Hero of Blackpool

by Alyssa Hall

Private Investigator Joe Parrott is at it again, but this time he reluctantly accepts help from a former aquaintance. Since helping Joe solve his sister’s case, Stefan Nowak had dreams of becoming a PI just like Joe. While headed to Joe’s office to make a proposal, he bumps into Sally, a family friend of Joe’s, who needs Joe’s help. Stefan, only too eager to step in, convinces Sally to tell him her story. Her friend Hanna had taken a train to Blackpool to see a man she had met on a dating site, and Sally has not heard from her since.

Joe is initially reluctant to act, as there is no indication that anything is wrong. But he is forced to act fast after the three make a grisly discovery.

After travelling to Blackpool Joe learns that Ian, the man Hannah met online, is quite an unsavory character. Added to that, the local authorities have just informed Joe that someone has been found murdered. Joe and Stefan find themselves in unfamiliar territory and are met with hostility and resistance every step of the way. On top of that, they cannot distinguish friend from foe. Joe wonders if Stefan will be able to accept the consequences.

This novel has recently received a Literary Titan award.

280 pages, Paperback

Published February 24, 2023

About the author

Alyssa was born in Newmarket Ontario. She grew up in a muti-generational household which included her four siblings and her Russian parents and grandparents, who were WWII refugees. Following her schooling she spent two years travelling and working in Europe, after which she returned to Newmarket to start a family. She currently resides in Langley, BC with her husband David. The couple divide their time between Langley and Oro Valley Arizona where they enjoy their winters while road cycling, hiking and the art of preparing southwestern cuisine. On the urging of a dear friend, Alyssa started her Covid-induced writing in April 2020, needing a project. Trusting Claire was her first novel, parts of which were drawn from her early life experiences. Alyssa's second novel, a British detective murder mystery is entitled Wanting Aidan. Her third is a mystery set in Tucson Arizona and is a follow-up to Trusting Claire. Her fourth is a return to her British PI character and is titled Hero of Blackpool.

Reviews

[Supriya K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Name: Hero of Blackpool: A Joe Parrott Mystery
Author Name: Alyssa Hall @alyssahallwriter
My Rating:🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

"In Hero of Blackpool, anyone is fair game, and when the rats come out at night, only a hero can save you."

Description:
Private Investigator Joe Parrott is reluctantly pulled into a troubling case when his family friend, Sally, seeks his help. Her friend Hanna vanished after taking a train to Blackpool to meet a man she connected with on a dating site. Despite Joe’s initial doubts, a horrifying discovery changes everything: Hanna’s blood-stained suitcase.

Joined by new PI Stefan Nowak, Joe uncovers a chilling trail of deception and danger. The mysterious Ian, the man Hanna met, has a dark past, and as Joe and Stefan dig deeper, they find themselves tangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and murder. The tension rises when a body is discovered, leaving everyone wondering: is Hanna dead or alive?

My Thoughts:

This is the second book I’ve read by Alyssa Hall, and her writing just keeps getting stronger. I loved how realistic the story felt, almost like a real-life crime. The suspense, the twists, and the intensity kept me hooked until the end. My favorite characters are Joe, Stefan,Sally and Hero. Their dynamics are fantastic, and I enjoyed watching Stefan step up as a PI.

The ending was heart-wrenching and made me cry for real. This is the best crime thriller I’ve read this year—intense, emotional, and impossible to put down.

Recommend: If you love gripping crime thrillers with emotional depth and shocking twists, this is a must-read. Alyssa Hall is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.



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[Hannah Mills · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK REVIEW: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hero of Blackpool by Alyssa Hall ( @salsieraaly )

This was my first book by Alyssa Hall, but it won’t be my last!

While the beginning felt a little slow, it quickly found a great pacing as you follow the ends and outs of the search for a missing woman named Hanna. And brings you to an ending that leaves you feeling like everything worked out for the best.

Hall does an AMAZING job at making you feel like you’re in Blackpool at times. While Stefan was driving through the first time, I almost felt like I could hear the waves crashing and the sounds of a city starting its day.

And speaking of Stefan? You will find yourself rooting for him and Hanna’s roommate Sally as they slowly find their way to each other (I always love a romantic side plot)! I loved the moment she looks at him and think - huh, he’s kind of handsome 😂

Hall’s writing and story gives me some Agatha Christie - Hercule Perot Vibes and if you love her mysteries, you should definitely check out the Hero of Blackpool!

💙Huge thanks to Alyssa for sending me a copy for my honest opinions!! I enjoyed it!💙

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alyssa Hall’s Hero of Blackpool is a gripping detective mystery featuring the steadfast Joe Parrott and a host of characters with intertwining lives and dilemmas. The novel kicks off with a tense prologue, setting a dark tone under the moonlit pier, and gradually shifts to the bustling streets of Sheffield and the intriguing yet dangerous seaside town of Blackpool. When Sally Booth’s roommate Hanna goes missing, the story follows Sally, Joe, and an ambitious budding investigator, Stefan Nowak, as they untangle a web of secrets and navigate personal challenges.

What stood out to me first was Hall’s atmospheric descriptions. Early in the story, the tension under the pier immediately drew me in, as did Sally’s frazzled journey through Sheffield’s noisy, chaotic streets. The detailed settings made me feel like I was walking alongside her. Hall captures a strong sense of place and mood, particularly in scenes like Stefan’s ill-prepared trip to the zoo, which was a humorous yet poignant moment showing his naivety as a private investigator.

The writing balances suspense and human emotion well, only occasionally dipping into melodrama. I found Stefan’s character a delightful addition. His eagerness to impress Joe and his half-cooked plans to solve Hanna’s disappearance lend a layer of endearing vulnerability to the plot. At the same time, Sally’s frantic yet brave persistence in finding her friend adds urgency. One standout scene for me was when Stefan discovers Hanna’s photos with the mysterious Ian and another shadowy figure. It was chilling, and Hall’s subtle hints here made my heart race.

Some dialogue leaned toward being more expository, particularly when characters shared backstories. While these moments helped fill in important gaps, they occasionally slowed the pace of the story. For instance, the flashback explaining Joe and Stefan’s connection, while insightful, interrupted the flow of the active search for Hanna. Still, Hero of Blackpool is an engaging blend of mystery and personal drama. I enjoyed Hall’s ability to weave the complexities of relationships, whether Joe’s mentor-like bond with Stefan or the fraught ties between Sally and her roommate, into the suspenseful narrative. It made the stakes feel real and relatable.

I’d recommend this book to fans of private investigator stories with a personal touch. It’s perfect for anyone who enjoys mysteries with richly drawn characters and a sense of place, especially those who appreciate a mix of action, heartfelt moments, and the occasional touch of humor. The charm of the characters and the layered mystery make it a worthwhile read.

[BooksCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young woman’s suspicious disappearance drives the plot of Hall’s thrilling latest, featuring Private Investigators Joe Parrot and Stefan Nowak.

After helping Joe solve his sister’s case, Stefan is eager to become a PI and has just acquired his PI license. When Joe’s family friend Sally’s friend Hannah goes missing after taking a train to Blackpool to see a man she met on a dating site, Stefan becomes intrigued with the case. He begins to look into the case along with Joe after the missing woman’s parents approach the latter for help. The pair soon realize there’s more to Hannah’s disappearance than it looks on the surface.

The premise is promising and Joe’s investigating capabilities are undeniable. As lead protagonist, he is easy to root for. Stefan and Sally are equally compelling. The attraction between them grows as the story moves forward, and readers will find themselves rooting for them to get together.

Hall does a fantastic job depicting the interpersonal dynamic between her various characters as well as outlining their turbulent emotional responses to individual traumatic events in their lives. New characters and new plot lines are introduced throughout, as are mundane notes about crime and gang life in Blackpool, which adds to the intrigue.

Hall’s atmospheric descriptions of the place complement the propulsive plot, which culminates in a satisfying conclusion. Throughout, she delves into themes of friendship, family, love, drive, ambition, hard work, and the devastating impact of drugs and psychological trauma. Captivating, thrilling, and emotionally complex, this is a must-read.

[Lori Giampa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well what can I say, this book took me over a month to read, in fact it took me a month & two weeks to read & it wasn’t that long of a book!
Why am I giving it four stars then you ask? Well, the time it took me to read it had nothing to do with the book, it’s because I’ve had a lot going on. Anyway, I’ve read all four of Alyssa’s books & they’re great. I always enjoy reading her writing. I can honestly say that it left me wanting more. I don’t like that someone had to die in the story, but it was a good read. I am hoping there will be a fifth book for us to read & maybe it will be another Joe Parrott Mystery??

[Alyssa Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the story to be engaging all the way through. With a missing woman and a murder, it's a solid mystery, with social commentary that sheds insight on gang life and its effects on individuals and society as a whole. In addition, the character of Hero provided a sympathetic and poignant view of the results of trauma on children and how it can follow them into adulthood. The setting of Blackpool as a coastal city that has seen better days was interesting and felt realistic - great worldbuilding.

[Mitchell Ming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautifully haunting novel by Alyssa Hall! The tenderness of the characters coupled with the fight and determination to find Hannah is portrayed brilliantly. The story is perfectly balanced between people and problems! The writing is honest and almost poetic. Hero of Blackpool is one of my favourite novels of the series and I highly recommend!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story ,and merging previous characters from her other books. I feel it bogged down a little part way through, but quickly brought things altogether to a good ending .
The images of Blackpool gave the reader an opportunity to really feel the atmosphere of the location. So well researched
An enjoyable read and expect more books in the future,now we feel invested in the characters.