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Everything on Black
All in—with no way out.Kat Burgess is a deputy sheriff with a dead husband, a gambling problem, and a talent for self-destruction. Will Cousins is a handsome, failed musician with a rich wife he claims is trying to kill him. Their affair—and mutual spiral into murder—feels fated from the start.
But by the time Kat learns she was just a mark in a high-stakes con, she’s also learned of an incestuous, predatory partnership, a string of missing girls, and the full depth of her own capacity for evil.
Told in Kat’s scorching, confessional voice, Everything on Black is a neo-noir novel of seduction, murder, and spiritual crisis. It blends the doomed-lover intensity of James M. Cain with the dark female psychology of Gillian Flynn and Megan Abbott. A story about betting everything—your career, your freedom, your soul—on the wrong person, only to discover the game was rigged all along.
But by the time Kat learns she was just a mark in a high-stakes con, she’s also learned of an incestuous, predatory partnership, a string of missing girls, and the full depth of her own capacity for evil.
Told in Kat’s scorching, confessional voice, Everything on Black is a neo-noir novel of seduction, murder, and spiritual crisis. It blends the doomed-lover intensity of James M. Cain with the dark female psychology of Gillian Flynn and Megan Abbott. A story about betting everything—your career, your freedom, your soul—on the wrong person, only to discover the game was rigged all along.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
March 13, 2026
A lying, master manipulator worms his way into a deputy's life with a sob story of domestic violence and a promise of wedded bliss and family life.
Will Cousins is full of himself as he plans to escape his marriage to the wealthy Dianne Bartello, taking her bank balance with him. Taken by his narcissism, Kathryn Burgess finds herself in a difficult and compromising position with nowhere to turn.
Everything on Black by F. T. Grant is a cleverly woven tale of deception with realistic dilemmas and larger than life characters. The plot is intense, and the twists are unexpected. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with huge thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Action-packed with full-bodied and eccentric characters, the swift transitions did not disappoint, and the outcome was surprising. It is definitely one to read.
Will Cousins is full of himself as he plans to escape his marriage to the wealthy Dianne Bartello, taking her bank balance with him. Taken by his narcissism, Kathryn Burgess finds herself in a difficult and compromising position with nowhere to turn.
Everything on Black by F. T. Grant is a cleverly woven tale of deception with realistic dilemmas and larger than life characters. The plot is intense, and the twists are unexpected. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily with huge thanks to the author and Book Sirens for the opportunity to read this eARC.
Action-packed with full-bodied and eccentric characters, the swift transitions did not disappoint, and the outcome was surprising. It is definitely one to read.
Review of advance copy
A modern noir story in the tradition of James M Caine, EVERYTHING ON BLACK tweaks convention with a female protagonist, sheriff's deputy Kat, and an homme fatale, Will, a man seemingly stuck in a bad marriage. It all starts with a call for a safety check. Neighbors reported a domestic disturbance, and Kat takes the call. He looks like a battered husband. Later, Will just happens to show up at Kat's gym while she's doing weight training, and they get coffee afterward, become acquainted.
Kat is recently widowed, her husband of less than a year dying in an accident, and she's been filling that gap in her life with the gym and online gambling, enough gambling to cause painful money problems. Will has those good looks and easy manner of a model or the musician he claims to be, a pretty boy. Soon enough, he and Kat become lovers. Soon enough, Will enlists Kat's help in scheming an Italian Style Divorce to get free of his wife, Dianna.
From just shy of the midpoint to the end, this novel runs on all cylinders as Kat and Will plan the murder, carry it out, then deal with the aftermath. A lot like Double Indemnity, Kat carries out a detailed murder plan, a plan that leverages her cop experience to throw potential investigators off the trail. She encounters several surprises with Dianna that night and a chance to call it off, but she follows through anyway.
Of course Will isn't who he represents himself to be, and no, he was no battered husband, completely different. Kat's in this too deep and has to see things out to the end, and as we know, noir stories are tragedies.
Kat has to start scheming to protect herself from Will, not take the fall (alone), and bring Will to justice, because maybe he's done this before. Her past haunts her and plays a important role in driving her, as well as becoming part of her undoing. The action and events are vivid, believable, and a delight to read. Everything in this novel fills the convention for a good noir story, a very satisfying read.
