Today's Read Team 
Stephen G. Eoannou, a first-generation Greek-American writer from Buffalo, New York, has published his fourth book, After Pearl, the first installment in The Nicholas Bishop Mystery Series. This novel, released in May 2025 by SFWP, is a neo-noir wartime murder mystery that blends a gripping detective narrative with a protagonist’s personal struggle for sobriety and redemption.
Eoannou’s literary journey spans over three decades, reflecting his steadfast dedication to the craft of writing. His debut short-story collection, Muscle Cars, earned recognition as a Literary Awards Program Winner from SFWP. Stories within the collection, such as “Swimming Naked,” received an Honor Certificate from The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, while “Slip Kid” won Best Short Screenplay at the 36th Denver Film Festival. These early accolades helped establish Eoannou’s reputation as a distinctive voice in contemporary fiction.
His first novel, Rook, which draws on the true story of the notorious bank robber Al Nussbaum—once called “The most cunning fugitive alive” by J. Edgar Hoover—was a finalist for the Silver Falchion Award. His follow-up novel, Yesteryear, explores the life of Fran Striker, the radio playwright who created The Lone Ranger. Yesteryear won the 2021 International Eyelands Award for Best Historical Novel, the Firebird Book Award for Biographical Fiction, and BookFest’s 2024 Fictional Biography Award, confirming Eoannou’s ability to craft compelling narratives rooted in historical contexts.
After Pearl marks a significant departure into the detective fiction genre while retaining Eoannou’s nuanced storytelling. The novel introduces private investigator Nicholas Bishop and his one-eyed dog, Jake, navigating a post-Pearl Harbor world fraught with corruption, deceit, and emerging threats. The story features a tangled web of characters, including a corrupt politician, a socialite with marital troubles, and a faction of American Nazis, painting a vivid portrait of a city and era in turmoil.
Critics have praised After Pearl for its style and depth. Bruce Robert Coffin, international bestselling author of The Turner and Mosley Files, described the novel as “a wonderfully rendered hard-boiled historical mystery reminiscent of Chandler’s Marlowe novels.” Historical Fiction Company highlighted Eoannou’s skill in channeling classic noir voices, stating, “Mickey Spillane and Dashiell Hammett would be proud of this next generation author who takes their styles and not only matches them but adds his own unique flair and voice to the genre.” Lissa Marie Redmond, author of A Cold Case Investigation Series, called the book “propulsive, clever, and gritty,” recommending it to fans of detective fiction. Tim Wendel, author of Rebel Falls, welcomed Nicholas Bishop as “the irrepressible” hard-boiled detective Buffalo needed, comparing him to iconic figures such as Philip Marlowe and Sam Spade.
Stephen G. Eoannou’s commitment to his craft and his ability to combine historical detail with genre storytelling distinguish his work. His ongoing series promises further exploration of Bishop’s character and the darker corners of mid-20th century America. The upcoming second book in the series, The Falling Woman, is scheduled for release in Spring 2027 by SFWP.
Eoannou currently resides in Buffalo, New York, with his two children and a one-eyed dog named Coco. His career stands as a testament to persistence and creative evolution, making him a noteworthy figure in contemporary American literature.
For more information, visit Stephen G Eoannou’s website and follow his social media profiles on X, Bluesky, and Facebook.