New and notable author: Charles Hack

I had been trying to do these features regularly, but my depression has been really bad the last several months, especially in these winter months. But I have been wanting to feature this author since I read a second book by him.

 I ran across this author the same way I have discovered other new authors: in the HOA type Facebook group, Avid Readers of Christian Fiction. (I joke about them being like an HOA, but there are reasons for that 😀).

When Charles was coming out with his first Christian suspense novel, he asked for reviewers. The book Deceitful Above All Things, #1 in his Hank Lin Series, sounded really good. I did review an advance eBook copy of it, and loved it. I went on to buy the paperback.

There are a lot of men - and even women - looking for books that are geared more for men than for women. The Christian fiction market - and even the secular - is such a women's market. Try looking for memes and book related products. If they have a person on it, 99% of the time, it is a female. 

And not knocking women authors and books more for women. I just wish it was more evened out. 

Book #2 in the Hank Lin Series, Deliver Us From Evil,  just came out in November, and was even better than the first one. I preordered it from him and got some cool "swag".

Hank Lin is the main character, hence the series name....I'll put the book description of the first book below, which describes Hank, who is an Asian American: 

Grisly murder comes to the shores of Lake Tahoe.

The victim’s identity sends the local sheriff’s department into a tailspin.

An overly curious resident discovers a dangerous cover-up and races to find the murderer before they kill again.

Deceitful Above All Things is the first book in a new series of murder mysteries set at majestic Lake Tahoe.

Former Army Criminal Investigator Hank Lin returns to his childhood home at Lake Tahoe after suffering a battlefield injury. With the addition of Hank’s father’s death, he’s left nursing his pain and disappointment. Depressed and lonely, Hank is forced to start over with only his grief and inner demons as companions.

After rekindling an old friendship with Deputy Sierra McLean, Hank is infused with fresh energy. Simultaneously intrigued by the case and the irresistible Sierra, Hank pursues both with a curiosity that calms the inner turmoil. His independent side investigation frustrates Sierra and earns him the attention of the unidentified killer.

The hidden evil is as cold and deep as Lake Tahoe itself. A trail of greed and revenge exposes several suspects, but when Hank discovers the killer’s true identity, the hunt turns personal and Hank risks it all to stop them.

And book #2:

When an emergency air ambulance goes missing, former Army Criminal Investigator Hank Lin finds himself wrapped up in a dangerous investigation in the mountains overlooking Lake Tahoe.

Still adjusting to civilian life, Hank volunteers to assist the Ponderosa County Sheriff’s search for the missing helicopter. The disappearance of the air ambulance rocks the sheriff’s department as the search and rescue mission spirals into a murder investigation. Finding four victims complicates the case and reveals the killer’s unique set of skills. When Deputy Sierra McLean finds herself on the back foot and frustrated with dead ends, she accepts Hank’s offer to help.

The discovery of long-buried motives sends the investigation in a new direction. As the hunt for the killer heats up, the stakes escalate, forcing Hank to do what he does best.

I have been very impressed with these two books, and am looking forward to more in the series. So far there really isn't any romance, other than a hint of interest between Hank and the female Deputy. There is no bad language or anything inappropriate. 

I am already looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Charles' real name is Keller Charles Hakbusch....he hacked off part of his name for his author name. (Pun intended 😃)  

In addition to the Hank Lin books, he has also written some Sci-Fi books. That is not a genre' I am into, so I have not read those. I am guessing if you like Sci-Fi books, you would like them. 

I follow him on a couple of social media platforms, and he seems like an interesting guy. In addition to being an author, he is also a pastor. He is an author I would love to sit down with and eat a meal and chat....though if I ever did eat with an author I read, I'd probably be nervous and knock my drink over, or something else embarrassing. Since he lives in Nevada and I in Ohio, he is safe from spilled drinks by me. 😎

About the author:
Charles Hack is the author of the Space Warfare Group Sci-Fi/Space Opera books and the Hank Lin Mysteries. After writing for over twenty years, his first published novel is Into the Darkness. He studied electrical engineering in college and is still a licensed professional engineer with over twenty years of experience before retiring and entering full time Christian ministry. He currently serves as a pastor in his hometown and has a master’s degree in systematic theology. Writing is one of his passions along with reading, woodworking, and coffee. Charles is married with two children and three noisy dogs. They live on a small ranch, known as the Ranchini, in the Great Basin of Northern Nevada. 

Check out his website: CharlesHack.com

Every Last Step, Brand of Justice Series #15 by Lisa Phllips

Book description: 

The epic finale.

It’s all been building to this.

In the last weeks of her pregnancy, Kenna is training Maizie to be an investigator and generally keeping her head down. After all, she isn’t going after Dominatus right now—and maybe not ever. This isn’t a fight she wants to give up, but protecting her unborn child is the most important thing right now. With the family scattered trying to solve this, she and Jax are determined to craft a future that honors their brand of justice and keeps everyone safe.

