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Monochrome Noir #1
Monochrome Noir
A down-on-his-luck private investigator who loves whiskey as much as he loves solving cases. An outcast medical technician with a heavy heart and an unnatural ability. A brutal murderer with a mysterious agenda.
Welcome to Monochrome Noir, a detective story set in an alternate version of 1986 Los Angeles. It is a grayscale world, where items of color are the rarest of commodities, owned by few and coveted by many.
When California’s most influential woman seeks out his services, weaving a tale of serial murder with bizarre implications, she embroils P.I. Henry Hardcastle in the strangest case of his career. Meanwhile, Charlie Grant, a young woman coping with a recent tragedy, finds herself drawn to a dark and mysterious omen. Though they are strangers, both find themselves following clues that could lead them directly into the path of a deranged killer.
Welcome to Monochrome Noir, a detective story set in an alternate version of 1986 Los Angeles. It is a grayscale world, where items of color are the rarest of commodities, owned by few and coveted by many.
When California’s most influential woman seeks out his services, weaving a tale of serial murder with bizarre implications, she embroils P.I. Henry Hardcastle in the strangest case of his career. Meanwhile, Charlie Grant, a young woman coping with a recent tragedy, finds herself drawn to a dark and mysterious omen. Though they are strangers, both find themselves following clues that could lead them directly into the path of a deranged killer.
- GenresParanormalMysteryFiction
159 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2022
6 people are currently reading
1465 people want to read
About the author
Jack Wells
6 books149 followersJack Wells is a burgeoning author located in Northern Utah. He has been writing on and off since grade school, though most of his early works are comprised of bad poetry and even worse song lyrics. Some of his more serious writing experience includes penning amateur reviews of movies, novels (multiple genres), and video games for various websites.
The chapter excerpt from "Monochrome Noir" in "Strange Stories: Vol. 1" marks his first physical publication of an original tale. "Monochrome Noir" started out as a short story, in answer to a publishing call, but is currently being expanded into a full-blown novel. It will be released in four parts, with the first part having been published in September of 2021.
When not putting pen to paper, Jack can be found spending time with his sweet but quirky family, hiking, kayaking, and sipping whiskey by his fire pit. One can often catch Jack taking spontaneous late night road trips throughout northern Utah with the latest retro synth music providing a surreal soundtrack.
Outside of all the fun activities, Jack spends much of his time herding cats as a beleaguered government employee.
The chapter excerpt from "Monochrome Noir" in "Strange Stories: Vol. 1" marks his first physical publication of an original tale. "Monochrome Noir" started out as a short story, in answer to a publishing call, but is currently being expanded into a full-blown novel. It will be released in four parts, with the first part having been published in September of 2021.
When not putting pen to paper, Jack can be found spending time with his sweet but quirky family, hiking, kayaking, and sipping whiskey by his fire pit. One can often catch Jack taking spontaneous late night road trips throughout northern Utah with the latest retro synth music providing a surreal soundtrack.
Outside of all the fun activities, Jack spends much of his time herding cats as a beleaguered government employee.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
November 5, 2021
I can't get enough of Noir-style books, especially ones that have fantasy elements woven throughout the story. They’re not exactly prevalent, the ones with fantasy, and I find myself constantly searching the internet for these types of works. Enter Monochrome Noir. This is the traditional setup of a classic noir like the Maltese Falcon (which started out serialized, too!), where the sultry femme fatale slinks into the down-on-his-luck gumshoe’s office and seeks his help in a private matter that needs to stay hush-hush. The PI, Henry Hardcastle, cursed with a wicked whisky hangover and a cigarette parked on his lips, is immediately smitten with the stunningly beautiful woman and takes the case, no questions asked. So begins our story. But this is where Monochrome Noir goes off the beaten path and introduces two other characters. In the interest of remaining spoiler-free, let’s just say they possess certain occult-like talents that can help PI Henry solve a rather gruesome murder.
This book nails the old-timey feel that is noir in a somewhat modern setting that Jack exquisitely created. This genuinely unique world takes place in an alternate Los Angeles now called Angel City, a bustling metropolis awash in grayscale with pops of Hues here and there. The Haves in the city are, of course, vibrant or Hued, as they can afford it, while the have-nots remain monochrome. The feel of Monochrome Noir is a mix of Sin City populated with Stephen King-esque characters in how they’re written.
The mystery itself moves seamlessly from when it’s first introduced to the end of the book and is written in a very intriguing way. While reading, I saw the story play out like a movie. This book would do well in a TV series format and would pull in the mystery buffs and satisfy the fantasy junkies.
