Reviews in Brief

A fascinating, if niche, memoir, The Last Leadholders: Quest for Fulfillment by Richard Deatherage shows how much one must adapt in an ever-changing world, especially to the quick pace of technology. Starting in his ungrounded childhood, Deatherage’s book is as much a portrait of the country and history, as he navigates the reader through the turbulent 60s with his father deployed in Vietnam, and across the US, as his family struggles to find a place called home. While perhaps a bit too detailed for readers who might not know Deatherage personally, his insights into his storied life are recognizable and relatable, oftentimes imbued with humor, but also with an endearing, poignant pathos about life’s frequent ups and downs.

A gripping high-stakes adventure on the sea, Bravely and Faithfully by Edward M. Hochsmann recounts the missions of the Cutter Kauai – a Coast Guard boat with a penchant for tackling unique operations with heroic teamwork. Lieutenant Haley Reardon assumes command of the tight-knit Kauai crew just in time for an incredibly dangerous assignment: apprehending a syndicate leader from a Chinese-controlled Haitian island. Hochsmann’s dynamic cast, energetic prose, and tense plot – showcasing everything from perilous hurricane rescues to the liberation of human trafficking victims – make this novel an enjoyable must-read for fans of character-driven military fiction.

Endless royal intrigue, the uprising of an oppressed people, and a young warrior determined to step out from his father’s shadow make A Sun Going Down by A.C. Aerie a powerful and provocative read. A foiled assassination attempt leads the would-be victim on a quest across the sea to carry out his own murderous mission, but the journey opens his eyes to much harder truths about his own future kingdom, and the deeds carried out in its name. Boasting a rich cast of well-developed characters and a patient storytelling style, this plot transcends the classic road journey premise for a fantasy novel. Exploring everything from the psychological impact of war to identity-shaking doubts about nationalism and familial loyalty, this well-crafted novel has an impressive thematic and symbolic foundation.

A punchline-packed thriller that gives readers the ending before unpacking the past, Deadly Serious by A.J. Thibault is a cleverly crafted novel that unravels with slippery ease. A witty and unlikely comedian-turned-sleuth is tossed into the midst of a murderous hunt decades in the making, upending everything he knew about his family, his future, and the secrets often hidden within madness. Channeling the gritty pace of Elmore Leonard, along with a healthy Brett Easton Ellis mood to the prose, the dialogue crackles, the jokes land often, and the spontaneous bursts of action offer a well-balanced, original, and hugely entertaining thriller.

A series of snapshot vignettes that weave into an immersive “novelloir,” Dinosaurs & Snow Angels by Mary Taylor is a non-traditional story of the watershed moments that mark every family and life. Capturing nuanced identities in a single turn of phrase or offhand comment, and pulling readers into the intimate scenes that define a young girl’s perspective, this book is a visceral ode to childhood, sisterhood, and the silent struggles of youth. Easing readers in with a conversational narration, the author also delivers striking strings of language throughout this unique and revealing read.

An homage to fatherhood, history, and America’s beloved pastime, Shadows of Swayne Field by Ronald R. Harrington is a masterful journey of memory and a nostalgic adventure into the past. Family secrets and paternal legacies give this book a looming sense of mystery, while Harrington’s patient storytelling and creativity will appeal to readers of all genres, whether they’re sports fans or not. While there are some editing errors and occasionally heavy-handed passages of exposition, the narration is charming and the characters are relatable. Ultimately, this book is a love story to baseball, a celebration of forgotten history, and a narrative bridge to a critical crossroads in America. For fans of historical fiction, sports legends, or touching tales of grandfathers and grandsons, this heartfelt novel is poignant and well-told.