Ryan Hale (Author of One For The Money)

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing A Matter of Providence: A Novel of Reckoning and Coming of Age in the Great Depression by Gail McGuire (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Gail McGuire has an extraordinary ability to take a reader to another time and place, then make you feel as though you aren't simply observing history, you're living among the people who made it. A Matter of Providence takes us to Pocatello, Idaho, du ...more
Aug 11, 2026 02:36PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of A Matter of Providence by Gail McGuire. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — A Matter of Providence by Gail McGuire <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Demon Lord (Demonverse #2) by Margie McDonnell Welsh (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Demon Lord is an outstanding second installment that exceeded my expectations in every way. Margie McDonnell Welsh has created a fast-paced fantasy that is beautifully written, richly imagined, and consistently engaging. From the opening chapters, th ...more
Aug 02, 2026 09:02AM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Demon Lord by Margie McDonnell Welsh. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Demon Lord by Margie McDonnell Welsh <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Demon Spawn (Demonverse #1) by Margie McDonnell Welsh (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Demon Spawn is not the kind of book I normally read, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found was an unexpected delight and one of the most imaginative novels I've read in quite some time. Margie McDonnell Welsh is a fabulous storyteller. H ...more
Jul 08, 2026 09:43PM · 1 like · like · see review
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Hotel Murder Club by Stephen Weller	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
A Clever, Funny Mystery That Kept Me Guessing Hotel Murder Club was a pleasant surprise. What starts as a cozy mystery set in a hotel quickly develops into a clever whodunit with genuine emotional depth. The hotel itself feels like a character, filled ...more
Jul 06, 2026 10:37AM · like · see review
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing The Four Mice Christmas Eve Adventure by Unscripted Chic (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
The Four Mice Christmas Eve is a delightful Christmas story that proves you don't need a lot of words to leave a lasting impression. As four curious mice search for Santa's helpers, they uncover clues through photographs, gift tags, thank-you notes, ...more
Jul 03, 2026 06:27PM · like · see review
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Hitman Jose 1: Dead End by Jefe Bagabundo	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Very interesting noir piece. Filipino police officer turned hitman, Jose works for a ruthless politician. He does things he never thought he would do, losing his family along the way. It is part noir, part dystopian, seeing into a future when the Phi ...more
Jul 02, 2026 06:02PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Hitman Jose 1 by Jefe Bagabundo. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Hitman Jose 1 by Jefe Bagabundo <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Lapidius: A Nation Found by Matthew Runals (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Fantasy is not my usual genre, but Matthew Runals created a story that held my attention from beginning to end. The combination of military training, friendship, adventure, and the growing mystery surrounding the world of Novum Albion kept the pages ...more
Jun 22, 2026 06:05AM · 3 likes · like · see review
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Death Under the Spotlight (Alexandra Raven Mysteries #3) by Shiv Saywack	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Death Under the Spotlight is a sharp, entertaining noir mystery that grabbed my attention immediately and never let go. Shiv Saywack creates a richly layered world filled with colorful personalities, danger, intrigue, and enough twists to keep the pa ...more
May 20, 2026 06:33AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Death Under the Spotlight by Shiv Saywack. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Death Under the Spotlight by Shiv Saywack <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing Cordero: A California Noir by Eric Weiss (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Cordero: A California Noir delivers a lean, character-driven crime story that goes deeper than its premise suggests. Set against the backdrop of late-1970s California, the novel follows Tony Gonzalez, a young man pushed into responsibility as he stru ...more
May 03, 2026 06:40PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Cordero by Eric Weiss. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Cordero by Eric Weiss <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Ryan Hale rated a book really liked it ODE TO TALES: An Indian anthology of chilling dark mystery, horror and thriller sensation by Pampy Roy (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Ode to Tales: Stories with a Twisted Plot is a short collection of horror flash fiction built on strong, imaginative concepts. The variety is one of its strengths—ghostly encounters, revenge-driven plots, and quiet supernatural turns that feel closer ...more
May 03, 2026 06:31PM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of ODE TO TALES by Pampy Roy. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — ODE TO TALES by Pampy Roy <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

A Matter of Providence: A Novel of Reckoning and Coming of Age in the Great Depression
by Gail McGuire (Goodreads Author)

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Gail McGuire has an extraordinary ability to take a reader to another time and place, then make you feel as though you aren't simply observing history, you're living among the people who made it.

A Matter of Providence takes us to Pocatello, Idaho, du Gail McGuire has an extraordinary ability to take a reader to another time and place, then make you feel as though you aren't simply observing history, you're living among the people who made it.

A Matter of Providence takes us to Pocatello, Idaho, during the difficult years following the Great Depression. At the heart of the story is the Bennum family and Lee Bennum, a local fireman and quiet hero who has saved lives without seeking recognition for doing so. He is also a husband and father trying to provide for a large family during a time when simply keeping food on the table could be an accomplishment.

Then there is his son, Luke.

Luke is one of those young protagonists who quickly earns your investment. He's observant, determined, resourceful, and possessed of a strong sense of right and wrong. As organized crime and corruption begin infecting the peaceful town he knows as home, Luke sees patterns the adults around him either miss or are unwilling to confront. When tragedy strikes his family, his suspicions become something far more personal. He is unable to not take action that he knows will risk his life.

What follows is historical fiction that frequently reads like a thriller, and a twist I didn't expect.

McGuire populates Pocatello with decent working families, young friends, ruthless local power brokers, villainous thugs transplanted from New York, and even a couple of surprising East Coast "goodfellas" who prove that not everyone operating outside polite society is necessarily standing on the wrong side of the fight.

The villains are genuinely despicable, which makes Luke's determination to expose them all the more satisfying.

But the crime story isn't what impressed me most. It was the world McGuire built around it. The period details, language, businesses, social customs, economic hardships, family relationships, and sense of community make 1930s Pocatello feel authentic rather than researched. That's an important distinction. Historical facts can tell us when a story takes place. Great world-building makes us feel what it might have been like to live there. When it's done this well, it is truly the "bees knees". McGuire accomplishes that beautifully.

There is tremendous heart in the Bennum family. Their struggles feel real, their affection feels genuine, and their losses hurt because McGuire first gives us reasons to care about them. Luke and his young friends aren't simply characters moving a plot forward. You become invested in their lives and begin rooting for them. And when the story moves into its final chapters, the tension ratchets up considerably. By then, I wasn't merely curious about how the story would end. I needed to know.

A Matter of Providence is a compelling mixture of historical fiction, family drama, coming-of-age story, crime thriller, and mystery. It is about family, friendship, courage, loss, corruption, sacrifice, and the stubborn determination of decent people who refuse to surrender their community to those who would exploit it.

Most importantly, Gail McGuire gives us people worth caring about and a young hero worth cheering for.

An easy five stars from me, and another reminder of why I continue to enjoy Gail McGuire's work. ...more

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Demon Lord (Demonverse #2)
by Margie McDonnell Welsh (Goodreads Author)

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Demon Lord is an outstanding second installment that exceeded my expectations in every way. Margie McDonnell Welsh has created a fast-paced fantasy that is beautifully written, richly imagined, and consistently engaging. From the opening chapters, th Demon Lord is an outstanding second installment that exceeded my expectations in every way. Margie McDonnell Welsh has created a fast-paced fantasy that is beautifully written, richly imagined, and consistently engaging. From the opening chapters, the story pulls you into its world and refuses to let go. Every chapter seemed to end with another surprise, making it difficult to put the book down.

The greatest strength of this novel is its characters, especially Sahara. She is one of the most memorable heroines I've encountered in fantasy fiction. Strong, compassionate, courageous, and fiercely protective of those in her care, she commands every scene she's in. Her relationships with Maxiel and Dr. Alex add emotional depth without ever overshadowing the larger story, and the tension between them feels authentic and compelling.

Welsh raises the stakes considerably from the first book. The world she has created continues to expand with imaginative supernatural elements, memorable supporting characters, and a villain whose plans are both clever and genuinely threatening. The action is balanced with moments of humor, heart, and genuine emotion, making the story feel much larger than a simple battle between good and evil.

What impressed me most was how naturally the plot unfolds. Twists arrive at just the right moments, and I was never quite certain where the story was headed. That's a rare accomplishment in any genre.

If you enjoy epic fantasy filled with unforgettable characters, high-stakes adventure, supernatural intrigue, and a touch of romance, Demon Lord deserves a place on your reading list. Margie McDonnell Welsh is an exceptional storyteller, and this series continues to build into something truly special. I finished this book eager to begin the next installment, which is about the highest compliment I can give any author. I am personally hopeful for Sahara and Alex and look forward to how Margie (through Sahara) figures a way to let a Demon who has loved her for 10,000 years, down easy. My guess is there may be a challenge. ...more

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Demon Spawn (Demonverse #1)
by Margie McDonnell Welsh (Goodreads Author)

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Demon Spawn is not the kind of book I normally read, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found was an unexpected delight and one of the most imaginative novels I've read in quite some time.

Margie McDonnell Welsh is a fabulous storyteller. H Demon Spawn is not the kind of book I normally read, so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I found was an unexpected delight and one of the most imaginative novels I've read in quite some time.

Margie McDonnell Welsh is a fabulous storyteller. Her writing is crisp, witty, and wonderfully cinematic. I'm a visual reader, and every chapter played in my mind like a feature film. Every time I had to set the book aside, I found myself looking forward to getting back to the story.

The premise is wonderfully original. Building on the biblical tradition of the Nephilim, the offspring of rebellious angels and human women, Welsh creates an entirely believable modern world where traces of Nephilim DNA are found throughout humanity. From that single idea grows a fascinating society in which Heaven and Hell maintain embassies in Washington, D.C., government agencies become involved, and cultural tensions mirror many of the challenges we see in today's world. Remarkably, although the novel was published in 2020, parts of it feel almost prophetic in light of today's immigration debates and questions of identity and acceptance.

At the heart of the story is Sahara Mancuso, a social worker whose life changes overnight when she discovers she carries demon DNA herself. Rather than becoming another reluctant hero stereotype, Sahara is funny, vulnerable, intelligent, and wonderfully human. I found myself laughing at her inner dialogue one moment and deeply invested in her struggles the next. The supporting cast is equally memorable, and the dialogue sparkles with humor, emotion, and sharp wit.

What impressed me most was how effortlessly the novel balances imaginative worldbuilding with genuine heart. Beneath the angels, demons, political intrigue, and supernatural mystery is a thoughtful exploration of prejudice, identity, courage, and what truly defines our humanity. The pacing never lets up, the mysteries continue to deepen, and just when you think you understand what's happening, another layer is revealed.

By the time I reached the final page, I wasn't ready to leave the Demonverse. That's probably the highest compliment I can give any novel. I wanted more.

If you enjoy imaginative worldbuilding, compelling characters, sharp dialogue, and stories that combine humor, suspense, and heart, I highly recommend Demon Spawn. Even if urban fantasy isn't your usual genre, don't let that stop you. It certainly didn't stop me, and I'm already looking forward to reading the next book in the series. ...more

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Hotel Murder Club
by Stephen Weller

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A Clever, Funny Mystery That Kept Me Guessing
Hotel Murder Club was a pleasant surprise. What starts as a cozy mystery set in a hotel quickly develops into a clever whodunit with genuine emotional depth. The hotel itself feels like a character, filled ...more

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

The Four Mice Christmas Eve Adventure
by Unscripted Chic (Goodreads Author)

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The Four Mice Christmas Eve is a delightful Christmas story that proves you don't need a lot of words to leave a lasting impression. As four curious mice search for Santa's helpers, they uncover clues through photographs, gift tags, thank-you notes, ...more

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

Hitman Jose 1: Dead End
by Jefe Bagabundo

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Very interesting noir piece. Filipino police officer turned hitman, Jose works for a ruthless politician. He does things he never thought he would do, losing his family along the way. It is part noir, part dystopian, seeing into a future when the Phi ...more

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

Lapidius: A Nation Found
by Matthew Runals (Goodreads Author)

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Fantasy is not my usual genre, but Matthew Runals created a story that held my attention from beginning to end. The combination of military training, friendship, adventure, and the growing mystery surrounding the world of Novum Albion kept the pages ...more

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

Death Under the Spotlight by Shiv Saywack

Death Under the Spotlight (Alexandra Raven Mysteries #3)
by Shiv Saywack

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Death Under the Spotlight is a sharp, entertaining noir mystery that grabbed my attention immediately and never let go. Shiv Saywack creates a richly layered world filled with colorful personalities, danger, intrigue, and enough twists to keep the pa ...more

Ryan Hale rated a book it was amazing

Cordero: A California Noir
by Eric Weiss (Goodreads Author)

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Cordero: A California Noir delivers a lean, character-driven crime story that goes deeper than its premise suggests. Set against the backdrop of late-1970s California, the novel follows Tony Gonzalez, a young man pushed into responsibility as he stru ...more

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ODE TO TALES: An Indian anthology of chilling dark mystery, horror and thriller sensation
by Pampy Roy (Goodreads Author)

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Ode to Tales: Stories with a Twisted Plot is a short collection of horror flash fiction built on strong, imaginative concepts. The variety is one of its strengths—ghostly encounters, revenge-driven plots, and quiet supernatural turns that feel closer ...more

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	One For The Money: Murder in the Metroplex (Blake Franklin Investigations #1) 4.72 avg rating — 86 ratings — 8 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Year of the Rat: A Covid Origin Novel 4.89 avg rating — 63 ratings — 3 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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	Three to Get ready: The Shelter Murders (The Blake Franklin Investigations Book 3) 4.76 avg rating — 34 ratings — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Five Will Get You Ten: Gold Rush to Murder (The Blake Franklin Investigations Book 5) 4.74 avg rating — 31 ratings — 5 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Go, Kat, Go!: Murder in Four Part Harmony (The Blake Franklin Investigations Book 4) 4.63 avg rating — 30 ratings — 4 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
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