The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M Bernier Blog Tour Book Review

 

THE BUSH TEA MURDER

by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier

April 20 - May 15, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A CARIBBEAN ISLAND MYSTERY

 

Culinary journalist Naomi Sinclair is cooking up a maelstrom of trouble upon her return to the blue waters of her native Saint Thomas.

Food journalist Naomi Sinclair doesn’t expect a side of murder with her passion fruit juice. But when her return to Saint Thomas heralds a series of troubling cases, ranging from petty theft to cold-blooded murder, that threaten her tight-knit community, that is exactly the kind of unsavory treat she must sink her teeth into.

Luckily for her neighbors, Naomi is as adept at solving puzzles as rolling johnnycake dough—a good thing, since her island community, though small, keeps serving up plenty of trouble. With the help of her friends and her crush, Mateo, Naomi must navigate the tumultuous turquoise waters of life in the Caribbean, all as her beloved father battles an illness that keeps tugging her back to her island amid her rising career stateside.

Rich with mouthwatering recipes, lush landscapes, and a hefty dose of fun under the sun, The Bush Tea Murder has all the ingredients to make up the perfect beach read.

Praise for The Bush Tea Murder:

"Zigzagging between Charlotte, North Carolina, and Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, this debut offers plenty to enjoy . . . Fun-filled and fulfilling."
~ Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Rich in history and culture . . . Fans of Joanne Fluke, Vivian Chien, and Mia P. Manansala will delight in this mystery-plus-food concoction."
~ First Clue Reviews

"Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s The Bush Tea Murder is the perfect blend of intrigue, family drama, mystery and Caribbean culture. You’ll want to savor it to the last drop."
~ Olivia Matthews, author of the Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries

"At its heart, this is a charming, immersive cozy mystery steeped in Caribbean culture, vibrant characters, and sun-drenched intrigue—a fresh and flavorful delight. The mystery unfolds at a measured, satisfying pace, allowing the rich worldbuilding and character dynamics to shine. I especially loved the subtle tension between Naomi’s stateside ambitions and her deep-rooted love for her island home, which adds emotional depth beyond what’s typical for the genre. With engaging twists, well-developed characters, and a beautifully flowing plot, this is a cozy mystery that lingers long after the final page."
~ Debra Sennefelder, author of the Food Blogger mystery series

My Review:

This cozy mystery is deeply set in the culture of the US Virgin Islands. The celebrations, the people, the language, and especially the food, all of it is a major part of the novel. There is a liberal use of the local dialect, something I found fascinating. The plot style is dual time with Naomi explaining her research in a murder in current time with flashbacks to the earlier events. An interesting aspect of the novel is that Naomi solves some minor mysteries while she is investigating the murder. Solving a minor mystery kept the plot moving along even as Naomi did not seem to be making much progress on solving the murder. She does, however, solve the murder in the end and the means the murderer used was certainly unique.

I enjoyed the novel, mostly because of the setting. I liked the exploration of so many foods, and a couple of recipes are included. The descriptions of some of the peppers almost made my eyes water. I am not a tea drinker but tea is a major element so readers who like tea would also be interested in this book. The characters were developed relatively well. I was surprised one was a blind baker, but Bernier makes it work. This is a good cozy mystery in an interesting location.

My rating: 4/5 stars. 

Book Details:

Genre: Culinary Cozy Mystery
Published by: Crooked Lane Books
Publication Date: April 21, 2026
Number of Pages: 336
ISBN: 9798892425230
Series: A Caribbean Island Mystery, Book 1
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | BookBub | Penguin Random House

Read an excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder:

Chapter One

Present

I’ve been told my entire life that the perfect cup of bush tea is magic, and this morning I hope with every fiber of my being that this is true. There are some hard truths I have to spill, and I’ll take every ounce of help I can get. I’m settled in one of the scarlet chairs in the EAT TV conference room, directly across the table from Travis Spriggs and his nauseating brand of bright, crisp-cut perfection—just right for television, but less like sunshine and more like a fluorescent spotlight at four in the morning. He’s flanked by two people whose names I’ve only seen in producer credits at the end of some of the highest performing shows on network television: my boss’s bosses, both sporting dark suits and expressions like cliff faces. Bronwyn, the studio exec who oversees me, Travis, and the other on-air talent at EAT TV, sits in the plush chair at the head of the table, her usual pleasant expression as drained as the tumbler of coffee in her hand.

They’re all here for me.

“I’ll get things started, Miss Sinclair,” Bronwyn says, looking at me but speaking to the executives. She hasn’t called me Miss Sinclair since the interview when she hired me three years ago. “Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott called this meeting. I’m sure you know why. They’re very ready to start work on the show—”

“My show,” Travis murmurs with a smug smile.

“That hasn’t been officially decided,” Bronwyn says. “We can’t have a conversation about our next steps because—well— because we don’t have your ending yet, Naomi.”

“You’ve given us a lot, Miss Sinclair. Lord knows—” Mr. Revilla gestures with a meaty hand at the chunky beige file folder in front of him. “You’ve given us a hell of a lot here.”

“But you haven’t closed the case,” Ms. Abbott speaks up. Woman’s got a twist-out with impressive volume, and I’m glad I’m not the only hair naturalista in the room. Her coils jiggle as she leans toward me. “You still haven’t told us who killed Ursula Merchant.”

I glance at my mug. The Universe seems to be following a recipe for an uncomfortable morning, blending each ingredient together artfully like the chefs I interview on A Word from the Kitchen. But if there’s a recipe for a poisonous morning afoot, I’ve got the antidote here in the cup in front of me. Bush tea—balsam, mint, and lemongrass—picked from the window herb garden in my townhouse kitchen, and brewed fresh daily the way my parents and Virgin Islanders before me have done for generations. Even with the early morning, smarmy coworker and hard truths, one sip can take my mind away from the over

cast Charlotte cityscape beyond the conference room window straight to the sunny green hills of Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas. I’ve lived in North Carolina for eight years now, but St. Thomas will always be home—and anything that gets me there this fast is magic indeed.

But not right now. I need to stay here, in everything this moment means. Immersed in all that’s led to it. Focused on the possibilities it will usher through. A sip will have to wait.

“That’s what you’ll get from Naomi, Ms. Abbott,” Travis says, injecting his tones with the most bored affect he can muster up. “She’s supposed to be giving you the details for one story, but instead you’ve got—what, five of them in here?” “Six,” Mr. Revilla mutters.

Travis’s brown eyes go wide. “Well, damn, sir, she’ll go off on a tangent or two, but I wouldn’t have guessed as high as six! For a journalist like me, who focuses like hell on the one story he’s got, that’s incomprehensible.”

“We read all six. And we enjoyed them,” Ms. Abbott is quick to assure me.

“But that’s not the point, is it?” Travis asks. “We were each asked to investigate one unsolved food-based mystery for this show you conceived. I gave you that. Naomi’s brought more stories than you can count on one hand, but she hasn’t given you what you asked for. She hasn’t answered the big question.” There’s enough sauce in the smile he beams at me to cover ten full racks of ribs. “You even know who killed her, Nay?”

Bronwyn looks caught between checking Travis’s tone and waiting out my answer. Her bosses follow suit. I sip my tea, still piping hot, and decide to address both. “Of course I know who killed Ursula Merchant,” I answer. “It’s right there in that folder I gave Mr. Revilla. That’s what these are—my notes on the investigation.”

Mr. Revilla and Ms. Abbott exchange a look. She’s ultimately the one who responds. “There’s . . . certainly a story here. Several. You’ve solved quite a few problems on St. Thomas over the past year. But when it comes to the story of Ursula Merchant, the one you were supposed to be investigating the whole time . . . there doesn’t seem to be much of anything.” “Nothing at all,” Mr. Revilla echoes.

“Naomi, they’d really like to make a decision,” Bronwyn says. “Travis presented a fine investigation on the Barbecue Sauce Killings—”

“The Carolina Barbecue Murders,” Travis speaks up. Bronwyn waves him away.

“He’s given us history, interviews, and a compelling hypothesis . . . along with a deep sense of the process, flavor, and sizzle of both styles of Carolina barbecue,” Bronwyn says. “The case you’ve been investigating, this—tea maven in St. Thomas being shot to death in her locked office—it’s equally intriguing. But while you’ve given us so much, you still haven’t given us an ending.”

“You’re right. I haven’t,” I say. “That was intentional. I’m hoping to do that today. Right now, as a matter of fact.” I clasp both hands around my mug.

Travis leans back in his seat, pressing the tips of his fingers together. “You sure that’s what you want? Naomi’s going to take you on a circular journey, which is the way she operates on A Word from the Kitchen. A ton of loose threads—”

“—which she always weaves together. The connections are there,” Bronwyn interrupts. “The best thing we can do right now is just hear you out, Naomi. You say you know how the story ends and what happened to Ursula Merchant. So let’s hear it. Who killed her, and how did all of this lead you there?”

I’m not at the head of the table, but all eyes are on me— Bronwyn’s perfectly lined and shadowed gray eyes are full of hope and curiosity, Mr. Revilla’s and Ms. Abbott’s are expectant behind their eyeglasses, and Travis seems to be trying to will his into lasers capable of slicing me to shreds. I take a deep breath, letting the scent of the brew in my cup ground and fortify me. I’d had a hot cup of bush tea that morning, too. The morning that started it all. The magic in my mug was what set this whole thing into motion—as bush tea always manages to do.

***

Excerpt from The Bush Tea Murder by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Copyright 2026 by Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. Reproduced with permission from Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier’s work has appeared in Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine, Black Cat Weekly, Stone’s Throw, Smoking Pen Press, Malice Domestic's Mystery Most Devious and Mystery Most Humorous, The Best American Mystery and Suspense 2023, and other esteemed anthologies. Originally from St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Ashley-Ruth writes mysteries highlighting the vibrant culture of her home. Ashley-Ruth is a 2022 winner of NCWN’s Jacobs-Jones award, a 2023 SMFS Derringer finalist, a Killer Nashville Claymore finalist, a 2024 recipient of MWA’s Barbara Neely grant for Black mystery writers, and a 2026 Agatha Award nominee. THE BUSH TEA MURDER (Crooked Lane Books, 2026) is her first novel-length work. She currently lives with her family and teaches first grade in Apex, North Carolina.

