Newsmax Rising Bestsellers – Week of March 17, 2025

This week’s Newsmax Rising Bestsellers offers reviews of and investigations of government, law enforcement, poverty and wealth and government secrecy.  The first nonfiction suggestion comes from a retired military officer asking that government leaders govern with integrity and set self-interest aside.  Then there’s a fascinating history of crime and crime-solving, one man’s journey around the globe to discover the origins of poverty and wealth, and an eye-opening revelation of secrets our own government is withholding from us. For fiction, the novel of the week comes from a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author.

“Bonded in Death,” by J. D. Robb (St. Martin's Press)

This 60th installment of J.D. Robb’s “In Death” series features Lt. Eve Dallas looking into the case of an elderly Italian with a shadowy past being summoned to New York by an old friend and colleague. But he’s dead within minutes of his arrival after he enters a car that was sent for him. Dallas is handed the case and is almost immediately frustrated — nothing makes sense, and every area of investigation leads to another dead end. Her elderly friend, Lawrence Summerset, however, may hold the key to solving the case. “Overall, this novel was an emotional and twisty tale with great characterization that kept me engaged throughout the story,” wrote Pam G, reviewing for GoodReads. “If you enjoy intriguing near-future police procedurals with a strong female lead, then I recommend this series. I can’t wait to read the next book.”  [Fiction]


“INTEGRITY FIRST: America’s Desperate Need for Leaders with Strong Moral Courage,” by J. Stark Davis (Independently published)

This is retired Air Force officer J. Stark Davis’ call for something that he claims is sadly lacking in government, particularly Congress — a commitment to do that which is moral and right, to display courage and integrity. The lack of moral courage was displayed by Congressional Democrats during President Donald Trump’s address to a joint session of Congress, when they refused to stand, applaud or show empathy for mothers who had lost their daughters to murderous illegal aliens, a young female athlete who suffered a brain injury from a male athlete on an opposing girls’ team, or for a Black teen suffering from brain cancer with dreams of becoming a  cop. Davis, a lawyer and 1983 U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, tackles critical issues such as:

• Border security and national defense;
• Fiscal responsibility and limited government;
• The sanctity of life and the role of faith in leadership;
• The need for strong, principled leadership in all sectors.

“If we had leaders in Congress with integrity they would not go another day without requiring that all spending bills, including CRs, use line-item budgeting,” Davis writes. “But members of Congress continue to criminally fund our enemies and have no idea where our money is going.  Replace them.”  [Nonfiction]


“The Natural History of Crime: Studies in Death and the Clues Nature Leaves Behind (Real Crime Stories, Forensic Science),” by Patricia Wiltshire (Mango)

This book is just the ticket for anyone who enjoys a true crime story, which includes just about everybody. The author has dedicated her life to forensic science and has solved more than 300 crimes in Britain — some of which were the most harrowing in her country’s history. Wiltshire provides:

• Real crime stories, exposed by a groundbreaking forensics expert;
• A behind-the-scenes view of what it takes to solve the most unsolvable crimes;
• A deep understanding of the connection between the natural world and the search for justice.

“This book shows her ceaseless care for truth, as best as she can find it, along with the assistance of her colleagues. It also gives an enormous insight into the work of the police in such criminal activity and the justice system,” wrote Patricia for Amazon. “It is easily readable for the layperson and offers insight into scientific procedure in an applied and understandable way. I have a new insight into forensic sciences. Thanks for that.”  [Nonfiction]


“The Origins of Poverty and Wealth,” by Rainer Zitelmann (Management Books 2000)

Historian and sociologist Rainer Zimmerman traveled to 30 countries on four continents, talking to hundreds of economists, entrepreneurs, journalists, politicians and ordinary folks to determine what creates poverty, and what creates wealth. His findings were also gleaned from historical research as well as results of international surveys. In particular, he looked into the libertarian movement as a jump-start to national wealth, which rose to prominence with the recent election of Argentinian President Javier Milei. “Dr. Zitelmann mixes wit and statistical insights to create informative narratives about the economies of cities and countries around the world,” wrote Dominic Brugioni for Amazon. “He also includes some personal anecdotes and experiences that help the reader feel as though they too had been to the city he is describing. A great read for anyone with dreams of traveling the world someday.”  [Nonfiction]


“UAP Exposed: The Complete Inside Story of Hidden Technologies, Government Secrets and Congressional Revelations,” by Hale Palmer (Independently published)

What secrets derived from UAPs (unidentified aerial phenomena), especially of new advanced technologies, have the government learned but are keeping hidden from the very people paying their salaries? Hale Palmer exposes government secrets kept from the public by not just the Deep State, but also by members of Congress, and he exposes insights derived from leaked footage of military videos.

“Overall, ‘UAP Exposed’ is a thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of a topic that has long captivated the public imagination,” said Robert McAvoy for Amazon. “Whether you are a skeptic or a believer, this book will challenge your preconceptions and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the mysteries that lie beyond our understanding.”  [Nonfiction]