Do Nothing - Book Review

Miguel Angel Hernandez, Jr. is a new author to watch. His first book, Do Nothing, is a murder mystery thriller that keeps the reader guessing. A new homicide detective, Griffin Knight, is added to the list of good-guy cop heroes. He has a distinct personality, commendable work ethics, and the determination to solve his cases. The reader will be looking forward to reading more of his adventures.

An unknown killer’s first victim is introduced in the prologue as a tough District Attorney, Natalie Costa. Her character is fully fleshed out as the reader is led into her lavish Manhattan, New York townhouse. Natalie opens a strange package left for her by security. Then, contemplating the message in the late evening gloom, suddenly, the lights go out. The next morning, the cleaning service finds her mutilated body.

Griffin Knight picks up the story in first person when he arrives on the scene of Natalie’s murder. He takes over the case and discovers evidence of the victim being tortured over several hours. Forensics indicated a savage violence perpetrated by someone with a personal vengeance. Unfortunately, witness statements offered no insight.

The following chapter introduces an additional character who determines that he is being followed. Alix becomes paranoid, trying to evade a stalker. Is this person part of the murder scene or a red herring? Griffin returns to update the reader on his investigation. He has found nothing to link this murder to any others. Using computer technology, he seems to get a break. Through his investigation, he learns that cold cases had a similar trait.

Griffin’s investigative talents lead him to a person of interest. However, before he can apprehend the suspect, another murder is committed in a like manner. The plot becomes more complicated as the writer interweaves the stories of murders and the investigation by Griffin. Then another murder.

Just as the reader is beginning to try to untangle the web of murders, a new twist is thrown into the plot. What does an old personal injury case against a plastics company have to do with all this? Who is the shadowy man on the surveillance video who is dressed in a Gothic-like cape and hood?

At last, Griffin has all the evidence he needs to capture his suspect, but can he be arrested? It’s a powerful gripping, gritty, and violent read by a  brilliant storyteller that will consume you.

The fast, adrenaline-producing climax makes it so worth the read and entices you to read the next book in the Griffin series.