When Griffin Knight woke up this morning, he hadn't counted on this. I mean, sure, the life of a homicide detective will never be unicorns and rainbows, but any time where he's called to a scene where the crime techs know the victim, it's going to rank up there with some of the seriously bad days. Someone in New York has a vendetta and they have all the hallmarks of a long-silent serial killer. But where does this serial killer cross over with our victims? How are they related? How many more names are on his list?
If Griffin Knight can't cut through the questions this guy is throwing his way, it's only going to be a matter of time before someone else ends up murdered.
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is an Amazon bestselling and award-winning author who specializes in murder and mystery novellas. However, he loves to keep things fresh and interesting by dabbling in thrillers, horror, suspense, humor, action, adventure, and even Sci-Fi.
His bestselling series, Griffin Knight, centers on the adventures of renowned New York City detective Griffin Knight, a lone wolf with a penchant for dangerous situations — even those beyond his jurisdiction.
As a writer, Hernandez aims to please. That is why, as one of his favorite pastimes, he scours the internet for reviews on his books to spin stories that truly resonate with his readers.
His influence goes beyond literature and taps into the world of TV, with favorites such as Perry Mason, James Bond, Jack Reacher, Dirty Harry, Paul Kersey, Solo Leveling,Arcane, and My Hero Academia.
Hernandez earned his bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo and likes to go to church with family, watch anime, and work out during his downtime. He is the winner of:
Literary Titan December 2022 Silver BookAward Winner Literary Titan January 2023 Silver BookAward Winner Literary Titan March 2023 Gold BookAward Winner Literary Titan May 2023 Gold BookAward Winner Literary Titan July 2023 Gold BookAward Winner Literary Titan October 2023 Gold BookAward Winner Literary Titan February 2024 Gold BookAward Winner 2023 Winter Pencraft Seasonal BookAward Winner 2023 Spring Pencraft Seasonal BookAward Winner 2024 Winter Pencraft Seasonal BookAward Winner Firebird 4th Quarter 2022 Second-Place BookAward Winner Firebird 1st Quarter 2023 First-Place BookAward Winner Firebird 2nd Quarter 2023 First-Place BookAward Winner Firebird 3rd Quarter 2023 Second-Place BookAward Winner Feathered Quill 2023 Silver BookAward Winner Write With Light 2022 Annual BookAward Winner Awesome Indies 2023 Silver Badge of ApprovalAward Winner The BREW 2023 Difference MakerAward Winner The BREW 2023 Book Excellence CategoryAward Winner The BREW 2023 Seal of ExcellenceAward Winner Incipere 2022 First-Place BookAward Winner IPPY 2023 Bronze BookAward Winner Reader Views 2023 Bronze BookAward Winner Reader Views 2024 Silver BookAward Winner Readers' Favorite 2023 Bronze BookAward Winner 2023 Outstanding CreatorAward Winner 2024 Reader Ready AwardsTop Pick 2023 Best Book AwardsFinalist 2023 Best Thriller Book AwardsFinalist 2023 American Writing AwardsFinalist BooksShelf 2023 Writing AwardsFinalist Chanticleer International Book Awards 2022Finalist Indies Today 2023 Best Novella Winner, Runner-Up, Finalist, and Semi-Finalist Indies Today 2022Finalist, Semi-Finalist, and Honorable Mention Pencraft 2023 1st, 2nd, and Runner-Up Annual BookAward Winner
The story picks up a years after the prequel, how many I never quite figured out. Anyway, Griffin has now moved from the Long Island police department to a NYC department. Additionally, he has since been promoted to lead detective as well. So much for him sticking around in Long Island and working with Trenton, or maybe he did, but Trenton was never brought up.
The book summary lays out the whole storyline for this short story. There is really no character development on anyone except Griffin and the killer. At 76pgs, this was a fast-paced story that had me engrossed from the get-go. The writing was good and the ending was a lead-in for the next installment, which I will definitely be continuing with. I’m looking at an overall rating of 3.7 that I will be rounding up to a 4star review.
But this definitely was one. Very entertaining, moved along at a good pace, and introduced a couple characters that I think will make for a fine series. There were a couple of unanswered questions, but they're usually are in every investigation. I look forward to reading more of this series and from this author.
Very interesting look at police procedures in New York city with a very interesting detective. It was hard to put down until finished. looking forward to next Griffin Knight novel.
Book: Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery Thriller
Author: Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
Review: A homicide detective in the New York City is at his wits end, with a serial killer plaguing the streets. A mystery as thick as the concrete jungle itself begins to unfold itself, but with twists and turns at every nook and crany it's become hard to keep track of this killer on then lose. As few pieces of the puzzle fall into place, the detective discovers a series of smaller crimes linked to the murders. Blackmailing, bribery, deciet has blanketed the city and its seems like the beginning of dark ages. Will the detective be able to put an end to this chaos and catch the criminal at lose?
A treat for the lovers of Crime thrillers, Do nothing is an exciting story perfect for a short read over on a weekend. The book intrestingly follows the trail of the main suspect of the crimes Alix Kroft, and putting pieces into place like a puzzle. False documents and testimonies leading to obstruction in justice, eventually leading to the revealing of truth, this book has everything that a reader wants in the perfect thriller.
As a crime thriller enthusiast myself I highly recommend this book to me fellow readers. This book will help you out in your detective boots and glasses and follow the trail to uncover the identity of the killer.
...with the picture face down. Griffin Knight is a detective like no other, he is driven and determined, as many are, but he is also not afraid to look into the unlikely, the unexpected and the down right twisted....no matter the danger. I really like the multiple pov, which keeps us guessing and just adds to the mystery surrounding the case. The first in the series, this book is a great foundation for what I hope is a fantastic series, it hooks you whilst also leaving you intrigued and eager for more. I read this as a free download, the rest of the series is available on Kindle Unlimited, I am downloading book two now...
My first Griffin Knight book and it won't be my last. A sharp, taut homicide detective story with a cold case putting the pieces of a hot new case together made for interesting reading. I like the Knight character and look forward to more detecting by him.
Enjoyed this book. Like the main character. Already download the next book hopefully it follows where the first left off. Want to meet the secret hacker!
I really enjoy reading thriller books, where we must catch the murderer, discover why he commits these horrible crimes and what is the connection between each of the cases, where the reader is in detective mode together with the main character, this is the kind of book I like, and this one fully met my expectations.
Griffin was an interesting character; he sometimes makes mistakes and wants to try to help others. He knows that this case will be complicated and will bring him consequences, but he’ll do everything to solve it. I think the reader manages to connect with him a lot.
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr create an amazing thriller, as far as a mystery novel is concerned, this story has all the points. There’s all that mix of tension and mystery as you turn the pages, how you discover bits of the story until at the end you have a map more complete about the whole situation. It’s a book of less than 100 pages but with a narrative that manages to catch you!
And that ending left me wanting know more about the characters and what might happen next, if there is ever a sequel I'll be excited to read it.
Especially for this fall season and Halloween, I think it's the perfect read!!
These characters will consume you and keep you locked in their world. You will be sucked into the story as the protagonist, Detective Griffin Knight, unravels the truth.
After the gruesome death of a city attorney, Natalie Costa, Detective Knight, is brought on the case as the lead investigator. Natalie’s ghastly death had the same trademark wound that was made by a serial killer nicknamed “The Judge” seven years prior. “The Judge” was never caught. Detective Knight believes that “The Judge” is responsible for Natalie’s killing. He goes searching for connections, but each time he fails because nothing links Natalie to the previous cases until a series of deaths and a missing person reveal the true killer.
I really don’t want to get into the story because that is not fair to the author or you. Read the book and enjoy the story for yourself. I will say that this book was a suspenseful read, and I enjoyed it. I read the entire thing in less than two hours. I couldn’t stay away.
There was nothing predictable in this book. I love the grittiness of this story and the twist and turns. I really enjoyed reading it.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves murder mysteries and trillers.
Get ready to be completely engrossed in Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr's latest masterpiece, Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery Thriller. This brilliantly written short story is a quick and easy-to-read page-turner that will leave you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Hernandez Jr's captivating writing style skillfully draws you into the thrilling world of Griffin Knight, a detective trying to solve a mysterious murder. Full of unexpected twists and turns, this book is a must-read for any fan of the murder mystery genre. Be prepared for an exciting ride that you won't be able to put down until the very end.
Book Series Order: A Colossal Injustice: A Griffin Knight Corporate Murder Mystery (The Griffin Knight Series Book 2) Book 2 of 3: The Griffin Knight Series
The Nocturnal Devil: A Griffin Knight Mystery Thriller (The Griffin Knight Series Book 3) Book 3 of 3: The Griffin Knight Series
This is quite a short book and is probably intended as an introduction to a series - hopefully of longer reading pleasure - of crime-solving cases for Griffin Knight, a detective in New York. Given the shortness of the story, we know little about Knight, other than he may be a boxer (?). Perhaps personal details and back history will be more forthcoming in later episodes. His sidekick, Noah, may also become more involved and his character filled out. The descriptions of some crimes in ‘Do Nothing’ are not for the faint hearted. The author pulls all the strands together adroitly and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Overall, it seems well written and my thanks to BookSirens for the chance to become acquainted with this author. I will certainly be seeking follow up works.
Highly recommend if you like this genre and have limited time.
There are all the elements of a longer James Patterson or Andrew Mayne story in a shorter format. All the viewpoints are there, culprit, victim(s) and protagonist. Maybe I enjoyed it so much because of the judicious use of 'fade to black' and lack of gory crime details. Whatever the reason, there were no loose ends and the pacing was perfect for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a brilliant read. Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start. Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable. Great suspense and found myself second guessing every thought I had continuously. Can't wait to read what the author brings out next. Recommend reading.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review.
The author has a smooth writing style that flows while he develops believable characters and puts forth very realistic police procedural practices. My only disappointment is in the way the mystery part of the story comes together. It was too pat for my liking. Bringing in someone with all the answers never works for me. But since I enjoyed the story, I'm giving it 4 stars and will likely read more by this author.
This definitely didn't disappoint. I enjoyed following along as Griffin tracked the killer. It was interesting to see how the killer would strike next. Just when I thought Griffin was close to solving the case, back to the beginning. Everything wrapped up nicely and all the pieces connected well. That final show down was really good.
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I sort of liked this short book, it takes less than 2 hours to read.
Griffin knight is a police detective in New York. An assistant District Attorney is found tortured and brutally murdered. It has all the signature signs of a murderous criminal called “the Judge”. But, the Judge hasn’t been active for some years -is he back and will there be more bodies?
Knight is assigned to the case to try and stop the Judge before he strikes again.
I found the premise interesting and I liked the story being told with several viewpoints. However there are huge gaps in time and little obvious deduction going on. The short story style doesn’t really work well in this case for what should be a complicated investigation.
I didn’t really like Knight, I didn’t really get a proper sense of him other than a sort of “hard boiled detective” vibe, which doesn’t really work.
However as the series progresses the author may develop his character more.
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The only issue I had was with formatting.
This was well written and very well thought out. It was short, sweet, and to the point, and I enjoyed it.
I love the way this book is written. It really feels like you’re plopped right down in the middle of an old detective movie. The characters felt well rounded and the descriptions were smooth and stimulated your senses, making you feel like you were really there.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to dip their toes into short detective books.
When reading this story I got into the heads of each character. I saw the good the bad and the ugly side of greed. This happens a lot when companies lie, cheat and steal then murder to hide what they have done.
Do Nothing by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. revolves around Griffin Knight, an experienced homicide detective who is called up to lead an investigation into the death of twenty-seven-year-old district attorney Natalie Rosalie Costa, who was brutally murdered in her penthouse in Manhattan. He expects to find the missing link between this murder and other similarly executed past murders.
Knight's investigation points to a serial killer called The Judge, whose case file had been closed seven years before Costa’s chilling death. It is clear to Knight that a lot of people might want Costa dead because as a tough criminal prosecutor over the years, she had put many bad guys behind bars. Someone would thirst for her blood.
Evidence becomes elusive to this experienced detective, but with agility and investigative adroitness, he keeps going. Chasing a wild goose isn't an option for him. Long interviews and tons of statements on his desk still leave many questions unanswered. The list of suspects all have one thing in common - to prove themselves innocent at all costs. Knight won't stop until the killer is found.
As the action climaxes, a sinister battle of guns and hiding ensues with the tempo rising high with this signature statement, “You see Judge, it's your fault. You had a position of power, and you didn't take it seriously. You let the guilty go free and threw the innocent in prison. Well, your actions have consequences, you see. Not just for you. I didn't want to kill that cop, but you had to be selfish and let him into your house. His blood is on your hands. And your blood is on mine." Ultimately, it is blood revenge for him or nothing!
It is often laborious to create original story-lines and well-fleshed out characters who are as engaging as the ones displayed in Do Nothing. Griffin has easily managed to do both. He expertly creates sweat-inducing tension throughout the chapters making this novel enthralling to the end. The novel has a good sense of action, mystery, crime, suspense, language, and detail. The book cover and title are both intriguing and interesting and the events therein are quite breathtaking, to say the least.
Quill says: Do Nothing by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is a short and fast-paced literary gem that manages to leave its readers thirsting for more. The plot is cinematic and truly feels like a 3D movie, the language so coherent and rich, making this book come out as one of the best quick reads on the market today.
When district attorney Natalie Costa’s tortured, lifeless body is discovered in her opulent penthouse in Manhattan, a deep sense of loss is felt within her professional community. Pegged as one of the good guys who put “bad guys behind bars,” her death feels personal and targeted. Detective Griffin Knight mulls over the lack of evidence but eventually links the mysterious cloaked man seen leaving Costa’s apartment to a cold case that’s been inactive for seven years. The killer was called the Judge, and he targeted bottom-feeder criminals with no moral compass, but then why did he target Natalie, who was ultimately playing for the same team? This elusive killer purposely tampers with evidence, sending investigators on a wild goose chase leading nowhere. Will Detective Knight find the Judge and bring him to justice? Read and find out!
“Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery” by Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. is a heart-rate-inducing, nail-biting novella with plenty of twists and turns to engage readers. At only seventy pages, the thrilling action commences immediately after the first line. Stealthy pursuits and cat-and-mouse chase scenes further elevate the intensity. If you’re craving a clever, fast-paced whodunit sprinkled with the sarcasm of a snarky detective, this book will deliver!
Writing a story from alternative perspectives, especially in a novella, can be tricky. Still, if executed properly, the result can be show-stopping. This author expertly managed the latter. He provided readers with a handful of perspectives without skimping on character development. The victims had sufficient backstories, some with unsavory pasts and others with squeaky-clean records. Still, somehow I managed to root for them all (even the shady characters) and felt personally troubled by their demise. With that said, the character I most enjoyed was Detective Knight, with his swagger, sarcasm, and investigative prowess. He brought the story to life.
The author has done an excellent job crafting an immersive plot with diverse characters. In addition, cryptic clues and adrenaline-pumping chase scenes will undoubtedly appeal to thriller and murder mystery enthusiasts. You’ll think you’ve got it figured out, only to be blindsided entirely (in the best way!). “Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery” deserves five stars and a spot on your bookshelf!
Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery Thriller (The Griffin Knight Series)
By
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr.
Rating:5/5
Description:
A killer is on the loose in New York City.
When I woke up this morning, I hadn't counted on this. I mean, sure, the life of a homicide detective will never be unicorns and rainbows, but any time where I'm called to a scene where the crime techs know the victim, it’s going to rank up there with some of the seriously bad days.Someone in New York has a vendetta and they have all the hallmarks of a long-silent serial killer.But where does this serial killer cross over with our victims? How are they related? How many more names are on his list?If I can't cut through the questions this guy is throwing my way, it's only going to be a matter of time before someone else ends up murdered.
Review:
👉Talking about the title of the book, the title of the book is really so interesting to read.
👉The cover is appealing and attractive .Hernandez Jr. takes his audience on a ride as the main character, gruff and gritty Griffin Knight, attempts to find the murderer of New York City's District Attorney Natalie Costa. The evidence and another similar murder point to the reemergence of a serial killer returning after 10 years. Known as "The Judge," he's handing out death sentences to people he feels did nothing when justice needs to be served. Griffin has help from the previous detective on the cold case and a mysterious benevolent hacker. It points to a negligence lawsuit where a significant corporation bribed witnesses to make one man fall for the company's illegal practices. Do Nothing: A Griffin Knight Murder Mystery Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr is a short murder mystery thriller fictional read which revolves around New York homicide detective who tries to solve a case of a serial killing. Read the book to know about the mystery behind the murders.
I found a few tiny flaws. Perhaps even writer’s choices which I did not agree with, so the work is well built.
I think you will find that minions are exclusively used in melodramas or animated films. In detective fiction, this word is terribly out of place. It is a fine word but ill-suited to detective fiction. It makes the reader stop and ask, “What?”
As a general rule, I find that if you have not used the word in conversation within the last month it should not go in your story.
The central character is well-developed and has enough life to be easily identifiable. The setting and the police procedure are solid enough to pass all but the most serious scrutiny. I did find the central character’s use of a Toyota a bit strange. Detective grade officers usually have a vehicle from the motor pool, Ford, Dodge, or Chevy depending on which dealership wanted to offer a sweetheart contract to the city fathers. This could do with a bit of explanation.
The secondary characters are a bit gray. They don’t have much life beyond serving as props for the central character. This could be fleshed out and add a lot of richness to the story.
The setting in fact serves as a character and gives much-needed bulk to this story. There are enough anchors to make it feel like New York even if I don’t really know what New York is like. And like most Americans, my knowledge of New York City is limited to what I see in films and TV. Nice working of the setting into the flow of the story.
The largest stumbling block is the length. This is just too short. It has the feel of a short story that wants to become part of an anthology. Since it is a detective novel, it could serve as an opening case in a collection of cases that would add bulk to the story.
The ending is a bit abrupt. All of the loose ends are tied up and the hero gets his due, but it feels a bit rushed to me. It could do with more depth and a deeper motive for all of this anger.
In all, it is a very good tale and sets up the central character for more adventures.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Miguel Angel Hernandez Jr. takes readers on a thrilling murder mystery in Do Nothing, Book 1 of The Griffin Knight series. We follow the lead detective Griffin Knight as he tries to solve a series of murders in New York City. Beginning with the death of District Attorney Natalie, the killer leaves behind cryptic clues. Then, more murders start to happen, leading Griffin to believe a serial killer is on the loose. Griffin is in a race against time to find the killer and stop him from killing his next victim.
The suspense and mystery build from the start of the chapter making this one book that is hard to put down. The story moves quickly, making this a short read, but the tension steadily builds as the story progresses. Griffin's character is well-developed and believable. I liked his calm, cool, and collected demeanor and enjoyed getting a closer look at his thinking. I also enjoyed that the reader gets a first-person perspective of the murders, but we do not know who the murderer is. Hernandez cleverly keeps the reader guessing as we are taken on an investigation alongside Griffin. I felt like I was watching a True Crime documentary with the details of evidence collected, down to the murder scene, and interviewing suspects.
Do Nothing is a gripping murder mystery that keeps you guessing until the end. The author's writing is skillful and engaging, and the plot is cleverly crafted. If you're a fan of crime fiction and suspenseful thrillers, this book is a must-read. Be prepared to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster filled with twists and turns.
There are a bunch of things I adore about Do Nothing, and I’ll list them down to make reading this review easier;
1. It’s short! I was able to finish it in under two hours.
2. It’s complete. Even though the book is short, I didn’t feel it lacked depth or was rushed. Moreover, although the book ends on a cliffhanger, it’s not really related to the mystery on hand, so you do get a proper conclusion to the plot.
3. Griffin Knight comes across as a good yet plain detective. I mean that he’s not larger than life or eccentric. That makes the character more realistic.
4. The plot, in my opinion, is not a thriller. Yes, it has a few thrilling moments, but in my book, it’s a proper detective novel wherein the focus is on deduction rather than action. I like both approaches, but the former worked better in this case.
5. The first-person writing gives the book a noir-esq feel, which I like very much.
The only aspect that left me a little confused was that there are a bunch of red herrings and multiple storylines, so the names get a little jumbled up. As a result, I felt some points were either left unanswered, or I missed out on their explanation/connection. Still, this does not take away from the story. Eager to read the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.