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Detective Nick Larson #1
Hanging Softly in the Night
A questionable suicide...a detective's suspicion...and a desperate hunt for a serial killer before more victims are found...
New York Police Department's Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan is under siege by the flu, and Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, are up to their armpits with work overload. The captain's cigar is seriously chewed, and everyone is working around the clock. To complicate matters, on a personal level, things aren't going smoothly, either. Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is also having issues with a psycho twin sister who is doing everything to ruin Laura's business and her life.
Then Nick's captain assigns a new case, a suicide. From the moment Nick steps on scene, however, something doesn't feel quite right, especially when, upon investigating the case further, the supposed suicide looks more and more like an actual homicide. Immediately, Nick's instincts kick into gear, but rev into overdrive when similar, questionable suicides pop up around the area. And with the way things have been going lately, it would just be Nick's luck to have a serial killer on the loose.
Set in New York City, Hanging Softly in the Night is a story of murder, mental illness, determination, dedication, perseverance, and, ultimately, justice.
New York Police Department's Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan is under siege by the flu, and Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, are up to their armpits with work overload. The captain's cigar is seriously chewed, and everyone is working around the clock. To complicate matters, on a personal level, things aren't going smoothly, either. Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is also having issues with a psycho twin sister who is doing everything to ruin Laura's business and her life.
Then Nick's captain assigns a new case, a suicide. From the moment Nick steps on scene, however, something doesn't feel quite right, especially when, upon investigating the case further, the supposed suicide looks more and more like an actual homicide. Immediately, Nick's instincts kick into gear, but rev into overdrive when similar, questionable suicides pop up around the area. And with the way things have been going lately, it would just be Nick's luck to have a serial killer on the loose.
Set in New York City, Hanging Softly in the Night is a story of murder, mental illness, determination, dedication, perseverance, and, ultimately, justice.
436 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 8, 2020
8 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
16 books462 followersHi, everyone. My name is Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra (yes, I know...it is a mouthful). I am originally from Cuba, lived in many places/countries throughout my life, and am now back in beautiful Florida.
I started writing when I was thirteen. My first short story was a science fiction one set on Mars (I was into Asimov, Clarke, Bester, et al at that moment of my life) and my second one was a paranormal novella, at nineteen, which was a rare leap for me since that genre really did not exist at that time.
I have written suspense, thrillers, mysteries, and short stories; I am delving now into cozy and will tap the paranormal in the future.
Love to read, watch videos of beautiful horses (since I can't ride anymore), and swim. Travel when I can.
More importantly, love to hear from my readers.
If you ever want to check out all my novels, you can check me out at my website: https://mariaelenawrites.com
Maria Elena
I started writing when I was thirteen. My first short story was a science fiction one set on Mars (I was into Asimov, Clarke, Bester, et al at that moment of my life) and my second one was a paranormal novella, at nineteen, which was a rare leap for me since that genre really did not exist at that time.
I have written suspense, thrillers, mysteries, and short stories; I am delving now into cozy and will tap the paranormal in the future.
Love to read, watch videos of beautiful horses (since I can't ride anymore), and swim. Travel when I can.
More importantly, love to hear from my readers.
If you ever want to check out all my novels, you can check me out at my website: https://mariaelenawrites.com
Maria Elena
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
March 8, 2021
A high tension, emotion-filled police procedural, “Hanging Softly In the Night” is the written version of CSI:NY with an added dose of crazy.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2021 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
October 27, 2021
Detectives Nick Larson and Victor Sacco are investigating a what seems to be a suicide case amidst high danger of flu. But then more such cases pop out and their strings have to be attached to catch a serial killer on loose.
I loved this book. It was written in a great manner. The plot was so interesting and intriguing. And how the story was unraveled I just loved it. It’s not just Nick and Sacco who are shown in the bigger picture but also Nick’s lover Laura and her mad sister Sandra. And the plot twist was so nice.
All in all I just loved this book and would recommend it to all the crime thriller lovers out there.
I loved this book. It was written in a great manner. The plot was so interesting and intriguing. And how the story was unraveled I just loved it. It’s not just Nick and Sacco who are shown in the bigger picture but also Nick’s lover Laura and her mad sister Sandra. And the plot twist was so nice.
All in all I just loved this book and would recommend it to all the crime thriller lovers out there.
August 18, 2021
4.5 Stars
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an engrossing crime thriller with plenty of mystery, suspense, danger, drama, tension, emotion, and investigation. This is a multi-layered story- with a tightly woven plot that pulled me in and had me trying to piece everything together as the plot unfolded.
This is my first read from Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, so I really didn’t know what to expect going in- but I love a great thriller/mystery and I really didn’t need to be coaxed to snap up a copy to explore. I am happy to say that this has given me a taste for her work, and I will definitely be reading more from this author again.
Gripping. Fast paced. Intriguing. Great characters. Well worth the read!
Thank you, Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra!
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an engrossing crime thriller with plenty of mystery, suspense, danger, drama, tension, emotion, and investigation. This is a multi-layered story- with a tightly woven plot that pulled me in and had me trying to piece everything together as the plot unfolded.
This is my first read from Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, so I really didn’t know what to expect going in- but I love a great thriller/mystery and I really didn’t need to be coaxed to snap up a copy to explore. I am happy to say that this has given me a taste for her work, and I will definitely be reading more from this author again.
Gripping. Fast paced. Intriguing. Great characters. Well worth the read!
Thank you, Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra!
