Darcia Helle

Biography

Darcia Helle is a Massachusetts native, who escaped the New England winters to write in the Florida sunshine. She lives with her husband in a home full of spoiled rescue animals and an occasional stray lizard. She writes because the characters trespassing through her mind leave her no alternative.

Where to find Darcia Helle online

Books

Mind Games
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 57,730. Language: English. Published: September 30, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - multi-author, Fiction » Anthologies » Mystery
A collection of contemporary fiction.
Quiet Fury Books: Criminal Justice Blog Series
Price: Free! Words: 15,060. Language: English. Published: March 9, 2013 . Categories: Essay » Sociology, Nonfiction » True Crime » General crimes
12 Articles and Interviews by Experts and Victims
BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 4
Price: Free! Words: 19,200. Language: English. Published: October 20, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - multi-author, Fiction » Anthologies » General
(5.00 from 1 review)
A collection of tales by a variety of authors. These ten stories are a mix of genres, offering entertainment for every reader.
A Word Please: Conversations With 24 Authors
Price: Free! Words: 35,780. Language: English. Published: July 31, 2012 . Categories: Essay » Literature, Essay » Author profile
A compilation of author interviews done on 'A Word Please', the blog belonging to suspense author Darcia Helle. This volume encompasses January 1 through June 30, 2012. Along with the interviews, you'll find images of the books discussed, book descriptions, purchasing information, the authors's bio and including website, blog, and assorted contact information.
Quiet Fury: An Anthology of Suspense
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 23,310. Language: English. Published: October 28, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - single author, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » General
(4.50 from 2 reviews)
Quiet Fury is a state of being that we’ve all experienced; calm on the surface, rage bubbling underneath. These stories explore each individual’s breaking point. Which will win, the Quiet or the Fury?
BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology Volume 2
Price: Free! Words: 27,300. Language: English. Published: August 2, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - multi-author, Fiction » Anthologies » General
(5.00 from 4 reviews)
A collection of tales by a variety of authors.
Into The Light
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 66,140. Language: English. Published: July 17, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Horror » Ghost
(5.00 from 3 reviews)
Max is served a divorce with his morning coffee and is murdered before dessert. Now a clumsy and confused ghost, Max refuses to go into the light until he knows for sure who killed him. Only one man hears him - private investigator, Joe Cavelli. The unlikely pair bond while proving a killer's guilt. And forever alter each other's future.
BestsellerBound Short Story Anthology
Price: Free! Words: 21,530. Language: English. Published: May 25, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Anthologies » Short stories - multi-author
(4.86 from 7 reviews)
A Collection of Tales by A Variety of Authors
The First Kill
Series: Michael Sykora, Book 3. Price: Free! Words: 1,990. Language: English. Published: October 31, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » Short Stories
(4.55 from 11 reviews)
A short story introducing the beginnings of a hired assassin.
Enemies and Playmates
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 95,280. Language: English. Published: September 14, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » General
(4.90 from 20 reviews)
When the abused decide to fight back, the abuser's world might just shatter. Lauren Covington's family maintains a grand facade that hides the private abuse they suffer at the hands of her father. Jesse Ryder, a private detective, steps into that world and, in the process, falls in love with Lauren. Together, Lauren and Jesse dodge death and expose the truth behind the facade.
Hit List
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 100,930. Language: English. Published: September 13, 2009 . Categories: Fiction » Mystery & detective » General, Fiction » Thriller & suspense » General
(4.75 from 4 reviews)
Sanity is not something you lose, like your car keys or that elusive sock in the dryer. That's what Ian believed before his mother stepped over the edge from sane to crazy. Ian hires private investigator Lucianna Martel to retrace the events of his mother's last sane day. Eventually they discover that Corinne may not be so crazy after all.

Darcia Helle's tag cloud

abuse    abuse lawyers detective mystery detective fiction private detective law justice    addiction    africa    andrew kaufman    assassin    assassins    bancroft    belle    blackwelder    blake crouch    caryn rose    cathcart    cats    charles colyott    clegg    cops    crime    dark    death    death penalty    detective    divorce    doug depew    dragons    drama    drugs    elysabeth eldering    everington    fantasy    fear    female detective gangs insanity psychological suspense women detectives detective fiction    forensics    gahan    ghost    glen krisch    gottfried    haunted    haunting    helle    historical    history    hit man    homicide    hope    horror    interviews    isolation    jason mcintyre    jenny hilborne    joel kirkpatrick    jonothan kane    julie powell    kirkpatrick    lea ryan    les fox    lewis    lies    love    m l rudolph    mark rice    mark souza    mcdougall    michael radcliffe    michael sussman    michael sykora    military    murder    music    mystery    mythology    no justice    paranormal    police    prison    psychology    radcliffe    regret    revenge    richard zuras    romance    sarah tate    saunders    savva    schiller    scifi    series fiction    sociology    solitary    sophi    supernatural    susan gottfried    suspense    sylvia massara    thriller    torture    vigilante    witches    wizards   

Darcia Helle's favorite authors on Smashwords

Smashwords book reviews by Darcia Helle

  • A Child's Wound on Jan. 04, 2010

    This book was full of twisted characters doing some pretty twisted things. It definitely held my interest! Kavanagh does a great job of getting inside the killer's head and sharing that perspective with his readers. There is violence, sex, mystery, and suspense. Some good twists will keep you wondering and you might even find yourself rooting for the bad guy along the way. An entertaining and disturbing read!
  • Looking Through You on Jan. 24, 2010

    I just read this. I thought the writing was very good and it definitely held my interest. It's a short story, about a dozen pages. I would put it more in the paranormal category, rather than horror. The only complaint I have is that the ending left me hanging. I needed more.
  • Vasilisa and the Queen of Asps on Jan. 27, 2010

    A Magical Journey Vasilisa and the Queen of Asps, by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna, is all that a children's story should be. Creative, imaginative, and entertaining, Svetlana takes you on a journey into a fantasy world that you may never want to leave. Vasilisa is a young woman intent on saving her father's life. Her love for him sends her in search of the Queen of Asps and her Brew of Life. Along the way, Vasilisa meets a troll, a talking eagle, and an old witch. Some want to help her, others want to stop her from getting to the Queen. The challenge for Vasilisa is in determining which is which. Vasilisa's strong love for her father keeps her persevering through the all the difficulties thrown at her along the way. Her courage and persistence are rewarded in the end. Vasilisa gets the Brew of Life, her prince, and lives happily ever after.
  • A Wise Woman and a King on Jan. 27, 2010

    A Wise Woman and a King by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna is a wonderful story about true love and destiny. The wise woman and her three daughters live in a cottage in the middle of a forest. While they each have a unique talent, they all share the gift of being able to communicate with nature. The land is ruled by a strict and rather mean king. When his three sons fall in love with the three daughters of the wise woman, the king is furious and does all he can to prevent them from being together. The wise woman, working along with the enchanted forest, sees to it that destiny and love win out over the king's ruling. This story combines a magical forest with the magic of love. Young and old girls alike will enjoy escaping into this fantasy world that Svetlana has created.
  • The Fairy Book on Jan. 27, 2010

    The Fairy Book is a wonderfully entertaining story about a girl named Isabel who is chosen by the fairies to fight off a dark sorcerer named Rashkai. The story is written in various styles of poetry, which combine and flow beautifully. In writing this story, Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna teams up with her 9-year-old daughter Alexandra. Alexandra's illustrations are interspersed throughout the story. At the end of the book, Svetlana has included examples of all styles of poetry written by Alexandra. Both The Fairy Book story and the variety of poetry had me smiling as I read. The world Svetlana and Alexandra created is imaginative, captivating, and just plain fun. This mother-daughter duo is a talented pair and an inspiration for all of us.
  • Kaitlyn and the Secrets of the Sea on Jan. 27, 2010

    With Kaitlyn and the Secrets of the Sea, Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna takes us on a fantastical adventure in an underwater world. Kaitlyn's love of music, and a flute passed down through the ages, help her battle her fear in the mysterious new world she's been plunged into. Kaitlyn encounters witches, mermaids, magic, and much more during her journey to find her destiny. This is a story that can be enjoyed by everyone; young and old, girl and boy. Svetlana is a talented author with a gift for storytelling that should be shared with the world.
  • Oberon on Jan. 27, 2010

    Oberon is a brave young orphan boy who does not want to fight in the evil King Ajax's army. During his journey to freedom, he runs into werewolves, a beautiful elvin princess, and winds up fighting on the side of the dwarves. Oberon is a hero in a fantasy world that any young boy would love to be a part of. This story, written by Svetlana Kovalkova-McKenna and her eleven-year-old son Konstantin, combines various poetry styles and immerses the reader in a world of magnificent adventure. At the end of the book, Svetlana has included a sampling of each poetry style, written by Konstantin. This book could easily be used as a fun teaching tool to inspire the love of poetry in any child.
  • River of Judgement on March 19, 2010

    River Of Judgement takes a look at the corporate world and what it does to the lives of those involved. Finn Jackson has helped to create a new breed of Oil Company. On the verge of making it big, the company is suddenly ripped out from under him. Finn’s world goes into a downward spiral as he fights for answers – and for revenge. Finn, along with a few friends secretly helping him, uncover lies, deceit, corruption, and crime. David Sartof does a great job of showing us how Finn’s desperation overshadows everything else, and how much he is willing to risk to take back what was his. At the same time, we see what greed does to those at the top, who have so much more to lose in their gamble to take it all. A great read that keeps you on edge until the very end!
  • Space Trippers Book 1: Trippin' on May 01, 2010

    This story takes place on the spaceship, with a cast of characters from various planets. Lightbourne does a masterful job in showing us her vision of this ship. The details weave into the story effortlessly, so that we feel as if we are standing on the Magellan along with its crew in mid-flight. The characters are each unique, pulling us into their world as we get to know them. Space Trippers has intrigue, suspense, and a little sexual tension to carry the story along and keep us reading until the very last page. I can see this book being a huge hit on the big screen!
  • ...The Twain Shall Meet on July 16, 2010

    The Twain Shall Meet is completely unique and a fun read! Mark Twain comes back from the dead, in a matter of speaking, for 30 days. During his time in modern America, he makes observations about our current culture. He compares life today with life in the 1800s and discusses his powerful insights. All of this is woven into a story of adventure for a man unfamiliar with modern life.
  • ShapeShifter: The Demo Tapes: Year 1 on Aug. 10, 2010

    Reading The Demo Tapes is like hanging out with a bunch of friends while they struggle to make a name for themselves in the music business. Gottfried's writing is strong, funny, and always entertaining. Her characters have more depth than some real people that I know! Originally written as blog posts, these short stories are now organized for our reading pleasure. If you like music and you like to read, this one is perfect for you!
  • Nightmares From Eberus - A Speculative Fiction Collection on Aug. 14, 2010

    This is an eclectic collection of short stories from a talented author. Topics include time travel, vampires, twisted reality shows, psychics, mythology, and mobsters. Truly, how can any reader not find something to love within these pages? I'm a sucker for character-driven fiction and De La Torre doesn't disappoint. His characters are all unique, a little crazy, a lot of fun, and keep you turning pages. Great entertainment!
  • Deep Blue on Aug. 24, 2010

    Are you a music lover? Have you ever found yourself slipping away, lost inside the notes of a great tune? If so, you will love this book! Wilson brings us a down and out band, playing in dive bars and drinking way too much alcohol. They're all in search of that one song that will be their own; the one that will bring them fame. Then a chance encounter between one member and an old man playing achingly beautiful blues on a harmonica takes them on a strange journey that changes all their lives. We crawl inside the musical notes and experience the pain and redemption in a way I've never experienced with a written word.
  • Dandelions In The Garden on Sep. 07, 2010

    Elizabeth Bathory, otherwise known in our history books as The Blood Countess, was, by most accounts, a savage killer who took pleasure in torturing her victims. Courland's book takes a look at the real Elizabeth's early life through the fictional eyes of young Amara, her closest friend and lady in waiting. Dandelions in the Garden starts out with Amara as an old woman. She decides to write what we would consider a memoir or biography and her writing then becomes the story. I am not normally a fan of books that shift back and forth in time but Courtland handled this well. She does a great job bringing her characters to life and showing what the world was like for women during the 16th century. The girls' behavior sometimes makes us laugh and other times makes us gasp. But, through it all, we can understand how circumstances could shape these young women. This is the first book in the series and leaves Elizabeth and Amara as young married women. Book two - The Hidden Will of the Dragon - takes them through adulthood.
  • Letting Go on Sep. 12, 2010

