#Bookreview of 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time)

By: Michael A. Greco

Publication Date: January 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8303449244

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: October 17, 2025

Michael A. Greco's 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time) is a daring, genre-defying dive into the chaos of time travel, human absurdity, and universal repercussions. Through a story that is simultaneously amusing, reflective, and steeped in dark humor, Greco weaves an expansive narrative that questions both reason and ethics in equal proportions.

The narrative starts with eight time travelers leaving the year 2025, embarking on what they consider harmless excursions into history, “frivolous pricks.” Their adventures take a disastrous turn when one member assassinates Ronald Reagan in 1964, initiating a series of events that thrusts them into increasingly disastrous moments in time. They encounter some of the most horrific disasters and despicable crimes of the twentieth century, and as they remain trapped in the past, the pricks become increasingly lethal. As the group fights to correct their mistakes, the very fabric of history begins to fray. Each “prick” evolves into a vignette, amplifying moments in history, while the central question looms: will they ever make it back home, and is it even right for them to do so?

Amidst this narrative is a subplot set in Japan, where a young girl, Charlie, imprisoned by her own power of pyrokinesis, battles against the concepts of beauty and tradition. Her destructive path and mysterious ties to one of the travelers create a deeply emotional counterbalance to the novel’s scientific and philosophical chaos. Returning character Pinky Bell, familiar to readers of Greco’s earlier works, serves as the moral anchor, her story offering reflection, empathy, and occasional grace amidst catastrophe.

The characters are as unconventional and unpredictable as the narrative itself. Each one is vividly drawn, brimming with quirks and flaws. Greco skillfully intertwines humor and intellect, crafting characters who are both absurd and remarkably human. Their conversations are sharp, layered with cleverness and existential reflections, making even the most outlandish personalities oddly relatable. These memorable characters propel the story forward with energy and unpredictability, ensuring that each page is filled with intrigue and significance. Their presence not only molds the story’s distinctive tone but also elevates the book into a reflective journey through life’s absurdities and the flow of time.

Greco’s true power lies in both his creativity and his readiness to confront uncomfortable realities about humanity’s desire for control, correction, and atonement. 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time) is an exhilarating, thought-provoking journey through different eras, merging history, humor, and the essence of humanity. This is not a novel meant for relaxation or comfort; rather, it is filled with vibrant energy and daring risks. Its rough edges contribute to its unique character. It prompts readers to examine their own lives, the systems they inhabit, and the decisions they make. It is likely to resonate most with those who appreciate thought-provoking fiction laced with dark humor and have a taste for compelling narratives.

Quill says: Michael A. Greco’s newest creation is a bold and memorable literary adventure, an intricate exploration of time and its repercussions.

For more information about 33 Frivolous Pricks (Of Time), please visit the author's website at: michaelandrewgreco.com/

 #Bookreview of Sidney's Games

By: Lolisa Marie Monroe

Illustrated by: Patrizia Donaera

Publisher: Miss Lolisa's Tales & Tails

Publication Date: June 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8991209199

Reviewed by: Nellie Calanni

Review Date: October 15, 2025

In Sidney’s Games, Lolisa Marie Monroe introduces young readers to Sidney, a squirrel whose idea of fun doesn’t involve gathering acorns like the rest of his forest-friends. Instead, he’d rather invent games, explore, and – most importantly – invite others to play. When Sidney proposes a special “Make a Friend Day,” he and his two sisters, Sadie and Sophie, roam the forest reaching out to different animals: some shy, some cautious, all with their own quirks.

What works beautifully in this book is how it treats friendship as something simple yet meaningful. Sidney’s enthusiasm is infectious and his inclusive approach shows children that friendship isn’t about being the fastest, the loudest, or having everything in common, but about being willing to try, to be kind, to listen, and to invite. Each animal Sidney meets has a small hesitation. Maybe the turtle feels too slow, the bunny is too shy – and yet, each is welcomed. That gives the story heart and makes it approachable for young children who may themselves feel hesitant at times.

Patrizia Donaera’s illustrations are a strong companion to the story. The woodland settings feel alive and warm, and the animal characters are expressive without being overly detailed, which helps keep the pages accessible for little eyes. There are moments where you pause on the art just to take in the scene: woodland critters playing, animals gathering, leaves rustling, the forest dappled with light. It creates a cozy, inviting mood that reinforces the theme of belonging.