A missing family.

A deadly betrayal of all they stand for.

One by one her family is caught up in the spidery web of Dominatus. Kenna is determined to save an innocent life she has saved once before—a life in danger because of her connection—the last thing she expects is that nothing is as it seems. With the solid foundation of her faith, she knows she’s never alone. Drawing deeply from the well to find her strength, Kenna chooses to trust God with the outcome.

A legacy.

A fight to the very end.

Facing Dominatus was a task Ramon determined to take on so Kenna and Jax didn’t have to. For all they’ve given him, it’s his turn to give something back. But when the mission goes awry and one of their own is in grave danger, it’s another friend who lays down their life. In the epic climax, the legacy Kenna has built the past few years comes to a head.

And the result is nothing anyone could’ve predicted.

My review:
  I have really enjoyed this series, and am sad to see it end with this 15th book...though it is unrealistic to expect a series to go on into infinity. I can just picture the author years in the future in rest home writing #201. 

Seriously, it has been an excellent series, and I am sad to see it end, though the author has hinted we may see more of these characters I and others have grown to love so much. 

And man, what an ending. Phillips pulled out all the stops on the suspense, action, drama, and more. One thing I have really enjoyed in the last few books is having Jax, Kenna's husband, be a bigger part of the story, along with some of her team.

There were some surprises in this book, and sadly one character didn't make it - not a spoiler, as the book description gives that away. I will say it was one I wouldn't have guessed, and was one that though it was sad, did not bring about the same emotions some of the others dying would have.

The book did have a great ending, and I do hope to see more of them in the future. 

 Special thanks to the author for an advance eBook copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Every Last Step releases January 21st in eBook form. The paperback is available now. 

About the author: 
Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Check out her website at AuthorLisaPhillips.com

Detecting Deadly Threats , K-9 Search and Rescue Book 16 by Carol J Post

Book description: 

With ruthless criminals closing in, this K-9 is on a mission to defend.

Amateur photographer Lauren Hollander narrowly escapes a kidnapping attempt—moments before a disastrous earthquake rocks her small town, destroying her store. She’s saved from the rubble by Zachery Kimball and his search and rescue K-9, Ranger. Someone is determined to get to Lauren—but who, and why? Is it tied to her brother’s criminal past? Or are the culprits after the pictures on her camera? Under Zach and Ranger’s protection, Lauren races to discover the truth behind all the attacks. But as the danger escalates, can they survive long enough to untangle the mystery that’s putting their lives on the line?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

My review:
  I am far from being a dog lover, but I always enjoy a great K-9 suspense story, and the author definitely created a great one with Detecting Deadly Threats. (Though there are currently sixteen books in this series, they are not connected, and can be read in any order.)

 This one was a bit different, as the two main characters already knew each other. He rented an apartment above the jewelry store she owned. 

  The book actually had 3 main characters...4 if you count the dog, Ranger. Zach has recently taken over raising his mostly uncooperative 13 year old nephew, William. 

 I have read many - possibly all - of this author's books, and in my opinion she really excels at these K-9 suspense stories. This story grabbed me immediately. It starts off with a kidnapping attempt, interrupted by a devastating earthquake. And it never lets up. The whole book is filled with attempts at kidnapping Lauren while she stays on the run with her handsome former tenet, a dog, and a teenage boy. The author packed a lot into this book, all the while not shying away from the faith aspect of the story. 

The book had a great ending, and the author wrapped everything up in another book she can be rightly proud of.

Special thanks to the author for an advance copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author

Carol J. Post is an award-winning Christian romance and Christian romantic suspense author who crafts her stories in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. She is also a popular speaker, presenting workshops on a variety of craft topics. When Carol isn’t writing, she enjoys sailing, hiking, camping—almost anything outdoors. Her two grown daughters and grandkids live too far away for her liking, so she now pours all that nurturing into taking care of two sassy black cats. 

Check out her website, CarolJPost.com for more about Carol and her books. 

Elusive Evil, Task Force SEAR #2 by JJ Samie Myles

Book description:

 Sometimes evil is so close you can’t see it.

Former NZSAS corporal Nik “Nikyboy” Te Koha is on vacation with his Task Force SEAR buddies in Indonesia when a suicide bomber targets a church. Triage efforts quickly morph into a full-blown mission, bringing Nik’s old demons knocking.

Terror has haunted Rina Soto from childhood, killing her family and fueling her passion to join Delta 77, a counter-terrorism unit. Convinced the recent attack wasn't a one-off, she sets out to hunt down the bombers with the help of an enigmatic Kiwi and his highly skilled team.\

Opposites attract; fighting the same enemy unites. Nik and Rina put their lives on the line to prevent more carnage, but another threat looms much closer. Can Rina's unwavering faith pierce Nik's darkness?

My review:
Myles is still a fairly new author in the Christian fiction world, with this being her second book in this series, and her third book total. But I would say she has quickly found her feet and is already churning out great novels worth reading.

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but this second one was even better. Sometimes I think it takes a couple of books to get characters developed in a series like this with a team of very different people. And there was a lot more character development in this book. I loved Nik and Rina, but also enjoyed getting to know the other characters more. I am definitely looking forward to Ariel's story, whenever it comes out, but his brother's is next in the series. 

There was non stop action, suspense, and danger in this book. And I loved it. I enjoyed the banter and interplay between the team and the way they worked together. This book definitely entertained, but it also brought home the sober reminder that not everyone has the freedom to worship as we please here in the USA.

In addition to all of the other elements of the story, Myles did not shy away from a Christian message in the book, and the reminder that no badly how messed up we are - or think we are - God can redeem us and our past and make something of us. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

Elusive Evil releases December 19.

About the author:
JJ Samie Myles is always on the hunt for a thrilling adventure, be it in real life or the fictional realm. Having traveled the globe and interacted with people from all walks of life, she is equipped with an arsenal of story ideas. Her mission is to share the beauty of God’s light in a dark world and encourage her readers in their faith. JJ is fluent in savage banter, obsessed with the ocean, and loves to laugh.

Find more about JJ and her books at JJSamieMyles.com

                                                  Book #1

What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

   I discovered this author through the Avid Readers of Christian Fiction Facebook group back in April of 2024. I read the first book in her epic Sons of Vigilance Series on Kindle Unlimited, then immediately bought all 4 books in paperback. She had 5 books out at that point, and has since written 4 others plus a story for an anthology of pro-life stories. Her books are seriously epic. 

I asked her if she would write a guest blog post, whatever she wanted to write, and she graciously agreed, even though she is busy and her husband recently got back from deployment. Thanks Hannah. 

What’s in a Name? Guest post by Hannah Hood Lucero

As an author, I think about names a lot. I’m forever scrolling through baby name websites, trying to find unique and meaningful monikers that haven’t been overused by other writers, and which aren’t similar to other characters from my own works. It’s a bit exhausting, to be honest. 

When I was preparing to publish my debut novel and considering what my pen name should be, I asked my husband what he thought. Being a mysterious wallflower, his instinct is to consistently lean toward anonymity. As soon as he told me he wouldn’t use his real name, I had my answer. The social butterfly inside gasped. My whole spirit rejected the idea of a bookish alias. This rose, by any other name, would utterly and completely STINK! I earned an eye roll when my response was, “I’ll use my full name. Like, the entire thing.” And so, Hannah Hood Lucero (the author) was born.

Growing up, I hated my middle name—which I dropped upon filling out my marriage certificate. Most girls have something sweet like Elizabeth or Jane or Lynn. My parents went the family name route, and mine was Evans. It wasn’t until after I had my own kids that I began to appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of it. And when I started brainstorming characters, I jumped at the chance to make my debut main character a namesake. Evans Sutton became the level-headed teen I wish I had been, and she has popped up from time to time in other books.

I recently drew on the poor attitude of my younger self, writing an entire book about characters who want nothing more than to escape the attention their identities bring. In A Name to Remember, Isobel Lee is famous because of a national tragedy. Hank Olsen is infamous due to the sins of his family. Together, they come to realize that the only identity that matters is the one they have in Jesus. And they each face the question: Will I take the hand I’ve been dealt and rise to the challenge of living a life that glorifies God?

I am intrigued by the multiple instances in scripture, when people were given new names. Upon God’s covenant, Abram’s name changed to Abraham, father of a multitude. His wife, Sarai, became Sarah to designate her the mother of nations. When Jacob wrestled with God, he walked away as Israel, signifying his new status as a prince with God. Joshua (which means “the Lord saves”) was known as Hosea prior to being Moses’s successor. And, of course, we know that Jesus renamed Simon to Peter, he called James and John “sons of thunder”, and Saul—persecutor of Christians—became Paul upon his conversion.

What does your name mean? What do people think about when they see it pop up on a social media thread or email? When I see Mark’s posts and comments, I know a great book recommendation is to follow. My prayer is that my name makes people smile and think of faith-filled fiction, quippy banter, and characters worth remembering.

Find out more about Hannah and her books at HannahHoodLucero.com

A Killer In Texas, Elite Protectors #2 by Jessica R Patch

Book description:

 In the search for a murderer,

the hunter becomes the prey…

While guarding a person of interest in several homicides, bodyguard Libby Winters is attacked by the real serial killer. The Eye, as he’s known, has been stalking her for the past two months, and now he’s ready to make his next move. Determined not to repeat past mistakes, protection specialist Axel Spears vows to keep his partner safe and take down the man who murdered his wife. Caught in a perilous game of cat and mouse, can they unmask and bring down their deadly enemy…before they become the next victims?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Elite Protectors

My review:
   This book was a bit different in that one of the team trying to catch a killer was being stalked by that killer, and she had not told her team that until she was pretty much forced to.

