Review: Whisper in Phantom Hollow (The Midnight Society #4) by Orion Blake

Whisper in Phantom Hollow

The Midnight Society #4

by Orion Blake

Published: September 1, 2025

Genre: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Short Reads, Teen, Young Adult, Ghost

Blurb:

In the heart-pounding fourth installment of the Midnight Society series, the young heroes find themselves confronted by an unsettling new reality as strange occurrences and paranormal attacks plague the town of Crescent Hollow. As the team delves deeper into the mystery, they uncover a chilling truth: the ghost of their old enemy, Sultah, has returned, gathering the forces of the town's recently deceased in a sinister parallel dimension known as Phantom Hollow.

With the help of their loyal and surprisingly powerful Golden Retriever, Whisp, Tyler, Maya, Alex, Olivia, and Connor must navigate the eerie landscape of Phantom Hollow while protecting their families and the town from an onslaught of supernatural assaults. As they race against time to unravel the secrets of this ghostly realm, the Midnight Society must harness their extraordinary abilities and the unbreakable bonds of their friendship to confront Sultah's malevolent agenda. Amidst the chaos, a budding romance adds an unexpected layer of complexity to the team's dynamics.

Brace yourself for a thrilling and emotional journey that will test the limits of the Midnight Society's courage and resolve. As they face their most daunting challenge yet, the team must cope with an unimaginable sacrifice when Sultah's power reaches a terrifying tipping point. Don't miss this epic chapter in the Midnight Society's saga—the fate of Crescent Hollow hangs in the balance, and the choices they make will have far-reaching consequences for the team and the town they hold dear.

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

Tyler, Conner, Alex, Maya, Olivia, and Tyler’s golden retriever, Whisp, are back in another captivating and enchanting story where they battle ghosts. Spirits are causing unrest in the neighborhood.

The ghost of an old enemy, Sultan, has returned, causing distress for the Midnight Society team. Between Sultan and the spirits, the team faces great turmoil as they try to do everything in their power to save the people and the town.

Whisper in Phantom Hollow captured my attention from the first page and kept it until the last, with all its many twists and turns. I loved seeing the Midnight Society team utilize their special abilities, work together, stand up for one another, and rely on the whole team to make everything turn out right.

The world-building was done extremely well. The descriptions were so vivid that I had no trouble visualizing everything as if I were watching a movie or TV show. And speaking of, I would love to see The Midnight Society adapted into a TV show or movie.

I highly recommend Whisper in Phantom Hollow to all paranormal fans! Grab a copy today and join the team on their ghost hunt!

Check out all the books in The Midnight Society series I’ve read.

Alien Awakening #1

Goodreads

Amazon

Guardians of the Cosmic Rift #2

Goodreads

Amazon

Rise of the Skinwalkers #3

Goodreads

Amazon

Whisper in Phantom Hollow #4

Goodreads

Amazon

Connect with Orion Blake

Goodreads ~ Amazon

 

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Review: Dangerous World (EMP Aftermath #3) by Grace Hamilton

Dangerous World

EMP Aftermath #3

by Grace Hamilton

Published: September 14, 2022

Genre: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Post-Apocalyptic

Blurb:

You don’t survive the apocalypse without making a few enemies…

Laurel has found a safe haven at Lone Oak Hospital. But her loved ones are still back at South Minneha, and her mother desperately needs her. Winter has blanketed the city in impenetrable layers of snow making any chance of returning to her hospital on foot almost impossible. Then disaster strikes Lone Oak Hospital and, in order to survive, Laurel must venture out into the harsh Minnesota winter, and risk everything in a world gone dark and cold.

Meanwhile, Bear has reached South Minneha, only to find Laurel gone. As the temperature plummets, he struggles to keep the other survivors from freezing to death in the brutal cold. And when the blizzard finally lets up, he faces a difficult choice: leave now to search for Laurel, or risk being snowed in until spring.

The Minnesota winters are deadly, but they’re not the worst thing out there. Laurel and Bear have made enemies… Savage foes, who hunt them even as they search for each other. And they’re slowly closing in.

A new storm is coming. And Bear and Laurel must unite if they are to have any hope of survival.

Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

 

My Review:

Laurel, Arlo, and Liam arrived safely at Lone Oak Hospital, where they found the medication Liam needed to survive. Then winter set in with heavy snow. Laurel, Arlo, and Liam have to stay at the hospital until the snow eases up enough for them to return to Minneha Hospital.

