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Heaven's Debris
The perils of cheating life and death
After her condominium is destroyed, Faye has a choice to make; save her lover or hide what they’ve done. Her decision hangs in the balance until Gerry’s shocking rescue. Then comes their real scramble.
While authorities pursue the cause of the incident, a delicate matter is under investigation by Detective Max Cisco. He meets with Gerry, who believes their exchange has served to conceal his involvement with Faye. But unbeknownst to the infamous survivor, the alibi he fabricated has instead raised Cisco’s suspicions.
With Cisco now digging where he shouldn’t be, an explosive secret is about to be unearthed.
After her condominium is destroyed, Faye has a choice to make; save her lover or hide what they’ve done. Her decision hangs in the balance until Gerry’s shocking rescue. Then comes their real scramble.
While authorities pursue the cause of the incident, a delicate matter is under investigation by Detective Max Cisco. He meets with Gerry, who believes their exchange has served to conceal his involvement with Faye. But unbeknownst to the infamous survivor, the alibi he fabricated has instead raised Cisco’s suspicions.
With Cisco now digging where he shouldn’t be, an explosive secret is about to be unearthed.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 15, 2024
About the author
Suzan Denoncourt
2 books17 followersBefore becoming a psychological thriller & crime fiction author, Suzan Denoncourt built a career as a business executive immersed in high-stakes decision-making, complex power dynamics, and the quiet consequences of choices made behind closed doors. That world, where appearances often mask deeper truths, continues to shape the stories she writes today.
Her character-driven novels explore the questions that most compel her: what people hide to survive, what silence costs, and what happens when the truth finally demands to be seen. Designed to pull readers into a slow-burn unraveling, where every revelation carries consequences, her stories boast layered investigations, fractured memories and moral gray areas where right and wrong are rarely clear.
About the stand-lone interconnected Cisco series:
Detective Max Cisco is the common thread throughout, but never the central figure. Weaving his investigation - and his humanity - into the broader plot heightens the level of intrigue and gives voice to experiences too often left unspoken.
More novels in the series are forthcoming, each continuing the exploration of survival, deception, and the irreversible power of the truth.
Her character-driven novels explore the questions that most compel her: what people hide to survive, what silence costs, and what happens when the truth finally demands to be seen. Designed to pull readers into a slow-burn unraveling, where every revelation carries consequences, her stories boast layered investigations, fractured memories and moral gray areas where right and wrong are rarely clear.
About the stand-lone interconnected Cisco series:
Detective Max Cisco is the common thread throughout, but never the central figure. Weaving his investigation - and his humanity - into the broader plot heightens the level of intrigue and gives voice to experiences too often left unspoken.
More novels in the series are forthcoming, each continuing the exploration of survival, deception, and the irreversible power of the truth.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 4, 2026
4.25!
Yet another absolute hit from Suzan Denoncourt; it had my mouth hanging open and eyes wide not even 10 pages in.
Just like The Burden of Truth, this book again baffled me with how many details are packed into the story. Despite the number of details, characters, and complexities, they add up and make the story flow. It's easy to follow while still being suspenseful, raising new questions, and allowing you to put some pieces together while hypothesizing what's to come. That said, while I typically like to be entirely surprised and not be able to guess correctly (even though I try), I actually enjoy/don't mind that I can usually guess a few of the reveals in these books. I think it's intentional - Denoncourt lays the ground pieces that allow you to put things together yourself if you look/think hard enough about the little things (I'm a stickler for details, anyway), though it's not shoved in your face to the point of being super obvious. Additionally, one of my favorite things about Denoncourt's writing and stories is that there are always things that become important that you wouldn't think would be!
Another big highlight and strength of the Cisco series is that the investigations are actually logical. Can we clap for that, please?! If you pick these up, you can rest assured that you won't be pulling your hair out and wanting to scream at the characters. Cisco is logical, smart, compassionate, and driven. He, with the help of his team, take the investigation and dive into it, taking the small and big things for everything they're worth and considering them all. As Cisco comes across new information, it's always important to at least clear it from consideration, if not use it to take the investigation in a new direction. His conclusions from what he learns make sense and drive the story forward. Yet another thing I love about Denoncourt's writing is that the questions and theories I usually formulate as a reader are often explored in the story - it's almost like I'm an investigator, too, living through Cisco.
As for this story, in particular, I was just as enthralled as I was with The Burden of Truth! I won't say too much about the storyline, in particular, because, as a broken record, I'll say again that there's always something new to find out on every single page of these books that I fear anything will be a spoiler - the reading experience is just as gripping as the stories themselves with the Cisco series. That said, it was hard to put down, and I pretty much finished this in 2 days. I always wanted to know what happened, there was always a new question I had, and of course there was the overarching suspense of some major. . . complications. The ending took me out and was NOT what I expected! The epilogue hit my emotions especially hard.
