Scum Island Series Book 1

Inspired by a survival game called, Scum

Fong, a 30-year-old man who dared to stand for truth, is trapped in the deadly game of Scum Island. Driven to expose an evil corporation, Fong's integrity leads to his capture and placement on the island, where survival becomes a perverse form of entertainment. Stranded and left to the whims of a brutal rating system, Fong and his fellow captives must earn fame points—through battling monstrous foes and one another—for the bare necessities.

As they gather points, they navigate the omnipresent threat of a kill switch implanted by the corporation, a numerical tattoo on their arms, and the shifting alliances of the game. But survival is only the beginning. As the stakes rise, an unexpected betrayal and shocking revelations compel Fong and his band of survivors to challenge the corporation at its very core.

Prepare for heart-stopping action, emotional intrigue, and unexpected twists in this uncut downable narrative where the line between game and reality blurs, and survival is just the first move on the board.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Excerpt from Scum Island: Stand for Truth No Matter the Cost © Copyright 2023 Michael Lee

Clad in tactical gear and armed with an assortment of weapons, he surveyed the area, his eyes scanning for any signs of movement. The sun hung low in the sky, casting eerie shadows that danced across the decimated landscape.

Silently, he moved through the remains of what once looked like a thriving town, his footsteps masked by the eerie silence that hung in the air. The distant sound of gunfire and explosions echoed through the surroundings, a haunting symphony of chaos. With each step, he grew more aware of the tension building within him, the adrenaline coursing through his veins like liquid fire.

Up ahead, a flicker of movement caught his attention. Crouching behind a burnt-out car, he watched as an enemy cautiously surveyed the area. The man, dressed in a uniform that mirrored his own but in a different color, was unaware of the imminent threat closing in on him.

Without hesitation, the lone warrior leaped forward, his finger tightly gripping the trigger of his assault rifle. A hail of bullets erupted from the muzzle, tearing through the air with deadly precision. The enemy crumpled to the ground, his lifeless body evidence to the skills and determination of his attacker. The shots echoed through the ruins, a grim reminder of the life-and-death struggle in this forsaken place.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Scum Island: Stand for Truth No Matter the Cost by Michael Lee appeared first on Joelbooks.

The hunt for Nikola Tesla's secret of free energy

A scientist becomes entangled in an uphill battle to discover Nikola Tesla’s secret of free energy and make it available to the world.

Dan Brown meets Nikola Tesla

Hunting Tesla is an intriguing and mind-teasing action thriller that follows the journey of Dr. Ir. Hans Nieuwdorp, an introverted Dutch physicist, who becomes entangled in a perilous quest for the secret of Nikola Tesla’s enigmatic free energy.

While facing formidable opposition from various energy moguls and secret services such as the Dutch AIVD, the Russian FSB and the Chinese MSS, among others, Nieuwdorp must fight for his life to uncover Tesla’s well kept secret and make it available to the world.

This gripping and captivating story about the dark sides and shadowy realms of greed and lust for power in battle with the unsuspected forces that lie hidden in equality and cooperation, asks the all-important question of whether humanity is really ready for such a miraculous gift as free energy.

Amazon Author's Amazon Page

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Hunting Tesla by Bert Janssen appeared first on Joelbooks.

In the town of Toms River, New Jersey, Michael Phy is eighteen years old and losing his mind. A social pariah intent on seeking vengeance on his peers.

Across town, Billy Mallek grew up in a commune of blood drinkers made up of criminals and outcasts. He has aspirations of his own commune in California made up of modern day vampires.

Local police officer Gardener sees the threat Michael and Billy are. His faith is tested, but he is the only one who can stop the dark fallen days from coming.

Excerpt from Dark Fallen Days © Copyright 2023 Nicholas Peluso

Michael should be a sophomore but isn’t. Algebra had bested him, and even with the aid of tutors, he failed. So here he sits as a freshman staring blankly at the blackboard with its charts and graphs. Michael could never wrap his mind around the concept that letters can equal numbers in this mathematical expression. He simply tuned out. Due to his health issues and compromised learning, he would eventually be given an exemption from his guidance counselor for algebra. Today, however, he sits quietly. Behind him is Peter Mitel. To some, Peter’s head looks like it is on a swivel. Bouncing up and down and going from side to side. Never fixating on one thing. It is not that he isn’t paying attention to his teacher. He is actually paying attention to everything in the room. Peter hones in on different sounds. A girl to his left is scribbling out a wrong answer, and he can hear the ballpoint pen going back and forth very hard and fast. He can hear the air conditioning kicking on through the vented grate above and to the rear of the classroom. His head turns toward a pencil dropping in the front of the room. Peter can even hear a yellow jacket wasp bouncing off the classroom window.

Peter’s eye sockets are sunken in his head. He was born with anophthalmia meaning he was born without eyes. His algebra textbook is in braille. Leaning against his desk is his walking stick. Peter sits behind Michael because Michael leads him from class to class during the day.

Peter has memorized all the routes to his classes, but the hallways are crowded, and he fears bumping into other kids and dropping his books. When class ends, he always grabs his stick in his left hand, places his right hand on Michael’s right shoulder, and lets him lead the way.

The bell rings, and algebra is done for the day, mercifully for Michael. “You ready?” Michael asks Peter.

“Yeah. Did you want to come over later and play Nintendo with my brother?” Peter takes his stick in his left hand and has his right hand on Michael’s shoulder. Michael also carries

Peter’s books.

“Maybe. I have to ask my mom,” says Michael.

Peter has known Michael since elementary school. He can sense that Michael doesn’t have many friends, if any. Peter would overhear other students snicker and make fun of Michael and his drooping left eye. Peter didn’t feel sorry for many people considering his own condition, but Michael was different. Peter related to him and did feel sorry for him.

As the two navigate the halls, Peter and Michael hear a rude comment from behind them. “Blind leading the blind.”

Michael turns to see two senior football players barreling through all the smaller kids in the hall. The two complete the look by wearing their respective football jerseys even though the season is long over. When the two seniors get next to Michael and Peter, they do take pity on Peter, but not on Michael and push him hard into the lockers dropping his and Peter’s books.

Since Peter was using Michael as a guide, he also lost his balance a little. “Assholes,” Peter says.

The hallway is close to empty now. Some kids laugh at Michael as he picks up the textbooks, but most have sympathy and choose not to look. Michael, of course, only hears the laughter. Michael gets up with books under his left arm and Peter’s hand back on his right shoulder. With his ego bruised again, Michael mutters quietly to himself.

“One day, I’ll kill them all.” Michael forgets that Peter has excellent hearing and hears every word.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Dark Fallen Days by Nicholas Peluso appeared first on Joelbooks.

Are you looking for the best psychological thriller books? It's your list to choose your favorite one!

Most people like reading love stories, and some go for the weird twists of suspense and mystery novels. We all have our preferences, but let’s be honest, we all know that there is nothing more satisfying than grabbing the edge of your seat whenever you are reading a well-written psychological thriller, right?

What Are The Most Important Characteristics of Psychological Thrillers?

Psychological thrillers is a subgenre of thrillers books that focus on the mental and emotional states of its characters. These books often explore the dark side of human nature, and can be quite disturbing. Here are some characteristics that make a great psychological thriller:

• A strong sense of unease or foreboding
• Characters who are deeply flawed and may even be sociopathic
• Dark, often oppressive atmosphere
• Elegant, elitist writing style to point out the contrast between words and the story itself
• Descriptions of violence or other disturbing scenes that may make readers uncomfortable
• Stories with multiple layers, you could easily find yourself routing for the wrong side
• A plot that is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end

What Are The Subgenres of Psychological Thriller Books?

• Workplace, Existence Psychological Thrillers
• Supernatural Psychological Thrillers
• Alternative Reality Psychological Thrillers
• Mental Health, Loosing Reality Psychological Thrillers
• Crime, Serial Killer Psychological Thrillers
• Family life, Domestic Life Psychological Thrillers

Getting a bunch of books in this genre can complete your reading list, and whenever you want to start your collection of them, here are the best psychological thriller books from the last years to start it out! The book list is in reverse chronological order.

What Are The Top Psychological Thriller Books? (Ordered)

(Find Further Upcoming Psychological Thriller Books)

Buried Secrets, by S.F. Baumgartner (2023)

In the realm of psychological and domestic suspense, S. F. Baumgartner's Buried Secrets emerges as a compelling tale, intertwining the nuances of Christian suspense. The novel centers around Dylan Roche, a 25-year-old grappling with the uncertainties of adulthood, further complicated by the recent death of his mother. His unassuming life is upended by the appearance of attorney Charles Townsend, a link to his mother's mysterious past, propelling Dylan on an introspective journey fraught with existential questions about his identity and lineage.

Baumgartner's narrative prowess is evident in the way the story swiftly captures the reader's attention, maintaining a taut grip through an intricate web of family secrets and deceit. The plot, rich with twists and turns, offers a labyrinthine journey through hidden corridors of familial ties and concealed truths.

The blend of suspense, familial intrigue, and spiritual undertones has resonated with a wide audience, establishing Buried Secrets as a promising opener to what could be an enthralling series. This novel not only satisfies the appetite of thriller aficionados but also posits Baumgartner as a notable voice in the genre, adept at weaving complex tales of suspense and human emotion.

The Coworker, by Freida McFadden (2023)

In the gripping narrative set in Vixed, a nutritional supplement company, two women find themselves entangled in a web of secrets leading to a heinous crime. Dawn Schiff, an accountant perceived as odd and friendless, is always punctual, so her unexpected absence one day raises eyebrows, particularly of her coworker Natalie Farrell. Natalie, admired for her beauty and success, receives a disturbing anonymous call that reveals a sinister reality: Dawn, far from just being an awkward loner, was a target of a malicious plot within their office.

As Natalie gets drawn into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game, she grapples with the chilling realization that Dawn was despised enough to be murdered, leaving her to question the true identity of the victim in this twisted scenario.

Strangers We Know, by Elle Marr (2022)

Strangers We Know is one of those trusts no one psychological thriller books with a relatable but horrifying story. Ivy Hon is searching for answers, but she gets caught up in a dangerous investigation.

She was adopted after birth, but she never felt the urge to learn about her biological lineage. However, a genetic test became necessary when a mysterious illness struck Ivy, leading to an FBI attraction that revealed her relationship with a serial killer who horrified the Pacific Northwest for many decades. Ivy became the FBI's only hope to stop the serial killer from further killings.

An online search links with her younger cousin, and that’s when she goes to Rock Island for a meet-up. Her motivation is a hidden desire to expose a murderous relative, and she decides to reach out to contact her remnant stranger relatives.

As she exposes herself to danger in the serial killer’s home, it dawns on her that she could be the next victim of her dangerous ancestry.

The Housemaid, by Freida McFadden (2022)

The housemaid in this book is Millie. She has gotten a housekeeping job at Nina and Andrew Winchester’s house. She has been on parole, and this job is what she needs and her last opportunity to start fresh.

Every day Millie cleans the house, picks up Cecilia from school, and cooks a meal for the family before heading out to her tiny room. Millie ignores how Nina makes a mess just to observe how she will handle it. Nina tells unusual lies about Andrew and their daughter. As every day passes, Andrew seems to become more broken. His eyes are full of pain, but he must play the perfect husband.

Everything will take a twisted turn when Millie tries one of the pristine white dresses that belong to Nina. She only wants to experience what such outfits feel like, and she will find out.

She will discover that her room’s door locks only from outside. The only problem is that it is too late. The Winchester secrets are more dangerous than hers.

Sundial, by Catriona Ward (2022)

This psychological horror is a real nerve-wrecking book, where nothing is what it seems.

English teacher Rob, mother of two children. Her husband cheats her and has anger issues. When Callie acts weirdly like collecting bones or conversing with ghosts, Rob starts to feel anxiety. But when she realizes that Callie may hurt her younger sister, she gets into panic mode.

Who is the monster in this story, readers may find out the dark hidden past of the family.

If you feel you are ready for a good psychological horror thriller than Sundial will be a perfect read!

The Resting Place, by Camilla Sten (2022)

Eleanor evinces horror at the thought of this awful, heartless woman, who raised her. Vivianne's incessant calls go unanswered most of the time to try and keep away from listening to Eleanor's disillusionment with the voices in the walls coming to get her.

You will learn only a few of the characters that are present in the diary throughout the narrative. But they will be revealed fully and accurately giving you a true sense after truly experiencing the uncanny appearance and impression of the characters.

The monstrous part of the grandmother's story is spine-tingling, and the surprises at the end could even be even more exciting.

Hot House, by Lisa Towles (2022)

Hot House is a new page-turning psychological thriller book with great twists.

Mari Ellwyn is a private investigator and a former CIA operative who starts to dig into a federal appellate judge’s blackmail case. However, she becomes a target for one van following her, receives threatening notes in her mail, and her home is breached.

Mari will team up with Derek Abernathy, a former detective and a seasoned investigator, and begin to look into the unlawful death of Sophie Michaud, a mentally ill college student. They work on this case alongside another one about two journalists. One is missing, and the other one is dead.

These journalists were writing about the dead girl’s story and her connection allegations with the federal judge. Mari and Derek will have to work to unravel the truth before Sophie’s killer make them the next targets.

Mari is also caught up in her dad’s search and wants reconciliation with her family and broken past.

Her Perfect Family, by Teresa Driscoll (2021)

It’s their daughter's graduation day and Rachel Hartley is expecting one of her family's happiest days. Unfortunately, it turns into a nightmare when the girl loses balance during her graduation ceremony. Her sister Adam, who was standing next to her, realizes what has happened first. When she falls down on stage during the ceremony, instead of delivering her speech with gratitude, her future is now running parallel with this grim reality right before everyone’s eyes.

Page-turning suspense story, that won't let you switch off the lights. Put everything on pause and get ready for some nerve-wracking psychological thriller.⁣⁣

Good as Dead, by Susan Walter (2021)

Susan Walter writes some of the best psychological thriller books, and her new novel Good as Dead is one of them.

Holly Kendrick is a mother whose husband Mr. Kendrick has died of a heart attack. During a hit-and-run, Ms. Kendrick saw the car accident, and she can’t forget what she has witnessed. Throughout her trauma of her husband's death, Mrs. Kendrick finds a note with an offer from a mysterious stranger to pay for any help that will let her pay off all the hospital bills from Mr. Kendrick’s passing on. She accepts gladly because she needs the money for payday loans to get through the month without him in her life anymore. In return for this deal, Mrs. Kendrick and her daughter Savannah have to move into California so they can live in their new house made especially for them by their wealthy sponsor.

As excitement comes over the neighborhood in Calabasas when they arrive in town, some neighbors feel curious about who these newcomers are who came in after the everyday routine people knew before they moved in across the street!

The Cry of the Lake, by Charlie Tyler (2020)

When she was six years old, Lily suddenly found something interesting by the lake near their house. Surprised and excited to meet the new “mermaid” friend she suddenly found, she rushes into the shallow waters only to find out that it is actually a dead body. Being a young girl with a sharp memory, Lily locks the sight within her mind, and she carries this terrible secret all the way to her adulthood.

Years later, Lily becomes best friends with Flo, a charismatic girl who seems quite simple whenever you look at her. However, things take a dark turn when Flo’s dad gets accused of murdering a schoolgirl, and this event triggers Lily’s past that keeps on haunting her. Will she be able to suppress the cry of the lake, or will the best friends be able to solve this horrifying mystery together?

Sharp Objects, by Gillian Flynn (2018)

If you liked Gone Girl or any other book by Gillian Flynn, then Sharp Objects will not disappoint.

The book was recently adapted into an HBO Limited Series that follows an investigative journalist, who returns to her hometown after years away and uncovers more than she bargained for – but if you haven’t yet caught Amy Adams' award-worthy performance as a traumatized reporter as she gains information about what events unfolded in the wake of a murder in her Kansas City neighborhood as a child by hunting down those related to the crime or involved with it directly now as adults, give yourself some time so you can read the book first!

This psychological thriller book is a must-read for any fans of the tightly-structured thriller.

The End of the Day, by Bill Clegg (2020)

This book is the perfect portrayal of how a significant event in a single day can unleash a ripple effect that could last for years. If you are fortunate enough to do good deeds in your life, then you can expect a long-lasting peace within your latter years. However, for the characters in this book, their past lives will haunt them soon enough when a single man discovers a collapsed body on a hotel floor.

By the end of the day, will you be able to release yourself from those horrible secrets, or will you let the years go by, only to find them coming back to you in the most dreadful way possible? Read on and discover the secrets these seemingly disconnected people are about to introduce to you!

His & Hers, by Alice Feeney (2020)

This psychological thriller book is one of the most intriguing reads you will ever find, and thanks to Alice Feeney’s surprising twists around every corner, you will certainly find yourself questioning the events you just witnessed in the middle of the night!

As a woman gets murdered in a secluded British village, Anna Andrews (newsreader) does not want to cover the case because of her personal reasons. However, when Jack Harper (detective) gets suspicious of Anna’s involvement, he snoops around to look for clues, that is until he becomes a suspect in his own investigation. With all the lies bursting all over the place, how will these two dig out the secrets that are circulating around them?

The Golden Cage, by Camilla Läckberg (2020)

Ever since they were both students in business school, Faye and Jack have loved each other with all their hearts. Jack grew up in a rich family, while Faye had to work hard to bury her dark past. With Jack’s business growing continuously in the field, Faye decided to quit school and help him by waitressing during the day and strategizing by night.

As the lovely couple has a baby, Faye suddenly finds herself staying at home all the time and neglecting her duties in the business world. It also doesn’t help when she finds out that her husband is having an affair. Filled with fury and vengeance, Faye decides to resurrect her dark past and give Jack the treatment he truly deserves.

If you are looking for fresh psychological thriller books, The Golden Cage is a great choice!

Utopia Avenue, by David Mitchell (2020)

A psychological thriller book about the rise and fall of a United Kingdom rock band in the 1960s.

If you are a fan of biographies, this book is kind of like that, except that it’s all about the hit band Utopia Avenue! What? You’ve never heard of this band in your life? Well, it’s a good thing that you have access to this book because, within this excellent read by David Mitchell, you will enjoy the life and times of the bands members during their entertaining yet mysterious journey.

Feel the vibe of their music as they unravel the world’s maddening whispers within their ears, one page at a time.

The Wife Who Knew Too Much, by Michele Campbell (2020)

Connor Ford is the type of guy that will definitely sweep you off your feet, and that is justifiable because there are actually two Mrs. Fords that came into his life. The first Mrs. Ford was a beautiful and accomplished woman, and she is already enjoying her life with a younger man. However, along with a surprising turn of events, she is now dead.

The second Mrs. Ford is a waitress from a small town. She is now married to the man she had a summer romance 10 years ago, and her life went uphill ever since they got together. How is this possible, though? Find out the surprising timeline of events in this amazing thriller, and let Michele Campbell take you on an adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

After reading Michele's book you will definitely have the urgency to read more psychological thriller books.

A Good Marriage, by Kimberly McCreight (2020)

As Lizzie Kitzakis is working one late night, she suddenly gets a call from an old friend that wants her help as a federal prosecutor. Zach Grayson’s wife, Amanda, suddenly turns up dead at the bottom of their stairs, and Zach turns out to be the primary suspect.

With the current negative state of Lizzie’s marriage to her husband, will she be able to assist this old friend in time of need? Discover the terrible secrets and haunting mysteries that their group of friends is hiding from each other all along in this fantastic thriller novel!

