Genre keywords: Psychological, Thriller, Mystery, Suspense, Adult Fiction, Crime
Released: May 2023
Available at: Amazon
Aspiring novelist Dalia Comb lives a luxurious life complete with a loving family and professional husband until the fateful night their teenage daughter, Maria, doesn't return.
Thrust into more drama she could ever produce on the page, Dalia turns detective and, aided by her detective brother, investigates a shadowy world of mental trauma, mean streets, and people close to her who are not always what they seem.
The search uncovers twists and trysts, and leads her down rabbit holes into worlds she has never known before. Her fight to bring Maria home ultimately tests her sanity and her marriage.
In MISSING MARIA, Ryan Souter has penned a psychological thriller of a mother’s desperate search for her only child, and how one’s painful past can come back to haunt.
REVIEWS:
"This was a well written book and the first fiction I have picked up in many years. The story flowed very well and I found myself pulled into the characters’ lives, becoming a part of the suspense which was unfolding. It came to the point where I read for four hours straight just so I could find out what happens and once the book was done I was already missing it. Looking forward to more books by this author and more mysteries to be a part of! I really liked the expertise the author took the time to research, from the detective and how he worked to the 'accident' and the recovery. As they say, 'The Devil is in the details' and this book read very smoothly because of it!"
-Tamara L.
"With his modern style, Ryan Souter takes his readers on a heck of a ride in this novel, using interesting 'real' characters and keeping up the level of tension. His use of sign-posting is excellent, that is when the reader employs hindsight, because as the chapters fly by the clues are subtle and could be missed, in a good way. Dalia has a good life and wants for little other than a strong writing muse to push her along in her desired career as a novelist. When her daughter, Maria goes missing, the reader is provided with some logical choices for what has happened, and who the 'bad guy' might be. With masterful skill, Souter makes use of psychology and the traumas of the past, to lead the reader to an unusual but understandable conclusion. I would definitely read more books written by this Manitoba author. Watch for his name in the future. 4 stars."
-Ishbel Moore (Author of Cupid's Song)
"My heart strings were tugged immediately when I looked at the cover of this book, thinking it was about a missing child, and indeed it was. This book is a page turner as the family struggles to find their teenage daughter, Maria. I recommend it!"
-Diane Van Wart
"Missing Maria is a fantastic mystery thriller that kept me guessing until the last pages. Throughout the investigation that makes up the majority of the book, Souter keeps the tale tightly paced and littered with twists and turns I didn’t see coming, making it very hard to put down! The characters are all unique and engaging, but still people who live in our reality. People you could bump into on the street, but put into extreme situations. I highly recommend Missing Maria for your next summer read!"
-Riley M.
"Missing Maria delves into key human emotions of fear and suspicion. The novel makes you wonder how far you would go faced with a similar situation, questioning your own values. Building steadily, the ending is full of unexpected twists and turns."
-Tanya M.
"SINISTER! Souter sets a mood and draws the reader in. Everything appears fine at surface glance, but your intuition naggingly insists that something is just not right. Keep reading, and you witness a parent's journey from easy living into their worst nightmare. Strong characters. Relentless race against time. In a tradition reminiscent of Stephen King and H.P. Lovecraft, this novel expands the universe where other Souter books live. MISSING MARIA will keep you turning pages and up late at night. Enjoy!"
-Mike A.
"Missing Maria is a thriller with twists and turns you don’t see coming. The characters draw you in to their world. You find yourself empathizing for them, only to find out that they are not all who they appear to be! A great read!"
-Roseann R.
"Missing Maria is an entertaining, quickly paced read showing the lengths parents will go for their children. It delves into the dark sides of humanity, and how you don't always truly know others, even those closest to you. Inspired by some real events and linking briefly back to another of Souter's earlier works, the book will be enjoyed by anyone into thrillers and mysteries."
-Katie F.
"I really liked this book. The plot grabbed me in the first chapter and kept me turning pages until the end. A well developed cast of characters with ‘good guys’ that — despite some failings — are indeed more good than not and ‘bad guys’ that — notwithstanding perhaps some reasons to be bad/flawed — were truly unpleasant. As the book says “trust is everything”… trust me, this is worth a read."
-BooDad
"The storytelling ensures that this psychological thriller lingers in the reader's mind, long after the final page is turned."
For full review click HERE
-Reads.Grace (Instagram Book Reviewer)
Genre keywords: Psychological, Suspense, Thriller, Adult Fiction, Crime
Released: October 2020
Available at: Amazon
John Marvin walks the high school hallways and streets of Island Cove mostly unnoticed. A Grade 12, socially awkward outcast, his world is turned upside down when a new girl arrives in town.
After sudden tragedy hits John’s life, he is forced to find a heartfelt, human connection. Wanting another life, he focuses on the new girl who has shown him care and affection. The two build a friendship, but John finds himself needing more.
With an unflinching, human desire for acceptance, John finds his life spinning out of control, taking others with him and leaving the quiet town of Island Cove shattered forever.
REVIEWS:
"LITTLE DEVIL INSIDE brought me back to my high school days and the terrors of teenage social dynamics. Despite the rather dark subject matter, I found the story very engaging. The characters have life, and their interactions are genuine. The plot builds in intensity, and I found it difficult to put down the more I read."
-Mike A.
"Great read.. once I started I couldn't stop until it was finished! Lived the development of characters...could feel their pain and what drove John to do what he did."
- Kindle Customer
"This book drew me in immediately after reading the author’s notes on how the idea of this book started in his head. I love my true crime podcasts. Often while listening to them, I wonder “How and why can someone do something so terrible to another person?” Read this book to find out! I also have to add that this book has a great ending. How many times have you read a book that you could not put down only to be disappointed at the last few pages? I have MANY times before. Trust me…this book does NOT disappoint!"
-Debbie
"Little Devil Inside kept my heart racing and my fingers eagerly turning the pages! This isn't my usual genre of book, but I decided to take a chance, and although horrified by many parts of the story, I was hooked and managed to finish this book in record time for the slow reader that I normally am! I grew attached to the characters right from the start, and felt their pain and frustration with each chapter. Just when I thought I knew what was about to happen, things always took a turn, and left me in a new state of appallment! The story is written so well that it even seeped in to my subconscious, leading to a couple nightmares. Aside from keeping me on my toes, it also ignited some deep consideration of where dark motives stem from and what could lead to someone snapping. A captivating read, filled with plenty of excitement!!"
-Lesley
"This is a coming-of-age story that addresses the many issues affecting young people today. Blended families, bullying, peer pressure, and body image are just some of the situations presented. This is a character-driven story, with all the qualities of a page-turner. It’s the kind of book I could not put down. It may appeal to all ages. I am a senior citizen and for me, it was a real eye-opener to see what my grandchildren may be dealing with. Valuable lessons for parents and teens run throughout the story. I would highly recommend it as a must-read."
-Irene
"It's a damn good book. You start to feel sympathy for the main character. Anyway you'll enjoy it."
-Patti
"A well written story that tears at the heart strings. The characters were relatable and believable. The storyline drew me in and I didn't want to put it down."
-Tanya
Genre keywords: Dystopian, Action/Adventure, Thriller, Mystery, New Adult
Released: February 2022
Available at: Amazon, Friesen Press Online Bookstore, Google Play Books, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble Nook, Kobo
1st Edition released February 2022
2nd Edition released November 2023
It’s 2070, and climate change has ravaged the planet and destroyed national government, leaving cities to their own rule. Born with one arm and left for dead as an infant, Hope Mulder has struggled to find her place in life in the city of Prosperity Way. Hope’s greatest desire is to be part of the Elite Front, a group of highly trained soldiers who protect the city, keep order, and carry out the wishes of the Supreme Valor—the ruler of Prosperity Way—but she faces the doubt and derision of those who see only her disability.
At the age of twenty-one, Hope’s dream is realized—she is accepted into the Elite Front training program. As she throws herself into her training, her loving adoptive parents try to warn her about the choices she is making and how they may set her on a path of no return. When Hope is ordered to carry out an agonizing duty, she is forced to question her faith in the Elite Front’s mission. To redefine her existence, however, she must first face the consequences of her actions and confront the painful truth of her past.
REVIEWS:
"Hope Rises is an intense thriller in which a headstrong woman discovers the truth about her seemingly idyllic home. 4 out of 5 stars!"
For full review click HERE
-Foreword Clarion
"A bracingly tough female protagonist enhances a so-so SF tale."
For full review click HERE
-Kirkus Reviews
"Another welcomed novel by this rather fine writer. Hope Rises projects the reader into the not so distant future and a plausible yet uncomfortable social environment. Our heroine, Hope, is a strong determined young woman who does not allow her physical deformity to limit her choices. In this book, that means her dream of becoming one of the Elite Front. Souter takes us to a pivotal time in Hope's journey in which split second decisions bring life altering reactions and the distinct possibility of death, not only for her, but for her family and friends. The reader gladly tags along, enjoying the well-detailed descriptions of training sessions, combat, weapons use. These scenes add to the forward motion of the plot and character growth. Souter knows how to tell a story! There are no difficult lulls to get through in the middle, and there are plenty of twists and turns until a satisfying ending is reached. Worth reading for sure. 4 stars."
-Ishbel Moore (Author of Cupid's Song)
"I enjoyed this book. Appreciated the significance of the title. Well done!"
-Diane VW
"I thoroughly enjoyed reading Hope Rises. I thought the author did a great job of developing the characters...their histories...their motivations and their emotions. I found myself able to picture the story vividly in my mind as I read. An enjoyable read and hope there is a sequel in the works! Would definitely recommend!"
-Celeste
"I really enjoyed reading this book. A super unique and eerie world that was fun to read about. If you like a book that keeps you guessing and continually dying to know what happens next, then Hope Rises is for you!"
-R.E.
"Ryan Souter has created a unique dystopian world that feels both fantastical, and grounded in reality at the same time. The characters who populate the page are well thought out with their own motivations and the protagonist, Hope Mulder is a driving force throughout the story. I highly recommend this as your next read."
-Riley
"I was unable to put this book down! When I wasn’t reading, the characters had a way of staying with me. Souter really makes you feel for the characters in this book. I love a book that tugs at your emotions, makes you feel angry and makes you cheer all in one great read. I highly recommend Hope Rises!"
-Debbie L.
"Hope Rises features an efficient narrative that grabs the reader's attention and pulls them in. The pacing of the story reminds me much of Dan Brown novels like The Da Vinci Code. Once the setting & circumstances are established, it's go, go, go. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel."
-Mike A.
"Ryan Souter's ability to draw readers creatively and intelligently into the journeys of his characters never fails to disappoint, and Hope Rises is certainly no exception. I was captured by the dark setting for which Hope ultimately travails, and with the challenges she faces, Souter does a remarkable job showcasing them as a tacit strength in her character that empowers her, and all those around her. A definite page-turner worthy of a sequel."
-Rob W.
"I picked this book up on vacation and could not put it down. While relaxing in this world I was transported to a futuristic dystopian world. The story and the character's draw you into their world making you want to keep reading to find out what happens next. I can't wait for a sequel."
-Bridget
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