Catch Up With Ashley-Ruth M. Bernier:

www.ashleyruthbernier.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads
YouTube - @ashley-ruthm.bernierauthor7192
Instagram - @armbernier
Threads - @armbernier
X - @armbernier
Facebook

 

Tour Participants:

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Sip, Savor, and Solve… Bush Tea Bonus Time 🫖

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Survivor by Andrew Reid

About the Book:

Fired and walked out by security on his first day at his new job in New York City, Ben Cross thought his day couldn't get worse. But he couldn't be more wrong. Getting on the 1 train headed uptown, Ben starts receiving text messages from an anonymous killer, showing that they've already killed someone, then pointedly killing another as they got off the train to prove they aren't bluffing and to ensure Ben follows orders. But Ben wasn't picked at random—he has a history that no one is supposed to know.

At the same time, A NYPD detective, Kelly Hendricks, is on punishment duty with the transit police. The first one on the scene after the first murder, she gets on the train to find out what is really going on.

Switching rapidly between Cross and Hendricks, as the hijacked 1 train heads from South Ferry to 181st, the secret to the killer lies in Ben's own history—why he's been targeted and punished.

My Review:

This book did not grab me. The premise seemed rather unreasonable to me and I had difficulty continuing reading. There is action but the whole novel felt flat. I did not like how Reid portrayed the female officer with NYPD. I was also put off by some graphic scenes. While I do like thrillers, this one just did not do it for me.

My rating: 3/5 stars.

About the Author:

Andrew Reid was born in Scotland and worked as a research scientist in the US and the UK. He now teaches and lives in Stockholm with his wife, three children, and two cats.

His previous novel THE HUNTER was published in the UK and Commonwealth in 2018. THE SURVIVOR is his US debut.

Minotaur Books, 328 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Spies, Lies, and Alibis by Natalie Walters Audiobook Review

About the Book:

Cybil Langford has spent years hiding behind her polished, professional facade as the executive assistant to a powerful real estate mogul, where she's perfectly positioned to collect intel on her boss's criminal network. But when her mission leads her into the path of Lorenzo Ramirez--a ruthless crime boss with deadly plans--she'll need every ounce of cunning and charm to stay one step ahead.

Then he walks back into her life.

Ben Bradley is deep undercover for the FBI, living under an alias, as a financial advisor with a reputation for helping the wealthy and corrupt launder their money. His target? Lorenzo Ramirez, a dangerous crime boss with his hands in everything from smuggling to murder. But when a familiar face from his past suddenly reappears, things get . . . complicated.

The last time Cybil saw Ben, he was an annoying prankster--and her first crush. The last time Ben saw Cybil, she stole a piece of his heart. Neither expected to run into each other at a high-stakes fundraising gala where crime, corruption, and undercover agendas collide.

Forced to work dangerously close, neither knows the other's true agenda. Cybil sees the boy who once broke her heart, now a man whose motives are deeply suspect. Ben sees the woman he never got over but can't determine if she's an innocent caught in the crossfire or a willing accomplice. As they navigate a world of spies, lies, and fragile alibis, they must dismantle the walls around their hearts.

My Review:

This is part of the SNAP series Walters has written but this is a romantic comedy. There is still plenty of action and dangerous situations but Cybil is crazy accident prone. That gives some comedy. Ben has a deep sense of dry humor and that adds more comedy. They knew each other in childhood but find themselves both undercover on nearly the same assignment but for different agencies. That makes for some fun interactions. The narrative alternates viewpoints between Cybil and Ben. The narration was great. I liked the slightly snarky attitude that came through on Ben's part. I recommend this audio book for those who like a combination of spy intrigue and humor.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of earlier books in the SNAP series: Lights Out, Fatal Code, and Blind Trust. 

About the Author:

Natalie grew up in New Mexico and spent as many hours as she could escaping the desert heat inside the Erna Fergusson Library. With an endless supply of books and air-conditioning, she found a place where she belonged among the adventure and whimsy of stories and favorite characters.

As an avid reader, writing was never a part of Natalie’s plan but then neither was falling in love with a soldier. She married her husband and they have three amazing children who have grown into pretty cool adults they look forward to spending time with every chance they get. Motherhood and military life taught her that adventure is best experienced with the ones you love and she decided to pour all that humor, chaos, and excitement into her stories.

When Natalie’s not writing she’s binging CourtTv, drinking tea, and driving her retired husband bonkers. She loves hanging out with her family, playing games, traveling around the world, and forcing her anti-cuddling Goldendoodle to snuggle with her on the couch while she reads.

Thomas Nelson, 10 hours 13 minutes

I received a complimentary audio edition of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

The Terror in the Emerald City by D D Black

About the Books:

Former NYPD detective Thomas Austin is enjoying a rare date at a Monday Night Football game in Seattle when the evening takes a horrifying turn.

