About

Before The Night Falls

Detective Marcus Vale thought he knew who the real criminals were. Then he discovered they were wearing badges.

When a routine cargo theft investigation leads Vale into the shadows of Brooklyn's Red Hook warehouses, he uncovers a corruption network that reaches deep into his own precinct. Captain Morrison isn't just overlooking crimes—he's orchestrating them. And Vale's partner Ray is hiding secrets that could destroy them both.

Caught between a system that protects its own and a family desperate for justice, Vale faces an impossible choice: stay silent and let corruption flourish, or speak truth and watch his career burn.

Tommy Kowalski risked everything to expose the theft ring. Now he's missing, and his family is next. Internal Affairs detective Frank Torrino claims he wants to help, but in a world where cops can't trust cops, everyone is a potential enemy.

With his reputation under attack and his life in danger, Vale discovers that sometimes the only way to serve justice is to abandon the law. But bringing down Brooklyn's most corrupt captain will cost him everything he's worked for—and everyone he's tried to protect.

From the frozen streets of Brooklyn Heights to the industrial maze of Red Hook, Before The Night Falls is a gripping tale of loyalty, betrayal, and the price of doing what's right when the system is rigged against you.

Some truths are worth losing everything to find. Some fights are worth fighting alone.

The prequel to the Night Files series, where ex-detective Marcus Vale begins his journey from cop to private investigator, taking on the cases nobody else will touch.


About

Jeff Kikel
Jeff Kikel

📚 Welcome to JeffKikel.com

 Hi, I’m Jeff Kikel—author of both financial/business guides that help people retire smarter, and mysteries that keep them up past midnight.

Whether you’re here for practical advice or pulse-pounding fiction, you’re in the right place. My bookshelf covers both sides of the coin:

  • Nonfiction titles like The Retirement Income Equation and Overcoming the Retirement Trap have helped thousands prepare for a stress-free retirement.
  • My bestselling fiction series—The Marcus Vale Night Files and Brotherhood of the Star—take readers deep into the shadows of crime, corruption, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Each week, I publish a new Murder Mystery Quiz right here on the site—perfect for readers who like to solve the puzzle before the last page.

📬 Want more? Subscribe to my mailing list and I’ll send you a free copy of Before the Night Falls, the prequel novella to the Marcus Vale Night Files series.

Thanks for stopping by. Mystery or money, I’ve got a story for you.

Blog

Day 4 Clues: Last Call At Smokey Joe's - Can You Solve The Murder? CLUE

CLUE BOARD - DAY 4 The Last Call at Smoky Joe's

Three Strikes

Original Story Here

From Nico's notes:

Went back to The Velvet Room's matchbook supplier—Romano's Premium Print Shop on Taylor Street. Old man Romano keeps detailed records of everything.

"Those black matchbooks with gold lettering? Custom job. Only print 'em once a month, 500 at a time." Romano flipped through his ledger. "Last batch went out three weeks ago."

"Who picks them up?"

"Usually their day manager, but three weeks ago was...

Read More
Day 3 Clues: Last Call At Smokey Joe's - Can You Solve A Murder? CLUE BOARD

CLUE BOARD - DAY 3 The Last Call at Smoky Joe's

The French Connection

Original Case Here

From Nico's notes:

Found two other singers who'd crossed paths with Vincent Moreau. Neither wanted to talk at first.

Carmen Valdez, torch singer from the Blue Moon Lounge: "Vincent promised me a recording contract. Big studio, national tour, the works. All I had to do was meet him at his hotel room to 'discuss the details.'" Her voice went cold. "When I refused, he said I'd regret it. That girls who don't play...

Read More
Day 2 Clues: Last Call At Smokey Joe's - Can You Solve A Murder? CLUE BOARD

CLUE BOARD - DAY 2 The Last Call at Smoky Joe's

Frank's Side Business

Original Case Here

From Nico's notes:

Paid a visit to Marcus Webb, head bartender at The Velvet Room. Twenty-year veteran who's seen every scam and side hustle in the business.

"Frank Kowalski? Yeah, I know him. Works our private parties when we need extra hands." Marcus polished a glass, eyes distant. "Good worker, keeps his mouth shut. Important in our line of work."

"What kind of parties?"

"The kind where married city...

Read More
View All