BookTrib’s Bites presents four new novels that delve into themes of secrets, legacies, and second chances, offering readers a diverse range of genres from thriller and fantasy to literary fiction and hip-hop reimaginings.
In “Day of Wrath” by Otho Eskin, Washington, D.C. homicide detective Marko Zorn investigates the murder of a cardinal archbishop found dead with a tarot card in his hand. The case unravels a conspiracy involving an ancient cult devoted to Holy Death, with ties reaching back to Mexico and threatening the Vatican during a papal conclave. Zorn, paired with a skeptical new partner, must navigate a world of ritual and buried secrets to uncover the truth. Available at this link.
Corey E. King’s “Marek of the Mists: The Sword of the Moon Maiden” follows Marek, an orphan raised by the Wolfe Gypsies in the kingdom of Storm’s End. When an ancient evil emerges, Marek embarks on a quest to restore a shattered celestial blade, joined by loyal friends and a wolf-husky. The novel explores identity and courage against a backdrop of battles and found-family bonds. Purchase at this link.
Jack Martin Haley’s “Allegory” tells the story of Fred, a Korean War veteran and Gwich’in elder grappling with illness and public shame. Facing a cancer diagnosis, he returns to the Yukon River to restore his old fish wheel, seeking redemption with the help of a young man preparing for ministry. The novel is rooted in Gwich’in tradition and Christian faith. Available at this link.
Innton Tagger’s “My Hip-Hop Wiz” reimagines “The Wizard of Oz” with a hip-hop twist. Dorothy Jones, a real estate mogul, is transported to a strange world after a supernatural storm, accompanied by her Rottweiler. She meets a Scarecrow, Tinman, and Lion, each with their own challenges, and discovers her own strength. The novel includes an accompanying soundtrack on Apple and Spotify. Purchase at this link.
