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Recommend this book:
 is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson w...){kind=link}
Deadly Bonds
A Detective Jackson Mystery
L.J. Sellers
2015 Bronze Medal
318 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson whose girlfriend Kera has a family crisis that puts a strain on their relationship. Katie, his emotionally confused daughter, runs away and adorable Benjie needs constant supervision. The background search conducted by Detective Jackson on Benjie’s mother reveals that the name Amanda Carter is an alias, and her neighbour’s teen son, who behaves like a future psycho killer, knows more about the victim’s home than he admits. When a university football player suddenly dies, Jackson’s superiors make that case a priority, hindering and frustrating him from quickly solving his current one.
Suspense is not lacking in Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) by L.J. Sellers. She has created an intricate plot with interesting characters. Although Detective Jackson is the protagonist, other characters get a fair opportunity to shine in the roles they play, so readers will become more familiar with them as their personal lives come under scrutiny. The author writes nicely, taking time to form her characters properly in a good setting. Connecting the dots in this mystery is fun as L.J. Sellers strings you along with surprising little clues that pop up as Jackson’s team conduct their investigation. I enjoyed reading Deadly Bonds very much.
Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) is an engaging book by L.J. Sellers. Detective Wade Jackson’s life changes when he investigates the murder of Amanda Carter. Her three-year-old son, Benjie, traumatised after witnessing her death, bonds with the detective who becomes his temporary guardian. Solving the case proves difficult for Jackson whose girlfriend Kera has a family crisis that puts a strain on their relationship. Katie, his emotionally confused daughter, runs away and adorable Benjie needs constant supervision. The background search conducted by Detective Jackson on Benjie’s mother reveals that the name Amanda Carter is an alias, and her neighbour’s teen son, who behaves like a future psycho killer, knows more about the victim’s home than he admits. When a university football player suddenly dies, Jackson’s superiors make that case a priority, hindering and frustrating him from quickly solving his current one.
Suspense is not lacking in Deadly Bonds (A Detective Jackson Mystery) by L.J. Sellers. She has created an intricate plot with interesting characters. Although Detective Jackson is the protagonist, other characters get a fair opportunity to shine in the roles they play, so readers will become more familiar with them as their personal lives come under scrutiny. The author writes nicely, taking time to form her characters properly in a good setting. Connecting the dots in this mystery is fun as L.J. Sellers strings you along with surprising little clues that pop up as Jackson’s team conduct their investigation. I enjoyed reading Deadly Bonds very much.
Recommend this book:
Wrongful Death
A Detective Jackson Mystery
L.J. Sellers
2015 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Detective Wade Jackson investigates the death of a colleague in Wrongful Death, part of the Detective Jackson Mystery series by L.J. Sellers. Two mentally challenged brothers, seen with Officer Dan Thompson after he distributed supplies to the homeless camp, are the prime suspects. The case appears “open and shut,” and Jackson is pressured to solve the case as relations between the homeless community and the cops become volatile. His partner, Schak, the deceased’s cousin, investigates a girl’s suicide and learns that the victim and other girls were molested and blackmailed. He and Jackson realise both cases are linked and evidence makes them wonder if the rapist is actually a cop or an imposter. What was Officer Dan Thompson’s connection to these crimes? Can they catch the perpetrator before the media hears about him?
Wrongful Death is another book from the Detective Jackson Mystery series and I like the resourceful writing style of L.J. Sellers. She engages her readers with convincing dramas, and her recurring main characters in the series have lifelike emotional problems that occur in today’s society. Detective Jackson is a man I admire for his compassion in dealing with delicate issues arising both on the job and in his personal life, which is filled with a lot of family struggles. The author showed a mixture of opinionated views of cops, citizens and their actions when an unjust crime is committed, and I found this thought provoking. L.J. Sellers’ well-written, moderately paced story is from a series I hope to continue reading.
Detective Wade Jackson investigates the death of a colleague in Wrongful Death, part of the Detective Jackson Mystery series by L.J. Sellers. Two mentally challenged brothers, seen with Officer Dan Thompson after he distributed supplies to the homeless camp, are the prime suspects. The case appears “open and shut,” and Jackson is pressured to solve the case as relations between the homeless community and the cops become volatile. His partner, Schak, the deceased’s cousin, investigates a girl’s suicide and learns that the victim and other girls were molested and blackmailed. He and Jackson realise both cases are linked and evidence makes them wonder if the rapist is actually a cop or an imposter. What was Officer Dan Thompson’s connection to these crimes? Can they catch the perpetrator before the media hears about him?