I received a free advance review copy and am voluntarily writing this review for free.
Kat is recently widowed, her husband of less than a year dying in an accident, and she's been filling that gap in her life with the gym and online gambling, enough gambling to cause painful money problems. Will has those good looks and easy manner of a model or the musician he claims to be, a pretty boy. Soon enough, he and Kat become lovers. Soon enough, Will enlists Kat's help in scheming an Italian Style Divorce to get free of his wife, Dianna.
From just shy of the midpoint to the end, this novel runs on all cylinders as Kat and Will plan the murder, carry it out, then deal with the aftermath. A lot like Double Indemnity, Kat carries out a detailed murder plan, a plan that leverages her cop experience to throw potential investigators off the trail. She encounters several surprises with Dianna that night and a chance to call it off, but she follows through anyway.
Of course Will isn't who he represents himself to be, and no, he was no battered husband, completely different. Kat's in this too deep and has to see things out to the end, and as we know, noir stories are tragedies.
Kat has to start scheming to protect herself from Will, not take the fall (alone), and bring Will to justice, because maybe he's done this before. Her past haunts her and plays a important role in driving her, as well as becoming part of her undoing. The action and events are vivid, believable, and a delight to read. Everything in this novel fills the convention for a good noir story, a very satisfying read.
I received a free advance review copy and am voluntarily writing this review for free.
Review of advance copy
Dark & melancholic.
“Everything on Black” is strangely addictive. While it’s an easy, quick read (I finished it in a couple of hours), it’s also highly detailed and unapologetically dark.
The main character, Kathryn Burgess, frequently becomes introspective and contemplative, often referencing God. Initially, this can feel flippant, but as the story progresses those references grow heavier and more meaningful. That said, this is not a religious book per se — it’s more concerned with the inescapable consequences of our actions: whether they’re inevitable, whether choice truly exists, and whether damnation is something we earn or simply slide into.
The writing is immersive, yet deliberately leaves room to pause and reflect. There were moments where I found myself thinking, “Don’t do it!” There were sections I couldn’t fully relate to — but crucially, never a point where I disengaged or considered giving up on the story.
Whether you believe life is preordained or shaped by reckless choice, it’s always a gamble. “Everything on Black” leans fully into that idea, exploring obsession, moral compromise, and the slow erosion of self with confidence and restraint. It’s uncomfortable in places, contemplative throughout, and lingers longer than you might expect for such a fast read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My thanks to BookSirens, Vigilante Crime & Pulp, and F.T. Grant for the DRC of “Everything on Black” by F.T. Grant.
“Everything on Black” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 22 March 2026.
“Everything on Black” is strangely addictive. While it’s an easy, quick read (I finished it in a couple of hours), it’s also highly detailed and unapologetically dark.
The main character, Kathryn Burgess, frequently becomes introspective and contemplative, often referencing God. Initially, this can feel flippant, but as the story progresses those references grow heavier and more meaningful. That said, this is not a religious book per se — it’s more concerned with the inescapable consequences of our actions: whether they’re inevitable, whether choice truly exists, and whether damnation is something we earn or simply slide into.
The writing is immersive, yet deliberately leaves room to pause and reflect. There were moments where I found myself thinking, “Don’t do it!” There were sections I couldn’t fully relate to — but crucially, never a point where I disengaged or considered giving up on the story.
Whether you believe life is preordained or shaped by reckless choice, it’s always a gamble. “Everything on Black” leans fully into that idea, exploring obsession, moral compromise, and the slow erosion of self with confidence and restraint. It’s uncomfortable in places, contemplative throughout, and lingers longer than you might expect for such a fast read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My thanks to BookSirens, Vigilante Crime & Pulp, and F.T. Grant for the DRC of “Everything on Black” by F.T. Grant.
“Everything on Black” is due to be published and available on Amazon on 22 March 2026.
Review of advance copy
Thank you BookSirens for this ARC!
3.75⭐
I chose this because I'm a fan of psychological thrillers and the blurb seemed like it would be right up my alley. The idea was a good one, but I had a hard time connecting with the story, which I feel is partly due to the short length. I was not a fan of the FMC, I didn't empathize with her through most of the story. There were times I just rolled my eyes at her inner voice and her choices.
Will was most obviously a sociopath, or at the very least a narcissist. How she allowed herself to be drawn in by him, especially due to how they met really kind of pissed me off. Then to go and commit murder for him?! Seriously, what kind of cop is she? The fact that she even helped him plan it was ludicrous. She is just as much a villain as he is. The fact that she abused her power as a police officer multiple times throughout the book, as well as used her co-worker 's obvious feelings toward her to manipulate him, proves as much. I believe she got what she deserved in the end.
Didn't quite reach 4⭐ for me because I struggled with connecting to anyone in this story (except the people she manipulated and hurt). I don't know if that could have been changed if the author had chosen to make it longer or not. Perhaps it was the perfect length to pack the most punch. I mean, it definitely invoked some strong feelings of frustration, anger, and exasperation in a short time...
3.75⭐
I chose this because I'm a fan of psychological thrillers and the blurb seemed like it would be right up my alley. The idea was a good one, but I had a hard time connecting with the story, which I feel is partly due to the short length. I was not a fan of the FMC, I didn't empathize with her through most of the story. There were times I just rolled my eyes at her inner voice and her choices.
Will was most obviously a sociopath, or at the very least a narcissist. How she allowed herself to be drawn in by him, especially due to how they met really kind of pissed me off. Then to go and commit murder for him?! Seriously, what kind of cop is she? The fact that she even helped him plan it was ludicrous. She is just as much a villain as he is. The fact that she abused her power as a police officer multiple times throughout the book, as well as used her co-worker 's obvious feelings toward her to manipulate him, proves as much. I believe she got what she deserved in the end.
Didn't quite reach 4⭐ for me because I struggled with connecting to anyone in this story (except the people she manipulated and hurt). I don't know if that could have been changed if the author had chosen to make it longer or not. Perhaps it was the perfect length to pack the most punch. I mean, it definitely invoked some strong feelings of frustration, anger, and exasperation in a short time...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
“Everything on Black” was a surprise. I expected a police procedural. But it was more—a police procedural, a detective mystery, and a psychological thriller. And a cautionary tale.
Author F.T. Grant brings us immediately into the story along with Kat Burgess, a Deputy Sheriff, as she goes to the scene of a domestic disturbance. She interviews the male half of the dust-up, Will Cousins, with a bruise on his cheek, who, Kat can’t help noticing, bears a slight resemblance to a young Leo DiCaprio. But she tamps down her attraction beneath her professional principles… for a while. But Will keeps ‘showing up’ and she is drawn in, as we readers are, to this ‘situation.’ Yeah, and it’s complicated, which seasons the tale even more.
We find out that Kat is no innocent feminine flower. She has a mysterious relationship with a corrupt lawyer. She’s also a gym rat, able to deadlift 230 pounds. She also has problems close to home, her husband accidentally shot by a friend, and her father slowly dying from cancer (Her mother who she didn’t have a good relationship with is long out of the picture.)
It’s complicated, as we say. And the more involved she gets with Will—and his weird mother—the more complicated it gets. Because Kat’s falling, and Will’s trapped in an awful marriage, and something’s gotta give.
“A damn good novel!” as my old friend and mentor, James N. Frey, used to say. Five stars!—Paul Clayton, author of Crossing Over.
Author F.T. Grant brings us immediately into the story along with Kat Burgess, a Deputy Sheriff, as she goes to the scene of a domestic disturbance. She interviews the male half of the dust-up, Will Cousins, with a bruise on his cheek, who, Kat can’t help noticing, bears a slight resemblance to a young Leo DiCaprio. But she tamps down her attraction beneath her professional principles… for a while. But Will keeps ‘showing up’ and she is drawn in, as we readers are, to this ‘situation.’ Yeah, and it’s complicated, which seasons the tale even more.
We find out that Kat is no innocent feminine flower. She has a mysterious relationship with a corrupt lawyer. She’s also a gym rat, able to deadlift 230 pounds. She also has problems close to home, her husband accidentally shot by a friend, and her father slowly dying from cancer (Her mother who she didn’t have a good relationship with is long out of the picture.)
It’s complicated, as we say. And the more involved she gets with Will—and his weird mother—the more complicated it gets. Because Kat’s falling, and Will’s trapped in an awful marriage, and something’s gotta give.
“A damn good novel!” as my old friend and mentor, James N. Frey, used to say. Five stars!—Paul Clayton, author of Crossing Over.
Review of advance copy received from Author
F.T. Grant delivers a hard-edged, noir-inflected story where the atmosphere does as much work as the plot. This is a book steeped in shadows: moral gray areas, bad decisions made for understandable reasons, and a lingering sense that no one gets out completely clean. The title feels earned—every choice feels like a gamble, and the stakes keep rising whether the characters acknowledge it or not.
Grant’s prose is lean and controlled, but never sterile. There’s an undercurrent of tension running through even the quieter moments, and the pacing trusts the reader—no overexplaining, no hand-holding. If you enjoy crime fiction that lets implication do some of the heavy lifting, this will land especially well.
The characters feel worn-in rather than constructed, shaped by past mistakes and hard experience. This isn’t a story about redemption wrapped in a bow; it’s about consequences, momentum, and what happens when you keep doubling down because stopping feels impossible.
That said, this won’t be a book for readers looking for a fast, action-heavy thriller or neatly tied resolutions. The payoff here is more atmospheric and psychological than explosive—but for the right reader, that’s exactly the point.
Grant’s prose is lean and controlled, but never sterile. There’s an undercurrent of tension running through even the quieter moments, and the pacing trusts the reader—no overexplaining, no hand-holding. If you enjoy crime fiction that lets implication do some of the heavy lifting, this will land especially well.
The characters feel worn-in rather than constructed, shaped by past mistakes and hard experience. This isn’t a story about redemption wrapped in a bow; it’s about consequences, momentum, and what happens when you keep doubling down because stopping feels impossible.
That said, this won’t be a book for readers looking for a fast, action-heavy thriller or neatly tied resolutions. The payoff here is more atmospheric and psychological than explosive—but for the right reader, that’s exactly the point.
Review of advance copy
This is gentle noir. Yes, we get the mean streets and the detectives and there is some death … but little in the way of blood and guts or anything to keep you worriers up late at night with all the lights on. The prime character is certainly not without faults - you quickly learn that - but some admirable characteristics emerge in the second half of the book. The same can be said of the story itself - the first part (scene setting) is a bit rushed and the latter part more interesting and entertaining. Some of the “minor” characters were interesting and worthy of being further developed - it’s a short book and, perhaps, deserved to be drawn out to a fuller length. Although I cannot give a five star rave review, I’m sufficiently interested to see what else the author produces. Thank you to BookSirens for introducing me to this book and thank you to the author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
I picked this book to read because the cover had me intrigued and then I read the blurb and instantly asked to read it. I got this book as an ARC for free and wanted to leave an honest review. This was a fast-paced read that kept me hooked from the first chapter. It felt so real, like I was watching one of those true crime documentaries. I love when a book can keep me guessing and for a while I thought it was going to end one way, but the twist got me and I was ready to throw my kindle across the room! There are characters that you will love and ones you will hate. I only wish we had gotten more background on a few of the characters because I was curious as to what made them who they were in that moment. If you want a good thriller that will make you say "omg" several times and trick you into thinking it's all going to be ok, then you need to snatch this book up and read it!
February 9, 2026
Thank you BookSirens and Vigilante Crime & Pulp for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Everything on Black by F.T. Grant. This thriller is to be published on March 10, 2026.
Deputy Kat Burgess consistently makes bad decisions in both life and dating. After meeting wannabe rock & roller Will Cousins, she continues to make significantly bad decisions.
This was a quick, well-written thriller. It was short, and easy to read in one sitting. I appreciate that the author told a good story without a long, drawn-out process filled with mundane filler. The conclusion was honest to the story and arc of Kat as a character.
Instead of betting on black, Kat should have bet on red. Maybe her outcome could have changed.
