Rating: 4 stars
This was such an engaging and suspenseful read! From the first chapter, I was completely pulled into the story. The plot follows a private investigator trying to uncover the identity of a serial killer who leaves eerie red letters for each of their victims. It was fast-paced, twisty, and full of surprises—I genuinely didn’t see any of it coming, which made the experience even more thrilling. The writing was strong, the pacing kept the tension high, and the twists were so well executed. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gripping thriller with clever plot turns and a mystery that keeps you guessing.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

THE PLOT
Hazel Cho is back, better and busier than ever. Hazel's business has expanded and she is ready to take on more PI cases. Hazel gets drawn into a new case involving a murdered priest. ⛪️ An 18 year old boy has been charged with his murder and Hazel is tasked with proving his innocence. The plot was surprising and complex combine that with the character development and this was a really solid read for me.

MY THOUGHTS🧠
This sequel to "The Orphanage By The Lake" solidified me as a true Hazel Cho fan! This was a compelling PI story mixed with a suspenseful thriller! I really enjoyed the witty banter between these well developed characters. The kind of characters you want to see play out on a TV show! I enjoyed getting the killer's perspective from 1st person. The snarky humor is a great touch of light to the darkness of the story. I definitely recommend this read but I recommend the whole series! Great read!

I devoured this book—started it at the hairdresser and barely looked up! ✂️ Hazel Cho is back in this chilling follow-up to The Orphanage by the Lake.

While The Red Letter works as a standalone, I’d definitely recommend reading them in order—Hazel’s story has even more depth and impact that way.

This spine-tingling thriller kicks off when a beloved priest is found dead, a mysterious red letter by his side. ✉️ More victims follow, each with the same ominous message… and a haunting link to Hazel’s past. As the killer closes in, everything Hazel thought she knew is thrown into question.

Tense, gripping, and packed with twists—I truly didn’t see the ending coming. 🔥 This series keeps getting better, and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

📅 Out 22 July – a must-add to your TBR!
Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC!

A light-hearted private investigator novel, that just didn't get me engaged or excited. I liked the Asian main characters, but found the story mostly unoriginal. Lots of stereotypes and clichés. An easy read with a surprise ending, but it just didn't cluck for me. Thanks to Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for this entertaining police procedural.

A captivating an enjoyable read, with a rule bending relatable police detective as the protagonist - this series caught my interest as it focuses on the functioning of the TEAM on a police force, rather than the soul actions of one clued in detective.

I read this book in one sitting, and I will eagerly watch for more in this series. The author Daniel G. Miller always has a clever and unique take on crime with twists and turns you won't predict.

The Red Letter is a highly entertaining police procedural.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this as an ARC. This installment of the Hazel Cho books does not disappoint. The author's writing style and description made me feel like I was part of the story. I hope there is more to come from Hazel Cho.

This was the first book I’ve read by Daniel G. Miller and I can definitely say it won’t be my last! As someone who primarily reads thrillers, I often find myself predicting plot twists and losing interest early on. This book had a unique storyline compared to most thrillers I’ve read. The pacing was spot-on and each chapter left me wanting to read more. The suspense never let up and continued to build throughout the book.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller that keeps you hooked from start to finish, I highly recommend this one!

Hazel Cho is back again in this great follow up to The Orphanage by the Lake. The characters are written in such a way that they’re so likeable and different. I loved the length of chapters but unfortunately that meant I didn’t go to sleep when I should have done! I couldn’t stop turning the page and the ending did not disappoint.
I really hope Hazel has many more books to come. She’s an absolute delight.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. I would recommend to anyone who likes a good thriller with twists and turns along with a dab of dry humour.

For me I was gripped from beginning to the end
I loved how much was happening it flowed really well.
I found it really interesting and I couldn't wait to read more.
There was plenty of twists and the ending I couldn't ask for more.

I was given the privilege of getting "The Orphanage by The Lake" early and reading it. Then shortly after i received "The Red Letter". This book was just as amazing as the first. I thought i had it all figured out and BAM, i was wrong. You'll absolutely love this book if you love thrillers that keep you guessing. Hazel did it again! Go grab yourself a copy when it releases, you will NOT be disappointed.


THANK YOU NETGALLEY, MANDY AND DANIEL FOR THE ARC.

The red Letter is about Hazel who is a PI. In the second book of this series Hazel has partnered with Kenny to expand their PI team. Hazel’s friend Shavali reaches out to Hazel to investigate the murder her client was accused of. Hazel is reluctant to take on the case but her boyfriend convinces her to take the case.

I liked this book better than the first one. I think the development of Hazel was a lot better in this book. In the first book I was not a big fan of Hazel, but the more I read this book the more she grew on me. I felt this one was a lot faster pace and enjoyed the characters a lot more than the first one. I did not guess the ending like I did in the first one. Kenny and Bobby are probably my favorite characters, so if there are more to this series I hope then continue to be a part in them.

Last year, I read Orphanage by the Lake, and I have anticipated The Red Letter since then!
I was not at all disappointed, and I am thankful to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for giving me a copy of this ARC in exchange for an honest review 4 months before the release date.

I adore Hazel, and my heart truly broke for that woman again. She is a tough cookie if you ask me. And the killer, holy moly, this one left my mouth hanging. Daniel Miller took me for a spin and left me hanging all alone at the end of this book. The characters were well-developed this time, and even the side characters were incredibly interesting. This was a 5 star read!

I read Orphanage by the Lake from this author and really liked it. This is Book 2 in what seems to be shaping up to be a really good series if it continues. I certainly hope so. Don't worry though, it can also be read as a standalone. The main character is Hazel Cho, a private detective. Hazel is hilarious! I love her! This time around, she is asked by a friend to help prove his client's innocence. This young man is accused of killing a priest. We have three things here that I am not really crazy about in a book- a series, religious themes and politics. Somehow this author has combined these things and written a fascinating and twisty story that I had a blast reading! Lots of surprises, great ending and even a bit emotional! Bring on more Hazel!

Thank you to #NetGalley, Daniel G. Miller and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC.

I will post my review to Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Instagram and other retail and social media sites upon publication day of July 22nd, 2025.

This book I could not put down loved it from beginning to end. I would highly recommend!! This isn't like something ie read before.

The Red Letter
Part of the Orphanage by the Lake
Daniel G. Miller
07/22/2025
Poisoned Pen Press

Hazel Cho is back! She is a funny, saucy, smart ass private detective that you just want more of. The intensity of the cases she tackles escalates with every investigation, but is it possible for things to get a little too close to home?

Hazel and her partner Kenny have set up their private investigation office. Things are going great and then she is asked by an old friend, Shavali to help investigate a case. Shavali is defending a young man accused of murdering a priest. She has one week left before trial to see if she can get her client out of jail because she is certain that he IS innocent. Why did this case get to trial so fast? When it involves a Catholic priest, poisoning and connections to a settlement for child abuse, the archdiocese and everyone involved wants this book to be closed. But when questions are asked and answered more clues, red herrings, red letters and dead people show up.

I did my usual predictions at 50 and 80% fail! The ending left me shocked and any idea I had about how the ending would go – well that was gone. I hope to goodness there is more of Hazel Cho. From the moment she steps into the investigation, it's clear that this private detective is unlike any other. With a sharp mind, unflinching determination, and a personal depth that lingers long after the case is solved, she’s a character you won’t easily forget.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC!

I did not even know at first there would be more of Hazel Cho after Orphanage By The Lake, it really was a pleasant surprise.

Just like the first book, this was a good, twisty story that kept me guessing until the end. Plots with religion as a topic are not my cup of tea usually, but this was an easy read and I felt really entertained. Plus, I do like the whole premise with the cryptic letters. So, if there will be a third book with Hazel Cho at some point, I am surely going to look into that one, as well!

Great book with an interesting story line. The twists were good and unpredictable. I was surprised to see that it was as good as the first book!

After reading “The orphanage by the lake” I’ve been anxiously awaiting this one!! Hazel Cho, private investigator, is back on the scene! When a friend asks her to investigate a murder, all of Hazel’s alarm bell go off but she reluctantly takes the case.

It starts out with a cryptic Red Letter sent to a well beloved priest and his subsequent death. This was such a quick read. Lots of nonstop action and Hazel is just such a likable character that we are all rooting for her. I really enjoyed this one!

I had NO CLUE this was a second book in a series. This could serve as a stand alone. The background is recapped concisely and seamlessly.

From the beginning readers are thrust into action. The story is about a Private Investigator, Hazel, who is trying to track down a local serial killer who delivers a red letter to its prospective victims.

Some topic/themes are:
✨Retribution
✨Religion
✨Ethics of Politics
✨Overcoming hardship… and more!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. The writing was entertaining and the characters were diverse. Hazel put her fears side to help her community try to catch a killer. There were twists along the way and likeable characters.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

✨Review✨

The Red Letter by Daniel G. Miller

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️

A DEAD BODY. A MYSTERIOUS RED LETTER.

This was such a quick and gripping read.
The opening scene is so dramatic and shocking that you will not be able to put this book down until the last word is read.

Hazel’s next case in The Orphanage by the Lake series, the stakes are even higher and more life threatening!

This book is so thought out and creative with many hidden meanings for the readers to find.

“The lies are in the street; the truth hides behind closed doors”

Will there be more?

Thank you to NetGalley, Daniel G. Miller, and Position Press for the advanced copy!

📆Release date: July 2025
🔪 Emotional
🔪 Suspense
🔪 High Stakes
🔪 Mystery