Dragony Rising, Book 5 in the Frank Nagler Mystery series, recently garnered three top reviews.
Thanks to the reviewers for taking the time to read and review the book.
Note: The 6th Annual Easton Book Festival is upcoming from Oct. 13 to 20.
I will be at several events, including the Easton Farmers Market, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sat. Oct. 19, and the Small Press meet and greet at the Sigal Museum, 342 Northampton St. from noon to 4 p.m., Oct. 20
Info: https://eastonbookfestival.com
How to get a copy of Dragony Rising:
The Reviews:
“Dragony Rising” by Michael Stephen Daigle offers a captivating mystery that’s hard to put down. While it’s the fifth installment in the Frank Nagler Mystery series, it stands strong as a standalone novel for new readers.
The story follows Detective Frank Nagler, whose life takes a sharp turn when three close friends are brutally murdered. Suspended from duty to assess his emotional stability, Nagler remains deeply in tune with the pulse of Ironton. When an explosion devastates the heart of downtown, Nagler is jolted into action. The sight of a yellow kitchen chair perched untouched on a theater roof after the blast puzzles him, raising more questions than answers.
Although initial reports suggest the explosion originated from a Cuban restaurant, Nagler doubts that a small gas leak could level an entire block. Once reinstated, he doggedly pursues the truth, leading him to uncover links to Carlton Dixon, a figure already behind bars for a drug-related offense.
Fans of crime and mystery will appreciate the suspense and unexpected twists in this novel. The title perfectly complements the unfolding drama, and Daigle’s skillful storytelling keeps readers engaged until the very end. It’s a must-read for mystery lovers, and I look forward to exploring more of Daigle’s work.
Rating: 5/5
Review:
This was my first time reading a novel by Michael Stephen Daigle, and I was thoroughly impressed. “Dragony Rising” offers an engaging plot that drew me in right from the beginning and kept me eager to see what would happen next.
Detective Frank Nagler is the protagonist of the story. He was relieved from his duty when his close friends were murdered in front of him. However, when a massive explosion rocks Downtown Ironton, he’s called back into action. One detail that haunts him is the strange sight of a yellow kitchen chair left untouched on the roof of a nearby theater. The blast leaves four people dead, but there’s no trace of Tony, the cook from the Cuban restaurant where the explosion is believed to have started.
Nagler is soon approached by Mahala Dixon, pleading for help to free her father, Carlton Dixon, from prison. Though she briefly surfaces in Florida, she quickly vanishes. To know who is behind the bombing and Mahala’s disappearance, you’ll have to dive into this thrilling mystery yourself.
One of my favorite characters was Jimmy Dawson, the sharp-witted reporter. I also admired Frank’s sharp instincts throughout the investigation. Daigle’s writing is both smooth and compelling, with well-developed characters and a steady pace that ensures there’s never a dull moment. If you’re a fan of suspenseful mysteries, don’t hesitate to pick this one up!
Rating: 5/5
This novel is an absolute page-turner, keeping me hooked until the final chapter. Detective Frank Nagler quickly becomes a character you can root for. At the beginning, he’s undergoing assessments to determine if he’s ready to return to work. However, when an explosion rocks Downtown Ironton, he is called back to investigate. With the help of his trusted circle—reporter Jimmy Dawson, Lieutenant Maria Ramirez, and the brilliant Lauren Fox—Nagler dives headfirst into the case.
The investigation uncovers four confirmed deaths, but Lauren Fox raises a crucial question: where were the rest of the people who should have been there during the explosion? As the plot thickens, several key suspects emerge, including Tony, Tallem, Mahala and Carlton Dixon, and a menacing gang called The Dragony. The author does an excellent job creating a vivid and immersive setting. The descriptions are so detailed that I felt like I was right there, witnessing everything firsthand. The story is captivating, with just the right amount of suspense. Lauren Fox is a standout character—intelligent, resourceful, and incredibly inspiring. She reminded me a lot of Raquel Murillo from ‘Money Heist’ with her sharp wit and strong presence.
Overall, this is a thrilling read with a well-crafted setting and an engaging storyline that keeps you guessing.
Rating: 5/5
