Let me preface this by saying that this is my first book in the series. I think this can work as a standalone, but there is a lot of history and backstory. I really appreciate that Morrissey did not shy away from the grittiness that comes with opioid and fentanyl addiction, and the impact it can have on a community. However, this police procedural was just too bleak and convoluted for my liking. My favourite part was the romance between Kole and Hazel.

Special thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The fourth installment of the Black Harbor is just as dark and gritty as its precursors!

When Hazel's ex-husband is shot to death, a calling card left with this body, she's drawn back to Black Harbor after years of staying away. As she tries to to solve Tommy's murder, she finds herself attracted to her former fling, Sergeant Nikolai Cole, tensions rise in Black Harbor as extreme temperatures and a new drug are pushing crime to a violent breaking point. Can Hazel solve her ex-husbands murder, navigate her complicated relationship with Kole, and leave Black Harbor behind for good?

Morrissey's atmospheric writing and dark, gritty plot points come together perfectly in The Unlucky Ones!

Hazel returns to Black Harbor when her abusive ex-husband Tommy is found dead. It's been more than 8 years since she was last there, and the memories are not good. She has not seen her ex-lover Nikolai Kole in that time, and the meetings are inevitable as he is investigating Tommy's death.

Another dark and gritty tale from Morrissey, who manages to show the underbelly of this poverty stricken and drug infested place in such descriptive ways. As Hazel and Nikolai circle each other, they try to figure out who killed Tommy.

The characters are all flawed and plot is dark and twisty. I liked the fact that the story was told from both Hazel and Nikolai's point of view, but for some reason the plot lagged for me in the middle of the book. I like these characters very much and really enjoyed the earlier books in the series. This one didn't quite do it for me, although I can't really put my finger on why!

I'm still looking forward to the next in the series.

The Unlucky Ones is the fourth book in the Black Harbour series. I haven’t read the first three, but have seen a lot of bookstagrammers rave about them so I thought I would request the latest on Netgalley.

Although this author and series has a lot of fans, I’m not one of them. For many reasons, this book just did not deliver the elements I need to be able to say it was a good read. The writing itself was basic and lacked any kind of literary flare. It also misused several words (describing “dilated” pupils, and then calling them “pinprick” in the same paragraph; saying something was “abysmally clear” when it should have been “abundantly clear”) which pulled me right out of the story. It also used Taylor Swift’s popular song lyric “play stupid games, win stupid prizes” at least 7-10 times. The repetition alone would have raised an eyebrow for me, but the blatant over-use of a very popular phrase soured me for this book.

Beyond the writing style, I just couldn’t relate to any of the characters. They were all dark. They were all broody. They all had pasts full of secrets. It was flat. The pacing was also flat and seemed to chase it’s tail thought out the middle of the book. I just wanted to finish, so I skipped about 75 pages, read the ending and knew exactly what was happening.

I want to thank the publisher and @netgalley for approving my request - my reviews are always (brutally) honest.

Although I previously read the third in this series (When I’m Dead), I have not read the first two. From some of the reviews that I have read, Hazel and Nik, two of the main characters from the first in the series (The Transcriber), reappear here, and perhaps I would have enjoyed this novel more had I started at the beginning of the series. I think in not having done so I missed much of Hazel and Nick’s backstory, and the novel as a whole seemed to have a bit too many missing parts to me. Also, despite the darkness and grit that embodies this novel, which is replete with drugs and crime, I did enjoy reading about Hazel’s return to Black Harbor to try to learn who killed her abusive ex, but overall the storyline was merely o.k. to me.

Release: March 24, 2025
Publisher: Minotaur

Rating: 4 ★ 

The Unlucky Ones follows a police officer as she navigates the aftermath of a traumatic event while investigating a mysterious case. As she digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets about both the crime and her own past. The book is filled with twists, tension, and complex characters, especially the protagonist, whose emotional struggles make her journey all the more gripping. With its dark, atmospheric tone and unpredictable plot, the story keeps you hooked until the very end, leaving you thinking long after the final page.
The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey, was an intense, haunting read that I couldn’t put down. The story follows a police officer, who’s dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event, and as the investigation unravels, secrets about her past and the case begin to surface. The way Morrissey weaves together suspense, mystery, and psychological drama is incredibly compelling.
What I really loved about this book was the atmosphere — it's dark and gritty, with a sense of tension that builds and never lets go. The characters are well-developed, especially the protagonist, who feels so real in her struggles. Her emotional depth adds layers to the mystery, and I found myself not just wanting to know the outcome of the case, but also how she would cope with everything she was facing.
The pacing is perfect, with just enough twists and turns to keep you hooked. Morrissey does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing — every time I thought I figured something out, another layer would be revealed that shifted my perspective entirely. The plot is unpredictable, and the ending, while satisfying, left me thinking about the story long after I finished.
If you're into psychological thrillers with complex characters and an atmosphere that keeps you on edge, I highly recommend The Unlucky Ones. It’s a gripping, emotional ride that will stay with you long after the final page.