The characters are all complicated and well developed. If you love characters that are as nuanced as people in real life are, you'll love these books. At times I felt for Faye, and at other times I was thinking, 'well, you kind of dug your own hole.' I loved it! I also had characters I thought I had a solid opinion of until something new changed my mind entirely. Of course, though, Cisco remained a steady love. I loved getting to know him more in this installment! I'm kind of obsessed with the little details about him and his family (they don't take away from the focus of the story at all - they feel like little love letters to readers who have read the series and stuck with Cisco).
The themes in here are actually hard for me to pinpoint, not because they're not there, but because I don't feel like they're easy to explain with just one or a few words. I think it's one that's not screaming "here is the main theme: justice, love, etc.," but one that each reader has to kind of parse out for themselves. You've got to sit back after reading and think about what YOU learned and got out of it. For me, the best I can put into words is that it's teaching us complicated things about happiness, love, sacrifice, and fear. What are you willing to do, and lose, for your or others' happiness? Is it worth it? Is it true happiness, or just a temporary high? What will you do in the name of what you're afraid of? And lots more questions.
There are VERY serious topics in this book, as with The Burden of Truth, so please check TW before reading!!! Also, I'd say to note that the author intentionally conveys the topics in terms of the time the story takes place (2005) - things were handled a lot differently then, without current day sensitivities (aka - it's a great realistic representation of how things really were!). There's elements and actions you won't agree with, but that's what makes it excellent storytelling and writing - you have to sit with the discomfort. It's also raw and real - when your feelings get bottled up. . . you just might explode.
I'll 1000% pick up absolutely anything Suzan Denoncourt writes, and I can't wait to dive back in with Cisco!
My notes:
Yet another absolute hit from Suzan Denoncourt; it had my mouth hanging open and eyes wide not even 10 pages in.
Just like The Burden of Truth, this book again baffled me with how many details are packed into the story. Despite the number of details, characters, and complexities, they add up and make the story flow. It's easy to follow while still being suspenseful, raising new questions, and allowing you to put some pieces together while hypothesizing what's to come. That said, while I typically like to be entirely surprised and not be able to guess correctly (even though I try), I actually enjoy/don't mind that I can usually guess a few of the reveals in these books. I think it's intentional - Denoncourt lays the ground pieces that allow you to put things together yourself if you look/think hard enough about the little things (I'm a stickler for details, anyway), though it's not shoved in your face to the point of being super obvious. Additionally, one of my favorite things about Denoncourt's writing and stories is that there are always things that become important that you wouldn't think would be!
Another big highlight and strength of the Cisco series is that the investigations are actually logical. Can we clap for that, please?! If you pick these up, you can rest assured that you won't be pulling your hair out and wanting to scream at the characters. Cisco is logical, smart, compassionate, and driven. He, with the help of his team, take the investigation and dive into it, taking the small and big things for everything they're worth and considering them all. As Cisco comes across new information, it's always important to at least clear it from consideration, if not use it to take the investigation in a new direction. His conclusions from what he learns make sense and drive the story forward. Yet another thing I love about Denoncourt's writing is that the questions and theories I usually formulate as a reader are often explored in the story - it's almost like I'm an investigator, too, living through Cisco.
As for this story, in particular, I was just as enthralled as I was with The Burden of Truth! I won't say too much about the storyline, in particular, because, as a broken record, I'll say again that there's always something new to find out on every single page of these books that I fear anything will be a spoiler - the reading experience is just as gripping as the stories themselves with the Cisco series. That said, it was hard to put down, and I pretty much finished this in 2 days. I always wanted to know what happened, there was always a new question I had, and of course there was the overarching suspense of some major. . . complications. The ending took me out and was NOT what I expected! The epilogue hit my emotions especially hard.
The characters are all complicated and well developed. If you love characters that are as nuanced as people in real life are, you'll love these books. At times I felt for Faye, and at other times I was thinking, 'well, you kind of dug your own hole.' I loved it! I also had characters I thought I had a solid opinion of until something new changed my mind entirely. Of course, though, Cisco remained a steady love. I loved getting to know him more in this installment! I'm kind of obsessed with the little details about him and his family (they don't take away from the focus of the story at all - they feel like little love letters to readers who have read the series and stuck with Cisco).
