Hot Enough to Kill

The Jolene Jackson Mystery Series #1

by Paula Boyd

Book 1--The 1st Jolene Jackson MysteryREVISED EDITION--July 19, 2012Kickapoo, Texas, is the last place Jolene Jackson wants to be, but with her 72-year-old mother’s boyfriend murdered and Mother Dearest locked up because of it, she’s got little choice but to head south and deal with it.Bullets are flying, chicken’s frying and there’s a lunatic on the loose in the mesquites with a shotgun who’s Hot Enough to Kill.An excerpt is included in The University of Texas Press' title, Lone Star Sleuths--An Anthology of Texas Crime FictionREVIEWS"Don't Mess with Texas! You'll laugh your way from Kickapoo to Redwater Falls and back." -- Linda Huntley Wills, Redbook"This is a wild ride with thrills, chills and laughs galore. Highly Recommended." -- Editor, I *Love* a Mystery"...makes for fast, fun summer reading." -- Nancy Cook-Senn, Shawnee Escort"Anyone who enjoys the works of Janet Evanovich or Joan Hess is going to love Ms. Boyd." -- Toby Bromberg, Romantic Times"...a terrific mystery, sharply drawn, cleverly plotted, dynamically presented, and pure sleuthing entertainment from first page to last." -- Wisconsin Bookwatch"The mystery genre has witnessed an abundance of female sleuths, but none quite like Jolene Jackson and her mother, Lucille." -- Argus Observer5 Stars and 5+ Laughs! Has to be film adapted. Would make a delightful audiobook. " ...a hoot and a half of rollicking good mystery! The best dang novel I've read all year!" -- Leann Arndt, The Midwest Book Review"Carl Hiaasen meets Texasville! ...a must read for your Sherlock funny bone." -- Judi Clark, Mostly Fiction"... comedic characters you'll just love. ...a humor you can't resist. I can't remember the last time that I read a book as light and refreshing as this." -- Pamela Stone, My Shelf"This first entry of an apparent series will leave readers loudly laughing at the antics of Jolene and her mother. Hot Enough to Kill is a tongue-in-cheek look at relationships and amatuer sleuthing. Still, the mystery has a character of its own that adds to a wonderful plot. If this tale is any example, Paula Boyd has a long running series that will provide much pleasure to fans." -- Harriet Klausner

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Amazon, Thriller, Fiction, Humor

241 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 1, 1999

About the author

Paula Boyd grew up in a small town in Texas that some would say is not unlike her fictional Kickapoo. She attended Midwestern State University where she was news editor for the university newspaper and co-editor of the yearbook until she was stricken with the tragic urge to get married.

After a decade of being away from writing to have three children, the creative side came bursting out and she began writing her first novel in 1993. Paula hit her stride in the mystery genre in 1999 when Jolene and Lucille found their way into her life.

Hot Enough to Kill, the first in the Jolene Jackson Mystery Series, is included in the University of Texas Press' Lone Star Sleuths: An Anthology of Texas Crime Fiction. The second title in the series, Dead Man Falls, won the 2001 WILLA Literary Award for Best Original Paperback and the third, Turkey Ranch Road Rage, was published in 2010. Killer Moves continues the adventures and will be coming soon!

Paula Boyd and the Jolene Jackson Mystery Books have been featured in magazines such as Redbook, Mountain Living, San Antonio Woman, Romantic Times and Colorado Homes and Living, and in newspapers across the country.

In 2011, Paula turned her attention to the self-help genre, which makes perfect sense, having had to deal with Lucille and her antics.

Writing as Paula Renaye, her acclaimed self-improvement guide, The Hardline Self Help Handbook, has won four National Book Awards. Her next title, Living the Life You Love--The No-Nonsense Guide to Total Transformation will be in bookstores September 2012.

Paula is a life transformation speaker, certified professional coach and frequent "tough love" expert on talk radio shows. She writes regular columns for relationship sites, international online magazines, personal development ezines, and is featured in trade and specialty blogs. Visit http://paularenaye.com to learn more.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jolene Jackson hates to return to her hometown of Kickapoo, Texas, but when her mother, Lucille, is brought in for questioning after the mayor is murdered, Jolene heads down to help out. Lucille is obviously hiding something from the sheriff, who also happens to be Jolene’s high school sweetheart. When it becomes obvious that Lucille’s life is in danger, Jolene jumps in to figure things out. Can she do it?

I discovered recently that I bought this book twice, physical and ebook. Clearly, I was interested in reading it. Sadly, it disappointed. The mystery confuses action with unraveling a mystery, so I got a little frustrated in the middle of the book. Even so, I was interested in the action the entire way through. While the main characters are good, the supporting cast is thin. What is supposed to come across as humorous instead comes across as condescending toward those that Jolene doesn’t agree with. Add in some characters who come across as purposefully stereotypical and a few needless political comments and I struggled at times. I’m disappointed I didn’t enjoy this book more.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a sweltering 112°F day and Jolene Jackson is back in her hometown of Kickapoo Texas, where anything bad can happen, and will. To begin with, she's just picked up her seventy-two year old mother, Lucille, at the Sheriff's station, where she was held for assaulting an officer with her handbag. Those on the receiving end would say it is a near lethal weapon. Not to mention that Lucille's boyfriend Big John, the mayor, was murdered the day before and she's not looking very remorseful. For the most part, Jolene believes her mother is innocent, but has this nagging feeling that she knows more than she's letting on. Unlike many an amateur detective, Jolene is not exactly a willing sleuth. Eventually, she does comes around to her mother's (nagging) insistence that she use her (wasted) journalism degree to find out more about what's happening. Especially after her high school boyfriend (whom she is still very sweet on), Deputy Sheriff Jerry Don Parker, is shot and nearly killed in her mother's own kitchen. So who was the target - Jerry or her mom?

If you thought Thelma and Louise (Lucille's favorite movie) were crazy, you've got to meet this mother-daughter team. They usually don't see eye to eye and when they do, start worrying. Through their humorous banter and Jolene's running commentary, we really get to know and like them. Never mind the picture she paints of small town Kickapoo Texas where it's a step back in time, life evolves around the Dairy Queen, high school stuff still matters, and leaving your hometown is unforgivable. I had so much fun reading this that I hated to have it end. Paula Boyd writes with pure Texas humor, weaving together a good whodunit and providing a backdrop that won't be forgotten. Hot Enough to Kill is a must read for your Sherlock funny bone.

[Kristen · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the first installment of Paula Boyd's Jolene Jackson Mystery series, Hot Enough to Kill, it would take you in a fast-paced adventure with plenty of twists for turns. When Jolene Jackson returned to Kickapoo, Texas, she learned her mother was in jail, the mayor was murdered, and it was hotter than blazes outside. But little did she know she would get embroiled into a political conspiracy of corruption and greed. Now only that and her mother Lucille were both shot, so were two cops who were trying to help them out. Jolene wanted a second shot with her ex-fiance, who was also divorced at the sane time as her, when it didn't work out. As they uncovered the plot, the closer they were on knowing the truth on who killed the mayor and who were gunning after them.

[Mary Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually give it 2.5 stars. The book started out great, it was funny and the characters were well described. I got about 3/4 of the way through the book and I just didn't care anymore. I lost interest, at this point I felt the characters were almost transparent and I knew what they would say and do. I didn't finish the book.

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jolene Jackson is a great character- feisty and fun. Her mother is equally amusing. The plotline however gets a bit convoluted and by the time you get to the end you're kind of glad it's over!

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fairly entertaining but the main character was so sarcastic throughout the whole mystery I really got tired of her. I thought she could at least be nice once in awhile.

[Christopher Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a purely enjoyable read from start to finish. The characters were a delight to get to know and there were some definite laugh out loud passages. A really good, can't put down read.

[Patricia Mccammon]

Good

Called home when her mother's boyfriend is murdered, Jolene tries to sort out who was responsible. Too many suspects surprise ending

[D. E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Jolene Jackson comes back to her hometown to spring her mother, Lucille, from holding after the murder of Lucille's new boyfriend. An interesting premise, but I don't know if the execution (no pun intended) quite landed.

What worked: There were a few bits of fun dialogue, and there was plenty of action. Between the initial murder, which happened off page, there were plenty of attempted murders, shootings, red-herrings, and enough forward momentum to make sure that you wanted to turn to the next page of the book.

What didn't work: I think one of the things (and it was constant throughout the book) that didn't quite work for me as a reader were the many scenes between Jolene and Lucille. Yes, I get what Boyd was trying to do by showing a strained (if affectionate) mother-daughter relationship. I got the strain, I didn't see any of the affection. It seemed that all Jolene and Lucille did was snipe passively aggressively at each other. Also, there were numerous times where Jolene (as a narrator) said something like ".,.it just didn't make sense," and that got VERY repetitive, VERY quickly. Speaking of Jolene as a narrator, the way she described her ex-boyfriend, the sheriff, I got they had history, but I never got WHY she didn't get over him. This is a person who has been holding onto an infatuation for years, to the point where it may have been behind the dissolution of her marriage, and there was no real chemistry for me as a reader. Finally the reveal of the mastermind was...well problematic. It felt like Susan's turn as a villain really came out of nowhere, added nothing to the story, made her nothing but a betrayed, angry lesbian stereotype that read as just a hint homophobic.

Overall: There was more that didn't work than did, and I have no strong desire to continue the series.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

Great fun read with the bonus of a well plotted, exciting mystery to boot. The apple doesn't fall very far from the tree when this wise cracking protagonist races to her mother's aid, skidding around on the thin ice of hometown memories. Our pair of unapologetic pistols are hot on the trail of a whodunnit that rapidly turns into a whodidn't, wreaking havoc and hilarity along the way. A soupcon of romance to whet our apetities for future instalments in their story (hopefully) adds spice to the ice tea and pepper to the sparkling equation. Can you tell I loved this (and I'm a bit partial to a bad pun)? Highly recommended zinger of a mystery. Such fun! Looking forward to more.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably more like four to half stars but really it was a great start to the series. I wasn’t sure what to think at first but the more I saw Lucille the more I liked her… And Jolene is no sl herself. Regarding the mystery of who was trying to kill who I have to say there was a lot of back-and-forth and speculation about whether I was right or wrong about who I suspected was behind it all… it really did keep you guessing until the end and the ventures that Lucille and Jolene got into were both funny and entertaining. I’m really looking forward to reading the next book in the series and getting to know more about the residents of Kickapoo Texas

[Susie · Rating 2 out of 5]

maybe the next one will be better

This book was kind of cute but way too drawn out. I made it about 50 percent before I skipped to the last 5 percent and didn’t feel like I missed much. Kind of like the same way I feel about the old time soap shows

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

very good, enjoyed the characters and look forward to reading more in this series

[Lois · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining

Lots of laughs and fulfills all of the Texas stereotypes. A fun read and an ending I didn’t guess. Looking forward to more in the series.

[Lyn Soulia-Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

jolene has her hands full. She has to go to a redneck town in Texas. Then she needs to prove her mother innocent in a murder even though mom acts guilty. Then finds herself in danger. Good book

[Annette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jolene and Lucille - daughter and mother are having a bad week. Lucille's latest boyfriend is now dead. He was the mayor of Kickapoo TX. Jolene has come home from Colorado to help her mother get through the loss of her loved one.

The problem is, the mayor was not loved by Lucille or anyone else, his murder has led to other shootings and Lucille may be a prime suspect.

I know I should not have expected much realism and I did not find it here. The characters are interesting. Both Jolene and Lucille have a very difficult relationship. It appears that neither one has ever truly listened to the other. But, in their hours of need, when the bullets are flying the two of them become quite a team.

The plot is light and easy to read. The characters are entertaining. Jolene is more fully drawn than her mother, but since this is a series, I feel sure that will be remedied.

If you want a humorous look at small town Texas, small town politics, and small town shootings, this is a book that will make you smile.

