The light and darkness of America, from the inspiration the of the democratic experiment, to the pall that took over country during the COVID-19 pandemic, are mused and reviewed in this week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers. Examining freedom — which defines America — in a wholly new way is the thrust of one offering, while another tells the stories of how U.S. military members survived conflicts from World War I to the present day through their unwavering belief in God. On the dimmer side is a pediatrician’s battle to protect his patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and one woman’s struggle during that same medical crisis throughout her participation in the vaccine trials. And for fiction, there is the latest installment in a new series, co-written by America’s most read novelist.

“The Texas Murders,” by James Patterson & Andrew Bourelle (Little, Brown and Company)

This third book in the Texas Ranger series of thrillers, co-written by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author James Patterson, centers on the famous lawmen’s pursuit of the most dangerous killer in the Lone Star State. The action begins when the death of a native woman leads to a cold case, prompting Texas Ranger Rory Yates to team up with Tigua Tribal police officer Ava Cruz, an expert archer. The investigation soon leads the pair to some of the roughest and most desolate country Texas has to offer. “‘The Texas Murders successfully builds on the foundation of the previous books by James Patterson and Andrew Bourelle while breaking new ground in terms of complexity and social awareness,” wrote The Bookshelf Elf in his review. “It’s a worthy addition to the modern Western thriller genre that manages to be both entertaining and thought-provoking.”  [Fiction]“Freedom Revealed: A Simple Elegant System,” by Don Wilkie (BookBaby)

Read more at Newsmax© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.