• Home
  • BOOKS
  • MEET THE AUTHOR
  • Blog
  • GET IN TOUCH
  ALYSSA HALL

blog


​
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!
Picture
​Now also available in select Chapters/Indigo locations.

Some of the amazon reviews to my debut novel "Trusting Claire"

6/20/2021

0 Comments

 
Picture
Amazing read. Can't wait for her next book.
Reviewed in Canada on March 12, 2021I read my fair share of mysteries and while I enjoy the genre, I find many mysteries are marred by overly complex and gimmicky plot twists. In this respect, Alyssa Hall’s Trusting Claire is a refreshing and original antidote. Hall’s narrative style is subtle and restrained, allowing the suspense of the story to build organically rather than being forced. Her approach does not attempt to manipulate the reader. Her deft characterization of Claire’s relationships, both romantic and platonic, transported me back to my twenties when seemingly inconsequential choices can change the course of our lives. I highly recommend this book and look forward to her upcoming novel.
----

Great debut full of sharp observations. Can’t wait for a next book!
Reviewed in Canada on December 23, 2020It’s incredible how many interesting and vivid details the author was able to put in the relatively small package. Her writing is full of life and allows to create a complete visual about places and characters. The expressive language brings out so many emotions without you being mired in the unnecessary.
I love how the author introduces the characters and gives you a chance to travel in time and experience different cultures and places. This is a great debut full of sharp observations about the world, the human nature and relationships, the lives of immigrants and their children and more. This book is delicious to read and I can’t wait for the next book by Alyssa Hall.


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.


    Author

    Hi there!
    Welcome to my blog, where you can find the most recent reviews of my books, news, interviews and articles .

    Archives

    April 2024
    October 2023
    January 2022
    October 2021
    June 2021
    March 2021

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

      Follow my journey - subscribe here!

    Subscribe to Newsletter

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • BOOKS
  • MEET THE AUTHOR
  • Blog
  • GET IN TOUCH