Book Corner News & Reviews: Suspense

Showing posts with label Suspense. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Paranormal Suspense Blitz: Saving Yukon by Bryan Burnell

I love paranormal suspense novels! Today, I have a new release from author Bryan Burnell in our book blitz spotlight! Check out Saving Yukon, learn about about the author & enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post!

Paranormal Suspense

Date Published: May 20, 2025

Publisher: Acorn Publishing

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About the Book

Matteo Ferrari has always been different. Gifted with unsettling clairvoyance, he sees shadows where others see light and hears whispers from the unknown. But when he fails to protect the ones he loves, his abilities vanish, leaving him lost and desperate. To reclaim his powers and find a new path, Matteo abandons his old life and ventures into the Alaskan wilderness.

Gabriella Valentina knows the pain of loss all too well. Once enchanted by the spotlight, she now flees from her past, seeking refuge from fear and sorrow in the same wild expanse.

When Matteo and Gabriella’s paths cross amidst the eerie beauty and hidden dangers of the Yukon, they must confront not only the shadows of their pasts but also the dark forces that lurk in the forest, waiting to claim them.

About the Author

A graduate of UCSC and UCSB, Navy brat Bryan Burnell majored in creative writing and English literature. After selling his successful office furniture business, which he ran for three decades, he started paying more attention to the story ideas that had accumulated in his mind over the years. Free time allowed him to finally bring life to his first book, Saving Yukon. This long-time Santa Barbara resident loves the meditative aspects of swimming, gardening, golf (despite his high handicap), and an occasional shot of good bourbon. He is married with two grown children and a spoiled Labradoodle named Nelli

Connect with the Author

Website

Facebook: Bryan Burnell

Instagram: @bryanburnellauthor

Buy the Book

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Draft 2 Digital

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Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Angela Thompson 6:14 AM 0

Suspense Review: Janie's Hope by S.R. Fabrico

This morning, I have a suspense novel from a series that I have read and loved in the past! Today, I am sharing my thoughts on Janie's Hope, the third book in S.R. Fabrico's Southport series. Check out the book and the series, read my thoughts, learn about the author & be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title:  Janie's Hope - Book 3 in the Southport Series by S.R. Fabrico
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 276 pages
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher:  S.R. Fabrico
Release date: Feb 11, 2025
Content Rating:  R: There is one cracked door sex scene and a few foul words.

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About the Book

Janie’s Hope is the captivating conclusion of the Southport Series, set in a charming small town where secrets run deep and love has the power to heal even the deepest wounds. Janie, a strong neurodivergent heroine, has always felt like an outsider, grappling with her emotions and social awkwardness. Raised by a reclusive billionaire father, she yearns to break free from the confines of her sheltered life and discover her true self.

Her existence has been shaped by stories of her mother, Lizzie Levine, and the fleeting moments they shared in Southport. Eager to uncover her past, Janie is determined to follow in her mother’s footsteps, even as her father's warnings of danger loom large.

Enter Noah, the sweet and adorkable cinnamon roll with hidden abs and quiet confidence, who falls for Janie almost immediately, captivated by her fiery spirit. But hidden truths linger in the shadows, including Janie’s secret identity, complicating their growing connection.

In this emotional journey of self-discovery and love, Janie’s Hope will sweep you away into a world where second chances and found family collide, proving that sometimes, the strongest bonds are forged in the most unexpected ways.

With a captivating and engaging writing style, S.R. Fabrico draws you into an extraordinary tale, taking your emotions on a soaring journey alongside Janie. Whether you’re a fan of gripping suspense or heartwarming romance, the Southport Series is an absolute must-read. Don’t miss your chance to dive into a world brimming with passion, intrigue, and unforgettable moments.

My Review

"Janie’s Hope" Ends the Series Perfectly. I enjoyed every book in this series, and this one was no exception. It had been a while since I had read the previous books, and I read a lot, so I was a little out of the loop at the beginning--but, I was able to remember pieces and fill in the gaps as Hope (Janie) filled in the pieces on her own. While this could be read as a stand-alone with the reader learning about Hope's past along with the character, I think it's best to read in order as a series so that you don't feel that you've missed things along the way. Once the highlights of the previous books came back to me and the current story fell into place, I enjoyed this book just as much as the earlier ones and found that the ending fit perfectly.

Expect Characters to Love and A Story That You Won't Want to Leave. Hope finds family and love and fills in the pieces of her past as this series comes to an end. I am always a fan of dogs in books--and I loved DD's role in this story. Expect to become attached to the characters of Southport and to Hope's story as she finds a love interest and the keys to her past in the process. While the story finds complete resolution and ends as it should, the world created by the author is one that readers will be sad to leave.

Would I Recommend "Janie's Hope" by S.R. Fabrico? This is an easy-to-read story with suspenseful moments, a little romance, and heartwarming family connections that bring a series to its end. If you enjoy family dramas with suspenseful elements and character growth, I recommend this entire series. I recommend it, especially to fans of women's fiction who enjoy family-focused stories and secrets from the past.

Buy the Book

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Meet the Author

S.R. Fabrico is an award-winning author whose literary talents have captivated readers worldwide. With her debut novel, The Secrets We Conceal, and her second novel, Call Her Janie, she has emerged as a rising star in the literary realm.

With a remarkable 25-plus-year career in business, marketing, and sports, S.R. Fabrico brings a unique perspective to her writing. As a World Champion Dance Coach and esteemed speaker, she infuses her stories with passion and insight.

Residing in Tennessee with her husband and children, S.R. Fabrico continues to create captivating narratives that will transport you to new and extraordinary worlds. Prepare to be enchanted by her exceptional storytelling prowess.

In addition to her passion for writing novels, she has published a series of sports journals and a journal for women. She believes that journaling is good for the soul.

connect with the author:
website ~ newsletter ~ X/twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads

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Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Angela Thompson 7:41 AM 1

Crime Thriller Review: Killing Johnny Miracle by JK Franko

Crime thrillers often find their way onto my reading list! I also love finding new-to-me authors to share! Today, I have a thrilling suspense novel to share! Check out Killing Johnny Miracle, learn about author JK Franko, read my thoughts on the book, check out other stops on the book tour & enter the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Killing Johnny Miracle

by JK Franko

October 16 - November 10, 2023 Virtual Book Tour

Genre: Crime Thriller
Published by: Rum House Publishing
Publication Date: May 2023
Number of Pages: 350

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Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
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About the Book

Johnny Miracle thinks he’s got it all… and he’s in love, just not with his wife, Mary. He wants a divorce and he’s got leverage. Johnny knows her deepest, darkest secret. He’s going to use that to take everything: her vineyard, her money, and her priceless family heirloom. He’ll do whatever it takes to get it all.

But, as Grandma Nellie used to say, “No man, no matter how smart or strong, can compete with a motivated woman.” Mary is a motivated woman, she’s got her own agenda, and it doesn’t include losing. She’s going to kill Johnny. To get away with it, she needs a plan and an alibi. And she thinks she has both.

My Review

Killing Johnny Miracle is a Page-Turner from Beginning to End. This book is the first novel I have read from JK Franko, but it is written perfectly for readers to fall in sync with the fast-paced flow and interconnected storylines and characters. The author keeps the novel moving with just enough twists, turns, suspense, and character dynamics that it's impossible to put down from beginning to end. While it seems there are some unrelated side stories at times, the pieces fall into place just when needed to create a thrilling read for readers.

Expect Strong Characters, Interesting Dialogue, and Well Connected Dots. I loved the characters in this novel--even the ones I probably wasn't "supposed" to love. The author interjected just enough human nature to keep his plot twists both believable and engaging. The stories flow at even paces and connect very well, with all stones turned and all of the dots connected by the end. If you enjoy strong female characters--this novel holds plenty to hold your interest.

Would I Recommend Killing Johnny Miracle by J.K. Franko? Since the primary story seems spelled out in the title, I wondered if the novel would hold many suspenseful thrills. I was pleasantly surprised (and thrilled) with the novel and the author's storytelling style. This book is the first novel I've read from this author, but it won't be the last. If you enjoy a well-crafted suspense novel with wonderful characters and an organized, well-connected plot--this book should be on your reading list.

Buy the Book

Book Links: Amazon | Goodreads

Read an Excerpt

Nobody ever said it was going to be anything better
than a round of poker on the raft of Medusa.
It’s not who wins the game that counts.
Nobody wins. It’s who gets out least lost.
From Memo, by Todd Hearon

PART ONE

MARY’S WORLD FALLS APART

CHAPTER ONE

Mary Miracle would always recall with clarity the moment she decided to kill her husband. It wasn’t a decision she’d come to suddenly. She had loved him at one point, with all her heart. But over the course of their marriage, there’d been an accumulation of things he’d done that—little by little, like a blowtorch burning paint off steel—scorched away chunks of her love.

Usually, once love is gone, only indifference remains. In which case, the logical thing for Mary to do would have been to get a divorce, not kill him. But in Mary’s case, there was one final thing Johnny did to her that obliterated not just the love, but even indifference. And from the charred remains of everything she had once felt for him grew a revulsion so deep that she refused to live in a world where he existed.

After Mary decided that Johnny had to die, she spent the rest of the week working out the best way to do it, the ‘best’ way meaning how to kill him in the manner that was least likely to end with her in prison or—as they lived in Texas—on death row.

As his wife, I’ll be the prime suspect. The fact that we’re in the middle of a divorce makes that even worse. Lord knows, I’ve got plenty of motives.

It needs to look like an accident. Poison? A hit and run? Maybe a burglary gone wrong?

And I’m gonna need an iron-clad alibi.

It took Mary a few days to figure out the accident part. The more difficult piece was the alibi. She came up with lots of ideas. But in the end, she concluded that to pull off a foolproof alibi she needed help: an accomplice. There was only one person in the world she could trust with something like this. Abby Winehouse. They’d grown up together, shared secrets. They knew each other like sisters.

Abby also had the skills to help Mary put the finishing touches on her plan. The only downside was that she’d probably try to talk her out of killing him; Mary was almost sure of that.

She arranged to meet Abby at her place that Friday for some wine and cheese. The house was just west of downtown Austin and had been in Abby’s family since the late 1800s. The two friends sat, as usual, on the wooden back deck in lawn chairs overlooking the small yard. Its perimeter was marked by a hurricane fence. The lawn was thick Saint Augustine grass. There was a small rock garden in one corner, in the center of which sat a broken bird bath; the bath part was dry and dusty. A couple of beat-up cornhole boards leaned against the fence by the gate to the alley. It was just past seven. A cool fall evening.

Abby was sharing some of the highlights of her week. She was on a bit of a rant. “And so, I told him, ‘Don’t be mansplainin’ to me about what a rollin’ stop is. You may have a badge, but I was runnin’ stop signs while you were still on training wheels!’”

Mary nodded and smiled as her friend spoke, but she wasn’t listening. She was rhythmically clinking her fingertip against the stem of her wineglass to disguise the slight tremor in her hands. Nerves. She had rehearsed what she wanted to say. And how to say it. Still, her neck felt tight. Could Abby tell that she was distracted? Abby was never one to pry. She had always been the type to chat, entertain, all while waiting for Mary to open up.

“So fiiiiinally,” Abby dragged out the word, “he agreed to let me off with a warnin’.” She shook her head. “But I had’ta get all pissed off and tell him I’m a lawyer to get ‘im to back down.” She scoffed. “Imagine how they treat regular folk . . . ” She stopped to pour herself some more rosé.

Mary decided to capitalize on the lull. The sound of cars rushing down Mopac highway nearby provided white noise that she felt protected their conversation from prying ears. But she reached out and turned the music on the Bluetooth speaker up a bit, just to be safe. A song by The Dixie Chicks was playing, the one about Earl. It was a song she knew well, but she was so focused on what she wanted to say that the irony was lost on her.

“I need to tell you something, Abby,” she said. “Ask a favor, really . . .”

Abby finished refilling her glass. She turned to look at her friend, and her face fell. “Oh, shit! What’s wrong? No. Don’t you cry, girl,” she reacted instinctively, then backtracked. “Or go on and let it all out if ya need to . . .”

Mary hadn’t realized her eyes were watering. Tears were not on her agenda. She inhaled, seeking to extract confidence from the air around her. She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

“What is it, Mare?”

“I’m gonna need your help with something,” Mary said. The tension in her neck eased slightly as she spoke.

Abby cocked an eyebrow, and Mary watched her eyes dart back and forth as if scanning through a spectrum of possibilities. Despite all her rehearsing, Mary couldn’t help beating around the bush just a little. “It’s a big one,” she added, her eyes turning hard and her chin tilting up slightly.

The air around the two women suddenly felt almost electric. Mary saw that her friend felt it too; the hair on Abby’s arms stood on end.

She leaned towards Mary, placing a hand on her knee. “You know you can count on me, hon.” She unconsciously lowered her voice to a whisper. “What can I do?”

“I . . . It’s about . . . him.”

Abby inhaled deeply and sat up straighter. Her lips pursed, then she took a swallow from her wineglass. “Well, what’s he gone and done now?” Abby’s head tilted; her mouth set in a hard line. “It’s high time you divorced that sumbitch. I know it’s been a mess. But of course, you can count on me—”

“Oh, no. It’s not about the divorce.” She sat back, more confident now that she had gotten the topic on the table. “I mean, thank God, I found out because of the divorce. But . . .”

Mary had read somewhere that when the police deliver news of a family member's death, they use simple, direct language to avoid confusion. In the shock of the moment, brutal clarity works best. Mary had decided to follow that approach. That’s what she had rehearsed.

She took a sip of wine, her gaze locked on Abby's. She breathed in, then exhaled slowly and, for the first time, said out loud what she’d been thinking, planning, what she knew she had to do.

“I’m going to kill Johnny.”

Her tone made it clear that this was not a figure of speech.

Abby sat for a good while studying her friend. She was searching, hoping for some indication that she was misreading the moment—that Mary wasn’t actually declaring her intent to commit murder.

When it became clear that Mary had nothing further to add, Abby started to speak several times. Mary watched as her mouth would form the tip of a word, before aborting the effort as new scenarios percolated out of her keen mind. Finally, Mary saw that look in her friend’s eyes; her best friend was still there, but the lawyer in her was sharing control. Abby clasped her hands together, resting them softly on her knee, then spoke the best open-ended reply of them all.

“Why?”

***

Meet the Author

J.K. Franko was born in Texas and spent his childhood in Corpus Christi where he attended St. Patrick’s Elementary and Incarnate Word Academy. He was educated by Irish nuns who thought his conduct poor and academic effort lacking. Franko admittedly spent too much time at the video arcade, playing hacky sack, and later hanging out with friends drinking beer and listening to eighties music (this was in the eighties) at Swantner Park.

He would not change any of that (if he could).

Franko got his act together in college, during what he calls his Tour of Texas: Del Mar College, Baylor University, University of Dallas, University of the Incarnate Word (BA Philosophy, cum laude), St. Mary’s Law School (Juris Doctor, summa cum laude), and UT Austin’s McCombs School of Business (MBA, Kozmetsky Scholar).

He worked for ten years as a trial lawyer in Texas, then went on to work as an executive in the Fortune 100 in Europe and Asia.

Franko has written a number of non-fiction books and articles. But storytelling has always been his passion.

Publication of Franko’s first three novels—the Eye for Eye trilogy—was complete in 2020, with international publication in translation beginning in 2021.

