Absolution

by Henry Hack

A teenager, Joey “Noonz” Mastronunzio, is forced to participate in a home invasion in Queens leaving a young couple dead and their baby an orphan. Determined to atone for his crime, Joey serves in the Marine Corps and then enters the seminary. The baby, Michael Simon, grows up to be an NYPD Homicide Lieutenant determined to find and arrest the “guy who got away” on the night of his parents murders over forty years ago. When Lieutenant Simon finally discovers and locates the second perpetrator, he is shocked to learn he has known him most of his adult life. What follows is an unlikely alliance filled with threats, intrigue, deception, cover-ups, and murder, which stretch up to the highest echelons of the NYPD and the Catholic Church as both institutions desperately seek to block the public release of the church’s long-hidden detailed records of depravity.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2025

About the author

Henry Hack served for twenty-two years in the Nassau County, NY Police Department rising to the rank of Inspector. He commanded the Scientific Investigation Bureau and was qualified as an expert witness in several forensic fields including blood, narcotics and trace evidence. He also commanded the Eighth Patrol Precinct in Levittown for four years. His academic credentials include a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Adelphi University and a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Long Island University. Henry is a lifelong New Yorker, born and raised in Queens, and currently resides in coastal North Carolina with his wife, Lorraine.

Reviews

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author served twenty-two years in the Nassau County, NY Police Department. He commanded the Scientific Investigation Bureau and was qualified as an expert witness in several forensic evidence areas. He also commanded the Eighth Patrol Precinct. His credentials speak volumes for his unquestionable ability to produce a reality-based crime novel. My husband, who also served 27 years with law enforcement in Florida and Michigan also read the book and said it was the one of the best he had ever encountered. My husband doesn’t do much reading but he was enthralled with this one and read in in one sitting, which says volumes for the novel. Behind the fictional characters is a too true scenario that is going to slightly disturb some readers and give others varying degrees of discomfort...but in the end it’s all so...unfortunately...plausible. I loved the book and it kept my attention from the beginning to end. I did mostly feel that Joey really had only committed the “sin of omission” but I’m sure that other readers will assign him a greater degree of error. One thing for certain is that I’m certainly going to be watching for more of this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Black Rose Writing in exchange for an honest opinion. The views expressed by this reviewer are entirely my own.

[Anna Dalvi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first part of the book. It was well written and sucked me into the story immediately. Joey's story was engaging, and I enjoyed how it intertwined with Mike and Mort. However, I do think the book would have been a lot better if it had just focused on the Joey/Mike story and forgiveness. The last part of the book felt more like a random add-on to make it a little longer. I think the investigation and cases definitely could stand to be brought to light in a fictional manner and there's enough there to keep readers interested for multiple books, but in this particular book, it sort of came out of left field and I didn't feel that it fit together very well with the beginning of the story. So on the balance, I'll give the book 3 stars. The beginning was great. The later part could have been good, but in a different book.

Note: I received a complimentary review copy of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review.

[Doug Yonce · Rating 5 out of 5]

Several plots and sub-plots are woven together in this excellent novel. The relationship between a Catholic priest and a Jewish-Catholic-atheist cop is key to the story that also highlights similarities between the Catholic Church and NYPD. Character development is amazing as the protagonists and the supporting characters all seem so real that you're sad the story ends (or their lives end) and you must say goodbye. I received an advanced digital copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher and voluntarily provided an honest review.

[Jennifer Wall · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first started reading this I wasn't sure what to expect from the book, and the author. Absolution was riveting in the fact it was very educational about certain issues in the Catholic church. It also showed us a friendship that evolved from a tragedy that spanned years. Then as they both worked together to basically right a wrong, I felt like I was investigating this with them, and helping them to right the wrong.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves crime mysteries. This is my open and honest opinion.

[Errol · Rating 5 out of 5]

If this wasn't the best book I have ever read, it certainly is one of the best. Having lived a lot of the book, I was enthralled by all the ups and downs, highs and lows, good times and bad. For a retired Nassau County cop to describe the NYC scene in such details brought on shades of Joseph Wambagh. Great job Henry Hack!

[Susan Matthews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absollution

This was a very good story I'm from New York and lived for over 30 years On long island. I am catholic It is terrible What These religious leaders from all churches have done I only wish they could have been arrested which did not happen . It's a shame because There are so many good priest.

[Matthew Lance · Rating 4 out of 5]

“A Raw, Honest, and Unforgettable Journey”
Absolution pulled me in emotionally from the very first chapter. The writing feels painfully honest, like the author isn’t just telling a story he’s confessing something real. The book digs deep into guilt, forgiveness, and the complicated ways we try to make peace with our past. What I loved most is how the characters feel human: flawed, uncertain, but still trying. This isn’t a surface-level read; it’s one that stays with you long after you close it. I found myself thinking about certain scenes days later. Truly powerful storytelling.

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. It kept my attention from the beginning to the end. This is a new to me author and I will be looking for more stories by this author. If you enjoy some mystery and suspense, you will want to read this story.

[Jennifer Tirrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Henry's knowledge of the world in which he writes is deep and well-won. You won't be disappointed in his ability to keep you on the edge of your seat while you ride through this well-crafted crime-thriller.