I recently wrote a post, The Importance of a Review, and you can find it here in case you haven’t read it or would like to read it again: https://jrlewisauthor.blog/2024/11/15/the-importance-of-a-review/

Yesterday, I published a wonderful review from Jill Rey from her blog, For The Love of the Page, about my book, Black Ye’ii (The Evil One) and you can find it here in case you haven’t read it: https://jrlewisauthor.blog/2024/11/22/5-5-%e2%ad%90-black-yeii-the-evil-one-by-joseph-lewis/

These are just two recent reviews, and I have to say I am overwhelmed with how my new book is being received.

Just as important as a rating or review, is the “word of mouth” from friend to friend that takes place about books. Sometimes, “word of mouth” is more powerful because when one friend talks about a book, the other friend listens. And then that friend will talk to another friend, and so on.

In either case, a “word of mouth” review is as important as a rating/review. It gets word out there about an author’s work. In the long run, it helps with sales and promotion.

Now for some Good News …

I just received this wonderful review from Bella Wright, Editor in Chief of BestThrillers. BestThrillers is a go-to site for honest accurate reviews, especially for books in the thriller-crime-mystery genre. Each of my books that have been on their site received terrific reviews.

Black Yéʼii was selected as an Editor’s Pick by BestThrillers, and considering all the fine books and writers out there, to have my book selected is both an honor and is humbling. Below is the full review.

Black Yéʼii, a Must-Read Small Town Crime Thriller by Joseph Lewis

By Bella Wright / November 16, 2024 / 3 minutes of reading

The Bottom Line: A must-read small town crime thriller that will please new and old fans.

Black Yéʼii opens in Waukesha, Wisconsin, as Carmen Benevides finds three terrifying strangers on her doorstep. The trio is searching for her teenage son, Angel, and they won’t take no for an answer. Minutes later, Angel receives a text message from his mother’s phone: I need you to come home right away. It’s urgent. Angel knows those aren’t his mother’s words, and more importantly, that she may already be dead

Not long after receiving a warning text from Angel, and finding a gruesome crime scene, local detective O’Connor calls Waukesha Chief of Detectives James Graff with a devastating declaration: the international gang MS-13 has returned to town. 

Lewis, who is comparable due to his trademark blend of action and family drama, first introduced the world-weary Graff in his stunning 2018 crime thriller Caught in a Web, which depicted the harsh realities of gang violence and its impact on local communities. Graff resurfaced in Lewis’ follow-up Spiral Into Darkness, in which he assisted the FBI in pursuit of a serial killer. This time, Graff knows his team is the only thing standing between MS-13 and more bloodshed. 

Two years prior, the local police and a group of boys conspired to keep the shooting of four MS-13 members a secret. Graff knows any of them are likely targets, but none more so than high school track star George Tokay, who is at his family’s remote lake house. Unlike O’Connor, George hasn’t received Angel’s warning – and is completely oblivious to the fact that his life is in danger.

The word Yéʼii refers to Navajo spiritual deities, and Black Yéʼii is discussed as The Evil One. Lewis delves into George’s experiences in the Navajo Nation of Northeastern Arizona, as well as the concept that there is some greater force at work. A shared belief system handed down from generation to generation – and the tranquility experienced by multiple characters in place of natural beauty – casts an effective spell over what is an otherwise action-packed work of suspense. The effect is aided by religious ritual and spooky premonitions.

Throughout, Lewis perfectly captures teenagers’ ability to confront danger while simultaneously thinking they are invincible. In a telling scene, the boys decide they need to sight in their rifles and handguns – not only because they “might become the hunted,” but also because hunting season is approaching. In a world filled with military-style rifles, boys in the woods engaged in target practice with civilian hunting equipment is almost charming. But be warned: just because most of Lewis’ characters are sympathetic doesn’t mean every member of the local 4-H club is to be trusted.

While the novel works as a stand alone for newcomers, Lewis delivers numerous easter eggs for longtime fans. In particular, readers of Lewis’ novel Fan Mail will recognize multiple characters as well as a relevant event that rocked the community. But the fun doesn’t end there. Like a budding franchise, Lewis has managed to create connective tissue among numerous books in his catalog while still unveiling new wonders. 

Wow, huh? I keep blinking to make sure it isn’t an illusion.

And on top of all that, I received word from Book Raid that three of my books: Fan Mail, Spiral Into Darkness, and Betrayed achieved BEST SELLER status on their website! I had no idea, none! Talk about blinking …

Not one, not two, but three of my books! This is incredible news. This makes my book, Betrayed, an Amazon Best Seller (two different categories) and a Book Raid Best Seller. I couldn’t be happier.

Last, I wanted to remind you that my book, Fan Mail, is FREE on the Book Sirens website. FREE! I’m hoping those who get it and read it will write a review. You can find it here: https://booksirens.com/book/IIV7EAT/R4DR1VV

I would love to hear your thoughts, so please use the form below. As always, thank you for following along on my writing journey. I appreciate it very much. Until next time …