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Dance Noir: The Latin Beauty
Dance The Latin Beauty
A Nick Gazelle Investigation
Private eye Nick Gazelle is no stranger to trouble. But when a mysterious envelope slips through the mail slot of his office door, it draws him into a deadly dance of murder, seduction, and criminal power plays.
The husband’s been shot. The wife is in shock. Crime bosses are circling. The police are sloppy, and the real clues are being missed.
The deeper Nick digs, the darker it gets. The suspects? Dangerous. The motives? Dirty. The truth? Buried beneath lipstick, lies, and blood.
Armed with only his instincts—and a Colt .45—Nick cuts through the fog of deceit, chasing one question that could get him
Who is the Latin beauty really, and can he trust her?
Dance Noir is a taut, hardboiled mystery in the tradition of Chandler and Hammett—gritty streets, sharp dialogue, and a detective who plays by his own code.
A Nick Gazelle Investigation
Private eye Nick Gazelle is no stranger to trouble. But when a mysterious envelope slips through the mail slot of his office door, it draws him into a deadly dance of murder, seduction, and criminal power plays.
The husband’s been shot. The wife is in shock. Crime bosses are circling. The police are sloppy, and the real clues are being missed.
The deeper Nick digs, the darker it gets. The suspects? Dangerous. The motives? Dirty. The truth? Buried beneath lipstick, lies, and blood.
Armed with only his instincts—and a Colt .45—Nick cuts through the fog of deceit, chasing one question that could get him
Who is the Latin beauty really, and can he trust her?
Dance Noir is a taut, hardboiled mystery in the tradition of Chandler and Hammett—gritty streets, sharp dialogue, and a detective who plays by his own code.
141 pages, Paperback
Published October 28, 2025
About the author
Tom Riggins
2 booksI live on the outskirts of Sacramento, California, with my wife. We’ve been married for over 40 years. We share our little ranch house with our dog, cat, and a couple dozen opinionated chickens that run the place more than I do. We enjoy gardening, sailing, and exploring new places, especially when history is involved.
I’ve spent my career in the computer technology industry, but I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands: woodworking, tinkering, restoring, and building. My wife and I have both been involved in historical reenactment for over two decades. We've performed in plays, led historical tours, and even run a nautical-themed educational group. A lot of my story ideas come from that shared love of history.
Writing is something I find deeply rewarding. Not just the finished product, but the process of getting a story out of my head and onto the page (or screen). Most of my stories get their start on vacation, usually with my feet in the sand and a computer on my lap, a tradition that sparked the story behind Beach Combers.
Dance Noir, a novella, is my latest release, featuring a sharp-witted private eye in 1930s Sacramento. Now that it's finished, I can get back to work on Privateers of the Dauntless, a historical nautical adventure, and I have several other tales simmering on the back burner. Hopefully, another Nick Gazelle investigation is not too far behind.
For me, the writing is the goal and the reward; editing is the work; publishing makes it real; and if others enjoy the ride, well, that’s just icing on the cake.
I’ve spent my career in the computer technology industry, but I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands: woodworking, tinkering, restoring, and building. My wife and I have both been involved in historical reenactment for over two decades. We've performed in plays, led historical tours, and even run a nautical-themed educational group. A lot of my story ideas come from that shared love of history.
Writing is something I find deeply rewarding. Not just the finished product, but the process of getting a story out of my head and onto the page (or screen). Most of my stories get their start on vacation, usually with my feet in the sand and a computer on my lap, a tradition that sparked the story behind Beach Combers.
Dance Noir, a novella, is my latest release, featuring a sharp-witted private eye in 1930s Sacramento. Now that it's finished, I can get back to work on Privateers of the Dauntless, a historical nautical adventure, and I have several other tales simmering on the back burner. Hopefully, another Nick Gazelle investigation is not too far behind.