The themes in here are actually hard for me to pinpoint, not because they're not there, but because I don't feel like they're easy to explain with just one or a few words. I think it's one that's not screaming "here is the main theme: justice, love, etc.," but one that each reader has to kind of parse out for themselves. You've got to sit back after reading and think about what YOU learned and got out of it. For me, the best I can put into words is that it's teaching us complicated things about happiness, love, sacrifice, and fear. What are you willing to do, and lose, for your or others' happiness? Is it worth it? Is it true happiness, or just a temporary high? What will you do in the name of what you're afraid of? And lots more questions.
There are VERY serious topics in this book, as with The Burden of Truth, so please check TW before reading!!! Also, I'd say to note that the author intentionally conveys the topics in terms of the time the story takes place (2005) - things were handled a lot differently then, without current day sensitivities (aka - it's a great realistic representation of how things really were!). There's elements and actions you won't agree with, but that's what makes it excellent storytelling and writing - you have to sit with the discomfort. It's also raw and real - when your feelings get bottled up. . . you just might explode.
I'll 1000% pick up absolutely anything Suzan Denoncourt writes, and I can't wait to dive back in with Cisco!
My notes:
May 19, 2026
3.75 rounded up! W O W this one hit harder than book 1!!! The reveals start literally on page 8 and continue throughout, alllll the way until page 400.
I’m not a big domestic thriller reader, but this book reminds me of the feeling I get when I watch Murder She Wrote- a calm sort of curiosity, interrupted by bouts of stress and tension, scrunching up my face while I read quickly through a plot revelation, a twisted lie, or someone almost getting found out. Heaven’s Debris is a mess of almost every character stepping on each others’ toes to keep up their charades, and I loved it!! The characters are real people- I feel like I have coworkers who remind me of Gerry and Faye, and that I’ve definitely met some Darceys in my time. It’s endearing to see Cisco love his wife and daughter so much, and I’m so happy we got a little more of his backstory and life in this one- petition for more Cisco in book 3!
I do love that while he’s the central tying theme between the books, these are true standalones- you could start with either, or only read one, and still get the full effect.
There were spots that dragged a little for me- sometimes I lost a little tension with Faye’s inner monologue, which made her sound overly complain-y or annoying. But to be fair, I do NOT agree with a lot of her decisions, so I could just be annoyed with her, lol.
I am super pleased with the ending- everything is tied up nicely, and makes sense. In addition, I love about Denoncourt’s books that there aren’t a bunch of nonsensical, crazy red herrings to combat. The resolutions make sense, the tension is purposeful, and the characters are sensical. No one serves as just a distractor, and everything is (mostly) realistic.
I’ve requested an ARC for book 3, so now I just wait!
I’m not a big domestic thriller reader, but this book reminds me of the feeling I get when I watch Murder She Wrote- a calm sort of curiosity, interrupted by bouts of stress and tension, scrunching up my face while I read quickly through a plot revelation, a twisted lie, or someone almost getting found out. Heaven’s Debris is a mess of almost every character stepping on each others’ toes to keep up their charades, and I loved it!! The characters are real people- I feel like I have coworkers who remind me of Gerry and Faye, and that I’ve definitely met some Darceys in my time. It’s endearing to see Cisco love his wife and daughter so much, and I’m so happy we got a little more of his backstory and life in this one- petition for more Cisco in book 3!
I do love that while he’s the central tying theme between the books, these are true standalones- you could start with either, or only read one, and still get the full effect.
There were spots that dragged a little for me- sometimes I lost a little tension with Faye’s inner monologue, which made her sound overly complain-y or annoying. But to be fair, I do NOT agree with a lot of her decisions, so I could just be annoyed with her, lol.
I am super pleased with the ending- everything is tied up nicely, and makes sense. In addition, I love about Denoncourt’s books that there aren’t a bunch of nonsensical, crazy red herrings to combat. The resolutions make sense, the tension is purposeful, and the characters are sensical. No one serves as just a distractor, and everything is (mostly) realistic.
I’ve requested an ARC for book 3, so now I just wait!
January 13, 2026
Heaven’s Debris by Suzan Denoncourt is one of those rare thrillers that makes you sit in silence for ten minutes after finishing the last page.
The story explores the "debris" left behind, not just from the physical collapse of a building, but from the collapse of a family.
I also read Denoncourt’s first installment of the Detective Max Cisco series, Burden of Truth (equally outstanding), and Max Cisco is such a refreshing character. He is kind, reflective, and relentless. It was so enjoyable getting more of his character!
So, if you're looking for a page-turner that will keep you up way past your bedtime, Heaven’s Debris is IT.
