#Bookreview of Whiz Kid

By: Joel Burcat and David S. Burcat

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8888193297

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: January 8, 2026

Whiz Kid by Joel Burcat and David S. Burcat is a remarkably absorbing book. On one side it comes out as a coming-of-age tale about a young man who gets caught up at a generational crossroad, and on another, a rich historical tapestry that examines the tensions between tradition and assimilation as well as ambition and desire.

At the center of this unique blend is Ben Green, an intelligent and introspective 25-year-old Jewish Navy veteran, whose ambition to become a successful author shows early in the read. His personal journey mirrors the underdog story of the 1950 Philadelphia Phillies, a baseball team that has had only one winning season in three decades and is famously known for trading away players, bad management and enduring losing records so poor that they set modern-era benchmarks for failures. On the other side, Ben is shown as greatly haunted by his father's death, an event that brings to an end much needed guidance, love and stability, and just like the Phillies who have always lacked competent leadership, he is left emotionally orphaned, and with a void where every challenge feels more immense and every failure more personal with every passing day.

This internal struggle is sharply externalized by his wife who issues a searing ultimatum: either he secures a book deal by October, or he abandons his dream for a proper, more secure job. Suddenly, this ultimatum makes his aspirations to stop being a quiet pursuit and instead turn into a high stakes race against time, mirroring the Phillies' own tense pennant drive that pushes them to play every game under immense weight of a city's longing, their own history of collapse and in perfect knowledge that their roster may be in one in a generation chance to redeem themselves, fast. For both Ben and the Phillies, every decision matters, and every setback threatens more disaster. But what remains as time quickly passes is the irreducible human need to prove that their long history is not the end of their story, but a prelude to a triumph that would mean nothing without the struggle that came before it.

This is a tale whose brilliance lies in its dual narrative where a young man's personal crisis unfolds alongside a city's historic baseball season. This dual unfolding beautifully creates a powerful momentum that ensures the plot never drags, but rather thrums with parallel suspense. Its strength also lies in its characters, from Ben, a relatable but flawed, earnest but torn protagonist; his father, whose drive for assimilation and success seems to suggest a deep-seated anxiety about slipping back into the poverty he likely escaped; Stan, a charming, loyal, witty, and financially 'carefree' who provides comic relief and a window into a world of privilege which Ben desperately craves, and lastly; Ilene van Cleve, who flirts with Ben, in a show of provocation that promises to offer an escape route from his strenuous duties and responsibilities, as well as an alternative path of artistic freedom and desire. Central to their roles is the concept of shared hope, which comes out as the exact force that shapes the novel's structure. Here, hope is portrayed with its complexities: as both a lifeline and a burden, and as a rare language with untapped potential in an already divided society. The book poses questions that require the reader to wrestle with questions, such as whether hope is a reliable anesthetic to daily struggles, and whether the very act of hoping collectively can help forge the resilience people need to endure both individual and collective trials.

Quill says: You will want to read Whiz Kid if you have ever been caught in between the temptation of "selling out" and staying true to your passion. Also, if you have felt the pressures of new parenthood or found yourself navigating complex friendships that pull you in different directions, this is a story that will greatly resonate in you. It is that historical fiction that refuses to be confined by its period setting, speaking instead to timeless struggles of identity, loyalty and ambition, with a clarity that hopes to keep resonating long after the final page. It will leave you with the question we all face at some point when the world expects a win from us: do you play it safe for the crowd, or risk everything for the dream that keeps you up at night?

For more information about Whiz Kid, please visit the author's website at: joelburcat.com/

 #Bookreview of The Big Dream

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: October 31, 2025

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 979-8987167786

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 5, 2026

In The Big Dream, Owen Thomas presents a gritty, emotionally resonant crime novel that fuses hardboiled detective fiction with a profound exploration of loss, ambition, and moral dilemmas. Once again, Thomas proves his talent for creating intricate narratives where the external mystery reflects the inner conflicts of his characters.

Former Chicago homicide detective Mack now leads a life as an unsuccessful crime fiction author, grappling with alcoholism, PTSD, a lung issue, and Triple-D, an out-of-body experience that allows him to observe himself from afar. His only companions are a bottle of bourbon and Philomina, the cat of his deceased wife, Marlo. He navigates a complex web of corruption in search of answers about his late wife’s enigmatic past.

A missing informant and a dead man’s camera thrust Mack into the limelight, shattering his life. He is hunted by his former boss, who suspects Mack is targeting his position, and by José Beggemon, known as Big Man, a relentless adversary tangled in drugs, murder, and sex trafficking. A foreign agent operating beneath the FBI’s radar is using Mack as a pawn to dismantle Big Man.

