Soaked: A Noir Mystery Short

by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.

What if the only way to catch a serial killer was to think like one?

Experience the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer in Soaked. Set in the rainy, gritty streets of New York City, Detective Jerry Crowder must navigate through a series of gruesome murders with a chillingly familiar MO. As the pressure mounts to solve the case, Jerry uncovers clues that lead him to believe the serial murderer may be someone he knows. But as he delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that to catch the killer, he may have to get inside their mind and think like one.

Fans of mysteries and psychological suspense won't be able to put this book down.

Buy this short story now!

40 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

About the author

Mystery & Thriller Author Blending Noir Atmosphere with Anime‑Inspired Intensity

Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is an award‑winning mystery and thriller author who blends gritty noir, fast‑paced action, and a touch of anime‑inspired intensity into every story he writes. ✨

He’s the creator of the Griffin Knight Universe — a world of haunted detectives, impossible choices, and cases that drag you deep into the shadows of New York City and beyond. Critics praise his work for sharp pacing, atmospheric tension, and characters who walk the razor’s edge between justice and obsession.

Miguel grew up loving crime fiction, pulp storytelling, and anime series with big emotions and bigger stakes. Those influences shape the cinematic style and emotional punch of his books today.

When he’s not writing, he’s world-building, outlining new mysteries, or diving into the next supernatural twist for his Twilight Nightmares anthology. He lives in the Buffalo, NY area, usually with a notebook full of ideas and a cup of coffee within reach. ☕📚

⭐ Fun Facts About Miguel

He outlines most of his stories by hand before typing a single word.
He’s obsessed with atmospheric rain scenes — which is why so many of his stories take place during storms.
He keeps a dedicated notebook just for plot twists.
Anime influences his pacing, character arcs, and emotional beats more than most people realize.
He drinks way too much coffee when drafting. ☕
He loves exploring abandoned or historical locations for story inspiration.
He’s always juggling multiple story universes at once — and somehow keeps them straight.

⭐ Favorite Authors & Influences

Miguel draws inspiration from a wide range of storytellers across mystery, thriller, fantasy, and psychological suspense. Some of his favorites include:

● J.K. Rowling — for world-building, character arcs, and long‑form narrative payoff
● Freida McFadden — for sharp, addictive psychological twists
● Stephen King — for atmosphere, dread, and character‑driven tension
● Riley Sager — for modern suspense, pacing, and high‑concept mystery hooks

These authors influence the cinematic style, emotional punch, and twist‑driven structure found throughout Miguel’s own work.

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NEW READERS START HERE
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If you're discovering my work for the first time, welcome.
Here are the best entry points depending on what you love:

➡️ LOVE GRITTY DETECTIVE THRILLERS?
Start with:
DO NOTHING (Griffin Knight #1)
The flagship novel that introduces the world, the tone,
and the emotional core of the Griffin Knight Universe.

➡️ WANT SUPERNATURAL OR DARKER STORIES?
Start with:
TWILIGHT PERILS
A collection of standalone supernatural shorts with
psychological tension and atmospheric horror.

➡️ WANT A QUICK SAMPLE OF MY STYLE?
Try a short story or anthology entry for a fast,
cinematic hit of noir, action, and character depth.

➡️ WANT THE FULL MIGUEL EXPERIENCE?
1. DO NOTHING
2. Continue the Griffin Knight series in order
3. Read Twilight Nightmares between books
4. Explore new releases as the universe expands

Choose your path and enjoy the ride.
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Follow me here on Goodreads to get updates on new releases, behind‑the‑scenes notes, and upcoming stories.

Reviews

[Priscilla Lawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soaked by Miguel Hernandez Jr. begins with an introduction of the Grim Reaper Detective Jerry Crowder, and his rather suspicious new partner, Detective Victoria Hayes. Even after years away from the investigative unit, Crowder finds himself pulled back in when a body turns up, one discovery that leads to several more murders. Hernandez writes in a way that tries to show everything clearly, almost like you’re right there, and some of his descriptions really stuck with me. For me though, the story moved a bit slower than I expected for a crime thriller. Still, that ending came out of nowhere and left me surprised, which made the read worth it in the end. I received an ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soaked is A Noir Mystery Short by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. I have read several books by this author. I believe that he is a gifted writer and every book I have read is exceptional. Jerry comes out of retirement to find the killer who has killed and mutilated bodies. I especially like that the author writes the horror of the murder and he was not gory. I think if you like a good mystery with a surprise ending, Soaked is A book I think you will enjoy. Unfortunately, one thing I really did not like was the author stopped the story and talked to the reader. Really!? But, the book is outstanding. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read about detective Jerry Crowder trying to solve a set of murders similar to cases he had worked on in the past. I love short stories because they’re quick and to the point however I wish this one was just a tiny bit longer. I enjoyed the characters and was surprised at the twist at the end.
Thank you BookSirens for the free ARC in turn for an honest review.

[Megan Beech · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking for a good detective/film noir type of story? Check this out!

Soaked follows Detective Jerry Crowder as he solves the mystery behind the Grim Reaper killings. As another corpse is found in the rain, will Jerry be able to catch the killer before they strike again?

I’m a huge fan of film noir and detective stories and this didn’t disappoint. The characters and their connections are well developed and the story line is captivating! A great novella that would satisfy any crime fiction readings. The story actually reminds me of my favorite discontinued podcast “Detectives Don’t Sleep” which fits the genre to a T.

I highly recommend Soaked to anyone who enjoys reading noir stories or is looking for a new change of reading material. Happy Reading!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got to read this ARC, a short story, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The picture painted has you imagining the transatlantic accents of two stylish detectives. You’ll fly through this story and enjoy both characters.

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving this review voluntarily.


Detective Jerry Crowder is investigating a slew of grisly murders. The similarities of the crimes leads Jerry to believe he knows the perpetrator. Set in a dark, rain-soaked atmosphere of gloomy New York, the wet, cold, environment added to the unpleasantness of the crimes.

Short and with an unexpected ending, I give the author an extra half star for deviating from the norm of thrillers by actually speaking to the reader before the conclusion. 4 and a half stars

[Caroline | dogtailsandcrimetales · Rating 4 out of 5]

★★★★.5

Retired NYC detective Jerry Crowder is pulled back into action to track down a serial killer. When the victim turns out to be someone from Jerry’s past, the stakes rise, especially with no clear suspect in sight and something not quite right about his assigned partner…

I love a short story thriller, and I admire any author who can craft a strong plot and memorable characters in under 50 pages. Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. does exactly that—well done!

This story stands out in so many ways. The gritty NYC atmosphere and vivid characters drew me in immediately. The chapters are short, sharp, and keep the pace moving. The illustrations add a unique, almost comic-like quality that enhances the reading experience. And when the author addressed the reader directly, I initially thought the story had ended (thankfully, it hadn’t). That personal touch gave the book even more charm.

This was my first read from Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr., but it definitely won’t be my last. Thank you BookSirens, Soaring High Publishing, and Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. for a copy. All opinions are my own.

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was hooked from the cover and description and enjoyed this as a noir mystery and that it worked in the genre. The characters were so well written and was hooked in the way the characters were written, I thought Jerry Crowder was so well written and had that detective concept that I was looking for and thought had that detective feel to this. It was a strong psychological suspenseful atmosphere and glad I got to read this. Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. wrote this so well and left me wanting to read more from the author.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Moontale]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The book was okay but it also felt like a very simple plot. Maybe because it's a short story but short stories can still be better. As a positive, it was an easy read. It could have been better if the detective character(s) were given more personality or if the case was made more complex.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC free from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
Wow!
Well written.
I felt like I was in the middle of the story.
I loved the surprise ending. Masterful.
I couldn't put it down.
It was, short, Intreging, suspenseful,
compelling, and engaging.
5 stars of pure enjoyment.
Don't miss.

[Nai · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review!!! Thank you to Book Siren for the ARC in return for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the overall storyline. My only wish is that the book had been longer—unless there’s a sequel in the works. The blend of character dynamics, workplace intrigue, and crime-solving made for an engaging and compelling read.

[Jatin Zadoo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finished reading this 50-page book.

Loved reading the cat and mouse chase between the detective and the culprit. Learning about the culprit's idea was a great twist.

If you love detective drama, then this is for you.

The book teaches:

How to write a suspense thriller in less than 60 pages and keep it interesting throughout.

How to write descriptions and help readers in visualising the story.

Following your instincts can lead to a beautiful outcome.

You'll start to point fingers at everyone if you don't know who the culprit is.

Gaining someone's trust is the easiest and the most difficult thing you'll ever do.

Love these lines from this book. If you haven't read the book, then these will be spoilers for you.

Sometimes the most beautiful truth is the perfect disguise for a lethal lie.

Once the predator becomes the prey, every move becomes a fight for survival.

Maybe we should be on the same page, Same book probably, but different chapters.