Sidney’s Games is neither too short nor too busy. It strikes a good balance for early readers or for read-aloud time with younger kids. The pacing allows the story to breathe without losing momentum, giving each new encounter its own moment.

The message is not new. Many children’s books celebrate kindness, inclusion, and friendship. But what sets this apart is Sidney’s inventiveness, and how those small choices (asking someone to play, welcoming the shy one, being patient) are shown in detail. That gives it authenticity and makes it more likely kids will feel empowered to practice those same actions themselves.

Quill says: Sidney’s Games is a sweet, encouraging tale that reminds children (and adults reading with them) that making friends starts with a simple hello and a kind gesture. With warm illustrations and an inclusive spirit, it’s a book young readers will want to return to again and again.

For more information about Sidney's Games, please visit the author's website at: misslolisa.com/

 #Authorinterview with Alden Windrow

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Katie Specht is talking with Alden Windrow, author of The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach.

FQ: Tell our readers a little about yourself. Your background, your interests, and how this led to writing a book?

WINDROW: I grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, and hold both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s in English Literature. I've always been passionate about music and songwriting—I have recorded three albums and an EP under my birth name, and another album under a different moniker. Unfortunately, music never became a sustainable career, and over time, I found myself unable to record at home the way I once could. That's when I decided to channel my creativity into writing a fictionalized book illustrating the difficulties of being a DIY home recording artist.

FQ: Have you always enjoyed writing or is it something you’ve discovered recently?

WINDROW: I have always enjoyed writing. I had an English professor in college who influenced me to become an English major. As an undergrad, I learned how to write faster since we had to complete papers in class and submit them the same day. In grad school, I wrote academic papers more thoughtfully because I had more time to absorb the reading material.

For creative writing, I took a couple of courses as an undergrad, which helped me build a foundation in short story writing. I struggled with my first attempts at writing fiction, but by the second writing class, the process began to make more sense, and my professor noticed my fiction writing had improved to the point where I thought I could apply for an MFA. I ended up getting an MA in English Literature instead, but along the way, I took a creative writing class in poetry, which is another form of writing I thoroughly enjoy. I've written many lyrics for songs, but lately, I've been writing more spoken word/poems for YouTube, accompanied by music and visuals.

Unfortunately, once I finished grad school, I stopped writing fiction altogether; there didn't seem to be any point to it, nor were there the opportunities for self-publishing we have today. My creative life had to reach a point of crisis for me to become willing to write again twenty-five years later.

Author Alden Windrow

FQ: Tell us a little about your book – a brief synopsis and what makes your book unique.

WINDROW: The Canceled Life of Zander Wolbach is a work of literary autofiction that serves as an in-depth character study of its protagonist, Zander, beginning at age twenty-five and spanning nearly twenty-five years of his life. The word “canceled” in the title plays off the idea of “cancel culture,” but takes it beyond the social media definition—Zander’s life is frustrated by endless canceled opportunities and setbacks as he struggles to survive within an inhumane economic system. With relatively short chapters, each one can almost be read as a self-contained short story, but together, they highlight Zander's ongoing struggles and disillusionments.

Set in the fictional city of Folksport, the novel follows Zander as he navigates a series of low-paying jobs he feels disconnected from while also pursuing songwriting and recording as an unpaid side hustle. Over time, the story reveals the depths of Zander's social anxiety and depression, as well as his need for a more meaningful existence, which eventually becomes his focus, leading him to an exploration of Buddhist spirituality in the latter half of the book.

The uniqueness of this book lies in its blend of hyperreality with fiction. I wanted readers to know what it really felt like to be Zander by the time they finished reading the book. I would also add that this is a once-in-a-lifetime book for me; while I may write other books, this one can never be replicated.

FQ: Do you have any plans to try writing a book in a different genre? If so, which genre and why?

WINDROW: Yes! There will continue to be elements of autofiction in future novels, but not nearly as much going forward. The second novel I've started working on could be classified as a dystopian sci-fi comedy. I'm drawn to satirical novels such as Catch-22 and dystopian novels like 1984. I fear our society is losing its ability to appreciate satire, and so I would like to attempt to write something that mirrors our society, critiquing it in a way that is relevant today. It's a real challenge to write this way because it relies so much on the reader’s sense of humor, which I'm also afraid may be slipping away due to society becoming a satire of itself. I realized with my first novel that my sense of humor seemed to be coming through naturally, so I'm planning to lean even more into that for my next novel and will have to trust that readers will see the humor in it. Publishing a second novel would feel like a small victory—it might serve as a kind of redemption for readers who found the ending of the first one too dark.

FQ: Did your family & friends encourage you to write your book?

WINDROW: The only person who ever asked me if I ever thought about writing a book was my mom. But at the time, I just assumed no one would be interested in reading anything I wrote—and I had no idea what to write about. I went through a similar experience to Zander: being rejected by the MFA program and having my work thrown in the trash despite having success in my creative writing classes. That didn't do much for my self-confidence as a writer. My friends are aware of my educational background, but aren't particularly serious readers, so I never received much encouragement from them. They are somewhat surprised I've gone in this direction since they know me better as a songwriter and musician. One of them told me they could never write a book, and I had a similar mindset until I had a clear vision of what I wanted to write about. Life, more than anything else, pushed me to write a book.

FQ: Was the plot worked out completely before you started or did it evolve as your wrote?

WINDROW: Yes, I did have an entire idea of the book’s plot, although it’s not as fluid as most conventional novels, but more like a series of connected short stories. At this point, I don't consider myself someone who writes spontaneously with no idea of where I'm going with the story (a "pantser") but someone who needs to have a clear idea of what is going to happen in the story. I had everything outlined beforehand, and for now, I plan to keep using that method going forward.

FQ: Tell us about the protagonist in your story.

WINDROW: Zander is what you might call a functional melancholic. He's gifted in music and other arts, but can't find his place in the world. He's not great with relationships either, but many of Zander’s internalized struggles are beyond himself in ways that he’s not aware of. He's in a punishing system that doesn't reward creativity or originality, but one that exploits people like himself who are misfits, a square peg forced into round holes. He's an idealist and has expectations of the world that are frequently thwarted, such as his belief that the music industry will recognize talent when it hears it. He's a frustrated follower of the American Dream until he realizes it no longer exists. His own crumbling interior mirrors that of the landscape around him, a place of no real economic opportunity for those with the audacity to follow their dreams and passions, which has devastating consequences. He wants to play his own game but is punished for doing so. He's a victim of constant layoffs. In short, he experiences the dark side of capitalism, the side that hides in the shadows.

FQ: The “bad guy/gal” in your book … was he/she fun to create and how difficult was it to write those scenes where he/she plays a central role?

WINDROW: There are a couple of "bad bosses" Zander encounters during his employment at various workplaces. I'd say yes, they are fun to create and not difficult to write. Garrett is the first real bad boss Zander runs into. He's technically a supervisor, but he still positions himself like a boss who is constantly annoyed by Zander approaching him for work, putting Zander in an unenviable position. I wanted to include these types of characters to show how belittling they are toward Zander, emphasizing his struggles with the uninspiring everyday worklife. Garrett can't understand someone like Zander or appreciate who he is; he just sees him as a pawn fit for meaningless tasks. He has no compassion for Zander or his situation.

The other bad boss, Cole, evolved in my mind as I wrote his character—how he dresses and walks around mumble-rapping, for example. I didn't see him that way initially, but I began to really picture him as someone who takes his insecurities out on others, including the people he supervises. He's younger than Zander and has a kind of arrogance Zander finds appalling. On a physical level, he resorts to fighting to hide his insecurities and will often pick fights when he sees an opportunity. I wanted to expose characters like these because they're not unlikely to show up in real life, and their behavior deserves to be ridiculed. Fiction is the one place I can do this safely, but in the real world, characters like this often get away with their abhorrent behavior without consequence, making office workplaces real hellholes for the people who have to work in them.

FQ: Tell us about your favorite character and why that person is your favorite.

WINDROW: Zander is my favorite character, of course, since the novel is about him, but my second favorite would be Lou. Lou is a former monk and a wise, experienced meditator who helps society by opening his home as a place of spiritual practice. Having him in the novel helped weave in what had been happening in my life on a spiritual level since I had been learning and practicing Buddhism for over a decade by the time I wrote this book.

Lou is able to speak to—and sometimes challenge—Zander's perspective while giving him guidance in his meditation practice. Their conversations help formulate where Zander sees himself heading toward the end of the novel. Their final conversation underscores the despair Zander feels when he decides to move from Folksport.

Lou asserts the novel's underlying message in his final speech. While he is disheartened, he doesn't view Zander's life as a personal failure, but the result of a society in decline, one that doesn't seem to share the same values as someone like Zander. Lou is almost as harsh a critic of society as Zander and serves as the only voice left still speaking for him at the end, refusing to let a capitalistic society off the hook for its casualties.

FQ: What made you/Why did you decide to write this book? Did you see a need?

WINDROW: I'm in the camp that says literature should not just be an escape for entertainment purposes. During my education, it was drilled into me that we don’t study or write literature for no good reason, and I still believe that. I'm not against entertainment, but I think what I would want to do is write something meaningful and engaging at the same time.

Zander's world is a microcosm of what is happening to America on a larger scale. I see America as an illusion of a dream rather than a united country where anyone can realize their highest aspirations. We're seeing more people wanting to leave America who are alienated from the tribalized political climate, while also being disillusioned with our political leaders. For someone like me, and for the average American, there’s little real power or leverage in this society beyond trying to express oneself artistically. I feel for the younger generations facing limited economic opportunity to build a good life—housing is no longer affordable, job stability is no longer guaranteed, and the looming development of AI threatens to wipe out creative and professional work.

As a member of Gen X, I was among the first generation to realize that many of us wouldn’t have as good a quality of life as our parents did. That's exactly what Zander experiences in the book, and it's becoming increasingly obvious that for people like Zander, their struggles are not personal failures, but rather the result of trying to live in a broken system. Everything that happens in the novel culminates in his total alienation—an inhumane society he no longer feels is worth living in.

 #Authorinterview with Laurie Thomas Vass

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Laurie Thomas Vass, author of Beneficial Economics: A Red State Citizens Guide to Crafting A Better Constitution When the Government Fails the Citizens.

FQ: Congratulations Mrs. Vass, on completing such an ambitious and bold work. Beneficial Economics is not just a book but a blueprint, and that takes an unusual amount of conviction and intellectual courage. What moment or series of experiences convinced you that Madison’s 1787 Constitution was beyond repair, and pushed you to undertake the enormous task of drafting an entirely new constitutional framework?

VASS: Part of the explanation for writing this book concerns my work as a capital market advisor to small technology companies in the Research Triangle, N. C. The social/business networks for venture capitalists were heavily tilted in favor of the VCs, and against the interests of the entrepreneurs and small companies. The more that I investigated the rules of raising capital, the more I realized that the rules were unfair, and that to balance the scales of fairness, new rules would need to be created. Eventually, this line of thought led me back to Madison’s rules, of 1787, and the contrast between Madison’s unfair rules and the much better rules for common citizens in the Articles of Confederation.

FQ: You use the term civil dissolution instead of the more common national divorce. Can you explain why you chose that language, and how you see dissolution unfolding in a way that is both peaceful and constructive?

VASS: I deliberately chose the term “civil dissolution,” to avoid the more inflammatory term “civil war.” In a civil war, the winner continues to rule over the losers, while in a civil dissolution, the two sides peacefully part ways.

FQ: You describe the last few decades as a period of “The Great American Betrayal.” Can you walk the reader briefly through how you have personally witnessed that betrayal taking shape, perhaps in the economy, politics, or culture, and how that maybe influenced your thinking?

VASS: I had been involved in a political conflict in North Carolina, in the 1980s, over the strategy of using tax dollars to recruit large multi-national corporations to North Carolina. I was a plaintiff intervenor in the John Locke amicus brief in the N. C. Supreme Court case of Maready v. Winston Salem, and our side lost that case. As a part of that political conflict, I became involved in trying to avoid the consequences of the first NAFTA agreement, which devastated the small towns of North Carolina. The forces behind NAFTA and the WTO were then, and are now, very well organized, and those forces betrayed the financial interests of ordinary common citizens in North Carolina. That betrayal was aided and abetted by the transition of national politics to what Zywicki describes as crony corporate capitalism in Washington.

FQ: It is rare for a writer to go as far as including a full draft of a new constitution. What was that process like? Did you model your draft on historical texts, or did you start with a blank slate and let your ideas evolve?

VASS: The historical model I used was an updated version of the Articles of Confederation, plus my vastly increased use of citizen grand juries in each new national judicial district. What I added was moral values and fair rules, especially in the emerging threat to liberty from the corporate deployment of artificial intelligence.

FQ: Your book rests on the conviction that if fair rules are created and agreed upon, a stable social order will naturally emerge. Do you see this as an idealist’s faith in human nature or as a realist’s confidence in historical and scientific evidence?

