Reviews
I Don't Think So!
Reviews, Spotlights, & Interviews
Book Reviews
Spotlights & Interviews
S̶l̶e̶u̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ Meddling in Santa Monica
Manuscript Review
Reader's Favorite
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo - 6/11/25
“Sleuthing & Meddling in Santa Monica by K. Joyner is a gripping YA mystery that follows Lily, a sixteen-year-old sophomore with unusual sleuthing skills who has a penchant for Agatha Christie and Nancy Drew novels. She enjoys investigating mysteries and aspires to become an investigator. And when she learns about the cold case of Will Harris, a boy who once attended their school and died in a creek thirteen years ago, her curiosity is piqued. Lily, aided by Brittany and Abigail, sets out to prove that the death was not a suicide. As the girls dig deeper into the investigation, they uncover hidden clues, track down long-lost witnesses, and even visit a psychiatric hospital where Will’s mom lives. Their sleuthing leads them into danger. To make things even more complicated, Lily is falling fast for Hudson, the older brother of her friend, Abigail. Can she solve the mystery of Will’s death and find true love at the same time?
Sleuthing & Meddling in Santa Monica delighted me with its cast of intriguing, dynamic, and somewhat quirky characters. Lily’s determination and sharp instincts propel the narrative forward, and she instantly captured my attention. Brittany is more cautious but intensely loyal, often acting as the voice of reason. Abigail, the new girl from the UK, offers a fresh perspective and shares Lily’s fascination with true crime. The supporting cast includes Ethan, a boy with secrets, and Sophie, whose wit and humor enrich the narrative. The narrative voice, skillfully delivered in the first person, captivated me and showed Lily’s perspective with clarity. K. Joyner’s prose is crisp and reinforces the suspense and mystery. I enjoyed how the author uses false leads, unexpected encounters, and close calls with danger to build suspense. The short chapters with cliffhangers, the fast pacing, and the engaging dialogues make this story a winner.”
Our Selfless Journeys
Manuscript Review
Reader's Favorite
Reviewed by Carol Thompson - 6/27/25
“Our Selfless Journeys by K. Joyner is a deeply moving and intricately woven tale of love, loss, and
redemption. The story follows Chloe and Jacob, two teenagers whose lives are intertwined in ways
neither could have imagined. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Astoria, Oregon, the narrative
explores themes of family, friendship, and the sacrifices we make for those we love. The novel begins
with Jacob grappling with the loss of his mother and Chloe struggling with her own trauma after
moving in with her grandparents. Their bond grows as they navigate the complexities of adolescence,
but the story takes a fascinating turn when Jacob introduces Chloe to a mysterious time portal. This
element adds intrigue and allows the characters to confront their pasts in profound ways.
I selected this book because K. Joyner wrote a logline, so I knew I was in for a treat, and I wasn’t
disappointed. The writing is heartfelt and evocative, capturing the emotional depth of the characters
while vividly portraying Astoria’s beaches, forests, and community landmarks. The dialogue is well
executed and authentic, and the relationships between Chloe and her grandparents, Jacob and his
sister Meghan, and the couple themselves are beautifully developed. Chloe’s journey to reconcile with
her own trauma and Jacob’s struggle to move forward after his mother’s illness are handled with
sensitivity and depth. The time portal serves as a metaphor for the choices we make and the
consequences they bring, adding a unique twist to the narrative. Joyner’s use of literary elements
such as foreshadowing, imagery, symbolism, characterization, and flashbacks is perfectly executed.
Our Selfless Journeys is a compelling blend of romance, drama, and a touch of fantasy. It’s a story
about finding love, embracing forgiveness, and learning to let go of the past to build a brighter future.
Joyner’s ability to weave complex emotions with an engaging plot makes this a memorable and
rewarding read.”