2027 ENTRANTS
Added as our first-round reviewers read them, find the latest verdict blurbs for the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Award entrants, leading up to the big winner announcement in June 2028!
A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE by T. J. Medeiros is a tense and absorbing detective story that follows Terry Eckhart as he hunts for answers after a deadly house fire in San Francisco. The trail leads him and his partner through a maze of business intrigue, old grudges, and personal demons, and each step raises new questions about who can be trusted. With crisp storytelling and a steady build of suspense, the book delivers a mystery that’s easy to follow yet full of surprises, making it a satisfying pick for crime and thriller fans.
BECAUSE OF AMY by Rita Henry is a deeply personal memoir that begins with the death of the author’s newborn daughter and unfolds into a powerful exploration of trauma, healing, and self-awareness. Blending raw storytelling with emotional insight, Henry reveals how grief can become a catalyst for transformation, making this an intimate and empowering read for those ready to face their own pain.
THE BOUNDED CURSE by Ana Stanojevic is a vivid and imaginative fantasy that captivates readers with its world of unpredictable adventures, cursed relics, and charms. Characters like Cain, Bastein, and Avery provide both heart and intensity to the plot. Stanojevic integrates danger and humor in a way that makes you want to keep reading. It is a captivating escape for anyone who enjoys fast-paced narratives of myth and enchantment.
WATER WISHES by Freya Aguiar immerses readers in the atmospheric world of Avalon Cove, where Bay’s discovery of mysterious siren stones pulls her into a realm of danger and wonder. Aguiar’s strong sense of place and attention to magical detail create a story that feels both original and compelling, offering readers a captivating blend of family ties, secrets, and sea-born fantasy.
BECOMING MARIELLA by Janet Constantino is a touching and resonant coming-of-age novel that traces one young woman’s courageous quest for independence across two very different worlds. Mariella Russo, a 22-year-old in turn-of-the-millennium Sicily, is suffocated by tradition, family expectations, and a suffocating engagement she doesn’t want. Despite her deep love for parts of her homeland, she flees to San Francisco to carve out her own path, only to find that freedom brings its own set of pressures, compromises, and moral tests. Constantino paints Mariella’s growth with warmth, emotional honesty, and rich cultural detail: from the smell of Sunday ragù to the weight of familial loyalty. Though the pace occasionally lags in places, the novel’s authenticity, strong character work, and beautiful handling of identity and emotional conflict make Becoming Mariella a memorable story of self-discovery and daring to live true to oneself.
THE CREWEL WING by Erica-Lynn Huberty is a richly atmospheric Gothic-historical novel that brings together mystery, magic, and the suffocating constraints of Victorian society. The plot follows Claire Bietris, an independent woman whose life takes a dark turn after tragedy strikes her family and she marries James Ableton, a schoolmaster and outsider. When a brutal body is discovered half-buried in an ancient long barrow, Claire’s new domestic stability unravels: plagued by a strange illness, haunted by prescient voices, and forced to reckon with old family secrets she thought long buried. Huberty’s writing is lush and precise, suffused with historical detail, eerie magical realism, and a compelling sense of place and interiority. Readers who appreciate haunted beauty, moral complexity, and Gothic romance will find The Crewel Wing deeply rewarding.
Unfolded through dual narratives set nearly twenty years apart, MISSING MOM by Lynn Slaughter is a tense and gripping YA mystery that serves up hard-hitting twists and shocking reveals, through which Slaughter explores some weighty issues. Tightly plotted, completely intriguing, and beautifully incorporating the healing power of dance, MISSING MOM proves to be a compelling, emotive read driven by two determined protagonists.
A BUDDHIST PATH TO JOY by Mel Pine feels less like a lecture and more like sitting down with someone who’s spent a lifetime on the Buddhist path, sharing what he’s learned over coffee. He weaves his own stories, scientific curiosities and ancient wisdom into plain, friendly advice that helps readers ditch ego, face suffering and look for joy. Because it’s rooted in his bodhicitta and decades of practice, the book leaves you feeling genuinely seen and inspired to cultivate gratitude, connection and equanimity.
What could a reader want more in a novel than a refreshingly unique plot, credible characters, a compassionate understanding of human nature, an author who knows what he’s talking about, and best of all, has the writing skills to deliver it all in his debut novel? Brandon Keller is that novelist and his tension-filled book, THE GAME, will leave readers breathless and eager to see what Keller has for them next.
Travis Grubb’s A LOST CAUSE is a taut, character-driven thriller that balances espionage suspense with an emotionally resonant portrait of a man on the edge. Grubb’s flawed protagonist, Seth, takes on a contract job with the CIA that will either bring him back to his family or ruin his life. It’s a solid read for fans of adventure and high-stakes government intrigue.
ENGINEER’S PRIMER ON INVESTING by Justin Masui takes the intimidating world of finance and makes it approachable, showing step by step how to budget, calculate a retirement number, and design a portfolio that works. It covers everything from calculating a retirement number and building a portfolio to exploring risk, algorithms, and even how to think about big economic trends. It serves as a smart, well-structured guide for anyone serious about achieving financial independence through a disciplined plan.