For me, the writing is the goal and the reward; editing is the work; publishing makes it real; and if others enjoy the ride, well, that’s just icing on the cake.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 6, 2026
Dance Noir feels like slipping into a smoky jazz club sometime in the early 1930s—where the lights are low, the danger is high, and everyone is hiding something behind a carefully practiced smile.
From the first page, Tom Riggins commits fully to the noir tradition. Nick Gazelle, a down-on-his-luck private detective living on a boat and clinging to his office door as a symbol of better days, is a classic protagonist in the best sense of the word. He’s weary, observant, quietly principled, and just self-aware enough to know the world rarely rewards decency. The prose leans hard into atmosphere.
The 1930s Sacramento setting is a standout. It’s not just a backdrop; it breathes. From rail yards and river fog to elegant hotels and shadowy empty lots, the city feels lived-in and historically grounded. Riggins clearly enjoys the period, and that affection shows in the details—cars, clothing, social dynamics, and the lingering tension of Prohibition’s final days all add texture without becoming distracting.
Selena, the emotional center of the story, is more than a femme fatale cliché. While she initially appears through a very noir lens—beautiful, mysterious, damaged—she gradually reveals layers of fear, resilience, and ambiguity.
Dance Noir doesn’t rush to shock or over-explain. It trusts the reader to connect dots, sit with discomfort, and read between the lines. The mystery unfolds methodically. But, the pacing is slow, especially compared to modern, high-action crime novels. This is a story that lingers, circles, and observes—very much in the spirit of classic noir rather than contemporary thrillers.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
From the first page, Tom Riggins commits fully to the noir tradition. Nick Gazelle, a down-on-his-luck private detective living on a boat and clinging to his office door as a symbol of better days, is a classic protagonist in the best sense of the word. He’s weary, observant, quietly principled, and just self-aware enough to know the world rarely rewards decency. The prose leans hard into atmosphere.
The 1930s Sacramento setting is a standout. It’s not just a backdrop; it breathes. From rail yards and river fog to elegant hotels and shadowy empty lots, the city feels lived-in and historically grounded. Riggins clearly enjoys the period, and that affection shows in the details—cars, clothing, social dynamics, and the lingering tension of Prohibition’s final days all add texture without becoming distracting.
Selena, the emotional center of the story, is more than a femme fatale cliché. While she initially appears through a very noir lens—beautiful, mysterious, damaged—she gradually reveals layers of fear, resilience, and ambiguity.
Dance Noir doesn’t rush to shock or over-explain. It trusts the reader to connect dots, sit with discomfort, and read between the lines. The mystery unfolds methodically. But, the pacing is slow, especially compared to modern, high-action crime novels. This is a story that lingers, circles, and observes—very much in the spirit of classic noir rather than contemporary thrillers.
I received an advance review copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 24, 2025
Dance Noir : The Latin Beauty pulls you straight into the gritty world of Nick Gazelle, a private eye who lives on instinct and danger . From the moment a mysterious envelope arrives, the story locks you into a pulse-pounding chase through betrayal and secrets. The atmosphere is classic noir—dark, seductive, and impossible to escape.
As Nick steps deeper into the case, he faces a shattered couple, sloppy police work, and crime bosses who would rather bury the truth than reveal it . Every page tightens the tension, pulling you through a maze of motives, lies, and high-stakes danger. The writing keeps you guessing, never letting you relax for a second.
The heart of the story beats around the enigmatic Latin beauty—a woman named Selena wrapped in charm, danger, and unanswered questions . Nick must decide whether she’s an ally or a threat, and that suspense becomes one of the book’s most addictive elements. The twists keep hitting, each one sharper than the last.
With sharp dialogue, gritty streets, and a detective who follows his own rules, Tom Riggins delivers a story that feels both classic and fresh . Dance Noir is a must-read for fans of Chandler, Hammett, and anyone who loves a tough mystery filled with danger, seduction, and unforgettable characters.
January 23, 2026
ARC REVIEW⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
I absolutely loved this novella! From the very first page, I was fully immersed in the vibrant world of the 1920s/1930s. The author masterfully captured the essence of the time period, and the detailed writing brought everything to life in a way that felt both authentic and captivating.
