My third novel, Hessman’s Necklace, is scheduled for release on June 30. This is the second novel to be published this year, although both were written long ago. It was initially written as a short story in 2016, intended for Alfred Hitchcock Magazine. After receiving a form rejection from the magazine, I expanded it into a novelette for Black Mask. Although it was accepted for publication, I couldn’t bring myself to sign the contract and part with it, hoping to further develop the story. After six years of rewriting and refining it into a novella, I ultimately decided to transform it into a standalone novel for better marketability.
I’m very glad I made that decision, as several wonderful novelists I highly admire have said kind things about it. Today, Yorkshire Evening Post, one of the oldest and most prestigious provincial papers in Great Britain, published an excellent review of the book. In her review, well-known book critic Pam Norfolk highlighted the fast-paced narrative and the richly drawn characters that inhabit the story. She writes, “Fast-moving and stylish, enriched by a cast of cool characters and clever plot twists, *Hessman’s Necklace* conjures up a vibrant 1950s landscape, brought to life with entertaining wise guys, gun-toting molls, chic fashions, and the sleekest cars.” Norfolk emphasizes how the book seamlessly blends gripping suspense with a nostalgic charm, making it a standout in contemporary crime thrillers. She adds, “Witty, gritty, and packed with old-fashioned charm, this is a crime thriller you won’t want to miss.”
The review is syndicated to 23 newspaper websites in Lancashire and Yorkshire. You can read the full review at the following web link: