Welcome back, fellow aficionados of the Wild West. Today, we’re diving into the newly minted sequel, The Maverick Marshal ^[*], by R.J. Sloane, a follow-up to The Rustler Hunter ^[*] —if you haven’t caught that review yet, it’s worth a peek. Like its predecessor, this installment is a Christian Western, offering a clean-cut narrative reminiscent of Roy Rogers’ adventures while encapsulating that gritty, pulpy essence found in the vintage magazines of the 1930s and 1940s. 

Set in Arizona in 1899, the story revolves around Deputy U.S. Marshal Flynn Harper, who has built his reputation on one unyielding principle: bring them in dead or alive. When a federal warrant for A.C. Beaumont, a master swindler draining the railroads dry, lands on his desk, Flynn rushes to Holbrook, expecting a straightforward arrest.

However, what he encounters is a town ensnared in a web of deception. Everything appears just a bit too perfect, the witnesses seem far too rehearsed, and the frightened shopkeeper’s daughter is hell-bent on protecting a man she insists is innocent.

As Flynn delves deeper, the plot thickens, ultimately guiding him to an unexpected revelation: his own past. In a world where justice often hangs by a thread—sometimes literally—Flynn’s most formidable adversary proves to be not the outlaw he’s pursuing, but the very system he’s sworn to uphold.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

Which book really showcases your favorite author’s style, and what makes it stand out?

My Answer:

One of my favorite books is Stephen King's The Shining, one of the greatest haunted house stories, though in this case, it’s a hotel. King creates a flawed protagonist that readers either love or hate due to those imperfections and vulnerabilities. Addiction is a significant theme in this novel; upon reflection, many of King's characters wrestle with their own issues. King himself battled substance abuse, which influenced the writing of several of his earlier works. The character Jack Torrance in The Shining is a recovering alcoholic, and the ghosts of the Overlook Hotel exploit this vulnerability to possess him. Jack, like many other King characters, feels more authentic as he fights his personal demons, even if the supernatural elements in the story may seem far-fetched.

〜B.J. Burgess

This Week's Linky:

How to join the Book Blogger Hop?

To prepare for next week’s post, check out the upcoming prompts. If you'd like to submit a prompt, fill out this form. Join our Facebook group to connect with other book bloggers and get updates.

Here’s what to do:

1. Share your response to this week’s prompt.
2. In the linky list, enter your name or nickname followed by your blog name and the URL to your post (e.g., Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer).
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(Optional)

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Update 02/20/26:

Please do not link to a random book review on your blog unless it includes the Book Blogger Hop prompt for the week along with your answer to it. Any blog link that doesn't follow this simple rule will be removed from the hop.

Today, we explore No Smoke Without Fire: A Harlequin Town Western Mystery, the inaugural book in a new series by Gary Diamond and D.O. Michael and published by Dusty Saddle Publishing. The cover reads, “with Special Guest Culpepper, Texas Bounty Hunter,” a nod to a character who also struts his stuff in the Culpepper: Texas Bounty Hunter series by Diamond and Paul L. Thompson.

Set against the dusty backdrop of Harlequin, Texas, the story revolves around Sheriff Matt Carson, a devoted family man navigating life in a tight-knit community. Just as the town’s annual dance kicks off, a brutal murder sends shockwaves through what was supposed to be a night of revelry. Sheriff Carson is faced with a web of suspects, each harboring secrets that could unravel the fabric of their close-knit town. As the investigation unravels, the Carson family finds themselves ensnared in the very heart of the mystery, with danger lurking at every turn. And then there’s Culpepper, the bounty hunter, who rides into Harlequin on the trail of a dangerous fugitive. Are these killings somehow intertwined, or is there a more sinister threat hiding in plain sight? Who can Sheriff Carson trust amidst this chaos?

Once upon a time, I never thought I’d find myself jumping headfirst into the world of WWII nonfiction. It’s not that I harbor any aversion to history; rather, my childhood was steeped in tales of the Civil War, with my nose buried in every book within reach. Who knew that the barrage of documentaries I was subjected to in history class would dull my appetite for anything related to WWII? Yet here I am today, contemplating Michael Benson’s Hollywood vs. Nazis: How the Movie Studios Took on Nazis Infiltrating Los Angeles, published by Citadel Press, which is set to grace bookstore shelves tomorrow, March 31, 2026. An unsolicited ARC found its way into my hands several weeks ago, and I have to admit, nestled among my growing collection of nonfiction, it sparked a flicker of excitement, even if the subject matter revolved around WWII.

The book unfolds with All Quiet on the Western Front, an Academy Award-winning classic that sent shockwaves through the Third Reich with its potent anti-war message. In their anger, the Nazis crafted a sinister plan to seize the most influential propaganda machine on Earth: Hollywood. What could be more tantalizing than to turn the land of golden dreams into a glorified mouthpiece for their vile ideology?

Hollywood vs. Nazis is a riveting account of corruption, censorship, and the hubristic ambitions of a dictatorial madman hell-bent on global domination. Michael Benson, an author with a rich background in chronicling organized crime, weaves together the intricate history of WWII with the glamour and grit of Los Angeles’s movie industry. He paints a picture of how passionate figures within Hollywood, bolstered by tenacious lawyers, legendary moguls, and unsung patriots, succeeded in unearthing and dismantling the creeping menace of organized Nazism in Los Angeles and beyond.

The Watering Hole, Issue #2

Sunday Post, what I call The Watering Hole, is hosted weekly by Caffeinated Reviewer.

The Editorial

There comes a moment in life when you have to look yourself in the eye through the cold, hard glass of your bathroom mirror and confront the truth. It’s time for a change—whether it involves relationships, personal growth, or, in my case, a painful acknowledgment of my book collection situation. I'm not at hoarder status just yet, but let's just say it's time for some serious decluttering.

Earlier this year, I started the process by saying goodbye to a pile of James Patterson novels, mostly the ones I had zero intent of revisiting. But now, after a lot of soul-searching, I've decided to cut ties with Patterson entirely, particularly his well-worn series like Alex Cross and the Women’s Murder Club. What prompted this reevaluation? Simply put, his storytelling has deteriorated to a shocking degree. Take Return of the Spider, for instance. I barely made it through a few pages before I had to set it down. The prose was clunky, the dialogue flat, and honestly, it felt like a chore to read. His books, once a staple for me, have become a slog.

I'm planning to purge my collection further and keep only a select few: The Last Days of Marilyn Monroe, and the recently co-written Judge Stone with Viola Davis (that one I do plan to read). But then there’s the Maximum Ride series, once a favorite, but will they ever again capture my attention? I have two Doc Savage books and three The Shadow titles that are still tempting me. Decisions, decisions.

Moving forward, I’ve resolved not to buy any more Patterson releases. Sure, I might thumb through one at the library, if my library ever replenishes its shelves, but that’s a grumble for another day. I’m eyeing a broader spectrum of authors to let go of, too, asking myself two crucial questions: Will I ever read this book? Will I ever feel compelled to revisit its pages?

Today, I’m reviewing the audiobook The Widowmaker: Invitation to a Hanging ^[*], penned by the late Robert J. Randisi, who authored The Gunsmith series under the pseudonym J.R. Roberts. Invitation to a Hanging marks the inaugural entry in The Widowmaker series, first published by Pocket Star Books in December 2003. I do own the second installment, Turnback Creek, which followed in 2004, in paperback. A third volume, Dead Weight, teased within the pages of the second book, remains shrouded in mystery—never to see the light of day, likely due to the tepid sales of its predecessors. Was Dead Weight merely a concept, or was it fully drafted? The truth eludes me.

The audiobook adaptation, released in 2005 on CD and later available on Audible by Recorded Books, is brought to life by the late Richard Ferrone, with a runtime of 6 hours and 16 minutes.

The narrative unfurls around John Locke, a man molded by the trials of his past as a lawman, bounty hunter, and gun-for-hire. Now, he's attempting to carve out an existence by taking on perilous odd jobs that only someone of his notorious reputation could manage. His newest journey leads him to Fredericksburg, Texas, where he assumes the role of bastonero, essentially the Master of Ceremonies, for the hanging of the infamous Ignacio Delgado, a man painted in shades of both villainy and martyrdom. In the beginning, Locke finds himself fending off Delgado’s loyalists, who view their leader as part saint, part Robin Hood. Yet, as tension mounts, Locke's perspective shifts; respect for Delgado begins to seep into his philosophies, even as he unravels the sheriff’s ulterior motives behind the hanging—a classic standoff brewing like storm clouds on the horizon.

Welcome to the Book Blogger Hop!

This Week's Prompt:

What’s your favorite bookish scent, and why does it appeal to you?

My Answer:

I have two favorite bookish scents. First, there's the aroma that fills the air the moment you step into a bookstore—the delightful mix of fresh books all around you. If the bookstore also has a coffee shop, you can enjoy the sweet and comforting scent of freshly brewed coffee.

Hello, fellow Friday 56ers! 

This week, I'm featuring You with the Sad Eyes: A Memoir by Christina Applegate. I tried my best to obtain a review copy but was unsuccessful. I briefly considered ordering a copy, but luckily, I found it at a Walmart in a neighboring county that actually stocks its bookshelves. Note: I live in a small town with no actual bookstores, but there's a Walmart that has unfortunately downsized its already limited book section by half and then failed to restock it. 

Here’s a mystery to unravel: although I have a profound aversion to medical dramas across all forms of media, be it films, television, streaming, or books, I've harbored a surprising affection for Robin Cook's fictitious medical thrillers since childhood. It’s curious, isn’t it? Perhaps the haunting covers from the '80s and '90s, which were a staple of my formative years, drew me into his world. Or maybe it's simply Cook's talent as a writer that keeps me coming back for more. As I prepared to pen this review, I discovered he's turning eighty-five this year, a fact that astonished me. Many literary giants, such as Stephen King, R.L. Stine, and Dean Koontz, are gracefully aging, and with each read, I find myself appreciating their works even more deeply.

Now, on to the main event—my review of Robin Cook's latest thriller, Spasm ^[*], which hit the shelves courtesy of G.P. Putnam's Sons in December 2025. This thrilling tale marks the fifteenth installment in the Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series, which began its intriguing journey with Blindsight ^[*] in 1992.

The narrative of Spasm ^[*] unfolds with as Laurie Montgomery stepping steps back from her role as Chief Medical Examiner, leading allowing her and Jack to enjoy a rare moment of freedom for a couple of weeks. They receive a distressing call from Jack's old medical school pal, Robert Neilson, the lone family physician in Essex Falls, a picturesque town nestled in New York State’s serene Adirondack Mountains. While also serving as the coroner for Hamilton County, Dr. Neilson finds himself in the deep end, grappling with the inexplicable death of a young, vibrant pest control worker and an alarming surge of Alzheimer's-like cases. He reaches out, pleading for Jack and Laurie’s expertise, and unable to resist both a tantalizing mystery and a much-needed getaway, they agree to help and head upstate.

Writing introductions has always felt like navigating a maze blindfolded, especially when it comes to reviews. You always hear that the first few words should grip the reader, but what can you do when you’re faced with a blank page and a foggy mind? So, let’s jump straight in: Today, I’m discussing the mystery thriller The Garbage Man ^[*], penned by Tessa Pacelli and published by Zero Day Books. I snagged a digital copy on NetGalley last year and have taken my sweet time organizing my thoughts. Life has a way of throwing distractions my way: changes in reading routines, unexpected obligations—you name it. Now, let's unwrap this book.

The story begins with Kayla Mousavi, fresh out of Harvard Business School and stepping into what she believes is her dream job at General Recycling, a tech company touted as the future of clean energy. Kayla is thrilled to work under the elusive CEO, Frederick Douglass Monahan, and is convinced that her role is pivotal in saving the planet. With GR’s revolutionary bacteria designed to eat trash, she’s not just chasing corporate success; she’s aiming to be one of the youngest stars in an eco-conscious world.

However, beneath the gleaming surface of innovation lies an ominous truth.

When Kayla stumbles upon discrepancies in the data and uncovers a horrifying secret lurking in the company’s labs, she quickly finds herself in peril. As she inches closer to the truth, the stakes skyrocket, and she becomes the target of a professional hit—a hit intended for her. What she once viewed as a benevolent company is now shrouded in a darker reality involving more than just financial deception.

In the realm of literary exploration, I found myself at a curious crossroads with The Women of Wild Hill ^[*]. What initially drew me in? Perhaps it was the vibrant cover, reminiscent of an otherworldly spell. Or maybe it was the echoes of witchy horror whispering from my past. The author, Kirsten Miller, was a name I recognized but had never yet explored. So, despite it collecting dust on my shelf since October, a product of life’s unexpected detours—I finally opened its pages.

The novel unfolds against the backdrop of Wild Hill, a mystical slice of Long Island where nature's raw powers converge. Here, girls are gifted with extraordinary abilities—some so dark they wrestle with the fear of their own potential. Miller weaves a tale steeped in magic and familial legacy, beginning with the ghost of a witch wronged by the colonizers whose presence lingers over the land. Sadie Duncan, a young Scottish woman with unique gifts, was permitted to stay, and thus began a lineage of powerful women known as the Duncans. This lineage is one that has seen generations grapple with their gifts, but tragedy strikes, and the last of the Duncans, foreseen to be the mightiest, flees.

The Watering Hole, Issue #1

Welcome to "The Watering Hole," the revitalized version of my Sunday Post series that’s been gathering dust on this blog for far too long. Honestly, I needed a shake-up—it wasn’t so much about a complete overhaul as it was about breathing some new life into my regular musings. You can still expect an Editorial, a Reading Block, and Fresh Off the Press, although the latter will now feature any new ARCs that land in my eager hands, along with fresh book hauls and hidden treasures unearthed in the used book bins.

Sunday Post, what I call The Watering Hole, is hosted weekly by Caffeinated Reviewer.

The Editorial

It's been a minute, folks. Procrastination has a sneaky way of wrapping its fingers around our motivation, and for weeks now, this post has hovered just out of reach—until today, when I found myself empty-handed and thought, “Why not?” It’s been a tough few days; I’ve been battling a wretched stomach bug that I must have picked up from a public place. I’ve spent more time snuggled under blankets than I care to admit, even with the outside thermostat hovering above 80 degrees. This morning, the only reason I forced myself to get dressed was for a quick errand run. On that outing, I treated myself to an ice latte at the newly opened Dunkin’ inside a Walmart that’s slowly becoming an embarrassment—half the book section has evaporated, and what remains is as poorly stocked. They’ve dedicated more shelf space to overpriced DVDs, a decision that eludes me entirely.

As the weekend rolls in, I find myself drawn into the vivid landscapes of the Wild West through the lens of Stephen Hunter's latest novel, The Gun Man Jackson Swagger ^[*]. For those unfamiliar, Hunter is a lauded figure in the literary realm, a Pulitzer Prize winner for Criticism and the former chief film critic of The Washington Post. Known for his non-fiction work, American Gunfighter, and an impressive collection of novels collectively known as the "Swaggerverse," he is a master storyteller. While I've long been aware of his work and origins from Missouri, I must admit that I hadn’t yet ventured into his fiction until I serendipitously stumbled upon his newest offering at the library.

Set against the sun-bleached backdrop of a drought-stricken 1890s Southwest, The Gun Man Jackson Swagger introduces us to Jack, an aging yet formidable gunman seeking employment at the thriving Callahan ranch. With a weathered exterior and the sharp instincts of a seasoned fighter, Jack presents his extraordinary skills with one of Winchester’s latest models to the skeptical foreman. Clearly, a sharpshooter is a valuable asset for both Colonel Callahan and head gunman Tom Voth.

However, Jack’s motives veil a deeper mystery. Upon discovering the mysterious death of a young cowboy on the ranch, his instincts compel him to investigate, unraveling a web of dark conspiracies tightly woven with the Callahan fortune. It’s a tale of survival and justice, where six-guns and quick draw reign supreme amidst the treachery of the Old West.