4-Star Review of Hessman’s Necklace in Indies Today

In a positive new review published in Indies Today, Nicky Flowers analyzes *Hessman’s Necklace*, the new mystery by author Nicholas Litchfield. Flowers describes the novel as “a snarky crime-noir with a decadent streak,” capturing the essence of its protagonist, Ray Stokes, whose “gruff, lecherous, and rude” personality embodies the gritty aesthetics of the genre.

Highlighting Litchfield’s skillful storytelling, the reviewer notes, “Ray doesn’t call the shots, but he’s still a bad guy—no question.” This nuanced portrayal invites readers to root for a character whose moral compass is as questionable as the schemes he undertakes. As Ray embarks on a dangerous mission to retrieve Hessman’s necklace, the dynamic between him and Merriam Woodcroft adds depth to the narrative, with Flowers remarking that “her character’s secrecy adds another layer to the mystery surrounding the necklace and the church’s dubious sanctum.”

Kirkus Reviews Praises Hessman’s Necklace

“A feverish story that effectively turns neo-noir conventions on its head. Every detail seems relevant, and not a syllable seems wasted—a tough trick to pull off. It all results in an appealing tale that also upends stereotypical impressions of ’50s Americana,” notes prominent American book review magazine Kirkus Reviews.

Read Kirkus Reviews’ insightful assessment of Nicholas Litchfield’s mystery, Hessman’s Necklace, which cleverly twists neo-noir conventions while drawing readers into a gripping narrative of 1950s Americana. The review emphasizes Litchfield’s sharp prose and intricate storytelling, celebrating the novel’s engaging characters and vivid details.

5-star Review of Hessman’s Necklace in Literary Titan

Discover a review from Literary Titan that praises the novel Hessman’s Necklace. The review calls it: a swaggering, bourbon-soaked noir packed with crooked clergy, sultry dames, and one hell of a charming bastard. Like if Raymond Chandler and Tarantino shared a bottle. The 5-star review was published on July 1, 2025.
American magazine Kirkus Reviews adds: “Litchfield writes with sardonic vigor.”

Book cover image in Yorkshire Evening Post of Hessman's Necklace

Review of Hessman’s Necklace in Yorkshire Evening Post

“Fans of edge-of-the-seat thrillers filled with exotic settings, non-stop action, and a cast of ambitious artistes battling fears, egos, insecurities, and daily disasters, will relish Nicholas Litchfield’s pulse-pounding novel, When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed,” writes Pam Norfolk in The Star, one of the most prominent regional newspapers in England. The Star, often known as the Sheffield Star, is a daily newspaper published in Sheffield, England, from Monday to Saturday each week. The first edition was published on 7 June 1887. Today it features a splendid review of When The Actor Inspired Chaos and Bloodshed, a Lowestoft Chronicle Press title scheduled for release on April 1st.