He will be publishing two books in 2023: Killing Johnny Miracle and The Black Book.

Connect with the Author

JKFranko.com
Goodreads
BookBub - @jk137
Instagram - @jkfranko.author
Twitter - @jk_franko
Facebook - @jkfranko.author

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Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Angela Thompson 7:06 AM 0

Cover Reveal Spotlight: Crucible by Franca Storm

Today, I am joining the book cover reveal for upcoming suspense novel Crucible by Franca Storm! Check out the cover, learn about the book & author and preorder the book on Amazon!

Dark Romantic Suspense

Date Published: 10-11-2023

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

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affiliate partner.

About the Book

Some burn in the fire, others are forged in it.

I’m justice.

I’m deliverance.

I’m punishment.

Ultimately, I’m a dealer of death.

It’s exactly what they need from me.

To push back the enemy.

To keep them all safe.

I’m always one step ahead.

Until her.

She wasn’t meant to be here.

She’s tempting a cruel twist of fate.

Now he’s got her in his crosshairs.

He’ll feed off her vulnerability.

He’ll make her a victim of his obsession.

If I can’t pull her out, she’ll drown in the dark.

She’ll become as twisted as the rest of us.

About the Author

Franca writes emotional and gritty reads about alphas with a dark side and the kickass women who turn their worlds upside down.

A Marvel and DC fan, you’ll often find her binging on superhero shows and movies. Away from that heart-pumping action, she’ll relax with a good book, or work on conquering her next 1,000-piece puzzle.

She writes to alternative and hard rock with her storyboard of inspiration by her side and some tasty snacks along for the ride. A cross between a pantser and a plotter, she’s happiest when she’s fully immersed in crafting her fictional worlds.

Connect with the Author

PreOrder the Book

Amazon

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Thursday, December 1, 2022

Angela Thompson 10:14 AM 0

Suspense Novel Spotlight: Izzy by Greg Jolley

Today, I have a suspense novel in our book spotlight! Check out Izzy, learn about author Greg Jolley and enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Four of the Maison de Danse Quartet

Suspense

Date Published: 12-01-2022

Publisher: Épouvantail Books

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an
affiliate partner.

About the Book

What do you do when the legal system refuses to deliver justice?

Izzy knows.

Conducting her own investigations and trials, she’s out on the hunt, righting wrongs in honor of the victims and their surviving families.

Outlaw revenge has its perils and she’s soon in the fight of her life.

Sometimes a killer’s own survivors also go on the hunt.

Having kicked their hornet’s nest, Izzy is desperate to take them out.

Does she have what it takes to battle off her own demons?

Can she stop those who want her dead?

About the Author

Greg Jolley earned a Master of Arts in Writing from the University of San Francisco and lives in the very small town of Ormond Beach, Florida. When not writing, he researches historical crime, primarily those of the 1800s. Or goes surfing.

Connect with the Author

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Friday, November 18, 2022

Angela Thompson 6:49 AM 0

Cover Reveal Spotlight: Izzy by Greg Jolley

Today, we are joining the cover reveal for Izzy, Book Four of the Maison de Danse Quartet series. Check out the cover and learn about the book and author Greg Jolley!

Book Four of the Maison de Danse Quartet

Suspense

Date Published: 12-01-2022

Publisher: Épouvantail Books

Many of our posts contain affiliate links.
Should you purchase an item via our links--we may receive slight compensation from an affiliate partner.

About the Book

What do you do when the legal system refuses to deliver justice?

Izzy knows.

Conducting her own investigations and trials, she’s out on the hunt, righting wrongs in honor of the victims and their surviving families.

Outlaw revenge has its perils and she’s soon in the fight of her life.

Sometimes a killer’s own survivors also go on the hunt.

Having kicked their hornet’s nest, Izzy is desperate to take them out.

Does she have what it takes to battle off her own demons?

Can she stop those who want her dead?

