Rediscovering Reading Over the Holidays With New Thriller Intrigue

While the sequel to DoubleHelix was with my editor, I let myself slip back into the reader life I often miss. Such an escape, to dive into stories purely for enjoyment, without the pressure of crafting them (though admittedly, I might have done a little fanfic on the side.)

One series that completely grabbed me was Jason Kasper's Spider Heist thrillers. With five books published and one on tap for this summer, I knew it would keep my binging heart satisfied while I lazed away the void between Christmas and New Year's (with the flu, of course). From page one, I was hooked, both loving the easy and fast-paced heist tempo and questioning my own skills in that shadow. I've hit the mid-point of book five (The Stormridge Con) and slowed my roll, terrified for the inevitable mourning period of finishing and needing to wait for The Talon Gambit to come out this summer.

But the TBR is still full. On tap is Dead Ringer by Chris Haulty, which should feed my long-standing obsession with the JFK assassination.

Holiday reading stack featuring Spider Heist

My obsession with the JFK assassination dates back to reading Jim Garrison's On the Trail of the Assassins, when my 12-year-old brain latched onto Garrison’s investigation and became fixated on political corruption and intrigue. It's not hard to draw a clear line from that moment to my own tendency to write stories filled with complex plots and hidden agendas.

How These Reads Influence My Writing

Reading these thrillers over the holidays reminded me why I became a writer in the first place. To give readers that escape, that heart-pound, maybe even a book-crush on a flawed leading character you just want to fix.

For me, it gave my brain a good reset, a place it could go where I wasn't in charge of what happened. After absorbing the great twists, turns, and character banter I re-read scenes for technical elements: how other authors handle tension, chapter buttons and scene pivots. Some I want to emulate. Some I like less. We're all doing what is right for our story and that's part of the learning, too.

If you’re a fan of thrillers or conspiracy stories, I recommend giving these books a try. They offer a mix of fast-paced action and thoughtful storytelling that keeps you hooked. And if you’re a writer, don’t forget to spend time as a reader. It’s the best way to learn and grow.

Looking Ahead

Now that I’ve finished these books, I’m eager to return to editing Binding Coil with fresh eyes and new inspiration. I got my editor's notes back on New Year's Eve, and I wouldn't quite call it a bloodbath, but I've got some work to do now to get it in your hands in MARCH 2026.

Happy reading, and here’s to finding inspiration in every page.