Play Dead by M. Boudreaux is a quick, compelling read with a strong premise and plenty of suspense. I was immediately drawn back into the Southern embrace of North Carolina (my home state), where the story unfolds. As a fan of psychological thrillers, I appreciated the tense atmosphere. Some may argue this book leans into horror, but I consider it a thriller—though that’s a debate for another time. There are no supernatural elements here, just ...
Book Review: Cult Leaders by Al Cimino | A Critical Look at History and Oversimplification
Cult Leaders by Al Cimino is a fairly quick read that gives a brief overview of a dozen or more cults. When I picked up this book, I was hoping for more insight into the psychology behind cult leaders and what was going on in their minds, rather than just a brief overview of each group. The book is organized by types of cults rather than chronologically, which sometimes made me feel like I was bouncing back and forth, especially when certain ...
Book Review: The Warren Legacy by Chris McKinnell | When the Afterlife Needs an Editor
Let’s talk about The Warren Legacy: What the Paranormal Reveals about Consciousness and Reality by Chris McKinnell. Reading it honestly reminded me of that meme with the little kid desperately trying to explain a dream. You know the one: “Have you ever had a dream that you, um, you had, your, you- you could, you’ll do, you- you wants…” And it just keeps going until you’re sitting there thinking, Buddy, I have absolutely no idea where ...
Book Review: Prophet’s Prey by Sam Brower | Justice, Ego, and the Victims Left Behind
I will not start this review with, "I don't know where to start." I repeat, I will not start this review with, "I don't know where to start." So let's start with Prophet's Prey by Sam Brower. For those unfamiliar with the story, it chronicles the pursuit of Warren Jeffs, leader of the FLDS church, and the years-long effort to bring him to justice. On paper, this should have been exactly the kind of book I would devour. High-control religion? ...
Book Review: The Dead Girls Book Club by Zia Rayyan | When Book Clubs Go Off the Rails
The Dead Girls Book Club by Zia Rayyan… oh. emm. gee. I have words, unfortunately, and none of them are particularly kind. I wanted to love this book. The premise had me fully hooked. Secretive women? A creepy book club? Murder? Sign me up immediately. But the execution? Whew. This thing was choppier than an episode of Hell’s Kitchen during dinner service. The perspective bounced around so much I started feeling like a literary ping-pong ball. ...
