I found The Patient’s Secret by SA Falk an interesting and entertaining read.

The plot kept me engaged, moving along at a pace that kept me turning pages, and the twisty ending left me feeling satisfied. Dr Sharon Stevenson is a forensic psychiatrist engaged to assess whether an arrested suspect/the patient is mentally fit to stand trial. The patient presents a case of Dissociative Disorder with four distinct personalities, which had me scratching my head a bit as I tried to keep track of them. The whole Dissociative Disorder angle was the book’s central dilemma – is it real or just a ruse by the patient to dodge the death penalty? Meanwhile, the backdrop of serial murders, mostly of marginalized young women, adds another layer to the story, especially since Stevenson’s own daughter fits the victim profile. I wished there had been more exploration of this subplot, though. And the big question that kept nagging at me: If the patient’s so savvy as to juggle four personas, why’d they let themselves get caught? Even though Stevenson’s job isn’t to play detective, both she and I couldn’t help wonder if the patient (or any of his 4 personalities) was the real killer. And let me tell you, the best twist in the book comes right when you least expect it. If you enjoy reading suspense with a twist, this one’s definitely worth your time.

Sugar Sands by Deb Davies is set on Michigan’s sunset coast and is quite a page-turner.

When Arnie, a retired police officer, decides to skip out on knee surgery, his wife Laurel decides a relaxing trip to Lake Michigan’s Sunset Coast might do him good. Joining them are their teenage son, Sawyer, and their friends Claire and Charles. There’s an eerie bioluminescent phenomenon in the lake, giving everyone the creeps. Sawyer has a knack for joking about his family’s disasters whenever they hang out with friends, but this time, it’s no joke as trouble brews when his girlfriend takes a job as the live-in scribe for Maeve, an elderly and dying author who speaks with dead children’s ghosts. It all becomes a race against time to find Sawyer’s girlfriend. ‘Sugar Sands’ a gripping, twisting, convoluted suspense/thriller that will keep you interested and entertained from start to finish.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Children of the Sun by Harry Allen and although it is fiction, I wanted this story to be real.

Children of the Sun blends elements of bravery, friendship, and the pursuit of liberty in the face of adversity. It’s a story that captivates with its emotional depth while challenging readers to confront the harsh realities of life in North Korea, a society where freedom is an absolute luxury. Ra Eun Seo and her friends’ journey is a testament to the human spirit’s resilience and unwavering hope for a better future.

Ra Eun Seo and her friends, Min and Nari, find themselves in a gripping tale of courage and survival in a destitute North Korean town in this compelling novel. Their discovery of a forbidden radio broadcasting South Korean music and news opens doors to a world of possibilities but also leads them into a whirlwind of trouble. Seo, gifted with a beautiful voice, takes a daring step by performing at the Festival of the Sun, unaware of the severe consequences of possessing forbidden materials from the South.

Their imprisonment sparks a harrowing journey as they strive to break free from the clutches of the authorities. Locked away and facing an uncertain future in a labor camp, the trio must navigate through unimaginable challenges that test their resilience and determination to secure their freedom. Their journey is both gripping and confronting, offering readers a glimpse into the hardships and dangers faced by those who dare to defy the strict rules of their society.

48 Hours to Home by R. Lo and CJ Ives Lopez was another challenging and confronting read, but well worth the effort.

It delves into the gripping and challenging journey of Christian, a dedicated U.S. soldier transitioning from military to civilian life. This poignant novel presents the raw reality of Christian’s struggle with PTSD, skillfully capturing the tumultuous emotions and haunting memories that haunt him as he faces the final 48 hours of his military career.

The narrative skillfully navigates the complexities of Christian’s return to his family’s ranch, where the shadows of his brother’s tragic loss to the local drug epidemic loom. As Christian confronts the personal and societal challenges that entangle his life, the story poignantly portrays the inner turmoil he grapples with, especially in his relationships with his distant/aloof father and his loving/caring mother.

The book is a compelling yet emotionally taxing read, shedding light on the immense hurdles faced by soldiers transitioning back to civilian life and battling inner demons. Christian’s journey towards healing and recovery is both heart-wrenching and inspirational, prompting readers to confront the realities of PTSD and the resilience needed to overcome it. ’48 Hours to Home’ is a challenging yet ultimately rewarding read that offers a poignant portrayal of human strength and the arduous path to finding solace amidst overwhelming darkness.