“Justice Rendered” by Kit Karson

In Justice Rendered, we meet an eclectic character named Fred. The town dislikes him because he is what they call a junk dealer. One day Fred has his wares all over the sidewalk as people complain, and the next day he is found murdered. Sheriff Peter Elliot and his squad work diligently to find the culprit but find themselves going in many different directions. What they learn will shock readers.

The author starts her story with a cast of characters one would meet in small-town USA. Karson highlights the shop owners, concerned citizens, and the sheriff’s department. Her inclusion of the multifarious citizens of Anderson is a reminder that all towns have those special people we just cannot figure out. Each character is a reminder that just when you think you know everyone in town, you realize you don’t. Karson’s descriptions of his character are vivid and creative. An example of this is Karson’s description of the hotel manager:

A dapper man in a coat and vest reminiscent of the style worn in the old west stood at the hotel entrance. Manager Phil Meyer, hands on hips and a scowl on his face, confronted Peter. ‘You’ve got to do something about that mess, Sheriff. On top of the unsightly view, when the wind gets up just right, the smell goes straight into our dining room.’

Read More...

“For You I’d Break” by Hannah Jordan

Rowan Stevens never expected to return to her hometown of Peace Falls. Still, after discovering her husband’s indiscretions, which then led to her accident, she found herself back in the small town receiving physical therapy from her high school crush. Cal Cardoso doesn’t do relationships, especially since an angry ex-girlfriend has put his career in jeopardy by posting horrible (and false) reviews. But when he begins treating the striking redhead, Rowan Stevens, he begins to look forward to their sessions. Of course, he knows it would be unprofessional to carry on a physical relationship with a patient. Still, he cannot deny the way his body responds to her.

Read More...

“The Village Phantom” by A.E. Guaaker

The Village Phantom by A.E. Guaaker is an atmospheric mystery thriller that employs a classic investigative structure for a deeper examination of grief, addiction, and the complicated ways communities respond when official systems fail. Set in the remote Norwegian town of Dale, the novel begins with journalist Fiona Haegerbergh arriving to produce a web series about rural opioid addiction. What appears at first to be a straightforward human-interest assignment quickly becomes something much darker as Fiona becomes increasingly fascinated by the mysterious death of local drug dealer Dom Michaelsen.

Read More...