The Guest List, by Lucy Foley (2020)

Within the beautiful sceneries of Ireland, a lovely couple is having the perfect day celebrating their wedding. With their loving friends and family around, they could ask for nothing more. However, things took a dark turn when their guest list was modified, because a dead person suddenly showed up on their premises. How will they be able to solve this surprising turn of events?

Read on as the bride, the best man, the plus one, the wedding planner, and the bridesmaid find their way into fixing a horrifying wedding experience.

The Silent Daughter, by Claire Amarti (2020)

The author's best-seller novel is a women's psychological thriller.

Sadie Kelly lost her best friend, Fiona, in high school and still hasn't fully recovered from the loss. Fast forward to the present day, Sadie has just lost her job at the reputable Horton College and is living with Fiona's mother.

She's having trouble finding a new work due to the circumstances of her job loss and has turned to Benzos to help her cope. On top of all that, one of her former students from Horton College has just gone missing, and Sadie has a personal tie to the missing girl's father.

The Silent Patient, by Alex Michaelides (2019)

The Silent Patient is the bestselling thriller novel about a woman who murders her husband and then becomes silent via psychotherapeutic treatment, in which her doctor, Theo, is obsessed with uncovering her motives.

Alex proves with this book, that psychological thrillers are more than just some twist in the story. This book has a style, it doesn't really want you to swallow anything, it simply shocks you when you don't expect anything.

I was blown away by this book and its cool twists and turns. It was a page-turner. Anyway, The Silent Patient is one of the most talked-about psychological thriller books of the last years.

The Silent Ones, by K.L. Slater (2019)

This book is a thrilling ride with full of twists and turns. The family drama in this book digs deep under your skin. The two girls' story captured us.

Juliet's shocked mother cannot forget because her smiling daughters Maddy and Brianna are responsible for such a shocking event. Where did Maddy and Brianna get the plans to commit the crime, and the community recoils in fear?

Life tumbles out of control as the small village's residents react to this stunning turn of events.

Trespassing, by Brandi Reeds (2018)

Trespassing is a 2018 novel, and it is a masterpiece of psychological suspense.

A young mother follows a perilous course to track her missing husband.

Veronica Cavanaugh's grip on the world is dropping. Her most recent round of fertility treatments not only failed but had side effects.

The book utilizes shorter chapter length, which makes you wonder all day long “What will happen next?”.

The Accident, by Natalie Barelli (2019)

Katherine will give anything to go back in time. If anyone ever found out about the crime, it would ruin her life. But nobody should find out, as Eve is present, too, and she'll do everything in her power to throw it under the rug.

It is a well written thriller: fast-paced, strong twists, and memorable characters. At a certain point in the book, we even felt sorry for Katherine. First, you think Katherine is a weak character but never find yourself at that position of Kathrine in life.

This psychological thriller book surprised us in a good manner.

The Butterfly Girl, by Rene Denfeld (2019)

Finally a heartbreaking story by Rene Denfeld who is a very popular author in our book club not accidentally. Rene puts us into the sad world of children who are trying to survive their everydays. Hope is a gift in this book, and Rene doesn't want us to lose it.

Rene Denfeld shares his compelling experiences with homeless children, clearly exploring what exactly getting a fast-food hamburger means to their lives. Taking things at face value, one terrible individual circles for his next victim.

An Anonymous Girl, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen (2019)

Jessica takes part in a psychological study to earn some extra cash for her life.

When the study starts Jessica begins to question what kind of experiment she has become involved in. Reality becomes blurry and ethics isn't something that has any meaning in this story.

In my opinion, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen did extremely well with this novel.

This suspenseful psychological drama starred memorable characters and explored twists and turns that kept us hurtling through the pages.

Final Thoughts on Psychological Thriller Books

Every once in a while, it’s nice to tickle your mind for a bit and enjoy the well-written puzzles of books in this genre even if these books could be a little bit dark! With this list of the best psychological thriller books, you will surely find the perfect book that can pique your interests and leave you up all night.

If you are into thrillers, check out our all-time selection of the best thriller books.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post 23+ Psychological Thriller Books (Ordered) For 2023 – To Kill Your Nerves appeared first on Joelbooks.

As MegaCity ML gasps for energy, Matthias Blue and his android partner, Cromwell, race against time to unravel a web of corruption and conspiracy, while a desperate plan for a new power source threatens millions.

MegaCity ML has almost starved itself of energy. Elite agent Matthias Blue has run out of purpose. Keeping the streets and skyLanes safe was all that mattered until the death of his best friend knocked him into bottomless booze and low-stim capsules.

But when Blue is hit by lightning, and his mentor is murdered in an attack no one thought possible, his rage reignites.

Hunting those responsible, Blue and his sophisticated android partner, Cromwell, discover that the very institutions designed to protect and serve the MegaCity are caught in the middle of a desperate plan for a new power source – one that might actually fix everything.

Complicating things are Blue’s sudden failing health and visions of someone else’s childhood in captivity. Increasingly reliant on Cromwell, he begins to think he was one of the very first test subjects, while something deeper whispers Blue may be the key to the enemy’s designs.

Torn between cold vengeance and the future of millions of people, Blue must hold himself together and put on the duster coat one last time. If he can’t, then he’ll die, knowing every citizen with a pulse is there for the taking.

Excerpt from Alkaline Dawn © Copyright 2023 Piers Furney

1 THE LAST CASE

Lightning stretched, pencil-thin, across the dark afternoon sky like white vines in an inky black garden. The sound of low, persistent thunder syncopated the air with a force that to chase the rain toward the ground. Two figures stepped out of their whining slate grey cruiser into a growing pool of water and stared at the towering complex of the Ven-Bryson Palladium Works. Hundreds of office lights winked out of glinting metal and glass fa- cades, each outshined by the rampant flashes outside. While insignifi- cant compared to the condensed skyline of the distant MegaCity, a central spire erupted from the barren landscape of the Wastes and supporting buildings. It lorded over its clutch of precious mineral deposits and imposed Ven-Bryson’s artificial control through communications relays and high-gain antennae on the fleet of technology built to serve.

Below and to the sides of the spire, refinery towers poked through the gaps of its adjoining office buildings, marking the sharp transition from corporate to industrial into the distance and far below as it became the Works proper. This late in the afternoon, the central corporate parking zone was mostly empty, save for the odd management staff loping to their reserved spaces under cover.

The taller of the two figures drew the collar of his brown duster coat around the edges of the transparent tactical breather that covered his tired face.

“He’s not going to let us question them,” he complained with perfect clarity.

“He might,” the woman replied. “Would you, in his shoes?”

“It is in his best interest to comply.”

“Let’s hope self-preservation kicks in then.”

“Perhaps you could take note.”

Before he could answer, the pair were accosted by a green and black customer service drone that had appeared seemingly out of the very deluge itself. It bobbed in place with a simple emotive face plate that displayed a rudimentary look of concern.

“You do not have an appointment, marshals. Please state the rea- son for your visit,” it said to them in a thin voice.

The female marshal shot a look at her partner before producing a slender cigarette from the inside of her long duster coat. In one smooth motion, she lit the end with a spark from one of her finger- tips and drew in smoke, closing her bright yellow eyes.

“Correct,” she said. “We are here because the Federation would like a word with your Medical Director, Dr Nicholas Hazell.”

The ovoid drone gave a low beep, “The Director is unavailable, marshals. You will have to make an appointment…”

The other marshal jerked his left arm and aimed it squarely at the drone’s small face panel. Two large-calibre barrels extended from the man’s wrist-mounted assembly and began rotating slowly. “You seem to be under the impression that that was a question,” he said, the rain peeling off his hydrophobic coat.
The drone gave another beep, its pixelated eyebrows raised in alarm. “There is no need for threats, Marshal Blue. If you would both follow me.”

Blue let his hand Cannon fall back to his side. That wasn’t true — a good threat was always useful. He turned and said, “C’mon Cromwell, it looks like the Director just freed up his calendar.”

Marshal Cromwell extinguished her cigarette with a twist and a sigh. The drone darted towards the entrance without waiting to see if either marshal was following.

“Was that necessary?” she asked, falling in beside Blue as they moved after the drone.

“I was joking.”

“Were you? Because the last joke you told was seven months ago and by accident.”

Blue ignored his partner and scowled, preferring to cast his gaze across the neat, ordered walkways leading up to the entrance. Glowing Ven-Bryson holoScreens leapt out at the registering of movement.

The blunt trapezoidal shape of a remote auto Hauler slid across one line of screens; this new model promised 30% enhanced dump cycle times through tri-action sub-feeder augmentation and boasted a more efficient hydrogen power plant. Blue could only assume that it was of value to those in the market for gigantic ore-moving machinery. What he wanted was a drink.

Passing into the main building, the sweeping reception area looked like every other corporate office that Blue had been in before, except for the colourful rare metal sculptures and statement furniture pieces. Just one of those whimsical metal forms could pay for five Federation aerial cruisers and his imminent retirement package.

“May I inform Director Hazell as to the nature of your inquiry?” the drone asked Cromwell.

“We are here regarding a group of labourers that have recently transferred to this facility,” she replied. “We have reason to believe that they are involved with a cell of biomedical terrorists.”

“Oh my,” the drone remarked. “Indeed,” Cromwell said. “This way.”

As a polished elevator opened for them to the side, Blue doubted if the Medical Director would share the same response. Moral char- acter wasn’t high on the list of most manual labour programs used by corporations like Ven-Bryson. A warm, indentured body that could hack and shovel was cheap — if they happened to be a vicious criminal, then workplace accidents were usually considered happy coincidences. Still, Ven-Bryson would unlikely tolerate any sort of risk to their operations out here. A spot of terrorism wouldn’t stop the palladium from flowing.

The doors opened to a prim executive floor. Most lights were still on, with blurry figures moving behind frosted glass and elaborate job titles on holographic door plaques. The largest office at the far end of the floor was dark and closed. The drone led the marshals to the door marked Nicholas Hazell, Medical Director, and paused to transmit an access query.

“Whose office is that down there?” Blue asked.

“Our Chief Executive Officer, Mr Peter Olsen,” said the drone happily. “His role requires a great deal; as such, he is rarely present here at our Palladium Works site.”

“Not just because of the hermit thing?”

The drone displayed a frown but then beeped suddenly. “You may go in now, marshals.”

Blue and Cromwell nodded and stepped into Hazell’s office. The heavy use of white made it seem closer to a small hospital than a corporate office. Dr Nicholas Hazell was standing in a white lab coat, faced away with his hands clasped behind his back, intent on simultaneously consuming information from all of his holoSuite screens. On the far side of the office were long windows framing the front half of the Palladium Works site. Blue could just see the tiny rows of di- shevelled workers in bright hazmat suits hacking, shovelling, and transmuting away at the sodden earth like ants racing against their autonomous counterparts. The marshals stood for a moment before Cromwell made a polite cough.

“One moment,” murmured Hazell.

Blue tilted his head at Cromwell, who gave him a sharp shake of her head in reply. “Dr Hazell, we are marshals Blue and Cromwell, First Division…” he began.

“A moment, ” Hazell repeated, drawn to a flashing red segment on one of the screens.

“We need to ask you questions regard —”

“A moment if you please, Matthias!” interrupted Hazell.

Matthias? Blue wanted to hit him. The man threw a hand out and pinched down at one of the controls, grunting in contentment as he did so. Hazell then slowly turned to face them. The Director’s eyes looked like human eyes, but if made by someone that was going off a slightly incorrect description of what eyes should look like.

“No,” the man said simply. “Pardon?” asked Cromwell.

“No, you may not see or speak to our four new workers. They are now in Ven-Bryson’s custody.”

“Custody is an odd word to use, Nicholas,” said Blue.

Hazell smiled thinly and said, “I thought custody would be more familiar. Our employees are all protected from past and present criminal investigations while engaged in their labour terms. But you both know that. I assume you have something more substantial than a general line of inquiry?”

“We have a mandate from the Ministry of Justice to pursue all suspected parties involved in biomedical terrorism, Director,” answered Cromwell. “We require access to the four men for questioning.”

Hazell’s cheek twitched. “Well, I’m afraid that will require approval from our CEO, Mr. Olsen. He is not here,” he said.

“It’s a good thing Ven-Bryson makes comm units. Get him on the line, and we can leave sooner,” Blue suggested.

“Not an option,” Hazell said. “Mr Olsen has been ill and has set times for contact. A conference comm might have been possible if you had come here with an appointment. Your sloppiness does not outweigh our Ministry-approved law enforcement engagement policy.”

“Solid coaching,” whistled Blue. “We’ve identified four men associated with biomedical terrorist activity, which included the theft of nine portable proton beam therapy machines and enough palladium to make your palms sweaty. Intelligence suggests they’re planning an- other imminent operation in this sector. I thought Venn-Bryson would want to nip that in the bud.”

“We will return with an appointment,” said Cromwell, beginning to turn.

“Palladium, you say?” Hazell asked slowly. “Palladium,” repeated Blue.

Hazell rubbed his bizarre eyes with hands that faintly trembled. Now that he thought about it, Blue had no idea of the man’s age; he could have been anywhere between 40 and 70. Depending on the quality of the clinic.

“An exception could be made, marshals. Not because I think this site is in danger of industrial espionage, but rather to show you that Ven-Bryson has nothing to hide and that we do value our established business contracts,” Hazell finally said with a deliberate look over Cromwell.

“Okay,” said Blue. “Where are they?”

Hazell picked up a holoTab from the desk and pawed through a couple of screens. “It’s 17:45, so still in the diagnostic stations of Sector Two’s living quarters.

“I assume you will want to accompany us, director?” asked Cromwell.

“You assume correctly.” “Sector Two then,” said Blue.

Two tall outlines moving outside Hazell’s office caught Blue’s attention. He pivoted for a better angle as two nondescript protection drones walked inside and halted, blaster arms swinging, to wait for further instructions. The green and black Ven-Bryson branding covered their entire metal bodies with a simple dome where a person’s head would be.

“Are these necessary?” asked Cromwell.

“Company policy,” Hazell dismissed, walking around his desk and towards the door. “We’ll take a…ah…skiff down to Sector Two from the rail terminal.”

Blue narrowed his eyes at the drones; these models were twitchy at the best of times. Cheap processing units. The marshals waited for them to follow after Hazell before trailing behind. Cromwell was frowning. A short descent in the cramped elevator brought the group onto the rail terminal’s wide platform.
Everything was loud again. The feeble afternoon light had faded to darkness and sheets of rain that toyed with visibility. Under the lines of floodlights, dual tracks snaked away from the main control building and out of the Works. Several mammoth skyTrains rocked in the squall, held in place until autoloaders could transfer their allotted materials. Blue distracted himself from dump cycles by needling Hazell for more information.

“What are we going to find in your diagnostic stations?” he asked as the group queued for a propulsion skiff to free up. “Examples of ‘lose an arm and get a new one for a few more years added to the bill’ types of deals?”

“You’re a flippant man, marshal,” Hazell remarked as a skiff re- turned from the Works below. “How disappointing.”

“Disappointing? What’s disappointing is companies like Ven- Bryson creating a market for the scum we put away or the poor bas- tards that are preyed upon by lecherous lending schemes until they obliterate themselves with debt,” said Blue.

“Blue…” warned Cromwell.

“Be a good boy and listen to your minder,” Hazell dismissed, awkwardly stepping onto the boat-like propulsion skiff.

“What did you just say?” Blue asked, his already shortened temper igniting. “I’d caution against pressing any perceived advantage here, Hazell.”

“You’d caution me, would you?” laughed Hazell over the rain. “I’ve heard that not too long ago, the great Matthias Blue could intimidate people by walking into a room. But that’s not who’s standing in front of me today. I shall ‘press’ whatever I like.”

Seething, Blue opened his mouth, but no words came out. One more day.

“You don’t approve of Ven-Bryson’s work, but you need us — society needs us,” Hazell said. “We’re locked in a war of attrition with a planet that could not give the slightest damn whether we are here or not. The dwindling palladium we rip from the petulant earth is for the technologies we are forced to build just to survive.”

Suddenly, the lights in the rail terminal flickered and went out. Thunder and lightning struck several ancillary buildings nearby, split- ting the sky with white light. Blue’s hackles went up. He could see Hazell’s figure outlined by what was still functioning in the Works. The background autoloaders continued their tasks on mobile power. Still, the rails themselves deactivated and caused the long, hovering carriages to thump their massive weight in a violent clang of metal. Some began to tilt perilously to one side as tender drones beelined to assist. Blue kept a firm eye on Hazell’s guards in the chaos.

“Case and point!” said Hazell. “We must move out of this storm to see the marshals in time.”

Blue and Cromwell joined the director and his drones before pausing. “You mean the labourers?” Blue asked.

“Of course, of course,” added Hazell, running his hand through his short hair. “We guzzle it down to power our technology, and in turn, that technology barely keeps us alive. A pathetic loop…”
“Are you well, director?” Cromwell asked. “If we can have some- one else take us down, you can head home. It appears to have been a long day for you.”

“A long day,” Hazell repeated.

Cromwell moved to escort Hazell back off the skiff in the poor light. The man brushed her outstretched hand away with his flailing arm. The drones snapped to attention and raised their blasters. Blue had an idea of what would happen next. Either the man was having some kind of episode or stalling for time.
“Alright, Hazell. Cut the shit,” Blue called out, joining Cromwell’s effort to reach the man. “Tell these two to calm down.”

Blue thought he saw the man’s eyes glint red momentarily. Then, he saw the blaster barrels glow with the beginnings of laser fire. Raw

power and speed coursed through his body. He was already out of the way before the shots went off, and a moment later, the two drones were scrapped on the floor of the skiff. Servo fluid coated the backs of Blue’s hands. He looked up at Cromwell; she’d seized Hazell and dragged him past the mess of robotic parts.

“Fuck,” said Blue, kicking himself for the paperwork he’d just created. He turned to follow Cromwell under the emergency lighting. “Cromwell, bring him back. I wasn’t going to shoot h —”
Out of the black sky came a branch of lightning that struck Blue squarely in the chest. He was thrown into a nearby metal pillar, dent- ing it with a dull thud that drove the breath from his lungs. A wave of pain, the likes of which he’d never experienced, sliced across him and made him scream. The distant sound of someone cheering and rushed footsteps echoed across the terminal. Then he passed out.
——
It was cold. Bone-chilling cold. The kind of cold that you forget how bad it is until you’re right back there again. It wasn’t his hands he saw when he raised them in front of his eyes; they were a child’s. He was shorter, too. He could see snow making little piles on the ground and hear the crunch crunch crunch of the men in white coats walking back and forwards around him. Beside him was an- other boy, and he somehow knew their name was Andras. The two of them had just finished a test, but he’d lost it for them this time, and the men in white coats were angry. A gloved hand grabbed his shoulder and spun him around.
——
Blue woke to the sound of his holoWrist’s radiation metre beeping and Cromwell’s two luminous eyes looking directly in front of him. The intense cold he’d just imagined was quickly fading away. He was still sprawled on the firm metal platform, with water hitting his face. Another figure lay off to the side. The rail terminal alarms were blar- ing, and he had no idea what had happened.

“Ow,” he managed, fumbling with the tiny computer on his arm to shut it off.

“Blue,” said Cromwell. She was looking at him with concern. “I’m fine.”

Cromwell flicked her eyes to a white deep-scan over him. “Well, nothing is broken. We will have you examined back at Bastion.”

“You just said nothing was broken.”

“I am not a medical android,” said Cromwell. “You could be haemorrhaging internally.”
“Fine.” “Hazell’s dead.”

Blue patted over his power vest and handCannon connection in frustration. “This gear’s fried. I thought the Federation included EMP-grade shielding,” he complained. “Help me up.”

Cromwell hauled him to an unsteady standing position and said, “It does have shielding, although I’ll admit I do not know the tolerances of the systems. You may be temporarily overloaded.”

“Yeah, maybe. Hang on,” said Blue as what Cromwell had said finally clicked. “What do you mean Hazell’s dead? What the hell happened?”

Cromwell knelt by the body of Director Hazell and scanned over him with her holoWrist. Blue could make out the small handle shape of something glinting in the reflective water. He reached down and picked the item up.

“You’ll want to be careful with that,” said Cromwell with a nod. “He tried to stick me with it. While titanium alloys such as mine are durable, they are not so tough as to resist —”

“Plasma weapons,” finished Blue as he ignited the dagger. The short blade was approximately 20 cm and crackled orange. “Why would he have this, and why try and assault a marshal? He knows what we can do…”

Cromwell finished her scan and moved out of the way so he could see Hazell. The man was missing half of his head — the outcome of Cromwell’s handCannon. It wasn’t blood that congealed around the wound.

“He’s an android?”

“I believe Director Hazell may not have been in his right mind,” she said.

Blue pocketed the dagger inside his duster coat and looked at the waiting skiff. That little toy was worth a lot to certain people. His in- sides felt like they were melting, and he felt hot, even in the rain. With great effort, Blue refocused. They needed the four suspects, and there wasn’t much time before the entire place was locked down.

Cromwell seemed to have read his mind and pre-empted him. “Absolutely not. We need to return home.”
“No time. I’m fine, and they’re down there,” pointed Blue.

Before Blue could continue arguing, a call came through on both of their HoloWrists. He tried to signal Cromwell to ignore it, but to his chagrin, she swiped across, and a tiny projection of Ariana Temple appeared.

“Did you find them?” Temple’s head asked. “Why are there sirens?”

“Not exactly, Commander,” replied Cromwell. “Storm warning.” “That’s too bad. You’re both being recalled to Bastion. You’re also a bad liar.”

Blue looked across at Cromwell, confused. “Commander, we’re right in the middle of this thing.”
The floating head was silent momentarily before answering, “This is a directive from the Prime Justice. Be here within the next hour. Temple out.”

The marshals stood in the rain for a second, not quite believing what had happened. It was a blatant breach of First Division independence — unprecedented for the Ministry of Justice and the Marshal Federation’s leader to personally involve themselves in an active case. Publicly, at least. And most certainly not to prematurely recall anyone. Blue was fuming.

“Now what?” he asked, pacing around Hazell’s body.

“Do you want to gamble your pension just to talk about stolen biotech?”

“Shit. No. But we should —”

A ragged chemical fire enveloped Hazell's frame without warning, forcing the marshals to retreat from the intense heat. The rain had little effect on the magenta flames. That was new. “I think that settles it,” she said.

With a thousand questions, Blue followed Cromwell back towards the main control tower in a singed coat and dead tech. Whatever he’d expected his last day to be, it wasn’t this.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

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The truth is always stranger than fiction, but political thriller books show us that it can also be much more thrilling.

Reading a good thriller is one of my favorite ways to spend my time. It's not just the suspense that hooks me, but also when the story delves into the realm of politics. As I turn each page, my mind starts to buzz with all kinds of theories. I'm aware that most of these captivating stories spring from pure imagination, but there's a part of me that can't help but feel there's a grain of truth in them too.

These novels often weave tales of espionage, clandestine secrets, and high-stakes drama set against a backdrop of political intrigue. Authors like John le Carré and Vince Flynn have a special talent for crafting such narratives. Their books provide an exhilarating and thrilling reading experience that I find irresistibly engaging.

What Are The Top Political Thriller Books?

Living Secrets (Mirror Estates Series Book 1), by S.F. Baumgartner (2023)

Lily Tso, a 22-year-old Hotel Guest Service Officer and orphan, discovers that her parents are alive and finds herself embroiled in a dangerous mission to save America from a bioterror threat. Overwhelmed by her sudden involvement in such a high-stakes operation and the prospect of meeting her biological parents, Lily teams up with an FBI Special Agent and a young tycoon.

As they work to prevent a catastrophic biological attack, they face opposition from unknown forces. With time running out, Lily must overcome these challenges to save her country and herself from impending doom.

This Christian thriller novel is a whirlwind of international espionage, blending intense action with a deep dive into political intrigue. While the book's rapid pacing and frequent perspective shifts require some initial adjustment, the compelling narrative, reminiscent of a dynamic Hollywood action movie, ultimately delivers a satisfyingly complex and engaging thriller experience.

The Devil's Ransom (Pike Logan Book 17)  by Brad Taylor (2023)

The Devil's Ransom is a riveting blend of geopolitical intrigue, high-tech espionage, and relentless action. It stands out for its meticulously crafted plot, which manages to balance a breadth of complex issues from global politics to cybersecurity.

What struck me the most was the character development of Pike Logan and Jennifer Cahill. Their dynamic partnership and unique character traits provide a deeply personal perspective to the global-scale narrative, creating an engaging reading experience.

The antagonist, a former NSA specialist, is remarkably well-realized. His nostalgia for the Cold War era and desire to manipulate global power structures make him a formidable and fascinating adversary. His introduction and actions throughout the story add an extra layer of tension, creating a suspenseful race against time scenario.

The depiction of the cyber threat is not only timely but also disturbingly plausible. The narrative dives deep into the potential consequences of such attacks, highlighting the vulnerability of our increasingly interconnected world.

Burner (Gray Man Series), by Mark Greaney (2023)

Court Gentry is caught between the Russian mafia and the CIA as he tries to protect Alex Velesky, who has stolen records from his Swiss bank and uncovered a criminal conspiracy. Court and his former lover, Zoya Zakharova, are after Velesky for different reasons, and must work to keep him alive as they are all hunted by dangerous forces.

Court, Zoya and Velesky are all caught up in a dangerous game of survival as they navigate the treacherous waters of corrupt power, with everyone from the Russian mafia to the CIA after them. With Velesky's information, they must fight to stay alive and out of the hands of those who would use it for their own ends.

As they try to uncover the truth and stay ahead of their enemies, they will discover the true extent of corruption and the lengths those in power will go to protect their interests.

This political thriller book also serves the story of major Netflix series called Gray Man.

The Ridders, by Lisa Towles (2022)

The Ridders follows Brock Janoff's adventures. Known as BJ among friends, he and his brother Jonas own a private investigation company in Venice, California.

One day, a random proposal seems to change their life. While normally used to take customers after an initial discussion in an office, BJ is stopped by a stranger on the street and gets a proposition that blows his mind. He only has to bring an envelope to a hotel, get into the lobby, and deliver the envelope in time. The reward? $1 million.

However, if he fails to do it on time, his life will be in danger. Now, the question on his mind is pretty simple… Why him?

Things escalate pretty quickly, and as he digs deeper, he finds out more about the so called Bilderberg Group, his father, his past, and perhaps his fate as well…

The Ridders is an intriguing thriller that will keep you craving for more, page after page.

The Politician, by Tim Sullivan (2022)

This is one of those exciting political thriller books, when you have a few clues about who did it, but everything changes at the end with a major plot twist that no one saw coming…

The Politician follows the story behind a dead politician. Was it burglary or murder?

It is definitely a puzzle out there. Peggy has a harsh political career. Then, she decided to become a blogger and share some of the dirty secrets of the industry.

Her family is not doing great, either. Her husband is cheating on her, while her son is addicted to gambling.

There are lots of suspects who could have killed her… DS George Cross loves this kind of case. At a first glance, it looks like there was a burglary, but it might be a nicely staged murder as well.

There are countless connections and leads to check. It may seem like a dead-end puzzle, but the detective has an impeccable approach and a methodical logic.

The President Is Missing, by Bill Clinton and James Patterson (2018)

This political thriller book is written by the former president of the USA Bill Clinton, so it comes from a personal point of view. It feels like a biography or like the former politician is actually describing a situation from his career, with plenty of vivid details and exquisite plot twists.

As one of the best political thriller books out there, the story begins with a threat. Enemies of the USA are planning one of the deadliest attacks in the history of the country.

Washington is uncertain about where the attack is coming from, and everyone is trying to find some sort of defense. There are also rumors about a traitor, and everyone becomes a suspect, even the world's most powerful man… Until he disappears.

The book takes place in real time and covers three days. It has an authentic approach, and if you think about it, it describes things that could actually happen, things that are actually inspired from the country’s history.

Near Dark, by Brad Thor (2020)

A massive bounty has been placed on the head of America's top spy, and the only way for them to survive is to outmaneuver, outrun, and outlast their enemies long enough to uncover the truth.

To succeed in their most perilous mission yet, which has already cost the lives of their loved ones, including their newly-wed spouse, the spy must seek the help of others.

But with no one they can trust, they find an unlikely ally in Sølvi Kolstad, a Norwegian intelligence operative. She is equally intelligent, lethal, and determined, and shares a similar troubled past with the spy.

As soon as the action kicks off, I immerse myself in the fast-paced espionage that keeps me hooked. But the action is slow and sluggish, almost as if it is being weighed down by Harvath's numerous hangovers. Despite this, the technical details in the narrative are intriguing and the seemingly reckless tactical operations are actually well-planned and realistic.

One Minute Out, by Mark Greaney (2020)

One Minute Out tells the story of one of the greatest assassins of all times – the so called Gray Man. Court Gentry discovers an impressive network of human traffickers while on a mission in Croatia. But the network seems to go further than the Balkans – all way to the USA.

It has links to Hollywood as well. Court tries his best to put it out, but the CIA has different plans. With no intel, no one will do anything at all to help Court.

Savage Son, by Jack Carr (2020)

This political thriller book is part of the Terminal List series, but you do not have to read previous volumes, as they are not related. This time, James Reece has to infiltrate the rough Russian mafia. His experience as a former Navy SEAL does help in the process, but will he succeed in a completely different environment?

The story follows a woman on the run in Siberia – chased by a man who wants to kill her. It looks like you go through two separate stories at some point, but everything will make sense when they clash.

Camino Winds, by John Grisham (2020)

Anything is possible on the Camino Island. Prior to a book related event, Hurricane Lee threatens to hit the island. The local governor orders everyone to be evacuated, as the hurricane heads towards the island. Everything seems to be ruined in front of it, as well as a few lives.

Nelson Kerr is dead and his friend Bruce realizes the storm was not the actual cause of his death. Another question pops up now – who would want Nelson out of the scenario?

This political thriller book received some controversial reviews because of the slow start but the story itself is unique and recommended if you are a thriller lover.

Dragonfire, by Ted Bell (2020)

Alex Hawke is a British lord who also operates as a spy. He is in hospital recovering after a previous mission when he gets a sudden call from the Queen. Her grandson is gone – somewhere in the Bahamas. The mission is quite sensitive and the Queen can only trust someone like Lord Hawke. The last thing she knows is he was seen at a nightclub known as Dragonfire.

There are a few historical connections involved in this thriller as well.

To Kill A Man, by Sam Bourne (2020)

A woman is attacked in her own home, but she manages to kill the attacker. Natasha Winthrop is a prolific politician who is tipped to become the next president of the USA. Initially, she is tagged as a #MeToo hero, as she was able to fight back.

However, there are a few things in her story that do not really make sense. Some clues simply do not come up together, so inconsistency leaves room for interpretation. What is she trying to hide?

The Paladin, by David Ignatius (2020)

This is one of the best political thriller book if you love American spying stories. CIA officer Michael Dunne has to infiltrate an Italian news company. It seems to be more than just a news agency, as those people manage to find secrets that CIA could never get.

Moreover, they expose one thing after another – hard to understand how. Michael gets in, but his cover is blown away and the CIA leaves him on his own. After spending time in jail, he goes out to seek revenge.

The Mountain, by Steven Konkoly (2020)

Someone disappears on Murder Mountain – nothing unusual so far, as it happens all the time. The mountain is lawless – lots of illegal drug harvests and deaths. However, the missing person is Senator Steele's friend, so investigator Ryan Decker has to complete the mission.

One thing leads to another and mysteries start unveiling, only for the investigator and his partner to discover some of the country's best puppet masters.

The Warsaw Protocol, by Steve Berry (2020)

This story will take you to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Relics of the Arma Christi – the weapons of Jesus Christ – keep disappearing from museums and sanctuaries. Agent Cotton Malone is the unfortunate witness of such an event.

He learns about a private auction that will bring in incriminating information on the Polish president, but the entry price is one of the relics. In other words, he will have to steal the Holy Lance in order to join the action.

Three Hours, by Rosamund Lupton (2020)

The story takes you to the rural areas of Somerset, where a school is under siege. The headmaster is injured, while the police will have to establish contact with the gunmen. Everyone else is barricaded inside classrooms. The whole action spreads over three hours and everyone must do what they can to save their loved ones. But the story is not just an action scenario, as things get an unusual turn at some point. Nothing seems to be real after all, as the action unveils.

As a short final conclusion, these are some of the most intense and best political thrillers in 2020. The list could be longer, but these names can definitely hook you in, keep you busy for a few days and leave you craving for more.

Final Thoughts on Political Thriller Books

Political thriller books really have a way of pulling you into the complex world of politics and government. They're exciting, and at the same time, they give you a glimpse into how things work in the corridors of power. You get to see how big decisions are made, how people in charge use their influence, and how even one person can make a big difference.

These books are also great for bringing up tough topics like race, gender, and class. They make you think about these issues in a new way, which I find really valuable.

If you're into political thrillers or just want a good story set in the world of politics, you should definitely check out some of these books. The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy is a personal favorite of mine. It's a great read with a lot of twists and turns that keep you hooked.

If you enjoy political thriller reads, most likely you will also love some of the top spy thriller books.

​

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post ​Top 15+ Political Thriller Books For 2023 – The World of Mystery & Betrayal appeared first on Joelbooks.

In a small, tight-knit town where family legacies are revered, David finds himself torn between societal expectations and his own desires. Trapped in a house he never wanted, he becomes an unwilling participant in his family's oppressive tradition – a sinister and mysterious custom that demands unwavering obedience. As he delves deeper into this dark inheritance, David's unhinged aunt becomes both a catalyst and an obstacle, propelling him on a journey to uncover the truth behind their twisted legacy.

Amidst the chaos, he grapples with the blurred boundaries between right and wrong, seeking to unravel the true nature of good and evil. In this gripping tale of self-discovery and defiance, David must muster the strength to forge his own path, even as his hesitant brother, Mark, lacks the courage to defy convention. With the love of his life, Zari, hanging in the balance, he faces an impossible choice: should he succumb to the path dictated by his aunt and brother, or will he find the courage to break free from their dark influence?

As the stakes intensify, David's internal struggle mirrors the larger conflict within the town, unveiling hidden secrets and buried truths. The boundaries between reality and superstition blur, and he must navigate a treacherous game of power and manipulation to protect what he holds dear. In this riveting thriller novel, the battle for his identity becomes entwined with the fate of his beloved, as they both become pawns in a dangerous web of family secrets and deception.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Silenced by Kiontai Lawson appeared first on Joelbooks.

In the fast-paced world of literature, where new titles are constantly vying for attention, Amazon's Best Sellers List stands as a definitive guide to what's capturing readers' interests. Recognizing the significance of this list, we embarked on a meticulous journey to track the very pulse of the literary world.

Throughout 2023, we noted the first book from Amazon's Best Sellers List every single day.

This methodical approach has culminated in an intriguing collection. Our aim is to offer a comprehensive glimpse into the books that resonated most with readers this year.

The following selection is a curated window into the most sought-after titles of 2023, ensuring that you don't miss a beat in the ever-evolving world of books.

What Are The #1 Most-Wanted Amazon Books?

2023 January

Spare, by Prince Harry The Duke of Sussex (2023)

Prince Harry's story, as narrated in “Spare,” begins with his childhood marked by the tragic loss of his mother. As a young boy, Harry was the spirited ‘Spare' to his brother, the ‘Heir,' but his mother's death profoundly altered his life. He faced challenges in school, struggled with anger and loneliness, and harbored resentment towards the press, blaming them for his mother's death. Seeking direction, he joined the British Army at twenty-one, where he found structure and briefly became a national hero after serving in combat. However, this period also intensified his inner turmoil, leading to post-traumatic stress and severe panic attacks. Throughout these struggles, Harry's quest for love remained unfulfilled until he met Meghan.

Their relationship, initially celebrated as a modern fairy-tale, quickly turned sour due to relentless media scrutiny, racism, and falsehoods. Harry's painful memories of his mother's similar struggles with the press and his concern for Meghan's and his family's well-being ultimately led him to make the unprecedented decision to step back from royal duties, echoing his mother's past actions. “Spare” represents Harry's first-person account, offering a candid, introspective narrative. The book is not just a tale of his personal journey but a reflection on the broader themes of love's triumph over grief, the impact of media on personal lives, and the pursuit of mental health and safety against public and institutional pressures.

It Ends with Us, by Colleen Hoover (2016)

Lily's journey is marked by perseverance and ambition, starting from her humble beginnings in a small town to achieving her dreams of college graduation, relocating to Boston, and establishing her own business. Her life takes an exciting turn when she encounters Ryle Kincaid, a charming and brilliant neurosurgeon. Despite Ryle's apparent aversion to relationships, their connection is undeniable, and he shows a unique tenderness towards Lily, making her the exception to his rule against dating. However, Ryle's reluctance to engage in relationships raises concerns for Lily, leading her to question the reasons behind his attitude.

As Lily navigates her budding relationship with Ryle, she is confronted with her past when Atlas Corrigan, her first love, reappears. Atlas represents a significant part of Lily's history, having been a source of protection and a companion during her earlier years. His sudden return brings about a tumult of emotions and memories, putting Lily's current relationship with Ryle at risk. This resurgence of her past forces Lily to confront her feelings and the impact of her history on her present and future, especially as she grapples with the complexities of her relationship with Ryle.

Little Blue Truck's Valentine, by Alice Schertle (2020)

Little Blue Truck is a popular series suitable for Valentine's Day reading for kdis. Little Blue Truck is shown spreading love by delivering Valentine's Day cards to his farm animal friends. However, he begins to question whether he will receive any cards himself. The book is described as featuring colorful foil accents and a large gatefold, making it an ideal Valentine's Day gift.

2023 February

Stone Maidens, by Lloyd Devereux Richards (2012)

In Lloyd Devereux Richards' thrilling novel, FBI agent Christine Prusik confronts a hauntingly personal case as a serial killer targeting young women in southern Indiana leaves behind stone figurines resembling those of Papua New Guinea tribes, a stark reminder of Prusik's traumatic past field research with these tribes. As the chief forensic anthropologist for the FBI’s Chicago field office, Prusik grapples with the eerie, potentially personal connection of these figurines to her own harrowing experiences, blurring the lines between her nightmares and reality.

Young Forever, Mark Hyman M.D. (2023)

Dr. Mark Hyman presents a revolutionary guide to reversing disease, easing pain, and promoting longevity, challenging traditional views on aging. He argues that aging should be seen as a treatable condition, not an inevitable decline. By understanding and addressing the root causes of aging, Hyman suggests we can not only live longer but also prevent and reverse common age-related diseases like heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia.

The book delves into the biological aspects of aging, offering practical strategies for a healthier life. These include dietary advice based on his Pegan Diet, lifestyle changes, stress management, and recommendations for supplements. Hyman's guide is backed by scientific research and aims to empower readers to actively improve their health and extend their lifespan.

The Courage to Be Free, by Ron DeSantis (2023)

This section describes Governor Ron DeSantis' achievements and political philosophy. A Yale baseball player and Harvard Law graduate, DeSantis served in Iraq and Congress, distancing himself from what he saw as the leftist elite. As Florida's governor, he prioritized state residents, tackling challenges from political opponents and media criticism. His COVID-19 approach, focused on evidence and freedom, led to a strong economy and lower senior mortality rates compared to most states. He also enacted policies to exclude leftist political concepts from education, gaining support from Florida parents. Despite media attacks, DeSantis continued to secure victories for Floridians, including a historic electoral win in 2022.

2023 March

Daisy Jones & The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2019)

Daisy Jones & The Six tells the story of the iconic but mysterious band, particularly focusing on Daisy, a young woman growing up in 1960s L.A., who is deeply passionate about rock ‘n' roll. Living a life filled with the era's typical sex, drugs, and rock ‘n' roll, Daisy's extraordinary voice and beauty gain attention. Simultaneously, The Six, led by Billy Dunne, rises to fame, with Billy grappling with the challenges of fame and impending fatherhood.

How to Catch a Leprechaun, by Adam Wallace (2016)

This lively children's picture book, perfect for St. Patrick's Day, encourages young readers to embrace the fun tradition of building leprechaun traps. Filled with shamrocks, pots of gold, and rainbows, it sets the stage for an exciting wait to catch a leprechaun. The book not only offers a humorous and zany story with vibrant illustrations and rhyming text, but it also integrates STEAM concepts, making it an engaging read for kids at home or in the classroom.

Saved: A War Reporter's Mission to Make It Home, by (2023)

Benjamin Hall, a seasoned war reporter for Fox News, experienced a life-altering event on March 14, 2022, in Kyiv, Ukraine. Having reported from conflict zones like Syria and Afghanistan, Hall had hoped to step away from such dangers, especially with three young daughters at home. However, drawn to cover the Russian invasion of Ukraine, he volunteered to report from the front lines.

Tragically, Hall and his crew were caught in a Russian strike, leaving him gravely injured and stranded in Kyiv. His memoir, Saved, recounts not only his harrowing experience and dramatic rescue but also his ongoing recovery. Hall’s narrative extends beyond his personal ordeal, highlighting the collective effort of many across different countries who helped saving him.

Little Daymond Learns to Earn, by Daymond John (2023)

Meet Little Daymond and his friends, characters in a story crafted by bestselling author and Shark Tank star Daymond John, designed to spark children's interest in financial literacy. In the narrative, Daymond devises a small business plan to earn enough money to purchase a desired music poster.

This entrepreneurial kids journey not only brings his friends together, leveraging their individual talents, but also teaches fundamental financial concepts such as saving, spending, budgeting, and borrowing. Through this engaging tale, young readers are encouraged to understand and manage money, laying a foundation for future financial success.

2023 April

Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea (Dog Man #11), by Dav Pilkey (2023)

Dog Man, the globally beloved canine superhero from the #1 bestselling series by Dav Pilkey, returns in a new graphic novel, Dog Man: Twenty Thousand Fleas Under the Sea. This latest adventure features the villainous Piggy with his most evil plot yet, along with the emergence of new villains, challenging the Supa Buddies to save the city. The story is infused with themes of friendship and heroism, blending action and humor.

It includes a new song ‘Chomp-O-Rama,' a monstrous Mighty Mite, and more. Additionally, fans can explore more adventures in the Cat Kid Comic Club series and a new edition of ‘The Adventures of Captain Underpants' featuring a Dog Man comic.

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia MD (2023)

Dr. Peter Attia's longevity manual offers a fresh perspective on increasing lifespan and improving quality of life. Critiquing mainstream medicine's limited progress against aging-related diseases like heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, and type 2 diabetes, Attia advocates for a proactive, personalized approach to longevity, rather than relying on late-stage treatments.

This science-based strategy focuses on innovative nutritional interventions, exercise optimization, sleep techniques, and emotional and mental health tools. Dr. Attia emphasizes understanding long-term health and customizing plans for individuals, covering topics like the limitations of traditional cholesterol tests, an underdiagnosed liver condition, the importance of exercise as a pro-longevity tool, and the need to focus on nutritional biochemistry over diets.

He also highlights the critical role of emotional health in physical well-being. The book Outlive aims to empower readers to actively shape their aging process, outliving their genetic predispositions.

The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave (2021)

Before Owen Michaels vanishes, he leaves a cryptic message for his new wife, Hannah, urging her to protect someone. Hannah understands that Owen is referring to his teenage daughter, Bailey, who is still grappling with the loss of her mother and is resistant to her new stepmother. As Hannah's attempts to reach Owen fail, his boss is arrested for fraud, and the police begin to question her, prompting her to realize that Owen's identity and past are shrouded in mystery.

Bailey emerges as a crucial figure in uncovering Owen's true identity and the reasons behind his disappearance. As Hannah and Bailey collaborate to unravel Owen's past, they uncover startling truths that irrevocably alter their lives.

Happy Place, by Emily Henry (2023)

Harriet and Wyn, once considered an ideal couple, have secretly broken up six months ago but continue to portray themselves as together. They decide to maintain this facade during their annual holiday with close friends, fearing the heartbreak it might cause their friends to learn the truth.

This year holds particular significance as it's the last time they'll gather at the cottage, which is now for sale. The challenge they face is convincingly feigning their love in front of those who know them intimately.

2023 May

Taylor Swift: A Little Golden Book Biography, by Wendy Loggia (2023)

This children's Little Golden Book is about Taylor Swift, an immensely popular singer-songwriter known for her storytelling skills in both country and pop music.

It serves as an inspiring read for young children and their parents who are fans of Swift, making it a delightful family read-aloud experience.

2023 June

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom – The Complete Official Guide (2023)

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is an expansive game that immerses players in a world filled with diverse quests, intricate puzzles, formidable monsters, and captivating environments. In collaboration with Nintendo®, an exhaustive, official guide has been crafted to complement the richness of the game. This guide aims to assist players in fully exploring and enjoying every aspect of “The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom,” ensuring a thorough and rewarding gaming experience.

Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus (2022)

Elizabeth Zott, a chemist in the early 1960s, defies the norms of her time. Facing gender bias at Hastings Research Institute, she resigns and becomes the host of a cooking show, “Supper at Six.” Her unique, scientific approach to cooking, combined with insightful commentary, captivates the nation.

This leads to a transformative movement among housewives, who begin to challenge the status quo, inspired by Zott's example to make changes, one molecule at a time.

Why a Daughter Needs a Dad, by Gregory E. Lang (2019)

This picture book, ideal for children aged 3-7, beautifully captures the unique bond between fathers and daughters. It's an ideal gift to celebrate this special relationship.

The book features endearing animal illustrations and heartwarming rhymes that focus on the shared moments and experiences between a father and his daughter, making Why a Daughter Needs a Dad a touching story that strengthens the father-child connection.

2023 July

Unbroken Bonds of Battle, by Johnny Joey Jones (2023)

Unbroken Bonds of Battle goes beyond seeing military service as just a job. It shows how it becomes a way to find a close-knit community. Jones, who worked with veterans for over a decade and suffered a major injury in Afghanistan, shares stories of the deep friendships he and others formed in the military. These stories cover life's big issues, including loss and hobbies like hunting, told through unfiltered talks with heroes from all military branches.

The book is more than stories; it's a reminder of the sacrifices made for freedom, filled with real, personal tales and a collection of candid photos, making it a heartfelt tribute to military camaraderie.

Leigh Howard and the Ghosts of Simmons-Pierce Manor, by Shawn M. Warner (2023)

Leigh's life undergoes a drastic change when she becomes an orphan and moves in with affluent relatives previously unknown to her. Amidst the challenge of adapting to her new, opulent surroundings, Leigh grapples with persistent grief. Her quest for closure intensifies when the police hit a dead end in investigating her parents' murder. Determined to uncover the truth, Leigh, aided by new family, friends, and a uniquely troubled ghost, embarks on a perilous journey to solve the mystery and find peace.

Beyond the Story: 10-Year Record of BTS, by BTS (2023)

This book published in celebration of BTS’s 10th Anniversary, offers a comprehensive look into the iconic K-pop group’s journey since their debut on June 13, 2013. This official book presents unreleased photos, QR codes for exclusive videos, and detailed album information, capturing BTS's evolution into global artists.

Authored by Myeongseok Kang, who has extensively covered K-pop and Korean pop culture, the book chronicles BTS’s experiences through interviews and three years of in-depth coverage. It is structured into seven chronological chapters, from pre-debut to the present, and includes personal narratives, candid interviews conducted without cameras or makeup, and insights into BTS's musical journey.

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean Book 1), by Rebecca Yarros (2023)

In Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail, a 20-year-old originally destined for a life among books, is thrust into the perilous world of dragon riders by her commanding general mother. Despite her frail stature, Violet must navigate a cutthroat environment where cadets, desperate to bond with scarce dragons, view her as an easy target – either for her vulnerability or her mother's notoriety.

Survival hinges on her wit as she faces escalating external war threats, a failing kingdom's defenses, and a potentially devastating secret within the college leadership. In this treacherous setting, alliances shift, betrayal is common, and the only exits are graduation or death.

American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer, by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin (2005)

Authors Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin meticulously chronicle the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, emphasizing his significant contribution during the Cold War era.

The book is celebrated for its engaging narrative and thorough historical context, providing a captivating and informative exploration of Oppenheimer's career and impact on history.

Bird and Sherwin's narrative skillfully intertwines personal details with pivotal historical events, painting a vivid picture of Oppenheimer's complex character and his ethical dilemmas in the atomic age. Their work not only sheds light on his scientific achievements but also delves deep into the political and social intricacies of the time, offering readers a nuanced understanding of his legacy in shaping modern history.

2023 August

Tasting History: Explore the Past through 4,000 Years of Recipes, by Max Miller and Ann Volkwein (2023)

Max Miller's Tasting History with Max Miller channel, born during his Covid-19 furlough, has become a YouTube hit, blending culinary arts and historical storytelling. Miller revives historical dishes, often from ancient texts, adapting them for today's kitchens, and narrates the cultural and historical context of each.

His show spans diverse eras, from ancient Rome to medieval Europe, and showcases beloved global recipes. His book, “Tasting History,” features over sixty recipes with stunning photographs and historical art. It includes diverse dishes like Tuh’u, a 1740 BC beet stew, Globi, honeyed cheese balls, Soul Cakes from 1600, and a 1570 pumpkin cheesecake, illustrating a rich tapestry of historical cuisine.

2023 September

Things We Left Behind, by Lucy Score (2023)

Lucian Rollins, a driven mogul, is determined to obliterate his abusive father's legacy, dedicating himself to growing his empire for a sense of security. His path intersects with Sloane Walton, a spirited small-town librarian, linked by a shared dark secret and mutual distrust.

Their antagonistic interactions unexpectedly ignite a passionate connection, but their differing life goals—Sloane's desire for a family and Lucian's aversion to marriage and children—create a deadlock. This enemies-to-lovers dynamic reaches a turning point when Lucian realizes he can't leave Sloane, prompting him to at least ensure her safety.

Build the Life You Want, by Oprah Winfrey and Arthur C. Brooks (2023)

Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey guide readers on a journey to achieve greater happiness, regardless of life's challenges. They leverage cutting-edge science and their extensive experience in transforming ideas into action, emphasizing the importance of immediate self-improvement over waiting for external changes.

The book focuses on the significance of emotional self-management and recommends practical, research-backed strategies for strengthening the four pillars of happiness: family, friendship, work, and faith. Brooks and Winfrey share insights from their own lives and others who have found joy amidst adversity, underscoring that with these tools, individuals can actively shape their present and future rather than passively waiting for circumstances to change, offering a blueprint for a more fulfilling life.

Enough, by Cassidy Hutchinson (2023)

Cassidy Hutchinson's journey from a childhood aspiration to serve her country in government, despite coming from a working-class family with no Washington connections, led her to a significant role in the Trump White House. However, her life took a dramatic turn on January 6th, 2021, when she had to choose between loyalty to the Trump administration and loyalty to the nation, ultimately becoming a pivotal witness in the House January 6 investigations.

In her memoir, Hutchinson recounts her struggle between party loyalty and upholding her oath to defend American democracy, highlighting how her courage and determination changed the course of history. Enough is not just an insider political account but a story of personal growth and the impact of one person's bravery on a nation.

2023 October

The Woman in Me, by Britney Spears (2023)

This groundbreaking book by Britney Spears, written with notable candor and humor, details her incredible journey, highlighting the pivotal moment in June 2021 when her open court speech captivated the world, altering her life and influencing many others.

The book not only sheds light on Spears's strength as one of pop music's greatest performers but also emphasizes the power of music, love, and the significance of a woman narrating her story on her own terms.

2023 November

Iron Flame (The Empyrean Book 2)

Violet Sorrengail, having surpassed expectations by surviving her first year at Basgiath War College, faces increasingly perilous challenges. The initial year, known for its Threshing phase, was just a prelude to more intense and maliciously brutal training, designed to push the riders to their limits. Violet is not only grappling with the physically demanding regimen, but also with a new vice commandant who seeks to assert his dominance and force her into a vulnerable position, challenging her to betray her love.

Despite her physical frailty compared to others, Violet's sharp intellect and iron will remain her strengths. She recalls a crucial lesson from Basgiath. Dragon riders are not bound by conventional rules. However, her fierce determination and resilience, while commendable, might not suffice for the trials ahead.

Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, by Matthew Perry (2023)

This book stands as a poignant and enduring memoir by the late Matthew Perry. In it, he recounts his evolution from a young dreamer to a celebrated actor, alongside his battles with addiction and his journey towards recovery.

The book traces his early life, from his childhood split between parents in Montreal and Los Angeles, to his achievements as a teenage tennis prodigy in Canada, and eventually his rise to fame as a leading actor in the renowned TV show “Friends.”

Perry offers a deeply personal account of his challenging upbringing, the relentless pursuit of fame, and the emptiness that persisted despite his success. The memoir also covers his sobering path to recovery, his thoughts on the lasting impact of “Friends,” and his experiences with fellow cast members and celebrities. Marked by candor, self-awareness, and his characteristic humor, Perry's narrative provides an intimate glimpse into his life, offering insight and support to those facing similar struggles, and leaving a memorable legacy for his fans.

2023 December

Oath and Honor, by Liz Cheney (2023)

Oath and Honor is a compelling firsthand narrative by Liz Cheney, detailing the January 6th, 2021, insurrection in the US Capitol. It provides an inside look from Congress, tracing the event from its origins to the aftermath, highlighting Donald Trump and his allies' betrayal of the American people and the Constitution.

The book reveals how Trump and some Republican officials breached their constitutional oaths by disregarding court rulings, attempting to overturn the 2020 presidential election, and inciting a violent attack on the Capitol.

As a key Republican figure opposing these actions, Cheney not only witnessed the attack but also played a significant role in the Congressional Select Committee's investigation into the incident. Her account sheds light on the individuals who propagated the false narrative of a stolen election, those who defended the constitutional order, and the ongoing risks to American democracy.

Final Thoughts on the Best Amazon Books of 2023

As we close the chapter on this enlightening exploration of 2023's most coveted books, it's clear that the year has been a vibrant tapestry of diverse narratives and compelling storytelling. The books that topped Amazon's Best Sellers List are not just titles; they are reflections of the moments and emotions that resonated with readers throughout the year. They remind us that, despite our differences, there are stories that can unite us, challenge us, and take us on unforgettable journeys.

Check also our selection from the top New York Times Best Sellers last year.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post 30+ Books From The Top of Amazon’s Best Sellers List (2023) appeared first on Joelbooks.

Unemployed and penniless, Stephen Jones accepts an offer to move to London to work for his brother’s furniture restoration business. But when he arrives, he learns his brother, Peter, is dead, and he inherited the business, including all his brother’s assets. Determined to find answers, Stephen sets out to keep his Inheritance afloat and find his brother’s killer.

But the deeper he delves into Peter’s affairs, the more Stephen begins to unravel the web of lies covering the shady underside of the business and the truth of who his brother was. Torn between vengeance and protecting his new livelihood, With the help of his newfound love Tara, Stephen must learn to distinguish between friend and foe before he shares his brother’s fate.

Harmful Inheritance is a gripping mystery about the secrets hidden in shadows and the fine line one walks between vengeance and justice.

The e-book version of Harmful Inheritance can be downloaded for free from the homepage of the author's website!

Amazon Author's Website

Excerpt from Harmful Inheritance © Copyright 2023 John T Peters

CHAPTER ONE

Blue lights flashing and police tape obstructed my path to enter my brother Peter’s flat above his antique and furniture restoration business in West Hampstead, London. He had kindly rescued me from unemployment and offered me a job as his assistant.

I tried to gain entrance by the side door, but a sternlooking police constable stopped me. ‘You are not allowed to enter. There has been a shooting.’ He must have realised I was no casual spectator from my suitcase and immediately asked. ‘Who are you, and what do you want?’

I explained, flashing my passport. ‘I am Peter’s brother from South Africa. I am coming to stay with him.’

The constable asked me to wait while he reported to his senior officer. A somewhat friendlier man dressed in a plain suit came over and introduced himself. ‘I am Chief Inspector Metcalfe. I am sorry to inform you that someone murdered your brother last night. You better come in. Please be careful of the areas taped off. We are still doing a thorough search.’

I placed my suitcase in the spare bedroom. The whole apartment was in shambles, but there was no point in tidying up until the police had completed the forensic work. The intruder was looking for something. I wondered what it was and who would want to murder my brother; he was the kindest and friendliest person I knew. It must have been a burglary gone wrong.

I arrived earlier that day on Flight BA054 at Heathrow Airport, London. It was my first trip to England–to anywhere, for that matter. I felt exhausted and needed a shave. My battery razor was on the brink.

After leaving the plane, my first stop was immigration. Thanks to my father, who comes from Llansteffan in Wales, I had a British passport and did not have to join the queue for foreign travellers.

Next was customs clearance. I had a single suitcase and walked through the green exit as I had nothing to declare.

I lost my job with Telkom in South Africa at thirty. They laid off twenty per cent of the workforce.

Finding decent work was nearly impossible for white South Africans due to a new policy aimed at rectifying past apartheid wrongs called Black Economic Empowerment.

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post Harmful Inheritance by John T Peters appeared first on Joelbooks.

Following the events set seven years after a horrific car crash that forever changed the lives of two men. Keith lost his wife in the tragic accident and was put into a coma. The other man Jackson was sent to prison for gross vehicular manslaughter and has been haunted by the accident ever since.

Fresh out of his coma Keith decides to take revenge on the man who started it all, Jackson. Jackson who is already struggling with returning to his everyday life must now face the sins of his past. Will Keith show Jackson mercy? Or will vengeance consume Keith?

Joel Stafford

My profession is online marketing and development (10+ years experience), check my latest mobile app called Upcoming or my Chrome extensions for ChatGPT. But my real passion is reading books both fiction and non-fiction. I have several favorite authors like James Redfield or Daniel Keyes. If I read a book I always want to find the best part of it, every book has its unique value.

medium.com/@joelbooks

The post The Life Wrecker by Levi Kent appeared first on Joelbooks.