Uvi Poznansky's Blog, page 71

Surreal, dream-like murder mystery full of intrigue and twists with a dash of romance

Linnea Tanner is a talented Historical Fiction and Fantasy author who weaves Celtic myths and legends into the historical backdrop of Ancient Rome and Britania. I am thrilled to find her review of my suspense thriller, Virtually Lace:


L.D. Tanner 5.0 out of 5 stars Surreal, dream-like murder mystery full of intrigue and twists with a dash of romanceMarch 6, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase The cover of Virtually Lace by Uvi Poznansky intrigued me and the surreal, dream-like first chapter pulled me into a unique murder mystery full of intrigue and twists. The story begins when Michael, a virtual reality developer, follows a vaguely-familiar teenage woman who appears distressed at Laguna Beach.

In the dim light at dusk, he loses sight of her and can't clearly discern the landscape and people around him as he descends the trail after her. When he finally finds the young woman floating in the water near jagged rags, he struggles to piece together how his dream-like observations fit into the murder. To document the crime scene, he tries to take pictures with his smartphone, but it slips out of his hand into a wave. It is then he realizes that his presence so close to the body could implicate him as the murderer. Thus, he sets out to recreate the crime scene in a virtual reality simulation to help him solve the murder.

However, his investigation leads him down a dangerous path that could threaten the life of his lover, Ash, who had escaped a violent assault and lost memory of the attacker. The story is fast-paced and full of twists. The climax is riveting with haunting images.

Author Uvi Poznansky has masterfully written a character-driven mystery murder that is rich in sensory details, almost dreamlike. An example of the the rich description from the first chapter is as follows: "Electric lights buzzed in the buildings behind him, and foxtail ferns hissed, swaying along the trail. Her shadow flitted over the shrubs, falling father and farther out of reach." These details are important clues to solving the mystery. The romantic relationship of Michael and Ash is engaging and directly impacts the intrigue, suspense, and twists in the story. I was on the edge of my seat, fearing for their safety, as the plot thickens.

Virtually Lace is a must read for those who enjoy a fact-paced, character-driven suspense with a dash of romance.

Excellent story, filled with suspense and surprises!

Jan Romes is the author of witty contemporary romance books and a part-time fitness trainer. She also enjoys growing pumpkins and sunflowers. I am thrilled to find her review of my medical suspense thriller, Coma Confidential:


Jan Romes 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent story, filled with suspense and surprises!March 3, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase The author created a strong plot and an equally strong character in Ashley. She's in the hospital, recovering from the trauma of having been beaten. We get to hear from her while she's in a comatose state. She desperately wants to reveal who's responsible for her injuries, but she's unable to get the sound to come out. The thug enters the picture again. I don't wish to say how - you'll have to read the story to experience the suspense firsthand. This fast-paced thriller has a huge surprise ending that I didn't see coming and it's absolutely priceless.

A body was found in Laguna Beach this morning…

An award-winning, internationally read, From Womens' Pens author and humorist, Susan Jean Ricci is best known for her series of works titled Cindy's Crusades. This is what she said about my suspense thriller, Virtually Lace:


Susan Ricci 5.0 out of 5 stars A body was found in Laguna Beach this morning…February 28, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase As a long time fan of Uvi Poznanski’s award winning, thought provoking, and captivating tales, I applaud Ms. Poznanski’s recent hop out of the box with a most exciting, romantic suspense VIRTUALLY LACE.

I also believe it takes a ton of gutsy talent for an author to leave behind their comfort genre, and offer a story that is completely different from what readers may have been expecting.

In VIRTUALLY LACE, Ms. Poznanski’s roller coaster of a ride in this who dunnit suspense focuses on how an intelligent, innocent man devises a way to escape a murder rap, when all the evidence points to him.

By revisiting it…

What was that, you say? Yes! Our hero Michael relies on the new software he and his partner Ash have invented for military purposes, using it instead to foster detective work for the purpose of clearing his name.

The variables for this vividly crafted tale rates five stars, in this reader’s opinion. It’s satisfying and cleverly woven with backstory, along with keeping you up to date with present day matters: his love for Ashley while nurturing her back to mental and emotional health after the horrific event she’s fighting to overcome, accepting a new job with a man Michael believes is capable of committing the murder, and being partnered for his new endeavor with a person he dislikes.

I liked and respected Michael. He remains steady and calm even when he knows the investigation will lead to the bull’s eye planted on his back. He’s loyal to his love interest Ash and empathetic about her demons. Michael’s a guy I’d enjoy having a cup of tea with and worth knowing.

Another positive worth mentioning - The clues throughout the story are so subtle, when I finished reading VIRTUALLY LACE, I smiled to myself thinking, “Oh, yeah. I get that now.”

At the risk of spoiling this innovating read for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure to enjoy Uvi Poznanski’s VIRTUALLY LACE, I’ll leave you with this: I’ve never read anything by this author I haven’t finished with a sigh of joy, or wishing the story continued forever.

Five glorious stars are awarded to Ms. Poznanski, for creating another bestseller, with a prequel now available. Bravo! I highly recommend VIRTUALLY LACE.

And, how about that beautifully designed cover?

This crime may be my responsibility

While I was writing Virtually Lace from the point of view of my protagonist, Michael, I became engaged with his girlfriend, Ash, who helps him solve a murder mystery. As soon as the book was published, Ash took over and started telling me an earlier chapter of her life, when she was in coma, listening to her visitors in the ER. One of them is Michael. Is he connected, in some way, to the crime that put her in the hospital?

The air between us seems to warm up as he draws closer. Boy, am I glad that earlier this morning, the nurse removed my nasal mask. It’s a small improvement, but an important one, in more ways than one: first, I have no need for a medical ventilator to push air mechanically into my lungs. Second, I can catch his smell. And third, I look a bit more presentable. Or so I hope. Without the benefit of a lipstick, it’s too late to consider any style other than au naturel. Part of me hates being vain. The other part knows—even without a mirror—that with all the bruises, which make my face tender, this is not my preferred look. Hovering just over my chest, Michael gasps.If only I could wrap my arms around him. If only I could give him some comfort.He touches the bandages around my chin, my temple, and murmurs to me, “Are you there, sweetheart?”Short of answering, how can I respond? Any movement—small as it may be—would be a victory, a meaningful victory over this state of paralysis. First, I try to expand my ribcage, hoping that he may feel it against his cheek. Breathe, I tell myself. Breathe deep. Nothing. Next, I try to rub elbows with him. I mean, really. When that doesn’t work, I try to move my wrist, my thumb, the tip of my forefinger. Nothing. At last, I try to flutter my eyelashes. Nothing. All in vain.By the change in pressure at the side of my mattress, I feel him lifting away his elbows. His hair whooshes over me. He must be shaking his head. “Oh, Ash,” he says, before his voice dies down into despair.A tear wells up at the corner of my eye. I think it escaped his attention. Perhaps he’s burying his face in his hands. Yes, his voice is muffled. “Maybe it’s best that you’re asleep,” he says. “Clearly, this is not the right time to bother you with my problems.”Problems? What problems?He groans. “It’s hard, being accused of a crime. You, of all people, know I didn’t do it. Or maybe I’m mistaken. Maybe even you can’t be sure.”I consider shrugging, but before I can find a moment to work on that, Michael adds something that is nothing short of strange. “In a sense,” he says, “this crime may be my responsibility.”I’m about to scream, “Say what?” “I think I could have prevented it.”
Ash in Coma Confidential

★ Love Suspense? Go for the ride ★Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance
Coma Confidential(Volume I of Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance)Paperback: Amazon
Ash finds herself in the ER diagnosed with coma. She has no memory of what has happened to her, but what she can do--despite what everyone around her might think--is listen to the conversations of her visitors. Will she survive the power outage in the hospital and then, being kidnapped out of it? 
Virtually Lace(Volume II of Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance)Audible: US ★ UK ★ FR ★ DEAudiobook: Amazon US ★ Amazon UK ★ iTunesPaperback: Amazon
Haunted by discovering the body of a beautiful dancer, Michael sets out to create a virtual reality simulation of her murder. Can he bring the mystery to life? Can he solve its clues in time, before the killer turns on the woman he loves, Ash?

What It's Like to be in a Coma, Suspense

B.J. Robinson is Top 100 Amazon Bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author with four traditionally published novels as well as independently published short stories, novellas, and novels. River Oaks Plantation, her first full-length indie, has been on Amazon's bestselling Christian historical novel list as well as the Civil War list. River Oaks Plantation won an Indie Award and was a top three finalist in the Grace Awards for 2013 in the historical romance category. I am thrilled to find her review of my suspense thriller, Coma Confidential:

B. J. Robinson 5.0 out of 5 stars What It's Like to be in a Coma, SuspenseFebruary 26, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase The author draws you right into the character's story. I've never been in a coma, and God forbid I ever am, but I was hospitalized for nine days last year and in ICU doctors and nurses treated me like I wasn't even there when they had conversations with my husband, so I can identify with what that feels like. It's not pleasant. However, i was able to speak up, but because she is in a coma, she can't. All because of a thug wanting a program a high-school student wrote years ago about shutting down a electrical power grid, she was beaten and raped, ending up in a coma in the hospital. Then, she's kidnapped from the hospital during an electrical outage. I enjoyed the story and was able to relate to parts of it. It is a quick, easy read. Ash was my favorite character, and I loved her golden retriever, Browny. I'm a dog lover. I could relate to how the dog acted from missing her while she was gone. Mine missed me when I was in the hospital. The suspense involves her family and her dog as well. If you enjoy mystery and suspense, check out this series. This is the second book I've read in it, and I enjoyed both.BJ Robinson, Author

Sensational thriller

Once a Liberal Arts major in French Literature, J.A. Schneider, a former staffer at Newsweek, brings aspects of her fascination with medicine, forensic science, and human psychology into her gripping thrillers. I am honored that she read my work. This is what she says about Coma Confidential:
J.A. Schneider, author of suspense and psychological thrillers 5.0 out of 5 stars Sensational thrillerFebruary 23, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase The writing of this book is mesmerizing. From the first line, I found myself getting quiet and still, just listening to the main character’s voice: “Growing up, I didn’t care for fairytale characters. The one I disliked the most was Sleeping Beauty. Unfortunately, now I’ve turned into one. It’s the Sleeping part that frightens me…”

The character who speaks is a young woman named Ash, who has been beaten and raped, and lies in a hospital in a coma. But she can think, and hear everything going on around her. To the nurse, she imagines she looks like a mummy in her bandages. She hears her mother, the comments of others, the monitor emitting its pattern of beeps. She is startled by a power outage, and though the hospital has backup generators, she is further startled to hear those in the room speak of outages throughout the city and state.

She also remembers the rape; hears the brutal, Russian-accented voice of the monster who did this to her. She hears her boyfriend Michael come, and her mother’s hostility to him. Michael is a college dropout and a brilliant computer genius who has started his own software company. Distraught, he tries to explain to Ash that there might be a connection between him and the assault on her.

The story then catapults into stunning action. “The doors of the hospital take a hit. They crack, explode in a shower of glass slivers.” Terrorists next use the scheme of kidnap and blackmail, using Ash as the bargaining chip to force Michel to do their bidding. But he’s a hero, and Ash is determined to be whole again. This story is great romantic suspense, with the bonus of wonderful character development and a deep grasp of the human mind. Five big shiny stars!

Pulls innovational Stories out of her Artist's Hat

Michael James Gallagher, the author of political intrigue thrillers with a tango twist such as the Tsunami Connection, has just interviewed me on his podcast! He titles my work as, "Prolific, Inventive USA Today Bestseller... Pulls innovational Stories out of her Artist's Hat," which made me smile :)  Please check out our conversation: 

Excellent book!!!

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Virtually LaceAsh Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance, Book 2By: Uvi PoznanskyNarrated by: Don Warrick
 Excellent book!!! Overall  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️    5 out of 5 starsPerformance  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️   5 out of 5 starStor⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 02-20-19I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

I recently became a huge fan of sci fi / fantasy books involving virtual reality. This was a VERY different take on the concept. But different in a good way. I thought it was done really well. Like other books by Uvi Poxnansky, the characters are so full of life that you feel like you actually know them. The narration is done well, too. All in all, this is a great murder mystery mixed with sci fi VR. Definitely worth checking out.

I can barely guess the border between reality and hallucination

I tend to agree with Dad when he says, “Things will only get worse in this place,” but the last thing I expect is that his premonition will take effect immediately. “Good afternoon, Mr. Winters,” says Dr. Patel, marching into the room. “So, how’s our patient doing?”“Oh, I don’t know,” Pa says. “I noticed that she’s on a lot of meds, including Morphine. Call me old-fashioned, but is that really necessary?”“We want to keep her as comfortable as can be,” says Dr. Patel. “For how long?”“As long as necessary.”Pa takes a deep breath, and his voice trembles. “I’m afraid she’ll become addicted—”Dr. Patel sounds patient, at first. “Look, you must understand. We had to fix several broken bones, and after the surgery, several places needed to be stitched.”Dad says nothing, so he adds, “Healing takes time.”I know what my dad must be thinking. He was the one who took my high-school friend, Betty, to a drug rehab facility a few years back, when she first experimented with drugs. And when she was released, he let her live in our home for a few weeks, because her own father would not. Pa and I, we know one thing: when people saw her addiction, they stopped seeing her.In my case, I think Dr. Patel is paying no attention to who I am, anyway.Pa asks, “When do you expect Ash to wake up?” “We can’t make any promises,” says Dr. Patel, this time in a non-committal tone. “Morphine is a short-acting opioid, now available also in a long-acting formulation. So, with once or twice a day dosing, steady-state blood levels can be achieved, and patients can sleep through the night.”I suppose he’s just administered my daily dose, because in a blink, his voice fades away and so does Pa’s. Only echoes remain. From this point on, I can barely guess the border between reality and hallucination.
Ash in Coma Confidential


Coma Confidential(Volume I of Ash Suspense Thrillers with a Dash of Romance)Paperback: Amazon ★ Barnes&Noble
Ash finds herself in the ER diagnosed with coma. She has no memory of what has happened to her, but what she can do--despite what everyone around her might think--is listen to the conversations of her visitors. Will she survive the power outage in the hospital and then, being kidnapped out of it? 

Courageous People Confronting Stark Reality

A short and sweet review, written by Michael Gallagher, the author of a political intrigue thriller with a tango twist Tsunami Connection. This is what he wrote about my WWII spy thriller, Marriage before Death:


Espionage Lover 5.0 out of 5 stars Courageous People Confronting Stark RealityAugust 19, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition Stark historical reality intertwined in lucid prose with deep romantic love. Poznansky succeeds at crossing over in the thriller genre. Marriage before Death will interest both men and women readers. I particularly enjoyed the portrayal of courage in the direst of historical situations. No spoilers here. Pick it up yourself. You'll be happy you did.