If your idea of holiday giving includes something that lasts beyond the wrapping paper, consider the timeless gift of a good story. These three recently released books from local authors offer suspense, imagination, and emotion—each one perfect for curling up with or sharing this season.
Michael Ludden — the Street King
In the Street King, the genteel charm of the South becomes the backdrop for a taut, fast-paced mystery. When a series of murders rocks the city, detective Tate Drawdy uncovers a sinister web of secrets stretching from Savannah’s cobblestone streets to its most powerful elite. But when he’s suddenly accused of murder himself, the case turns personal—and dangerous. His only hope may be his father, a retired attorney fighting his own battles. A master of Southern suspense, Ludden delivers a story steeped in atmosphere, tension, and family ties. Available in paperback and eBook at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and The Local Exchange on Marietta Square.
Gregg Power — Bloater
After the tragic loss of his wife, a brilliant neurosurgeon’s life unravels in ways neither he—nor anyone else—could imagine. Consumed by grief and rage, he transforms himself into a monstrous vigilante, taking aim at society’s cruelest social media predators. Bloater is a gripping psychological thriller that dares readers to look into the darkest corners of the human psyche. As two rookie FBI agents close in, the hunt becomes a chilling exploration of justice, obsession, and what happens when even the best of us are pushed too far. The first in a planned series, Bloater is available on Amazon.
Michael Webb — Lightbinder
Fantasy lovers, take note—this is one you’ll want on your shelf. In Lightbinder, seventeen-year-old Kaleth is too thin, too timid, and too kind for the brutal world of warrior training at Lightbinder Academy. But when his family faces ruin, he makes an unthinkable choice: to fight. Set in a richly imagined kingdom where magic and loyalty collide, Webb’s story blends heart, action, and mystery into an unforgettable young-adult epic. As Kaleth battles both his enemies and his own self-doubt, readers are reminded that courage often hides in the unlikeliest places. Available now on Amazon.