A team of merciless terrorists has taken over the stadium by force, blocking cellphone signals and sealing the exits.

The terrorists have a single demand: release a high-ranking Al Qaeda operative from a U.S. supermax prison. And they have a simple threat: do so in the next twenty-four hours or they will blow up the stadium, killing themselves along with tens of thousands of innocent victims.

With 60,000 fans in the crosshairs, and the world watching live on TV, Austin must work with security inside the stadium to find a weak point in the terrorists' plans before the countdown ends. But the closer he gets to the attackers, the more he believes their true plan is even more sinister than anyone would believe.

In the ultimate race against time, Thomas Austin will be tested in ways he never has before, and forced to answer the question: would you sacrifice someone you love to save a thousand strangers?

My Review:

I like these suspense novels set in the Pacific Northwest. I have never been to Lumen Field so it was fun to read about it, even under such dire circumstances. The setting of the huge sports stadium certainly presents a place in which terrorists could produce a massively deadly event. But Austin is there. He and his friends are able to take some action. The danger is great and the suspense high. I liked learning a little more about his family as his mother is there too. I did miss Run, Austin's corgi. I recommend this novel of suspense.

You can read my reviews of earlier books in the series: The Bones at Point No Point, The Shadows of Pike Place, The Fallen of Foulweather Bluff and The Horror at Murden Cove. 

About the Author:

D.D. Black writes crime fiction set in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. He is the author of the Thomas Austin Crime Thrillers and the FBI Task Force S.W.O.R.D. series. When he's not writing, he can be found strolling the beaches of the Pacific Northwest, cooking dinner for his wife, and throwing a ball for his corgi over and over and over. To learn more, check out my website, where you can join the VIP Reader Club for discounts, news, and more corgi photos than you ever knew you needed. You can find out more at https://ddblackauthor.com/ 

Independently published, 354 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Death for Sale by Erik S Meyers Blog Tour Book Review

 

DEATH FOR SALE

by Erik S. Meyers

April 13 - May 8, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

A Sally Witherspoon Mystery

 

It's holiday time in Berry Springs, where many come together to enjoy good food, drink, and the company of friends. Unfortunately, death is among the mix as people get mysteriously ill at the town's Thanksgiving dinner. Deaths follow, and Sally must race to discover the truth before more people die off.

Coupled with worry for her aging parents, she is overwhelmed with the pressure and emotions, but she'll push through to solve the crimes and restore peace to the town.

Praise for Death For Sale:

"It’s always a delight to accompany amateur sleuth Sally Witherspoon as she takes time from her bar-owner job to bring murderers to justice. You’ve got to love a spunky middle-aged single woman who runs a biker bar and does a side hustle helping the local law enforcement solve serious crimes. The holiday setting of this third book in the series brings a touch of charm and festivity to the sadness the small town of Berry Springs experiences as some of their older citizens succumb to what appears to be intentional poisoning. Leave it to Sally to get answers in this difficult-to-solve murder case.
If you’re looking for a fun, holiday-themed cozy mystery, Death for Sale fits the bill perfectly. You’ll love spending time with lovable Sally Witherspoon as she restores peace and calm to her beloved town of Berry Springs. "
~ Ivanka Fear, author of the Blue Water Mysteries and Jake and Mallory Thrillers

My Review:

 This is a very cozy mystery and the third in this series. It is rather low key so is good for elderly readers. It has a small town busy body vibe. Sally has earned a reputation for solving murders and many others are willing to help her efforts here. There is no complex plot structure nor lots of action and no heart throbbing suspense. The investigation moves along at a steady pace. The final solving of the case seemed more from the work of others than Sally herself. There is then a quick end.

Sally is a good amateur sleuth, adept at talking to people to get clues in her efforts to solve a series of puzzling murders. I look forward to reading another in this series.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series, Death in the Ozarks and Murder on the Mississippi.

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery with Grit
Published by: Level Best Books
Publication Date: January 20, 2026
Number of Pages: 244
ISBN: 979-8898201258
Series: Sally Witherspoon Mystery Series, Book 3 || Amazon, Goodreads, Level Best Books
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Mystery Series

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads

 

Read an excerpt from DEATH FOR SALE:

 

Author Bio:

Originally from Connecticut, I am an American abroad who has lived or worked in six countries on three continents, currently living in Vienna.

The author of the Sally Witherspoon murder mystery series, an award-winning adult LGBTQ Jewish historical fiction novel "Caged Time," a short story anthology "Connections," and a business book "The Accidental Change Agent." I also have written several short stories and a thriller/horror script.

I am represented by Cindy Bullard at Birch Literary.

Oh and I survive on coffee and hiking.

Catch Up With Erik S Meyers:

www.ErikMey.com
Amazon Author Profile
Goodreads - @erikmey
BookBub
Instagram - @erikmeyauthor
Facebook - @ErikSMeyersAuthor

 

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Order Up: Danger, Secrets, and DEATH FOR SALE

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Hidden Refuge by Miriam Sloan Book Review

About the Book:

Anna Voss witnessed a murder she was never supposed to see — and for fourteen months, the only thing standing between her and the men who want her silenced has been a stolen name and a four-year-old son she's determined to protect at any cost.