About the Author

Connect with the Author

Suspense Read more

Friday, October 21, 2022

Angela Thompson 8:01 AM 0

Belinda Book Review & Book Tour Giveaway

The Raymond Hatcher Stories have been on my reading list this week! As part of the Belinda book tour, I was given the opportunity to read the three books of the series. Today, I am sharing my review of Belinda! Check out this adult suspense novel, learn about the series and author Mark Zvonkovic, read my thoughts on this book--and check out my reviews of the first two books if you missed them! Be sure to enter for a chance to win a prize in the book tour giveaway at the end of this post.

Book Title: Belinda (The Raymond Hatcher Stories/Book Three) by Mark Zvonkovic
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 276 pages
Genre: Literary / Legal Thriller
Publisher:  Dos Perro Press
Release date: June 2022
Content Rating:  PG13+M because it involves mature themes, occasional mild profanities, non-explicit sex scenes and mild violence.

"You will keep turning pages not just for the pleasure of his writing, but because you simply have to know what happens next." — Mark Pryor, author of Die Around Sundown and the Hugo Marston series

“Belinda is a thrilling novel with gripping layers of legal and corporate intrigue, but it’s Zvonkovic’s character work and timely themes that propel the narrative to new heights. Part romance, part legal drama, Zvonkovic blends genres and defies expectations with each turn of the page, ultimately creating an emotional exploration of justice, purpose, and legacy.” — James Wade, Spur Award-winning author of River, Sing Out

“Fans of characters such as Tom Clancy’s John Clark, as well as other readers who are interested in the techno-thriller genre, should find Belinda to be a thoroughly captivating and satisfying read.” — David Loux, Author of Chateaux Laux

“A spy thriller meets legal fiction meets romance novel.” — Kirkus Reviews

About the Book

Set in the conference rooms of a white-shoe Houston law firm and the stunning coastline of Baja California, Belinda is the story of a woman’s bravery and resourcefulness at the end of her brilliant career. Her decision to fight her firm’s men in suits who demand her retirement is called into question when a man once her lover appears after a long unexplained absence.

Against a backdrop of romance and legal drama, the novel explores questions about love, the law, and the anxious precipice of life change. Is it ever too late to be swept away by romance? Can true justice ever be attained when the law’s practitioners are corrupt? And when your work is what defines you, what’s left after retirement?

During a week of surprises and abstruse events, Belinda sees the once presumed greatness of her life flicker as she forces the moment for her decision to a crisis.

My Review

Belinda combines romance, a legal thriller--and some real-world human nature. I loved the first book in the Raymond Hatcher series, and after reading The Narrows, which moved away from the characters I loved early on, I looked forward to revisiting Jay and following his story again. I enjoyed the writing style of this novel. The author still creates many of his characters via storyline insights and conversations in this novel. However, the dialogue of this novel was very engaging, and the legal thriller aspects aligned well with the moral issues of the characters and the romantic elements of the flow of the story to create suspense and interest in the characters and the outcomes.

The Characters Again Drive the Novel. I enjoyed the strength and presence of Lyn's character, and Jay was a favorite character from the first novel I read from the series. The relationships, the dialogue, and the slight plot twists make this another page-turner that was difficult to set aside. While the legal thriller forms the plot--the characters coming to terms with their later life stages create much more depth and meaning to the novel.

Would I Recommend Belinda? I loved the first book in the series; I got a little bogged down in the dialogue of the second book--but I think I loved this third book the most. I felt connected to the characters and enjoyed watching the scenes play out. Things played out differently than I would have wanted at times--but it felt true to the nature of the series. I would recommend this book to fans of legal dramas and life stories where older characters "come of age."

Buy the Book

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Welcome To Book Corner News & Reviews

Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Paranormal Suspense Blitz: Saving Yukon by Bryan Burnell

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Suspense Review: Janie's Hope by S.R. Fabrico

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

Crime Thriller Review: Killing Johnny Miracle by JK Franko