Book Review ~ FOG AND FURY by Rachel Howzell Hall

Fog and Fury (Haven Thriller, #1)
by: Rachel Howzell Hall
Series: Haven Thriller
Genre: Crime Thriller
Release Date: July 1, 2025
Publisher: Thomas & Mercer

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 façade. Or destroy Sonny first.

Reading Fog and Fury was the first time that I have read a book by Rachel Howzell Hall, and it definitely will not be the last. Fog and Fury was a very relatable and exciting thrill ride from beginning to end. It’s about former LAPD Detective Alyson “Sonny” Rush, who is forced to leave the job she loves in the big city to become a Private Investigator in a small town called Haven. And although it is a small town, the people are no different than those she left behind.

Quite frankly, this story could have happened anywhere. The fact that it’s a small town that’s allegedly one letter away from being Heaven just makes it more intriguing. Sonny moves to Haven thinking that she will be able to start a new life with her rich boyfriend while working with her godfather Ivan as a PI. Well, everything goes to crap fairly quickly and Sonny’s first case looking for a “lost” dog turns into a search for the person who killed a star high school football player who had also recently left the big city to start a new life with his parents. This tragedy pits Sonny against all of her new neighbors, and she uncovers numerous secrets during her investigation. One of the biggest secrets has to do with her boyfriend, and that complicates things. In addition, the powers that be insist on keeping up the facade that nothing bad happens in Haven because they are looking to become the next destination city. Sonny proves to be a very smart, witty, and unwavering person, so it was easy to root for her. Her love for her mother and dedication to finding the truth was commendable.

The mystery was solid, and it took me a while to figure out whodunnit. Rachel told a great story and truly made me feel like I was right there in Haven. I am looking forward to seeing what other great characters she has created.

**Received an advance reader’s copy from the publisher and voluntarily reviewed it.**

Rating: 5

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Rachel Howzell Hall is the author of thirteen novels, including the bestselling thriller What Fire Brings and The Last One, the explosive debut romantasy in her new series. A two-time nominee of the Los Angeles Times Book Prize, Rachel is also a former member of the board of directors for Mystery Writers of America and was a featured writer on NPR’s acclaimed Crime in the City series and the National Endowment for the Arts weekly podcast.

Places to find Rachel Howzell Hall:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

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