#Authorinterview with A.M. Berkowitz

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Shrubaboti Bose is talking with A.M. Berkowitz, author of Welcome Baby Wigglet.

FQ: Tell us a little about your journey as a writer.

BERKOWITZ: My journey to becoming a children's book author was a detour, not a destination. For nearly 25 years, my focus has been firmly planted in corporate America, a career that forged my professional identity and provided stability. Yet, beneath the professional veneer, a long-dormant creative spirit was fighting to be heard/re-heard.

FQ: What motivated you to be a children’s book writer?

BERKOWITZ: As a child, I was defined by music and performance: a trained operatic mezzo-soprano who sang in ten+ languages, a dedicated instrumentalist (flute, piccolo, piano), and even a Mariachi singer. That constant flow of creative expression provided a strength I eventually sacrificed for the essential work of providing for me and my family. 

Author A.M. Berkowitz

FQ: What are some of the difficulties you face while writing a story?

BERKOWTIZ: A deep sense of burnout eventually led to a confusing creative depression. I realized the sadness wasn't about missing music; it was about the loss of imaginative thinking and dreaming. The feeling became heartbreaking, culminating in a night of tears and a desperate wish for change. When I awoke, the heavy heart was gone, replaced by a quiet, reassuring internal voice: "Amber, you're okay, there's nothing serious going on here, you've got this!"

FQ: What inspired you to write this story? Do you plan on writing a sequel?

BERKOWITZ: The new direction began with a random sign: a spam email whose subject line read, "Lit Gadget," I misread as "Gigglet." I was amused, but the word stuck. As I began to play with the idea of "Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet," the questions and answers flowed immediately. My pen moved with an almost frenzied calm, and in about seven minutes, the first draft of Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet Goes to School was complete. Though I had no experience writing children's books, the passion was undeniable—the writer I didn't know I was, had emerged.

What started as a seven-minute burst of inspiration has rapidly blossomed into a full creative enterprise: AMB Kids Books. The moment I realized I had written a book, the floodgates opened. I am now the author of four books in the Gigglet series, continuing the adventures of my happiest little piglet, along with three companion activity and coloring Books. The World of Gigglet has grown so real that it has leapt off the page and into the hands of readers with the creation of two plush characters. The most recent and exciting development is the reveal of my official mascot characters, Gigglet and Wigglet, bringing the joy of my stories to real life!

FQ: Is there a particular reason you chose the animal pig for your characters? Does this choice have any connection with the cartoon Peppa Pig or the classic fairy tale Three Little Pigs?

BERKOWITZ: I get this question often! The choice of a piglet for my character Gigglet the Happy Little Piglet, was purely serendipitous and had no ties to Peppa Pig or the Three Little Pigs.

In fact, the name Gigglet chose me when my brain accidentally read a spam email subject line as "Gigglet," I immediately started asking questions about her: What is a Gigglet? The answer that popped into my head was: Why, she's the happiest little piglet in all the land! The character developed entirely from that happy, chance inspiration and my very strong desire to be a deliberate creator.

While I know Peppa Pig is incredibly popular (especially in the UK), I don't actually know anything about her or her stories. But I do love the thought that maybe one day, the USA's Gigglet and the UK's Peppa could meet and become best friends!

FQ: Have you written any other stories? Tell us a little about them.

BERKOWITZ: Yes, I have! While I'm best known for the Gigglet series, my writing journey actually includes stories written purely for my family's legacy.

My very first book, Ladybug Kisses - Besos De Mariquita, was written just for them. Even more recently, I released my first children’s fiction chapter book, The Magical Farm Mysteries: Bubble Gum Rocks. Both of these were initially written with no real intention of publishing. They are deeply inspired by the incredible memories I have of growing up near my grandparents' 1800s Kansas farm with my huge family. I simply wanted to create a literary legacy—something that would encourage my own family to share and preserve their memories and stories for generations to come. It's a true labor of love that runs parallel to my published work.

For those curious about the future, I have several more books already lined up for the Gigglet The Happy Little Piglet series! Gigglet is getting ready to embark on some very fun and very exciting adventures with her new baby brother, Wigglet!

FQ: Who was/were your biggest source of support during your writing journey?

BERKOWITZ: My biggest source of support, without question, is my family. I feel incredibly blessed to be surrounded by loving and caring people, especially my husband, my mom, dad, my siblings and extended family. They believe in me and my abilities wholeheartedly. Having that steadfast support has been absolutely critical, particularly when taking such a huge leap from corporate life to becoming a published author.

FQ: As an author where do you look to for inspiration for your stories?

BERKOWITZ: As an author, I find my inspiration in two key places:

1. Mindful Observation: I intentionally take time to meditate and calm my mind first. This isn't just about relaxation; it prepares me to be receptive. When I'm moving about my day, I'm inspired by my everyday comings and goings, and the interactions and dealings that stem from even the smallest tasks. I love to daydream and get lost in my imagination, allowing those observations to bloom into fun ideas.

2. Creative Partnership: I'm fortunate that my husband is also highly creative. He is a fantastic sounding board, and we are constantly playing off each other to come up with stories. He challenges me to think beyond the initial idea and always encourages me to take things a step further. It's a true collaborative spark that keeps the creativity flowing. He just makes life so fun!

 #Bookreview of Welcome Baby Wigglet

By: A.M. Berkowitz

Publisher: BookBaby

Publication Date: September 17, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-988227-99-1

Reviewed by: Shrubaboti Bose

Review Date: October 27, 2025

Welcome Baby Wigglet by A.M. Berkowitz is a story about a family of three: Papa, Mama and Gigglet, who are expecting a new baby.

This story subtly paints a picture that reflects moral values and the importance of slowly introducing a new sibling to the first born. It is a period of transition for the whole family and Berkowitz skillfully navigates her characters through this journey, ensuring that Gigglet feels as much excited to meet her baby brother as her Papa and Mama. What makes it even more wholesome is the manner in which the author portrays the development of Gigglet’s sense of pride and responsibility for her younger brother. Using a narrative voice that would instantly resonate with any young reader, the author further simplifies the dialogues to create an engaging experience.

Children can be sensitive to changes in family dynamics. They often tend to feel insecure and left out when parents have another baby. They might feel threatened that their parents’ attention will become divided and that this new member will eventually take away their share of love too. That’s why it is so important to reassure them and create an inclusive environment where they can participate in the process themselves.

While this story has a relatively short plot, it is filled with warmth and understanding. There are several colorful illustrations which add to its overall appeal and make it more accessible to children. It’s wonderful to see how the story explores the different emotions of a child through the character Gigglet, and then gently encourages parents to take extra care of their children before the birth of a new baby. While the subject is broached with humor, this is undoubtedly a significant turning point for every family.

Quill says: Welcome Baby Wigglet is an amazing fit for kids with siblings and especially for those who are yet to meet their new brothers or sisters.

For more information about Welcome Baby Wigglet, please visit the author's website at: ambkidsbooks.com/

 #Authorinterview with Michael Pronko

Today, Feathered Quill reviewer Ephantus Muriuki is talking with Michael Pronko, author of Tokyo Juku.

FQ: Congratulations on your new book! It is a truly page-turner that makes one feel right in the middle of the action in Tokyo. What is it about the Juku school that made you feel that this is where Detective Hiroshi's story needed to happen?

PRONKO: The commodification of testing, degrees, and studying has become a massive industry in many countries, but Japan has perhaps commodified it more completely and more quietly. Tests can determine your entire life here. It’s a crucial question in most Japanese people’s lives—take the test or not? Study hard or not? Become a competitor or a drifter? As a professor at a Japanese university, I keep a note on my computer, primum non nocere, which means, at least do no harm. I wish the education system would do the same. The pressure of tests is tremendous.

FQ: Hiroshi is a really interesting character. In one place, he is waiting for the birth of his baby, and in another scene, he's playing the head of an investigation. How did you find the balance between his personal anxieties and the professional chaos of the case he was working on?

Author Michael Pronko

PRONKO: I'm not sure he does find the balance. But who does? I don't. It's a tricky balancing act for most people, I think. At one point in the novel, Hiroshi thinks to himself that he's walking a tightrope, and he is. We all are. He gets pushed into things —like autopsies or being in charge of a case —but he also pulls back to find some point of understanding. His wife, Ayana, helps him stay grounded, but he still has to move back and forth between complex and demanding situations.

FQ: Terui, the victim here, is a superbly intricate character. What goes into creating someone like him, who serves as both a brilliant mentor and deeply flawed human, of course depending on who you ask?

PRONKO: Terui is an amalgam of many different educators I know, have heard of, and have read about. There are many shocking stories in the papers about teachers. When teachers can't handle the pressure of the job, they often resort to destructive coping mechanisms. They are highly respected, but that isn’t enough. They’re overworked, suffer from depression, get burned out, and quit, or worse. They are often victims of the system, just as much as everyone else. I don't know any teacher quite like Terui, but, like most teachers, he has opposing sides to his character, just at even more extreme ends.

FQ: What's it like to write a character such as Takamatsu, who exists outside the structure of the official police force?

PRONKO: He was inside the system as a detective for a long time, but outside, he does things in the same way, only more freely. He's a character who has a strong sense of right and wrong, but in terms of the outcome. A shortcut or two is not a problem for him. I love writing scenes with him because he breaks all the rules everyone else is too afraid to break. And he cracks jokes about anything and everything. Still, joking, along with drinking, talking, and thinking out loud, are essential to the insights he contributes, without which Hiroshi and the others couldn’t crack the cases.

FQ: Above and beyond the whodunit, the book really digs into the business and politics of education. What did you find most interesting when writing about that?

PRONKO: Like they say about democracy and sausage, you don't want to see how it’s made. Education in Japan often preys on people’s fears, anxieties, and hopes as part of its business model. That became clearer to me as I researched the novel and began incorporating it into the story. I also realized how much I put up a firewall for students against the worst sides of the system. I often feel I have to help them unlearn, and relearn in new ways. The politics of education can be intense. As I wrote, I found it interesting, too, to realize that the system has many strong points. For many people, business and politics are secondary to education being personally transformative, if only to give them something to rebel against.

FQ: The media does complicate this story very much; or rather, it complicates the investigation. What gave you the idea of adding it as a theme/element to the story? A personal experience, maybe?

PRONKO: Having written for various print media in Japan for many years, I saw the good and the bad of reporting. The constant worry about what the media will say and the fear of a scandal are ever-present for schools, companies, and individuals. In Japan, public opinion, social reputation, and scandalous behavior have a huge impact because it is felt to be so shameful. The media does a decent enough job with some things, but with others, it exacerbates problems by over-reporting trivialities and pulling its punches on certain touchy issues, like education. The media in the novel focus on the sensational rather than the essential. Including them in the story turned out to be a sort of criticism, but it’s also a reality.

FQ: This new chief, whom the detectives have colloquially dubbed as 'Gyoza,' believes in a very different management style. What was fun or difficult in making his introduction of a new authority figure who shakes up the dynamics of the homicide department?

PRONKO: The need to shake up the dynamics of institutions and organizations—from companies to universities to police departments—is an ongoing issue in Japan. The status quo can get shaken up in positive ways as the system changes, but then it sometimes gets screwed up even worse. Changing things in Japan is not easy. So, one can sympathize with any reformer. In the novel, this new chief is "KY," a Japanese slang term meaning literally, unable to "read the air," or in other words, clueless. He's a good, strong character, but pushes everyone in the wrong direction and relies on formulas that reinforce the hierarchy rather than improving efficiency and strengthening human relations.

FQ: What is it that you want those who have not experienced this education system to understand regarding the reality of life for students like Mana and Kota and their struggle to pass exams?

PRONKO: With my students, I always think, they are tough! Frankly, the pressure society puts on them, the demands made of them, and the lack of time to mature freely are a bit shocking to me. After years of hearing horror stories from my students, I wanted to show how they are pushed to study for the test rather than explore their curiosity. They get pressed to find a job and lose motivation to study. It’s all so over-directed and micro-managed. Handling pressure is part of growth and individuation everywhere. Still, the scales in Japan are tilted toward doing what everyone else does, and being obedient to what society tells you to do. It impresses me that students handle it all as well as they do. I would have crumpled. But most students survive, and quite a few thrive. Students often seem shy or withdrawn, but they have a lively inner world filled with opinions and dreams that sadly often get lost in the shuffle.

FQ: This story is so steeped in the life and rhythm of Tokyo. When you're not writing, where's your favorite place in the city to go and just absorb I would call the 'atmosphere' that ends up fueling your books?

PRONKO: I love hanging out all over Tokyo. Tokyo is like an interlocking set of small villages. Or big villages, I guess. I set this novel in Kichijoji, one of those villages in western Tokyo, close to where I live, but I also like the eastern, older part of the city. Every area of Tokyo has some small neighborhood back streets that are very cool. Mostly, I end up hanging out in places along my commute home, which is through central Tokyo, the large stations along the Yamanote Line and inner subways, and then further west along the Chuo Line. I have favorite jazz clubs, bars, and restaurants all along those routes home, so I can hop off the train at almost any stop to meet friends, hear music, or grab a drink and a bite to eat. The atmosphere of nearly every part of the city soaks in. Almost any part of the city offers something surprising. I love that.

FQ: What can readers expect from you in days to come? 

PRONKO: I have another Detective Hiroshi novel in the works, about tourism, which has become a huge industry here. So many tourists coming to visit has some benefits, but it’s become problematic. Visitors are swamping historic sites and urban areas. That industry is changing, and I’m not sure for the better. I also have outlines for a Hiroshi novel about gambling and about the fishing industry. I’m updating my guide to jazz in Japan, which is a lot of fun. I’m still writing essays on life in Tokyo, too, but those take a while to get enough to collect into a single volume. Anyway, Hiroshi still has many cases left to work on.

 #Bookreview of The Price of Loyalty: Serving Adela of Blois

By: Malve von Hassell

Publisher: Historium Press

Publication Date: August 21, 2025

ISBN: 978-1964700267

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: October 27, 2025

The Price of Loyalty: Serving Adela of Blois by Malve von Hassell is a sweeping novel set against the sprawling, politically volatile aftermath of the Norman Conquest. It explores the complex and often painful demands of loyalty in a feudal world, the rigid constraints of gender and social class in the 11th Century, the search for identity and "home" in a world of conquest and exile, and the enduring power of friendship and human connection across a lifetime.

The primary narrative follows Cerdic of Wessex, son of Osbeorn and Orva, a Saxon knight whose father died at the battle of the Hastings. At a young age, King William the Conqueror offered to take him from his poor mother and raise him in his household, after which he was trained to be a page. When he first arrived at the Norman Court in Canen, a haven described "as one place where the pressures of the King's daily life lifted," he was terrified, homesick and unable to speak French. Adela, the young daughter of William the Conqueror and Queen Matilda was the first to befriend him and to show him "uncalculated" kindness, throwing him a lifeline, pulling him from the abyss of his sorrow and anchoring him to a new world.

In present day, Cerdic sees serving the Normans like a betrayal to his father, yet the thought of rejecting them feels like a betrayal of their kindness. He is a man without a country, and any step too far in either direction threatens to erase him completely. His path once again collides with Adela, who this time demands a greater sacrifice. She places a sealed letter on his hand, her eyes not of the girl with whom he shared honey bread, but of a queen who has learned the cost of power. Her arrival finds him happy after finding a new identity in Blois. However, this threatens his hard-earned contentment and reawakens all the old painful longings, as well as conflicts he has tried to leave behind. It all feels like a trap that snaps shut right again around him, leaving him wondering whether he can ever pick the lock, or if he is doomed to live out his days within its confines.

This is a deeply human story that moves beyond dates and battles, to show the intimate, personal struggles of those who lived through them. Its central theme includes the true price of loyalty, power and agency, as well as friendship and love in a structured world. The choice of a high-born female character and a male outsider create a rich multilayered view of medieval society. They don't feel random, but carefully selected to create a comprehensive, empathetic and gripping portrait of a tumultuous era.

While the story is a historical fiction, it masterfully uses twists, suspense and cliffhangers to amplify its historical authenticity. It feels like it understands a profound truth: that for those living through it, history was not a predetermined narrative but rather, a precarious and volatile existence. A single whispered secret, a lost battle or misplaced trust could irrevocably alter one's life and this book makes us feel that terrifying, exhilarating uncertainty through every page.

Quill says: Readers will find that The Price of Loyalty: Serving Adela of Blois by Malve von Hassell excels through its deep sensory immersion, its multi-perspective narrative with distinct voices, and psychological realism. Von Hassell masterfully "shows rather than tells," resulting in bringing the medieval world and its formidable characters to vivid life. What many readers will agree is that it is not just a book to be read, but an experience to be absorbed. One should read it for its pure, immersive escapism and for inspiration by its formidable characters, whose journeys are a reminder of the courage it takes to build a life of meaning against all odds.

For more information about The Price of Loyalty: Serving Adela of Blois, please visit the author's website at: malvevonhassell.com

 #Bookreview of Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball, and Hometown Spirit

By: Thomas L. Pelissero

Publisher: Sellar Street Boys Publishing

Publication Date: November 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8-218-64202-0

Reviewed by: Diane Lunsford

Review Date: October 23, 2025

Thomas L. Pelissero delivers a bittersweet memoir of his small-town dreams from Bessemer, home of the Speedboys basketball team on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball and Hometown Spirit.

Helge Pukema was a first-year head coach for the Bessemer Speedboys, and this is where the story begins in 1947. Pukema had a thick Finnish accent and when he spoke (barked, actually), the team listened. He was proud to tell his boys they were the first basketball championship for Bessemer High School, delivering them the notoriety and title of the Upper Peninsula Class B High School Basketball Champions. Pukema was no stranger to winning. He was a star athlete at Duluth Central High School where he excelled in both football and track and field. He went on to be a force at the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers in the 1940s, playing alongside Heisman Trophy winner Bruce Smith. Football was Pukema's sweet spot, but his mission was to deliver an equally noted rivalry on the basketball courts.

Mr. Pelissero lays the groundwork for his experience beyond the forward where his story begins with the First Quarter of the 1963-1964 season. There is a nostalgic quality that carries the reader from the onset of this memoir in that one finds him/herself relating to the moments of victory as much as the agony of defeat. There is melancholy toward a time from yesteryear when American had a wholesome quality. This is a story rife with tender and endearing salve that is the medicine at the heart of many American small towns. There is a determination that tugs at reader’s souls to remember how it was.

This is Mr. Pelissero’s debut body of work. I applaud him for his connection with his writing and more importantly, knowing the audience he set out to engage in the telling of his story. There are moments that will make one laugh aloud and in the next, shed a tear. Mr. Pelissero captures the agony of what it means to lose a basketball game that the team fought so hard to win. The sense that resonates throughout, however, is the desire to feel what people you have never met felt. We all have stories from our younger days, but not everyone can place the words across page upon page in a way to maintain their audience from cover to cover. Indeed, Mr. Pelissero’s voice is resounding from beginning to end. I say bravo and certainly look forward to his next book.

Quill says: Bring One Home is a must read for anyone who knows what it is like to be on the winning side as much as the losing end and understand the lessons learned with both experiences.

For more information about Bring One Home: A Memoir of Boyhood, Basketball and Hometown Spirit, please visit the author's website at: thomaslpelissero.com

 #Bookreview of Tokyo Juku

By: Michael Pronko

Publication Date: October 27, 2025

Publisher: Raked Gravel Press

ISBN: 978-1-942410386

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: October 21, 2025

Tokyo Juku by Michael Pronko is a crime novel that is as much about the crime of a corrupted system as it is about a single murder. It begins with Mana, an 18-year-old student at the juku, a private Japanese school. The time is three-thirty in the morning and she is worried about not being able to cover half of what she’d planned to study. She finds herself startled by footsteps clanging down outside the dark hallway and, without hesitation, decides to check it out. With her heart beating fast and her mind racing in every direction, she discovers a man’s dead body slumped against the wall below the whiteboard with his face turned to the side. However, the unmistakable black shirt and long ponytail immediately tells her, without a doubt, who it is.

Enter Detective Hiroshi Shimizu. He is hesitant to approach Mana, unsure of how to interrogate someone so young. Mana, still in shock, provides him with a first-hand account that establishes her as a critical witness. The question of whether she could have saved the dead man lingers on her mind, garnering her sympathy and painting her as a traumatized victim. Unbeknownst to her and in a cruel twist, the vulnerability she portrays here is later used to frame her in a different, more sinister light by some people, including some high in ranks. But to her luck, Shimizu identifies with her distress. His protective shield and instinct are a central theme in the book.

This book is a timely read that heavily features high stakes and a pressure-cooker environment that efficiently sets the mood and runs the plot's engine. The pressure to succeed is a quiet character but a heavy theme, a force so powerful that is well depicted by the single-day entrance exam that is treated as the ultimate determinant of one's future status, career, and self-worth. The book's structure -- a clever dual narrative -- allows the reader to experience the case from the top down (the police investigation) and the bottom down (the personal fallout.) Pronko uses the murder mystery as a vehicle to critique an entire system. This is where the book truly shines. He courageously exposes the brutal psychological toll on students, the commodification of education, the corrosive jealousy and competition among teachers, as well as the shadowy corporate and financial interests that underpin the "education industry."

Tokyo Juku is deeply immersive and masterfully woven, combining a tight, suspenseful plot with rich character development, as well as powerful social insight. This is all set against a backdrop that is both specific and universally resonant, in its themes of pressure, ambition and the cost of success. The protagonist’s own personal journey is a vehicle that enables exploration of bigger themes, making Mana the perfect lens through which to magnify these themes.

Quill says: Tokyo Juku is an insider's look at a defining, yet often hidden, aspect of modern Japanese society. It asks crucial questions such as what the true cost of success really is, and to what extent extreme pressure distorts relationships and morals. Readers who appreciate character driven stories with personal journeys that make the story emotionally resonant and impactful should not miss this one. It is a book that entertains while making you think, leaving you with a deep appreciation for stories where the setting itself is a central character.

For more information about Tokyo Juku, please visit the author's website at: michaelpronko.com/

 #Bookreview of The Image Maker

By: Chris Flanders

Publisher: Austin Macauley

Publication Date: June 20, 2025

ISBN: 979-8895431429

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: October 22, 2025

Chris Flanders’ The Image Maker begins in 1860 in the rural heart of western Pennsylvania, amid the now-famous Oil Creek. What starts as an intimate glimpse into small-town existence quickly unfolds into a sweeping story of ambition, innovation, and endurance. The novel traces the intersecting paths of three young men at the dawn of America’s oil boom: John Mather, Charles Miller, and Patrick Boyle. John, a driven photographer, seeks to capture both the raw hardship and emerging grandeur of a fledgling industry. Charles, a disciplined soldier shaped by the moral gravity of the Civil War, views his duty as both a guiding force and a heavy responsibility. Patrick, a spirited dreamer from an Irish immigrant family, longs to escape the limitations of his small-town upbringing. Set against a richly drawn backdrop of muddy streets, clattering derricks, and the intoxicating lure of newfound wealth, their stories form a deeply human portrait of how the birth of the oil industry reshaped everyday lives.

Through the eyes of John, Patrick, and Charles, Flanders weaves an intricate and immersive portrait of 19th-century America. Her storytelling is anchored by careful research, drawing on interviews with descendants of real historical figures, museum archives, letters, photographs, and preserved testimonies, to lend the narrative both authenticity and emotional weight. The result is a work that feels alive and immediate, far more than a simple recounting of history. It is a vivid reimagining of how one rugged stretch of Oil Creek came to illuminate the world’s lamps, drive its trains, and, in time, power its automobiles.

Flanders handles history with the ease of a born storyteller, avoiding the heaviness of overly factual prose. Her writing is textured, evocative, and rich in sensory detail. Each of the three main characters has a distinct and memorable voice: John’s driven ambition, Charles’s disciplined composure, and Patrick’s restless yearning are woven together in a steady, deliberate rhythm. Moments of quiet domesticity and detailed mechanical descriptions do not slow the story but instead heighten its realism, drawing the reader deeper into the world she recreates.

The true emotional heart of The Image Maker goes beyond the themes of industrial growth or the echoes of war, and it resides in the deep human desire for meaning and connection. Each of the three men pursues his own dream, whether it is stability, honor, or freedom, yet each remains bound to the relationships and roots that shape his identity. Flanders portrays this inner struggle with remarkable sensitivity. John’s troubled marriage quietly suffers under the weight of his ambition; Charles’s advancement is shadowed by the fatigue of duty; and Patrick’s decision to enlist brims with both nervous anticipation and a thrill of hope.

The dialogue feels genuine and unforced, carrying a natural rhythm that avoids any hint of artificial polish. Conflicts unfold with an honesty that refuses easy answers, reflecting the rough, unpredictable nature of life in the oilfields of the 1860s. Flanders embraces this complexity rather than smoothing it over, giving the story an authenticity that feels both raw and real.

Blending historical accuracy with emotional depth, The Image Maker emerges as a novel that celebrates both truth and humanity. Chris Flanders demonstrates not only her skill as a careful historian but also her talent as a storyteller who recognizes that history is defined by people as much as by events. Deeply human, elegantly written, and vividly realized, The Image Maker captures the dawn of a new industry and the lives shaped within it. It is a richly layered and emotionally moving work that will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction that is as heartfelt as it is historically grounded.

Quill says: The Image Maker is a powerful and elegantly written story that embodies the courage, drive, and determination of America’s early oil pioneers. It transforms history into a living experience, told through the lives and emotions of the people who shaped it.

 #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/

 #Bookreview of Alaska Bloodlust

By: J.L. Askew

Publication Date: September 9, 2025

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

ISBN: 979-8891327702

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: October 1, 2025

When Private Eye Race Warren barely survived a deadly case in Alaska, he thought that horrible time in his life was finally behind him in Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew.

Little does Warren know, someone from that same group is coming after him after his return to his hometown of Memphis. Unfortunately, the same people he worked the case with in Alaska are very much in danger as Warren is. No matter where he turns, people close to him are being seriously injured, if not killed. Warren must decide how he is going to stop the madman who is on a killing rampage of everyone near and dear to him. Is he able to takedown this killer, or does the killer have other plans for Warren and his friends?

This was one nonstop mystery thriller that will have readers’ hearts in their throats the entire time they are reading this masterfully penned story. The action scenes were fast and furious, making you feel as if you are another person standing right next to Warren while he was experiencing all the fast-paced action. You will find yourself believing that you will have to work with Warren to solve the mystery of who this crazy madman is that is on a killing spree.

The characters throughout this heart stopping story were so believable that this reviewer felt as if they were people that you could become friends with in real life. The kind of people that you invest time and your emotions in getting to know, and when something happens to them, you feel a personal loss. When you open the pages to this novel, you find yourself becoming immersed in the story right from the first sentence.

The detailed location descriptions were done so meticulously throughout this story that readers will feel as if they are transported to each locale. You begin to feel the snow falling all around you and the freezing temperatures as if you are experiencing the Alaska winters firsthand. No matter where the location, readers will be drawn into their surroundings immediately.

This action-packed story was so intricately written that it could easily be turned into a motion picture. I’m sure Askew’s fans would love to see this book become a movie they could relish just as they did the book. This is an ongoing series so this would be perfect to watch on the screen, having one movie based on each book of the series.

Quill says: Alaska Bloodlust by J.L. Askew is one mystery novel that readers will have a hard time putting down once they start reading it. The suspense keeps readers riveted to their seats until the very last sentence is read.

For more information about Alaska Bloodlust, please visit the author's website at: jlaskew.com.