A woman and her husband come to Lone Oak asking for help; her husband is very sick, and if they stay out in the cold, they will die. Laurel goes against the new rules that hospital staff voted on and lets the couple inside. It turns out that the husband has something more dangerous than the flu. After he dies and the illness begins to spread, Laurel, Liam, and Arlo set out for Minneha Hospital, where Laurel works.

When they return to Minneha Hospital, Laurel wants to go find her husband, Bear. She doesn’t think he knows about the EMP because he lives off the grid. Meanwhile, Bear is making his way to her. Their journeys are long, hard, cold, slow, and dangerous as they navigate through the snow.

Bear picks up a stalker he met leaving the hospital— a woman determined to get revenge for the death of her boyfriend. She follows Bear without his or his loyal dog Jessamine’s knowledge.

Dangerous World grabbed my attention from the very first page and kept it long after I finished reading. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough, as I love reading the EMP Aftermath books or any end-of-the-world stories like this one. I just can’t get enough of them. The more I read, the more I want because they are so captivating.

The world-building is incredibly well done. The descriptions are so vivid that I had no trouble visualizing everything as if I were watching a movie. Speaking of which, I would love to see Dangerous World — and all the books in the EMP Aftermath series — adapted into a movie, or even better, a TV show.

I highly recommend Dangerous World to all fans of end-of-the-world stories! Grab your copy today!

Check out all the books in the EMP Aftermath Series I’ve read.

Broken World #1

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Chaotic World #2

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Dangerous World #3

Goodreads

Amazon

BookBub

Connect with Grace Hamilton

Website ~ Facebook ~ Goodreads ~ Amazon ~ BookBub

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Review: Murder at Cresswell Castle (Agnes Eady Cozy Mystery #2) by Tessa Parks

Murder at Cresswell Castle

Agnes Eady Cozy Mystery #2

by Tessa Parks

Published: September 1, 2025

Publisher: Three Brothers Press

Genre: Cozy Murder Mystery, Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Cozy Mystery, Amateur Sleuth

Blurb:

A seaside castle, a body below the cliffs, and a village harboring many secrets.

Surprising events bring Agnes Eady and her mischievous cat, Blighter, across the pond to the cozy Shetland Islands.

But within hours of settling in, she stumbles across a dying man.

Chief Inspector Ian Mullen is skeptical of foul play.

That’s his first mistake.

The second? Underestimating Agnes.

Every quirky villager seems to have a motive, but Agnes knows a blind alley when she sees one.

As she navigates a web of lies and alibis, Agnes learns to trust Blighter’s keen instincts.

But someone’s watching her every move.

Will she be silenced for good?

As tensions rise, lines between friend and foe blur, leaving Agnes fighting for her life – and the truth.

Reviews are pouring in for the first in this series, A Murder on Mulberry Street

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent & Captivating  "From the moment I started it, I couldn't put it down. It has all the qualities I look for in a good read! I'm checking out her other books now."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Know your neighbors  "Couldn't put this one down ... well written and great story line."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This Mystery Has Many Twists "With so many twists and turns, we go on the roller coaster ride ... a fast, fun beginning of a new series that I really am looking forward to."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Wonderful Cozy Mystery  "I am looking forward to reading more books in this series. Agnes is a bright, inquisitive lady who keeps my attention throughout the story."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  A Murder on Mulberry Street "What a good book. I hope there are more books in this series. The story was really good. You will enjoy reading it."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Murder on Mulberry Street  "This was delightful ... full of possible suspects ... kept me turning pages and guessing and guessing ... A great mystery ... wonderful teaser for the next book."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐  Interesting and engaging"There are quite a few suspects and many, many clues. This is a fun cozy mystery with humor, and intelligence."

Goodreads ~ Amazon

My Review:

The Agnes Eady Cozy Mystery series by Tessa Parks continues strongly with Murder at Cresswell Castle. The story begins with unexpected twists and turns that keep the pages turning quickly. All the surprises that keep the story engaging immediately captivated me.

After inheriting a castle, Agnes Eady takes a walk along the cliffs with her cat, Blighter. Below, they see Owen, a man who has fallen off the cliffs. Unfortunately, Owen doesn't survive long after Agnes rushes to help him. Agnes does her best to save him.

Chief Inspector Ian Mullen claims that many people wouldn’t care about Owen's death. They might even celebrate his passing with a beer.

Being the person she is, Agnes starts investigating Owen's death and quickly finds that Ian was telling the truth, as many have hidden motives. Naturally, Agnes ignores Ian's warning to stay out of his investigation.

Someone is trying to stop Agnes from uncovering the truth, so the more she investigates, the more danger she faces.

Because it’s so engaging, Murder at Cresswell Castle is a fast-paced book that I couldn’t put down. I kept turning the pages quickly, eager to solve the mystery. As Agnes uncovers more clues, she realizes the danger is closer than she thought. Each new discovery not only brings her nearer to the truth but also increases the stakes, forcing her to face the shadows lurking in Cresswell Castle.

I can’t wait to read the next book in the Agnes Eady Cozy Mystery series.

I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Murder at Cresswell Castle today!

Check out all the books in the Agnes Eady Cozy Mystery series I’ve read.

A Murder on Mulberry Street #1

Goodreads

Amazon

Murder at Cresswell Castle #2

Goodreads

Amazon

Connect with Tessa Parks

Goodreads ~ Amazon

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Release Blitz + #Giveaway: Selected Misdemeanors by Sue William Silverman @RABTBookTours

Essays at the Mercy of the Reader

Creative Nonfiction; Essay Collection; Flash-Essay Collection

Date Published: September 1, 2025

Publisher: University of Nebraska Press

The essays in Selected Misdemeanors are unapologetic word grenades lobbed into an otherwise complacent forgetfulness. Throughout the collection, Sue William Silverman focuses on pivotal, often fleeting moments that defined the course of her life, such as a fraught family vacation; an evening watching the Chippendale dancers’ extravaganza; a Pac-Man-and-bourbon-fueled rumination on failed relationships; and the way melodramatic movies such as Rome Adventure shape an adolescent’s idea of love. Ranging from short to flash to micro length, these emotionally courageous writings imbue minimalist forms with maximalist emotions and an unrepentant, no-holds-barred attitude. Each action explored in this collection produces the Butterfly Effect—seemingly quotidian events rippling into emotional tsunamis.

 

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Blue Sky: @suewsilverman.bsky.social

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Virtual Book Tour + #Giveaway: The Goodbyes by Helen Gillespie @GoddessFish

The Goodbyes

Helen Gillespie

GENRE: Family Drama/Women's Fiction

 

Blurb:

Struggling with becoming an adult in a small mid-western town, Dianne must confront family secrets, deception, and discovery during her last year of college. As she cares for her ailing mother, her world begins to unravel and she is challenged to navigate through lies, friendships, love...and murder.

Meeting the wrong person makes it possible for her to recognize the right ones and to find the strength she needs to survive. Realizing that she is responsible for her own destiny, she learns that to say hello to a new life, she must first say goodbye.

Excerpt:

Although hesitant, Dianne prepared for her date with more apprehension than she had earlier when she prepared for her first day in the classroom. Weirdly, she hoped she would be stood up.

“Sorry I’m late. The ladies at work needed me to stop by and help them,” Michael told Dianne when she answered the door.

“Hi, Michael. Please, come in. Do people ever call you Mike?”

“Naw, ever since the second grade there was this other Michael, and everyone called him Mike and me Michael. It kinda stuck.”

“Makes sense. I’m almost about ready. I’m going to finish putting these towels away, and I’ll be ready to go.”

“Your momma okay?”

“Yes, she’s in the room sleeping. Thank you for asking.”

Dianne was surprised to hear Michael ask about her mother and not instantly jump into something about himself.

“See, I’m not as bad as you thought this morning.” Michael stared at Dianne as though he expected appreciation for his politeness.

“I hope not,” Dianne said, smiling while placing the last of the towels in a nearby closet.

“Dianne, you leaving?”

“Yes, Mom. I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“No, I was getting up and heard Michael come in. Ken should be over in about an hour, and he’s bringing me something to eat.”

Dianne disappeared briefly from Michael’s sight into her mother’s room to kiss her goodbye.

“You going to be okay, Mom?”

“Yeah, my boyfriend’s coming over and bringing dessert,” Katrina said, smiling and forcing her eyes open.

Interview with Helen Gillespie

What is your favorite part of the book?

I have two very poignant parts of the book that drew a tremendous amount of emotion from within myself. Each time I edited or read over these parts I needed tissues. Sorry, I cannot say in more detail because it would give away too much of the storyline.

I can say that the most enjoyable part to write about was the way JR helped Dianne get out of a commitment that could have cost her a lot of money. To me, it was a perfect picture of down-home country justice born of sincere anger.

Does your book have a lesson? Moral?

Rather than push a lesson or moral, I desired to tell a story of a young lady who experienced a difficult journey into adulthood. She persevered with the help of a friend who was also trying to navigate into adulthood. Both women grew into young adults with the help of guidance from parents and friends.

Are your characters based off real people or did they all come entirely from your imagination?

They all came from my imagination. Yet, throughout my life, I’ve known people with the same traits as the characters in the book. As an example, I once knew a young man who was fully capable of toting a lawn mower over to a young lady’s home in the dead of winter, just to meet her while not noticing that it would not be an impressive thing to do.

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favorite and why?

Mitzi, a server at Benny’s. She was a so-over-the-top caricature of a basic country waitress. As I wrote her part, I channeled “Flo” from Mel’s diner, a television show from the 1970s-80s. Mitzi will reappear in the novel’s sequel along with other familiar characters.

What character in your book are you least likely to get along with?

Of course, Michael. Add used car salesman, Scott Hickman and Jill Miller from the animal park. These three have a desire to satisfy their needs without consideration for decency.

What would the main character in your book have to say about you?

Dianne would say, “Helen, you were me once. You only thought you had it all together. Good job faking it all these years.”

Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book?

The Goodbyes is only the beginning. I’m writing a sequel that will offer more exploration of individuals’ fortitude, kindness and criminal flaws. Dianne will continue to be the main character with Mel alongside for a while, at least. Characters from Marshfield will reappear with more depth than they originally presented.

Author Bio and Links

Throughout grammar school and college, Helen Gillespie loved developing story sketches or full stories but kept them hidden within herself. That creative spark proved valuable in unexpected places, first on assignment as a musician in the US Army, and after leaving the Army, when she earned a degree in elementary education. After reentering the Army in 1981, she put pen to paper, or rather, “fingers to an Olivetti.” She officially learned the art of journalism to serve the Army, but it quickly became a personal passion. Interviewing fellow soldiers, exploring their jobs and personalities, and publishing useful information for the military community formed the basis of her skill and enjoyment. Those years of thought, training, education, and experience laid the foundation for crafting her first novel, The Goodbyes.

Connect with Helen Gillespie

Facebook Author ~ LinkedIn ~ Website ~ Instagram ~ Facebook Personal

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon/BN GC

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

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Book Blitz: Climb Greater Heights by Tony Jeton Selimi @TonyJSelimi @RABTBookTours

 

Nonfiction - Business & Entrepreneurship

Date Published: June 30, 2025

From boardroom to bottom line, discover the business strategies and success mindset to climb higher, grow faster, and outpace the competition.

 

Climb Greater Heights isn't just about building a business—it's about creating the business and legacy you were meant to build.

Whether you're an ambitious entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or a leader hungry for the next level, this book is your strategic blueprint for breaking through plateaus and scaling with purpose. Inside, you'll discover proven strategies to strengthen your credibility, expand your influence, and think boldly in an ever-changing market. With a detailed, step-by-step growth plan, you'll learn how to work smarter, lead with confidence, and create momentum that doesn't burn out.

Packed with real-world insights, actionable tactics, and mindset shifts used by top performers, Climb Greater Heights will help you:

Build unshakable credibility that attracts opportunities and partnerships.

Grow your influence to inspire teams, customers, and stakeholders.

Implement bold, innovative strategies to stand out in your industry.

Follow a clear, actionable roadmap for sustainable business scaling.

Develop the resilience to thrive in challenges and lead with vision.

Leave a legacy of significance that outlives your career.

 

If you're ready to rise above the ordinary, overcome growth barriers, and take your business to new summits, Climb Greater Heights will show you how to climb with clarity, purpose, and unstoppable momentum.

 

About the Author

 

 Tony J. Selimi is a globally recognised transformational life strategist specialising in human behaviour, a business growth expert, and an award-winning author of multiple international bestsellers, including Climb Greater Heights, The Unfakeable Code®, A Path to Wisdom, #Loneliness: The Virus of the Modern Age, and A Path to Excellence.

From surviving war and homelessness to graduating with honours from one of the UK's top universities—University College London—Tony built a successful technology career before dedicating his life to coaching individuals from all walks of life, including A-list celebrities, politicians, lawyers, tech billionaires, Fortune 500 CEOs, and leaders across industries. His journey is nothing short of inspirational.

A TEDx speaker, co-creator of the award-winning documentary Living My Illusion, and executive producer of The Truth About Reading, Tony's work has been featured on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and over 1,000 media outlets worldwide, reaching more than 100 million people.

Through his signature methodologies, Tony helps people break through addictions, anxiety, fears, depression, impostor syndrome, and other emotionally induced conditions, while empowering them to grow their professions or scale their businesses, monetise their wisdom, do what they love, and build lasting legacies of significance.

He is often referred to as the “DIOR” of personal and professional development, leaving people feeling peaceful, inspired, and worthy of love and all that life has to offer them.

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