Happy belated pub day!

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks Inc., and NetGalley for the advanced E-Arc. This is my honest and unbiased review.

I had intentions of posting this review on the actual publication day, but life often doesn't allow for our wants.

Having never read anything by author Daniel G. Miller, I had no idea what to expect going into this book. The storyline is very interesting. Hazel, our main character, is a private investigator trying to figure out who the serial killer who is targeting people who are "sinners". I love the religious corruption aspect. It was well done and well thought out. We are given snippets of information about Hazel's past. She eludes to trauma from busting a sex trafficking ring. But the information is a bit vague. I wish we would have gotten the total backstory about this event that has clearly impacted Hazel and how she operates.

I liked this read. I didn't love it. But it was solid. I found the length to be good. Anytime I see a book that's under 300 pages, I am intrigued. I would definitely give this author another read.

I was so excited to go into this one after reading The Orphanage by the Lake, but unfortunately this one did not live up to the first book for me. I thought the story was interesting and there suspense was there but it was just so slow for me. I didn’t care for any of the side characters and so anytime they were brought into the story I lost interest…
I hate that this one wasn’t for me but I think it will be a 5 star for crime junkies!!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Daniel G. Miller for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Red Letter coming out July 22, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really loved the first book so I was excited to check out this book. I really love mysteries. Hazel is a really amazing character. I enjoyed the pick up from the last book. I think there were some things that were different from the first book. I think I enjoyed the plot in that book more. But I think there was some development. I would definitely check out more books by this author!

This is a fast-paced thriller that had me hooked from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, that ending completely took me by surprise! This is a whodunnit mystery that’s twisty and unpredictable. It is such a suspenseful book that keeps you guessing until the final page.

It’s one of those books you have to keep reading just to see what happens next. The main character truly stood out—strong, resilient, and deeply compelling. Her determination and grit kept me in awe throughout the story.

Without a doubt, this has been one of my favorite thrillers of the year.

Thank you Daniel G. Miller, Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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Este es un thriller trepidante que me atrapó de principio a fin. No pude soltarlo. Justo cuando creía tenerlo todo resuelto, ¡el final me tomó por sorpresa! Es una novela tipo policiaca con giros inesperados e impredecibles. Es un libro de suspenso que te mantiene en vilo hasta la última página.

Es uno de esos libros que tienes que seguir leyendo solo para ver qué pasa después. La protagonista realmente destacó: fuerte, resiliente y profundamente cautivadora. Su determinación y coraje me mantuvieron maravillada durante toda la historia.

Sin duda, este ha sido uno de mis thrillers favoritos del año.

Gracias a Daniel G. Miller, Poisoned Pen Press, Sourcebooks y NetGalley por el ARC a cambio de una reseña honesta.

Why are these people suddenly dying from poisoning? Private detective Hazel is contacted by an old friend to try and find evidence that exonerates her client of killing a priest. What she finds is something much more complicated. Could the killer be closer than she thinks and what is their motive?

This story keeps you interested from beginning to end.

Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Net Galley for the eARC!

This was a great true crime thriller. Hazel Cho’s new book was fantastic. She is brought into a new case where she has to figure out who is killing people and why. The twists were surprising and the I didn’t see the ending coming. I really enjoyed this book and I hope we get another one about Hazel.

Whe Hazel is brought into to investigate the mysterious death of a Priest, the only thing she has to go on is a video from inside the church the night it happend and a mysterious figure slipping a letter under the Priest's office door. While dealing with the this killer Hazel is also dealing with the haunting from a killer in her past. Can she connect the dots before they strike again?

Thank you to NetGallery and Poised Pen Press for the free ARC in exchange for my honest review

The Red Letter by Daniel G. Miller
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OUT NOW!

Hazel Cho is back! Grab your sugar free Redbull and buckle up, baby, because Daniel G. Miller takes us for a ride!

Hazel has the growing business she always dreamed of, an amazing boyfriend, her bestie Kenny working by her side and life is good. She gets a call to from a friend asking her to investigate a case and everything quickly changes. A 💀 priest, a mysterious red letter and her life is flipped upside-down. One red letter turns into 2.. turns into many and all of New York City is on edge knowing that there is a lunatic on the loose. It's a race against the clock to figure out who is behind these letters, what's the connection and who will be next. Nobody is safe.

This was a fast paced, thriller and the twist 😳 wow! I'm such a Hazel fan! This one will keep you saying "just one more chapter" until you've devoured the entire book. I love a book with an instant hook and I especially enjoyed the extra parts from the BIG BAD.

Thank you Netgalley & Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

"A spine-tingling new suspense-thriller from bestselling author Daniel G. Miller that will keep your heart racing to the last page. A DEAD BODY. A MYSTERIOUS RED LETTER."
How creepy! This reminded me so much of the movie "The Fallen" and the red barrette left at each serial killer's site taunting the investigator or even "The Little Things" both starring Denzel Washington. The author's first in the series "The Orphanage by the Lake" is one of my favorite books, so it was a no brainier to request this one. This one also entails the character Hazel, who is a private investigator. Her love and determination is contagious carrying you quickly to solve her quest. This is also a serial killer, which is chilling with a string of murders tied to her past. If that wasn't enough, he leaves behind a red letter. The first victim is a priest whose faith and power will play an important role. I had no idea where this one was going so the ending was shocking. Hazel can trust no one when she realizes they are coming for her. The suspects list grows as well as her speculations and determination, even when it becomes gut wrenching and heart breaking.
Well-written!! Good job to the author for making book#2 just as inquiring and spine tingling as the first. It is not necessary to have read the first one to be entertained.
Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After reading the first book with the main character Hazel, I knew I had to read the next installment. Hazel is everything you need in a private investigator from witty humor to can't take no for answer she is who I would want should I ever need a private investigator. One thing I love about Miller's books is no one is off limits, no one is safe, and nothing is ever as straight forward as it seems. I did not have any clue who "The Red Letter Killer" was at all and was still shocked once it was revealed. Be prepared for another gripping thriller that will keep you up until early in the morning like me and don't get too attached to anyone. I hope to see more from Miller and Private Investigator Hazel Cho in the future.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read the next book in the series.

Daniel G. Miller’s The Red Letter is a taut, atmospheric mystery that grips from the first page and never lets go. Centered on Hazel, a sharp, self-assured private investigator riding high on personal and professional success, the novel swiftly unravels her sense of control when a string of murders—each heralded by an ominous red letter—pulls her into a deadly game rooted in secrets she thought were long buried.

Miller crafts a gripping narrative that balances classic noir tropes with a modern emotional core. Hazel is more than your standard gumshoe. She’s charismatic and competent, but Miller gives her real depth: vulnerabilities, a past with shadows, and relationships that feel lived-in. When a beloved local priest is found dead with one of the red letters in hand, Hazel is drawn into an investigation that starts as a favor but spirals into something far more personal—and dangerous.

The mystery itself is masterfully plotted. The red letters are a chilling motif, each heralding a new victim, each pushing Hazel closer to an elusive, calculating killer who seems to know her too well. The connection to a figure from Hazel’s past adds a compelling psychological layer, as readers are forced to question: is Hazel chasing justice, or fleeing from guilt?

One of the novel’s strongest elements is its sense of escalating dread. With each new letter, the stakes rise—not just in terms of the body count, but in Hazel’s emotional unraveling. Miller doesn’t rely on cheap twists; instead, he layers his suspense with purpose, anchoring every shocking reveal in character-driven logic. As the killer closes in, Hazel’s world starts to crack, and what emerges is a thrilling exploration of identity, trauma, and the cost of truth.

If there’s any critique to be had, it’s that some secondary characters—particularly those in Hazel’s personal life—could benefit from deeper development. But this is a minor flaw in an otherwise tight and compelling thriller.

Verdict:
The Red Letter is a razor-sharp mystery that blends psychological tension with procedural precision. Daniel G. Miller delivers a chilling, emotionally resonant ride, anchored by a heroine whose strength is matched only by the darkness she faces. Fans of Gillian Flynn, Tana French, or Lisa Gardner will find a new favorite in Hazel—and a haunting puzzle in every red letter.

Book #2 in the series, but an excellent stand alone too. Hazel Cho and her supporting cast of characters are back, determined to prove a young man's innocence quickly. He stands accused of murdering a local priest, with extenuating circumstances. The church just wants the trial over and done with; the public opinion is already poisoning the jury pool. Hazel has become a favorite character of mine, she's everything you'd expect from a woman with a plan. Daniel Miller has proven he knows what readers want in their thrillers. Let's see where Hazel shows up next.

I got this book in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley
The Red Letter by Daniel G. Miller surprised me in a good way. It’s simple but hooks you straight away just one strange letter and suddenly everything starts to fall apart in this quiet, small-town life. I liked that it doesn’t try too hard to be clever, it just builds tension bit by bit and keeps you asking questions. It’s the kind of book you can read in a few sittings without getting lost in a thousand characters. If you like stories that are unsettling but not overcomplicated, it’s a good pick, exactly what I needed to switch off for a while.

The Orphanage by the Lake was in my top 3 books of 2024, and I've been thinking about its sequel since December! I tend to get nervous with sequels because I have such high expectations for the second book and and I'm happy to say that I loved the premise and storyline behind The Red Letter. I don't think I've read a thriller that has me already knowing the next plot twist simply off the storyline themr, but the twists were still gut-wrenching. I'd give this book 4.5 stars. The only thing I didn't really enjoy was the extra prominent talk of the Catholic religion. That is more of a personal opinion and nothing against the author. I would definitely recommend this series to friends and family!

I would like to say thank you to Netgalley, Daniel Miller, and poisoned pen press for an ARC of this book!

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I loved this story and right up to the end I was on the edge of my seat! This was my kind of book with interesting characters and nonstop action. There was so much going on and I loved every second of it. If you like a twisty thriller, this one is for you.
Hazel Cho is back for Book 2. I didn't read the first book and this one can be read as a stand alone. I do want to read the first installment because this was so good. I hope we get to see more of Haze in upcoming books !
Many thanks to the author, Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Poor Hazel can't catch a break. A priest is found murdered with a red letter. Hazel is a strong woman and will figure out how this murder is connected to her past. The book was so good, fast-paced, intriguing, and full of surprises. The side characters also brought their A game!!! Not a single dull moment in this thriller. You won't want to miss it!
Thank you, Netgalley, and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC. All opinions are entirely my own.

This was a fab second instalment to this series. I really enjoyed this one just as much as the first, I loved the twist in this book what a fantastic ending that was and so well thought out.

I was not disappointed by this sequel to The Orphanage by the Lake.

From the first page, I was completely hooked—though I shouldn't be surprised. I've been waiting for PI Hazel's return since finishing book one, and this installment did not let me down. Fast-paced, perfectly plotted, and full of twists, this crime thriller was impossible to put down.

A DEAD BODY. A MYSTERIOUS RED LETTER.

Hazel has everything going for her—business is booming at her boutique PI firm, she’s dating the man of her dreams, and even her tough-to-please mother is finally impressed. But when the NYPD discovers a beloved neighborhood priest murdered beside a cryptic red letter, Hazel is pulled into a case that quickly unravels everything she thought was settled.

What starts as a favor for an old friend spirals into something far more sinister. The priest isn't the only victim to receive a red letter—and one name links back to a monster from Hazel’s past. As more letters arrive and bodies pile up, Hazel finds herself racing against a killer who seems to know her better than she knows herself.

Because the only way to stop this murderer... is to open one final letter.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for an ARC of The Red Letter in exchange for my honest review.

The Red Letter is the second novel in the PI Hazel Cho series and once again she finds herself in a bit of a mess. When a prominent member of the NYC diocese is murdered in his sanctuary, Hazel is put on the case to try and catch the killer before they strike again.

I didn't enjoy this one quite as much as the first in the series. The bones of the story itself was intriguing, but I didn't always love the writing style. Hazel is supposed to be an independent 30 year old woman but seemed a bit immature and whiny at times. And this is no diss to the author, but it was very apparent at times that a man was writing a female character, which just wasn't for me at all.

2 1/2 ⭐️

Publication Date: July 22, 2025

A Bold, Gritty Ride with a Side of Sweet Redemption 3.5 ⭐

Let’s talk about Red Letter Murders — my first dive into Daniel G. Miller’s world, and baby, I came up for air shook and satisfied.

Hazel’s got her glow-up in full swing. Her PI hustle is strong, her love life is solid, and she’s coasting on the kind of peace that feels earned. But peace don’t last forever, especially when a priest turns up dead with a blood-red letter that screams secrets. And that’s just the beginning. With each body, each cryptic letter, Hazel’s dragged deeper into a storm she thought she’d outgrown.

Now, I didn’t read Orphanage by the Lake, but trust, that didn’t stop me from getting caught in this one’s current. It stands on its own, and I never felt lost. Hazel pulled me in from jump — a woman who’s been through the fire and still walks with her head high? I felt that. Her past ghosts don’t fade quietly, and watching her navigate the tension between trauma, truth, and tenacity was powerful.

The book touches on heavy hitters — power, corruption, religion, and politics. Normally I’d pass on that combo, but Miller keeps it sharp, layered, and real. The suspense was tight, the twists had bite, and the ending? Listen… I thought I had it figured out, but that last twist slapped me sideways.

Kenny lowkey stole the show for me — charming, flawed, and full of heart. Every side character had dimension, and that’s rare. The pacing dipped here and there (yes, I skimmed a few spots), but it never lost me completely. It’s not flawless, but it is a ride worth taking.

To sum it up: gritty story, strong female lead, twisty turns, and a fire ending. I’d circle back for book one and definitely ride out for the next.

Thanks to NetGalley and the team for the ARC — this one snuck up on me in the best way.