New truths about Marlo emerge, and Mack questions whether he ever truly knew his wife. He is driven by a need for answers and navigates a city filled with corruption involving the police, governor’s office, and even the mayor. The storyline is a mix of noir, thriller, and psychological suspense. The chapters reflect the fragmented psyche of a man deprived of sleep.

Equipped with his acute instincts and memories of his wife, Mack prepares for his final confrontation, with only Phil the cat, possibly witnessing his success or failure. As someone once told Mack, he has one foot on a ladder leaning against the clouds, the kind that allows one to leave everything behind and vanish into the great dream. As the narrative progresses, Mack uncovers layers of deceit, shatters ambitions, and long-hidden truths.

Thomas’s writing is incisive and succinct, intertwined with moments of dark humor that alleviate the tension and prevent the story from becoming excessively grim. The characters are imperfect, relatable, and frequently navigate moral ambiguities, lending credibility to the narrative and maintaining the reader’s engagement.

What truly enhances The Big Dream is its emotional richness. Beneath the mystery, the book delves into themes of sorrow, remorse, and the sacrifices made in pursuit of dreams within a harsh reality. Thomas refrains from providing simple solutions or tidy endings, instead allowing readers to confront the unease and intricacies of the narrative.

Quill says: A thought-provoking, dark crime novel that combines an engaging mystery with profound emotional depth, The Big Dream is an exceptional choice for enthusiasts of contemporary noir and literary thrillers.

For more information about The Big Dream, please visit the author's website at: owenthomasliterary.com/

 #Bookreview of The Russian Doll

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 978-1737737698

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: December 31, 2025

Owen Thomas returns with The Russian Doll, the second installment in his Raymond Mackey Mystery series, delivering a dark, layered crime novel that deepens both character and intrigue. Picking up after the emotional and professional fallout of Message in a Bullet, Thomas places former Chicago homicide detective Raymond “Mack” Mackey in another seemingly straightforward case that quickly unravels into something far more sinister.

Mack is back to work with the Internal Affairs Division and trying to regain his personal and professional life. Of course, this is a character that does not like to play by the rules and cannot, much to his supervisor's dismay and frustration, avoid straying from the path of trying to weed out the bad cops. Nadia King and her daughter, Danika, come to Mack to find a sentimental and important family heirloom, a Russian nesting doll. The nesting doll was stolen from her mother’s house the night her brother, Joe, was murdered. What should be a very easy case turns out to be an extremely difficult endeavor. Mack is assaulted and threatened to be killed. He does not have a lot of trust in those around him nor a lot of help along the way.

The quest to recover a missing Russian nesting doll is the heart of the novel. This object seems innocent but is tied to cold cases, corruption, and brutal violence. The doll is the driving force and a powerful metaphor in the plot. Mack, haunted by grief and anger, feels realistic as he operates the way he seems fit. The supporting characters, particularly Nadia King and her daughter, Danika, add depth to the narrative.

The writing style is engaging and keeps reader’s attention throughout. The pacing allows tension to build that keeps you on edge. The plot is complex but never feels overwhelming. Each revelation fits neatly into the larger plot, much like the nested layers of the nesting doll.

The book excels as a crime mystery and as a character study. Themes of grief, corruption, and trust are woven seamlessly into the narrative. Readers new to the series will engage fully, and returning fans will appreciate the deeper exploration of Mack’s struggles. Owen Thomas is a skilled storyteller, capable of crafting intelligent and emotional crime novels that linger long after the final page.

Quill says: Dark, layered, and emotionally charged, The Russian Doll peels back its mystery with precision and grit, delivering a crime novel that is as psychologically compelling as it is suspenseful.

For more information about The Russian Doll, please visit the author's website at: owenthomasliterary.com/

 #Bookreview of Message in a Bullet

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: September 30, 2021

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 978-1734630381

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: December 30, 2025

Owen Thomas presents a striking new detective in Message in a Bullet, the opening novel in the Raymond Mackey Mystery series. Raymond “Mack” Mackey is a former Chicago PD homicide detective whose world has fallen apart after the devastating loss of his wife, Marlo, and his sudden, unexplained dismissal from the police department after being exposed as a traitor. Mack is trying to rebuild his life as a novelist, but suffers from writer’s block. Mack is soon pulled into another investigation that is far more dangerous and intricate than what he has expected.