The story revolves around a struggling private investigator and former detective, and I found the mix of a straightforward yet complex murder plot, crime family intrigue, and the rich layers of friendship and romantic tension to be incredibly engaging. The way these elements were woven together kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was thrilled to see how everything unfolded.
Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one sitting! It's the perfect blend of mystery, emotion, and nostalgia that will resonate with anyone who loves a good whodunit. I’m so grateful to have received an advanced review copy from Book Sirens, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on it. This novella is definitely worth your time—trust me, you won’t regret diving into this brilliantly crafted story!
I absolutely loved this novella! From the very first page, I was fully immersed in the vibrant world of the 1920s/1930s. The author masterfully captured the essence of the time period, and the detailed writing brought everything to life in a way that felt both authentic and captivating.
The story revolves around a struggling private investigator and former detective, and I found the mix of a straightforward yet complex murder plot, crime family intrigue, and the rich layers of friendship and romantic tension to be incredibly engaging. The way these elements were woven together kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was thrilled to see how everything unfolded.
Honestly, I couldn’t put this book down and finished it in one sitting! It's the perfect blend of mystery, emotion, and nostalgia that will resonate with anyone who loves a good whodunit. I’m so grateful to have received an advanced review copy from Book Sirens, and I’m thrilled to share my thoughts on it. This novella is definitely worth your time—trust me, you won’t regret diving into this brilliantly crafted story!
November 15, 2025
Hey, I’ll admit it — I’m biased.
After all, I wrote this book. But if you’re a fan of the detective noir genre, I truly believe you’ll enjoy this one.
As a reader, I’ve always disliked mystery or crime stories where the author holds back key clues, then springs a surprise twist that the audience could never have figured out. That’s not fair play.
So when writing Dance Noir, I aimed to do it differently. You get all the same clues that Nick Gazelle gets. No tricks. No missing pieces. But I still worked hard to build a twist that might catch you off guard, and hopefully one that lands just right.
At the end of the day, I hope you find the whole story, and especially the ending, satisfying.
After all, I wrote this book. But if you’re a fan of the detective noir genre, I truly believe you’ll enjoy this one.
As a reader, I’ve always disliked mystery or crime stories where the author holds back key clues, then springs a surprise twist that the audience could never have figured out. That’s not fair play.
So when writing Dance Noir, I aimed to do it differently. You get all the same clues that Nick Gazelle gets. No tricks. No missing pieces. But I still worked hard to build a twist that might catch you off guard, and hopefully one that lands just right.
At the end of the day, I hope you find the whole story, and especially the ending, satisfying.
January 16, 2026
This is a good one, hugely enjoyable and I recommend you find a copy and devour it. Think Chandler, think Hammett and, why not, think H. Bogart in the role of the PI. The author gets the setting and the mood right for a 1930s gumshoe story and he tells a good tale. Will follow this author.
I received a copy via BookSirens and this is my independent review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a copy via BookSirens and this is my independent review.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 18, 2026
Really enjoyed this novella, the beautiful detail around the time period and the investigation was right up my street. The author captured me in such a brilliant invocation of the time. I love a good detective plot from 1920s/1930s so this immediately jumped out.
The writing is good, scene setting great and the detail is excellent. The story blends between a struggling private investigator and ex detective, a complex yet simple murder plot in different ways, crime family interest and good old fashioned friendship, family love and sexual chemistry. All of this in doses.
It’s a great read which I did in two evenings. Enjoyed a lot. Grateful to have received this advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The writing is good, scene setting great and the detail is excellent. The story blends between a struggling private investigator and ex detective, a complex yet simple murder plot in different ways, crime family interest and good old fashioned friendship, family love and sexual chemistry. All of this in doses.
It’s a great read which I did in two evenings. Enjoyed a lot. Grateful to have received this advanced review copy for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews