I’m truly honored to share; ‘Surviving Karma’ – 5th professional’s critique. Another chance taken to get the rapids flowing. Such an unbelievable feeling having my book read by anyone. To have it read by a professional editor is a dream I never thought would come true. From keeping a promise to becoming a bona fide storyteller, all my expectations are shattered.

In this critique/review, I hope Jamie’s views help readers to dive into the story I created. No amount of thanks can convey how much I appreciate the analysis.

Without you, the reader, travelling the depths of Karma with me, I’d always wonder; ‘What if?’ I thank you for taking an interest in my stories! I’m always interested in how others view my world of Karma. And for this second book, I updated the cover before Jamie’s editorial. Share your thoughts on the new cover design or the story itself via the contact page on my site https://marknistor.com/

Dream big, you just never know what ingredients the universe will add to your journey!

‘Surviving Karma’ – 5th Professional’s Critique

Mark Nistor’s Surviving Karma follows Los Angeles detective Ray Rix after two police officers are abducted and murdered by someone who treats each killing as a message. At the same time, Ricky “Pin” Topin leaves prison after another man confesses to the murder that put him there. During incarceration, Ricky has transformed himself and built a private revenge plan against the people he blames for his lost years.

Ashlyn “Nibs” Rotsin, a homeless woman living on Skid Row with a German Shepherd, knew Ricky before prison and fears what his release may mean. As more officers disappear, Ray and his partner, Castor Jain, begin finding signs that the killer understands police procedure. The case becomes personal when Ray realizes that the violence is moving directly toward him.

“It’s all about the law receiving karma.” Mark Nistor’s Surviving Karma is a sprawling police thriller, and Nistor manages a large investigation while every person still matters. The pacing is excellent. I loved the Evil Rises material, where a video game borrowed by a detective’s teenage [sic] (10 yr old) daughter begins mirroring crime scenes. Professional gamer Glen Wheldon brings hilarious comic relief as he helps the team read the game.

Nistor also gives the Hydra-8s gang its own internal order, so their meetings feel like a whole criminal world beside the police case. Nistor gives the women loads of agency, with the standout being Captain Trinity Stark, whose every order comes from knowing exactly who is at the coal face of danger, and therefore who is in danger. Well written and relentless, readers who enjoy large police thrillers with a range of brilliant characters will love this.

‘Surviving Karma’ 5th professional’s critique, received July 7th, 2026