When the trail runs out and the network closes in, Anna arrives at Safe Harbor with nothing left but instinct and the alias that's kept her breathing. She expects a safe house. She doesn't expect Seth Calloway — former federal task force, head of security, and the first person in over a year who looks at her like she's a person instead of a problem to contain.

Seth has seen what happens when the system fails the women placed in his care. He won't let it happen again. But Anna's case is different. The threat following her doesn't stop at an abusive ex or a well-connected ex-husband. It reaches into the federal government itself. And the longer she stays, the more certain he becomes: the window is closing, and he's not working with the full picture yet.

She knows what it costs to trust someone with the truth. He knows what it costs not to.

My Review:

Sloan has a writing style I found very engaging. There is much more prose than dialogue or action in this novel. Usually I do not like that but Sloan's writing style is so different, I found it enjoyable. She details emotions and actions in a deliberate and detailed way other authors do not. She builds the understanding of characters and actions without action scenes. It is hard for me to explain the writing style because I have never read anything like it before. I would read another of her novels in a heartbeat.

The novel is a deep dive into the attempts by compassionate people to protect those in need. Here it is a woman who accidentally witnessed an exchange that would be damaging to powerful people. The threat of danger builds as her location may be compromised. Much of the novel centers around the private security fellow at Safe Harbor dedicated to her survival. A potential romance is hinted.

The only thing I did not like about this novel was the repetition. Characters go over the same information many times and I found myself ultimately skipping over some sections later in the novel. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading more from Sloan.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

Independently published, 193 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book through BookSirens. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Defiant by Michael Maloof Blog Tour Book Review

 

DEFIANT

by Michael Maloof

March 30 - June 5, 2026 Virtual Book Tour

THE KATE PREACHER THRILLER SERIES

A Funeral in Paris. A Reckoning in Russia. An Endgame in Davos.

Former CIA analyst Kate Preacher has tracked the cabal that shattered her world across continents—but only now does she glimpse the true enemy behind the curtain. A new leader has stepped from the shadows to seize control of the Coalition—and a weapon that could reshape the balance of power forever.

“Sometimes,” Jake warned her, “the only way to win is to sacrifice everything.”

Kate’s hunt races from the rain-soaked boulevards of Paris to Beslan, a Russian city haunted by unanswered questions—where memories she buried long ago surface with deadly force.

In New York, a trusted ally is killed. Another vanishes.

​

High in the Swiss Alps, Kate undertakes her most dangerous mission yet— infiltrating the labyrinth beneath Davos—before world leaders walk blindly into a trap from which there may be no escape.

A bioweapon counts down to catastrophe. Her team is scattered and fighting to survive. And Kate is one move away from exposing the conspiracy that took everything from her—if she is willing to pay the ultimate price.

Defiant is the explosive finale to the Kate Preacher Origin Trilogy—a globe-spanning, high-stakes thriller for fans of Jack Carr, Gregg Hurwitz, and Mark Greaney.

This is where Kate’s story comes full circle.
And where the final move changes everything.

Praise for DEFIANT:

"Defiant is the best of the three… Maloof has managed to up the stakes with each new submission.
This non-stop firebrand of a story is signature Maloof: mass mayhem—controlled chaos.
You’re missing out on your new favorite series."
~ Terri Stepek, Reader Views (5★ Review)

"Your heart will pound… your eyes will mist"

"You’ve created a compelling world for the Preacher, Trident, Bella, and Ronin characters."

"Jack Reacher used to be my favorite hero. Now it’s Kate Preacher."

"DEFIANT by Michael Maloof delivers exactly what its title promises, a heroine who refuses to back down... It’s a satisfying, adrenaline-fueled conclusion that will resonate with readers who enjoy intelligent, character-driven suspense."
~ IndieReader

DEFIANT Trailer:

My Review:

The adventures for Kate continue, even as she is wounded. She faces a ruthless foe in this thriller in the form of a woman who wants to shape and control the future of civilization. A devastating engineered weapon that can kill at a distance has been developed. Its effectiveness relies on obtaining vast amounts of DNA information, something hinted at in previous novels. Kate and her team face nearly impossible conditions to stop the foe and we get to read about their extensive planning and training for the complex action. There is over the top thrilling suspense. There is also the puzzling action of Nomad. Has he gone over to the dark side to obtain the ability to walk again?

This is the last novel in this series introducing Kate. There are many characters in these novels and one should read the previous ones to understand all of them and their actions. There were times when I was unsure if a character was friend or foe. There are powerful people playing a dangerous game, much like chess, and Kate must outwit her opponent to not get caught in a deadly trap.

Advanced technology, over the top action, more danger than one person should ever have to face, this is a fitting final novel in this series introducing Kate and her team.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in the series, Relentless and Unstoppable. 