One of the best features of this book, aside from the story, is that this is a serial novel, written in 4 parts according to the author’s notes at the conclusion of the book. Which COMPLETELY WORKS for this genre, and I, for one, am loving it. The bite-size tale (clocking in around 160 pages) ends on a cliff-hanger. But fear not, we only have to wait a month to read the next installment—perks of serialized books!
If you’re looking for something different, a book that has an engaging mystery that takes place in a unique world with intriguing, unforgettable characters, with an element of fantasy threaded throughout, then read Monochrome Noir! I can’t recommend this book enough.
This book nails the old-timey feel that is noir in a somewhat modern setting that Jack exquisitely created. This genuinely unique world takes place in an alternate Los Angeles now called Angel City, a bustling metropolis awash in grayscale with pops of Hues here and there. The Haves in the city are, of course, vibrant or Hued, as they can afford it, while the have-nots remain monochrome. The feel of Monochrome Noir is a mix of Sin City populated with Stephen King-esque characters in how they’re written.
The mystery itself moves seamlessly from when it’s first introduced to the end of the book and is written in a very intriguing way. While reading, I saw the story play out like a movie. This book would do well in a TV series format and would pull in the mystery buffs and satisfy the fantasy junkies.
One of the best features of this book, aside from the story, is that this is a serial novel, written in 4 parts according to the author’s notes at the conclusion of the book. Which COMPLETELY WORKS for this genre, and I, for one, am loving it. The bite-size tale (clocking in around 160 pages) ends on a cliff-hanger. But fear not, we only have to wait a month to read the next installment—perks of serialized books!
If you’re looking for something different, a book that has an engaging mystery that takes place in a unique world with intriguing, unforgettable characters, with an element of fantasy threaded throughout, then read Monochrome Noir! I can’t recommend this book enough.
December 12, 2021
If you are looking for something out of the ordinary with a fresh new feel, look no further. I totally dug this book from start to finish and devoured it in an afternoon. This is such an original idea; set in a world I could not have imagined in a million years. The inflection of the eighties shines through just enough for the truly nostalgic without getting in the way of the story. I don't want to give away one single morsel of this gem and urge you to read it for yourself. Jack Wells shines in his prose and storytelling. If you are looking to add a little color to an otherwise dull existence, the Monochrome Noir: A Gathering Storm, will do just that. Well done, Mr. Wells!
May 15, 2022
New author Jack Wells has hit the scene running with his take on a detective story with a twist. Giving us an alternate world to traverse and a supernatural element to add to its intrigue, he delivers a gripping private eye story as told through the eyes of grumpy gumshoe Henry Hardcastle. As Hardcastle attempts to unravel the mystery unfolding in Angel City, Charlie Grant is just trying to deal with her own hardships but finds herself set on a different path. That path happens to be leading to the deadliest person in town.
Wells creates an interesting story, within a unique setting, that makes use of dynamic and relatable characters in a perfect noir mystery that would rival any of the original detective stories out there. I am anxious to see the next installment in this series, as I happen to know that more are planned which will bring more to this unfolding story. 4 stars for this highly original tale.
Wells creates an interesting story, within a unique setting, that makes use of dynamic and relatable characters in a perfect noir mystery that would rival any of the original detective stories out there. I am anxious to see the next installment in this series, as I happen to know that more are planned which will bring more to this unfolding story. 4 stars for this highly original tale.
March 13, 2022
Jack Wells has given fans of both noir and sci-fi a highly original novel with A Gathering Storm, the first installment in his Monochrome Noir series. We're plunged straight into the action and find ourselves in the gritty, grey world of P.I. Henry Hardcastle. Angel City is an alternate version of Los Angeles in the eighties; a greyish world where "Colorists" add a splash of vitality and flamboyance here and there by "Hueing". While reading this noir escapade, I couldn't help by remember scenes from the classic film, "Sin City", and I suspect Jack Wells was largely inspired by this and similar cinematographic work. The world-building and characterisation are spot-on here and there's some witty dialogue as befits the genre. A couple of minor typos have slipped through the final edit, but most readers won't notice and it doesn't detract from the experience. The only two slight negatives, in my opinion, are that there is a little too much explaining in places, and this slows the narrative, and that we're left with a cliffhanger at the end. This is, of course, only the first part of the series, and the ending is designed to make us want to read the second book...which is out now. Does it achieve this? Well, in short, yes, so the bet paid off. Hats (grey trilby preferably) off, Mr Wells!
October 9, 2022
Noir with a sci-fi twist and likeable characters! I appreciated Wells' pacing, as he doesn't drown the reader in tedious details, but keeps it moving, introducing other characters (and other problems) that make you go "Okay, I can do one more chapter tonight". Looking forward to starting book two!
December 11, 2021
A clever reinvention of a different genre. Wells has a strong and distinct voice that manages to pay homage to noir and it's distinct language, while reinventing it beyond the pre-established limitations of the genre. It's "Pleasantville" by way of "L.A. Confidential", while being entirely it's own entity. The characters are compelling and distinct-well written and with strong, unique voices, and the entire conceit-a black and white world slowly being turned to color as an act of status and class-is so cinematic, any reader will be rapt to see how this world develops and where it goes next. I am absolutely riveted and excited for as many subsequent installments as Jack is prepared to offer.
April 8, 2022
In this book, the first in its series, author Jack Wells offers up a gritty, page-turning piece of noir. At first, the story intrigues, then it pulls you in and compels you to experience the world he's created and the interesting characters who populate it. I won't bother explaining the plot -- that's what the synopsis is for, after all -- but I will tell you, potential readers, that this is one of those unique, absorbing tales you won't soon forget. I am very much looking forward to diving into the second book in the Monochrome Noir series. Definitely recommended!
July 7, 2022
Monochrome Noir is a 130 page novella that introduces readers to a handful of unique characters who inhabit a monochrome world that’s basically an alternate mid 1980s version of Los Angeles called Angel City. So while you’ll recognize aspects of this world created by author Wells, you’ll also have the opportunity to imagine this newly designed version as it’s deftly explained. This world-building isn’t jarring or difficult to grasp. Enough remains of our familiar world to make this transition of thought easy for the reader as they imagine Angle City. ‘Familiar with a twist’ seems to be a skill of the author Wells. Aside from the world-building, consider the MC, private investigator, Henry Hardcastle. In Hardcastle we have the recognizable gumshoe detective who may have a bit of a drinking problem and who has definitely seen a few things in his career. That’s familiar, but the difference lies in the particular passions of this P.I. You know, those things that make the investigator grumpy and jaded. Those things are all tied to the brilliant, but greyscale world he inhabits.
Monochrome Noir is the introduction to a mystery story. It’s the writing, the delivery of the story that gets the reader hooked into the mystery presented to Hardcastle by the colorist named Victoria Davies. But wait, there’s more. Just as I was comfortable with the new world the author created, the characters I had been introduced to up to that point, the seemingly magical powers of “hueing”, and the mystery that needed to be solved, I was introduced to Charlie. Charlie brings in an entirely new aspect to the story which includes more magical realism of the most creative sort. While I was expecting a straight mystery set in a unique world, the author clearly had other ideas as he introduced Charlie and her brand of “casual magical voyeurism.” I’m very intrigued. I have absolutely no idea where this story is going, but I’m all in for the ride!
Before I end this review, let’s stop and consider the creativity here for a minute. Monochrome Noir is a novella with just 130 pages. A lot happens in those 130 pages. The pacing is slow, but not at all problematic. It conveyed an essential vibe that works with this story. No sentences were wasted. It felt like a journey into a much longer story that was unfolding at an appropriate pace. Looking into the creation of the story, I learned that the author intends to release four parts, creating a novel. That seems perfectly reasonable to me. With the introduction of Charlie and her abilities at the end of Monochrome Noir, I definitely felt that there was a whole lot more story to be told here. Monochrome Noir Book 2: A Rising Tide is now currently available, and I would just do myself a favor and pick up books 1 and 2 at the same time.
Monochrome Noir is the introduction to a mystery story. It’s the writing, the delivery of the story that gets the reader hooked into the mystery presented to Hardcastle by the colorist named Victoria Davies. But wait, there’s more. Just as I was comfortable with the new world the author created, the characters I had been introduced to up to that point, the seemingly magical powers of “hueing”, and the mystery that needed to be solved, I was introduced to Charlie. Charlie brings in an entirely new aspect to the story which includes more magical realism of the most creative sort. While I was expecting a straight mystery set in a unique world, the author clearly had other ideas as he introduced Charlie and her brand of “casual magical voyeurism.” I’m very intrigued. I have absolutely no idea where this story is going, but I’m all in for the ride!
Before I end this review, let’s stop and consider the creativity here for a minute. Monochrome Noir is a novella with just 130 pages. A lot happens in those 130 pages. The pacing is slow, but not at all problematic. It conveyed an essential vibe that works with this story. No sentences were wasted. It felt like a journey into a much longer story that was unfolding at an appropriate pace. Looking into the creation of the story, I learned that the author intends to release four parts, creating a novel. That seems perfectly reasonable to me. With the introduction of Charlie and her abilities at the end of Monochrome Noir, I definitely felt that there was a whole lot more story to be told here. Monochrome Noir Book 2: A Rising Tide is now currently available, and I would just do myself a favor and pick up books 1 and 2 at the same time.
October 4, 2022
This is the perfect blend of thriller, mystery, and a light dusting of supernatural horror. If you’re looking for a book to dip your toes into in regards to those genres, pick up this book!
Jack’s world of monochrome and crime was the perfect way to start the fall season. Henry Hardcastle, our main character, must weave through the City of Angels in the hopes that he catches the artist of a gruesome crime scene.
We also have Charlie, a young woman still grieving the loss of her boyfriend, fighting against her need of escape through droplets of blood. It is a unique twist to the vampire myths I grew up devouring as a teenager, and I loved the element of sinking into another person’s life through said droplets.
I am not sure how these two perspectives converge, but I am happily making room in my schedule to settle into Part 2 of this amazing story.
Jack’s world of monochrome and crime was the perfect way to start the fall season. Henry Hardcastle, our main character, must weave through the City of Angels in the hopes that he catches the artist of a gruesome crime scene.
We also have Charlie, a young woman still grieving the loss of her boyfriend, fighting against her need of escape through droplets of blood. It is a unique twist to the vampire myths I grew up devouring as a teenager, and I loved the element of sinking into another person’s life through said droplets.
I am not sure how these two perspectives converge, but I am happily making room in my schedule to settle into Part 2 of this amazing story.
December 14, 2021
I don't usually write reviews but I am making an exception for this book. I absolutely loved it! The character introductions, the attention to detail, the amazing flow of the story... I have read a lot of fiction and in particular a lot of mystery/thriller and fantasy, but I have never experienced the two so seamlessly wound together. I struggled to put this book down. The way that the author withheld some important details held me in such a state of anticipation. It's been a long time since a book has captivated my attention they way this one did. I highly recommend it!
February 21, 2022
3.5 stars. I struggled with this one. It is an interesting setting, living in a grayscale world where the only items in color (Hued items) were intentionally colored by individuals with a magical gift. It took a bit to get into the storyline, and there appears to be two storylines: one of Hardcastle investigating a murder and one of Charlie the sanguimetrist. At this point it's unclear how the two are related which makes for a bit of a disjointed reading experience. I imagine it will become clear in future parts of this story, I just wish I didn't have to wait that long to find out.
January 21, 2022
This cover and title was an instant buy when i saw it on Amazon. It was a pretty lengthy first part. I found the story was engaging and unique. The Chapter titles are very catching.
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July 2, 2022
Great start to an original series!
June 8, 2022
I loved this! After finishing this one, I was trying to sit and think of other detective type stories I’ve read and I can’t seem to think of any! With this story under my belt, I’ll definitely be checking out more! That being said, I couldn’t put this down! The author does such a wonderful job with descriptive wording; I felt like I could see the entirety of this novel inside my head like a movie. The premise is really fascinating and not something I’ve read about before and I really enjoyed all of the characters! I think he gave everyone the appropriate amount of back story without going over the deep end to the point of being bored. When I wasn’t reading it, I was thinking about it and what the outcome could be. I’m really excited to read part 2! Starting it immediately! Also, the cover art is BEAUTIFUL.
January 6, 2022
Wow! I couldn’t get enough of this book! I had to ration it so it wouldn’t be finished too fast. The characters are well developed and the scenery is set in such a way that I felt like a fly on the wall. I have a very clear vision of Henry, Colorist Davies, Joe, and Charlie and can’t wait to see how all their paths collide. The only disappointment I felt after reading this book was that I can’t get my hands on the next installment sooner! I would definitely recommend to anyone looking for a colorless escape from reality at the end of the day!
September 16, 2021
Can’t wait for the rest!
Monochrome Noir does a fantastic job of drawing you into a new and interesting world. The story really took off and I was so disappointed when I got to the end of the first part, only because I will have to wait to see how all the characters come together and get the conclusion. I read the entire thing in one evening and am anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.
Monochrome Noir does a fantastic job of drawing you into a new and interesting world. The story really took off and I was so disappointed when I got to the end of the first part, only because I will have to wait to see how all the characters come together and get the conclusion. I read the entire thing in one evening and am anxiously awaiting the rest of the story.
May 16, 2024
A captivating fantasy-noir fusion. Thirty pages shy of the ending, the realization of an imminent cliffhanger setting in, I already began to anxiously await the second installment. I am a big advocate of enjoying movies without trailers and books without blurbs (as I did with Monochrome Noir,) and was very pleasantly surprised as this story unfolded. Monochrome Noir is an incredibly fun and interesting world to enter, but I won't give away anything else! Just read it.
September 29, 2024
I know I am a little late to the game here on this series but here I am. I love period set anything. Movies, stories, tv shows. I usually gravitate towards the Victorian Era settings or cozy mystery settings, but I also love mysteries and although this series is part paranormal, part fiction, it's also a detective story and with that comes mystery. Mystery is hands down one of, if not my favorite book genre.
The first book centers around P.I. Henry Hardcastle. He's hired by a very wealthy, and important woman to find out why certain people that have interacted with her are being murdered. In this city, Angel City, Los Angelos in a different timeline, the city is monochrome. Different shades of gray all over. While reading I kept imagining Sin City. There are those with powers that can "hue" things, give them color and they are the rich ones. The ones without are monochrome. An interesting concept for sure. In this book we are also introduced to a young woman with blood powers. She can be in someone's skin so to speak by placing her fingers in their blood. I'm assuming, she will come into play somehow to solve the murders. Then there is the murderer himself. He seems to have some sort of powers, what they are and why he's using them to murder has yet to be revealed as I'm only a few pages into the second book.
Jack Wells has created a fascinating world, and equally fascinating characters. The pacing is well done, and the characters and the surrounding environment are described in such a way it's like watching a movie or tv show in my mind. I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. I can't wait to see how everything plays out. If you love a good mystery with a bit of fantasy and paranormal, then this is the book (and series) for you.
The first book centers around P.I. Henry Hardcastle. He's hired by a very wealthy, and important woman to find out why certain people that have interacted with her are being murdered. In this city, Angel City, Los Angelos in a different timeline, the city is monochrome. Different shades of gray all over. While reading I kept imagining Sin City. There are those with powers that can "hue" things, give them color and they are the rich ones. The ones without are monochrome. An interesting concept for sure. In this book we are also introduced to a young woman with blood powers. She can be in someone's skin so to speak by placing her fingers in their blood. I'm assuming, she will come into play somehow to solve the murders. Then there is the murderer himself. He seems to have some sort of powers, what they are and why he's using them to murder has yet to be revealed as I'm only a few pages into the second book.
Jack Wells has created a fascinating world, and equally fascinating characters. The pacing is well done, and the characters and the surrounding environment are described in such a way it's like watching a movie or tv show in my mind. I truly cannot say enough good things about this book. I can't wait to see how everything plays out. If you love a good mystery with a bit of fantasy and paranormal, then this is the book (and series) for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
Monochrome Noir: Book 1 (A Gathering Storm) introduces us to a world just like our own, but where everything is black and white, and color is of such priceless rarity that people will kill to own items that have been imbued by those who have the gift to bring color to life in the monochromatic items of everyday life.
When a strange and grisly series of killings begins, private detective Henry Hardcastle is hired by a mysterious woman with secrets to keep, and a deeply personal stake in the resolution of these terrible murders. As Henry struggles to navigate a world that isn’t quite what he believed it to be, a young woman, Charlie Grant is struggling with her own nightmare. As their independent journeys for understanding spiral around the central crux of the deranged killer stalking Angel City, we’re forced to wonder if they can fill in pieces of the puzzle for one another if they’re able to come together before one or both of them winds up dead.
Jack Wells does a fantastic job of building a world that’s as captivating as it is unreal, populating this world with characters sure to appeal to readers from a wide variety of tastes, and breathing new life into the hardboiled detective genre many of us adored when we were younger–and some of us never stopped adoring.
This is only Part 1 of the four-book series, so there’s much more to come if you manage to weather the gathering storm.
When a strange and grisly series of killings begins, private detective Henry Hardcastle is hired by a mysterious woman with secrets to keep, and a deeply personal stake in the resolution of these terrible murders. As Henry struggles to navigate a world that isn’t quite what he believed it to be, a young woman, Charlie Grant is struggling with her own nightmare. As their independent journeys for understanding spiral around the central crux of the deranged killer stalking Angel City, we’re forced to wonder if they can fill in pieces of the puzzle for one another if they’re able to come together before one or both of them winds up dead.
Jack Wells does a fantastic job of building a world that’s as captivating as it is unreal, populating this world with characters sure to appeal to readers from a wide variety of tastes, and breathing new life into the hardboiled detective genre many of us adored when we were younger–and some of us never stopped adoring.
This is only Part 1 of the four-book series, so there’s much more to come if you manage to weather the gathering storm.
August 3, 2023
Fantastic idea, a noir crime story set in a literally black & white world. Enjoyed it thoroughly, and can't wait for more adventures of Henry, Charlie, and Licorice, and all the rest.
February 21, 2024
Great writing and plot.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews