#Bookreview of Escala's Wish

By: David James

Publication Date: December 13, 2025

Publisher: Trash Panda Publishing

ISBN: 979-8999979940

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: February 5, 2026

Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a story whose prologue beautifully sets the solemn foundation upon which the whole narrative arc rests. We are taken ten years back to witness the cold, ceremonial judgement of a sprite of the fey realm named Teryn Lightwhisper, whose only crime was helping a child who had strayed through a hidden portal between the mortal world and the fey realm. His story establishes the story's setting as a realm governed by a code of ruthless consequence, one where compassion is an unforgivable crime, and one where every choice one makes begs a precedent.

We are introduced to Escala, the main character through the vivid recollection of our narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, bard of Misty Springs, who conjures her image to a tavern audience, one, as a golden-haired pixie princess of the Court of Dreams and two, as a flawed, deeply curious individual whose attempt to understand mortal love through a single, forbidden kiss leaves her facing a devastating consequence. We see Escala and her friend Rihanna at a hidden crossing between the fey realm and the mortal world. Here, we lean in with the tavern crowd as Escala leans down to plant that fateful kiss despite her friend's warnings. Suddenly, a sharp crack of a branch in a nearby bush, followed by the appearance of a monstrous wolf jerks us back to reality. A brutal struggle for survival follows, leaving two dead and one injured. Here, we are left wondering not just what Escala's fate will be, but the real reason why the wolf was there at that precise, devastating moment.

The story drags us before the merciless tribunal of the court of Dreams where a sentence is passed to Escala, in cold transformative magic- a permanent exile in a foreign body and foreign land, burdened with a paradoxical quest. The ground she is cast upon is literally stained with the memory of her failure. Every threat on her path feels like a threat that aims to ensure that her exile becomes a permanent grave. Here, we are not forced to care for her, rather, our emotional investment gets earned by the heartbreaking scale of her fall, which frames her fight as a classic underdog struggle to survive in a world that views her as expendable. I remember pausing here, not because the pacing slowed, but because the cost of that single choice had expanded so suddenly and so brutally that it needed a moment to settle.

This story is built upon well-structured themes that are not merely decorative or abstract. They rise from lived, painful realities, driving every twist of the plot and defining every character's choice. The consequence of choice is one of them, and it is well rendered to make the reader feel the weight of every decision. Equally, the theme of love is articulated through sacrifice and yearning, deepening the reader's emotional investment and contributing to a rich, resonant and deeply satisfying experience. Personally, I loved the character formulation and intricate dynamics that bring this story to life, ultimately making it unforgettable. Each figure, from the flawed young heroine to the vengeful Morvena, has been crafted with a compelling motivation. Even supporting characters such as Harper and Roedyn have been given room to endear themselves to the reader. I totally believe that it is these characters that the novel's themes are not just communicated but truly felt.

Quill says: Escala's Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is undoubtedly the perfect pick by readers who enjoy stories where personal growth, complex relationships and moral dilemmas drive the plot. It is a story that forces one to sit with questions of justice and mercy, as well as a wonder on what the value of a good heart really is, in a world that often punishes compassion.

 #Bookreview of Escala's Wish

By: David James

Publication Date: December 13, 2025

Publisher: Trash Panda Publishing

ISBN: 979-8999979940

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: February 5, 2026

"No matter how innocent the deed, no faerie was permitted to meddle with the True Cycle of mortal lives. In the eyes of the court, compassion itself was a crime. The law was absolute..."

Escala’s Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a debut fantasy-romance you might pick expecting a clever fairy tale, which you will get. To your surprise however, and as revealed in the excerpt above, you will encounter a striking depth beneath its surface, one that carries an emotional, grounding, human touch even amid its world of pixies, courts of magic, and world-ending consequences. It begins with a deceptively simple premise: a kiss, a curious, impulsive one, the kind that changes everything because it was never supposed to happen. This single act becomes the catalyst that Escala Winter the protagonist, a mischievous pixie, beautifully propels into a layered tale about love, belonging and redemption.

We first encounter Escala not in the shiny halls of the Court of Dreams, but in a sun-dappled forest glade in the mortal world where she is hovering over a young man who is asleep beneath an oak tree. At this point you see her innocence, in a scene that strongly holds the seed for everything that follows. What is so impressive is how after that, intent and outcome get treated as separate things. We see this through how the laws of the Court of Dreams judge solely on outcomes, specifically the disruption of the barely twenty-year-old law of True Cycle, which governs the natural order of mortal life, and which in this case occurs when Escala kisses Jonathan, a herbalist who was meant to live his mortal life, pursue his craft and maybe die from natural causes in his own time. This is exactly where the chilling authority of the justice system emerges. It does not care whether she is naive, curious or longing for love, rather, it only sees the broken thread in the True Cycle that she causes. Here, the book forces you to hold two irreconcilable truths: one, the truth of her innocent intent and two, the truth of her catastrophic outcome. The separation of these two is what I believe forcefully, but in a good way wrenches the story from a simple fairy-tale, into something more complex, mature and deeply gripping.

The Court of Dreams will be one of the readers' favorite places to visit due to its breathtaking beauty and sweeping atmosphere. "...everything is infused with passion- wrapped in music, dance, and artistry..." It is a setting where gardens grow from whispered secrets and where laughter seems to hang perpetually in the air. What may fascinate readers the most is the knowledge that such beauty is upheld by laws that are cold, and which seems to have mercy or empathy as a forgotten language. The book will keep them smiling, thanks to its narrator, Wigfrith Foreverbloom, Bard Medic of Misty Springs, whose voice and tone as he tells Escala's story, remains warm and charming throughout. And then there is the romance. It comes out very different from modern romanticism, growing out of hardship and emotional vulnerability instead of instant attraction. This aspect reminds me of classic love stories where connections feel earned, not simply manufactured.

The supporting characters, from Morvena Winter who embodies the corruption of the law through a generational feud, to Lord Rowan Winter whose impossible choice pits a father's love against a ruler's duty, are meticulously crafted and beautifully serve as a mirror, catalyst or obstacle to the protagonist's journey. Others include Victor Graves, a warlock whose grief turns to vengeance, Rihanna, the friend who pays the ultimate price early in the read, and Teresa Whitmore, the protagonist's mother whose legacy is the precedent that both inspires and damns her daughter's actions.

Quill says: This story will give you the opportunity to witness the growth of a protagonist forced to mature faster than she expected, haunted by loss, mistakes, responsibility and the weight of atonement. Its stakes, which feel deeply personal, will draw you in quickly, and cause you to care fiercely for her, especially after you realize that in her world, curiosity carries a devastating price. If you love fairy tales with real consequences, slow-burn romance that is built on sincerity, and stories that balance charm with depth, Escala’s Wish (Tales of Valla Book 1) by David James is a story truly worth stepping into.

 #Bookreview of How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion & Restores Your Health

By: Dr. Jerome Puryear

Publisher: Eternaverse Publishing

Publication Date: May 1, 2026

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 29, 2026

How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion, & Restores Your Health by Jerome Puryear, MD, serves as a timely and highly relevant resource that addresses one of the most overlooked health dangers of contemporary life: chronic sleep deprivation.

The book is organized into four main sections: The Science of Sleep, Understanding Abnormal Sleep, The Life of Night Shift Workers, and Fixing Your Sleep. It guides readers through an extensive exploration of why sleep is biologically vital and offers practical methods to reclaim it. Dr. Puryear integrates clinical insights with personal stories and patient experiences, making the science relatable through real-life situations. By exploring the physiological effects of insufficient sleep and the distinct challenges posed by night shifts, the book presents a straightforward narrative that highlights how sleep deprivation, although subtle, has a profound impact on physical well-being, emotional resilience, and cognitive function.

One of the strongest ideas running through the book is the reminder that sleep is not a luxury: it is a basic foundation of good health. Dr. Puryear makes it clear that while we are responsible for our own sleep habits, we also have to be honest about the larger challenges working against us, such as demanding jobs and technology that keeps us constantly connected. Readers can determine warning signs early with Dr. Puryear’s discussion of abnormal sleep patterns and common sleep disorders, often before serious damage is done. When it comes to fixing sleep, the book offers a well-balanced set of options, from mindfulness practices and natural remedies to advanced sleep technology and AI-driven tools. Just as importantly, Dr. Puryear urges readers to use these tools wisely, stressing the need for medical guidance and awareness of data privacy to technology supporting care rather than replacing it.

The writing does not feel heavy or intimidating, and is clear, compassionate, and confident. Medical concepts are written in plain language for anyone to understand. The illustrations add clarity instead of distraction and are helpful to enhance understanding. The pacing is steady, giving readers time to absorb complex ideas while moving smoothly from identifying problems to finding practical solutions. Dr. Puryear’s willingness to share his own struggles with sleep adds a relatable touch, making the book feel more like a conversation with a trusted doctor than a formal medical lecture.

How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep is a well-researched and practical guide for anyone stuck in the cycle of chronic exhaustion. It is especially helpful for night shift workers, high-pressure professionals, and readers interested in where sleep science and technology are headed. It is not a quick-fix read, and those who take the time to understand and use the material will be able to overcome their problem with the tools provided in the book.

Quill says: This book is a powerful wake-up call that turns sleep from an afterthought into a life-saving priority, offering both knowledge and hope for lasting change.

For more information about How Not to Up and Die from Lack of Sleep: A Doctor’s Guide to Better Sleep That Boosts Your Energy, Reverses Exhaustion & Restores Your Health, please visit the author’s website at: drjeromepuryear.com.

 #Bookreview of Line 'Em Up!

By: Oscar Avery

Illustrated by: Sarah Jane Docker

Publisher: Bread n Butter Bookz

Publication Date: February 1, 2026

ISBN: 978-1734574302

Reviewed by: Diana Coyle

Review Date: January 29, 2026

In Line ‘Em Up! by Oscar Avery, we are introduced to four students who have learning disabilities and seem to have a revolving door of teachers at their school. So far, no teacher has stayed long enough to even get to know these four students. This only makes the children feel more like outcasts than the rest of the students at their school.

Then one day, Mr. Murant subs their class and instantly connects with the four students. In the process of learning about each individual student, Mr. Murant tells them about himself. You see, he suffers from a brain disorder called Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). This disorder is caused by repeated head injuries from playing things like rough sports such as football, which he previously did. This disorder causes the brain’s nerve cells to die and this produces many mental complications like forgetfulness, which happens to him quite frequently. The children bond with Mr. Murant for six months and he starts teaching them that the sky is the limit as long as they believe in themselves. What happens to Mr. Murant and the children as their bond strengthens?

This reviewer was extremely touched at how in depth this children’s book was, not only on an emotional level, but also on a developmental level watching each of the four children flourish under Mr. Murant’s guidance. This book is a feel-good story for any child or class that may be labeled difficult learners because it will teach them that the sky is the limit on what you can learn and who you can become. All children should live by this mantra, allowing them to feel that they are worthy just like any other child.

Personally, this reviewer learned about this brain disorder Mr. Murant suffered from by reading this children’s book. Learning exactly what CTE was and the difficult ramifications Mr. Murant and others deal with on a daily basis was eye opening. Although Oscar Avery briefly explained what this disorder was and the side effects of it, I feel that parents, guardians, and librarians should know that the disorder can be very dangerous and often life-threatening.

The illustrations provided by Sarah Jane Docker were done in muted tones throughout this children’s book. The pictures encompassed the entire page of every single page of the book. They were the perfect complement to the story that was written.

Quill says: Line ‘Em Up! by Oscar Avery is one book that will have children cheering on the four students they come to know and love in this story. The storyline is very believable, the characters are well developed, and there are valuable lessons to be learned as you turn the pages.

Congratulations to the 2026 Feathered Quill Book Awards winners!

https://featheredquill.com/feathered-quill-book-awards-2026-winners/

 #Bookreview of The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance

By: F. Scott Service

Publication Date: December 8, 2025

ISBN: 979-8993482224

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 23, 2026

The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance (The Suicide Club) by F. Scott Service is an unsettling and deeply human exploration of loss, memory, and the fragile working of the mind.

The book begins with devastation: Dana learns that his lifelong best friend, Jack, has shot himself after hiking into the mountains. The shock of Jack’s suicide has a great impact on Dana, sending him into a state of post-traumatic stress where grief manifests as both physical pain and emotional disorientation. On his way to Jack’s memorial, Dana sifts through recollections of their shared past, childhood escapades, reckless adventures, and the vibrant, voracious spirit of Jack. These memories are the backbone of the narrative, as Dana attempts to reconstruct who Jack really was and where the cracks may have begun to form.

The book is less about the act of suicide and more about its aftermath, the wreckage left behind for those who loved deeply and are forced to ask impossible questions. Jack, remembered as enthusiastic, vigorous, and outwardly cheerful, becomes a haunting contradiction, emblematic of how suffering can exist invisibly behind charisma and humor. Dana’s journey is both intimate and universal as he revisits moments of laughter, risk, and companionship, realizing too late how easily pain can hide in plain sight. Service captures the relentless “what-ifs” that plague survivors: what was missed, what could have been said, and whether love alone is ever enough. The friendship between Dana and Jack is rendered with tenderness and authenticity, grounding the book’s heavier themes in genuine affection and shared history.

The Book of Jack confronts mental illness, social stigma, identity, and the weakness of the human mind. It refuses to romanticize despair, instead presenting suicide with brutal honesty and documentary-like clarity. The book speaks to the universal search for meaning amid chaos, and to the quiet courage required to keep living when answers never come. Service’s writing style is daring and unconventional, marked by sharp imagery, rhythmic prose, and unexpected tonal shifts where humor collides with horror. The pacing mirrors an “asylum tap dance,” quick, disorienting movements followed by reflective pauses, drawing readers directly into Dana’s fractured inner world. While some passages are intentionally vague or challenging, these stylistic choices enhance the emotional realism and immersive quality of the story.

The book relies on stark mental imagery, creating scenes that linger vividly in the reader’s imagination: mountain trails, institutional spaces, and moments where the line between the frightening and the absurd blurs. Interactions with delusions, memories, and other damaged souls are among the most unforgettable aspects of the book. The Book of Jack is not an easy read, but it is an important one. It pushes narrative boundaries, confronts uncomfortable truths, and offers a compassionate lens on those left to navigate the fallout of suicide. The book is highly recommended for readers who appreciate raw, fearless storytelling and literature that challenges as much as it comforts.

Quill says: A brutally honest, rhythm-driven exploration of grief and mental health, The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance reads like a literary documentary: unflinching, compassionate, and impossible to forget.

For more information about The Book of Jack: An Asylum Tap Dance, please visit the author's website at: fscottservice.com

 #Bookreview of Honeycomb

By: R.A. Van Vleet

Publication Date: January 13, 2026

Publisher: Atmosphere Press

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 30, 2025

Honeycomb by Richard A. Van Vleet is a gripping thriller that begins with Sam Williams, a thirty-two-year-old realtor and part-time actress who, unbeknownst to her, is being surveilled by two inept henchmen on the orders of her jealous and controlling agent, Ray Calderon.

Early in the read Ray comes across as manipulative and violent, as seen at the scene at a Home Depot parking lot where he aggressively confronts Ian, a thirty-eight-year-old former marine, who earlier had accidentally collided with Sam while she was looking for Ray's truck. Here, Ray shoves Sam before throwing a punch at Ian who blocks and breaks Ray's nose in self-defense. These actions leave both in the hospital where they give their statements, thus setting the stage for a career threatening exposure that ends up unexpectedly bringing two people with a similar past together.

The tale tightens the screws of suspense to an almost unbearable degree from chapter four. Readers are shown a terrifying trap around the protagonist that will leave them questioning what safety remains. As the immediate physical danger recedes, psychological and moral costs come next, creating charged moments that will leave readers breathless, questioning who is pulling the strings and what line an unexpected "Samaritan" will cross to protect a woman who is rapidly becoming much more than a stranger in need.

Sam is a great female character whose resilience, vulnerability and lingering trauma make her the story's emotional heart. Her role comes out as that of a catalyst and a survivor, whose presence ignites the plot and her struggle for autonomy and security drives the suspense and the romantic arc of the story. Then there is Ian, whose skills, secrecy and decency drive the action. Additional is Ray, a well-hewn antagonist whose obsession and entitlement serve as the engine for the main plot. And then there are Harold, Eddie and Hernandez as well as Vernon, Virgil and Willy, all of whom are multi-layered individuals, who are used to generate heightened visceral threat and add depth and complexity while broadening the conflict beyond a simple cat and mouse chase.

Quill says: This book stands out for its gritty, cinematic pacing and its masterful layering of intimate character drama over a framework of sprawling interconnected threats. Reading it feels like watching a tense thriller unfold on screen as a movie with tangible suspense that is amplified not by hyperbolic action, but by the chilling plausibility of the danger, especially in the case of emotional betrayal, rather than the threat of physical violence. It is no doubt that readers who enjoy propulsive, character driven thrillers and romantic suspense akin to the focused tension of Laura Griffin's Tracers series will not only find much to love here, but will thoroughly be absorbed by its layered mystery. Honeycomb is a great read, but firmly an adult novel owing to its graphic violence, strong language, disturbing thematic elements and complex moral and situational gray areas.

 #Bookreview of Morning of a Crescent Moon

By: N.J. Schrock

Publisher: Indigo River Publishing

Publication Date: January 27, 2026

ISBN: 978- 1969935039

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 12, 2026

N.J. Schrock’s Morning of a Crescent Moon is a deeply human, historically grounded story set against the rising tensions of the Virden miners’ strike. The novel follows Cate, a young woman who arrives in a new town anxious about starting her life over, both in a new community and in her new position as a primary-grade teacher.

Cate’s past still shadows her: long, grueling hours as a nurse alongside her colleagues left her exhausted, and one terrifying night she and another nurse were attacked by four men. They were saved by the timely arrival of the police. As Cate attempts to rebuild her sense of safety and purpose, she meets Noah McCall and his younger siblings. Their friendship grows naturally, adding warmth, compassion, and a sense of belonging to Cate’s new life.

Noah McCall stands as one of the novel’s most compelling figures, steady, responsible, and unexpectedly heroic. Acting as both brother and provider, he shoulders the burdens of adulthood, far more than parenting his sibling, yet never loses his sense of integrity. As tensions rise in Virden, Noah and the miners find themselves fighting their own war for dignity. The miners had long been denied the pay they were promised, and Fred Lukins’s attempt to bring in scab workers pushed the community toward breaking point. With businesses pressuring Lukins to resolve the strike before violence erupts, the narrative skillfully intertwines personal struggle with collective resistance, showing how economic injustice affects every layer of community life.

Themes of courage, justice, and unity run throughout the novel. Schrock highlights the exploitation miners faced, poor conditions, insufficient wages, and the wealthy extracting profit from those who labored without protection or voice. The historical Battle of Virden becomes the emotional and thematic backbone of the story, reinforcing the idea that true power emerges when ordinary people stand together. Cate’s journey mirrors this truth in a quieter but equally meaningful way: she learns that new beginnings, like social change, require bravery, trust, and the willingness to link arms with others.

Schrock’s writing blends accessible prose with vivid historical detail. The pacing moves smoothly, balancing emotional introspection with moments of suspense and community conflict. Characters are thoughtfully developed, with clear and authentic motivations, and their relationships are believable. While the novel does not center on illustrations, its descriptive richness paints scenes with clarity and impact, allowing the reader to visualize both the gentle rhythms of small-town life and the tense buildup surrounding the miners’ standoff.

Morning of a Crescent Moon is a compelling and heartfelt work that brings history to life through personal struggle, found family, and the enduring fight for fairness. Readers who enjoy historical fiction with strong character arcs, social justice themes, and emotionally grounded storytelling will find much to admire. With well-crafted tension, meaningful lessons, and empathetic portrayals, this novel earns a solid recommendation.

Quill says: Morning of a Crescent Moon is a compelling reminder of resilience, solidarity, and the courage it takes to stand together for what is right.

For more information about Morning of a Crescent Moon, please visit the author's website at: njschrock.com/

 #Bookreview of Whiz Kid

By: Joel Burcat and David S. Burcat

Publication Date: July 1, 2025

ISBN: 979-8888193297

Reviewed by: Ephantus Muriuki

Review Date: January 8, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of The Big Dream

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: October 31, 2025

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 979-8987167786

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: January 5, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of The Russian Doll

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: November 1, 2022

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 978-1737737698

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: December 31, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Message in a Bullet

By: Owen Thomas

Publication Date: September 30, 2021

Publisher: OTF Literary

ISBN: 978-1734630381

Reviewed by: Alma Boucher

Review Date: December 30, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Treacherous Hack

By: Kevin G. Chapman

Publication Date: January 4, 2026

Publisher: First Legacy Publishing LLC

ISBN: 978-1958339305

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: November 11, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 #Bookreview of Tissiack: A Sierran Siren

By: Charles Weeden

Publication Date: May 12, 2025

ISBN: 979-8309759903

Reviewed by: Lily Andrews

Review Date: December 31, 2025

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

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

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

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

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