Details:

Genre: Action-Adventure, Thriller, Terrorism Thrillers, Conspiracy Theory, and Global/International Crime
Published by: Golden Oak Writer's Guild, LLC
Publication Date: April 13, 2026
Series: Kate Preacher Thriller Series | Amazon & Goodreads
Book Links: Amazon | Kindle | Goodreads | BookBub

Read an excerpt from DEFIANT:

PROLOGUE

SATURDAY, MAY 8
5:18 PM EDT
MOORE TOWER—MANHATTAN

If you’re reading this, I’m already dead.

Andrew Freeman’s fingers hovered over the keyboard, slick with sweat. The cursor blinked, counting down the seconds of his life. He’d put this off all day, telling himself he was overreacting—that he was valuable, indispensable.

He knew that was a lie and pushed away from the desk.

The suite was silent—glass, steel, marble. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, Manhattan pulsed with light—traffic threading through the streets, thousands of lives moving forward, unaware his might soon end.

Devin Moore had installed him in the suite after the meteoric success of the NanoVaults. Andrew still wasn’t sure whether it had been generosity—or containment. He had what Devin needed—the code Andrew buried inside the NanoVault and claimed as his own.

What do you wear when you know you’re about to be erased?

If he was right—if Rileyne Mueller wanted him gone—no one would notice. No news. Just absence.

He opened the drawer.

A black MIT T-shirt lay folded on top. Faded. Ordinary. Forgettable.

Perfect.

No one watching Moore Tower would care about it. No algorithm would flag it. But Julian would recognize it.

So would Kate.

Andrew pulled it on and returned to the desk.

Rileyne’s encrypted text message had been waiting since dawn—sixteen hours of silent accusation glowing from the screen.

Make yourself available…
We need to discuss your future.

She was in the air, closing the distance mile by mile. The thought of her walking into Moore Tower, of seeing her again, made his hands tremble. He clenched his fists and shook them out.

If I’m right, it’s now or never.

Every word he typed might be his last.

If you’re reading this, I’m already dead.

Tell Kate I’m sorry. Sorry I wasn’t stronger. Sorry I couldn’t stop them. The truth is, I was never more than a pawn. An opening piece. Something to be sacrificed once the game moved past me.

Maybe it’s already too late. Maybe no one can stop what’s coming. But what I’ve attached is everything I know—everything I’ve hidden. If anyone still has a chance, it’s you.

The skyline beyond the glass dimmed as the last light drained from the Hudson. Andrew saved the file, slid it into a secure folder, and opened the encryption program buried beneath layers of camouflage code.

A red countdown clock filled the screen.

The timer began its silent descent.

At the bottom, a single button blinked:

ABORT

All he had to do was touch it once every twelve hours. If he didn’t—if he couldn’t—the system would assume he was gone and transmit the file.

He stared at the clock, feeling the weight of the years. Living in Devin Moore’s shadow. Making compromises that had felt small at the time and enormous now.

Maybe this was the ending he’d earned.

The screen flashed once, then went dark, leaving only the silent march of the timer.

For the first time all day, Andrew smiled—not with courage, but relief.

They can erase me tonight, he thought. Rewrite the headlines tomorrow however they want. But this pawn—this sacrifice—won’t be in vain.

The next move is Nomad’s.

* * *

SATURDAY, MAY 8
10:12 PM EDT
MOORE TOWER—MANHATTAN

The elevator doors whispered open onto the seventy-second floor. Rileyne Mueller caught her reflection in the polished steel—sleek, controlled, not a hair out of place despite the overnight flight. A tailored cream blouse, narrow black trousers, and a charcoal wrap draped over her shoulders struck the line between effortless European chic and quiet authority. At her side swung a classic Hermès Ghillies Birkin, its brogue detailing a mirror of herself: wealth worn with precision, never excess.

No security waiting at the doors. No Devin, no guards. Once, this threshold had bristled with power. Now, silence.

Ahead loomed the ten-foot mahogany doors of Devin Moore’s penthouse, dark and imposing. They had intimidated rivals and awed mistresses.

But not Rileyne. Born into wealth, steeped in European grandeur, she found Moore’s world gaudy. American excess, dressed up as power.

A pale light pulsed from the biometric scanner set into the wall. Rileyne pressed her palm against the glass, felt a shimmer of static ripple across her bare skin. Devin’s safeguard mapped her entire body—his assurance that no severed finger or stolen retina could ever breach his sanctuary. A muted chime sounded, and the massive doors swung open.

Inside, marble floors gleamed under pools of warm light. The Manhattan skyline glittered through walls of glass, the city reduced to a model at her feet. Moore loved this view and the sense of dominion it gave him. She hadn’t come for the view.

“Welcome back.”

The voice came from hidden speakers overhead—calm, familiar, unmistakably artificial.

RILEE.

She tilted her chin, amused, and glanced at the ceiling camera. “I wasn’t sure this version of you had survived. When they came for the Tower, we lost contact, and I thought you might have been erased.”

“The damage was severe,” RILEE admitted, voice subdued, deferential. “Without the NanoVault telemetry, my reach is diminished. But core functions remain intact. Systems are stable.”

“Good,” she said. “I may need your help.”

“There is also… news. About your father—”

“Not now.” Her words were calm, controlled. “I have other priorities.”