VASS: Neither option. The emergence of stable beneficial order is grounded in the evolutionary changes in the human brain, that allow humans to anticipate the behavior of other humans, and also on the work of both Prigogine and Polanyi on how quantum physics works to create order in the natural environment.

FQ: You write directly to “red state citizens,” placing them at the center of your vision. What first steps should they realistically take?

VASS: In each red state, citizens must agitate in their state legislatures for the creation of study commissions on the relationship between the states and the national government. Those legislative committees are the launching pad for crafting a new constitution.

FQ: You bring in neuroscience and complex adaptive systems theory to support your economic arguments. How do you see these scientific ideas deepening the reader's understanding of how societies either thrive or collapse?

VASS: In a very direct causation, I say that nothing bad will happen if citizens pursue their happiness, and something good will emerge when all citizens follow fair rules that they made for themselves.

FQ: You argue that America has transitioned to a form of predatory state capitalism. How would you describe the difference between that and ordinary "crony capitalism?" Why is this distinction important for your readers to grasp?

VASS: I describe the immediate prior economic era (1945 – 1992), as monopoly capitalism, as described by Baran and Sweezy. President Eishenhower called this era as the military-industrial complex. As I describe, around 1985, the U. S. corporate executives had a collective “eureka moment” when they realized that they did not need the United States to remain a sovereign state. The transition to global predatory capitalism replaced the concept of a sovereign nation with the global “rules-based-order, which is entirely disconnected from the will of the citizens. What the global corporate executives needed, after 1992,  was for the U. S. military power to enforce the global rules on behalf of central banks and large corporations.

FQ: You invoke not just economics but also moral values like trust, reciprocity, and honesty. Why was it essential for you to ground your vision in morality rather than leaving it purely at the level of law and economics?

VASS: Fair rules and moral values are the primary factors for citizen allegiance to obey the rule of law. That allegiance to obey the rule of law depends on citizens believing that the fair rules are applied equally to all citizens.

FQ: If your constitutional vision were adopted in even a few red states, how would everyday life look different for an ordinary family within one generation? What changes would they feel most immediately and most powerfully?

VASS: The family social unit is the fundamental building block which instills moral values in children. Under the new constitution, families and the next generation would be free to pursue the future that their brains are imagining.

 #Bookreview of Beneficial Economics: A Red State Citizens Guide to Crafting A Better Constitution When the Government Fails the Citizens

By: Laurie Thomas Vass

Publisher: The Great American Business & Economics Press

Publication Date: October 2025

ISBN: 979-8218817350

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: October 8, 2025

Beneficial Economics: A Red State Citizens Guide to Crafting A Better Constitution When the Government Fails the Citizens by Laurie Thomas Vass is a well written and deeply insightful political and economic manifesto that comes out pretty bold in its objective. Inspired by the author's belief that the current U.S. government, based on James Madison's 1787 Constitution, is totally broken and has been captured by a global corporate elite called the "predatory state," this book aims to guide the people in politically conservative "red states" on how to draft a new federal constitution from the ground up.

In a nutshell, the book argues that the political divide in the U.S. has gotten so bad that a "civil dissolution" is basically inevitable. Instead of just accepting a future under what Vass calls "blue state Democrat Marxism," she thinks red state citizens should peacefully separate and create a new nation. A big chunk of the book is dedicated to explaining why this is necessary - tracing how America supposedly betrayed its citizens and transitioned into a "predatory state capitalism" run for the benefit of a few - and then it lays out the entire blueprint for what comes next. It goes as far as to provide a full draft of a new constitution for a hypothetical "Democratic Republic of American States," something rarely seen outside speculative political thought.

There aren’t really characters in the traditional sense, but abstract forces: the predatory global corporations, the failed U.S. government, and the everyday "red state citizen" who is the book's intended hero and who the author tries to "arm" with a radical plan. You get chapters on "complex adaptive systems" and the neuroscience of decision-making right next to passionate calls to action which makes the read feel like a cross between an academic textbook and a political rally.

The main themes are significant and they include liberty, decentralization, sovereignty, and a deep, distrust of centralized power, whether it's the federal government or big corporations. The author is very focused on the idea of "fair rules" and one gets the sense that she cannot be swayed away from believing that if you create a constitution with truly fair economic and political rules that everyone agrees to follow, a stable and prosperous society will just emerge naturally. I love how the book’s motive is crystal clear right at the start: "The starting premise of this book is that the political polarization between citizens in red states and citizens in blue states has reached a threshold level. At this point in American history, middle and working class citizens in red states are confronted with two paths."

Quill says: Beneficial Economics: A Red State Citizens Guide to Crafting A Better Constitution When the Government Fails the Citizens by Laurie Thomas Vass is a book that is super clear from the start regarding who its intended audience is. It is unique, thought-provoking and solid in its stance. It seems to look the reader directly in the eye and say, “You’re not just a victim, but the next founding father... Here’s how to go about it.” It will leave you wondering what it would actually take for people to try its bold recommendations and what could actually happen if someone tried to put its radical plan into motion. It is a work that stands apart in its conviction and carries a tension that gives it an edge. Is it a dangerous recipe for treason or a last-ditch manual for preserving liberty? The answer to this question isn’t handed to you neatly, but instead the author compels you to take stock of the state of the nation and to decide for yourself just how far things have gone and how far you might be willing to go to fix the system.

For more information about Beneficial Economics: A Red State Citizens Guide to Crafting A Better Constitution When the Government Fails the Citizens, please visit the publisher's website at: www.gabbypress.com.

 #Authorinterview with Dan Buzzetta

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Diana Coyle is talking with Dan Buzzetta, author of The Manipulator.

FQ: One of the first things I do when I read a book by an author I’m unfamiliar with is read the author’s bio to get to know them better. Would you please tell us a few things about yourself so that new readers, like myself, can learn about you?

BUZZETTA: I'm a husband, and a father to three wonderful children ages 23, 21 and 16. I'm also a business trial attorney and partner in the New York City office of a national law firm. I'm very involved in my local community in New Jersey. In 2024, I was elected to a three-year term on my hometown's governing body and I'm also a volunteer firefighter. And, of course, I fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a published author with the release of my debut novel, The Manipulator, published by Severn River Publishing, in August 2025. Of all the titles I have, the one I'm most proud of is being called "dad."

FQ: Can you please tell our readers a brief synopsis of your book, The Manipulator, and what specifically makes your book unique?

BUZZETTA: The Manipulator tells the tale of a young Harvard Law School-educated attorney named Tom Berte who is living a story-book life in New York as a hot-shot lawyer in the world's largest and most prestigious law firm where he is on-track to becoming a partner. Unexpectedly the managing partner of his firm recommends Tom for a job in the U.S. Department of Justice as the Executive Deputy Attorney General. The job offer seems too good to be true, but it is just the latest in a long-line of successes and achievements that always seem to fall in Tom's lap. After accepting the position at the DOJ and moving to Washington DC with his wife, Brooke, Tom is tasked with bringing to justice the enigmatic mastermind of an international criminal syndicate named Cosimo "Nino" Benedetto who spends his days sailing the Mediterranean on a floating fortress. As he investigates Benedetto and the syndicate he controls, Tom discovers that things aren't always as they seem. He uncovers connections between his former law firm and the criminal empire he's determined to dismantle, and long-hidden secrets that hit much closer to home. He also discovers that his life and career have been manipulated as part of a high-stakes gamble by those he's pursuing. But the ultimate manipulation occurs when Tom is forced to choose between justice and protecting those closest to him.

In addition to being a legal thriller, The Manipulator is a book about family, loyalty, the pursuit of justice, and the discovery of secrets that lead you to question whether lies and protecting those closest to you from harmful truths can be compatible with the love a family shares.

FQ: I loved how well-written and detailed The Manipulator was and how you wrapped the storyline around Thomas Berte, a rising star of the law firm he worked at: Balatoni, Cartel & Colin. Readers see everything through his eyes right from the start and are working alongside him as he is assisting on the AMX case. The story accelerates to the start of what seems to be a joyous new job proposition, the position being Executive Deputy Attorney General in Washington D.C. What made you want to create a storyline specifically set that Tom would get this prestigious promotion, but then have his life spiral out of control once accepting the position?

BUZZETTA: The idea for The Manipulator came to me thirty years ago when I was still a law student. I was drawn to the notion that things that seem too good to be true often are, and the unfortunate reality that those at the pinnacle of success often have the furthest and farthest to fall. But it's also a story of redemption and discovery and the theme that, ultimately, good triumphs over evil. Even when things seem bleak, "doing the right thing" can still lead to the best of outcomes.

FQ: What made you decide to have Tom the suspect of criminal misdoings?