Wrongful Death is another book from the Detective Jackson Mystery series and I like the resourceful writing style of L.J. Sellers. She engages her readers with convincing dramas, and her recurring main characters in the series have lifelike emotional problems that occur in today’s society. Detective Jackson is a man I admire for his compassion in dealing with delicate issues arising both on the job and in his personal life, which is filled with a lot of family struggles. The author showed a mixture of opinionated views of cops, citizens and their actions when an unjust crime is committed, and I found this thought provoking. L.J. Sellers’ well-written, moderately paced story is from a series I hope to continue reading.
Recommend this book:
Stolen
Dawn Kopman Whidden
2015 Gold Medal
224 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Michelle Stanley for Readers' Favorite
Stolen is a mystery by Dawn Kopman Whidden. When hunters find male victims with gunshot wounds and two traumatised children at a remote cabin, homicide detectives Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are shocked by the things their investigation uncovers. One of the victims was a known pedophile and the other man is his son, Troy, who’s in a critical condition. What’s even more puzzling are the children’s behavior and lack of positive identities. One of the children is a boy with a name tag “Tristan,” who’s unable to speak. Evidence found at the cabin reveals children were abducted from their families and abused. This hits close to home as detective Keal remembers a missing boy from his childhood days. The investigation takes an unusual direction when Troy’s brother, Shane, lurks in the shadows, determined to take his brother and Tristan away from the authorities.
Stolen is a suspenseful mystery, and Dawn Kopman Whidden aroused my curiosity with its great beginning. The story is interesting, realistic and a bit emotional due to the chilling nature of the plot. I like the author’s eye for details, and I think she writes an insightful account of what victims and their families could possibly experience, if faced with this horror. Dawn Kopman Whidden nicely extracts the confusing emotions and thoughts of the characters, and they were convincing in a natural surrounding. Her writing form is fluent and unforced, and I am very impressed with the creative abilities of this author.
Stolen is a mystery by Dawn Kopman Whidden. When hunters find male victims with gunshot wounds and two traumatised children at a remote cabin, homicide detectives Jean Whitley and her partner Marty Keal are shocked by the things their investigation uncovers. One of the victims was a known pedophile and the other man is his son, Troy, who’s in a critical condition. What’s even more puzzling are the children’s behavior and lack of positive identities. One of the children is a boy with a name tag “Tristan,” who’s unable to speak. Evidence found at the cabin reveals children were abducted from their families and abused. This hits close to home as detective Keal remembers a missing boy from his childhood days. The investigation takes an unusual direction when Troy’s brother, Shane, lurks in the shadows, determined to take his brother and Tristan away from the authorities.
Stolen is a suspenseful mystery, and Dawn Kopman Whidden aroused my curiosity with its great beginning. The story is interesting, realistic and a bit emotional due to the chilling nature of the plot. I like the author’s eye for details, and I think she writes an insightful account of what victims and their families could possibly experience, if faced with this horror. Dawn Kopman Whidden nicely extracts the confusing emotions and thoughts of the characters, and they were convincing in a natural surrounding. Her writing form is fluent and unforced, and I am very impressed with the creative abilities of this author.
Recommend this book:
Better Dead Than Never
Laurent Boulanger
2014 Honorable Mention
280 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
In Better Dead than Never by Laurent Boulanger, we seek to separate truth from lies. Ten years ago, Beh Mohammed Shah was jailed for the rape and murder of Steven Donnelly. Now Patricia Lunn has been asked to investigate a possible miscarriage of justice. An ex-police officer turned private eye, Patricia is told that Shah may have been framed and is asked to determine the truth. Her investigations, together with her business partner, Tyron, put her and all around her in the line of fire - literally. When she gets too close to the truth, she is shot 3 times by a hired assassin. But, who hired the assassin? What does all this have to do with Steven Donnelly's death? And why are the witnesses to his apparent abduction so hostile?
Laurent Boulanger is a serious contender for Janet Evanovich's shoes, although with a little less humor. Better Dead than Never is a story that hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. It has everything - the gorgeous private eye, her protector and business partner, murder, mayhem and justice. It's clear that a great deal of effort was put into this book - the plot is original and well thought out, the characters match the plot perfectly, and everything flows exactly as it should. It was an easy read but difficult to put down, exactly as any good story should be. I believe the author is working on a sequel to this and I would love the chance to read it.