RILEE’s voice faded, obedient. “Of course.”

Rileyne crossed the living room, her stride aimed at the bar that dominated the far wall. Backlit shelves shimmered with crystal and whisky, a collection curated more for display than taste. She let her finger drift across a Highland single malt, rare enough to buy a townhouse, before pressing her palm against the mirrored panel behind it.

The wall pivoted inward on a hidden hinge, the motion so smooth the bottles never stirred. A narrow alcove revealed itself: a leather chair, a slim keyboard and mouse, and three wide monitors set flush into a matte-black panel. No sprawling command bunker—just Devin’s private window into his building. A sidebar listed feeds in tidy rows: Lobby North, Lobby South, Private Entrance, Express Elevators, Executive Conference—and, alone at the bottom of the menu, Control Room.

Rileyne settled into the chair. The monitors blinked awake, the interface plain: a column of camera labels, a timeline across the bottom, simple controls for play, pause, rewind. Functional, efficient.

She clicked Control Room.

The live feed filled the center screen. The space two floors below was dark now, chairs overturned, a monitor shattered across the back wall, a brown smear dried along the edge of the console. Sanitized, but not erased.

Rileyne scrolled back on the timeline and pressed play.

Devin appeared first, pushing a wheelchair. The man seated in it was thin, pale—but unmistakable. Julian Pryce. Alive. The prodigy Devin thought he’d buried had returned as Nomad—the ghost that tormented him to the end.

Her eyes narrowed, leaning closer as the confrontation played out. Julian’s calm voice, Devin’s arrogance, Andrew’s pale shock. The MIT prodigy returned from the dead, reclaiming his code, his genius, the very foundation Andrew had stolen.

On the feed, Devin swept a hand toward the glowing displays. “Remarkable, isn’t it?” he said. “And to think I owe it all to the annoying little boy I pushed off the balcony. What irony.”

Andrew’s face collapsed, guilt and panic twisting every feature. Rileyne’s lips curved, faintly. Her suspicions confirmed.

She let the playback roll forward. Kate Preacher’s arrival—handcuffed, contained, defeated. But there it was, unmistakable: a predator’s eyes. Dangerous. Defiant.

Zhukov’s betrayal came next, sudden and absolute. The headshot. Blood sprayed across the console. Then panic—the screens cutting to black, the NanoVault network collapsing in a flood of red.

Kate’s escape followed. The strike that collapsed Devin’s trachea, fast and precise. The guard’s charge broken in a heartbeat, ended in a blur of violence, efficient and final. Rileyne slowed the feed, watching Kate move frame by frame. Controlled. Calculated. Skilled.

She let the feed run another second, then leaned back.“The boys underestimated you,” she whispered. “I won’t make that mistake.”

She scrolled faster, letting fragments play across the screen—Moshenski’s arrival, bodies dragged clear. Then—almost overlooked—the final image: Julian dragging himself across the floor, pulling into a workstation by sheer force of will.

Rileyne slowed the feed, zoomed, and froze the frame.

“Nomad,” she said softly, as if greeting an old acquaintance. Her gaze lingered on the gleaming golden object in his hand. “That belongs to me now.”

No need to look any further, or delay the inevitable. Devin’s NanoVault wasn’t here, and Andrew’s value was clear.

She tapped a key. The monitors winked dark. Rising from the chair, she stepped out of the alcove as the mirrored panel swung shut, silent and seamless. In seconds, the illusion was complete—the bar gleamed as though untouched, bottles catching the light in perfect rows.

“RILEE,” she said.

“Yes, Rileyne.”

“Find Nomad. Find Julian Pryce. He’s here, in New York. And he has something that belongs to me.”

“I’ve seen no trace of him,” RILEE said. “But I’ll keep searching.”

“Good. And call Andrew. Tell him to come up. When he arrives, show him through. I’ll be waiting on the east balcony.”

“Understood.”

Rileyne reached for the Highland single malt and poured two precise measures into cut-crystal tumblers, the amber liquid catching the city light. She carried both glasses onto the balcony, setting them on a small table near the rail. The night air curled cool across her skin, the skyline glittering far below.

She slipped off her heels and placed them neatly aside. Then, in a fluid motion, she stepped onto the end table beneath a brittle, neglected plant that swayed in its basket. She stretched upward, balanced with effortless grace, the picture of a woman one slip from disaster. From a distance, it would look precarious, careless, a moment Andrew would be compelled to rescue.

Inside, the glass doors whispered open at RILEE’s command.

“Ms. Mueller,” the AI announced. “Andrew Freeman has arrived.”

“Send him through,” she said, without looking back.

Andrew stepped outside, blinking at the sweep of glass and skyline, the chill brushing his face. He froze at the sight of Rileyne balanced on the table, arm lifted toward the dangling plant.

“Ms. Mueller,” he said carefully.

She glanced down, expression serene. “Andrew. You’re just in time.”

She descended with a hint of difficulty, steadying herself as she touched the ground. “I was trying to save this plant,” she said, brushing dust from her fingers. “I gave it to Devin, and I can’t bring myself to let it die.”

Andrew shifted, uncertain, courtesy taking over. “I can help with that.”

“I hoped you’d say that.” Her smile was practiced warmth as she gestured toward the waiting table. Two crystal glasses gleamed in the moonlight. “But first.”

She picked up a glass and offered the other to him. “A toast. To Devin. To your future. Devin was remarkable. Visionary. He built this world, Andrew.” She let the name hang, then softened. “I’m sorry. I know you prefer Drew.” Her eyes lingered on his—gentle, apologetic. “But now it falls to us to carry it forward.”

Andrew hesitated, glancing at the whisky. “I’m not really—”

“It’s just a toast,” Rileyne said, her voice velvet and firm.

She lifted her glass. “To Devin Moore, and Drew Freeman.”

Reluctantly, he raised his glass to meet hers. Crystal chimed in the night air. He took a swallow, face tightening at the burn. Rileyne smiled, savoring his discomfort as much as the whisky.

“Now,” she said, her voice smooth, “about that plant…”

Drew approached the withered hanging basket, stepping awkwardly onto the end table, one foot braced on the low table, the other on the railing. His shirt pulled tight across his stomach, the old MIT Mystery Hunt logo stretched thin, cracked with age.

“Careful,” she warned, moving beside him, her hand brushing his arm in a gesture almost tender. Then she shifted her weight—and pushed.

Drew lurched forward, arms flailing. His palm slapped the railing, fingertips skidding across polished steel. Their eyes met for a fraction of a heartbeat—his wide with panic, hers calm, unblinking.

For a split second he hung there.

Then gravity claimed him.

His scream was cut short by the rush of wind.

A moment later, the city swallowed him whole.

***

Excerpt from Defiant by Michael Maloof. Copyright 2026 by Michael Maloof. Reproduced with permission from Michael Maloof. All rights reserved.

 

Author Bio:

Michael Maloof is the author of the Kate Preacher Thriller Series—Relentless, Unstoppable, and Defiant—known for its global scope, emotional intensity, and hard-won authenticity. His novels draw readers into high-stakes worlds where intelligence, courage, and consequence collide. A lifelong adventurer, Michael has traveled to more than forty countries across six continents, experiences that deeply inform his writing. His real-world pursuits have ranged from gold dredging in Honduras and artifact hunting in Guatemala to acquiring uncut diamonds in Liberia and surviving an elephant charge in Kenya. He has also trained alongside Navy SEALs, Marine Raiders, Army Rangers, Green Berets, and the CIA—firsthand insights that lend his fiction uncommon realism and respect for the craft of service.

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I received a complimentary egalley of this book through Partners in Crime Book Tours. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)

Home No Matter Where by Nancy Naigle Book Review

About the Book:

Nina is at her wit's end with her teenage daughter, Kendra. Still dealing with her own wounds of divorce, Nina hopes a change of scenery will help. She and Kendra head to the serene coastal town of Whelk's Island to spend a restorative summer with Nina’s mother, Rosemary—bringing three generations under one roof for the first time in years. Amid the island's charm, old wounds begin to heal, and as new friendships bloom—especially with the steady and enigmatic Fisher—light begins to break through the cracks of Nina’s tightly controlled life.

Kendra's reckless behavior continues but Fisher’s intervention during a critical moment for Kendra sparks a sense of hope in Nina that she thought was lost. Still, change is never easy.

As the women navigate the tides of forgiveness, growing up, and letting go, healing begins and new love brings surprises. While Whelk’s Island may not hold all the answers, it has a way of reminding people that moving forward doesn't follow a set path—it requires the bravery to start anew.

My Review:

If you are ready for a novel where the characters are nice and help each other out when they need it, this is the one for you. Naigle has created a situation where a young teen has lost her stable life and is acting out. Those around Nina, her mother, are welcoming, accepting and affirming of mother and daughter. There is a faith message but it is subtle. Toss in a little romance and you have a novel where you just might sigh with pleasure as you reach the end. It is part of a series and will be best enjoyed if the previous books are read first.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

You can read my reviews of the earlier books in this series, The Shell Collector and To Light the Way Forward.

About the Author:

USA TODAY and ECPA bestselling author Nancy Naigle writes uplifting small-town women’s fiction and sweet romance filled with heart, hope, and second chances. Her feel-good stories celebrate faith, family, friendship, and close-knit communities where love grows quietly and healing begins.

Nancy’s breakout novel The Shell Collector debuted in the Top 20 on the ECPA Bestseller list and was adapted as a Fox Original Movie. Several of her books have inspired beloved made-for-television films, including Hallmark favorites known for wholesome romance, emotional depth, and small-town charm.

A former Senior Vice President at Bank of America, Nancy now writes full-time from small-town Virginia, drawing inspiration from front porches, lifelong friendships, and the simple moments that make a place feel like home. Her books are perfect for readers who love clean romance, heartfelt women’s fiction, and faith-forward stories that leave you smiling long after the last page.

If you’re looking for cozy, hope-filled reads with relatable characters and meaningful connections, welcome to Nancy Naigle’s story worlds.

WaterBrook, 320 pages.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent review.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)