A “wonderful” novel of suspense about a woman journeying into her own dark past to protect her child’s future (Michael Connelly). When her ex-lover comes to see her, Miranda “Munch” Mancini has mixed feelings. On one hand, he’s a reminder of all she has left behind in order to stay sober and rebuild her life. On the other hand, he’s Sleaze Garillo, the father of the baby girl she is now raising. When Sleaze disappears, Munch can’t help but get involved. The police don’t see foul play, but Munch is the one with the knowledge—and the friends—to get to the truth behind Sleaze’s suspicious disappearance. To find him, she’ll have to take an unwelcome trip down memory lane to visit people from her shady past. There’s more at stake here than tracking down Sleaze: Munch must also protect the life she’s built for herself, and for the little girl she calls her own. This “fast-paced” mystery (Los Angeles Times) is a “real cause for celebration . . . Seranella keeps the story moving at a brisk pace, with surprises around every corner” (Chicago Tribune). “A splendid read.” —T. Jefferson Parker

Recently retired Air Force commando Thomas Mazuko was looking forward to a quiet future spent teaching karate in his small Tampa, Florida, studio. His dreams were of little more than days on the sandy beaches and nights in the company of his wife and children. Little did he know that his instinctive reaction to witnessing the mugging of an elderly woman would set in motion a chain of events that would drastically alter the course of his life. By sheer accident, Mazuko becomes a primary target for the wrath of a powerfully connected local syndicate figure. When the wealthy and egomaniacal Martin DeValdez sends out wise guys to "teach this upstart a lesson" Mazuko's foster son and a young student are caught up the maelstrom of uncontrolled chaos. As the level of violence escalates, Mazuko realizes that he has become the target of vengeance of a man who will stop at nothing to right what he perceives as personal wrongs. With the body count rising and the lives of his tenaEUR"yearaEUR"old daughter and twoaEUR"yearaEUR"old son, as well as the lives of friends, new and old, hanging in the balance, Mazuko must set aside his plans for a quiet retirement and return to the skills of his past in order to fight for his life and the lives of his children.

Brimming with excitement and featuring a compelling history, James E. Merl’s Chicago 1871 is a tour-de-force of fiction writing that combines time travel with an intriguing premise. John Kirk is somewhat of a patriarch, as we are introduced to him in the first few pages surrounded by his large family. In his eighties, he begins to tell them the strange and almost unbelievable story of his life; it is apparent to the reader that something strange is afoot when we learn that John was born in 1994, but as he is re-telling his life’s story to his adoring family, we are told that the year is 1930. This is the first indicator that time travel is a prominent basis throughout the novel. He begins to recount his long career of firefighting starting in 2014, and we soon learn that during one particular fire in 2018, he loses consciousness while becoming entrenched by smoke. Upon awakening, he finds himself surrounded by a group of men that look like they are straight out of a period drama. All doubt is suddenly erased from John’s mind when it becomes proven that he is in Chicago, the year 1871. How did this happen? Somehow, John managed to go back in time, and is surprised to find himself taken in by a group of firefighters, whose methods and practices seem completely bazaar. John’s struggle to adapt to a different era and learn their firefighting tactics provides much of the amusement and intrigue, and serves as a very clever and original idea. The descriptions of the struggles of fighting fires are depicted with vivid clarity, and the historical details of the setting and place seem to almost jump from the page. This is hardly surprising; given the fact the author was himself a firefighter for no less than sixteen years. Having moved up the ranks during his long and successful career, he infuses his characters with the same sense of urgency and fearlessness that is needed to succeed in such a demanding vocation. The bravery of the men is apparent to John when he finds himself working alongside the firefighters of 1871, and he becomes their close friend and ally. Merl then ups the stakes with the looming onslaught of the famous Chicago Fire, and we know that John must use his knowledge of modern firefighting if there is to be any chance of saving his new friends. What follows is both hair-raising and completely satisfying, making Chicago 1871 one of the most original novels to come out in recent years. This one is sure to please both history buffs and veteran firefighters alike.

After suffering twelve years of captivity and torture at the hands of the evil wizard, Lord Beagan, Malora finally had the chance to escape. Soon after, she ran into a young man named Pickard, a strange thief who told her of his mission to locate a magician known only as Greyling, and unite him with a man known as the Protector. Together, Greyling and the Protector are destined to fulfill the Great Prophecy, as foretold thousands of years ago by the greatest prophets their world had ever known. But, when Malora agrees to help Pickard with his quest, she soon realizes that captivity and torture had been the least of her problems...

"Desert Dust" by Edwin L. Sabin is an enthralling adventure novel that transports readers to the vast and unforgiving landscape of the desert. Sabin's vivid and evocative descriptions immerse readers in the stark beauty and challenges of the desert landscape. Through his masterful prose, readers can feel the gritty sand beneath their feet, taste the dry desert air, and experience the relentless heat that shapes the characters' every decision. The author's keen attention to detail brings the setting to life, creating a powerful and immersive reading experience. These interactions add depth and complexity to the narrative, highlighting the intricate web of relationships that unfolds against the backdrop of the unforgiving desert. As the story progresses, readers are reminded of the strength that lies within us when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. "Desert Dust" is a testament to Edwin L. Sabin's storytelling prowess, as he weaves a gripping narrative that captures the essence of the desert and the resilience of the human spirit. Through [main character's name]'s gripping adventure, readers are transported to a world of danger, intrigue, and self-discovery, making "Desert Dust" a compelling and memorable read that will leave a lasting impression.