In Better Dead than Never by Laurent Boulanger, we seek to separate truth from lies. Ten years ago, Beh Mohammed Shah was jailed for the rape and murder of Steven Donnelly. Now Patricia Lunn has been asked to investigate a possible miscarriage of justice. An ex-police officer turned private eye, Patricia is told that Shah may have been framed and is asked to determine the truth. Her investigations, together with her business partner, Tyron, put her and all around her in the line of fire - literally. When she gets too close to the truth, she is shot 3 times by a hired assassin. But, who hired the assassin? What does all this have to do with Steven Donnelly's death? And why are the witnesses to his apparent abduction so hostile?
Laurent Boulanger is a serious contender for Janet Evanovich's shoes, although with a little less humor. Better Dead than Never is a story that hooks you from the first page and doesn't let go until the last. It has everything - the gorgeous private eye, her protector and business partner, murder, mayhem and justice. It's clear that a great deal of effort was put into this book - the plot is original and well thought out, the characters match the plot perfectly, and everything flows exactly as it should. It was an easy read but difficult to put down, exactly as any good story should be. I believe the author is working on a sequel to this and I would love the chance to read it.
Recommend this book:
Ghost Music
A Marcus Brace Mystery
Patrick Linder
2014 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
In Ghost Music, Detective Marcus Brace finds his card on a brutally bludgeoned female body. The killer wants him to handle the crime, plain as day. A burned-out cop with a strenuous job and a failed marriage, a death of someone in his past will lead Brace to the hidden truth that crosses paths with his intriguing case. As the first installment of the Marcus Brace Mystery series, this haunting psychological thriller is written by Patrick Linder.
Ghost Music is a commendable and flawless mystery crime tale. The main strength of the novel is evident right away - author Patrick Linder's faultless writing style. He has woven a richly detailed book, effortlessly allowing readers to immerse themselves in Brace's attraction to his colleague, Detective Ashlynn Rivers, his failed marriage, his relationship with his father, and the intriguing mystery that Mr. Brey left for him to solve. It is easy to connect to this flawed protagonist, as he is believable and well-fleshed out, which is also the case for the other characters. Ashlynn complements Brace well, which makes them perfect partners professionally and romantically. Linder also captures the mood of the surroundings perfectly; the gory feel of the crime scenes, the busy, colorful senses of Seattle city, and windy, sunny Kansas.
All in all, Ghost Music is a gritty, meaty mystery novel where its intrinsic quality is worth being read slowly to digest its exciting premise and well-structured plot. Combined with Linder's watertight prose, the Marcus Brace Mystery series would easily attract a wide range of readers.
In Ghost Music, Detective Marcus Brace finds his card on a brutally bludgeoned female body. The killer wants him to handle the crime, plain as day. A burned-out cop with a strenuous job and a failed marriage, a death of someone in his past will lead Brace to the hidden truth that crosses paths with his intriguing case. As the first installment of the Marcus Brace Mystery series, this haunting psychological thriller is written by Patrick Linder.
Ghost Music is a commendable and flawless mystery crime tale. The main strength of the novel is evident right away - author Patrick Linder's faultless writing style. He has woven a richly detailed book, effortlessly allowing readers to immerse themselves in Brace's attraction to his colleague, Detective Ashlynn Rivers, his failed marriage, his relationship with his father, and the intriguing mystery that Mr. Brey left for him to solve. It is easy to connect to this flawed protagonist, as he is believable and well-fleshed out, which is also the case for the other characters. Ashlynn complements Brace well, which makes them perfect partners professionally and romantically. Linder also captures the mood of the surroundings perfectly; the gory feel of the crime scenes, the busy, colorful senses of Seattle city, and windy, sunny Kansas.
All in all, Ghost Music is a gritty, meaty mystery novel where its intrinsic quality is worth being read slowly to digest its exciting premise and well-structured plot. Combined with Linder's watertight prose, the Marcus Brace Mystery series would easily attract a wide range of readers.
Recommend this book:
Night Shadows
Detective Louis Martelli, NYPD, Mystery/Thriller Series
Theodore Jerome Cohen
2014 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
Night Shadows by Theodore J. Cohen, PhD, is a murder mystery right out of NYPD case files, or so it seems. Detective-Investigator Louis Martelli and his partner, Sean O’Keeffe, found themselves with an unexpected murder on their hands when Deputy Coroner Michael Antonetti’s assistant discovered a rare ancient coin under the tongue of the cadaver brought in as an apparent suicide. Launched into an investigation they hadn’t anticipated, the detectives soon found themselves investigating a related second murder, while trying to prevent a third one. Using resources available to the police IT person, the two built their case one slow piece at a time, following up on many false leads in the process. Would they be able to solve the case before another murder is committed? Would they finally be able to follow a legitimate lead? Would the murderer be apprehended?
Night Shadows is a fascinating and believable story about the consequences of poor decisions. Sometimes those consequences are not realized until much later in life. Dr. Cohen has crafted a brilliant tale demonstrating the possible results of choices made by a group of High School students, which finally come to fruition many years later. Details of the police investigation were remarkably credible, incorporating a number of high tech tools only recently available. Dr. Cohen has perfectly captured the essence of small town America, and the passion for athletic performance that goes beyond the rational. This story was an enthralling tale I just could not put down. This is one murder mystery I will assuredly recommend to anyone and everyone with an interest in the genre.
Night Shadows by Theodore J. Cohen, PhD, is a murder mystery right out of NYPD case files, or so it seems. Detective-Investigator Louis Martelli and his partner, Sean O’Keeffe, found themselves with an unexpected murder on their hands when Deputy Coroner Michael Antonetti’s assistant discovered a rare ancient coin under the tongue of the cadaver brought in as an apparent suicide. Launched into an investigation they hadn’t anticipated, the detectives soon found themselves investigating a related second murder, while trying to prevent a third one. Using resources available to the police IT person, the two built their case one slow piece at a time, following up on many false leads in the process. Would they be able to solve the case before another murder is committed? Would they finally be able to follow a legitimate lead? Would the murderer be apprehended?
Night Shadows is a fascinating and believable story about the consequences of poor decisions. Sometimes those consequences are not realized until much later in life. Dr. Cohen has crafted a brilliant tale demonstrating the possible results of choices made by a group of High School students, which finally come to fruition many years later. Details of the police investigation were remarkably credible, incorporating a number of high tech tools only recently available. Dr. Cohen has perfectly captured the essence of small town America, and the passion for athletic performance that goes beyond the rational. This story was an enthralling tale I just could not put down. This is one murder mystery I will assuredly recommend to anyone and everyone with an interest in the genre.
Recommend this book:
A Child is Torn
Innocence Lost
Dawn Kopman Whidden
2014 Silver Medal
254 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Bil Howard for Readers' Favorite
Are we a product of nature or nurture? Was Brad a product of abuse or that of an evil seed, born to kill? In A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost, by Dawn Kopman Whidden, Dr Hope Rubin is sent in to evaluate and treat a child who has just confessed to the brutal bludgeoning of his mother and father. The ten-year-old seems normal and calm while playing Super Mario, but he is covered with blood and Officer Marty Keal isn’t certain whether the boy is telling the truth about what happened or leading them on a wild goose chase. The boy’s father, Evan Madison, was a very dependable employee and his mother levelheaded as well. The investigators can find no shred of evidence to suggest that the child was ever mistreated, but something had to have set the boy off. Detective Jean Whitely makes it her mission to discover the facts. Is he telling the truth or covering up for someone? What is the truth about Brad?
A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost is a hair-raising thriller that digs into the origins of the motivation for murder. Dawn Kopman Whidden has created a literary masterpiece that will send a chill down your spine every time you look at your child innocently playing a video game. Attempting to understand the evil that lurks about, driving even the cutest and most innocent toward brutal violence will have any reader scratching their head and looking over their shoulder. Suspenseful, thrilling, and masterfully developed; A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost will make the reader wonder if it is safe to go to bed at night.
Are we a product of nature or nurture? Was Brad a product of abuse or that of an evil seed, born to kill? In A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost, by Dawn Kopman Whidden, Dr Hope Rubin is sent in to evaluate and treat a child who has just confessed to the brutal bludgeoning of his mother and father. The ten-year-old seems normal and calm while playing Super Mario, but he is covered with blood and Officer Marty Keal isn’t certain whether the boy is telling the truth about what happened or leading them on a wild goose chase. The boy’s father, Evan Madison, was a very dependable employee and his mother levelheaded as well. The investigators can find no shred of evidence to suggest that the child was ever mistreated, but something had to have set the boy off. Detective Jean Whitely makes it her mission to discover the facts. Is he telling the truth or covering up for someone? What is the truth about Brad?
A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost is a hair-raising thriller that digs into the origins of the motivation for murder. Dawn Kopman Whidden has created a literary masterpiece that will send a chill down your spine every time you look at your child innocently playing a video game. Attempting to understand the evil that lurks about, driving even the cutest and most innocent toward brutal violence will have any reader scratching their head and looking over their shoulder. Suspenseful, thrilling, and masterfully developed; A Child is Torn; Innocence Lost will make the reader wonder if it is safe to go to bed at night.
Recommend this book:
Cache a Predator
M. Weidenbenner
2014 Gold Medal
264 Pages
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Officer Brett Reed is living his worst nightmare when his ex-wife, a drug addict, gains custody of five-year-old Quinn, his only child and daughter. Things continue to spiral downward when his ex-wife's irresponsibility causes little Quinn to be placed in a temporary foster home when she is found on the street by herself. Brett has to wait and hope that Child Protective Services will see him as the better parent for her. At the same time, he’s working on a case where registered pedophiles are being attacked in a gruesome way. Written by M. Weidenbenner, Cache a Predator is a crime thriller about a father’s love, justice, and the disturbed game played by a deranged vigilante.
Cache a Predator grabbed me from the very first chapter, as author M. Weidenbenner takes readers immediately into the unhinged predatory mind of a psychopath and a vigilante on a rampage for justice, attacking registered pedophiles. I am a fan of SVU, Bones, and Dexter, thus this novel is right up my alley. I love the unpredictable plot and the pacing is faultless. The characterization is the best I have read so far. You would definitely root for Brett in his efforts to get custody of his daughter Quinn, whilst reluctantly trying to respect the flawed justice system.
Mind-blowing from start to end, I finished my reading in just one sitting. I highly recommended Cache a Predator to any readers who are looking for a new, excellent crime novel that is heartrending and thought-provoking as well.
Officer Brett Reed is living his worst nightmare when his ex-wife, a drug addict, gains custody of five-year-old Quinn, his only child and daughter. Things continue to spiral downward when his ex-wife's irresponsibility causes little Quinn to be placed in a temporary foster home when she is found on the street by herself. Brett has to wait and hope that Child Protective Services will see him as the better parent for her. At the same time, he’s working on a case where registered pedophiles are being attacked in a gruesome way. Written by M. Weidenbenner, Cache a Predator is a crime thriller about a father’s love, justice, and the disturbed game played by a deranged vigilante.
Cache a Predator grabbed me from the very first chapter, as author M. Weidenbenner takes readers immediately into the unhinged predatory mind of a psychopath and a vigilante on a rampage for justice, attacking registered pedophiles. I am a fan of SVU, Bones, and Dexter, thus this novel is right up my alley. I love the unpredictable plot and the pacing is faultless. The characterization is the best I have read so far. You would definitely root for Brett in his efforts to get custody of his daughter Quinn, whilst reluctantly trying to respect the flawed justice system.
Mind-blowing from start to end, I finished my reading in just one sitting. I highly recommended Cache a Predator to any readers who are looking for a new, excellent crime novel that is heartrending and thought-provoking as well.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/wherefore-art-thou-jane&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51sEbcFJBkL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Jane Pate is a woman with a mission. Determined, strong and focused on what she does, she is a fiercely independent person whose choice of profession is as unusual as she is. Other than being a snake catcher, she also doubles up as a writer who has an annoyingly handsome and "gets on your nerves with his audacity" publisher called Reginald Fairclot...){kind=link}
Wherefore Art Thou, Jane?
A Pate and Faircloth Novel
Jean James and Mary James
2013 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Dr. Oliva Dsouza for Readers' Favorite
Jane Pate is a woman with a mission. Determined, strong and focused on what she does, she is a fiercely independent person whose choice of profession is as unusual as she is. Other than being a snake catcher, she also doubles up as a writer who has an annoyingly handsome and "gets on your nerves with his audacity" publisher called Reginald Faircloth. When both put their heads together to solve the secret behind the secret marijuana plantation coming up on Reginald's land, sparks begin to fly all over the place. As the mystery deepens and begins to unravel, the plot takes various interesting twists and turns to finally reveal the truth and leave you wanting more.
"Totally unputdownable" is how I would rate his book. It is one of those rare books nowadays that one would want to read from start to finish in one go. Jane and her spirit grow on you and her struggle to find her own space and survive are heartwarming. Reginald with his endearingly straightforward personality and intelligence is an exceptionally well fleshed-out character. Their partnership is perfect and the situations the unlikely duo finds themselves in are hilarious and at the same time dangerous.
Are they going to solve the puzzle or just end up getting pulled deeper into the vortex of crime? Is Jane going to go her own way after marrying her fiancée Cody or fall for the high and mighty Reginald? Does she actually dislike him as much as she thinks she does? Read on and you will be surprised. An excellent read for the wonderful thrills and subtle romance in the plot. "Wherefore Art Thou, Jane?" by Jean James and Mary James is a book you should put on your "must read" list.
Jane Pate is a woman with a mission. Determined, strong and focused on what she does, she is a fiercely independent person whose choice of profession is as unusual as she is. Other than being a snake catcher, she also doubles up as a writer who has an annoyingly handsome and "gets on your nerves with his audacity" publisher called Reginald Faircloth. When both put their heads together to solve the secret behind the secret marijuana plantation coming up on Reginald's land, sparks begin to fly all over the place. As the mystery deepens and begins to unravel, the plot takes various interesting twists and turns to finally reveal the truth and leave you wanting more.
"Totally unputdownable" is how I would rate his book. It is one of those rare books nowadays that one would want to read from start to finish in one go. Jane and her spirit grow on you and her struggle to find her own space and survive are heartwarming. Reginald with his endearingly straightforward personality and intelligence is an exceptionally well fleshed-out character. Their partnership is perfect and the situations the unlikely duo finds themselves in are hilarious and at the same time dangerous.
Are they going to solve the puzzle or just end up getting pulled deeper into the vortex of crime? Is Jane going to go her own way after marrying her fiancée Cody or fall for the high and mighty Reginald? Does she actually dislike him as much as she thinks she does? Read on and you will be surprised. An excellent read for the wonderful thrills and subtle romance in the plot. "Wherefore Art Thou, Jane?" by Jean James and Mary James is a book you should put on your "must read" list.
Recommend this book:
Rules of Crime
A Detective Jackson Mystery
L.J. Sellers
2013 Bronze Medal
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Mystery - General
Reviewed by Jack Quick for Readers' Favorite
Another outstanding police procedural from L J Sellers featuring detective Wade Jackson and his cohorts of the Eugene, Oregon Police Department. This time it is personal as Jackson’s ex-wife, Renee, is missing. Jackson suspects that alcoholic Renee has climbed back inside the bottle that destroyed their marriage. But the truth is far worse: kidnappers have snatched Renee and are now demanding ransom from her wealthy fiancé. In the meantime, Jackson’s protégé, Detective Lara Evans, is working on a seemingly unrelated case involving a battered coed and a whispered rumor of a secret sorority. Add in Eugene’s new FBI liaison, Agent Carla River, (formerly Carl) and you have all the main characters hard at work to save lives and bring the perps to justice. On top of all the other stress elements Jackson is trying to shield his teenage daughter from the worst of the situations.
Ms. Sellers has done an outstanding job of developing Detective Jackson in his previous books, so it is easy to quickly get into the story. Those who haven't read the previous books in the series can also enjoy this one on its own merit, but I would encourage the serious reader to go back and read the earlier books for maximum enjoyment. In addition to great characters and a delightfully twisty plot, Ms. Sellers makes you feel the nuances of living in Oregon with her detailed descriptions of the scenery and the weather. I still miss Ed McBain, but Ms. Sellers has now become my go-to for solid police procedurals.
Another outstanding police procedural from L J Sellers featuring detective Wade Jackson and his cohorts of the Eugene, Oregon Police Department. This time it is personal as Jackson’s ex-wife, Renee, is missing. Jackson suspects that alcoholic Renee has climbed back inside the bottle that destroyed their marriage. But the truth is far worse: kidnappers have snatched Renee and are now demanding ransom from her wealthy fiancé. In the meantime, Jackson’s protégé, Detective Lara Evans, is working on a seemingly unrelated case involving a battered coed and a whispered rumor of a secret sorority. Add in Eugene’s new FBI liaison, Agent Carla River, (formerly Carl) and you have all the main characters hard at work to save lives and bring the perps to justice. On top of all the other stress elements Jackson is trying to shield his teenage daughter from the worst of the situations.
Ms. Sellers has done an outstanding job of developing Detective Jackson in his previous books, so it is easy to quickly get into the story. Those who haven't read the previous books in the series can also enjoy this one on its own merit, but I would encourage the serious reader to go back and read the earlier books for maximum enjoyment. In addition to great characters and a delightfully twisty plot, Ms. Sellers makes you feel the nuances of living in Oregon with her detailed descriptions of the scenery and the weather. I still miss Ed McBain, but Ms. Sellers has now become my go-to for solid police procedurals.
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