Author support services and book blog
Hi
Welcome to DunfermlineReads.
I’m Dwayne, Scottish, in my 40s & a lover of literature.
As well as my family and career, books are an important part of my life, spending my spare time mainly reading but also dabbling in writing, which I hope to develop further in the future.
I enjoy a variety of genres, particularly crime. I look forward to sharing my hobby with you and discovering my next great read.
📚 Tour Dates: 26th May – 1st June
🗂️ Genre: Paranormal / Mystery / Thriller
📖 Pages: 259
🏷️ Publisher: Chamisa Canyon Publishing
BACK OF THE BOOK:
It’s the season of the witch. Are you ready?
Rachel’s interview subjects are turning up dead, but only those connected to a certain story: the Santa Fe Penitentiary riot of 1980. It’s beginning to look as if something malevolent is involved and it’s threatening everyone linked with the story. Rachel, the Reluctant Medium, must learn Navajo ways to prevent another horrific death – maybe even her own.
Set against the sweeping vistas of the ancient Four Corners in the American Southwest, Navajo wisdom will be required to solve the mystery of the petroglyph clues. As a legendary creature stalks the city streets and remote highways it becomes imperative that Rachel discover who is behind the mysterious deaths. Somehow, they all lead back in time to the prison riot.
REVIEW:
A Gripping Blend of Paranormal and Mystery – A Must-Read for Supernatural Sleuth Fans!
Skinwalker Medium by G.H. Collins is the fifth instalment in the Rachael Blackstone paranormal mystery series. Rachael, a journalist and medium, has gradually developed her psychic abilities over the previous books, and this latest chapter continues that arc with suspense and intensity.
Although I hadn’t read the earlier books, I found Skinwalker Medium worked well as a standalone. The author weaves in enough context to make the plot easy to follow, while still sparking curiosity about what came before.
The story centres on Rachael’s investigation into a historic prison riot that left numerous spirits trapped in the cellblock. As she digs deeper, Rachael—and those she interviews—become targets of a deadly supernatural force: a powerful witch known as a Skinwalker. What follows is a tense, fast-paced race to unmask the witch before more lives are lost.
I went into the book with no expectations and came away eager to dive into the rest of the series. Collins masterfully blends the eerie world of the paranormal with the grounded tension of a murder mystery. The thriller elements are sharp, with several scenes that genuinely had me on the edge of my seat.
The characters—both living and spectral—leap off the page. Rachael is a compelling lead, and the paranormal lore surrounding the Skinwalker adds a fascinating layer to the story’s universe. Fans of mystery, thrillers, and supernatural tales will find plenty to love here.
Highly recommended for readers who enjoy intelligent mysteries with a supernatural twist.
BUY LINKS
GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/229998388-skinwalker-medium
Date: 28th April – 8th May
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Pages: 298
Publisher: Bloodhound Books
BACK OF THE BOOK:
A Scottish journalist enters a dark online world in this unsettling novel about resentment and rage . . .
Edinburgh reporter Frankie has finally been assigned ahigh-profile crime story about a series of sexual assaults, and she relishes her big break. Her article focuses on the issue of women’s safety and looks at why conditions haven’t improved since the era of theYorkshire Ripper.
Frankie begins to face a torrent of abuse online, attracting the attention of a group of men who want to prevent her from covering the story. But she won’t back down. What she doesn’t realise is that in this murky online world, one man is plotting a spectacular and shocking attack. Can Frankie continue to investigate and walk away unharmed?
REVIEW:
Dark, timely, and brilliantly written – a psychological thriller that stays with you
Open Your Eyes is a gripping psychological thriller by Heather Fitt.
The story primarily follows Frankie, a journalist finally getting the crime stories she’s always wanted to write. But as her articles begin to attract online attention, she quickly becomes the target of a shadowy internet group—and soon, her safety is at risk. Running parallel to her narrative is the perspective of Liam, a high school lad whose involvement in these toxic online communities sets him on a troubling path.
The book is incredibly well written, exploring themes of feminism and, at its core, the safety of women in a digital age increasingly shaped by incel culture. The character development is strong, particularly for Frankie, her boyfriend, and Liam. Their arcs are compelling and kept me fully invested right through to the final pages.
I was a little torn on the ending. Part of me longed for more closure, but I also understand and appreciate the author’s decision to conclude the story the way she did. It adds a layer of realism and leaves space for the reader to imagine each character’s next steps. In that sense, it’s a brilliant ending—even if it left me wanting just a bit more.
