too close to the truth that could destroy chasm.

‘The Collaborators’: A Tale of Ambition and Survival by Michael Idov

‘The Collaborators’ is the exciting new political and espionage thriller by Michael Idov. Photo: Amazon

Michael Idov is a novelist, director, and screenwriter. A Latvian-born American raised in Riga under Soviet occupation, he moved to New York after graduating from the University of Michigan. His new book “The Collaborators” is an electrifying, cutting-edge spy thriller featuring a brilliant young intelligence officer and a troubled heiress who stumble into a global conspiracy that pits Russia against the CIA. (Simon & Schuster, 2024)

“The Collaborators” –  Anton Basmanny is the Kremlin’s least favorite blogger with a bullseye on his back. He is aboard an airplane on the way to meet Ari Falk, a cynical CIA agent whose cover is to help Russian opposition journalists run stories that could be damaging to the Kremlin. Anton knows any day could be his last, so he isn’t too surprised when his flight is forced to land. He is detained in a cell along with a couple, an American and his wife, and when they are taken away and he hears two gunshots, he fears the worst. The man happened to be Russian American billionaire Paul Obrandt whose suicide later makes international headlines. Falk eventually crosses paths with LA heiress Maya Chou, a.k.a. Paul Obrandt’s daughter. Their globe-trotting adventures will not only put them in danger, but will reveal secrets neither one of them saw coming and will forever change Maya’s view of her father.

This novel is a gripping exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of life in contemporary Russia. Idov skillfully combines personal and political narratives, creating a vivid backdrop that captures the tensions of life as an intelligence officer in an ever changing political landscape. The narrative is non-linear and the prose is both sharp and haunting, immersing readers in a chaotic atmosphere, where friendships can be as fragile as the truth. The deep character development adds depth to the narrative and the author’s ability to blend humor with darker themes provides a balanced and engaging read. Laced with wit, the dialogue provides a refreshing contrast to the underlying seriousness of Falk and Maya’s situation. One of the highlights is the intense car chase towards the end of Chapter 5 when they are being chased and every second counts as they race towards the US embassy.

Overall, “The Collaborators” is more than a thrilling espionage thriller, it’s a tale of survival and profound meditation on the human spirit’s resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a compelling must-read for anyone interested in the intersections of philosophy and politics. Idov’s work resonates powerfully, offering a poignant reminder of the complexities inherent in the human condition. Readers who enjoy similar works from Robert Ludlum, John le Carré, and Brad Thor will find it just as gripping.  

*The author received an ARC for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.

Rating: 4 out of 5.

FRIED: The Thrilling Must-Watch Web Series by Richard Goss

FRIED is a short series set in London; a psychological thriller with dark comedic elements. Photo: Richard Goss, used with permission.

A web series is a collection of scripted or unscripted episodes distributed online through streaming platforms, websites, or social media. Unlike traditional TV shows, web series are often shorter in length, with episodes ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. They offer greater creative freedom, catering to niche audiences and exploring diverse genres, from drama and comedy to thriller and documentary. Web series have gained massive popularity due to the accessibility of streaming platforms like YouTube. They provide a convenient, on-demand viewing experience, making them a favorite among modern audiences seeking flexibility and variety in entertainment.

I recently had the opportunity to watch FRIED, a fascinating web series by Richard Goss. It is made up of 4 episodes: Motivation, Placebo, The Trip From Hell, and Gone, with a total run time of a little over 34 minutes. This excellent series is short, to the point, and delivers a dose of reality, which is what makes it relatable to a wide audience. The two main characters struggle with the hardships of daily life, yet still manage to find the humor in even the darkest of situations. And that plot twist at the end – you won’t see it coming. See for yourself on YouTube.

As far as the production value goes, it is impressing, especially the bathroom scenes in the third episode, The Trip From Hell. With realistic dialogue, top notch acting, and raw emotion, it is a must-see. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Highly recommended! Richard Goss is a talent to watch out for and I can’t wait to see what else he has in store for us.

Rating: 5 out of 5.

Here’s some more information about FRIED.

FRIED is a nihilistic psychological thriller with dark comedic elements. A short series set in London, it explores themes of poverty, social class, mental illness, and addiction. (Richard Goss, 2024)

“A psychotic call centre worker and a depressed waiter struggle with minimum-wage life in London, sinking deep into despair and addiction, blurring the lines between reality and madness.”

Cast:
Robert Pearson – Richard Goss
Dave Turral – Jake McDaid
The Supervisor – Marcus Massey
The Therapist – Clifford Hume
The Preacher – Andrew Norman

After a successful festival run and winning 38 awards, it has received critical acclaim and has been watched over 45,000 times since its release in September 2024. As a result of its success, he was invited to talk with Europe’s largest casting site e-TALENTA, the UK’s Actors Pro Expo, and at Sony in Pinewoods Studios.

FRIED is influenced by cult films WITHNAIL & I, AMERICAN PSYCHO, FILTH and IN BRUGES, literary classics CRIME AND PUNISHMENT (Dostoyevsky), DOWN AND OUT IN PARIS AND LONDON (Orwell) and Beckett’s WAITING FOR GODOT.

Created by Welsh actor Richard Goss, he financed the entire production with just £2.5k of savings from bar jobs between acting roles. Richard has acted in films for NETFLIX, LIONSGATE and WARNER BROS, alongside Sam Worthington (AVATAR), Liam Neeson (TAKEN), Rosamund Pike (GONE GIRL) and James Cosmo (GAME OF THRONES).

He recently worked with BAFTA-winner Stuart Brennan and Stanley Kubrick’s Emmy nominated cinematographer Doug Milsome (FULL METAL JACKET, THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS, ROBIN HOOD: PRINCE OF THIEVES).

Photo: Richard Goss, used with permission.

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.