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Haven Thriller #2
Mist and Malice
Not yet published
Expected 19 May 26A small-town PI is drawn into a killer conspiracy in a breathtaking novel of suspense by the New York Times bestselling author of the Anthony Award–nominated These Toxic Things.
Private investigator Sonny Rush, the newest resident of Haven, California, knows that this fogbound coastal hamlet is every bit as dangerous as her hometown of Los Angeles. And when teenager and repeat runaway Honor Butler shows up at Sonny’s door with terror in her eyes, Sonny is immediately pulled into a new case that lands close to home.
Desperate, hungry, and in need of someone she can trust, Honor tells Sonny a horrifying story about where she’s been—and what she’s been forced to do. Then, hours later, the forest near Sonny’s cottage yields the remains of a missing day laborer, a man whose wife has been searching for answers for months. Soon, coincidence sharpens into conspiracy.
As Sonny digs deeper, the threads of these cases twist together into something a ruthless network preying on the vulnerable, protected by the very people meant to uphold the law. With every step closer to revealing Haven’s corruption, Sonny risks pulling the lives of her loved ones into the cross fire—and exposing the shadows of her own past. Because in this town, loyalty can be fatal, and survival means deciding who you’re willing to betray.
Private investigator Sonny Rush, the newest resident of Haven, California, knows that this fogbound coastal hamlet is every bit as dangerous as her hometown of Los Angeles. And when teenager and repeat runaway Honor Butler shows up at Sonny’s door with terror in her eyes, Sonny is immediately pulled into a new case that lands close to home.
Desperate, hungry, and in need of someone she can trust, Honor tells Sonny a horrifying story about where she’s been—and what she’s been forced to do. Then, hours later, the forest near Sonny’s cottage yields the remains of a missing day laborer, a man whose wife has been searching for answers for months. Soon, coincidence sharpens into conspiracy.
As Sonny digs deeper, the threads of these cases twist together into something a ruthless network preying on the vulnerable, protected by the very people meant to uphold the law. With every step closer to revealing Haven’s corruption, Sonny risks pulling the lives of her loved ones into the cross fire—and exposing the shadows of her own past. Because in this town, loyalty can be fatal, and survival means deciding who you’re willing to betray.
- GenresThriller
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 19, 2026
343 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Howzell Hall
35 books2,494 followersRACHEL HOWZELL HALL l is the critically acclaimed author and Los Angeles Times Book Prize finalist for And Now She’s Gone, which was also nominated for the Lefty-, Barry-, Shamus- and Anthony Awards and the Audible Originals bestseller How It Ends. A New York Times bestselling author of The Good Sister with James Patterson, Rachel is an Anthony-, International Thriller Writers- and Lefty Award nominee and the author of They All Fall Down, Land of Shadows, Skies of Ash, Trail of Echoes and City of Saviors in the Detective Elouise Norton series. Her next thriller, These Toxic Things, out in September 2021, recently received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, calling the novel ‘cleverly-plotted’ and ‘a refreshing take on the serial killer theme.’
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
Rachel is a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and has been a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast; she has also served as a mentor in Pitch Wars and the Association of Writers Programs. Rachel lives in Los Angeles with her husband and daughter. For more information, visit www.rachelhowzell.com
Her next novel And Now She’s Gone will be published in September 2020. You can find her at www.rachelhowzell.com and on Twitter @RachelHowzell.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is the second in the Haven mystery series about Sonny Rush, a former cop and current private investigator, and new resident of the quaint town of Haven that’s turning out to be anything but. A missing person case turns into a trafficking case with ties to some of the most powerful residents of Haven. Another involves a missing husband who was working on the new spa resort, the brainchild of Sonny’s ex, Cooper. And Sonny’s beginning to regret his ‘ex’ status, even though he messed up before, not being honest with Sonny. On top of all that, Sonny’s mom is struggling with her diminishing health at the same time she reconnects with an old friend. A male ‘friend’ whom Sonny doesn’t trust. Whew, it's no wonder she’s about ready to lose it!
Even with all the various subplots, the story never gets too confusing to keep straight. She makes some heartbreaking discoveries about people close to her that she never saw coming, and I doubt the readers will, either. Even though this is the second in a series, you don’t have to have read the first one, but it would definitely help. It jumps in from where the last one ended, and I had to remind myself who some of the characters were and what they had done.
The author has a laidback and easy writing style that makes Sonny’s character so down-to-earth and real. She has her flaws, but she never hesitates to own them. It’s refreshing to see that, and I can’t wait for what comes next.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Even with all the various subplots, the story never gets too confusing to keep straight. She makes some heartbreaking discoveries about people close to her that she never saw coming, and I doubt the readers will, either. Even though this is the second in a series, you don’t have to have read the first one, but it would definitely help. It jumps in from where the last one ended, and I had to remind myself who some of the characters were and what they had done.
The author has a laidback and easy writing style that makes Sonny’s character so down-to-earth and real. She has her flaws, but she never hesitates to own them. It’s refreshing to see that, and I can’t wait for what comes next.
My thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for the free advanced reading copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas and Mercer for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell-Hall was an engaging read overall, with a main character I truly enjoyed following. Sonny has a strong and memorable personality. She is very family-oriented, stands firmly against corruption, and does not bend easily when it comes to doing what is right. Throughout the book, she shows a lot of restraint in following the law, even when it would be easier not to, and that consistency really stood out to me. Her perseverance was another highlight, especially as she continued to pursue the truth behind the sex trafficking ring involving the wealthy and powerful, without backing down from patriarchal barriers placed in her path.
I connected deeply with Sonny because she openly recognizes how deeply corruption is embedded within the government through violence, racism, prejudice, and the use of money to cover up social issues that should demand accountability and emotional response from the community. The author does an excellent job of weaving these very real and current social issues into the story in a way that feels honest and relevant.
That said, I didn’t enjoy all aspects of the storytelling. The book lacked strong climactic moments until the very end. While there were a few action-packed scenes sprinkled throughout, they didn’t hit as hard as those in the first book. Even so, I stayed engaged enough to finish the story, and the ending definitely left me wanting more. I’m excited for the third book because this story does not feel finished, and I’m eager to see where Sonny’s journey goes next.
Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell-Hall was an engaging read overall, with a main character I truly enjoyed following. Sonny has a strong and memorable personality. She is very family-oriented, stands firmly against corruption, and does not bend easily when it comes to doing what is right. Throughout the book, she shows a lot of restraint in following the law, even when it would be easier not to, and that consistency really stood out to me. Her perseverance was another highlight, especially as she continued to pursue the truth behind the sex trafficking ring involving the wealthy and powerful, without backing down from patriarchal barriers placed in her path.
I connected deeply with Sonny because she openly recognizes how deeply corruption is embedded within the government through violence, racism, prejudice, and the use of money to cover up social issues that should demand accountability and emotional response from the community. The author does an excellent job of weaving these very real and current social issues into the story in a way that feels honest and relevant.
That said, I didn’t enjoy all aspects of the storytelling. The book lacked strong climactic moments until the very end. While there were a few action-packed scenes sprinkled throughout, they didn’t hit as hard as those in the first book. Even so, I stayed engaged enough to finish the story, and the ending definitely left me wanting more. I’m excited for the third book because this story does not feel finished, and I’m eager to see where Sonny’s journey goes next.
January 22, 2026
Mist and Malice is the 2nd book in the “Haven” series, which features ex-LAPD homicide detective and now PI Sonny Rush who works in her uncle’s PI agency in Haven, California. This book picks up right where book 1 ended, and it took a while to remember the events of that book, but the author does a good job of filling in the blanks and getting the reader up to speed. While still tying up loose ends from her previous cases, Sonny has a new missing persons case that quickly spirals into a murder investigation that endangers Sonny’s life, as some sordid secrets from her new town, and her own past, come to light. This is a powerful read, with the author’s no-holds-barred style touching on many hot button issues, deftly weaved into her investigations, and will resonate with many readers. This is a great series, and fans of the author will not be disappointed in this latest effort. Definitely recommended. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
En un pueblo costero que presume calma y belleza, las desapariciones no siempre son accidentes. Alyson Rush, una exdetective de Los Ángeles que ahora trabaja como investigadora privada, regresa a Haven buscando una vida más sencilla, pero el pasado y la violencia no tardan en alcanzarla. Cuando una joven reaparece tras haber estado desaparecida y un hombre no vuelve a casa después de una simple salida cotidiana, Alyson se ve envuelta en una red de secretos que el pueblo ha preferido ignorar durante años.
Mientras intenta ayudar a familias que no reciben respuestas y enfrenta sus propios fantasmas personales, Alyson descubre que Haven protege más sus apariencias que a su gente. La niebla constante parece esconder verdades incómodas sobre abuso, poder y silencio, y cada nueva pista deja claro que nadie es quien dice ser. Resolver el caso no solo implicará encontrar a los desaparecidos, sino también sobrevivir a un lugar donde la justicia es frágil y el peligro se esconde detrás de sonrisas amables y calles pintorescas.
Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.
Mientras intenta ayudar a familias que no reciben respuestas y enfrenta sus propios fantasmas personales, Alyson descubre que Haven protege más sus apariencias que a su gente. La niebla constante parece esconder verdades incómodas sobre abuso, poder y silencio, y cada nueva pista deja claro que nadie es quien dice ser. Resolver el caso no solo implicará encontrar a los desaparecidos, sino también sobrevivir a un lugar donde la justicia es frágil y el peligro se esconde detrás de sonrisas amables y calles pintorescas.
Gracias NetGalley por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Many thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this ARC of Mist and Malice.
Mist and Malice sees a return to Haven with another atmospheric thriller that deepens the mystery and develops Sonny Rush’s character.
Private investigator Sonny Rush is still finding her footing in the fog-bound coastal town where she now lives and a teenage runaway, Honor, turns up at her door in fear. Sonny is drawn into a case that quickly spirals beyond all expectations. Then the discovery of a murdered worker near her cottage exposes something far more unsettling. The plot exposes a conspiracy rooted in exploitation, power and betrayal.
The plotting is well researched and deliberately paced. Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven crime novel with real thematic depth. Not quite relentless in pace, but rich in tension and moral complexity — and a strong continuation of the Haven series.
Mist and Malice sees a return to Haven with another atmospheric thriller that deepens the mystery and develops Sonny Rush’s character.
Private investigator Sonny Rush is still finding her footing in the fog-bound coastal town where she now lives and a teenage runaway, Honor, turns up at her door in fear. Sonny is drawn into a case that quickly spirals beyond all expectations. Then the discovery of a murdered worker near her cottage exposes something far more unsettling. The plot exposes a conspiracy rooted in exploitation, power and betrayal.
The plotting is well researched and deliberately paced. Overall, this is a thoughtful, character-driven crime novel with real thematic depth. Not quite relentless in pace, but rich in tension and moral complexity — and a strong continuation of the Haven series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a page turner! Lots of action in this one. In the first book, Fog & Fury, Sonny closes the but there are lots of things left unfinished. Mist & Malice picks up right where Fog leaves off. The corruption and deception of the people around Sonny and the redemption of others. I really could feel her struggle with Cooper and was secretly hoping they could figure themselves out. Her godfather was questionable in the first book and really shows his true colors in this one. I never liked him. The writing, character development and complexity is done perfectly. I was sucked right in and the plot twists with all the connections throughout Haven were woven together in a masterful way. I can’t wait to see what can happen in the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Investigation, danger, secrets!
I really enjoyed this suspenseful story Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell.
I received an advanced copy to read from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
It tells the story of Sonny Rush, a small-town private investigator, who moves to Haven, California, only to discover that new place is more dangerous! When Honor Butler, a runaway teenager, seeks her help, she reveals disturbing secrets that quickly lead her to investigate about another missing person. As her investigation unfolds, Sonny uncovers a conspiracy involving a ruthless network protected by local authorities. The deeper she digs, the greater the danger becomes for her and those she loves, forcing her to confront her own past.
I really enjoyed this suspenseful story Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell.
I received an advanced copy to read from Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley.
It tells the story of Sonny Rush, a small-town private investigator, who moves to Haven, California, only to discover that new place is more dangerous! When Honor Butler, a runaway teenager, seeks her help, she reveals disturbing secrets that quickly lead her to investigate about another missing person. As her investigation unfolds, Sonny uncovers a conspiracy involving a ruthless network protected by local authorities. The deeper she digs, the greater the danger becomes for her and those she loves, forcing her to confront her own past.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you, Thomas & Mercer, for providing the copy of Mist And Malice by Rachel Howzell Hall. I have loved some of Howell’s other books, so I was surprised I didn’t get engaged in this one right away. The book eventually caught my interest, but even then it took me a long time to read because my fascination with the story would wane every so often. I loved how book one events came into play, and Sonny is a great protagonist, and the reveals were surprising, so maybe my mood affected my reading experience. 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review (thanks, NetGalley!), and overall really enjoyed it!
I hadn’t read the first, but there was enough info given to understand what had happened recently (that everyone was still dealing with). This book has a great main character, who is very easy to support, against some strong themes of corruption. The story is fast paced, and despite how much is going on, it felt easy to stay on top of what Sonny’s next move would be.
Overall definitely recommend for those who like a good murder mystery/thriller!
I hadn’t read the first, but there was enough info given to understand what had happened recently (that everyone was still dealing with). This book has a great main character, who is very easy to support, against some strong themes of corruption. The story is fast paced, and despite how much is going on, it felt easy to stay on top of what Sonny’s next move would be.
Overall definitely recommend for those who like a good murder mystery/thriller!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Mist and Malice by Rachel Howzell Hall published by Thomas Mercer is the second book in the Haven Series.
The previous book is Fog and Fury. I recommend to read the books in order.
Sonny is back in her hometown, working as PI and her next case is a rough one.
Teenie and runaway Honor shows up needing her help. But in her small town you have to care where you step your foot.
An unputdownable 5 star read that had me craving more. Can't wait what's happening next.
The previous book is Fog and Fury. I recommend to read the books in order.
Sonny is back in her hometown, working as PI and her next case is a rough one.
Teenie and runaway Honor shows up needing her help. But in her small town you have to care where you step your foot.
An unputdownable 5 star read that had me craving more. Can't wait what's happening next.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really like Sonny! She's a well developed character who has a strong sense of right and wrong. The town secrets and corruption makes for a good mystery book.
The ending had me saying 'No! You can't end there!
It can be read as a stand-alone because she is dealing with a new case but I would recommend you read the first book because it does take off where the previous book ended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
The ending had me saying 'No! You can't end there!
It can be read as a stand-alone because she is dealing with a new case but I would recommend you read the first book because it does take off where the previous book ended.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Sleep was optional while I was reading this, apparently. I’m new to this author, but this definitely won me over. The story pulled me right along, and the characters made it even better. Will definitely be reading more of her books!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so excited to share this story with readers–I learned so much about Sonny and this crazy, little town I named Haven. Cute things come in small packages... and so do dangerous things. Happy reading, all!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a fantastic mystery/thriller with a great MC in Sonny
February 4, 2026
Love this author and love this character! I was excited to get another installation in this series. It’s a strong protagonist who has a messy life but a sense of justice and lots of compassion. A good mystery! Loved it!
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
I received an early copy through Netgalley but all opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews