Gripping crime thriller from start to finish

If you’re searching for a gripping crime thriller that captivates from start to finish, look no further than SZ Estavillo’s The Serpent’s Bridge. This debut novel is set against the gritty backdrop of Los Angeles and intertwines suspense with a trio of compelling female protagonists who are as flawed as they are courageous.

About the book: The Serpent's Bridge

The Serpent’s Bridge shines with its portrayal of a resilient Hispanic female protagonist at its core. LAPD Detective Anaya Nazario’s unwavering determination and complex backstory make her a standout character in a genre often dominated by male leads. She’s a flawed character haunted by the unresolved murder of her father, a trauma that continues to shape her relentless pursuit of justice. Estavillo skillfully introduces Detective Nazario in an adrenaline-fueled opening scene setting the tone for unfolding high-stake action.

Detective Anaya Nazario

Alongside Detective Nazario, readers are introduced to Millie Ann Goodwin, a pastor’s wife grappling with her own demons, and Esperanza Florez, a pivotal witness whose testimony holds the key to unraveling a string of unsolved murders. Each character is meticulously developed, with their intermingling stories adding emotional engagement and layers of depth and intrigue to the narrative.

Esperanza Florez

Book review: The Serpent's Bridge

Beyond its compelling characters and suspenseful plot twists, The Serpent’s Bridge delves into timely themes such as immigration and mental health, providing a thought-provoking backdrop against which the protagonists navigate their challenges. Estavillo seamlessly weaves these issues into the story’s fabric enriching the reader’s experience with its relevance and depth.

Having read an ARC (Advance Reader Copy), I can confidently say that The Serpent’s Bridge delivers a thrilling ride from start to finish. SZ Estavillo’s ability to blend action-packed scenes with nuanced character development makes this novel a standout in the genre. Whether you’re drawn to intricate mysteries or powerful character-driven narratives, The Serpent’s Bridge is a must-read that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next installment. I’m happy to give it 5 out of 5 stars.

 **Warning: The Serpent’s Bridge contains a few explicit scenes of sexual content and frequent use of profanity. Reader discretion is advised for those sensitive to such content.

 

About the author: SZ Estavillo

Biracial Thriller Author | Debut 2024-2025 The Serpent Series @HeberBooks | Literary & TV Agency Experience | MA: TV, Radio & Film | Multi-Genre Reader | Social Media & Content Ninja

Classic horror at its finest

I typically avoid reviewing horror novels that focus on slasher themes with high body counts and graphic violence, or those that rely heavily on paranormal elements with gratuitous brutality. However, I have a keen appreciation for character-driven horror that blends psychological depth with iconic supernatural entities to evoke fear, suspense, and introspection on human nature. Gregory Alexander Sharp's writing style in Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2 achieves this delicate balance flawlessly.

About the book

At its core, the story revolves around Charlie Mortimer, a striking young man transformed into a lycanthrope. Shedding his former anxieties and health issues in human form, he emerges robust and self-assured. While his friends provide a safe haven to prevent him from harming others during the full moon, his lingering fear of harming others persists. Together with a small circle of allies, they embark on a quest for a cure. Notable among them are Nicholas Frobisher, a grieving coffee magnate turning to alcohol to alleviate his anxieties, and the erudite Ernest Wainright, whose past dealings with vampires offer a glimmer of hope through the research of Dr. Waggner.

Book review: Kill or Cure: Il Lupo 2 - 5 stars

Sharp's narrative effortlessly weaves together imaginative storytelling with an exploration of the werewolf and vampire realms, imbued with an unsettling atmosphere that warns against venturing too far. The vividly described settings—from London nightclubs to the rustic Sithean Blair farmhouse—enhance the narrative's depth. In my view, this novel epitomizes classic horror at its finest, featuring robust world-building and compelling, multi-faceted characters whose fates I eagerly followed through a complex and unpredictable plot enriched with folklore and superstitions. 

While minor editorial oversights like occasional word choice errors (such as "slither" instead of "sliver") were noted, they did not detract from my overall enjoyment. Consequently, I am delighted to award Kill and Cure: Il Lupo 2 a well-deserved 5-star rating. I eagerly anticipate delving into the series' first installment, Il Lupo, and await the release of book 3 in the series. I highly recommend this book to aficionados of horror who appreciate intricately crafted narratives that resonate long after the final page is turned.

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I received a review copy of this book from the author and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it. Some links in this post are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to amazon.com and affiliate sites.

Other links to check out:

Werewolf the Podcast Introduces Il Lipo

Werewolf the Podcast Introduces Kill and Cure: Il Lipo 2.0 

 

 

About the Author: Gregory Alexander Sharp

Gregory Alexander Sharp is a professional services executive who has worked for some of the world's best known tech and consulting companies. He's always been something of a storyteller, and a huge fan of the supernatural tales that made his spine tingle as a boy.

Novels:

IL LUPO, his first published novel, draws on Greg's love for the classic Hollywood horror movies (think Bela Lugosi, Boris Karloff, and of course, Lon Chaney Jnr), but also on his own personal experiences with loss, and grief, and anxiety. Woven together with a real sense of building tension and jeopardy, and with a smattering of Greg's sense of humour, Il Lupo is the first book he always wanted to write.

KILL AND CURE builds on the themes from Il Lupo and drives them ever further, with Nick Frobisher struggling to manage the stresses of work, grief, and his best friend's lycanthropy. We are introduced to gangsters and vampires, and we reconnect with familiar characters. Kill And Cure has been written in such a way that it can be read as a sequel to Il Lupo, or can easily stand alone as a distinct story.

Short-story:

THE BRIDGE, which touches on how adult problems can easily cause damage to teenagers in the home. Again, Greg brings personal experiences to the fore here. In less than four thousand words, we are introduced to a broken heart, a disrupted education, bullying, public humiliation, the perils of social media, and mental health problems... oh, and watch out for the ghost!

Greg is currently working on a new novel which promises to be a tale of friendship, betrayal, love, loss, and revenge! Watch this space.