At the start of August, my family embarked on a journey from Texas to Wisconsin to commemorate my brother and sister-in-law's achievement of earning their PhDs. The celebration of this significant milestone was truly joyful, and the experience was enhanced by the pleasant summer climate. The temperature was notably cooler than the relentless summer heat we were experiencing back home. Throughout our visit, we relished the outdoors, basking in the mild weather.
My brother found our fascination with the climate amusing, given that in Wisconsin, the summer months are a time for everyone to embrace the sun. It's a different story during the winter months when the cold becomes relentless. As a Texan, I'm not accustomed to such cold temperatures, at least not in reality. While browsing through books at my local library, I came across Hannah Morrisey's debut novel, Hello, Transcriber. The book's setting in the frigid winter of the fictional town of Black Harbor, Wisconsin, allowed me to experience the cold my brother had described, even if only through the pages of a book.
The story unfolds in the bleak backdrop of Black Harbor, an infamously crime-infested city in Wisconsin. At its center is Hazel Greenlee, a woman who finds herself trapped in a life she didn't quite choose. Her marriage is suffocating, the house she lives in is filled with the remnants of her husband's hunting exploits, and her dreams of becoming a writer remain unfulfilled. Amidst this stagnation, she seizes an opportunity to work as a transcriber on the night shift at the local police department. This role offers a glimmer of hope. It's a chance for her writing aspirations to find an outlet, even if it's in the form of transcribing recordings.
Unexpectedly, Hazel's neighbor confesses to involvement in disposing of a body, sparking a series of events tied to a notorious drug dealer known as Candy Man. This confession intertwines Hazel's life with an ongoing investigation, and she becomes entangled with Detective Nikolai Kole, the lead investigator. Her curiosity and desire for a gripping story lead her to collaborate with Kole, embarking on a journey through the darker underbelly of Black Harbor.
As the investigation progresses, Hazel's pursuit of an absorbing story challenges the bounds of her relationships and personal safety. She navigates a treacherous path, grappling with ethical quandaries, endangering her marriage, and possibly beckoning danger closer. Through her pursuit of the truth, Hazel unwittingly finds herself engulfed in the shadows of the city she yearns to break free from.
Reflecting on my experience with Hello, Transcriber, the first word that comes to mind is "atmosphere." Hannah Morrissey skillfully creates a frigid, dark, and vast sense of place that envelops the reader from the very beginning. Her adept descriptions and attention to detail conjure a deeply immersive setting. Within this environment, the characters thrive. Hazel, in particular, emerges as a complex and conflicted individual. Her struggle between societal obligations as a wife, sister, and employee and her compelling fascination with delving into a perilous investigation add depth to her character. I found myself simultaneously rooting for her to make the right choices and daring her to explore the dark case further.
Morrissey's writing style held me captive throughout, even during moments when I wanted to shield myself from the more distressing aspects of the story. While there were a few instances of conveniently placed plot points and extraneous character revelations, they did little to detract from the overall atmosphere of suspense that Morrissey skillfully imbues on every page. Hello, Transcriber is a thoughtfully crafted debut that introduces a captivating new series. It demonstrates Morrissey's storytelling prowess and sets the stage for an intriguing journey ahead.
For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2023, 56)
You keep finding the best books to read! I'm intrigued by the setting in this one. I don't think I've ever read a book set in Wisconsin. And that frigid cold of winter always seems to add to a suspense novel. And Hazel sounds like a very layered and interesting character.
ReplyDeleteThis one was very impressive. I'm really eager to dive into the next two books!
DeleteI could see a drug dealer being called Candy Man. But after watching the movie by the same name, I won't be saying that name more than once.
ReplyDeleteI spent one Winter in West Virginia. I had been around snow before but it was colder than I was used to.
I'm definitely not saying that name either!
DeleteI've never lived in a place where the winters are long and super cold. Since moving to Northern California last year I did experience snow for weeks, but it never dipped below the teens in temps. I think that was enough winter for me, lol! I can't imagine living in a place where it regularly dips below zero and you have snow for months.
ReplyDeleteA bleak winter as the backdrop in a story can make it even more intense and suspenseful I find. I look forward to your thoughts on the next book! Sounds like a series I might like!
I'm with you. While I may hate the extreme heat we experience, I'll gladly take that over the frigid cold. It does make for a great setting for a mystery though!
DeleteAs a fellow Texan, I've never experienced that type of frigid winter either, but I do tend to enjoy reading books set in places that do. Glad you enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteI'd much rather read about that weather in a book than have to experience it!
DeleteFirst of all, wow! That's quite an accomplishment for your brother and sil - congratulations to them. A Wisconsin winter is better experienced via a book than in real life. I've heard the stories. Sounds like Hazel was swept away by things so outside her regular life and willing to chase the thrill. Glad this book was a good one for you
ReplyDeleteThanks for the congrats! They've both worked incredibly hard, so we're all super proud of them.
DeleteI think I'm a rare breed who thrives in the biting cold temps we get here in the north after living in a perfect climate of Northern California. I couldn't do your Texas heat.
ReplyDeleteBut, yes, her personal situation and the work for the police makes for an absorbing story. I'm adding this one to my reading list.
I agree! I think there's an equally special kind of person who thrives in the heat, though I'm certainly not that person haha. I long for that perfect California climate.
DeleteGreat review! We had the opportunity to see parts of Wisconsin for the first time in June 2022, and we loved it! The weather was gorgeous, as was the state. I would love (I think, LOL), to visit during the winter months.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it is beautiful, so I'd probably be okay to visit. I couldn't imagine having to go to work in that kind of weather though. I'd probably just stay curled up inside!
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