Hollis and Gray

by J.P. Zeigler, Sara Degonia (editor), David Ter-Avanesyan (illustrator)

Frank Hollis is a private investigator whose health is failing. Serafina Gray is more than his employee; she’s more like a daughter to him. As Hollis comes to grips with the fact that his time is dwindling, he’s all the more eager to find answers for Serafina, to take care of her however he can. But looking into the mysterious deaths of her parents proves nearly fatal, and Hollis’s search creates unintended consequences for Serafina, setting off a chain of events neither could have predicted.The climax of the story occurs when the truth of Serafina’s parents’ death is revealed, as well as the identity of Hollis’s shooter. Serafina becomes collateral damage in trying to maintain this long-kept secret, and she and Hollis are finally forced to confess the things they’ve concealed from one another.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

370 pages, ebook

Published February 6, 2024

About the author

J.P. Zeigler is a Detroit native, born and raised, who proudly attended Detroit Public Schools. She earned bachelor’s degrees from Oakland University and University of Michigan-Dearborn, and an M.B.A. degree in human resources management from Baker College. When J.P. Zeigler isn’t working her day job as an HR Director, she is writing, hiking, and exploring all there is to do in the San Francisco Bay Area where she lives with her family. Her debut novel, Hollis and Gray, is the first book of its series.

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than Just A Mystery

This book has it all. An old mystery, a woman trying to find herself not only in the present but in her past, and family relationships of all kinds.

Th author is able to present multiple, complex storylines without losing the reader along the way. It's easy to become quickly invested in Serifina and Hollis and both of their lives. A book that is definitely worth the read.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this book 5 stars as I really enjoyed reading it. The storyline has ups and downs and little surprises. I cried during 1 part of the book though, so just incase, have tissue ready.

[Nicole Adkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great debut novel!

What a great mystery for author J.P. Zeigler’s debut novel. The first chapter grabbed my attention and I wanted to know more as the book went on. This book includes an investigation into the past, discovery of love and loss, and a happy(ish) for now ending.

I liked how the past isn’t written as flashbacks so much, but rather as memories of the MCs’ past. These memories combined with present day events, helps readers to understand the investigation part of the book. Not to mention it offers understanding to Serafina’s feelings/views/choices.

There was a lot of character growth for Serafina as she discovers more about what happened to her family and herself when she was young. Also, realizing how her relationships with those she loves now has changed over time.

The last chapter seems to be setting the stage for the next book in the series. I’m invested in all the characters and can’t wait to see what other twists and turns life has in store for them.

** I received a copy of this book via a GoodReads giveaway. This is my honest opinion and review of the book. **

[Ronald Roseborough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hollis and Gray, byJ. P. Zeigler, starts off with a lot of promise, but leaves a lot to be desired along the way to a less than satisfying ending. I would say this is more a soft boiled detective story than a hard boiled one. Hollis is head of a detective agency that only includes him, a silent partner, and Serafina Gray his protege. Hollis had started the detective agency after he retired from a manufacturing job in Detroit. On a hunch he hired Serafina to help him as his business grew beyond his ability to handle it on his own. Serafina was not only a beautiful addition to the agency, but she proved to be a quick learner. She soon was more of a partner than just a helper. Hollis was ambushed on a dark street as he was headed home from pursuing some leads on a private case. Serafina was called upon to step up and take over the running of the agency while Hollis’s recovery was in question. Her predicament was accompanied by much angst and self doubt. Added to the trauma of Hollis being attacked, Serafina has troubles keeping up with the job demands. Her foster family was also giving her grief. This all takes away from the little action in the story. This is apparently book one of a proposed series. Hopefully the following books will ramp up the action. This book was provided for review by the author.

[Colleen Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is the authors first novel, and it reads like it. I think the editing could have been a little better and some of the language was repetitive. But overall I think it was a good effort. The book was a good bedtime read without having to get overly invested in a complicated story. Would recommend to anyone looking for an easy read.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️

[dhinckley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would write a review but I never received this book.