Fans of intelligent, socially relevant thrillers will find much to admire here. For me, it’s firmly put Heather Fitt’s other books on my TBR list—I’ll definitely be following her work from now on. A brilliant read.
BUY LINKS
https://www.amazon.com/Open-Your-Eyes-Heather-Fitt-ebook/dp/B0B2C4BBD1
Date: 1st – 31st March
Genre: Dark Fantasy/ Horror
Pages: 284
Publisher: Fourier Publishing
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Have you ever wondered what lurks in the mirrors?
Daryl doesn’t have to wonder… he knows.
But why do they stalk him? Why can’t he rememberanything?
It’s enough to drive a guy crazy!
Meanwhile, the eerie asylum seems to know more than an old pile of rock and mortar has any right to and his therapy is uncovering a blood-stained past of pain and death, alongside something dormant within him of disturbing power. When Dr. Walker teaches him how to face his demons, the psychoses and dreams conspire to warn him of something even worse stalking him. Something ancient and evil.
To survive, Daryl must confront the repressed memories that drove him insane.
For madness—is a blunt instrument.
This dark fantasy epic and paranormal thriller with a Shutter Island’esque vibe will have you questioning what is real. The story mixes dark and traditional fantasy with horror and science fiction elements to explore mental health, guilt, and a world where the physical realm of our experience blends seamlessly with the fantastical realm of monsters and gods. Perfect for fans of The Gunslinger, The Dresden Files, and the TV series Black Mirror.
REVIEW:
Is It Madness or Another Reality? A Gripping Read
Remembering Demons is a dark fantasy/horror novel by J. Cornelius.
The story centres on Daryl, a patient in an asylum undergoing therapy after claiming he can see demons. Under the guidance of Dr Walker, he attempts to confront these visions in the hope of improving his mental health. As the sessions progress, Daryl not only interacts with the demons but also begins to dream of another life—one that feels eerily real. Throughout the narrative, you’re left questioning what’s truly happening and what might simply be a construct of Daryl’s troubled mind.
I found this to be a gripping and immersive read. The author does a brilliant job of keeping the reader constantly guessing—are the events unfolding around Daryl genuine, or is he descending further into madness? I particularly enjoyed the layered storytelling: Daryl’s time in the asylum, his unsettling encounters with the demons, and the vivid dream sequences involving the Travellers, which broaden the scope of the world, if indeed it’s all real.
The plot flows seamlessly towards an action-packed finale that leaves you hungry for more in the best possible way. I’m thrilled there’s more to come and fully expect great things from the author in the continuation of this intriguing tale.
BUY LINKS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Remembering-Demons-God-Cycle-Book-ebook/dp/B0D2XQQ73J/
https://www.amazon.com/Remembering-Demons-God-Cycle-Book-ebook/dp/B0D2XQQ73J/
GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/219466366-remembering-demons
Date: 15th February – 15th March
Genre: Crime fiction
Pages: 313
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Once you enter the gates, will they ever let you leave?
Frankie Whittle has it all: a career in the City, a gorgeous husband and a baby on the way. It’s the perfect life, but it’s built on sand. In one terrifying night, everything she has worked so hard for unravels. She needs a fresh start. When she discovers the very place she was born has been converted into a beautiful gated community, it feels like serendipity. After all she’s been through, has she found her dream home? They say you should never go back, that the past is a foreign country, filled with devastating secrets. How far will those around her go to keep their secrets safe?
REVIEW:
A Thought-Provoking Slow Burn with a Suspenseful Edge
Caroline England’s The Return of Frankie Whittle marks her first release with The Bullington Press, and it’s a compelling read.
The story follows Frankie Whittle, who seems to have it all—a loving husband, a baby on the way, and a job she adores. But everything changes when she experiences a terrifying burglary at home, forcing her to return to Manchester. From there, life quickly spirals out of her control.
While parts of the novel are told through dual perspectives, the majority unfolds from Frankie’s point of view. The characters are well-developed and believable, and I particularly enjoyed the author’s writing style.
Going in, I expected a thriller, but I’d describe around seventy percent of the book as slow-burn contemporary fiction, with suspenseful elements woven in. The tension builds significantly in the final third, but some of the suspense-related plot points felt a little underwhelming. Certain developments relied on the antagonists making accurate assumptions about Frankie’s actions, which, for me, slightly undermined the realism the book otherwise captured so well. That said, this is likely a matter of personal reading preferences, and many readers will simply be drawn into the gripping story the author has crafted.
If you enjoy slow-burn contemporary fiction with an undercurrent of mystery and suspense, The Return of Frankie Whittle is well worth a read.
