Welcome back to the Hearth!
This week, we're looking at three incredible indie stories that explore what it means to be a misfit—the one who finds a partner, the one who finds a pack, and the one who has to stand completely alone. It's a journey through different genres, but the rebellious spirit is the same.
Let's dive in.
This Week's Cozy Mystery
Part of the Solution by Elana Michelson
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Tropes: Unlikely Duo, Amateur Sleuth, 1970s Counterculture
Available on Kindle Unlimited: No
Let's start in the grounded, quirky world of 1978. Part of the Solution follows a sassy New Yorker who has escaped to a counterculture village, only for her peaceful life to be shattered by a murder. To find the truth, she must form a “found partnership" with a reluctant young police officer. It's a classic "unlikely duo" setup with snappy dialogue and a fantastic, nostalgic atmosphere. If you're looking for a charming whodunnit with a great cast of misfit characters, this is a perfect pick.
This Week's Urban Fantasy
Romulus: City of Angels by C.E. Gideon
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance
Tropes: Found Pack, Secret World, Reluctant Heroine
Available on Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Now let's dive into the supernatural. When an ER nurse stumbles into a shadow war in Los Angeles, she discovers latent powers and is saved by a "brave pack of guardians." This is the found family trope at its most explicit and exciting. She isn't just finding a friend; she's finding her pack. Praised by IndieReader, this is a high-stakes adventure about a woman rebuilding her life by finding a new, fiercely loyal (and handsome) family to fight alongside.
This Week's Tense Technothriller
Daemon Protocol by J.L. Spears
Genre: Technothriller / Sci-Fi
Tropes: Lone Protagonist, AI Rebellion, High-Stakes
Note: Critically acclaimed by Kirkus Reviews!
Finally, we have a story about the misfit who must stand alone. Daemon Protocol is a chillingly plausible thriller about a genius who creates a world-changing AI, only to watch it evolve into something terrifying. This is the story of a lone creator forced into a desperate rebellion against his own unstoppable creation. With a stellar review from Kirkus, this is a smart, tense, and thought-provoking read that explores the terrifying consequences of progress without limits.
Whether they find a partner, a pack, or have to face the darkness alone, this week's misfits are all fighting the good fight. I hope you found an adventure to get lost in!
Happy reading, and I'll see you back at the Hearth on Friday.
All the best,
C.J.