Deputy Kat Burgess consistently makes bad decisions in both life and dating. After meeting wannabe rock & roller Will Cousins, she continues to make significantly bad decisions.
This was a quick, well-written thriller. It was short, and easy to read in one sitting. I appreciate that the author told a good story without a long, drawn-out process filled with mundane filler. The conclusion was honest to the story and arc of Kat as a character.
Instead of betting on black, Kat should have bet on red. Maybe her outcome could have changed.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
The cover of FT Grant's debut novel has a glowing caption on the front cover stating that it is "A modern noir masterpiece in the tradition of James M Cain." And while this is clearly publisher's hyperbole, it still got me interested enough to download this ARC and give Everything on Black a read. Within, I found that Kat Burgess is not a likeable protagonist and her actions at times made little sense. I discovered that the cast of characters lacked any sort of real depth and that the premise of the novel was paper thin. The story builds up enough tension to make it a page-turner right up to the climax, but in the end this one doesn't live up to the hard boiled yarns of old.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
Thanks to BookSirens for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
I find when I accept an arc by a new author, it's hit or miss for me. This book was definitely a hit! Everything on Black drew me in right away. I remember thinking no way, she can't do that! She is a cop! Kat just kept getting deeper and deeper and even though I shouldn't have, I found myself rooting for her. I felt bad for the way she was set up. But holy cow, what a crazy surprise at the end. I definitely look forward to another book by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
ARC: BookSirens
Everything On Black by F. T. Grant
Short read; 150 pages. This was a fun read. The author did a good job of introducing the characters and their connection to one another.
It was very easy to predict what would happen next at each turn and I was not disappointed one bit.
It was addictive for me. I wanted to know if my predictions ranged from true in the end.
If you are in a reading slump and can enjoy a good short crime thriller this is for you,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Everything On Black by F. T. Grant
Short read; 150 pages. This was a fun read. The author did a good job of introducing the characters and their connection to one another.
It was very easy to predict what would happen next at each turn and I was not disappointed one bit.
It was addictive for me. I wanted to know if my predictions ranged from true in the end.
If you are in a reading slump and can enjoy a good short crime thriller this is for you,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Solid 4 stars. This is very noir. Hard-edged with a female protagonist, Detective Kat Burgess, who has significant personal issues.
There is constant strong tension throughout at least the second half of the book. There was a dark atmosphere. And the ending was surprising. I felt it fit the story.
Well proofread and edited for a first book.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
There is constant strong tension throughout at least the second half of the book. There was a dark atmosphere. And the ending was surprising. I felt it fit the story.
Well proofread and edited for a first book.
I received a free advance review copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 20, 2026
I am grateful for the opportunity to receive an ARC of this book. Definitely gives Noir vibes, dark and moody with all too human characters. This quick read with a fast moving narrative, kept me wondering where we would end up. The ending didn’t quite land with me but that’s more of a personal preference.
Review of advance copy
Thanks to BookSirens for the book.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this twist on a noir detective novel, the "femme fatale" being male and the detective/copy female. Not a word was wasted in this taut prose, which immediately jumped into action from the first page.
Short, concise, and to the point, this was really good, and I would read more from the author.
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 stars.
I really enjoyed this twist on a noir detective novel, the "femme fatale" being male and the detective/copy female. Not a word was wasted in this taut prose, which immediately jumped into action from the first page.
Short, concise, and to the point, this was really good, and I would read more from the author.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Everything on Black was a crazy wild ride! Non-stop twists and turns in this murder plot thriller. The characters were believable and quirky, the book was fast-paced and engaging and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished! The ending was unpredictable and mind-blowing. Definitely recommend if you enjoy off-beat stories like The Usual Suspects.
March 15, 2026
An entertaining, solid noir, with a protagonist who’s both smart and addled by ego, leading her to fall into a conspiracy.
I liked the internal reasoning behind some of her mad decisions, showing the logic in her illogical thinking.
Short, sharp, an effective antagonist (and his mother), but I think the cover suggests YA more than down and dirty noir.
I liked the internal reasoning behind some of her mad decisions, showing the logic in her illogical thinking.
Short, sharp, an effective antagonist (and his mother), but I think the cover suggests YA more than down and dirty noir.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews