About The Book
Book: Hello, Transcriber
Author: Hannah Morrissey
Standalone or Series: Book 1 in the Black Harbor series
Publisher: No Exit Press
Publication Date (UK): 9th October 2025
My Review
Originally published in the US in 2021, Hello, Transcriber is Morrissey’s debut novel and the first in her Black Harbour series, which currently spans four books. This marks the series’ UK debut, with the remaining titles set to follow every three months.
Morrissey herself has worked as both a bookseller and a police transcriber, much like her protagonist, Hazel.
While the subject matter is dark and the Midwest setting deliberately bleak, Morrissey’s prose stands out for its rich descriptions and layered imagery, giving this book a distinct literary noir feel.
Hazel has just started a new job transcribing police reports on the night shift. I particularly enjoyed how the transcription element was woven into the narrative as hearing reports delivered with details such as “comma, however, period. Next paragraph” made it feel like I was sat down right there with Hazel on her shift.
An intriguing debut that will appeal to readers who enjoy atmospheric, slow-burn crime fiction with a literary edge.
Thank you to Random Things Tours and No Exit for the ARC and including me on the blog tour.
Beth Reads Crime 
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