Floor 24

A Skyline Murder Mystery, Book 1

By: Martin Hill Ortiz

Narrated by: Robert T. Sutherland

A pen falls from a high rise and shatters at the feet of New York World reporter and World War vet Alan Priest. Its broken barrel bears the name and office of Fritch Designs on the 24th floor. On a whim, he investigates. As he reaches floor 24, he finds a window open and a corpse on the sidewalk below. A gawker from a nearby office window recognizes the corpse by her dress, sees Alan looking out the victim’s window and screams.

Someone bolts from the office, and a hasty pursuit ends in a policeman being hurled to his death and Alan being accused of both murders.

He seeks shelter with the help of gentlemen’s club hostess Lorraine Marquette, which lands both of them in police custody. But the mob king of New York has the police in his clutches and soon Alan and Lorraine find themselves released solely to uncover the secret behind Fritch Designs, a secret that could cost them their lives as they evade assassins and brave the lethal heights of a city growing at a mad pace.

Floor 24 is a heart-stopping, old-fashioned adventure with a reckless pace and breakneck twists.

©2024 Martin Hill Ortiz (P)2025 Martin Hill Ortiz

Critic reviews

"From the mob underworld to the tops of new skyscrapers, Floor 24 is a heart-thumping New York 1920’s historical mystery!” — Holly Newman, bestselling author of the A Chance Inquiry mystery seriesManhattan, 1926.

Murder, Twists, and a View from the Edge

I hit play on Floor 24 during a long drive, and I was instantly hooked. The murder, the mystery, the high-rise setting ,it all had this eerie, locked room vibe that kept me guessing. Martin Hill Ortiz builds suspense without overdoing it, and Robert T. Sutherland’s narration added just the right amount of tension. I felt like I was right there on the 24th floor, piecing it all together. If you're into clever mysteries with atmosphere, this one's a ride.

Noir Vibes, Fast Falls, and Faster Twists

I started Floor 24 on a lazy Sunday, expecting a slow burn ,what I got was a rocket ride through 1940s New York. Alan Priest is the kind of gritty, unlucky hero you root for, and the opening scene hooked me fast. The mix of crime, conspiracy, and sky high danger had me pausing just to catch my breath. Felt like stepping into a black and white film, but with earbuds. If you're into old school thrillers with sharp writing, this one's gold.

Felt Like I Was in a Black and White Thriller

I threw this on during a rainy weekend, not expecting much and got totally hooked. The vibe was gritty, fast, and just the right amount of chaotic. I kept picturing those old school noir films my grandfather loved, but with a sharper edge. The pace doesn’t let up, and the whole feeling kept me glued. I even paused dinner to finish a chapter. If you like twists and tension, give it a go.




Ask ChatGPT

Couldn’t stop listening

I went in with zero expectations and ended up glued to my headphones. The tension ramps up fast, and I kept telling myself “just one more chapter” before realizing an hour had flown by. I loved how every moment felt purposeful, and I kept forming theories as things unfolded. It had me checking the clock at night because I didn’t want to pause. If you enjoy being pulled into something intense and unpredictable, this one hits the spot.

Had Me Listening Way Later Than I Planned

I started this one during a quiet night at home and didn’t expect it to pull me in so fast. The tension built in a way that made me keep saying, just one more chapter. I kept comparing parts of it to odd moments I have encountered where something felt off, which made it even more gripping. The pacing worked well, and the twists landed without feeling forced. At the end of the day I was genuinely glad I picked it up.