Favorite Quote: 
"The scars we carry are maps of our battles -  reminders that we've made it through what we thought we wouldn't."

Thank you to St Martin's Press and MacMillan audio for review copies!
Hannah Morrissey once again draws readers into the shadowy, all-consuming atmosphere of Black Harbor—a place where darkness and emptiness seep into its residents, shaping their every move. When I'm Dead unfolds with a slow-burn intensity, rewarding those who embrace its deliberate pacing and intricate storytelling.

Hazel, a former police transcriber turned novelist, is pulled back into the city she once escaped when her ex-husband, Tommy Greenlee, is murdered. The case falls into the hands of Sergeant Nikolai Kole—her former lover, tangled in a history of betrayal. As they navigate their fractured past to uncover the truth, the novel skillfully returns to early characters and themes, reflecting on how time and tragedy have reshaped them.

Morrissey’s writing is as sharp as ever, her prose dripping with atmosphere, ensuring Black Harbor feels both alive and suffocating. The narrative unfolds in layers, shifting perspectives to keep the mystery unpredictable, with plot twists that deepen the intrigue. The audiobook narrators breathe life into Hazel and Kole, amplifying the tension and emotional weight of their story.

Dark, moody, and deeply immersive, When I'm Dead is a gripping blend of police procedural and psychological thriller. Morrissey masterfully crafts a world where past and present collide, and every revelation pulls you further into the abyss of Black Harbor.

The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat with its razor-sharp, vivid prose. This novel is not for the faint-hearted, weak-stomached, or easily shocked. However, for those who appreciate murder mysteries that are dark, terrifying, tense, and traumatic, this book is just what you need.

I've enjoyed this series and the author's overall work with these books. I love that she doesn't shy away from the crime in cities.

As a police procedural, the book delivers a headline-worthy plot, brimming with characters who each hold their own—though many possess decidedly questionable traits.

The Unlucky Ones plunges readers into a shadowy world of drugs and decay, crafting a dark and gripping mystery. Amidst the darkness, a romance between two former lovers tentatively emerges, offering a glimmer of light to balance the grim setting. Morrissey masterfully blends both tones, creating a nuanced atmosphere.

All in all, this is a compelling police procedural that draws you in and makes you feel as though you’re right there on the streets, piecing together the murder mystery alongside the characters. For those comfortable with raw and unflinching depictions of a crime-ridden world, this novel is a must-read, and I loved the protagonist!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC!

The Unlucky Ones by Hannah Morrissey is the 4th installment of the Black Harbor series. It is the first book I have ever read in the series, and while I probably would have benefitted from reading the 3 previous books, I was able to easily read this as a standalone and catch up on what was going on.

Hazel Greenlee, former police transcriber turned author, is back in Black Harbor. Although she never imagined stepping foot here again, she’s back to find out who murdered her ex-husband, Tommy. Black Harbor is a crime ridden, drug infested, dangerous town, and Sergeant Nikolai Kole is the man in charge of the investigation. Kole is also Hazel’s former lover, and after eight years apart, when they are reunited they must put the past aside to find out who is murdering people and leaving a card behind, the same card that was found in the pocket of Kole’s brother when he was found after committing suicide years before.

This is a police procedural book with a dark murder mystery at the center. The descriptions of the scenes, the intricate details of the murders are raw and gritty, but will keep you intrigued and wanting more with each page as you read. The characters are well developed, some likeable, some not so much. But the chemistry between Nikolai and Hazel can’t be denied. The author expertly intertwines romance among the ugliness of the crime to give you a small reprieve to catch your breath.

I would like to thank Netgalley, Minotaur Books, and Hannah Morrissey for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange or an honest review.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for advance copy! You all know I am not really a series girlie, but it Morrissey writes it, and I can go back to Black Harbor I am so in!

This is my favorite of the Black Harbor series yet! Morrissey really has a knack for writing dark, gritty and haunting novels. This one is action packed, read like a movie and was so suspenseful. Usually, stories like that lack a bit of character development, but not this. We really have gotten to know our characters within these novels and this one still adds more depth. We still got multiple POVs in this which I think really helps keep the suspense alive!

It is a testament to Morrissey’s skill. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but I was happy with the ending. We got a messy, but realistic ending that was perfection! I will forever be a fan!

This was another great read in this series! It was enjoyable from the beginning until the end. It wasn’t predictable and the plot was well-written.

ARC review - rating 4,5 ⭐️

"The Unlucky Ones" by Hannah Morrissey is the 4th book in the "Black Harbor" series. The books in the series can be read as standalone, but before reading this one you should read at least "Hello, Transcriber".

I received an ARC from St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and ALC from Macmillan Audio (via Netgalley).
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

Publication date is 25 March 2025.

Hazel is a police transcriber turned writer, that returns to Black Harbor after 8 years, to help solve the murder of her ex-husband. The investigation is lead by sergent Nikolai Kole, the man she fell in love with
before leaving town.

I enjoyed all the books in the series, but this my favorite (followed by Hello, Transcriber).
This book has a dual POV, the story is told in 1st person by Hazel and in 3rd person by Kole.
The murder investigation uncovered links to other murders, including the one of Kole's brother and more connections to other crimes are revealed.
The story is dark, violent and filled with unexpected twists.
I also listened to the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe and Robb Moreira and they did a great job helping me immerse in the story. They both did a great job portraing the characters and enhacing the story.

If you like dark crime thrillers with mystery and suspense I recomand this series.
Hopefully there will be more books in the future.

This was a well-written gritty police procedural!! It’s the fourth book in the Black Harbor series, but I successfully read this as a standalone. 🙌

While it definitely can be read as a standalone (I had no problems understanding the backgrounds/connections between characters), I do think that was my personal downfall. I found myself not invested enough in the characters; had I read the previous books first, I think I would have been more invested. 🤦🏼‍♀️

I’m definitely planning to read the first three books (I mean, they’re all on my shelves right now 😅) and then reread this one! In the meantime, I do recommend checking this book as well as the series out! 👏

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for my honest review! ❤️

A riveting suspense thriller. Black Harbor sounds like a terrible place.  An excellent police procedural with twists that will please any thriller fan. A very well paced story with great characters expertly written. The dark and seedy setting will have you wanting more.

I'm going with four stars instead of three because there is nothing objectively objectionable. It dragged hard though, for me.

4.5 rounded up to 5.

Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Unlucky Ones is the 4th installment in Hannah Morrissey's Black Harbor series. While all the others can be read as standalones, and technically this one could be as well, I would highly recommend reading the previous three novels before jumping into this one. There are definitely spoilers from all three books mentioned, and honestly it just helps knowing the background of the characters and their histories before getting into this story.

While Hazel and Nik Kole are the main focus of this installment, many previous characters from the other two books are heavily included. In fact, while I'm not sure if this will be the final book in the Black Harbor series (even if temporarily), this one definitely felt like a potential conclusion to the series, as it tied some of the loose ends or side stories from previous novels together. I did not see this coming at all, and the way everything came together was absolutely brilliant and extremely clever. Kole, Hudson, and Axel all got lots of closure from situations that had haunted them from the previous novels. I really loved every moment, especially when everything started coming together so beautifully.

I do think this was a bit of a slower burn compared to the other books, with much more emphasis on the mystery and police procedural portions, and less into the relationships between the characters (mainly Hazel and Nik). Without reading the other books, I feel like those connections might feel like they were lacking in this one, but only because these relationships were all strongly established in the previous novels, and the focus was more on the actual plot. I personally wasn't bothered by this, but if you read this as a standalone, then you might find the chemistry between the characters a bit lacking.

Overall, this book tied the series thus far together really well, and was another solid installment. Fantastic job!

Wow. I love this book. Be sure to read hello, transcriber first before diving into this five star read. I really enjoyed the character development and plot. I was hooked from page one. I flew through these pages waiting to find out what was next.

This fourth book in the Dark Harbor series is another good slow burn mystery. Eight years ago Hazel left Dark Harbor, her ex-husband Tommy, and her lover Detective Nikolai Kole to become a writer in New York. Upon hearing that Tommy was gunned down in a notorious club, Hazel returns to Dark Harbor to help discover what happened to Tommy and to face her unresolved issues from the past. The town is once again being overrun with drugs and criminal gang wars. How was Tommy involved and how will Hazel handle working with Kole again? Morrissey does a great job of creating a dark and sinister atmosphere in this series and the story kept me turning pages to see who would be left standing after the final violent confrontation. #NetGalley #TheUnluckyOnes

As with all previous Hannah Morrissey books, excellent writing style and pacing. Lots of characters who are dark and largely unliveable. This series is very dark and deliciously awesome!