Chanticleer Book Reviews

Tag: Crime Thrillers

INCARNATE: The Third Entity by Russell Marcum Jr. – Crime Thrillers, Christian Fiction, Philosophical

Incarnate: The Third Entity by Russell Marcum Jr. merges the suspense of a crime thriller with the weighty themes of Christian theology. This crafts a unique narrative that explores second-chances, faith, and divine purpose.

The story follows Jake McCallum, a deputy sheriff from Western Virginia whose life unravels after a series of devastating blows. Wrongfully charged with a false and trumped up accusation of mail fraud then abandoned by his closest friends, Jake faces the loss of his career, his fiancée, and his freedom. At rock bottom in prison, while waiting for death, Jake experiences a profound spiritual awakening. This reversal is galvanized by Eli, a chaplain whose faith and guidance inspire Jake to embrace Christianity. Beyond that, Jake redefines his life in pursuit of a divine quest to find and protect the incarnate Holy Ghost, a child prophesied to bring salvation to the world.

Marcum Jr.’s novel stands out for its bold concept.

Jake’s transformation from a broken man to a determined protector echoes biblical trials like those faced in the story of Job. His character arc solidifies as he navigates spiritual challenges and physical dangers. The stakes are immense, with plot lines involving corrupt officials, assassination attempts, and Jake’s ultimate hope and search for a divine sign. The novel’s combination of a modern-day thriller coupled with theological explorations creates an ambitious narrative. Readers who resonate with the book’s Christian themes will likely find the message deeply affirming.

Fans of spiritual fiction will appreciate the philosophical depth of Incarnate: The Third Entity.

The novel asks big questions about faith, redemption, and the presence of God in everyday life. Jake’s quest to protect a young boy that he believes to be the incarnate Holy Ghost provides a fresh take on Christian storytelling, blending the tension of a thriller with the reflective tone of a morality tale. Those intrigued by stories of spiritual awakening intertwined with suspense will find much to enjoy here.

Ultimately, Incarnate: The Third Entity is a thought-provoking story with an impressive conceptual foundation.

For readers drawn to the overlap of spiritual discovery and suspense, Russell Marcum Jr’s novel delivers a unique journey of redemption, sacrifice, and divine purpose. This is a story for those ready to reflect on the complexities of faith and fate while enjoying the twists and turns of a high-stakes thriller.

For readers seeking a novel that weaves high-stakes action with deep spiritual reflection, this story offers an intriguing and thought-provoking journey.

February 12, 2025
DOUBLE TAKEDOWN, (Mike Stoneman Thriller Series #6) by Kevin G. Chapman – Thriller/Suspense Fiction, Police Procedural, Crime Thrillers

In Double Takedown, book six in the Mike Stoneman series by Kevin G. Chapman, we follow two NY homicide detectives as they unravel a murder at a theater in an intricate dance of high-stakes suspense.

Two years after the pandemic shut down the world, NY homicide detectives Mike Stoneman and his partner Jason Dickson are at a charity ballet for an evening out with their wives. When an audience member suddenly dies during the performance, they soon realize they are spectators to a murder.

At first nothing looks suspicious about the death of Alex Bishop, lead actor in a moribund Broadway show, Godfather: The Musical. But with the cause of death uncertain, questions begin to swirl. Mike and Jason pick up the case to find out exactly what caused this mysterious death. The show’s director/producer had a motive and opportunity, and when the detectives find incriminating evidence on his personal laptop, the case is quickly closed. Or is it?

From the first page, readers are pulled into this police procedural that doesn’t let up until the very last page.

What seems to be a cut and dried medical case is scheduled for trial a year later, but when Mike and Jason are approached by a private investigator named Sterling Wright, they find the third act is just beginning. The case hits major snags, and Mike and Jason investigate Sterling’s accusations with private surveillance. The two partners begin with a list of people close to Alex, unraveling a complicated choreography of deceit and lies in which the dead man’s supposed friends tell a different story behind the scenes. As they dig deeper into Alex’s life, the detectives uncover connections that stretch throughout the boroughs of New York, turning this local case into a mystery that at first looks like an open and shut case, but takes a drastic turn to something more sinister.

Double Takedown is a fascinating and involved police procedural that guides readers expertly through the investigative process.

This stand-alone mystery will keep readers on their toes! Lovers of thrillers, suspense, and mysteries won’t miss a step if they dive into Double Takedown before reading the earlier books in the series. Chapman intricately weaves all the necessary details of his characters into the plot and subplot to present a complex tale of a police investigation his readers will relish. The pacing flows gracefully, keeping readers’ attention focused page after page. Other suspects emerge from the wings, presenting a stage full of interesting characters that provide nuance and balance to the story, and you’ll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat whenever Mike and Jason drill down on a possible suspect.

Chapman masterfully blends meticulous police work with high stakes suspense, delivering a richly layered narrative that will keep crime thriller fans guessing at every turn. With an intricate plot and memorable characters, Double Takedown stands out as a must-read for those who crave the perfect mix of action and intrigue.

October 16, 2024
THE MASK Of MIDNIGHT by Laurie Stevens – Psychological Thriller, Serial Killer Thriller, Suspense

The Mask of Midnight by Laurie Stevens centers on a game of cat and mouse, made sinister and horrifying by the intricate plots of a murderer.

When L.A. Police Detective Gabriel McRay arrests serial killer Victor Archwood, known as the Malibu Canyon Murderer, he has no idea that the killer has some serious vengeful plans directly involving him. Archwood is a most clever, resourceful “mouse” who confounds McRay, the Los Angeles Police department, the L.A. district attorney, and an entire jury through skillful lawyering and a commanding interpretation of the evidence. Despite what appears to be an airtight case against a mass murderer, a jury finds him not guilty.

Not only does he win his freedom, but he also becomes a popular figure in Hollywood and earns big-time money from selling his story. But that’s only the beginning of his new life. No small part of his plans for the future rest on wreaking vengeance on Gabriel McRay; this vengeance becomes this novel’s cruel, almost unspeakable heart.

The history between McRay and Archwood is central to the story.

McRay was a babysitter for Archwood when they were both children. We learn that McRay suffers from multiple emotional issues traced to sexual abuse from an older man in his past. Archwood, similarly abused as a child, believes that McRay was the perpetrator. The complex relationship between the two takes center stage as Archwood takes his revenge on McRay. Readers should be prepared for some stomach-churning graphic descriptions of how Archwood satisfies his need to punish McRay for his alleged crimes against him.

The cruelty of the abuse they suffered works its way into their lives as they become adults. In many cases, no aspect of their lives can be safe from the trauma of it. This commitment to making readers understand these issues’ complexity strengthens the book and makes it a challenging read. Ultimately, the question about this book comes down to whether the reader is up to its strong content.

The answer should be “yes.”

It’s quite a tale, well told, and holds readers to the last page. It’s also a fearless exploration of the state of American masculinity, raising some profound questions about the myths that male children grow up with and how those assumptions affect them as they reach manhood.

The Mask of Midnight is the third in a series with Gabriel McRay as its central figure. There are altogether four books, but this story stands on its own and does not require reading the previous books in the series.

The Mask of Midnight by Laurie Stevens won First Place in the 2015 CIBA Clue awards for Suspense and Thriller Fiction.

August 18, 2022
FATAL INFRACTION (Mike Stoneman Thriller Series #4) by Kevin G. Chapman – Thriller/Suspense Fiction, Police Procedural, Crime Thrillers

Football, love, racism, and murder are the subjects of interest Kevin G. Chapman uses in his latest crime novel, Fatal Infraction.

Racial tension, throwing the game, and a love triangle all play a part in why the team’s controversial quarterback, Jimmy Rydell is dead. NYPD homicide detective Mike Stoneman and his partner, Jason Dickson, put their personal lives on hold after Rydell’s body turns up frozen in New York City’s Central Park. Who hated Jimmy enough to end his life? Readers soon find out what made the quarterback a possible target.

The brutal way Jimmy dies drives the cops to chase any lead on every turn of the page with little evidence to go on. Waiting for the body to thaw leaves time for the cops and detectives of the NYPD to question all involved, including team members, girlfriends, Jimmy’s agent, and friends.

How many times does a first-round draft pick end up dead in a metropolis like New York City?

As the community becomes more agitated due to racial tension, the news reporters hound the players and people of interest to get the best insight and first story – the details of the murder. The sports reporters play the game, too, but they have an in with the players’ lives that the other reporters and the cops do not. Through myriad lies and deceptions, one truth becomes clear – someone is hiding something, and the cops and detectives know it.

When the detectives uncover the murder of a possible witness and friend of Jimmy, the plot thickens. Can the detectives save a life while also solving the murder? That’s a question readers will find out for themselves.

In the midst of the murder investigation, Jason and Mike face their own challenges that deepen each character’s growth and carry the series forward. Those subplots and several others weave a tapestry of topical social issues into the murder mystery. Although Fatal Infraction is the fourth book in the Mike Stoneman series, it stands on its own as a strong, relevant who-dun-it that will undoubtedly lead new readers to the first book in the series.

Chapman’s style of storytelling and his extraordinary attention to detail in this present-day crime novel leaves no topic unturned before the murder of famous quarterback Jimmy Rydell is put to rest. The dialogue and prose of this intense crime novel resonate with authenticity and a style all its own. In short, Fatal Infraction will capture readers’ attention from the beginning to the end – with no timeouts.

June 8, 2021
The CROCODILE MAKES NO SOUND (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 2) by N. L. Holmes – Political Fiction, Crime Thrillers, Ancient Egyptian Political Thriller

Danger surfaces like a crocodile, sudden, unavoidable, and with deadly consequences in N.L. Holmes’ latest novel, The Crocodile Makes No Sound.

Politics now touch the lives of Lord Hani’s cherished family members, dear friends, and, ultimately, the society of this fragile Egyptian New Kingdom. But it’s Lord Hani’s diplomatic skills that hang in the balance and are put to the test.

Trusted allies are few and hard to recognize. The winds of change sometimes blow apart past loyalties, or so it may appear. Hani must rely on his wits and ingenuity, but will that be enough?

Hani’s beloved hometown of Waset has eerily emptied as much of the population has migrated to the highly acclaimed sparkling new capital. With his conflicting beliefs, Hani attempts to keep a low profile with his new government and urges his family to do the same for their own safety.

These are perilous times. But when his brother-in-law goes missing after being interrogated, the family fears he’s dead. In a move that Hani sees as suspicious, the king orders him to host a delegation at his home until the king can prepare to receive them. Are Hani and his family under increased scrutiny?

Under this cloud, Hani is summoned to the Beloved Royal Wife at the new capital, who entrusts him with her dark secret and pleads for his help. She is being blackmailed, and the clock is ticking before her fears will be realized. Hani is cautious, knowing he must not take any action that could stir the king’s ire. Yet he can see not only the danger to this young princess but also the broader implications to the new society if these revelations surface. He is compelled to investigate. When his suspect turns up murdered, Hani plunges deeper into a dark and menacing scheme.

Fun and memorable characters highlight the artful books by this author. While Hani probes the politics, he’s also surrounded by fascinating adventures driven by others. His daughter studies with a curious doctor in the capital. The trials and tribulations of her internship are, at times, concerning. Hani’s son follows in his father’s footsteps as a scribe, but discontent with his work suggests he may pursue a new life goal, but is that a wise decision? Beloved and trusted assistant Maya, and Hani’s daughter are newlyweds adjusting to married life and their dreams together. And longtime friend Ptah-mes and his wife struggle to choose sides in this politically charged time. They each work to decide what it is they truly believe.

N.L. Holmes blends extensive knowledge of this period in ancient Egypt and vivid imagination into a page-turning mystery spicy enough to capture any mystery and historical fiction lovers’ attention. Here we have an author who understands human nature and how that drives motives and actions to create an extraordinary story.

The captivating plot is punctuated with Hani’s delightful and insightful aphorisms. The Crocodile Makes No Sound, and there’s nowhere to hide.

October 15, 2020