Who doesn’t love a building collapse, a miraculous (and very suspicious) survival, and a detective who is digging exactly where he shouldn't be. The way the parallel storylines of the collapse and a separate criminal investigation start to tangle is absolute genius.
I thought I knew where the "explosive truth" was heading, but the ending took me completely by surprise. 🤯
This book asks: How far would you go to protect a lie that’s already destroying you? This would make the BEST book club pick because the moral dilemmas are endless.
The story explores the "debris" left behind, not just from the physical collapse of a building, but from the collapse of a family.
I also read Denoncourt’s first installment of the Detective Max Cisco series, Burden of Truth (equally outstanding), and Max Cisco is such a refreshing character. He is kind, reflective, and relentless. It was so enjoyable getting more of his character!
So, if you're looking for a page-turner that will keep you up way past your bedtime, Heaven’s Debris is IT.
Who doesn’t love a building collapse, a miraculous (and very suspicious) survival, and a detective who is digging exactly where he shouldn't be. The way the parallel storylines of the collapse and a separate criminal investigation start to tangle is absolute genius.
I thought I knew where the "explosive truth" was heading, but the ending took me completely by surprise. 🤯
This book asks: How far would you go to protect a lie that’s already destroying you? This would make the BEST book club pick because the moral dilemmas are endless.
February 11, 2026
Heaven’s Debris by Suzan Denoncourt hooked me within the first page, if not the first paragraph. This book made me feel everything. I laughed, I raged, and by the end I was in tears. It’s a story that unravels its mystery layer by layer until every piece finally clicks into place.
The pacing is steady yet intriguing, constantly pulling you toward the next revelation. Each chapter raises new questions, and you can’t help but keep reading to discover the answers. As the reader, you’re aware of certain secrets before some of the characters are which makes it even more interesting to learn how everything comes to light. The tension isn’t solely due to the investigation, but you feel it with each relationship, morally grey choice, and emotional reveal.
Max Cisco, the compelling detective and constant of the Cisco series, drives the story forward just as he did in book one, The Burden of Truth. Even though each story isn’t personally his, he is a crucial aspect to the unraveling of it. This book gives you a deeper look into Max’s life beyond being a detective which for me strengthened the connection I felt to his character.
The twists are shocking, but what I appreciated most is how they’re revealed gradually. This story isn’t just about who did what, it’s about why and how the truth comes to light.
I HIGHLY recommend the Cisco series to anyone who loves mystery and crime fiction. While in some ways The Burden of Truth and Heaven’s Debris stories can stand on their own, you are going to want to pick them up one after another. Trust me they are that good!
The pacing is steady yet intriguing, constantly pulling you toward the next revelation. Each chapter raises new questions, and you can’t help but keep reading to discover the answers. As the reader, you’re aware of certain secrets before some of the characters are which makes it even more interesting to learn how everything comes to light. The tension isn’t solely due to the investigation, but you feel it with each relationship, morally grey choice, and emotional reveal.
Max Cisco, the compelling detective and constant of the Cisco series, drives the story forward just as he did in book one, The Burden of Truth. Even though each story isn’t personally his, he is a crucial aspect to the unraveling of it. This book gives you a deeper look into Max’s life beyond being a detective which for me strengthened the connection I felt to his character.
The twists are shocking, but what I appreciated most is how they’re revealed gradually. This story isn’t just about who did what, it’s about why and how the truth comes to light.
I HIGHLY recommend the Cisco series to anyone who loves mystery and crime fiction. While in some ways The Burden of Truth and Heaven’s Debris stories can stand on their own, you are going to want to pick them up one after another. Trust me they are that good!
February 20, 2026
Ok so I read this back in NOVEMBER (I know, I told you I was behind ok?!) AND I STILL THINK ABOUT IT.
Why? Because the depth that the author brings to the story. The layers and connections that are tied off so beautifully while simultaneously making you think about the aftermath of the characters’ lives. Its so skillful. I read this in about 5 hours and was irritated when life made me have to pause to take care of dinner.
It’s a crime fiction/thriller that has such a realistic edge to it. This wasn’t a high stakes mafia boss or a corrupt politician - it was a cheating couple trying not to get caught and a curious detective who knows it is his job to ask questions. Sometimes those questions take you places you don’t even realize where there and the strings in people’s lives that connect them.
The pacing was absolutely spot on and I just wanted to keep understanding why or how this character was brought up. It felt like watching an episode of Law & Order SVU or something similar.
It was a top read for me and I am (begrudgingly) waiting for Suzan to finish book 3.
She is an amazing author who is absolutely underhyped, so I have possibly made it my mission to make sure you know about her writing. It’s so well written that it’s actually inspiring.
I originally posted on GR in November: 5 stars, will return later. I’m making good on that. Help me make an amazingly talented indie author get all the readership she deserves.
If you love crime fiction/genre bending thrillers; this is a resounding yes. Go read it.
Why? Because the depth that the author brings to the story. The layers and connections that are tied off so beautifully while simultaneously making you think about the aftermath of the characters’ lives. Its so skillful. I read this in about 5 hours and was irritated when life made me have to pause to take care of dinner.
It’s a crime fiction/thriller that has such a realistic edge to it. This wasn’t a high stakes mafia boss or a corrupt politician - it was a cheating couple trying not to get caught and a curious detective who knows it is his job to ask questions. Sometimes those questions take you places you don’t even realize where there and the strings in people’s lives that connect them.
The pacing was absolutely spot on and I just wanted to keep understanding why or how this character was brought up. It felt like watching an episode of Law & Order SVU or something similar.
It was a top read for me and I am (begrudgingly) waiting for Suzan to finish book 3.
She is an amazing author who is absolutely underhyped, so I have possibly made it my mission to make sure you know about her writing. It’s so well written that it’s actually inspiring.
I originally posted on GR in November: 5 stars, will return later. I’m making good on that. Help me make an amazingly talented indie author get all the readership she deserves.
If you love crime fiction/genre bending thrillers; this is a resounding yes. Go read it.
October 25, 2024
Detective Max Cisco comes to life.
Moral dilemmas raised. Social ills revealed. Articulate reflection woven into the fast-paced action. A complex variety of circumstances and characters teased into a swiftly moving plot full of more questions than answers. This author keeps juggling all the balls, keeps us on our toes till the end when she gently brings us back to earth and kindly ties up all the loose ends - a masterful and satisfying read. Can’t wait for the next one!
Moral dilemmas raised. Social ills revealed. Articulate reflection woven into the fast-paced action. A complex variety of circumstances and characters teased into a swiftly moving plot full of more questions than answers. This author keeps juggling all the balls, keeps us on our toes till the end when she gently brings us back to earth and kindly ties up all the loose ends - a masterful and satisfying read. Can’t wait for the next one!
February 17, 2025
In her second novel, Heaven's Debris, Suzan Denoncourt excels at further developing Detective Cisco’s character. As the story unfolds, the suspense steadily intensifies, leading to a gripping and unexpected climax. The book is an engaging read, full of twists that keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a fantastic sequel to Burden of Truth, building on the first book’s momentum with skill and intrigue.
March 2, 2025
Suzan Denoncourt's second book is a rollercoaster of suspense! This latest in the Cisco series is (dare I say it?) even better than the first! It weaves a gripping tale around two sisters that's brimming with unpredictable twists. I couldn't put it down and devoured it in just two days! This emerging author shows a truly remarkable talent. She delivers a story that hooks you from the outset and keeps you guessing at every turn. While Cisco plays a pivotal role, it's the sisters who truly steal the spotlight. Absolutely loved it! Don't miss out—grab your copy today!
January 5, 2025
Thrilling! I couldn't put it down as I had to know what was coming next. The story keeps you on your toes with it's twists, and the development of Cisco's character is incredible. He is definetly my favorit and I can't wait to see what case he'll be on next!
February 25, 2025
An interesting read with plot twists. Imagine the anxiety of hiding a secret for a month after you just survived a near death collapse in a building. I appreciated the strong women characters and getting to see deeer into the personality of Max Cisco.
October 25, 2025
Grabbed me from the first paragraph and led me through a discovery of who the characters really were. What people will do to protect themselves regardless of who it may hurt. Cisco is back to his brilliances!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
Thoroughly enjoyable!
October 22, 2024
This is the second book I have read from this author and it is another great read. Great characters and surprises. You won’t be disappointed.
November 25, 2024
Wow another page turner. Cisco does it again. I really enjoyed it, great plot, keeps you guessing until the end. Looking forward to book 3!
November 26, 2024
I love this book even more than the first. I struggled to put it down. I’m loving Max Cisco’s character development. Can’t wait to learn more about him in book 3!
January 4, 2025
The author has done it again! Once I started reading, it was hard to put down the book! The plot twist…Wow! Did not expect it! I highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2025
A very good read! I highly recommend!
May 3, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyed this books twists and turns right up until the end. Full of surprises. Can't wait to read Cisco's next adventure. A great read. Definitely recommend it.
October 22, 2024
Was looking forward to this second book of the Cisco Series. Absolutely loved it!! 🤩. Couldn’t put it down, had to find out how they would get out if this mess, or not…
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews