The holidays have come and gone, gifts have been opened, but the gift cards still remain. Why not cash them in for a few of IndieReader’s Best Reviewed Books of December! Unlike that present from your brother-in-law, they won’t disappoint!

THE PRIZE by Geoffrey M. Cooper
THE PRIZE: scandal, science, and mystery by Geoffrey M. Cooper
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
IR Verdict: Geoffrey M. Cooper creates stunning antagonists in THE PRIZE, while peeling back the curtain of the scientific community to reveal its humanity. A great read for science lovers and anyone who enjoys a big, juicy scandal.
Read the full review here.

PINEAPPLE CRUSH by Richard Cahill
PINEAPPLE CRUSH by Richard Cahill
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
IR Verdict: Artie Harper’s sharp humor and brilliant detective work, and unpredictable, climactic plot twists make PINEAPPLE CRUSH a must read for film noir-crime drama fans.
Read the full review here.

OLYMPUS NIGHTS ON THE SQUARE by Vanda Writer
Love + prejudice are aflame under the bright lights of 1950s NY clubs in OLYMPUS NIGHTS ON THE SQUARE by Vanda Writer
Genre: LGBTQ
IR Verdict: The combination of warmth, fun, and smouldering passion with the dark, prejudice-ridden historical context makes Vanda Writer’s OLYMPUS NIGHTS ON THE SQUARE a tale not to be missed.
Read the full review here.

THE VENCELLO by S. Amaranthine
THE VENCELLO by S. Amaranthine
Genres: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
IR Verdict: A surreal-but-linear story that blends science-fiction, fantasy, and myth in a lyrical, literary style, THE VENCELLO both rewards readers with a great story and challenges their preconceived notions about life.
Read the full review here.

CETAPIENS by S. Amaranthine
CETAPIENS by S. Amaranthine
Genres: Literary Fiction, Science Fiction
IR Verdict: CETAPIENS is a story that relies heavily on surrealism and abstract concepts to tell a larger narrative that spans multiple planes of reality to tell a story about life, evolution, and the persistence of love through it all, in a clear narrative lifeline.
Read the full review here.

WILLOW TREE’S GIFTby Sebastian A. Barnes
WILLOW TREE’S GIFTby Sebastian A. Barnes; illustrations by Jordan Morris
Genre: Young Adult
IR Verdict: Not since George Orwell's ANIMAL FARM has a supposed animal "fairy tale" so clearly and effectively imparted a message for all.
Read the full review here.

SERENDIPITY by Thomas J. Thorson
Small But Monumental Moments of the Past in SERENDIPITY by Thomas J. Thorson
Genre: History
IR Verdict: Author Thomas J. Thorson provides a lithe read for those fond of the minutiae of history and social phenomena. Instead of tending toward the academic tone of many similar studies, SERENDIPITY provides a nimble yet immersive jaunt through the annals of time suitable for readers of all experience levels.
Read the full review here.

PRIVATE MONEY LENDING by Gustavo J. Gomez, PhD
PRIVATE MONEY LENDING by Gustavo J. Gomez, PhD
Genres: Business/Finance; How To
IR Verdict: Gustavo J. Gomez, PhD creates a successful, readable, and thorough guide to financial literacy in the post-2008 market, and an enlightening read for soon-to-be retired individuals seeking safer ways to invest.
Read the full review here.

FEAST: A GITKSAN STORYby Roy W. Russell
FEAST: A GITKSAN STORYby Roy W. Russell
Genres: Literary Fiction, Spiritual
IR Verdict: FEAST: A GITKSAN STORY is exactly what the title promises - the story of a community coming together for feasting and mourning in honor of their dead.
Find the full review here.

GOD VERSUS THE IDEA OF GOD by Thomas Richard Harry
GOD VERSUS THE IDEA OF GOD by Thomas Richard Harry
Genre: Religion
IR Verdict: GOD VERSUS THE IDEA OF GOD sets forth a premise into the understanding of the idea of a higher power and a must-read for the would-be believers of the information age.
Read the full review here.

ZONE 14 by Ruben Perczek
ZONE 14 by Ruben Perczek
Genre: Self Help
IR Verdict: ZONE 14 is aimed at fostering potential and inspiring progress. In its wisdom and simplicity, it surpasses most of the pack of texts trying to do the same.
Read the full review here.

HAIR LOSS: OPTIONS FOR RESTORATION & REVERSALby Gustavo J. Gomez, Ph.D.
HAIR LOSS: OPTIONS FOR RESTORATION & REVERSAL by Gustavo J. Gomez, Ph.D.
Genre: Health
IR Verdict: For male readers (and to a lesser extent female readers) looking for explanations of their hair loss and options for treating it, this scholarly work provides an extensive historical look at alopecia and the latest scientific advances concerning hair restoration.
Read the full review here.

THE FORMER ASSASSIN by Nikki Stern
With suspense and surprising twists, THE FORMER ASSASSIN hits its mark by Nikki Stern
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
IR Verdict: This years-long, transcontinental game of cat-and-mouse is an explosive page-turner which owes its momentum to its two well-drawn opponents and a conflict that goes beyond good-vs.-evil.
Read the full review here.
Be sure to check the IndieReader book review pages regularly to find the best reviewed books of the month!
Happy 2018!