Category: Fiction

“Celebration Playhouse” by Gary P. Cohen

November 16, 2024

Author Gary P. Cohen has drawn extensively on his long-term background and experience as a theatrical producer, playwright, and author of non-fiction theater books to create his high-intensity thriller, “Celebration Playhouse: A Theatrical Thriller.” It conveys the excitement of ambitious, artistic young people as they follow their dream to put on their first community theater production in an imaginative new venue, versus the opposition they encounter from local hard-core hate groups and individuals who want to see them fail. … More “Celebration Playhouse” by Gary P. Cohen

“Never Enough Words” by Jack Hammond Jr.

November 16, 2024

Jack Hammond Jr.’s “Never Enough Words” digs deep into the lives of ordinary people struggling with the extraordinary weight of history, personal traumas, and the shifting societal landscapes of the American South. Readers should understand that this is without a doubt a heavy read, yet, through the expressive storytelling of Hammond, it is one that is worthwhile because it gives the reader pause. This novel is for thinkers, and I believe there’s no better time for a book such as this. … More “Never Enough Words” by Jack Hammond Jr.

“The Shard of Asclepius” by Stewart F. Brennan

November 15, 2024

Books, antique shops, and curious rocks.  A mystery that’s rooted in ancient mythology yet threatens to take over the world. “The Shard of Asclepius” is a story that will suck you in. You’ll find yourself turning pages, upset when life calls you out of the world that author Stewart F. Brennan has created so seamlessly. … More “The Shard of Asclepius” by Stewart F. Brennan

“A Mixed Bag” by Agnes McIntyre

November 15, 2024

Short stories enthusiasts will delight in Agnes McIntyre’s “A Mixed Bag,” a collection whose satisfying immediacy and vivid prose give the stories a sense of place. The sixteen pieces probe the essence of the human psyche, both in its strengths and frailties. Through a set of well-wrought characters, some revealing their idiosyncratic mannerisms, they explore a wide range of overarching themes ranging from relationships, friendships, love, loss, self-discovery, and social evils. … More “A Mixed Bag” by Agnes McIntyre

“Smuggler’s Love” by T.D. Wilson

November 15, 2024

Some time ago, Reese Daniels helped take down space mobster Gideon Almora with the help of Gideon’s niece, Irina Almora. Through that adventure, Reese and Irina fell deeply in love. Now, they operate on the outskirts and smuggle to make money. While making a delivery on Mars, the couple are attacked. It becomes clear that Irina is the primary target. Desperate to save the woman he loves, Reese must stay clever, clear-headed, and, ultimately, selfless. … More “Smuggler’s Love” by T.D. Wilson

“The Bluff” by Bonnie Traymore

November 14, 2024

Kate Breslow is a widow trying to move on after her husband’s mysterious death, but it’s not easy. The unresolved case leaves her with more questions than answers. But with nothing holding her to the small town of Crest Lake on Lake Michigan, Kate intends to start fresh as soon as she can sell her house on the bluff. Her plans take a dark turn when another murder rocks the community, and she suddenly finds herself as the prime suspect. Held captive by buried secrets and under her neighbors’ harsh scrutiny, Kate must uncover the truth to clear her name and expose the hidden motives that surround her—all while facing her fears, and the grief she thought she could bury. … More “The Bluff” by Bonnie Traymore

“The Hub” by Aaron C. Lemke

November 14, 2024

Jack woke up to a nightmare.  He had been in a 301-year sleep since the rich and powerful of Earth chose to slip away and begin life anew on Mars.  He never understood how he had gained a berth in a pod for the journey, being neither rich nor powerful.  But there he was, struggling to come to an awareness of the new reality he never saw coming.  This didn’t look like the red planet.  And why was he alone?  Where was everyone?  And perhaps most important, what’s up with that green sky and super-intense lightning??  Jack, it seemed, had plenty of questions.  But no answers yet. … More “The Hub” by Aaron C. Lemke

“Christmas Romances: 5 Short Stories” by C.L. Hamilton

November 13, 2024

“Christmas Romances: 5 Short Stories” by C.L. Hamilton delivers five delightful and romantic short stories. Ms. Hamilton has woven five charming romance stories. While the first two are related by plot, they all fit together with the themes of love and the holidays, revealing previously held-back feelings. There are some common romance tropes such as mortal peril bringing out realizations and/or confessions of love, but these are welcome and played quite well. Overall, Hamilton has crafted a heartwarming anthology. … More “Christmas Romances: 5 Short Stories” by C.L. Hamilton