Release date: October 1st 2024
Publisher: Self-published
Pages: 144
Find it: Goodreads Amazon
Source: The author kindly sent me an E-ARC to review
Rating: 5/5 stars

Synopsis

A noir story, set in an alternate New York City.

After years of being a cop, and now a private investigator, there’s little that surprises Cole Blackstone. But when someone working for Karl Dolman, the most notorious crime boss in the city asks for his help, Cole is caught off guard, and more than a little afraid.

Dolman’s daughter, Selina, has gone missing. To prevent a gang war that will tear the city apart, Cole must find her. But the job is being made more difficult as everyone is interfering, cops and criminals, and no one wants him to succeed.

Together with his childhood friend, Bracken Hart, the two men must navigate the depths of the city’s underworld for answers. In a race against the clock, Cole needs to find out what happened to Selina, and who is responsible, before the streets run red.

Review

Set in an alternate New York, New York Minute is a fantasy noir story that follows private investigator Cole Blackstone as he is roped into investigating the disappearance of Selina Dolman – daughter of the infamous crime boss Karl Dolman. Can Cole uncover the truth about what happened to Selina before it’s too late?

I absolutely loved this novella and I was so hooked I ended up reading it in a single sitting. The plot was really compelling and there were some surprise twists that I definitely didn’t expect. The story is fast paced, gritty and has terrific dialogue. I really liked the way Aryan wove the fantastical elements into the New York we’re already familiar with. I can’t wait to see more of the world in the next instalment.

Aryan has created some great characters in this book and I really liked our protagonist Cole. He’s sharp and clever and I was so fascinated seeing him piece together the different elements of the investigation. I also really like the dynamics between Cole and Bracken, who helps him solve the mystery.

Overall New York Minute is a dark, engaging noir tale that will have you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a fantasy novella you won’t want to put down, New York Minute should definitely be top of your TBR.