July 14, 2022
An intriguing mystery for Detective Nick Larson and his partner Detective Victor Sacco. I enjoyed the interaction between these two hardened, yet dedicated detectives as they search for a killer who has left their victim hanging, softly. There are no signs of violence, but Nick and Vic don’t believe this is a suicide, they believe she was murdered. Was it her husband who felt that she was stifling him and he needed space? When several other “suicides” occur, is this the work of a serial killer? Meanwhile, Nick is still dealing with the suicide of his ex-wife and his attraction to Laura Howard. He is trying to give Laura time to heal from the murder of her husband who was killed by her twin sister, a sister that she hadn’t known existed. Her twin, a psychotic who is still trying to completely destroy Laura’s life. Is there a chance for Nick and Laura or will her sister always be the dark shadow between them? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
July 8, 2022
What a great crime thriller… well written and an engaging story. In Manhattan, New York Detective Nick Larson is at wits end investigating suspect suicides with his partner Detective Victor Sacco and team. There is also a back story about Nick's lover Laura Howard being harassed by her twin sister. There are dead ends and twists as more 'suicides' occur and the story escalates to a rewarding finale. The novel blends friendship, comradeship, mental illness, and romance brilliantly. A real page turner that is worthy of five (5) stars.
July 16, 2022
This book took too long to set up the plot of NYPD’s Detective Nick Larson’s hunt for a serial killer who is staging his murder scenes as suicides. The pace picked up considerably in the second half of the book making this an exciting crime thriller. I received an ARC from NetGalley, and the opinions expressed are my own.
December 20, 2022
Hanging Softly in the Night is a strangely morbid title, knowing what happens in this book. However it works, and I didn’t expect to make that kind of connection when jumping into this book. Wonderfully written this book makes you think. A puzzle to be solved. Striving to connect the smallest of dots to figure it all out. That’s what makes it intriguing. With a little romance thrown in.
Nick was finally reinstated to full duty after living through the suicide and guilt that comes with it of his ex-wife. When responding to a call only to discover it’s a woman death by suicide. Well at least that is how it appears. After autopsy and interviews his gut is telling him this is bigger than that. That this isn’t actually a suicide, but how can he prove it, when all the evidence and interviews keep leading to a deadend.
Then there is Laura, a woman he cares deeply about. Who’s twin sister is crazy and out to ruin her life. How can he protect her and do his job? He wants to be with her but is hesitant since he can’t always be there. Now there’s a chance that her sister may be able to access her more easily, despite restraining orders.
A subplot that I definitely followed. A subplot that made me wonder if she was connected to the main plot. Nick’s the one who landed her behind bars, why wouldn’t she want to play with him? People who are borderline psychotic and out for revenge enjoy games like that.
The author wrote Nick in a way despite everything he’s very level headed. He wants to do his job and do it right. He wants to protect Laura and do it right.
Is he able to close his cases and protect her?
Does he end up having a lapse in judgment?
Those were just some of the questions that came to mind that I wanted answered while reading.
If you enjoy a great crime novel, that gets you really thinking. This book is absolutely for you!
Nick was finally reinstated to full duty after living through the suicide and guilt that comes with it of his ex-wife. When responding to a call only to discover it’s a woman death by suicide. Well at least that is how it appears. After autopsy and interviews his gut is telling him this is bigger than that. That this isn’t actually a suicide, but how can he prove it, when all the evidence and interviews keep leading to a deadend.
Then there is Laura, a woman he cares deeply about. Who’s twin sister is crazy and out to ruin her life. How can he protect her and do his job? He wants to be with her but is hesitant since he can’t always be there. Now there’s a chance that her sister may be able to access her more easily, despite restraining orders.
A subplot that I definitely followed. A subplot that made me wonder if she was connected to the main plot. Nick’s the one who landed her behind bars, why wouldn’t she want to play with him? People who are borderline psychotic and out for revenge enjoy games like that.
The author wrote Nick in a way despite everything he’s very level headed. He wants to do his job and do it right. He wants to protect Laura and do it right.
Is he able to close his cases and protect her?
Does he end up having a lapse in judgment?
Those were just some of the questions that came to mind that I wanted answered while reading.
If you enjoy a great crime novel, that gets you really thinking. This book is absolutely for you!
February 14, 2023
Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is about Nick Larson, a detective for the 16th precinct of the NYPD. Despite being overburdened with work and personal issues, the detective is determined to solve a suspicious case that appears to be death by suicide, but some peculiarities can't be ignored. During a difficult time when a flu epidemic ravages the precinct and recent trauma plagues the detective, Nick realizes there may be a serial killer on the loose. He and his partner, Victor Sacco, embark on a mission to solve a mystery.
Alonso-Sierra has crafted a story that is equally intriguing and chilling, with unexpected developments, set in New York City. As more murders crop up, appearing as suicide deaths, the plot becomes more riveting, with sharp-witted characters, backstories, and an unraveling case that keeps you turning one page after another.
I thoroughly enjoyed the complexity of Nick's history and how his experiences contribute to the story. This book is an action-packed thriller with plenty of suspense and unexpected plot twists that make it impossible to put down. I liked the dynamic between Nick and his partner, Victor, as they raided the city, looking for answers. The book also covers many important aspects vital to the story and relatable to many, such as mental illness and past traumatic experiences, with great care and compassion.
The author's writing style is descriptive and visual, without dragging the story while keeping a good pace throughout. Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an exciting read, and it was impossible not to be enraptured by its riveting storyline.
Alonso-Sierra has crafted a story that is equally intriguing and chilling, with unexpected developments, set in New York City. As more murders crop up, appearing as suicide deaths, the plot becomes more riveting, with sharp-witted characters, backstories, and an unraveling case that keeps you turning one page after another.
I thoroughly enjoyed the complexity of Nick's history and how his experiences contribute to the story. This book is an action-packed thriller with plenty of suspense and unexpected plot twists that make it impossible to put down. I liked the dynamic between Nick and his partner, Victor, as they raided the city, looking for answers. The book also covers many important aspects vital to the story and relatable to many, such as mental illness and past traumatic experiences, with great care and compassion.
The author's writing style is descriptive and visual, without dragging the story while keeping a good pace throughout. Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is an exciting read, and it was impossible not to be enraptured by its riveting storyline.
December 21, 2022
Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, seem to be one of only a few cops that have not been hit with the flu at the 16th Precinct in Manhattan. This means that they are under a heavy workload that requires them working around the clock. The stress is bad enough from work but on top of that Nick is also having issues in his personal life.
When Nick’s boss hands him a case that seems like a straightforward case of suicide Nick cannot help but feel like something is not right. When similar cases pop up Nick begins to feel like this is a homicide and not a suicide. Nick is beginning to suspect that there might be a serial killer on the loose.
This book was action-packed from the first few pages. The characters were intriguing, and the storyline stood out as being different and interesting. It is obvious that the author did her research because of the attention to detail in the characters and the storyline. I look forward to reading another Nick Larson mystery.
When Nick’s boss hands him a case that seems like a straightforward case of suicide Nick cannot help but feel like something is not right. When similar cases pop up Nick begins to feel like this is a homicide and not a suicide. Nick is beginning to suspect that there might be a serial killer on the loose.
This book was action-packed from the first few pages. The characters were intriguing, and the storyline stood out as being different and interesting. It is obvious that the author did her research because of the attention to detail in the characters and the storyline. I look forward to reading another Nick Larson mystery.
December 22, 2022
A multi-layer detective story with several side-plots and twists. Detective Nick Larson teams up with his partner, Detective Victor Sacco to help solve a string of “suicides” that are popping up around them. It starts out with the first victim was found hanging, with no signs of violence, but not suspected to be a suicide. After other similar “suicides” pop up, the duo thinks they are dealing with a serial killer. While this is all happening, Nick is still coping with the suicide of his ex-wife and his newly budding romance towards Laura. Laura is also coping with from losing her own husband, at the hands of her own twin sister that she never realized she had…There is so much going on with this story that it is always interesting and intriguing, but at times overwhelming. With a perfect balance of suspense and romance, I couldn’t put this book down, and really enjoyed the unique storyline with familiar whodunit vibes.
December 28, 2022
Hanging Softly in the Night by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra is the first book to the Detective Nick Larson series and the first book I have read by this author. Nick Larson and Victor Sacco are investigating what a quick glance might deem as a suicide, but with some skilled detective work, it is obvious to the investigators that 'suicide' does not quite fit the crime scene. It looks too neat to the detectives. And then more and more cases start emerging. Nick cannot help but believe it is all interconnected somehow. During all of this, Nick is also trying to work through the haunting loss of his ex-wife. He wants to make space for his new interest, Laura, who is also going through some very difficult things herself.
I am surprised how much I really enjoyed this story! It seemed like it took a very long time for the plot to really take off. But once it did, I had a difficult time putting this down. The author does a fantastic job weaving together this mystery combined with very likable main characters. Highly recommend if you enjoy a good crime mystery mixed with romance.
I am surprised how much I really enjoyed this story! It seemed like it took a very long time for the plot to really take off. But once it did, I had a difficult time putting this down. The author does a fantastic job weaving together this mystery combined with very likable main characters. Highly recommend if you enjoy a good crime mystery mixed with romance.
December 29, 2022
First thing- I loved that the author gave us all the codes at the start to help understand. This book was amazing, full of twists and turns.
Detective Nick and Victor get handed a case, suicide? But with all the clues it definitely seems like it’s something else. Will they be able to solve the case. Who was out for the victim? Laura Howard is a cake whiz, even though she’s still dealing with her crazy twin- but she’s in prison but still making Laura’s life hell. Laura and Nick are still trying to figure out where they are going. If they are going to start a relationship or be friends. Can they make it work between Nick’s case, and Laura’s twin?
Detective Nick and Victor get handed a case, suicide? But with all the clues it definitely seems like it’s something else. Will they be able to solve the case. Who was out for the victim? Laura Howard is a cake whiz, even though she’s still dealing with her crazy twin- but she’s in prison but still making Laura’s life hell. Laura and Nick are still trying to figure out where they are going. If they are going to start a relationship or be friends. Can they make it work between Nick’s case, and Laura’s twin?
January 29, 2023
Manhattan’s 16th precinct seems to be crippled by flu and men are short so when partners Nick and Victor get given a case , it looks like an open and shit case but it’s to far from it ….
It looks like suicide but it’s murder and with the body count piling up and personal matters my nerves are shattered on behalf of these 2 🫣
If you like a fast paced book , be patient you will be rewarded , I promise 😉
I was pretty much hooked from the get go ❣️📕and a lot of effort was put into research for this , well it seems that way but al in all a thrilling read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
It looks like suicide but it’s murder and with the body count piling up and personal matters my nerves are shattered on behalf of these 2 🫣
If you like a fast paced book , be patient you will be rewarded , I promise 😉
I was pretty much hooked from the get go ❣️📕and a lot of effort was put into research for this , well it seems that way but al in all a thrilling read 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 22, 2022
Suspenseful thriller w/ a side of romance. This is a kind of book you will not put down till it’s over. A town being infiltrated by suicides but are they truly suicides? Detective nick has a hunch that there’s foul play involved. From that point it’s a roller coaster of novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat! This is my first novel by this author and will certainly not be my last!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2022
As an avid lover of psychological thrillers, I jumped on this book immediately. The story is fast paced and filled with twists and turns. You’ll find it impossible to put it down. Nick Larson, your MC, is the detective that you are rooting for from the very first page, who is likable and relatable yet has a history that you find yourself digging into. I loved that the story focused on his love life and how it intertwined with his work. This is the first I’ve read by this author and I was not disappointed. I will definitely be looking into more books by this author.
December 23, 2022
I haven't picked up a detective novel in a while but I am so glad I came across this one! Very realistic descriptions, interesting characters and surprises at every turn! I found Hanging Softly in the Night to be a very captivating story and very refreshing to the previous detective stories I have read. This book brought to light how people can be very secretive about so many things in their life and yet show a very different persona to the world! I loved being on the edge of my seat and not wanting to stop reading just to know what the detectives find next. This was a very riveting book to read and I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a good mystery to solve!
December 23, 2022
Hanging Softly in the Night
By: Maria Elena Alonso - Sierra
This is the best kind of detective novel. The time where the pressure comes jumping of the page. The kind that is fast paced and filled with twists and turns. The kind that you don’t want to put down until it is done. The kind with a hero who has a backstory and who is slightly damaged and has a complicated life. Nick Larson is definitely the detective that you are rooting for from the very first page, who is likable and relatable. I loved that this also focused on his love life and I loved his demeanor. I definitely want to read more from him and also more by this author!
By: Maria Elena Alonso - Sierra
This is the best kind of detective novel. The time where the pressure comes jumping of the page. The kind that is fast paced and filled with twists and turns. The kind that you don’t want to put down until it is done. The kind with a hero who has a backstory and who is slightly damaged and has a complicated life. Nick Larson is definitely the detective that you are rooting for from the very first page, who is likable and relatable. I loved that this also focused on his love life and I loved his demeanor. I definitely want to read more from him and also more by this author!
December 23, 2022
Hanging Softly in the Night was an intriguing detective-led thriller with multiple layers of overlapping storylines that had me intrigued throughout the entire story. Detective Nick Larson and partner Victor Sacco had the type of banter you imagine all New York City detectives to have with one another and were armed with intellect, experience and insight.
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra has a gripping writing style that takes the reader into the role of NYC detective and keeps you wanting more. Great story progression- I very much look forward to reading the next Detective Nick Larson story!
Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra has a gripping writing style that takes the reader into the role of NYC detective and keeps you wanting more. Great story progression- I very much look forward to reading the next Detective Nick Larson story!
December 23, 2022
A murder mystery with engaging characters and a suspense filled plot. I was hooked on the step-by-step of investigation by Detective Larson and the complexity of his life. Each character is fleshed out with careful thought, as well as how they fit in the story. The gripping thriller of a serial killer transfixes the reader to the page. I love how the author gave the reader all of the acronyms at the beginning to help understand the lingo! This is the first time I've read anything by this author, and I look forward to more!
December 23, 2022
Wow. Talk about a page turner! From the first sentence I was hooked . Hanging Softly in the Night was one of the most intense murder mysteries that I’ve read in a while. It keeps your interest throughout the book. Nick is a complex character. Dealing with his case, his love life and the guilt he felt regarding his ex-wife’s suicide brought so much realness to the character. The author did a fantastic job playing on the audiences emotions. Highly recommend!
December 23, 2022
If you like tv shows like CSI, SVU, and Criminal minds this book is for you! This is certainly a thriller mystery worth reading.
I really appreciated the different layers of this book. The way this was written certainly had me fully hooked from page one until the end.
I enjoyed the characters and they were well developed throughout the book.
I surely recommend this book.
I really appreciated the different layers of this book. The way this was written certainly had me fully hooked from page one until the end.
I enjoyed the characters and they were well developed throughout the book.
I surely recommend this book.
December 22, 2022
This author delivers! The moody and broody detective is the male protagonist. His tortured-by-a-psycho-family-member neighbor is the female protagonist. A murderer is loose in the Big Apple, wreaking havoc. Sparks fly, and suspense abounds, but will the heroes be able to overcome their own psyches in order to take a chance on a new beginning together?
March 18, 2021
"A gripping thriller of a detective’s encounter with intriguing murder mysteries while he deals with his traumatic past. Chaotic, captivating and extremely well researched thriller that excites and compels the reader to read it in one sitting."
-Shelley Reviews
Can You Hear What the Dead speaks?
Summary
Nick Larson is a detective in NYPD and gets his hand on the most unnerving and intriguing crimes of the city along with his kickass colleague Victor Sacco, while the trauma of his ex-wife’s death still haunts him. The conflict is staged in a suicide case of Isabel Creasy, a young and ambitious woman who was terrified from the name of the death. What appeared as a simple case of suicide, smelled of something hideous to Nick, followed by a series of suspicious deaths which points towards a much complicated case of homicide and a missing link involving drugs, dark web and weird obsessions. If this was not enough, Nick has some unsolved mysteries of his own life as well. Shaken by the past and struggling to live a normal life, ironically Nick finds his job as the only refuge from the misery he suffers.
Structure and Element of the Novel
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel is a thriller fiction novel by the Award-Wining Author Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra who has written many books in similar genre. The novel is well researched and well-structured. It begins with an element of suspense when a suicide cum murder mystery case is reported. The cases that followed added to the clock to build up the tension in the plot, increasing the suspense and ending in an unanticipated climax. The minor details of the investigation and a precise psycho-analysis of the detectives’ state of mind shows the author’s meticulous and thorough understanding of the subject. The abbreviations in the opening pages reflects the same. I loved the title; one must re-read the title to understand its relevance and the irony behind it.
“Death was a smell he never got used to.”
Story Development and Writing
The story follows a perfect narrative arc. It has a fast pace, new characters come in and carry forward the story in a different direction, but neither the POV nor the central theme changes. From the description of the lives of the detectives, their formal and informal verbal exchanges, deep companionship, complicated relationship, challenges at work, it seems that the author has done a thorough study or have kept a close watch on their lives.
“This moment proved Life was a bitch with an agenda, eager to screw him at every opportunity.”
As the reader begins to see everything from a detective’s perspective, the backstory of the victim’s life and their state of mind unnerves the reader with the hidden vulnerability of innocent people. The author has very well portrayed the dark-side of world, substance abuse, bad parenting, loneliness, perils of social media, weird obsessions and how there is always someone who is ready to prey on your weakness in the narrative.
“She had created her own monster, one that had eventually devoured her.”
It is very thoughtful and conscientious of the author to pen down some contemporary and realistically relevant matters like environment in the novel which will be refreshing for the reader too. Also, the dialogues, particularly the swear words, challenge the stereotypes which may sound a bit unusual but will draw readers’ attention. The occasional episodes of Nick and Laura’s love life add warmth to the story too. The only thing that could have been better was editing. The paragraphs were somewhere unnecessarily detailed and not required, making me skip those. Otherwise, it is a must read thriller novel and I look forward to read more of the author’s work.
“If it bleeds, it leads.”
Recommendation
I find the novel as a compelling train of crime stories where few badass detectives are all blood and sweat over the mystery of suicides happening in the city. It exposes the reader to all the heat the detectives have to go through and the dark, unnerving truth of human vulnerabilities that leads them to take extreme steps while we live our day to day lives. It is a great read for all the thriller-suspense novel lovers and strikes a chord with the reader invoking their sympathy for the deceased. The conscious effort of the author to make the story as real as possible is much appreciated. Brace yourselves for this amazing thriller ride.
-Shelley Reviews
Can You Hear What the Dead speaks?
Summary
Nick Larson is a detective in NYPD and gets his hand on the most unnerving and intriguing crimes of the city along with his kickass colleague Victor Sacco, while the trauma of his ex-wife’s death still haunts him. The conflict is staged in a suicide case of Isabel Creasy, a young and ambitious woman who was terrified from the name of the death. What appeared as a simple case of suicide, smelled of something hideous to Nick, followed by a series of suspicious deaths which points towards a much complicated case of homicide and a missing link involving drugs, dark web and weird obsessions. If this was not enough, Nick has some unsolved mysteries of his own life as well. Shaken by the past and struggling to live a normal life, ironically Nick finds his job as the only refuge from the misery he suffers.
Structure and Element of the Novel
Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel is a thriller fiction novel by the Award-Wining Author Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra who has written many books in similar genre. The novel is well researched and well-structured. It begins with an element of suspense when a suicide cum murder mystery case is reported. The cases that followed added to the clock to build up the tension in the plot, increasing the suspense and ending in an unanticipated climax. The minor details of the investigation and a precise psycho-analysis of the detectives’ state of mind shows the author’s meticulous and thorough understanding of the subject. The abbreviations in the opening pages reflects the same. I loved the title; one must re-read the title to understand its relevance and the irony behind it.
“Death was a smell he never got used to.”
Story Development and Writing
The story follows a perfect narrative arc. It has a fast pace, new characters come in and carry forward the story in a different direction, but neither the POV nor the central theme changes. From the description of the lives of the detectives, their formal and informal verbal exchanges, deep companionship, complicated relationship, challenges at work, it seems that the author has done a thorough study or have kept a close watch on their lives.
“This moment proved Life was a bitch with an agenda, eager to screw him at every opportunity.”
As the reader begins to see everything from a detective’s perspective, the backstory of the victim’s life and their state of mind unnerves the reader with the hidden vulnerability of innocent people. The author has very well portrayed the dark-side of world, substance abuse, bad parenting, loneliness, perils of social media, weird obsessions and how there is always someone who is ready to prey on your weakness in the narrative.
“She had created her own monster, one that had eventually devoured her.”
It is very thoughtful and conscientious of the author to pen down some contemporary and realistically relevant matters like environment in the novel which will be refreshing for the reader too. Also, the dialogues, particularly the swear words, challenge the stereotypes which may sound a bit unusual but will draw readers’ attention. The occasional episodes of Nick and Laura’s love life add warmth to the story too. The only thing that could have been better was editing. The paragraphs were somewhere unnecessarily detailed and not required, making me skip those. Otherwise, it is a must read thriller novel and I look forward to read more of the author’s work.
“If it bleeds, it leads.”
Recommendation
I find the novel as a compelling train of crime stories where few badass detectives are all blood and sweat over the mystery of suicides happening in the city. It exposes the reader to all the heat the detectives have to go through and the dark, unnerving truth of human vulnerabilities that leads them to take extreme steps while we live our day to day lives. It is a great read for all the thriller-suspense novel lovers and strikes a chord with the reader invoking their sympathy for the deceased. The conscious effort of the author to make the story as real as possible is much appreciated. Brace yourselves for this amazing thriller ride.
August 19, 2021
Nick Larson is a Detective in the Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan, New York where he is overworked thanks to the flu epidemic ripping its way through the entire PD, because of this, he and his partner Detective Victor Sacco are drowning in cases, some more easily solved than others, but all as harrowing as the other, it is in the midst of their sixteen plus hour days with little sleep that they are handed a case of a suicide, it beings back dark memories for Nick, but he knows that he has to keep the reactions to them under control. As they approach the crime scene, it looks like a typical suicide by hanging, but when they look deeper into the scene, they see that some things appear a little off, the suicide note is badly written with spelling mistakes and the victim looks too peaceful for the choice of method, there are no last minute attempts to live and the chair below them isn’t tipped over. As they continue looking at the crime scene, they notice other things that don’t quite tally, but there is nothing more that they can do for the moment, so they leave the scene and head into the precinct to write up their notes and get a start on the tedious amount of paperwork awaiting them, as well as dealing with another case which was thrust at them after attending the scene.
While the detectives are rushed off their feet, Laura Howard is preparing yet another piece of artwork for her bakery Les Gateaux Riches, she is doing her best to concentrate on this new creation, but her mind keeps wandering to a certain Detective Larson who helped to catch and put behind bars her twin sister whom up until a year ago, she knew nothing about, but who is now trying her best to ruin her life, work, reputation and everything else from behind bars despite having multiple sanctions and restrictions put on her. It is putting a strain on her and not to mention delaying her attempts at romance with Nick, albeit he is as bad as her for dancing around the edges and not fully saying yay or nay.
As the Detective pry deeper into the life of the suicide victim, more questions than answers surface during the interviews they conduct with her friends and others who know her, to all intensive purposes, she was an angel who didn’t put a foot wrong or keep many close relationships with those around her, apart from a select few and as they haven’t much to go on, things slow down and they look into their other cases, but after a gut feeling, Nick decides to look at similar cases in the New York area and this leads him on another trail where he fears that this is more wide reaching than he originally thought, especially when another suicide is called in which has too many similarities to be a coincidence. Will Nick and Victor be able to solve the crime before any more victims appear, or will they lose the race against time to catch the one responsible? This is a thrilling crime novel with a hint of romance to keep things interesting, it will draw you into the life and work of a New York Detective while you try and figure out the culprit along with the Detectives, it will reel you in hook, line and sinker until you reach its conclusion.
While the detectives are rushed off their feet, Laura Howard is preparing yet another piece of artwork for her bakery Les Gateaux Riches, she is doing her best to concentrate on this new creation, but her mind keeps wandering to a certain Detective Larson who helped to catch and put behind bars her twin sister whom up until a year ago, she knew nothing about, but who is now trying her best to ruin her life, work, reputation and everything else from behind bars despite having multiple sanctions and restrictions put on her. It is putting a strain on her and not to mention delaying her attempts at romance with Nick, albeit he is as bad as her for dancing around the edges and not fully saying yay or nay.
As the Detective pry deeper into the life of the suicide victim, more questions than answers surface during the interviews they conduct with her friends and others who know her, to all intensive purposes, she was an angel who didn’t put a foot wrong or keep many close relationships with those around her, apart from a select few and as they haven’t much to go on, things slow down and they look into their other cases, but after a gut feeling, Nick decides to look at similar cases in the New York area and this leads him on another trail where he fears that this is more wide reaching than he originally thought, especially when another suicide is called in which has too many similarities to be a coincidence. Will Nick and Victor be able to solve the crime before any more victims appear, or will they lose the race against time to catch the one responsible? This is a thrilling crime novel with a hint of romance to keep things interesting, it will draw you into the life and work of a New York Detective while you try and figure out the culprit along with the Detectives, it will reel you in hook, line and sinker until you reach its conclusion.
July 23, 2021
In this latest edition of Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra’s Lt. Detective Nick Larson series, readers
familiar with such stories will find themselves in comfortable territory encountering many typical mystery story tropes.
For one thing, our main hero, New York police detective Nick Larson is an experienced investigator with a big personal problem. After his ex-wife committed suicide, he’s on restricted duty while he works out his pain. At first glance, he might not have been the best choice to lead an investigation of an apparent suicide by hanging. Naturally, this death is followed by other suspicious hangings that might be related murders. Larson, along with his trusty partner, Detective Vic Sacco, along with other tried and true NYPD associates like Tish Ramos, Steve Pensig, and Josh Carpenter, spend most of the book trying to connect the ever-increasing accumulation of dots that should reveal, sooner or later, the motives for the crime spree.
The second plot is a carry-over from a previous Nick Larson story (“Mirror, Mirror”) in which two twins are locked in a psychopathic sibling rivalry. Creative baker Laura Howard is the good twin trying to protect herself, and ignite a relationship with Larson, while brilliant and manipulative evil twin Sandra Ward does everything she can to destroy her sister, even while incarcerated.
Distinguishing attributes of Alonso-Sierra’s story telling include a very descriptive eye, especially for the ever-widening cast of supporting characters and vivid city settings during a cold and harsh winter. On every page, the reader feels like we’ve been taken into city dwellings, shops, office buildings, everywhere Larson has to go to investigate leads, dead-ends and witnesses from every strata of New York life. The author demonstrates a deep well of research into police procedures and medical analysis, as demonstrated by the list of acronyms at the beginning of the book. Adding to the verisimilitude, a fast, energetic pace keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.
If you’re like me, you’ll not only get involved with the developing relationships between the leads, you’ll want to continue the ride in the next volume of the Nick Larson saga. Without providing spoilers, not everything is resolved in Hanging Softly. We got more surprises coming and I can’t wait for the next chapters.
This review first appeared at BookPleasures.com on July 23, 2021:
https://waa.ai/xUHg
February 12, 2021
Title – Hanging Softly in the Night
Author – Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
Genre – Detective/Mystery
Word Count - 108,500
Rating – 5 stars out of 5
No. 07 - 2021
Posted 2/12/2021
My Impressions: Professional writing, interesting, believable characters who interact well, intricate and complex plot.
Main Characters:
Lt. Detective Nick Larson – Struggling with internal demons after ex-wife committed suicide.
Detective Vic Sacco – Nick’s close friend and partner.
Ramos – Member of the investigative team
Laura Howard – Nick’s current girlfriend with her own deadly personal baggage.
Sandra Ward – Laura’s sister who wants to destroy her.
There are three story lines here. Nick is fighting personal demons after his ex-wife committed suicide while on the phone with him begging him to take her back. A second story line is his girlfriend’s psychopath sister who wants to destroy her and is in a psych ward. But even locked up the nutcase manages to corrupt Laura’s life. The main plot is a string of hangings deaths originally judged to be suicides. Nick isn’t buying the suicides; he and his investigative team chase leads to no avail and the deaths keep piling up. The interaction among his team members adds greatly to the story, Many people they interview are nutcases in their own right. Then the case is solved by a witness who just drops in their laps.
Laura’s demented sister is not resolved. Is she left hanging for a sequel? I hope so.
The editing and sentence structure are well done and just short of perfect.
Character Development is good for all important characters.
Research is evident in the story’s complex details.
The plot is complex, intense and fast paced.
I enjoyed Hanging Softly in the Night and highly recommend it.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
Author – Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra
Genre – Detective/Mystery
Word Count - 108,500
Rating – 5 stars out of 5
No. 07 - 2021
Posted 2/12/2021
My Impressions: Professional writing, interesting, believable characters who interact well, intricate and complex plot.
Main Characters:
Lt. Detective Nick Larson – Struggling with internal demons after ex-wife committed suicide.
Detective Vic Sacco – Nick’s close friend and partner.
Ramos – Member of the investigative team
Laura Howard – Nick’s current girlfriend with her own deadly personal baggage.
Sandra Ward – Laura’s sister who wants to destroy her.
There are three story lines here. Nick is fighting personal demons after his ex-wife committed suicide while on the phone with him begging him to take her back. A second story line is his girlfriend’s psychopath sister who wants to destroy her and is in a psych ward. But even locked up the nutcase manages to corrupt Laura’s life. The main plot is a string of hangings deaths originally judged to be suicides. Nick isn’t buying the suicides; he and his investigative team chase leads to no avail and the deaths keep piling up. The interaction among his team members adds greatly to the story, Many people they interview are nutcases in their own right. Then the case is solved by a witness who just drops in their laps.
Laura’s demented sister is not resolved. Is she left hanging for a sequel? I hope so.
The editing and sentence structure are well done and just short of perfect.
Character Development is good for all important characters.
Research is evident in the story’s complex details.
The plot is complex, intense and fast paced.
I enjoyed Hanging Softly in the Night and highly recommend it.
Vigilant Reader Book Reviews.
August 8, 2021
Hanging Softly in the Night will suck you right into the story. Nick Larson and Laura Howard are two characters that you will love.
Detective Nick Larson hadn’t slept much last night. But the Sixteenth Precinct of the NYPD is having a flu outbreak, so it’s all hands on deck. He and his partner, Victor Sacco, have been called in. Arriving at the scene, the Forensic Investigator Division is already in the process of obtaining information. Forensic Investigator Tish Ramos who is the lead investigator tells the detectives that this is the second scene like this that she has had in the last two months. The scene is that of a woman hanging in the sunroom. The scene is too neat. It doesn’t look like a typical hanging scene.
Laura Howard, Nick’s friend and the woman he loves, is having problems of her own. During the past year, Laura was arrested for her husband’s murder. She would have been convicted if Nick hadn’t found that one piece of evidence that convinced the court that she didn’t do. Added to that terrible ordeal, Laura finds out that she has a crazy twin sister that she never knew anything about it. Now her bakery and catering business, Les Gateaux Riches, is in jeopardy. Her business had faltered after her incarceration. Now, someone is writing negative reviews.
Detectives Larson and Sacco are puzzled by their case and as more of these questionable suicides land on their desks, Nick hopes they aren’t dealing with a serial killer. Laura is considering selling her business with all the negative reviews and the possibility that her crazy twin will beat the murder charge. Will justice prevail in both cases?
Detective Nick Larson hadn’t slept much last night. But the Sixteenth Precinct of the NYPD is having a flu outbreak, so it’s all hands on deck. He and his partner, Victor Sacco, have been called in. Arriving at the scene, the Forensic Investigator Division is already in the process of obtaining information. Forensic Investigator Tish Ramos who is the lead investigator tells the detectives that this is the second scene like this that she has had in the last two months. The scene is that of a woman hanging in the sunroom. The scene is too neat. It doesn’t look like a typical hanging scene.
Laura Howard, Nick’s friend and the woman he loves, is having problems of her own. During the past year, Laura was arrested for her husband’s murder. She would have been convicted if Nick hadn’t found that one piece of evidence that convinced the court that she didn’t do. Added to that terrible ordeal, Laura finds out that she has a crazy twin sister that she never knew anything about it. Now her bakery and catering business, Les Gateaux Riches, is in jeopardy. Her business had faltered after her incarceration. Now, someone is writing negative reviews.
Detectives Larson and Sacco are puzzled by their case and as more of these questionable suicides land on their desks, Nick hopes they aren’t dealing with a serial killer. Laura is considering selling her business with all the negative reviews and the possibility that her crazy twin will beat the murder charge. Will justice prevail in both cases?
August 20, 2021
I give Hanging Softly in the Night: A Detective Nick Larson Novel by Maria Elena Alonso-Sierra, 5 stars.
This book was incredible. When I first started it, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. It kind of seemed like your typical jaded detective murder suspense. But the more I read, the more drawn in I was. There are so many angles with so much happening, and it is all woven together perfectly. I never knew what would happen next and was proved wrong so many times. That is a good thing to me, I love to be surprised in my books. The story is fascinating and relevant, the New York created here is just what you would expect in a crime novel set in modern day New York. It has a gritty feel to it, with lots of jaded people -- both in law enforcement and the regular citizens. Yet there is plenty of heart to it. Detective Larson definitely feels -- perhaps too much. But he also takes his job quite seriously. This has left him jaded and scarred, but you can see him grow and understand more about himself as the book goes on. I believe the characters are what really make this book. All of his co-workers and friends add so much to the story. I really hope to see more of them in future books. Then there are the people surrounding the tragedies themselves. Every single one is a possible suspect, and each one completely different from the other. The author leaves it wide open ad to what happened and why, letting us come to our own conclusions. For a murder mystery/suspense, that is crucial and it is done so well in this story.
If you are a fan of gritty detective novels, this book is for you. I loved it.
This book was incredible. When I first started it, I wasn't sure I would enjoy it. It kind of seemed like your typical jaded detective murder suspense. But the more I read, the more drawn in I was. There are so many angles with so much happening, and it is all woven together perfectly. I never knew what would happen next and was proved wrong so many times. That is a good thing to me, I love to be surprised in my books. The story is fascinating and relevant, the New York created here is just what you would expect in a crime novel set in modern day New York. It has a gritty feel to it, with lots of jaded people -- both in law enforcement and the regular citizens. Yet there is plenty of heart to it. Detective Larson definitely feels -- perhaps too much. But he also takes his job quite seriously. This has left him jaded and scarred, but you can see him grow and understand more about himself as the book goes on. I believe the characters are what really make this book. All of his co-workers and friends add so much to the story. I really hope to see more of them in future books. Then there are the people surrounding the tragedies themselves. Every single one is a possible suspect, and each one completely different from the other. The author leaves it wide open ad to what happened and why, letting us come to our own conclusions. For a murder mystery/suspense, that is crucial and it is done so well in this story.
If you are a fan of gritty detective novels, this book is for you. I loved it.
January 12, 2021
This exciting installment in the A Detective Nick Larson Novel series from Alonso-Sierra finds the ingenious Detective on the trail of a psychopathic serial killer.
With the New York Police Department’s Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan under siege by the flu, Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, have their hands full. If pressure from the work overload is not enough, Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is trying to deal with her dwindling business and a psycho twin sister. When a suicide case lands on Nick’s desk, he knows the things are not as they seem on the surface. More bodies pile up and Nick and his team find themselves on the trail of sinister serial killer.
The meticulous police details add to the story’s authenticity, and the affecting connection between Nick and Laura keeps the pages turning. Nick, troubled but nonetheless intelligent and intuitive, has enough substance to sustain a long series. Laura is an absolute darling. The killer with disturbing past secretes and a series of staged suicides add to the menacing atmosphere.
The pacing stays swift, and Alonso-Sierra keeps the shocking reveals coming until the story build to an explosive finale. She smoothly blends the fine elements of a police procedural with a close look at the psychologies of her characters and delves into the issues of mental illness, childhood trauma, relationships, resilience, and justice. Readers will look forward to Nick’s further adventures.
This expertly crafted tale is a total page-turner.
With the New York Police Department’s Sixteenth Precinct in Manhattan under siege by the flu, Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco, have their hands full. If pressure from the work overload is not enough, Laura Howard, the woman Nick loves, is trying to deal with her dwindling business and a psycho twin sister. When a suicide case lands on Nick’s desk, he knows the things are not as they seem on the surface. More bodies pile up and Nick and his team find themselves on the trail of sinister serial killer.
The meticulous police details add to the story’s authenticity, and the affecting connection between Nick and Laura keeps the pages turning. Nick, troubled but nonetheless intelligent and intuitive, has enough substance to sustain a long series. Laura is an absolute darling. The killer with disturbing past secretes and a series of staged suicides add to the menacing atmosphere.
The pacing stays swift, and Alonso-Sierra keeps the shocking reveals coming until the story build to an explosive finale. She smoothly blends the fine elements of a police procedural with a close look at the psychologies of her characters and delves into the issues of mental illness, childhood trauma, relationships, resilience, and justice. Readers will look forward to Nick’s further adventures.
This expertly crafted tale is a total page-turner.
January 13, 2021
Set in New York City, Alonso-Sierra’s brilliant latest mystery featuring Detective Nick Larson takes readers on an exhilarating journey as Nick finds himself embroiled in a serial killing investigation.
The workload is taking its toll on Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco with Manhattan’s Sixteenth Precinct under siege by the flu, and Nick’s personal life is not in its best shape. When Nick is called to investigate a suicide, his instincts leads him to widen the scope of his investigation. More deaths follow, and the detective pair find themselves entangled in the sinister machinations of a cunning serial killer.
Alonso-Sierra builds plausible plot twists while simultaneously delving into the struggles and anxieties of her protagonist’s lives, and all her characters, including the secondary ones are rendered in striking and precise detail. The intriguing plotline is enhanced by Nick and Laura’s burgeoning relationship. Along the way, Alonso-Sierra delves into issues of personal identity, the intricacies of love and relationship, and how mental illness affects the family and loved ones.
pacing stays swift, and the shockingly satisfying climax to the gripping, suspenseful plot will leave the readers clamoring for more of Nick’s adventures.
Lovers of intelligently delivered and psychologically sophisticated plots and motivations will find a lot to like in this un-put-down novel.
The workload is taking its toll on Detective Nick Larson and his partner, Detective Victor Sacco with Manhattan’s Sixteenth Precinct under siege by the flu, and Nick’s personal life is not in its best shape. When Nick is called to investigate a suicide, his instincts leads him to widen the scope of his investigation. More deaths follow, and the detective pair find themselves entangled in the sinister machinations of a cunning serial killer.
Alonso-Sierra builds plausible plot twists while simultaneously delving into the struggles and anxieties of her protagonist’s lives, and all her characters, including the secondary ones are rendered in striking and precise detail. The intriguing plotline is enhanced by Nick and Laura’s burgeoning relationship. Along the way, Alonso-Sierra delves into issues of personal identity, the intricacies of love and relationship, and how mental illness affects the family and loved ones.
pacing stays swift, and the shockingly satisfying climax to the gripping, suspenseful plot will leave the readers clamoring for more of Nick’s adventures.
Lovers of intelligently delivered and psychologically sophisticated plots and motivations will find a lot to like in this un-put-down novel.
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