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  ALYSSA HALL

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Hero of Blackpool         JAN 14
Posted by Literary Titan
   ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️           FOUR STARS
Alyssa Hall’s Hero of Blackpool is a gripping detective mystery featuring the steadfast Joe Parrott and a host of characters with intertwining lives and dilemmas. The novel kicks off with a tense prologue, setting a dark tone under the moonlit pier, and gradually shifts to the bustling streets of Sheffield and the intriguing yet dangerous seaside town of Blackpool. When Sally Booth’s roommate Hanna goes missing, the story follows Sally, Joe, and an ambitious budding investigator, Stefan Nowak, as they untangle a web of secrets and navigate personal challenges.
What stood out to me first was Hall’s atmospheric descriptions. Early in the story, the tension under the pier immediately drew me in, as did Sally’s frazzled journey through Sheffield’s noisy, chaotic streets. The detailed settings made me feel like I was walking alongside her. Hall captures a strong sense of place and mood, particularly in scenes like Stefan’s ill-prepared trip to the zoo, which was a humorous yet poignant moment showing his naivety as a private investigator.
The writing balances suspense and human emotion well, only occasionally dipping into melodrama. I found Stefan’s character a delightful addition. His eagerness to impress Joe and his half-cooked plans to solve Hanna’s disappearance lend a layer of endearing vulnerability to the plot. At the same time, Sally’s frantic yet brave persistence in finding her friend adds urgency. One standout scene for me was when Stefan discovers Hanna’s photos with the mysterious Ian and another shadowy figure. It was chilling, and Hall’s subtle hints here made my heart race.
Hero of Blackpool is an engaging blend of mystery and personal drama. I enjoyed Hall’s ability to weave the complexities of relationships, whether Joe’s mentor-like bond with Stefan or the fraught ties between Sally and her roommate, into the suspenseful narrative. It made the stakes feel real and relatable.
I’d recommend this book to fans of private investigator stories with a personal touch. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys mysteries with richly drawn characters and a sense of place, especially those who appreciate a mix of action, heartfelt moments, and the occasional touch of humor. The charm of the characters and the layered mystery make it a worthwhile read.

MY WRITING JOURNEY

With no formal background in writing, I nonetheless felt driven to try. I was surprised at how easily the words flowed ... and I managed to write my first novel, Trusting Claire, in three months. This was followed by Wanting Aidan, which was published four months later. Then I somewhat slowed down with Romero Pools, my third novel - the three of which were written within a year and a half - my first year as a published author. Romero Pools was released Christmas 2021. Now my fourth is on the way. I have, up to now, written maybe half of Hero of Blackpool. But I have slowed down considerably. I have developed patience and discipline, and feel I have grown in my art. Thank you for following my journey.
I am so proud of Romero Pools, and very excited about Hero of Blackpool, which will be released in the fall of 2022. In the story I bring back PI Joe Parrott, from Wanting Aidan. Please enjoy my books, and keep reading!
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​Now also available in select Chapters/Indigo locations.

A salute to Hero

10/21/2023

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Alyssa Maxwell, best selling author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries has rated my latest novel. Thank you Alyssa Maxwell.
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October 21st, 2023

10/21/2023

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Frank Robert Giampa Feb.15/1949 - Mar. 19/2023

10/21/2023

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Knowing Frank was life-changing for me.  Although I had first known him as a colleague working at SD#43, our friendship really blossomed once writing came into the picture. It happened quite be accident.
As time passed and we discovered we had more and more in common, our mutual love of nature and the outdoors led us to long walks along the local dikes and trails. He enjoyed hearing about my hiking expeditions in the mountains of Arizona, and he would share stories about his beloved Kootenays. Frank took interest in hearing about my past and I loved hearing about his African safaris and his love of archery.
As for the writing - it happened during one of our walks one rainy Sunday morning when he turned to me and said, “You should write. I’ve always thought you should write. I can hear it in the way you talk, and the way your mind works. You have an amazing imagination.”
He mentioned it again in early February 2020. I was two years into my cancer treatments and Covid had just hit. So one rainy morning when I came downstairs for my coffee, I looked at my husband and said, “I think I’ll go to the dining room and write a book.”
Without looking up from his paper he mumbled, “Okay dear.”

Three weeks later, I sent Frank a rough draft of what would be my first novel, Trusting Claire.
His response was, I think, longer than the actual draft. He raved about it! And so, with that, we were both hooked.

We talked a lot throughout his illness, sharing our cancer experiences. He was diagnosed less than two years after me. Our conversations grew deeper, taking on a different tone and meaning, mostly during his last year. The dialogue slowly shifted from ones of life to those of death and of finding peace. He admired my stoicism, a way of life that had been instilled upon me by my Russian grandparents. And he found some strength in that stoicism.
Losing Frank has also been life changing. He had become a part of my every day life, and I am still struggling to find a new normal. When I least expect it, the emotion grabs me by the throat and doesn’t let go. Going forward, he will be in each and every word I will write. And his memory will always live inside each of the novels that he inspired me to create. Farewell, my friend. Adieu. The honour has been all mine.
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