Reviews in Brief

A brain-bending, galactic drama with an eerie soundscape, Vold Book’s Stara Detente: A Novel Set to Music by John T. Trautman is a paradox-laden parable about the incalculable meaning of time, purpose, and humanity’s place in the universe. Trim-Facet Holocorp, the most dangerous totalitarian force in history, has consolidated international power, seized control of all scientific endeavors, and imprisoned anyone who threatens them in the far edge of the asteroid belt. This story within a story – written by one such prisoner – peels back layers of time itself, recounting the tale of the cosmos before the Big Bang, and the impact of two celestial lovers on both the nature and future of reality. The accompanying music is cathedral-like at times, feeling both ominous and intimate, and doesn’t rely on the traditional tropes of sci-fi electronica; however, the author’s narration is somewhat intrusive, and the music might be better served as a parallel guide to the prose, letting the reader’s internal voice take center stage. That said, the core story is exceptionally inventive, and the writing is uniquely immersive in its use of both prose and verse. Primal, philosophical, and steeped in experimental world-building, this musically accompanied novel is a heady, multilayered thrill for anyone who revels in radical sci-fi storytelling.

A smart and snappy mystery with a charming dash of rustic romance, Mount Up for Murder (An Abby Fields Cozy Mystery) by Emma Park is a tightly penned thriller about old fears, new horizons, and the persistent pursuit of justice. When AI replaces Abby Fields at her high-powered PR job, she quickly gets back on a very different horse – a farmyard position at an English country manor. The lush landscape is anything but peaceful, as a fraternal power struggle threatens the future of the stables and the regal estate, but when one of the would-be heirs is murdered, suspicion lands squarely on Abby. Seizing the reins of her own fate, she must crack the case and take a leap of faith to protect her freshly found pastoral paradise. With an eccentric cast, swirling motives, and Abby’s assertive narrative voice, this quick-paced, female-led thriller is a treat for horse lovers and fans of offbeat whodunits that keep you guessing.

A macabre mystery with a moonlighting suspect-turned-sleuth, Arteries and Asymmetric Styles (A Bonnie Ray Cozy Mystery) by Emma Park is a supernatural whodunit with sharp prose and a wholly inventive premise. Still reeling from loss and transatlantic relocation, hair stylist Bonnie Ray sets up shop in the picturesque English town of Darkcliff, where humans and vampires live in delicate harmony. When Bonnie’s big break at a fashion competition ends with controversy, her scissors are found stuck in a prestigious judge’s neck, and accusations soar in her direction. Driven to clear her name, Bonnie must find the savage killer in a town of mild-mannered monsters before her new home becomes a final resting place. Gritty, unpredictable, suspenseful, with wry humor woven throughout, this creative mash-up of cozy mystery and vampire fiction excels at both genres.

A comprehensive introduction and scientific review of a paradigm-shifting compound, DMSO Guide for Chronic Pain: The Natural Healing Bible for Joints, Muscles and Nerves by Jordan Oibka is a thoroughly researched and revelatory read. Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a membrane-penetrating analgesic that was serendipitously discovered more than six decades ago, but has remained far under the radar as a therapeutic “wonder drug.” Capable of treating both acute and chronic pain issues due to its unique biochemistry, DMSO therapy is able to relieve joint, muscle, and nerve pain, complex regional pain syndrome, sleep disorders, fibromyalgia, and other maladies. Offering information on this remarkably effective option for chronic pain management, this enlightening guide empowers readers with hard data, dosing guidelines, application techniques, safety and assessment protocols, sourcing options, and long-term use strategies, for an exhaustive primer on an overlooked remedy.

A biblical quest to deliver Christ’s message of deliverance to the world, The Last Disciple: Sharing the Gospel by Kurt Bruower is an inspiring and adventurous tale for devoted believers. Following the journey of John the Apostle as he strives to spread his gospel with new Christian followers, Bruower’s historical novel adds narrative depth to the origins of the New Testament, outlining the challenges of faith and human frailty that needed to be overcome for the Gospel to be born. Aided by a rich cast of fresh and familiar figures from biblical lore, this story offers new perspectives on discipleship and the sacrifices necessary for salvation, offering readers solace and spiritual renewal within a neatly penned work of biblical fiction.

A provocative rags-and-riches drama, Intrinsic by W.H.B. recounts the visceral missteps and lost lives of Chris Franklin, the heir to a literary dynasty with a Job-like legacy. After treading a slippery slope of hedonistic impulses, Chris betrays his best friend and long-time love for the fleeting pleasure of metamorphosis, followed by a spiral into sadness and regret. Readers follow his indelicate fall from grace and the clashes of class, loyalty, and morality that bring about his downfall and ignite his spirit of resilience. While the dialogue and narration could benefit from an uncompromising edit, along with more empathy and relatability in this hero’s journey, the hard-won lessons and detail for both character and setting in this gritty plot are engaging and eye-opening about every person’s redemptive potential.