An ordinary inquiry deepens into a suspenseful and multifaceted mystery filled with deception, violence, and ethical uncertainty. As Mack pieces together the clues, he is forced to face uncomfortable revelations about both the case and his past. Mack was diagnosed with depersonalization-derealization disorder, and this condition causes him to perceive his life from an almost observer-like perspective. This distinctive trait enriches the story and provides readers with a revealing glimpse into his internal conflicts.

Thomas’s writing style demonstrates a strong command of atmosphere through vivid and controlled descriptions and his prose highlights the background. Mack’s emotional state and the intensity of each event is realistic and draws the reader fully in to experience the events. The novel was written at a measured pace and allows enough time to process an event before moving on. The tension builds up as the narrative moves forward and will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Mack is an authentic and intriguing protagonist. He is not perfect and has many flaws. His practical way of solving problems makes him easy to connect with. The supporting characters each have a unique and specific role in advancing the mystery. Their background made it easy to understand them. The dialogue is crisp and clear, effectively shaping the character arcs and plot development. Familiar and the new traditional detective fiction is woven through the plot with a contemporary storytelling style. The mystery is excellently crafted, with many twists and turns and a rewarding resolution, while clearly setting the stage for future books in the series.

Quill says: Message in a Bullet is a confident and compelling debut that delivers a tightly paced mystery, a strong central character, and a classic detective tone with modern sensibilities. Readers will be eager to follow Mack into his next investigation.

For more information about Message in a Bullet, please visit the author's website at: owenthomasliterary.com/

 #Bookreview of Treacherous Hack

By: Kevin G. Chapman

Publication Date: January 4, 2026

Publisher: First Legacy Publishing LLC

ISBN: 978-1958339305

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: November 11, 2025

Treacherous Hack: A Mike Stoneman Mystery by Kevin G. Chapman is a gripping story that begins with a code, a killing and a lie that sets off a storm no one can contain.

Lou Palazzo, a whiz at computer hacks since his years as a foot soldier in the Gallata crime organization, is first shown arguing on the phone with Cannon, a current Gallata lieutenant to whom Lou offered to sell a heavily encrypted data file which was hacked by the Chinese Mob. Lou thinks the file could be a gold mine and that its content could be worth much more than the hundred-thousand-dollar fee he had charged. Fast forward to the time the file is open, and Cannon arrives accompanied by two armed men. Lou, however, knows better than to just hand him the file. His plan goes south when the meeting turns chaotic, setting the stage for the murder investigation that drives the plot.

As detectives investigate, the case starts to shift from a simple homicide to a tangled web of mob corruption and cyber-crime. This connection is revealed through how the file initially came into Lou's hands. His nephew Ryan and his friend Will, both students in a cybersecurity course, developed an idea, a class project to show their professor how a hacker on the dark web might try to infiltrate a computer system. All goes as planned, much to their fascination, until they find a hidden file inside the user account created by a Trojan Horse program from the hackers. Unbeknownst to both Ryan and Will, the file is not a harmless digital leftover, but a vault with the potential to trigger a chain of life-threatening events that can follow them if they dare to look into what the file contained.

This story, unlike traditional police procedurals that focus majorly on street-level crime, emerges as unique because of its utilization of modern digital warfare. One cannot resist its careful balance of old-school detective feel and modern cyber intrigue. Each chapter is electrifying and so is every one of its characters, from the steadfast and hawk-eyed detectives to the desperate mobsters. Right from the opening scene, where no clear motive is revealed and where more questions than answers hang in the air, the story hooks the reader, not with sudden twists but with a sense of methodical revelation that comes in slowly. It feels like a cat and mouse game setup that intensifies with every new page, with scenes that end with either a question raised or a threat unresolved.

Treacherous Hack: A Mike Stoneman Mystery by Kevin G. Chapman has a simple setup for readers to follow easily, as well as multiple perspectives through which detectives, journalists, hackers and mobsters allow the reader to see every side of the crime. This is a unique idea that also make the story larger, sharper and more emotionally charged.

Quill says: Of all the thrilling mysteries you've read, this story will grab you the hardest and refuse to let go. Chapman writes with the clarity of a journalist as well as the insight of a story teller, to give his audience a read whose climax feels urgent, not to find out who does what, but to see how all the pieces finally lock in place. Readers who enjoy layered storytelling and cinematic tales should not miss this book!

For more information about Treacherous Hack, please visit the author's website at: kevingchapman.com/

 #Bookreview of Tissiack: A Sierran Siren

By: Charles Weeden

Publication Date: May 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8309759903

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 31, 2025

Tissiack: A Sierran Siren by Charles Weeden follows Awena, a half native American (Miwok) and half white American who finds herself caught in between two worlds: her tribe and the American culture.