[Kathleen Huben · Rating 3 out of 5]

When her 72 year old mother is accused of murdering her boyfriend, Jolene Jackson has no choice buta ato go home to Kickapoo, Texas and try to help. What she finds is a mess of small town politics and intrigue, complicated by the possibility of re-igniting a romance with her high school sweetheart.
I had a hard time getting into the storyline. It took me 50-60 pages to warm up to the characters. I did enjoy the rest of the book although I found the plot a little weak.
I received this book as a GoodReads First Read.

[Robbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Update:
I could find no record of having read this book, read the synopsis and read it again. Didn't remember any of it. Liked it more than the first time and I rated it 4.8 stars.
I've had this book since 2013 and I'm sorry I just got around to reading it. I really enjoyed it. There were touches of humor throughout the book, plenty of action, a twist or two and likeable characters. I rate this one 4.7 stars and I'm glad I have the next book in the series to read.

[Candace Salem · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable and fast moving mystery set in Texas. Jolene tells the story of returning home when her mom's lover is killed. Jolene quickly gets drawn back into the drama of the small town where she grew up, where everyone knows everyone. It is easy to identify with Jolene and her less than ideal relationship with her mom. The story unfolds at a fast pace, without any obvious indications who the culprit might be.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Jolene Jackson's seventy year old Mother Lucille is accused of murdering her Boyfriend. She has no choice she has to go home to Kickapoo, Texas and try to help what she finds is a mess, of intrigue and small town politics, complicated by a possible reignitining of her high school romance with her High school sweetheart. A thoroughly enjoyable read. I look forward to reading more books by Paula Boyd.

[Sandy Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. I laughed in many parts. The protagonist is a character that I would love to follow. I love the atmosphere of the Texas town, so similar to many across the South. I was impressed that the author avoided including pornographic descriptions, yet the reader was definitely aware of the attraction between the protagonist and her old boyfriend, the current sheriff.

[Loreta · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will most likely be reading the second Jolene Johnson mystery real soon. It was fast-paced, fun and, sometimes edge of your seat (just keeping up). Jolene, in Kickapoo, TX, what a delight. The characters were well defined and easy to follow and Jolene's mother is a real hoot and uses her purse on whomever offends her.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This little piece of fluff was a fun read. I particularly enjoyed the exaggerated Southern personalities. They remind me very much of many of my beloved relatives. Though I loved the characters, the plot was a little thin, and the murderer sort of came out of no where with very little explanation. In spite of its flaws, this was an enjoyable escape for a few hours.

[Matthew Medford · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I've ever read. I enjoy a nice romance, a good mystery, and laugh-out-loud humor. This book certainly contained all three, and had me guessing at the murderer until the very end--and I was surprised!! I will definitely be reading the other books in the Jolene Jackson series. All in all, awesome book!

[Gloria Wilkeson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Light hearted Mystery

I enjoyed reading about the trials and tribulations of Jolene coming back to her small town roots. I did however feel that whatever criminal activities that brought about the original killing was not fleshed out enough. I still do not know what they were doing to get so much money, unless it was the selling of the guns.

[Carly Kirk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay

This was a well written book, but lacked something for me. Or maybe it was just that I felt like the main character was all over the place, kinda like an emotional spastic. Plus I'm not a huge fan of the whole "all southerners are crazy" type of story. It was okay, but I won't be reading the rest of the series or this one again either.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cleverly written, the plot kept me guessing throughout. A major plus in a mystery book! I loved the back and forth between Jolene and Lucille. The Mother/daughter relationship provides laughter, but at the same time hits home for most women.

[Jack Pavuk · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly enjoyable read. The witticism of the main characters, plus the constant twist and turns to keep the reader turning pages, made it hard to put dow. Finished the boom in two sessions and looking forward to reading the sequels.

[Marguerite Czajka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice mystery and good intro to the mother-daughter team. The main character's insecurities got a little annoying by 3/4s the way, but not so much to disuade me from checking out the 2nd book in the series.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story started out fine but half way through it dragged. Finally got through it. Never really understood what motivated the "bad guy." Seemed like the author wanted the murderer to be someone unexpected and just kind of plugged them in at the end.