Where’s Your Karma 1-4 by Mark Nistor-reviews & interview
CHALLENGING KARMA
(Where’s Your Karma 1)
by Mark Nistor
Genre: adult, contemporary, police, thriller
ebook only 99¢-> Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 1, 2024
A harmless inquiry by Declan ignites a multi-state crime spree. “Aren’t these challenges boring? We should try something new.”
Oscar eases forward, stating, “The ultimate crime.”
Rich beyond imagination, the four friends find the freedom they covet. Freedom from predictable lives has never cost this much. The murderous game they create turns against them with unforeseen outcomes. Of the four, Oscar Lloyd’s past conquests are unmatched. Detectives Ray Rix and newcomer Castor Jain try deciphering cryptic letters the rich men send as a game requirement.
Unknown to the detectives, the original four, and a network of innocent accomplices, there’s a second game of death lurking nearby. Changes in Oscar’s life keep him distracted. A distraction he has wanted his whole life, but it causes him to never recognize he is core to both game outcomes being a success. Secondary cryptic letters keep law enforcement confused until a simple question during a reporter’s scrum opens the door.
The games converge with differing intentions. The vigilante strives to make ‘Challenging Karma’ worth the chances taken. Law enforcement has the same goal of death but wants the state to administer the sentence.
Three parties, all qualify as protagonists or antagonists, seek death. Who gets a second chance at living a best life? And who is the mastermind behind the vigilante’s game?
••••••
REVIEW: CHALLENGING KARMA is the first instalment in Mark Nistor’s contemporary, adult WHERE’S YOUR KARMA, psychological police thriller.
Told from several third person perspectives , following numerous intersecting paths CHALLENGING KARMA focuses on a consummate game of murder. Four wealthy businessmen known as the four Cornerstones are bored, and the ultimate high blends murder with intrigue in an abstract game of winner takes all, a game predicated upon four letters, four innocuous clues, a local politician, corruption, vengeance, ketamine and the high of the kill. As LA Detective Ray Rix works diligently to solve the crime, similarities to a past case emerge; bodies amass, as the game becomes more daring and deadly, a serial killer bent on vengeance lies in wait, staking out his next pawn-the perfect killer, the perfect murder.
The world building is complex, detailed, somewhat confusing at times, and meticulous in its’ presentation. As the paths converge, a pattern emerges, a suspect drawn, and the ultimate game of cat and mouse ends The clues are cryptic; the characters are dubious and unethical; the search for the truth never reveals the reality of a new player in the game.
CHALLENGING KARMA is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, secrets and lies, wealth and madness. The premise is comprehensive, multi-layered and intriguing; the character are diverse, unconventional and determined.
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SURVIVING KARMA
(Where’s Your Karma 2)
by Mark Nistor
Genre: adult, contemporary, police, thriller
ebook only. $1.99 -> Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 8, 2024
So, day one after release from a wrongful murder conviction. Now what?
Pin joins forces with a criminal mastermind to execute his revenge needs. While Police Officers disappear, solo agendas cause fractures in their bond.
Use of informants to gain advantages rises to three groups when detectives join the maverick team mates. Once these troublesome informants jump from one handler to another, Pin deviates from the planned revenge.
One such jumper offers detectives a mixed bag of secrets. Identities come out of hiding, causing extreme consequences when mistakes become beacons of light.
However, one deadly underestimation of a person’s character alters the universe forever.
•••••••
REVIEW: SURVIVING KARMA is the second instalment in Mark Nistor’s contemporary, adult WHERE’S YOUR KARMA psychological police thriller. SURVIVING KARMA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from several third person perspectives SURVIVING KARMA focuses on the hunt for a killer. Someone is targeting members of the LAPD. A new informant who specializes in computer gaming is the only person able to trace the movements and possible motive but with his wife on protection duty, detective Ray Rix finds himself on a solo journey that may cost him his life. Someone else may be aiding the unknown suspect, someone who is getting close to the LAPD.
Once again, the world building is detailed but easy to follow as vengeance is the ultimate motive for a perceived betrayal by the LAPD. As real life imitates art, the reality of the situation can be viewed behind a gaming console for the world to see, until they no longer are able.
The diverse secondary and supporting characters are energetic and desperate, determined and dogged. From officers, informants and FBI Agents, family, witnesses and gangbangers, the tenacity of a desperate man threatens the lives of the LAPD, vengeance against an officer for destroying his life.
SURVIVING KARMA is a dark, gritty and dramatic story of betrayal and vengeance, madness and murder, obsession and delusion, friendships and survival that is reminiscent of the television series The Wire™ with the action, characters, and story telling.
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INHERITING KARMA
(Where’s Your Karma 3)
by Mark Nistor
Genre: adult, contemporary, police, thriller
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Indigo /
ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 19, 2025
One oversight is all it took to turn hunters against him. Legal documents record his real name as Wilson O’Reilly instead of Forrest Clay, but his involvement with Ricky Topin going rogue brightens the already dual personality spotlight. Two criminal accomplices vie for attention over the one true love Wilson has ever experienced, a cop.
Once word spread of his link to Topin’s murderous rage, hiding in plain sight no longer became a possibility. Or just maybe? A boss to one, partner to another, and enemy to the third person, O’Reilly weaves his circumstances toward a solution. Although for him to walk the streets again, past friends may die, organizations receive new leadership, and cops become targets.
Although fluid, the first seed planted is to use his onetime lovers, position against her. A simple warning of an assassination attempt piques interest until the offspring of a former gangster ‘Inherits Karma’ from his father. One kill shot setting the stage for O’Reilly to regain the blessings of freedom.
Stuck in quicksand, law enforcement takes the case, international. Thrilling mind games culminate in a three-minute window, where survival becomes a scene of chaos.
••••••
REVIEW: INHERITING KARMA is the third instalment in Mark Nistor’s contemporary, adult WHERE’S YOUR KARMA psychological, police thriller. INHERITING KARMA can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory and cohesion, I recommend reading the series in order.
Told from various third person perspectives, following a number of intersecting pathways INHERITING KARMA follows in the wake of several murders, and the shooting of another police officer, all connected by a common thread linked back to Ricky Topin’s murder spree (Surviving Karma 2), and the revelation about mad man disguised as a determined journalist who is taking aim, one betrayal at a time. The need for revenge is strong, and a previous killing rampage was but the precipice upon which to build a cause.
The world building is, once again, complex and multi-layered with gang bangers, street slang and double talk constantly going round and round, and a host of characters with aliases, dual identities, nicknames, and a determination to take control. As the police continue to look for an assassin who hides behind the anonymity of his work, everyone becomes a target for sins of the past, and the prevailing theories become more convoluted and dark, including the possibility of a second shooter.
There is another large , diverse and extensive cast of colorful and often questionable secondary and supporting characters many of whom we have met in the previous instalments. From members of the LAPD , FBI to informants, gang bangers, rock stars, drug dealers, politicians, and wanna-bes, the atypical and disparate collection of players is wide ranging and often requires a spreadsheet to keep track.
INHERITING KARMA is a story of betrayal and revenge, power and control, murder and mayhem. The premise is dark, gritty, dramatic with a colorful and embellished descriptive presentation and delivery. The characters are diverse, animated and often unconventional. INHERITING KARMA ends on a bit of a cliff hanger-you have been warned
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RECIPROCATING KARMA
(Where’s Your Karma 4)
by Mark Nistor
Genre: adult, contemporary, police, thriller
Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /
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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 10, 2025
Two parties; each with similar targets, but differing ideas for delivering consequences to those who hide under the law’s banner.
Karma has found new proxies to hunt for thirst quenching payback. Anything less than twelve deliveries designates one hunter’s failure. While the second hunter feeds off the twelve to find a killer’s roadmap. Intentional meetings provide opportunity. One such meeting brings with it a twelve-event plan.
Tag teaming during preparations, a vigilante starts a solo adventure toward finding participants to fulfill the ‘Twelve Sins of Retribution.’ Oscar Lloyd, long since being removed from Karma’s stable of hunters, fathered the initial sinner. His deeds created revenge seeking sinner, Ricky Topin.
Topin’s own sins, more momentous but still a failed quest for payback, resulted in his Karma stable banishment? Karma’s newest vigilante hunter parallels a third quest with a high-profile case.
Under the radar of distracted detectives, the plan appears as genius. Until a family member of a Topin victim arrives in Los Angeles for another of those intentional, meet and greets.
The need for revenge double dips into the vigilante’s pool of the yet to be punished, guilty accomplices.
Two sets of hunters roam the dark streets of the cement jungle, ‘Reciprocating Karma’ along the way. When the standoff occurs, which side remains in the Karma stable?
••••••
REVIEW: RECIPROCATING KARMA is the fourth instalment in Mark Nistor’s contemporary, adult WHERE’S YOUR KARMA psychological police thriller focusing on the investigations of the LAPD. RECIPROCATING KARMA should not be read as a stand alone as the events of the current timeline are as of a direct result of the previous three instalments .
Told from several third person perspectives RECIPROCATING KARMA focuses on the need for vengeance in the wake of several murders committed by Ricky Topin (Challenging Karma), a felon released in the wake new evidence that purportedly proved he was not responsible for a previous crime. A list of twelve sins, a series of bombings directed at the LAPD, the murder and assassination of several people connected to the original killer, all culminate in the wake of the arrival of a new player; a journalist who is not; and a family determined to uncover the truth.
Once again, the world building is complex, elaborate and slowly unfolds until the ultimate climax and a twist to the story. From law enforcement attorneys, gang bangers, journalists, families, friends, and a pair of deficient podcasters, the story unfolds to reveal a convoluted, gnarled and bumpy path towards resolution and reveal. Double speak is prevalent, street slang and innuendo are callously yet cautiously thrown about.
Again, there is a large and diverse cast of colorful, questionable and determined secondary and supporting characters many of whom have differing theories, dedicated ideas about the who and why, but not all are looking for the same result or verdict.
RECIPROCATING KARMA is a riveting, detailed and intricately woven tale of revenge and murder, power and control, family and conviction. The premise is dark, gritty and dramatic; the characters are numerous, determined, and dynamic.
Copies supplied for review
Reviewed by Sandy
TRC: Hi Mark, and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ‘RECIPROCATING KARMA’ book four in your ‘Where’s Your Karma?’ series.
We would like to start with some background information. Please tell us something about yourself?
Social Media: Goodreads /Website/ Instagram/
Mark: A born and raised Canadian. I’ve lived most of my 56 years in Saskatchewan. I’ve also lived in the Lower Mainland area of Vancouver. While in Vancouver, I learned I don’t like large cities.
The first time my imagination found ink was in a Video, Television, Production course. My intent started as a behind-the-scenes type professional. However, my first script blew the instructor out of the water. That cursed me as he deemed me an oddball because I didn’t write, edit, direct shows, or organize my sets based on what I thought he wanted. A month in, and I directed every second class.
The first draft of ‘Challenging Karma’ started as a two-page script for an upcoming movie. I believe I called it “A Cop’s Duty!” A midterm exam was to adapt any prior script into a ten-page short story for submission. Thirty years later I finished it, thinking it’d be a onetime, keep my promise experience.
TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?
Mark: I always loved being around the adults to hear stories of their growing-up days. Now kids may stay with adults, but in the seventies, I remember as long as I sat close to a particular uncle I could watch.
Their stories could have been exaggerated. But the way they spoke with such detail, and held their listeners in anticipation—that’s what lit the fire to my storytelling.
TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter in writing and publishing your stories?
Mark: Since finishing ‘Challenging Karma’ I’ve learned so much about the entire industry. Going in, I expected the actual writing to be the toughest part. I now find that to be the least stressful part. Editing, marketing, designing, begging for a sliver of recognition is a real eye-opener.
TRC: Please tell us something about the premise of ‘RECIPROCATING KARMA’
Mark: Epiphanies play a huge role in the development of my stories. I started writing the third book, ‘Inheriting Karma’ but realized while writing a chapter that this would be a unique storyline for a new book. Since ‘Challenging Karma’ I guess I can say I write two books at once.
In ‘Reciprocating Karma’ detectives Ray Rix and Castor Jain work the ‘Inheriting Karma’ case without knowing a second killer lurks. Because the timelines are parallel, the detectives’ distraction opens the door for other characters to investigate the ‘Reciprocating Karma’ crimes.
‘Reciprocating Karma’ is unique as a debate starter. Like an 80s movie, Christmas-themed or not?
TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning ‘RECIPROCATING KARMA’?
Mark: I’m sure my editor is sick of me asking, but I know my story too well. I’m not sure if enough information exists for readers to know why a certain character is in the story. If anything, I have a better understanding of the hardships the people living on LA’s Skid Row face.
I’ve researched everything from police call signs to destroyed buildings in the Northridge earthquake. In ‘Reciprocating Karma’ people may recognize street names. Specifics of martial arts fighting. A struggling reporter’s lifestyle. Problems faced when traveling the open seas. Or a seldom-used tactic to free a criminal from charges.
I research based on comments the reader may say: I’ve done that, or I’ve been there, or that’s so true.
TRC: Is any of the premises/series based in reality or fact?
Mark: In theory, no. But the theme of karma itself opens the door to my stories mimicking reality. Boiled down, a person could connect the four books with ease. A serial killer discovered. An innocent convicted because of his proximity to the dead. A secondary criminal organization takes advantage of the wrongful conviction. And finally, a separate person turns vigilante seeking revenge for the dead.
TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?
Mark: I’m not putting a limit on numbers. I guess it ends when the inside voice stops yelling at me about new storylines. There’re so many karma events, this series could keep growing after I’ve left this planet.
Will the same characters be central in each successive installment, or a new leading character as the focus of each book?
Mark: Characters come and go throughout my stories. I believe this keeps the theme fresh. Books three and four are examples of this premise. Characters cross over but only play a key role in one book.
TRC: Can each installment be read as a standalone, or are they all interconnected?
Mark: Now the wannabe politician arrives.
I’ve asked my editor the same question. Both our answers are similar. If the reader understands going in that the book is part of a series with events of the past taking place, yes, they’re standalone.
But to understand the entire theme of karma and its future repercussions, the first book provides key information. Especially in future releases where I go back in time to before the serial killer strikes.
TRC: Believability is an important factor in writing story lines especially stories of mystery and suspense. How do you keep the storyline believable? Where do you think some authors fail?
Mark: I believe storytellers in the age before the internet, faced a tougher time in giving their stories a realistic feel. I can’t speak too much about why authors fail, but I know for me I write based on where I got my start. Writing for television production. I write as if I’m telling a local news story. All fiction comes from the imagination of the writer, but as mentioned earlier, adding a bird, or street location that is known provides a revelation opportunity.
I feel readers read everything, including current event news articles. Serial killers, overturned convictions, the mafia, and revenge killers exist all over the internet. Throw in karma and chaos erupts.
TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?
Mark: I do. Covers are a puzzle piece to beckon a reader, intriguing them enough to explore inside.
TRC: When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?
Mark: The characters guide the story. I use a lot of characters to make the story more realistic. As in life, random events affect people differently. A simple dog barking might send someone into the fetal position while drawing another’s glance. Adaptive characters keep the suspense alive.
TRC: The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writers fail in this endeavor?
Mark: I think this is a struggle that every writer hopes to conquer. My first struggles were because I knew every detail. I couldn’t understand how the reader didn’t know why a character hated the word deserve.
That is until a professional editor slapped the smile of pride off my face. The Super Bowl was live. I opened the edited document, seeing more-red on my computer than Chiefs on the field.
My wife would say I laugh when she or others cry during certain movies. I didn’t see how a person knowing it’s fake still cries. I’m proud to say I’ve written a storyline that has now made people cry. My stories include strong women, so having one such woman crumble to the unimaginable, forces a reaction from the reader.
The reader needs to see the possibility or say to themselves, I can see Glen going into hysterics because he thinks he’s dying from poison.
TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?
Mark: No! However, my musical tastes supply a lot of character traits. Since I’ve started writing more stories, I’ve noticed myself being more of a people watcher. Not in a creepy way, but I’ll see someone’s laugh and I’ll try to describe it. Or someone with a limp, I’ll make up the story behind the limp.
I’ve had family members say they can’t see family traits in my characters. That is until I remind them of Glen’s stained shirt, Francois’ kitchen creations, or Ray’s not buying anything new for himself.
TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?
Mark: That we are all famous, with bulging bank accounts. Speaking for myself, success comes from having people like you (Sandy) acknowledge my stories. I’ll never be rich, but my primary goal is leaving a legacy for my daughter. Something for her to be proud of. Selling one book makes it real for me.
TRC: What is something that few, if anyone, knows about you?
Mark: If a cat, I would have three of my nine lives left.
TRC: What are you currently working on?
Mark: Promo for ‘Reciprocating Karma’ I’m halfway through a first draft for book five (name for now ‘Creating Karma’) and ten chapters into number six (leaning toward ‘Hibernating Karma’)
TRC: Would you like to add anything else?
Mark: To your readers, I’m always open to hearing how karma touches lives. Reach out at marknistor.com; who knows, maybe the forehead dent from stepping on a rake finds a chapter?
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite Food—Salad with a side of Steak & Potatoes.
Favorite Dessert—Cherry Pie.
Favorite TV Show—Jack Bauer in 24.
Last Movie You Saw—Wonder.
Dark or Milk Chocolate—Milk Chocolate.
Secret Celebrity Crush—Haven’t seen her forever but Diane Lane.
Last Vacation Destination—Las Vegas.
Do you have any pets? Dog lover! Actually, I lost my buddy Milo last year. He is the inspiration behind Castor’s dog, Mud. Our new boy ‘Louie’ is quite the handful.
Last book you’ve read—Maybe music is a bigger influence; Skid Row’s Sebastian Bach bio.
TRC: Thank you, Mark, for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of ‘RECIPROCATING KARMA’ we wish you all the best.
Mark: Thank you, Sandy, and The Reading Café for the opportunity to share my comfort zone explosion.
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