Book Reviews

Blood Of Like Souls

Val Conrad

ISBN: 9781935605225

Reviewed by Josee Morgan
Official Apex Reviews Rating: *****

After her throat is viciously cut – nearly ending her life – Julie Madigan ends her career with the New Mexico State Police and relocates to Michigan, where she strives to start her life anew. Beginning a new career as a Medical Examiner Investigator, Julie attempts to establish a sense of normalcy and stability – but her efforts soon prove in vain as a twisted killer draws her into a deadly game involving the innocent lives of those she cares about most. As she scrambles to uncover the killer’s true identity, Julie is ultimately faced with the gruesome realization that she alone holds the power to determine exactly who lives – and who dies – forcing the resilient survivor into one of the fiercest battles of her life...

Blood Of Like Souls is a mind-bending tale of drama and mystery. In standout fashion, author Val Conrad combines an intriguing cast of characters with twisting plotlines to craft a superlative suspense thriller sure to keep the reader guessing until the very end. Through Julie, her inimitable protagonist, Conrad does a particularly notable job of evoking strong empathy and sympathy, both for the tragedy that nearly ended her life, as well as for the sinister game in which she soon finds herself trapped. Through her skillful storytelling style, Conrad holds the reader’s interest rapt as Julie’s twisted fate unwinds – all the way up to what proves to be quite the surprise ending...

A highly original suspense thriller, Blood Of Like Souls is a solid debut from a promising new literary talent. An enjoyable read.

Tears Of Like Souls

Reviewed By Josee Morgan

Official Apex Reviews Rating:  *****

Having survived her half-brother’s vicious crime spree, Medical Examiner Julie Madigan is on the mend – but the emotional wounds left by his sadistic acts still run deep. The healing process, however, is made much easier by the undying affection of her devoted lover, Zach Samualson. As they strive to make a fresh start together, though, Julie and Zach are soon hit with a surprising secret – one that actually comes from Zach himself – that threatens to destroy any sense of peace and normalcy she’s tried to establish. Suddenly confronted with having to make a daunting decision regarding her future, Julie is left to wonder what matters more: trusting Zach unconditionally or heeding her heightened internal instincts...?

In Tears Of Like Souls, author Val Conrad picks up right where she left off in her thrilling debut, Blood Of Like Souls. As Julie’s daunting trials and tribulations continue, the reader can’t help cheering for her to emerge victorious over the forces and events constantly threatening to destroy her. In addition, when she finds herself confronted with the possibility of losing the only man who’s ever loved her, her troubles are only compounded by the sudden split allegiance of her heart. In light of all the adversity with which she’s forced to contend, though, Julie ultimately proves stronger than you may suspect – and the riveting conclusion of Conrad’s enthralling tale is sure to surprise more than a few. Highly recommended.