This collection of poems by Ron Raye in The Mole Vol. XIV: In the Olive Grove (Book II) presents a poignant exploration of the 1948 tragedy in Daer Yassin, Palestine, through the perspective of Abdullah, a survivor. The narrative delves deeply into the harrowing experience of war, effectively illustrating the destruction of homes and the irrevocable loss of entire generations. Raye’s portrayal of the soldiers is stark, highlighting their lack of empathy amidst the chaos. Further, the poems offer a glimpse into Abdullah’s personal agony, underscoring his profound loss of family and friends. T ..read more

In That Magic Mischief, by Susanna Allen, readers are treated to a delightful blend of romance, humor, and a touch of the mystical. The novel centers around Annabelle, an amateur witch grappling with the upheavals of life — a sudden breakup and joblessness. Her encounter with a mysterious witch leads her to acquire a hazelnut-turned-Pooka, a shape-shifting creature from Celtic mythology tasked with helping their human find love. The story weaves its charm as Annabelle’s life becomes a whirlwind of new job opportunities and unintentional run-ins with a talented Irish artist, the antithesis of ..read more

Ron Kemper Author Interview A Coincidental Life follows the lives of two friends from Brooklyn who are reunited years later in San Francisco in a chance encounter. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story? To say that it came to me in a dream would be a stretch of literary license. However, I did awake one night and vividly recall a bus stop meeting in San Francisco that did occur 47 years ago. I then began recalling other coincidental events that have occurred over my long lifetime. That led me to embellish and ultimately create events/situations that could/should/might have occur ..read more

Shaun Goldsmith Author Interview The Spire follows a New York City detective who is put on a high-profile case when four people are found murdered in a luxury penthouse. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story? The idea stems from the classic Agatha Christie mystery, “And Then There Were None.” The key difference being the setting – not an island but instead, a luxury skyscraper. The idea of a group of strangers being murdered, one by one. However, the concept evolved to more of a howcatchem as opposed to a whodunit. As well, the novel draws from the Jeffrey Epstein case, and is a ..read more

Owen F. Neils’ Burchfield’s Corner of Ohio vividly portrays the landscape and times of Salem and Northeast Ohio between 1898 and 1921, the formative years for artist Charles E. Burchfield. The book beautifully traces the journey of Burchfield, born in 1893 in Ashtabula Harbor, Ohio, through his childhood, artistic development, and his enduring connection with Salem, Ohio. A critical turn of events in his early life led to this bond with Salem, where he later pursued his artistic career, married, and refined his skills at the Cleveland School of Art. Neils’ narrative is enriched by insights i ..read more

In Blessed Are the Peacemakers, Russell M. Chace delivers an engaging tale that intertwines redemption, courage, and the intricacies of life on the American frontier. Set against the raw backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness, the novel brings to life an era marked by steamboats and gold rushes, populated by characters as rugged as the landscape itself. Chace employs an evocative writing style that effectively transports readers to the harsh yet vibrant world of lawless territories. The book opens with heart-pounding action and eases into the reflective challenges Coy Tucker, the protagonist, fa ..read more

In The Hook, set against the evocative backdrop of the 1970s, author James Pack takes readers on a thrilling journey through the unsettling murders plaguing the town of Hallowell. The novel’s distinctive feature is the mysterious presence of bullfrogs at each crime scene, lending a uniquely eerie quality to the already perplexing homicides. This detail, combined with the arrival of new residents, weaves an engaging narrative tapestry that keeps readers thoroughly absorbed. Central to the story is Earnest, a Navy retiree seeking a peaceful life with his family. His world is upended when his w ..read more

In The Journal of Aaron McClare by George Lyttle, readers are introduced to American Congressman Craig Bentley and his wife, Lorna, as they settle the estate of Craig’s late stepfather in Ireland. During their visit, Craig stumbles upon a book—an old journal belonging to his stepfather, Aaron McClare. This journal, brimming with the chronicles of a life once lived, captivates Craig and becomes the focal point of the narrative. The story unfolds as Aaron describes his humble beginnings in Ireland, where he trained as a blacksmith. Facing economic hardship, he, along with his wife and a young ..read more

As a retired Army officer and an accomplished educator, Dr. Elliott Q. Gomez (Dr. G) brings his extensive military experience and academic expertise to this book, offering invaluable insights into leading with purpose and passion. Dr. G personifies effective leadership. In this work, he divulges the ten most impactful practices that propelled his leadership abilities to remarkable heights. This book is an exhaustive guide, empowering readers to enhance their leadership skills. Dr. G’s journey, spanning from his military enlistment to his current role as a professor of leadership and managemen ..read more

Once Upon a Crime by Alan Brenham dives into the complex world of vigilante justice, illuminating the perils of taking the law into one’s own hands. The narrative centers on Madison Chase, a detective entangled not only in a harrowing hunt for a serial killer targeting sexual predators of children but also in a personal custody battle, adding layers to the already intricate plot. The story unfolds with Madison chasing a serial killer known from the outset as Penny Grimes. This unconventional approach of revealing the killer’s identity early in the story intriguingly shifts the focus from the ..read more