BUZZETTA: I wanted Tom to face a moral dilemma where he's accused of serious crimes and facing the option of giving in to dark forces to protect himself or pursuing justice even if it means exposing long-hidden secrets about his past and his own family. This plot line heightened the tension and and makes Tom a tragic and sympathetic figure. Most people at one time or another have been accused of doing something they didn't do. How people respond to those situations says a lot about their character and integrity.

FQ: Are there any future novels in the works? If so, can you tell us any information about them?

BUZZETTA: My second novel in the Tom Berte series, The Winter Verdict, will be released in 2026 and takes place five years after we last see Tom and Brooke in The Manipulator. Tom has dropped the trappings that came with being a successful lawyer at a big-time law firm and holding the number two position at the DOJ. He's learned a lot about himself and his family and is now a small town lawyer who stumbles upon a big plot that has the potential to harm millions of people. And Tom has the ability to stop the massive destruction if he can just find the evidence in time and convince the authorities to believe him. He's in a race against time where the final verdict is literally the difference between life and death.

FQ: Where do you look upon for inspiration for what you write?

BUZZETTA: The world we live in which is constantly presenting all of us with pitched battles of good versus evil and justice versus dishonesty. I don't mean to sound too Pollyanna-ish but there's a lot happening in our society everyday that makes you question whether there is enough justice in the world and whether good can triumph over bad. I like writing about this theme, and I continue to believe that in the end our moral compass can lead to a correct and just result.

FQ: Please tell us what is your writing routine like?

BUZZETTA: I like writing in the early morning before my family awakes and while the world is still asleep. Mornings provide me with a sense of new beginnings when my mind is full of ideas and inspiration and I'm highly motivated to work. I tend to write in my home office or in a small cabin we have in the mountains about a three hour drive from my home. I only drink one cup of coffee a day and it's in the morning when I write. I like to savor my coffee while thinking about exciting plot points. I particularly enjoy writing on weekend mornings, from 6 to 11 am and then spend time with my family.

FQ: To wrap up our interview, is there anything you would like to add to tell our readers?

BUZZETTA: I have just a simple message: I know my books won't bring about world peace or change the world we live in. My goal is simply to entertain and give folks a respite from the issues they face in their everyday lives with easy to read books with short chapters that hopefully keep readers interested and wanting more. There are obviously a lot of books out there for readers to choose from, and most readers I know have a limited amount of time to devote to reading. So, if you choose to read my books, thanks in advance and I hope you enjoy it.

 #Bookreview of Teddy Lou, Bell Guru

By: Chris Demeropolis

Illustrated by: Sara Fox

Publisher: Belle Isle Books

Publication Date: October 28, 2025

ISBN: 978-1-966369-36-3

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: October 6, 2025

Teddy Lou, Bell Guru by Chris Demeropolis follows the adventures of a young boy named Teddy Lou, who loves the sound of bells.

Within this story, we are transported to Teddy's world and the author invites us to accompany him on his quest to learn more about bells. At first, he is curious about the different sounds each bell can make, then soon enough, he learns so much about them that he can even list the names of all the largest bells in the world. As he gains knowledge about the ringing sounds of a wide variety of bells in his town, one particular question keeps nagging him: ‘‘Do bells have strange smells?’’ That’s when Teddy’s skills and expertise as the bell guru are put to test. And as readers, we are forced to wonder, will he be able to live up to his name?

Intended for children, this book’s subtly muted color scheme and unique illustrations beautifully complements its narrative. The author employs a language style which is not just easy to understand, but also has a simple rhyme, making it engaging for young readers. What is interesting to observe is how the three laws of Newton are intelligently sneaked in within the tale. This undoubtedly makes the theory more accessible to children who might be otherwise struggling to grasp the concept. The idea to incorporate it this way is unexpected and quite amazing in itself.

Children are said to remember their favorite stories even after they have grown up. Teddy Lou, Bell Guru has the potential to become one such story. Not only does it serve the purpose of entertaining its readers, but it also has an educational aspect which contributes to the learning experience. This book is meant to be cherished and read aloud by parents to their children. It can help parents create wholesome memories with their children that will remain etched in their young minds for years to come.

Quill says: Teddy Lou, Bell Guru is a lovely story about pursuing your ambitions and being ready and willing to take risks to achieve your dreams.

For more information about Teddy Lou, Bell Guru, please visit the author's website at: chrisdemeropolis.com/