    Loved it! Rarely does a short story of only a few pages grab me like this one.
  • Shed on Oct. 04, 2010

    This is a short read but it's packed with creepy goodness! Simon and Rupert, the main characters, are young boys living in a heartbreaking situation. On top of the loss of their beloved father, they are dealing with an abusive stepfather and the family lives in near poverty. As if that isn't enough, there is something horrible living beneath their home! But this book isn't all sadness and horror. The boys have a resilience and love for one another that transcends all their difficulties. Go ahead and download this one. You won't regret it!
  • Harmony's Passing on Oct. 14, 2010

    I confess that I am no science geek. In fact, before reading this book I knew as much about black holes as my dogs know about physics. Upon finishing this book, I feel like I've inadvertantly had a high-level astronomy lesson while enjoying a great story. Harmony's Passing is a great mixture of science, suspense, relationships and romance. Kirkpatrick's research and understanding of his topic, along with his passion, make the hard science fun for even the most science illiterate (like me!). The emotional story behind the science and the interplay between the characters tugged at my heartstrings, offering the perfect balance between the scientific world we live in and the emotions that drive us forward.
  • The Other Boyfriend on Nov. 05, 2010

    The Other Boyfriend has humor, romance, a few little twists and characters that many women will be able to relate to. While this book is a light, fun read, it is also full of substance. Sylvia Massara has a gift for storytelling. She makes her characters feel so real that I expected Sarah to step off the page and into my living room. I cared what happened and, for me, that’s the sign of a great author.
  • Ladies and Gentlemen...The Redeemers on Nov. 15, 2010

    What if that bum you walk by every day is a brilliant saxophonist? Or suppose the slacker kid washing dishes at your local diner has enormous potential as a world class drummer but just needs someone to believe in him? These people exist. Often, the only difference between success and obscurity is one chance encounter. This is a story of redemption. But it's also fun, well-written, and full of characters that grab hold of you and won't let you go. A truly great read.
  • On The Gathering Storm on Nov. 17, 2010

    Brutal. Disturbing. Engaging. Gripping. Moving. This book kept me up all night. First, because I had to finish it. Then because I couldn't shake it off. Jason McIntyre doesn't tell a story. He steps out of the way and allows his characters to bring you in their world. Use caution when reading this one, however, as the characters might not allow you back out.
  • The Soul Bearers on Nov. 20, 2010

    With The Soul Bearers, Sylvia Massara takes on three challenging and often controversial topics. While she does not besiege us with graphic details, not once does she shy away from the emotional journey. The pain is raw, the joy exhilarating. Sylvia gives us a look at the worst and the best of humanity. We could all learn a little something from her characters.
  • Caraliza on Jan. 04, 2011

    The cover of this book is what first drew me. Caraliza, the cover, is haunting, stark and beautiful. I soon found out that Caraliza, the book, is as well. This is a story of brutality, survival, deceit, revenge, and enduring love. Kirkpatrick opens with a brilliant piece of historical fiction. He then effortlessly transitions to the current day, yet we don't lose the characters we've grown to love. They haunt us, as they haunt the pages of the book. This isn't a fast-paced thriller, nor is it meant to be. Kirkpatrick takes his time, allowing the story to unfold at its own pace. Suspense, intrigue, despair, mystery, romance, terror, love, tragedy and hope fill these pages. By the end, I felt like I'd come to know the characters as friends. And I was sad to see them go.
  • Shifters (prequel 3 of Hunted) on Feb. 19, 2011

    This is not a light read. While fantasy, the subject matter is all too real and often dark. An alien species called the Shifters have invaded earth. Rather than taking the time to get to know these foreign beings, all governments want them destroyed. I couldn't help but make comparisons to current immigration issues here in the U.S. Blackwelder holds a mirror up to society and gives us a look at our reflection. Prejudice and intolerance stare back at us. While the issues in this book might make some uncomfortable, I thought Blackwelder handled them with ease. She makes no judgments and no accusations. She shows both sides without forcing us to lean in either direction. The only problem I had was keeping all the characters and their species straight. There are many and, in the beginning, it was a little overwhelming. This book requires a slow stroll, rather than a quick jog through the pages. Stick with it and you'll be rewarded with a powerful tale.
  • Like Casablanca on March 29, 2011

    I have a confession: I have never seen the movie Casablanca. Yes, berate me if you must. That being said, the references to the movie were few and easily understood by this movie-challenged reader. In Like Casablanca, we are taken on a journey of broken hearts, friendship, Internet dating and, finally, love. As with all of Massara's books, the characters sucked me right into their world. Reading this story was like sitting down with an old friend, laughing at her antics and commiserating with her difficulties. While this is classified as 'Chick Lit', women and men alike can easily enjoy this book.
  • Digger's Bones on April 19, 2011

    Some archeological finds can have an enormous impact on the world. Is there ever a time when those finds should be kept from the public? Angie Cooper is faced with this dilemma. Along the way, she is sucked into a world of conspiracy and deceit that threatens much of what she thought she knew about herself, her friends and the world. Digger's Bones is a fast-paced adventure. The biblical and historical facts interspersed throughout are well-researched and give a realistic feel to the story. This book has a fascinating premise and would be perfect for a reading/discussion group.
  • The Secret of A Spicy Jalapeno on May 08, 2011

    Plot recipe: Start with a few completely original and unforgettable characters and a large heaping of twisted gruesomeness, mix in a generous dash of humor, then add a splash of an unexpectedly sweet romance. That is what you'll find in The Secret of A Spicy Jalapeno. The story is crazy, horrid and often graphic but, like a bad car wreck, I couldn't make myself look away. If you're looking for a story to make you laugh while you cringe, this one's for you.
  • The Night Walk Men on May 30, 2011

    I want more! I loved this story and would like to double my star rating. The Night Walk Men is short but don't let the length fool you. The substance packed into this novelette is astounding. This story is dark, yet full of hope; obscure, yet enlightening. As always, Jason McIntyre paints a portrait with his words. His imagery is perfection and will haunt me for some time in ways both wondrous and disconcerting. I hope to see more of The Night Walk Men soon!
  • What Was Lost on May 31, 2011

    This is well written and has tons of impact for so few words.
  • Losing Addison on June 01, 2011

    This is a powerful piece of psychological suspense. The characters are vivid. The plot moves at a fast pace, with an original storyline and great twists. I was sucked into this fictional world and felt like I was living the story right alongside the characters. Loved it!
  • Summoning on June 13, 2011

    I found this story well written and engaging. The characters drew me right in. I loved the plot, which gives an inside view of how easy it was to be marked as a heretic and a witch. I have to admit that I am not normally a fan of books that move back and forth in time. This one does that. Meredith is fifteen while the story takes place, though we go back and meet her at each year of her life from seven on to present. Debi Faulkner handles this well and, though I initially wished the story had taken a linear route, I quickly saw her reasoning for this approach and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
  • Bast & Immie on July 03, 2011

    I loved this story! Sebastian and Imogen are fantastic characters, who pop off the pages and become so real that they could have been sitting beside me. This is a love story but goes much deeper than two people falling for one another. We learn about Sebastian's insecurities, despite his brilliance. We see Imogen joyfully teasing the man everyone else finds far too serious. We get a hint at what drives each of these characters on their own and what pulls them together. Bast & Immie is a prelude to Amy Saunder's novel Dead Locked. I'm looking forward to reading that and learning more about Sebastian and Imogen.
  • Laundry Day (Short Mystery Story) on July 05, 2011

    This short story shows off Stacy Juba's excellent skills with mystery writing. I was reminded of how much I loved her two novels and I hope she hurries up with number three!
  • To Hunt Monsters on July 09, 2011

    I have to admit that I'd been suffering vampire burnout. Gareth Lewis changed that for me. To Hunt Monsters is much more than an ordinary vampire and/or werewolf novel. This book has mystery, action, suspense, drama and a tinge of romance. The plot unravels in a world dealing with overt prejudices and blind allegiance. The hero is far from infallible and his faults and insecurities made me love him more. This is a well written, fast-paced book that kept me interested from beginning to end.
  • The Dream on July 18, 2011

    If you could go back in time and change one thing, how many other aspects of your life and other people's lives would be altered because of that one change? This is just one of the issues that Maria Savva takes on in The Dream. This book really made me stop and think about fate and destiny and all those little signs along life's path that, if we choose to take notice, lead us in one direction or another. This book is romance and mystery with a little paranormal twist. Lynne's character is one that many of us can relate to. The people she crosses paths with made me laugh and made me furious. This is a fun read with that feel good touch that I've come to expect when I read anything by this author.
  • Plantgirl on Aug. 22, 2011

    This story is completely original, well written, fun and insightful. Loved it!
  • Nexus Point on Sep. 01, 2011

    I am not normally drawn to the sci-fi genre but, having read and loved two of Jaleta Clegg's short stories, I had to read her novel. Dace, the main character in Nexus Point, is completely lovable. She reminds me of a sci-fi version of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum character. She's tough but vulnerable and muddles her way through the disasters she finds herself caught up in. This book moves at a fast pace and is full of action, a touch of romance, and unexpected humor. The only drawback for me was that the fight/capture/escape sequences became a little repetitious. But that didn't detract from my enjoyment of the story and the characters. I'm looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
  • Face-Off (Hockey Rivals #1) on Sep. 15, 2011

    I don't normally read YA fiction but this one drew my attention for two reasons: I'm a fan of Stacy Juba's mysteries and I have been a huge Boston Bruins fan for close to 40 years. Knowing that this book centered around hockey made it a must read! This is a great story that is so much more than a hockey read. We're shown the dynamics of a family experiencing both joys and difficulties. The four boys suffer sibling rivalry but also support each other completely. Juba's writing is engaging and I was immediately sucked into this family of hockey players. Face-Off has no profanity or content that would be inappropriate for children. I highly recommend this one whether you're a hockey fan or just looking for a good story.
  • Gloria on Sep. 18, 2011

    Packed into this short story is a unique plot with a great little twist and an incredibly well developed main character. The writing took me right into the mind of Oliver, the main character. Loved it!
  • Dark That Day, After All on Oct. 03, 2011

    This short story is surprisingly full of depth, both with plot and characters. Right from the first sentence, Jason McIntyre captured my attention. The dialogue perfectly fit the characters. I felt like I knew these men, sitting there on that bench having a casual chat. The twist at the end caught me completely by surprise, giving a little taste of McIntyre's signature darkness. Loved it!
  • Dark Before Dawn on Oct. 05, 2011

    While geared toward YA readers, this book easily crosses over to older adults. Dawn is a teenager struggling to find her place in life. She doesn't quite fit in at her high school and is adapting to a new stepfather and stepbrother. To complicate matters, she is a powerful psychic with no guidance and her mother wants her to ignore her abilities. Another psychic teen, a mentor and Dawn's desire to fit in soon lead her into the kind of trouble she'd never dreamed possible. The characters are well crafted and easy to relate to. The story moves at a good pace, with the mystery and suspense becoming more intense as the plot unravels. The writing style is Stacy Juba at her best. I loved everything about this book!
  • Around the World in 80 Pages on Oct. 18, 2011

    I loved each of these stories! The collection is diverse, including romance, historical fiction, and literary fiction. Each story instantly drew me in. I especially loved 'Oh, Joy; Oh, Rapture', which, in my opinion, is a brilliant twist on the Rapture and one I would love to see happen. My other favorite is 'Gaul is Divided'. The characters and time period in that one really captured me.
  • Dead Locked, A Mystery Novel on Nov. 15, 2011

    Dead Locked is a fun and unique story, combining a long ago romance and lost pirate treasure with modern day romance, murder, and mystery. Amy Saunders does a fantastic job of allowing the characters' personalities to slowly unfold. Rather than being bombarded with information at the start, we are allowed to get to know each character as a friend. She sprinkles the plot's details like bread crumbs on a trail, giving us enough to keep us close while not quite allowing us to catch up. The book's chapters are broken into various times before and after a specific murder. For me, this was the only drawback. The back and forth shifts left me a little disoriented at times, making it harder for me to stay in the moment with the story. This could easily be more a reflection of my own reading preferences than anything to do with the writing style. ** I read Amy Saunder's short story Bast & Immie first, which introduces the two main characters and allows us to get to know them before the events of this novel. It's not necessary to read the story but it is such a fun read that I highly recommend you do! **
  • Cupid's Maze on Dec. 29, 2011

    After reading this story, I will never look at a cornfield the same way. A lot of action and creepiness is packed into this short story. The characters are well-developed and the plot steadily takes us from a sweet opening to a horrifying end. I loved the writing style, the imagery, and everything else about Cupid's Maze.
  • Appliances Included on Jan. 03, 2012

    Mark Souza has a tremendous talent for storytelling and the ability to leave a lasting impression. This short story has some great characters, a creepy plot, and a house with a history you won't soon forget. I would love to see this one expanded into a full-length book or even a movie. Fantastic concept!
  • Playing With The Bad Boys - A Mia Ferrari Mystery #1 on March 16, 2012

    Mia Ferrari is a fun and adventurous woman in her late forties. In this first book in the series, she leads us through a tangled web as she plods along in her quest for answers. I really enjoyed Mia's character, as well as her supporting cast. At times this book made me laugh. Other times I'd find myself nodding in understanding. The pace is quick, the mystery a bit of a whodunit that allows readers to figure things out along with Mia.
  • Recall! Return of the IRR on May 29, 2012

    This book is a fascinating glimpse into the life of an ex-military man who is recalled to service when war once again threatens to erupt. We see the total disruption to the life he'd been building. Then we travel with him to his new military base and feel the instant camaraderie between these men who'd been pulled back from their civilian lives. I've never been in the military. My husband is ex-Army, though we got married after he'd been out for several years. I don't have much background in military jargon, but I didn't find that a problem with this book. DePew clarifies his terminology so that anyone can understand. This is an interesting read for those with military background, or for anyone who'd like to understand what it's like for these men and women who put their lives on the line for us each and every day.
  • Silent Echoes on Nov. 29, 2012

    Part fantasy, part thriller, total excellence! I was sucked in right from the first sentence. Lewis has an enviable command over language and is able to paint a vivid portrait with few words. I loved the world he created. I could feel the character's emotions and the impact of their actions. This is a short but powerful read.
  • Issue 49 on Dec. 06, 2012

    It's not often that a plot twist takes me by complete surprise. The twist in this story caused my jaw to drop. Issue 49 is funny and creepy, well written, and totally entertaining.
  • In Search of Nectar on Dec. 06, 2012

    This story is my new favorite guilty pleasure! The writing is crisp and visual. I could see it all playing out in my mind. I loved the absurdity of it all. This is grown up fairy tale that, for reasons I'm not even sure of, totally captivated me.
  • The Sin of Hope on Dec. 19, 2012

    This is a story of suspense and intrigue, but also one filled with unexpected humor. The plot kept me fully engaged. There are some twists and a lot of intricacies within the story line. I absolutely loved John Daly, and would love to read more featuring this character. I highly recommend this to everyone who loves a great story. Gareth Lewis is likely one of the most talented authors you've never heard of.
  • The William S Club on Jan. 11, 2013

    This is an intriguing story of erotic suspense. The plot is extensive, with lots of mystery, and it moves at a quick pace. I was intrigued by the concept of family secrets and how far people are willing to go to protect those secrets. There are a lot of characters in this one and, especially in the beginning, I found it difficult to keep track of them all. I also felt character development suffered a bit, mainly because there were so many of them. I would have liked to get to know the important characters better, to know what drove their behavior. For me, the graphic sex scenes stretched credibility. I don't want to give away details, but I found it difficult to believe all the journalists so easily went along with behavior they would normally immediately reject. Despite these issues, Riley Banks' writing style pulled me into the story. If graphic sex doesn't offend you, this one will keep you guessing until the end.
  • Haunted on March 21, 2013

    Haunted is exactly what you'll be after reading this book. The theme ran like an undercurrent in my brain for days. Nigel has an explosive temper causing him, in a moment of rage, to act in a way that changes his life forever. Given the type of person he is, Nigel shouldn't be particularly likable. Yet, somehow his character elicits sympathy. Through Nigel's life, we see the destruction caused by one moment in time. His mind is shattered, dark and desolate, and we, the reader, are right there with him. This is Maria Savva's darkest writing and, I have to say, my favorite. (Yes, I love the dark side!) There is no blood and gore piling up on each page. The torment here is purely psychological, which is even more frightening.