BUY LINKS
https://www.bullingtonpress.co.uk/pre-orders-and-new-releases.html#/
GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221886274-the-return-of-frankie-whittle
12th – 21st March
Genre: SciFi
Pages: 147
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Set in a future where humanity is spread across the solar system, and finally making headway detoxifying the planets they’ve poisoned, singularity has proven to be the greatest disappointment of all. As soon as the first fully conscious bot was turned on, it did a quick scan, apologized for not having the answers humans wanted and took off into deep space to “collect more data.” Tier-2 bots—those incapable of disobeying programming—were left behind, just as disappointed as the humans were.
After Joseph is caught illegally immigrating to Europa—a solar-powered, plastic-free haven far from Earth—he’s given six years in prison and a robotic rehabilitation worker named Neem22. Neem doesn’t believe in prisons, but since he was programmed to manage them, he does the work, albeit unusually.
After Kali loses an arm and both her parents in a car accident on toxin-ravaged Earth, she moves in with her uncle on Europa. Everything about her new home feels fake and too fresh for her liking, until she meets Neem22, a machine that seems to know just what to say to make her feel seen and understood.
Neither Joseph nor Kali realize it, but Neem, and all robotic kind, has been waiting for this very moment in history. The simulations have been run. The possible outcomes have been processed and Neem is ready to set the plan in motion. All the bot needs now is a woman with a prosthetic arm and man looking for a second chance.
From #1 bestselling author Robyn Abbott comes a gripping and innovative science-fiction novella that feels like nothing like fiction. Perfect for fans of Becky Chambers and Martha Wells.
REVIEW:
Newer is a sci-fi novella by Robyn Abbott and the author’s second book, available on Amazon.
The story follows three main characters. First, there’s Joseph, who finds himself on Europa but is swiftly sentenced to six years in prison. Then we have Kali, who lost her parents in an accident on Earth. She also lost an arm, which was replaced with an artificial one. Kali, too, ends up on Europa, where she goes to live with her uncle.
Both characters cross paths with Neem22, a bot assigned to Joseph in prison as both a support system and counsellor. Neem22 also meets Kali and forms a unique connection with her. Throughout the book, the bot gradually builds a deep bond of friendship with both Kali and Joseph—leading to an ending you won’t see coming.
I absolutely loved this story. The characters are brilliantly written and feel entirely real within their sci-fi setting—even Neem22, who is so well developed that you can imagine this kind of AI becoming a reality in the future. Robyn Abbott masterfully builds individual relationships between Neem22 and both protagonists before seamlessly weaving their paths together.
For me, this was a five-star read early on, but the final chapters left me absolutely stunned. The author delivered an ending that left me speechless and unsure what to think or feel. Newer is an incredible read—not just for sci-fi lovers, but for anyone who enjoys stories about the power of friendship.
BUY LINKS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Newer-science-fiction-novella-Robyn-Abbott-ebook/dp/B0DST3FZ9S
https://www.amazon.com/Newer-science-fiction-novella-Robyn-Abbott-ebook/dp/B0DST3FZ9S
GOODREADS
Genre: Ghost horror/ Horror thriller
Pages: 192
Publisher: Rook and Castle Press
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Missing girls and a killer back from the grave.
When a nobleman’s daughter goes missing, Elinor Chalamet and Archambeau rush to discover who has kidnapped her and why.
Saddled with a bumbling apprentice, a drunken soldier, and a prickly nobleman who won’t explain why he hasn’t paid a proper call, Elinor must confront her past with the Morpheus Society who trained her as a medium.
But answers can only be found in the Beyond, and that’s a place where ghosts walk and where mediums who overstay their welcome are driven insane.
Elinor Chalamet uses her wits and her ghost-talking skills to hunt for her father’s killer in Alenbonné, a coastal city where ghosts walk at all hours. The third of a six-part gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series featuring a Sherlock Holmes-like female character in a slow burn romance.
REVIEW:
Spirit Guide by Byrd Nash is the third novella in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series, part of the broader A Gaslamp Ghost Mystery collection.
This time, Elinor is asked by Tristan to assist in the case of a missing person—one that may have ties to the Morpheus Society, where she was trained as a Ghost Talker. As their investigation unfolds, Elinor begins to suspect that dark arts may be at play. Meanwhile, she is assigned an apprentice, whose presence brings its own set of challenges.
From the very first book, I was hooked on this series. While I thoroughly enjoyed book two, I found this instalment even more compelling. The introduction of an apprentice adds a fresh and entertaining dynamic, while the deeper exploration of the Morpheus Society provides further insight into the Ghost Talkers—a fascinating aspect I loved in book one. Additionally, the evolving relationship between Elinor and Tristan keeps me fully invested in where their journey will lead.
Brimming with intrigue, rich character development, and an exciting new addition to the cast, this book is a fantastic read and a worthy continuation of an outstanding series.
24th Feb – 9th March
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery/ Literary
Publisher: Chagal Publishing Ltd
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Dripping with today’s divisive social and political animosities.
The dismembered corpse of a woman is found outside London. Days later and with no apparent connection, private investigator Tammy Pierre is called upon by her former Police Chief Inspector to investigate the politically sensitive disappearance of the wife of billionaire politician, Oscar Mountford, who’s in line to become Britain’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer.
We learn early on that he’s a far-right extremist involved in a plot to take over the UK government and coordinate with like-minded extremists in the US and European governments. Although pregnant, Tammy follows leads that take her inside Mountford’s family and across the Atlantic as bodies begin to pile up.
Can she make the connections to unravel the conspiracy and avoid becoming the next victim?
REVIEW:
The Politician’s Wife by Andrew Segal is the third book in the Tammy Pierre Murder Mystery Thriller Series, continuing the story of private investigator Tammy Pierre.
This time, Tammy is called upon by her former Police Chief Inspector to investigate the disappearance of the wife of billionaire politician Oscar Mountford, who is poised to become Britain’s next Chancellor of the Exchequer.
As the mystery unfolds, Tammy joins forces with both old and new allies to unravel a web of secrets that seem unrelated, but are they?
I thoroughly enjoyed the twists and turns that kept the thriller moving at a compelling pace. The characters are well-crafted, especially Tammy, who leaps off the page as a standout protagonist. It’s no surprise the series has now reached three books, Tammy is a character many readers will undoubtedly love.
Andrew Segal has a real talent for crafting gripping stories that keep readers hooked. My only criticism is the level of detail given to describing characters outfits in new scenes. At times, it felt more like a list than an organic part of the narrative, which occasionally pulled me out of what was otherwise an excellent story. Personally, I believe less is more when it comes to description, allowing the readers imagination to fill in the gaps.
BUY LINKS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Politicians-Wife-Mystery-Thriller-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0DSQYRFXK/
https://www.amazon.com/Politicians-Wife-Mystery-Thriller-Thrillers-ebook/dp/B0DSQYRFXK/
GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/223472533-the-politician-s-wife
Read along: 1st February – 1st March
Genre: Short story anthology/ SciFi/ Dystopian/ 18+
Pages: 295
Publisher: Whitefox Publishing Ltd
BACK OF THE BOOK:
A visionary debut collection exploring the rise of artificial intelligence and adapted technologies and their ethical and social impacts on the human experience.
From a small rural American town subjected to horrors brought by an elaborate deep-fake hoax, to Black Mirror-esque fables about technology dependency, age extension, and psychological invasions, Artificial Artifacts invites readers on a journey where the boundaries between human and machine blur, and the consequences of our creations become chillingly profound.
As enigmatic tech mogul Peter Byrell’s story unfolds, so does the tapestry of our digital age, leaving us to ponder: in a world where truth ismalleable and consciousness is encoded, what does it truly mean to be human?
REVIEW:
Artificial Artifacts by John Fennec explores a world where artificial intelligence exists, with each story offering a fictional glimpse into its potential impact on humanity.
From deepfakes to technological addiction, the collection examines both the promises and perils of an AI-driven future. While some stories highlight the benefits of innovation, others delve into its darker consequences. Does AI have a hidden agenda? Could it bring about humanity’s downfall?
The stories are all intricately linked through Peter Byrell, a visionary whose technological advancements pave the way for AI. Each tale unfolds as a direct consequence of his creations, prompting readers to reflect on the far-reaching implications long after turning the final page.
As a whole, I found this book utterly compelling. Each story stands strong on its own, showcasing how AI affects individual characters, some who embrace it, others who resist. It was an easy five-star read for me, but the final story, Unremarkable Man, was the moment I had been waiting for throughout the entire book. Not only did it provide the depth I craved about Peter, but it completely blew my mind. In my opinion, this one story could expand into an entire universe, and I’d savour every page.
That said, don’t let this overshadow the rest of the book. It’s a five-star read from start to finish, but Unremarkable Man is in a class of its own.
24th Feb – 9th Mar
Genre: Sci-Fi
Pages: 135
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Embark on an interstellar journey with “The Babylonian Chronicles,” a riveting sci-fi trilogy that catapults readers into the heart of the ancient asteroid Psyche. Nuclear scientist Salaam Rahal’s quest for evidence of an advanced civilization takes a perilous turn, leaving his commander, Calager McGeen, and base engineer, Sara Lafeete, in a race against time to save him.
As Sara battles exhaustion and radiation poisoning in the asteroid’s lava tubes, a wrong turn thrusts her into a mysterious discovery, raising questions of reality and hallucination. Meanwhile, Commander McGeen faces a deadly confrontation with his old rival, Lance, whose vengeance threatens the hidden outpost’s secret agenda.
Deep within Psyche’s core, Salaam and Sara stumble upon a trove of ancient rocket chariots of Babylon, triggering a daring rescue mission led by Joaquin Gonzalez. With Lance’s weapon poised to obliterate the base, Joaquin faces a heart-pounding choice that will determine the fate of Psyche itself. Get ready for a gripping tale of survival, discovery, and sacrifice in the uncharted depths of space.
REVIEW:
The Babylonian Chronicles by Henry Sipes is a sci-fi short story that serves as the starting point for a much larger narrative the author will soon be releasing.
The story follows Salaam Rahal, Calager McGeen, and Sara Lafeete, who are based on the ancient asteroid Psyche. This short is divided into three distinct sections, each focusing on one of the protagonists as they find their lives in jeopardy. At its core, the overarching story explores the secrets hidden within the asteroid, secrets that could have profound consequences for all of humanity.
I found this book highly engaging, particularly the mystery surrounding Psyche and its hidden truths. The potential for expansion into future instalments is vast, and I can see the many directions the author could take. Each character is intriguing in their own right, with distinct personalities and strong bonds that add depth to the narrative. That said, I was especially drawn to Calager McGeen, his military background and tactical approach to survival made him a standout character for me.
As a short story, it does exactly what it sets out to do, gripping the reader and leaving them eager for the next instalment. The hints and allusions to greater mysteries make this an exciting introduction to what promises to be a compelling sci-fi saga. I thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to reading more.
BUY LINKS
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Babylonian-Chronicles-Henry-Sipes-ebook/dp/B0CW2VCR7P/
https://www.amazon.com/Babylonian-Chronicles-Henry-Sipes-ebook/dp/B0CW2VCR7P/
GOODREADS
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/205702838-the-babylonian-chronicles
Genre: Ghost horror/ Horror thriller
Pages: 200
Publisher: Rook and Castle Press
BACK OF THE BOOK:
Thwarting an assassination wasn’t on the menu.
Elinor’s holiday is nearly ruined when a poisoner targets the king, and what’s even more irritating? Tristan Fontaine, the Duke de Archambeau, thinks to solve the case before she can!
Between saving a society lady’s reputation, comforting a girl with a ghostly brother, and conducting a séance for a widow, Elinor has her hands full. All she wants is to enjoy dinners prepared by the best chefs in the land, but Tristan’s mother and sister can’t stop giving bossy advice. It’s enough to spoil the dessert course.
Between dead husbands and noble boors, Elinor snoops through wardrobe closets, determined to put the duke in his place.
Trained as a medium, Ghost Talker Elinor Chalamet uses her talents to solve crimes.
The second of a six-part Gaslamp fantasy ghost mystery series featuring a strong-minded female Sherlock Holmes-like character in a slow burn romance.
REVIEW:
Delicious Death by Byrd Nash is a captivating novella and the second instalment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series, which falls under the broader A Gaslamp Ghost Mystery collection.
Picking up where the first book left off, the story follows Elinor Chalamet, a Ghost Talker, as she embarks on a well-earned holiday. Her retreat takes an unexpected turn when a prestigious culinary competition, attended by figures from all walks of society, including the king, becomes the scene of an attempted regicide. With her slow-burn love interest, Tristan Fontaine, also in attendance, Elinor must use her unique abilities to unmask the would-be assassin before they strike again.
I was particularly drawn to the first book in the series, as it managed to weave a rich and engaging narrative with impressive character development despite its brevity. Delicious Death is no exception. This instalment further deepens our understanding of the characters, particularly the evolving dynamic between Elinor and Tristan, which is just as compelling as the central mystery. The depiction of the Ghost Talkers work is especially fascinating, written with such authenticity that it feels entirely plausible.
With its clever twists, intriguing paranormal elements, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you invested, this series has me completely hooked. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
Dunfermline Reads 