Time traveling, love, romance, Artificial Intelligence, and science fiction fantasy come together in HIVE: A DYSTOPIAN TIME-TRAVEL THRILLER (MADDERS OF TIME BOOK 1) by DL Horton. The future is now, with an AI-powered character that helps drive the story of the “last real humans” trying to survive in their own universe. Well-written with a storyline that moves, HIVE brings high tech into the here and now, hitting the mark each time.
Tara Sanders Brooks delivers a gripping story in IT WILL LAST LONGER about Viv Klein, a photographer whose career and conscience collide after a controversial photo catapults her into both fame and infamy. The novel explores the dark intersections of art, ambition, and morality, presenting how quickly the line between creation and exploitation can blur. With its vivid setting in Los Angeles and its sharp commentary on social media and cancel culture, this is a powerful and thought-provoking thriller.
Osvaldo Calixto Amador’s poetic, powerful memoir TO KILL A COCKROACH has an unconventional structure that opens out his memoir and his memories like a nesting doll. Born in Cuba, he came to the US with his mother and sister as a small child. There’s beautiful, poetic writing throughout, with powerful imagery and sensory detail. Some of his most compelling sections deal with his father’s imprisonment in Cuba, his own growing passion for art, navigating the early years of the AIDS epidemic, and the love for his family of rescued dogs and birds. To Kill A Cockroach offers a roadmap to beauty through pain, and is a thought-provoking, page-turning memoir.
SOJOURN TO WAR by Bill Lynam is a richly textured historical novel that follows Edouard Lynn, a French-Irish Canadian who, after the tragic loss of his wife, embarks on a journey to antebellum Natchez, Mississippi. Set against the American Civil War, Edouard’s quest for purpose leads him into the heart of the Deep South, where he confronts the harsh realities of slavery, cultural divides, and the complexities of a nation on the brink of transformation. Lynam’s meticulous research is evident in his vivid portrayal of the era, capturing the nuances of Southern life and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals during this tumultuous period. For enthusiasts of historical fiction that intertwines personal odyssey with broader societal upheavals, Sojourn to War offers a thought-provoking read.
In TIGER CATE by B.E. Jackson, Cate Finley, a daring muralist with a troubled past, is forced to confront her family’s dark secrets when her sister goes missing and their remote Arizona ranch is under threat. What begins as a thrilling mystery quickly unravels into a web of deception, hidden motives, and a life-altering quest to uncover the truth. With heart-pounding suspense, captivating characters, and unexpected twists, this fast-paced novel will keep you hooked from start to finish and leave you eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Cate’s journey.
GINO’S CONTRABAND: GUILTY UNTIL PROVEN INNOCENT by Gabrielle O’Donovan details the author’s harrowing experience with the HMRC (His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) and its insistence that she was a criminal, not a victim. Colorfully written and well-detailed, the emotional and beyond-frustrating tale about “business as usual” in the UK’s tax authority shows how the seemingly cutthroat unit actually treats its source of income—innocent taxpayers.
THE HIPSTER’S LEGACY by Lorraine Gibson Cohen is a vibrant, heartfelt memoir that captures the spirit of 1960s Southern California through the lens of a young woman navigating the complexities of family, identity, and artistic ambition. The narrative follows 22-year-old Lorraine, who, after a disheartening stint in Hollywood, returns to her family’s eclectic cottage in Hermosa Beach. There, she reconnects with her unconventional family, including her jazz-enthusiast brother, Jeff and her spirited sister, Arlene, amidst bohemian chaos and cultural upheaval. Cohen’s storytelling is enriched by her own illustrations and family photographs, offering readers an intimate glimpse into a world where jazz rhythms and familial bonds intertwine. Her prose is humorous, painting a vivid picture of a young woman’s journey toward self-discovery. While the memoir focuses on personal and familial struggles, it also celebrates the resilience and creativity that emerge from adversity. For readers interested in coming-of-age stories, mid-century Americana, or the interplay between personal history and cultural shifts, THE HIPSTER’S LEGACY is a compelling read.
Rossi’s memoir, THE PUNK ROCK QUEEN OF THE JEWS, is a daring and emotionally stirring account of her journey from a young girl brought up in a rigidly Orthodox family to a rebellious, self-made punk-rock caterer. Fueled by an unwavering yearning for freedom, love, and belonging, she reflects on her time living with the Chasids in Crown Heights, her bold escape, and the convoluted journey to reclaiming her identity with snarky humor and unwavering honesty. Rossi’s vivid storytelling make this an unforgettable tale of rebellion and reinvention.
BELLOSIO: AN AGE OF MIRACLES by John Shekleton is a richly imagined, genre-blending epic that weaves together political upheaval, spiritual philosophy, and speculative science in a world unlike any other. At its heart is Princess Danaba’s desperate struggle to claim a throne she was never meant to inherit, even as a desert abbot’s arrival sparks upheaval in both church and state. Shekleton’s background and literary skill shine through in a narrative that’s both intellectually stimulating and emotionally immersive—perfect for fans of thoughtful fantasy with real-world resonance.
When a 12-year-boy lives with visions of monsters and supernatural beings, it’s hard to accept the magical gifts he’s inherited. LIONBORN by Sharique Zea introduces middle-school aged children to a young hero who learns how to fight the demons and save the people he loves. Kids may enjoy this fast-paced page-turner, wanting to further explore a fantasy world.
In A.I. AND THE METAWISDOM CIVILIZATION, author Tran The Cong paints a vivid picture of a future shaped not only by technology but also by the values that guide it. The book challenges readers to think about progress in deeper terms, while still offering an uplifting and hopeful vision. With its mix of story, philosophy, and forward-looking ideas, it will appeal to anyone curious about how society can grow in meaningful ways. This is a timely and engaging work.
Rugged, crisp, and moving, Chad Lester’s HOUSE OF CRIMSON ROSES weaves seamlessly between the societal collapse and the bloody battlefields of the American Civil War. The book’s greatest triumph, however, is telling the story of the war through the eyes of its marginalized survivors: the disillusioned draftees, discarded wives, and terrorized enslaved people of the Confederate home front, who must bear much of the cost for the folly of secession.
MAGDALENE’S JOURNEY by Renee Blodgett and Anthony Compagnone is a visionary reimagining that seeks to restore Mary Magdalene’s voice and spiritual authority, long obscured by patriarchal narratives. Blending historical fiction with esoteric wisdom, the book presents Miriam of Magdala as a healer, teacher, and spiritual equal to Yeshua (Jesus), challenging traditional portrayals that have marginalized her role. Through a narrative that intertwines ancient teachings with modern insights, the authors invite readers to explore themes of divine feminine energy, inner transformation, and the balance between masculine and feminine forces. The story emphasizes the importance of looking within, echoing Yeshua’s teaching that “the kingdom lies within,” and encourages a reevaluation of historical and spiritual paradigms. While the book’s fusion of mysticism and speculative elements may not align with all readers’ preferences, its heartfelt prose and transformative message offer a compelling perspective on spirituality and self-discovery.
AN AMERICAN TRAGEDY by Dan Flanigan plunges readers into the heart of 1988’s turbulent Satanic Panic, with Peter O’Keefe at the center of a case that threatens to unravel everything he holds dear. The novel expertly blends suspense and moral conflict, exploring the cost of truth in a society consumed by fear. Flanigan’s vivid period detail, relentless suspense, and a hero who refuses to bow to mass paranoia make this a must-read for fans of hard-boiled mysteries and historical thrillers.
TAMING CANCER by Drew N. Kelner, Ph.D., is an optimistic and insightful look inside the cutting-edge world of cancer research from a seasoned biochemist and immunologist. Kelner charts two centuries of breakthroughs in biology and oncology to demonstrate how “living drugs,” including engineered antibodies, immune cells, and viruses are replacing the old “cut, burn, and poison” approach with therapies that target cancer’s molecular roots and harness the body’s own defenses. His clear, metaphor-rich explanations make complex science accessible, delivering both education and hope to readers of varying backgrounds. While some dense passages may challenge lay readers, Taming Cancer stands out as an encouraging, thoroughly researched guide for anyone seeking a conceptual understanding of where cancer treatment is headed and why a future where cancer is manageable, even curable, may be closer than we think.
Nancee J. Soisson’s A LONG JOURNEY BACKWARDS is a deeply affecting memoir that continues the harrowing yet hopeful saga first introduced in her earlier work, A Child from the Inside Out. Drawing from her three decades as a mental health counselor, Soisson recounts her therapeutic relationship with Lucinda, a survivor of severe trauma, including sexual and ritual abuse. This sequel delves into the complexities of their journey, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of faith. Soisson candidly shares her own emotional struggles as a therapist, offering readers an intimate look into the challenges faced by those who support trauma survivors. The narrative is both raw and compassionate, emphasizing the importance of spiritual guidance and community in the healing process. While the subject matter is intense, the book serves as a testament to the enduring strength found in the face of adversity. A truly fulfilling read for those ready to face the reality of life.
CHASING PHANTOMS by Inna Tamir is an exquisitely tender and imaginative paranormal romance that gracefully blurs the line between reality and the metaphysical. The story opens with Vera Simkin, a gentle-hearted healer whose life is upended by a mysterious entity named Kaliga. Soon after, fate brings her to cross paths again with Adrian, her long-forgotten high school crush, now an unexpected flatmate. As their shared history and buried emotions resurface, their bond deepens under the influence of reincarnation, soul connections, and disarmingly uncanny events. Tamir weaves memorable characters, luminous prose, and spiritual themes into a narrative that is both deeply human and mystically resonant. Brimming with longing, second chances, and soul-deep enchantment, Chasing Phantoms is a standout for readers who seek romance that transcends time, logic, and the boundaries of existence.
Thank you to the 2027 IndieReader Discovery Awards Sponsors!