The former wants her to learn their language and culture, while the latter is offering her opportunities that will help secure her future. She has a passion for running and in the first pages we meet her on a racing trail, where she hopes to earn a spot in the Sierra High cross-country team. However, a strange murmur whispers in her ear the word 'túya.' It's not a familiar word but one that deeply resonates inside of her soul. It is when she meets her grandmother, who is shown as a custodian of cultural memory and history, that she learns of its uniqueness and its divine mandate to draw her towards something extraordinary. What takes her aback after that revelation is an unexpected surge in energy that courses through her legs as she runs, each time the word echoes in her mind. Unbeknownst to her, this is just the first step towards 'running' for something far greater than just the finish line.

This tale takes the reader down forgotten histories, all the way to the foot of a mountain where a historical and ongoing adversary is still actively casting its long shadow against a people, whose voice although buried for so long remains unbroken, and remains eager to be heard once again. Here, the reader is introduced to John, a white man and a father who married into a tribe and who chose to wield the tools of the very system that once sought to erase his wife's people. Then there is coach Les, whose world's success is largely governed by stopwatches. His inclusion is key to the tale, in that it redefines what it means to truly win and to be strong, when one acquires the courage to follow the sometimes unorthodox, seemingly narrow path.

What captivated me most in this story is its strong, evocative prose, its layered use of 'running' as a metaphor and as a symbol, the internal conflict in the protagonist, and its spiritual, mythical undertones which had me feel the story rather than just read it. I liked that it doesn't rely on the usual twists and turns in most plot-driven narratives, but rather finds its strength in emotional and spiritual authenticity where the real tension is not in what happens next, but in who the protagonist keeps becoming with every new chapter. There is a lot to takeaway here: that identity is something you chose and fight for, not something you are born into; that the past is not static rather, it can be reclaimed; that freedom is only found when you start moving towards a purpose; that oppressive systems can be challenged, not just accepted; and lastly, that the most powerful revolutions are those that are collective and shared.

Quill says: Tissiack: A Sierran Siren by Charles Weeden is a book that will entice everyone who has felt the pull of a place or the quiet calling to become more than they imagine they can be. It is an essential read for youngsters navigating identity, as well as seekers of stories with the ability to heal, reclaim and transform. It could be a meaningful read-aloud with guided discussion as well, for mature teens in need of an inspiring story with the ability to leave them with a lingering echo in their bones, a reminder that the endeavor to run toward who you truly are is a journey worth taking.

 #Bookreview of Always Something Heartfelt: Life, Love, and Heartbreak

By: Ashton Harper

Publication Date: January 25, 2024

ISBN: 979-8-218-20415-0

Reviewed by: Rebecca Jane Johnson

Review Date: December 28, 2025

The poetry in Always Something Heartfelt: Life, Love, and Heartbreak by Ashton Harper offers genuine human sentiment. These lyrics create an intimate and authentic connection between poet and reader. The poems express the emotional, spiritual, and psychological struggles of a man who has loved and lost.

This collection features an honest voice that is sincere and wise. The topics covered include: Alone-ness, relating with God, dating, politics, love that is both reciprocated and unrequited.

The lines and stanzas in this collection favor a straightforward conversational tone without ambiguity:

“I’m alone, but my world hasn’t stopped turning” (10) conveys sadness but remains hopeful, as do many of the poems in this collection.

There is always a useful lesson, always something to embrace on the level of emotion, and every emotion is welcome here to explore and to experience. “Most of us have a hard time saying goodbye, letting go and/or accepting change in general,” (49) and these and many other relatable insights help to welcome the reader into the poet’s interiority and sensitivity. These poems create a sense of empathy.

In addition to empathy, the poems inspire a spirit of inquiry into what kinds of actions we are taking to make the world a better place, “Do you check on the kids in your family? Have you ever visited a neighborhood school? Participated in a career day?” These questions invite the reader into a process of self-inquiry that helps us to stay accountable and true to the heart. This process of inquiry spans a range of topics from the political and social to the intimate: “How exactly do you measure the quality of a sexual experience?” (20) These poems feel like sitting with a wise guy who isn’t afraid to speak up and tell it like it is.

Quill says: Always Something Heartfelt: Life, Love, and Heartbreak presents sincere emotion and honest inquiry that invites the reader into contemplation of intimacy with others, self, and even with God, making for a satisfying and memorable reading experience.