You call it instinct. I call it calculation.

Thank you to Book Sirens for the ARC of the book. Looking forward to reading more books this year.

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Soaked is a moody, atmospheric piece of psychological suspense that pulls you in from the first page and doesn’t let go. Detective Jerry Crowder’s journey into the psyche of a killer is handled with sharp, focused writing that keeps the narrative tight despite its short length. The mystery unfolds with just the right amount of misdirection, leading to a surprise ending that lands well and elevates the entire story.
A quick but impactful mystery that lingers after you finish

[Melissa]

Liked this book, I wanted more! Wish it were longer. Great read. Reminded me of the show Colombo

[Remy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced readers copy of this book and I’m happily leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was true to its claim, I wasn't able to put it down. (That also might be because it was less than 50 pages.) The writing was clear and descriptive to where I could imagine what was going on without having to think too hard. I also liked how there wasn’t too much gore to it. A book can be a suspenseful murder mystery without telling me every bloody detail. Even with it being a short story there was good character development and a well thought out plot. Though I’m not sure I caught on to why he’s called the Grim Reaper? I either missed something or maybe it’s coming in another book? But all in all, the story was fun and I would happily read another book by Hernandez.

I don’t have any complaints about the story itself however, can I say how I’m really not pleased the book stopped mid-way to ask the reader to submit a review… Seriously? I get that I'm writing a review now but as a book reviewer I have to. If the book is review worthy it’ll get one. Asking someone to submit a review mid-book seems desperate and odd, to say the least.

[Julia Stark · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the set up but found the prose to be clunky. There are a number of times when it switches between present and past tense. This switching wasn't because of a flashback...it'd happen in the middle of a sentence or during narration seemingly randomly. Facts about the characters are often repeated in narration and in dialogue. Because of this, the prose didn't flow for me, and I found it distracting from the story.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Catalina · Rating 2 out of 5]

Soaked read as a sort of sketch for a noir novel. As that, it's not bad. I really like a brooding male detective and a feisty female to oppose and complement. But as a short story, it's too brief and rushed for the reader to engage and enjoy. Plus, it's quite unfortunately that I've already read an actual novel with this exact twist(the identity of the serial killer - I am trying not to spoil anything!), so the novelty element was not there for me. Sorry!

*Book from BookSirens with many thanks for the opportunity!

[Annette Heslin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this crime mystery; I would have liked a bit more intrigue as I guessed who the killer was going to be straight away.

Overall, an enjoyable book, and I look forward to reading more by this author.

[Ale · Rating 3 out of 5]

ITA
Storia breve.
Il detective dell’FBI Jerry Crowder, anche nominato the gream reaper, viene coinvolto per una serie di casi di omicidio e perché l’ultima vittima era un testimone che l’FBI avrebbe dovuto proteggere.
A indagare insieme a lui Victoria Hayes.
Per quanto riguarda la storia essendo una storia breve si svolge molto rapidamente, mi ha colpito che la storia sia stata “tirata per le lunghe” con anche depistamenti, per poi avere la soluzione del mistero nell’ultimo capitolo.
Nel libro ci sono anche delle illustrazioni fatte con IA. Il problema delle illustrazioni non è tanto il supporto della intelligenza artificiale, ma che essendo sono molto diverse tra di loro, rappresentano il detective in varie scene, e a volte non rappresentano correttamente quella che è la descrizione fatta dall’autore del libro. L’immagine di copertina invece è stupenda.
Ho ricevuto una copia gratuita. Questa recensione contiene la mia opinione ed è pubblicata liberamente.

ENG
Short story.
FBI detective Jerry Crowder, also known as the Grim Reaper, gets involved in a series of murders because the latest victim was a witness that the FBI was supposed to protect.
Victoria Hayes investigates alongside him.
As for the story, being a short story, it unfolds very quickly. I was struck by the fact that the story was “drawn out” with red herrings, only to have the mystery solved in the last chapter.
The book also features illustrations created with AI. The problem with the illustrations is not so much the use of artificial intelligence, but the fact that they are very different from each other, depicting the detective in various scenes, and sometimes not accurately representing the author's description in the book. The cover image, on the other hand, is beautiful.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Miguel Hernandez Jr. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend you check out this short story. If you dislike short stories or prefer novels or novellas, please skip this book.

It's a great read in between novels, if you need to escape a reading slump, or even to try out a new genre and author.

If you notice any typos/errors as you read along, would you be so kind as to point them out, and I will fix them immediately.

Thanks.

Update: I fixed tenses.