Fog and Fury

Haven Thrillers, Book 1

By: Rachel Howzell Hall

Narrated by: Inger Tudor

She’s a new PI in a beautiful seaside town. It’s dirtier than it looks—and more dangerous too—in a twisting novel of suspense by the Anthony Award-nominated author of These Toxic Things.

After ten years on the force, LAPD cop Sonny Rush relocates with her elderly mother to peaceful Haven, California, to join her godfather’s burgeoning PI business. What crimes could possibly happen in a town nicknamed “Mayberry by the Sea”? Sonny’s first case: find Figgy, a missing goldendoodle last seen sporting a Versace collar. At least scouting out a dognapper gives Sonny a chance to get to know her new neighbors.

Forty-eight hours in town and Figgy’s disappearance entangles Sonny in an unwelcome reunion with her ex, one of Haven’s wealthiest citizens. And when the body of a teenage boy is found along a popular hiking trail, Sonny is drawn into a web of strange beyond anything she ever saw in LA.

Then comes a local’s warning: question everything. Haven hides secrets that could destroy its idyllic facade. Or destroy Sonny first.

©2025 by Rachel Howzell Hall. (P)2025 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Critic reviews

“This captivating blend of angst, mystery, and page-turning suspense delivers a top-notch reading experience.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Enough nuance and complexity to make things feel fresh. Readers will be eager to return to this series soon.”—Publishers Weekly

“A gripping series debut.”—Booklist

Strong character and voice actor

Loved the story and performance for the strong protagonist and current themes. It was a really good listen

If Hall writes a detective/PI novel Ima read it

If Rachel Howzell-Hall writes a detective/PI novel, Ima read it. I have missed Lou Norton so much, so getting a reasonable facsimile in Sonny Rush is just gonna have to do! Now everyone cross your fingers and pray that we get more than a few books in this new series. I'm intrigued by what happens with Uncle and her (was married but now suddenly not married) beau.

3.25 Stars

3.25 Stars ⭐️

This was another "new to me" author that I must have found during a sale on Audible. I went into this basically blind and that was good because I had absolutely no expectations.

We meet ex LAPD Homicide detective Sonny Rush right as she is relocating to Haven, California and starting a new job with a private investigation company owned by her godfather. Even though the description says this is the first book in the series, there are a lot of times where it felt like I was missing information, or that there were things I should have already known. I'm thinking maybe there was another series prior to this one and this is a spin off of that series? Maybe? Honestly, I have no idea.

If that is not the case, then there are a lot of missing bits of information that would have greatly added to the story. I never really FELT the relationship that was supposed to be the cornerstone of all these problems between Cooper and Sonny. He loved her, then he didn't. He was going to divorce his wife, yet they were the town paragons - almost royalty? Cooper and Sonny's godfather were best friends, yet Ivan knew nothing about a year's long relationship? These were just a few examples of the many things that pulled me out of the story.

The case itself was interesting enough, but felt too forced. When it was time for the big reveal, I thought, "You're kidding me". That really isn't the best thought to have in a murder mystery.

Will I read another book by this author? Probably. There were definitely good things about the book and if there really was a prior series where these characters were introduced, then that will have explained a lot of the issues.

I Love RHH Mysteries...

I was so excited to listen to this release. I can't say I was riveted. The story line was a little disjointed and slow, but I kept listening for moret The narrator sounds like AI (of which I'm not a fan). I will likely keep up with the series to see what happens, but I'm not as excited as I thought.

I’m hooked!

Great storyline and captivating characters. I cannot wait for the next installation in the series.