Books Worth Reading

STRADDLES SLICE-OF-LIFE FABULISM AND COZY MYSTERY!

Satellite Street, by Eleanor Lerman, is a contemporary novel that straddles slice-oflife fabulism and cozy mystery. Paul Marden grapples with a sudden and devastating illness, and a slow recovery from transitional surgery. Meanwhile, Lelee––a trans woman whose genderaffirming surgery is hindered by a heart murmur––can speak to the dead, although, she is skeptical of these experiences. Satellite Street revolves around Paul's relationship with Lelee, and his father––an elderly nursing home patient––and the storm-ravaged coastal town they call home. Had I not known that the author grew up on the very beaches and streets set in her book, the careful and intimate descriptions make her familiarity quite apparent. The characters share this faint yet pervasive discontent and melancholy. Lelee is nuanced and compelling––by far, the most intriguing character. Paul's chronic pain is well written. However, I found his conversations regarding Lelee's identity and ultimate apologies a bit too-little-toolate. A thoughtful tale of justice from beyond the grave and unlikely friendships. An enjoyable read.

~Kyle Magnus, TopShelf Reviews

EDGE OF YOUR SEAT, FAST PACED THRILLER

Man on Edge, written by Humphrey Hawksley, is a fast-paced thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The suspense and cliffhangers are perfect, creating impeccable dynamics in the boom. There is a first book in the series however, Hawksley does an incredible job of detailing throughout the storyline when necessary so the reader doesn’t feel like they are missing important background information. It was very well written, the plot was solid, the characters were likable and the attention to detail was great.The characters, the climax and overall storyline was well written. I recommend this book to anyone who loves thrillers. It has a little bit of everything; spies, military, backstabbing, betrayal, love, corrupt government, action and more.

~Bobby Jo Calder, TopShelf Review

A MASTERFULLY WRITTEN THRILLER

An incredibly competent, likable, yet flawed character, and an intricate engulfing plot that is easy to understand: what's not to like? Otho Eskin has produced a tense and entertaining thriller. Like any excellent crime novel, persona plays a considerable role in the success of this story, and Marko Zom is mere brilliance. He doesn't care who he upsets in his need to find a killer. Zorn is a detective for the Washington DC Metropolitan Police and, his current investigation is proving to be quite challenging, frustrating, and extremely dangerous. But Zorn has extravagant tastes that a police department paycheck alone could never fulfill. So he supplements with income that doesn't always fall in step with his job. Otho Eskin's The Reflecting Pool does NOT disappoint, almost propelling the pages forward as you tirelessly read through the night. A masterfully written thriller.

~Bobby Jo Calder, TopShelf Review

www.TopShelfMagazine.net TOPShelf AUGUST2020