 Patch has gotten a reputation of writing more thrillers than just suspense, and this book definitely leans more towards the thriller side. 

I have always liked series where there is a team that is in every book, with each character getting their own story, and that is what Patch is doing with this series. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one was even better, in my opinion. 

The author did a great job of building the suspense and drama while keeping the reader guessing as to who the Eye really was....and by the way, though it was very creepy, I loved the angle Patch played with the hymn. I admit I was totally surprised at the end when the bad guy was revealed. 

This was a great suspenseful read that brought back the team from the first book. 

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

A Killer In Texas releases December 30.

About the author:

Jessica R. Patch is a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than thirty novels. Known for her pulse-pounding plots, emotionally charged characters, and signature twists, Jessica's stories explore themes of justice, resilience, and the unshakable power of hope.

Whether weaving inspirational stories of danger edged with romance or crafting chilling thrillers that probe the shadows of the human heart, Jessica delivers fiction that thrills while shining light in the darkest places.

She makes her home in Northwest Mississippi, where she enjoys life with her family, a good cup of tea, and dreaming up her next edge-of-your-seat story usually over tacos and queso.

Jessica is represented by Rachel Kent of Books & Such Literary Management.

Check out her website: JessicaRPatch.com

                                                   Book #1

Now Or Never, Brand of Justice Series #14 by Lisa Phillips

Book description: 

With the family back together, the fight against Dominatus is on.

Since her rescue, Kenna has been harboring a secret. But her husband won’t let her bury her head in the sand and ignore their calling, so they’re back to working a case—this time in Boston. Even when a limo explodes in Washington DC, and she knows Dominatus is connected to the attack, Kenna’s fear won’t let go of her. Life now is a push/pull of doing what’s right while keeping their family safe. Justice is what happens in the middle.

As long as Kenna can keep from spilling her secret.

When allies are wrongfully accused as the perpetrators of the bombing, Kenna can’t ignore that her skills put to good use mean that justice can prevail. The case proves complex, and each step they take tangles them in more of the sticky web of Washington politics. With Jax by her side and their family surrounding her, Kenna is safe for now. But if evil prevails, their family will always be in danger. Kenna has to get her faith back on the right footing if any of this is going to succeed.

This Brand of Justice won’t quit until it’s over.

My review:
In my not so humble opinion, this may be the best book in the series so far. It is a toss up between this one and the previous book that featured Jax. This is the first book since Kenna and Jax got married that they were together for the whole book. Before they married, the together times were hit and miss, and then if you have read all the books, you know what the together times were like.

In addition to Jax and Kenna spending more time together in this book, so does the rest of Kenna's ragamuffin band. Phillips did a terrific job on creating Kenna's - and now also Jax's loyal band of merry men and women. They are all so different, and have their individual strengths, but they are all fiercely loyal to Kenna and Jax. 

There is not a wasted page or moment in this book. A lot happens, and the reader - at least this reader - had a hard time knowing who was good and bad, and downright evil. It sure made it a more interesting read. 

I like it when an author puts Christian content in their books. In this book, Kenna is a fairly new Christian, and has lost her faith because of what had happened to her in previous months. Her husband takes her to talk to an interesting friend of his - dude with no legs, previously arrested nd led to Jesus by Kenna's former FBI agent husband. The conversation between those fictional characters was something I needed to hear. God or the author might as well as put my name in there. 

The book had a great non-cliffhanger ending that still left me eager to read the next book.

Special thanks to the author for an advance e-book copy of this novel. I was under no obligation to provide a review and the thoughts contained herein are my own.

About the author:

Lisa Phillips is a USA Today and top ten Publishers Weekly bestselling author of over 80 books that span Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense line, independently published series romantic suspense, and thriller novels. She’s discovered a penchant for high-stakes stories of mayhem and disaster where you can find made-for-each-other love that always ends in happily ever after.

Lisa is a British ex-pat who grew up an hour outside of London and attended Calvary Chapel Bible College, where she met her husband. He’s from California, but nobody’s perfect. It wasn’t until her Bible College graduation that she figured out she was a writer (someone told her). Lisa is a worship leader, tea aficionado, and dog lover of two crazy Airedales.

Check out her website for more about Lisa and her books: AuthorLisaPhillips.com 

Now Or Never releases on Kindle November 19, and according to my Amazon pre-order, the paperback is shipping in two days.

I typically picture all the previous books in a series here, but there are 13 others. So I shall feature a few. 

                                                              Book #1

Book #11

Book #13